Seedstars World – a global startup competition, discovering and connecting the most promising seed-stage startups of the emerging world – will be seeking out the most promising energy entrepreneurs on the continent, while Enel, through its renewable energy division Enel Green Power, will contribute with its expertise as global power utility committed to boosting innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. Together they will be supporting the growth of African energy startups.
According to Seedstars, the partnership allows them to not only seek the new breed of “solar-preneurs” who have identified solar power as the solution, but also to support them in deploying modern renewables to eliminate power shortages, bring electricity and development opportunities to rural villages that have never enjoyed those benefits and support sustainable growth for increased prosperity across the continent.
ENEL Group is a global power company and one of the leading players in the world’s power and gas markets with a commitment to sustainable development in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Enel is present in South Africa through Enel Green Power RSA, which has more than 520 MW of wind and solar plants in operation, and Enel Energy South Africa, which provides innovative energy solutions to residential and business clients. In Zambia, the Group was awarded the 34 MW Ngonye PV solar project in the country’s Scaling Solar programme auction in June 2016.
SAB Invests R2,8-billion In Brewery Expansions, Boosts Job Creation
The country’s largest brewer, SAB, yesterday announced it is investing R2,8-billion in expansions at two of its breweries, Alrode in the south of Johannesburg and Rosslyn, outside of Pretoria.
The expansions include a new packaging line for returnable glass bottles at both breweries and a brewhouse at Rosslyn, and will create up to 70 additional full time jobs.
The multi-billion rand investment is over and above the Public Interest Commitments made by Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB-InBev) at the time of last year’s business combination with SABMiller, in which the company agreed to invest R1-billion in South Africa over five years.
“The continuous investment shows we believe in the future of our category and that there is a lot of growth still to be had. It demonstrates the company’s agenda to invest and participate in expanding the economy,” said Ricardo Tadeu, SAB and AB-InBev Zone President for Africa.
“This investment will empower our employees to do what they do best – brewing the best quality beer, innovating and ensuring that we do so in a way that will drive sustainable growth.”
Tadeu said by creating jobs and driving economic growth and investment, SAB would contribute towards the company’s Sustainable Development Goals which were aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan. “We strive to create a growing world where everyone has the opportunity to improve their livelihood.”
Mduduzi Mbada, Special Advisor to the Gauteng Premier, welcomed the investment in the Gauteng region. “We view this as one of the biggest and most significant investments within the South African private sector. It inspires us that if we continue to work in partnership we can have success in igniting our economy. The investment is a highly welcome indicator of confidence by the private sector in the economy and is a direct response to poverty and inequality in our communities, says Mbada.
Lionel October, Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry, said the investment is a welcome boost to the economy in terms of job creation, government’s efforts to promote industrialisation and overall investor confidence. Additional spinoffs are transfer of technology and skills development.
“The dti applauds SAB’s efforts to be a socially responsible corporate citizen, it has committed R190 million investment in initiatives aimed at promoting advancements in education, business and environmental sustainability, and the reduction of harmful use of alcohol in the South African society. SAB’s efforts to develop the capacity of emerging farmers and to create new business opportunities along the agricultural value chain will bring about meaningful change. The Department looks forward to working with SAB in terms of supplier development, skills development, empowerment and developing black industrialists.”
2017 Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award Entries Now Open
The Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Awards, which was launched last year as a first for South Africa, gives recognition to a restaurant that brings its customers seasonal, local and responsibly produced food.
“We launched the award to acknowledge the inspiring work that is already being done in the hospitality sector, and to increase awareness of the many ways in which a restaurant can become an economically and environmentally sustainable business.”
“Feedback from the 2016 awards has already resulted in restaurant owners making more connections with their farmers, asking for proof of claims from suppliers, improving the education of their consumers, and taking steps to improve their own methods and menus.” said Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out editor.
“We live in an age where it’s imperative for restaurants to be conscious of their environmental and social impact. The aim of the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award is to inspire readers and members of the food industry to reduce their impact, to create greater awareness about responsible sourcing and eating, and to reward a restaurant that has shown true commitment in this regard.” said Justin Smith, group head of sustainability, Woolworths Holdings.
Entrants will be judged on a strict set of criteria, which include the sourcing of meat, seafood and fresh produce; the design of menus; the impact of the restaurant on its surrounding communities; treatment of staff; use of resources like water and electricity; and efforts to recycle.
To enter, restaurants are invited to complete the entry form, which lists the criteria against which they will be judged. All criteria need to have been met for six months or longer in order for a restaurant to qualify. Interested parties can download the entry form here or email awards@eatout.co.za to request a form. The closing date for entries is 31 August 2017.
