A Pre-qualification Notice for the supply and maintenance of toll tags for the Gauteng Open Road Tolling system and all other toll roads in South Africa. Successful Applicants will be allowed to tender to supply and maintain approximately 1 million toll tags.
The South African National Road Agency (an Agency of the National Department of Transport) will highly appreciate it if you are able to distribute this Notification on your website or by any other means to any interested potential contractors in your country of responsibility as soon as possible, as questions will only be allowed until 20 April 2009 and applications closes on 29 April 2009.
Download Gauteng Toll Tags Supply - Pre qualification notice
Tags: Economic Development · Economy (General)
Written by Rozaane Johnson
Charges against African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma were dropped on Monday, April 6, 2009. Mr. Zuma was faced with 16 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering stemming from his relationship with Schabir Shaik, convicted fraudster. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) leaders decided to drop charges again Mr. Zuma due to internal political interference, which “made it ‘neither possible nor desirable’ to proceed with the prosecution.” Mr. Zuma may not be legally guilty of these charges, but this does not mean he was not involved with Mr. Shaik. Jacob Zuma maintains his innocence and insists that this was an attempt to hurt his reputation. Although no charges were brought against Mr. Zuma, there is no question that doubt and suspicion will follow him in his future, and it has instilled this same judgment on the ANC.
Zapiro Cartoons © Copyright Zapiro
In order to help with the economic difficulties in South Africa, a R4-billion expanded public works program by the government was launched; a second phase aimed at creating 4.5-million jobs in the next five years. The program aims at creating jobs across the board ranging from health care to community safety positions. This would significantly help South Africa’s 3.9-million (and growing) unemployed citizens. Job creation, poverty, and crime have been a central theme in the ANC’s political campaign; however Jacob Zuma’s recent corruption scandals have overshadowed these themes. There is a lot of skepticism of the feasibility and effectiveness of such a program, especially in such a short time period.
Another attempt at reducing the effects of the global economic downturn include interest rate cuts. General Matthew Phosa (treasurer of the ANC) addressed the ANC’s Progressive Business Forum, and mentioned that the slowdown in foreign exchange, stemming from the commodities “meltdown”, is one of South Africa’s biggest challenges. Phosa proposed interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank, removing internal hurdles to competition. Some relief is expected from the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The event is expected to contribute R55.7-billion to the country’s GDP and generate R19.3-billion in tax income.
In March, South Africa’s gold and foreign currency reserves rose one percent, putting the central bank in a better position to buy dollars. Sustainability of building reserves is still unclear because it is uncertain whether the Rand will be able to hold on to its gains during these economic times.
Currently trade between North and Southern Africa takes between three and four days to cross the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. In order to improve the efficiency, The North-South Corridor initiative was started. This initiative aims to get goods to market faster and cheaper. They plan on improving infrastructure and cutting the border crossing time in half. This project also hopes to increase the overall living standard of citizens across the country.
World leaders pledged $100bn in aid for developing countries and promised to give more voice to developing countries in economic decision-making at the G20 meeting in London in early April. South Africa, which has so far avoided a recession, is the only African country in the G20.
South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said “We have as the central pillar of the recovery plan the saving of jobs because there’s a recognition that this summit could not only focus on technical aspects of the economy but that the economic meltdown affects people, affects ordinary working people.” SA Economists have been warning that up to 300,000 jobs could be lost this year, pushing South Africa’s unemployment up from the current level of 22%.
Tags: Economy (General) · Events
What:
This symposium explored foreign investment opportunities in Africa in the wake of the global economic downturn.
Featured were representatives from financial institutions and multinational corporations active in the Sub-Saharan region that highlighted the following topics:
- South Africa and Intra-Regional Investment
- U.S. Investment in Africa
- African Investments by the BRIC Countries
Sub-Saharan Africa is widely recognized as the “next frontier” of the global economy, with the Republic of South Africa as the international gateway to that richly endowed region.
Speakers:
Mark Chiavello, Director, Corporate Investment Banking, Standard Bank of South Africa
Dr. Anthonie Lombard, former Vice President of Ecolab
Dr. David Bartlet, Partner of BartlettEllis LLC.
Highlights:
Mr. Chiavello highlighted the importance of “South Africa and Intra-Regional Investment”. Specifically, he mentioned the growing stability of the African governments, and the effects this has on Intra-Regional trade and investments in Africa. He also discussed the major role that South Africa plays in the economic development of the Sub-Saharan region, and the potential of Nigeria to become one of these major players. Currently, Standard Bank is in the process of raising $100M USD (raised in the US) to provide small agricultural enterprises in Africa with the necessary financing to grow their business. For more information on Mr. Chiavello’s presentation, see the attachment Standard Bank - Symposium on Foreign Investment in Africa.
Dr. Anthony Lombard mentioned the opportunities for partnerships in Africa to innovate. He mentioned that in 2007, the trade with sub- Saharan Africa made up a mere 1.3% of total U.S. global exports. Most U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa is with a small number of countries. Eighty-one percent of U.S. imports from the region were from three SSA countries in 2007: Nigeria (49%), Angola (18%), and South Africa (14%). Exports were similarly concentrated, with 66% of U.S. exports to three countries: South Africa (38%), Nigeria (19%), and Angola (9%). The remaining countries each accounted for less than 6% of U.S. exports to the region. It was also highlighted that U.S. investment in Africa is heavily toward natural resources: 47% of total U.S. investment in Africa is in the mining sector (including petroleum). Given the relative success of initiatives such as AGOA and the notion that sub-Saharan Africa, provides both “Rising Tide” and a “Base for Growth” opportunities for US investors, Dr. Lombard thinks there are two burning questions:“Where should we focus?” and “What could the role of innovation and technology be?” During the remainder of the presentation he focused on some possible answers to these questions, as well as some additional sources for investment in Africa (Water Shortage, Life Expectancy, Sanitation in Africa). He closes by saying “Much has been said and written about South Africa’s economic role in Africa. In the context of US investment in Africa, there are many opportunities. From the dark days of US disinvestments, through re-investment and the realization that South Africa often should be the appropriate gate-way into sub Saharan Africa for many US firms.” For more information of Dr. Lombard’s presentation, see attachment: US Investment in Africa - Emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. David Bartlett focused on “African Investments by BRIC Countries”. These countries include Brazil, Russia, India and China. He first mentioned the predicted economic growth path (GDP growth) of the BRIC countries from 2008 to 2010; with an increasing GDP growth between 2009 and 2010. He also mentioned that China, specifically, is inreasing investment in Africa’s natural resources, contrary to what we are seeing from the US. The question of “Why doesn’t the US Invest more in Africa?” came up and caused for some debate. Dr. Bartlett highlighted that foreign direct investment of the BRIC countries have increased (with the exception of Brazil) from 2005 to 2007. Cross Border Mergers & Acquisitions (foreign purchases by sector) in Africa have changed between 2005 and 2007. M&A in the Primary Sector, as a percentage of total foreign M&A, have increased dramatically from a mere 9% to a startling 45%. He mentioned some global challenges that investors are faced with such as intellectual property, risk management, brand equity, and FDI protectionism. Dr. Bartlett concluded with a list of competitive advantages of the BRIC countries which included: Factor Costs, Human Capital, Entrepreneurial Energy, Technology, Second-Mover Advantages, South-South Affinities, Financial Resources, and Relations with Home States. For more information on Dr. Bartlett’s presentation, see attachment: African Investments by BRIC countries.
Sponsored By:
The College of Management and First College at Metropolitan State University
Standard Bank of South Africa
The International Marketing Council
The South Africa Minnesota Business Council
Attachments:
Standard Bank - Symposium on Foreign Investment in Africa
US Investment in Africa - Emphasis on Sub Saharan Africa
African Investments by BRIC Countries
Photos:
Tags: Agriculture · Economic Development · Economy (General) · Investing · SA Products
WHEN Wednesday, April 1, 3:00-5:00PM
WHERE Founder’s Hall
Room L-122
Metropolitan State University
700 East Seventh Street
St. Paul, Minnesota
The College of Management and First College at Metropolitan State University, Standard Bank of South Africa, the International Marketing Council, and the South Africa Minnesota Business Council are cosponsoring a symposium on “Foreign Investment in Africa”. The symposium will explore foreign investment opportunities in Africa in the wake of the global economic downturn.
The symposium will feature the following presentations followed by Q & A:
Mark Chiaviello
Director, Corporate and Investment Banking
Standard Bank of South Africa
New York, New York
“South Africa and Intra-Regional Investment”
Mark Chiaviello has been involved in Africa for over 25 years. He is currently a Director at Standard Bank, Africa’s largest financial institution, with the responsibility of promoting foreign direct investment, trading relationships and donor flows from the United States into Africa. Prior to joining Standard Bank in 2006, Mr. Chiaviello spent 9 years at Deutsche Bank running its South African equity business in America. He is a member of the United States Export - Import Bank’s Subadvisory Committee on Sub-Sahara Africa. In 2007, The United Nations Development Programme appointed Mr. Chiaviello to its Advisory Board for the Regional Programme for Africa. Mr. Chiaviello was elected to the Board of Directors of The Corporate Council on Africa in 2008.
Mr. Chiaviello received an MBA in International Finance from Columbia Business School in New York in 1993.
Anthonie Lombard
Former Vice President
Ecolab
St. Paul, Minnesota
“U.S. Investment in Africa”
Anthonie Lombard is a global technology and innovation leader with advanced scientific and industrial process knowledge and a successful track record creating and delivering value for global organizations. He has extensive international business experience in more than 40 countries working in multicultural nvironments across a variety of global industries. Dr. Lombard has held senior executive positions at Nalco Company (a $3 billion chemicals manufacturer), including Chief Chemist for Nalco South Africa, Manager of R & D for Nalco Europe BV, and Vice President for Marketing Innovation for Nalco USA. He also held a series of leadership positions at Ecolab (a $6 billion manufacturer of industrial hygiene products), including Vice President of RD & Engineering Europe, Africa, and Middle East and Vice President of Global Institutional RD & E. Dr. Lombard received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa (Pretoria), an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from RAU (now University of Johannesburg).
David Bartlett
Partner
Bartlett Ellis LLC
Minneapolis, Minnesota
“African Investments by the BRIC Countries”
David Bartlett has fifteen years of experience consulting, researching, and teaching on globalization and international corporate strategy, with special attention to emerging markets. His clientele includes multinational corporations, international financial institutions, and globally active small and medium
enterprises. Dr. Bartlett is the author of a prize-winning book on Eastern Europe and numerous articles on economic development, foreign trade and investment, and global finance. He has held faculty positions at Vanderbilt University (U.S.), Yerevan State University (Armenia), and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Uzbekistan). He currently serves as Senior Lecturer at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. He has received a Fulbright Senior Scholarship, a Salzsburg Seminar Fellowship, and other scholarly awards. Dr. Bartlett received a B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego and an M.A. from the University of Chicago.
Sub-Saharan Africa is widely recognized as the “next frontier” of the global economy, with the Republic of South Africa as the international gateway to that richly endowed region. The symposium will therefore be highly valuable to faculty, students, and the local business community. Admission to the symposium is free. Hors d’oeuvres and light beverages will be served. Parking is available ($2.50) at the lot on Maria Avenue, directly across from the St. Paul campus of Metropolitan State University.
RSVP at events@sabusinesscouncil.org.
Tags: Economic Development · Economy (General) · Investing · Services
Cape Town, Winelands & Safari
10-Day Africa Tour
Hosted by
MT Global Wines & Trail Side Liquors
Sept 25- Oct 4, 2009
Cape Town
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa’s most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, and world-class hotels. For shopping, dining and entertainment the V&A Waterfront is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. The Waterfront offers over 250 shops from designer boutiques to craft stalls, a host of restaurants and coffee shops and plenty of other activities, including the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Telkom Exploratorium. The SA Maritime Museum has interactive displays, the history of local shipwrecks and more, and the new Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Clock Tower precinct exhibits historical and educational material relating to Robben Island. Enjoy a drink at one of the many waterside pubs and restaurants, shop till you drop, or relax and enjoy the variety of live entertainment that is always on offer. There are also a number of harbor cruises and sundowner cruises that depart from the Waterfront. The Waterfront is open 7-days a week, 9am - 9pm.
Your hotel for your stay in Cape Town is Protea Victoria Junction which is a 4 star hotel that offers a unique and innovative experience in Cape Town, voted one of the world’s leading cities. The Protea Hotel Vicotria is situated close to all the major attractions such as Table Mountain and Robben Island and the Victoria & Alfred area and many great restaurants.
Safari
Ivory Tree Game Lodge is situated in the North Eastern Region of Pilanesberg National Park. Nestled in the basin of an ancient amphitheatre divided by riverine woodlands and elephant trails lies an exclusive lodge site. The lodge includes a stunning feature pool to relax after your game drives, a bar, dining room, boma, and curio shop and spa. You will be viewing southern African animals including lions, elephants, white and black rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles, and over 300 bird species!
ITINERARY
FRI Sep 25 DEPART USA
Depart Minneapolis on the flights of your choice to Cape Town
SAT Sep 26 CAPE TOWN
Arrival in Cape Town and met by local guide and transfer to hotel for a well needed rest. Overnight at Protea Victoria Junction.
SUN Sep 27 CAPE TOWN
After breakfast a half day city tour including Table Mountain. Afternoon at leisure to explore this wonderful area , some options are; shopping at the open market, boat trip to Robben Island or just relaxing at your hotel. Protea Victoria Junction Hotel
MON Sep 28 CAPE TOWN
Full day at the winelands in Stellenbosch area. You will experience historic Cape Dutch farms, distinctive gables, thatched roofs and some of the best wines south of the equator all organized by MT Global wines!! Protea Victoria Junction Hotel
TUE Sep 29 CAPE TOWN
Full day experiencing the scenic winelands region with wine tasting, a stop at Paarl, which is the biggest town in the Cape Winelands, with beautiful gardens and maintained mansions. Protea Victoria Junction Hotel
WED, Sep 30 CAPE TOWN • JOHANNESBURG
Today you say farewell to Table Mountain and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your safari lodge which is located in the Big 5 Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Ivory Tree Lodge
THU/FRI Oct 1,2 PILANESBURG
On Safari, which includes morning and evening game drives with qualified rangers which interpret this magnificent reserve. You will have plenty of time between drives to enjoy the tree spa in the majestic surroundings. Ivory Tree Lodge
SAT Oct 3 JOHANNESBURG/USA
Today you depart for the airport with a stop for lunch at the famous Sun City Resort, which offers golf, game viewing and gambling, arrival late afternoon at the airport for your flight home.
SUN, Oct 4 ARRIVE USA
You’ll arrive back home today with wonderful memories of your visit to Southern Africa!
Tour Features
Protea Victoria Junction hotel in Cape Town in superior rooms
Ivory Tree Lodge in standard rooms at Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Hotel and airport porterage
• Meals:
Full buffet Breakfast daily in Cape Town
At Ivory Tree Lodge:
All meals, teas/coffees,snacks
Two game drives daily
- Transfers:
All ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary with a qualified and registered guide on to assist with transfers and day tours.
- Tours:
Half day city tour of Cape Town including Table Mountain including entrance fees Two full days wine touring in the Cape
Entrance fees and visit to Sun City Resort
Scheduled flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
• Your Tour Hosts: MT Global Wines and Trailside Liquor
Tour Price starting at: $1898.00 per person based on a Double occupancy
SABC members discount of $50. per person
Single Supplement: $600.
*Any deviations from this itinerary must be requested in writing and accompanied by a check for $50 per person for the deviation fee.
*This special group rate is based on a minimum of 30 members. There will be an increased rate for a smaller group.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Travel Insurance
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is available and strongly recommended. An optional policy is sent to each tour member.
Cancellation of Land Portion
Full refund less $250 per person handling fee will be made if cancellation is received in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter, between 60-45 days a $400 fee will be imposed; 44-31 days, a $500 fee. Less than 30 days prior to departure, no refund can be made. There is no refund of any unused portions of the tour. All above fees are in addition to any airline imposed fees.
Responsibility
Borton Overseas acts only as agent for the contractors providing transportation, accommodations or other services. All tickets and vouchers are issued subject to any and all terms and conditions under which transportation, accommodations and other services are offered or provided and constitute the sole contract between the supplier and the tour member. Borton Overseas shall not be responsible in any way for loss, injury or damage arising from an Act of God, Acts of Governments or de facto authority, war, civil unrest, any kind of hostilities, strikes, theft, sickness, quarantine, immigration or customs regulations, hijacking, breakdown, delay, cancellation, error, omissions or any other cause beyond our control.
Borton Overseas reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate; this may include changes in lodges/hotels and/or itinerary. Borton Overseas accepts no liability for consequences of the personal activities of any passenger, who, as a consenting adult, is deemed personally responsible for decisions concerning conditions of health, safety, fitness for any activity in which the passenger participates. Any deposit for a package offered by Borton Overseas shows acceptance and acknowledgment of prices, exclusions, conditions and responsibilities as stated above.
Tour Application -/Africa Wine Tour
Please reserve ___ place(s). My check/Visa/MC for deposit of $750 per person is enclosed. (Reservations will be confirmed only upon receipt of deposit - space is very limited!)
Name(s) (as written in your passports).
1._________________________________________
2._________________________________________
Address:___________________________________
___________________________________________
City____________________State____Zip_______
Home phone______________________________
Work phone_______________________________
Email ____________________________________
Visa/Mastercard accepted. Please inform us if the billing address is different from above.
Card #_______________________________ Exp___
Name on card _______________________________
Please make a note that final payment is due in our office no later than July 20, 2009
Any late final payments will be subject to $25 per person fee.
I have read and agree to the terms, conditions and responsibilities outlined in the General Information sections of this brochure. I also understand that Travel Insurance is available to me from Borton Overseas and is recommended.
Signature 1.______________________________
Signature 2.______________________________
Please send reservation form and deposit to:
Borton Overseas
ATTN: Cass Stillman
5412 Lyndale Avenue So.
Minneapolis MN 55419
Phone: (612) 822-4640 Ext 16
Toll free: (800) 843-0602
Fax: (612) 822-4755
Email: cass@bortonoverseas.com
Tags: Tourism
