Johannesburg, 08 July 2021 - Africa is reported to have the highest number of women entrepreneurs in the world with roughly half of Africa’s population being women. Reportedly, small to medium enterprises make up 90% of Africa’s businesses, and women own about one-third of all registered SMEs in Africa. One in four African adult females initiates or manages a business.

The Circle of Global Business Women (CGBW) a global network for innovative business Women, established by African Women and Women dedicated to Africa to elevate African women to global forums and markets. The CGBW’s aim is to create a leadership shift globally by supporting the rise of Women leaders globally embodying a female wave of change and a power circle of Women leading that change.

The French embassy and CGBW in partnership are determined to contribute to the development and strengthening of women as equal players in the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The CGBW is honoured to announce that the Circle of Global Business will be funded by Business France in partnership with ANIMA Investment Network for the next two (2) years.

The funding provided will enable the CGBW to boost linkages between 15 African Entrepreneur Networks and will offer a number of development programmes such as mentorship, coaching and exchange programs between South Africa and France for members of the CGBW. The strong relationship between the CGBW and the French Embassy will facilitate the opening up of markets in the European Markets for members of the CGBW led by Business France, the French Embassy, the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and AMINA Investment Networks thus enabling access to markets in Africa and France.

Our sincere gratitude goes to President Macron, His Excellency Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier, Mr Becue (Innovation Attache , French Embassy) Dr Yves Gueon (President of the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Amy Ashworth (GM, French South African Chamber of Commerce) for facilitating the powerful collaboration between the CGBW and Electricite de France which will expose South African women owned businesses and start-ups to global power strategies and related businesses thus enabling them to be competitive and  take a leading role in the local energy sector.

“We look forward to working with working with Embassy of France in South Africa, Business France and AMINA Investment Networks to take CGBW Entrepreneurs to the next level during and post COVID-19 on a global stage. “Says Sindiswa Mzamo, President, Circle of Global Business Women.

Our announcement today follows on the recent Generation Equality Forum Paris where bold gender equality commitments and a global 5-year action journey to accelerate gender equality by 2026 was announced. The Forum’s bold, action-oriented agenda will be under-written by nearly USD 40 Billion of confirmed investments as well as ambitious policy and programme commitments from governments, philanthropy, civil society, youth organizations and the private sector led by President Macron, his cabinet, France and the government of Mexico in partnership with UN Women.

The Circle of Global Business Women looks forward to our new two (2) year journey that will facilitate investment in South Africa and Africa through the partnership between the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business France and the Women Entrepreneurs affiliated to the CGBW.

His Excellency Aurélien Lechevallier, Ambassador of France in South Africa states “The empowerment of women is not only a developmental issue. It is very much an economic issue. Countries, organisations and institutions that recognise the changes that are happening globally and are taking steps to ensure that they are participating in this emerging market, will more fully reap the economic benefit of their investment.”

Our sincere gratitude goes to President Macron, President Ramaphosa, Her Excellency the Executive Director of UN Women Dr Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, His Excellency Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier, Mr. Becue (Women’s Leadership Champion at the French Embassy for partnering with reaching the Circle of Global Business Women and all the Entrepreneurial Networks in Africa that are part of this Initiative.

The Circle of Global Business Women helping women achieve their ambitions, working to create an equal world, for more information www.cgbw.co.za 

About CGBW

Circle of Global Business Women is a global network of intelligent and innovative Women who are authentic in their endeavours to create a leadership shift globally. Circle of Global Business Women supports the rise of Women leaders globally and urges them to shatter the glass ceiling in various fields. Circle of Global Business Women embodies a female wave of change and a power circle of Women leading that change.

Circle of Global Business Women is a unique organisation that was established by African Women and Women dedicated to Africa and aims to elevate African women to global forums and markets. Circle of Global Business Women is registered as a non-profit organisation in South Africa (registration no. 2020/025896/08).

Vision - To be the leading Global Women Organisation in empowerment, leadership and innovation.

Mission - To connect Women worldwide, leverage on resources and create a global community of empowered Women.

Mpumalanga, South Africa – On 11 January 2019 the first stage of the 4th Mpumalanga Cycle Tour started at Forever Resort Blyde Canyon and finished at Forever Resort Swadini. The Mpumalanga Cycle Tour of seven days is the longest cycle tour in South Africa with a distance of 817km and a climb of 15 495m.

Distance: 90.3kmStart: 09:00
Start Elevation: 1164
MMax Elevation: 1274 M
Gain: 1223 M 

Top 3 finalists for day 1, stage 1:

1. Rider 6 - Willie Smit from NAD with a time of 02:15:56
2. Rider 23 - Jayde Julius from ProTouch Sports 
3. Rider 14 - Calvin Beneke from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team 

First KOM @ 2km results:

1. Rider 1 - Matthew Beers from NAD
2. Rider 32 - Jean Pierre Lloyd from OfficeGuru Racing U23 Cycling Team 
3. Rider 42 - Alex Miller from Nam Nat Team (Namibian team) 

First Hotspot @ 14.2km results:

1. Rider 28 - Myles van Musschenbroek from Pro Touch Continental
2. Rider 15 - Andries Nigiri from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team 
3. Rider 26 - Rohan du Plooy from Pro Touch Continental 

Second KOM @ 26.6km results:

1. Rider 31 - Travis Barrett from Office Guru
2. Rider 1 - Matthew Beers from NAD 
3. Rider 16 - Christiaan Jooste from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team  

Second Hotspot @ 39.7km results:

1. Rider 2 - Gawie Combrink from NAD
2. Rider 6 - Willie Smit from NAD 
3. Rider 3 - Nico Bell from NAD 

Third Hotspot @ 55km results:

1. Rider 14 - Calvin Beneke from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team
2. Rider 1 - Matthew Beers from NAD 
3. Rider 29 - Dillan Girdelstone from Office Guru 

2019 Mpumalanga Cycle Tour Race Stages:

Saturday, 12 January 2019: Stage 2: Forever Resort Swadini to Orpen Gate and back to Forever Resort Swadini
Distance: 121 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 636 Metres
Max Elevation: 742 Metres 

Sunday, 13 January 2019: Stage 3: Forever Resort Swadini to Forever Resort Blyde Canyon
Distance: 90,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 628 Metres
Max Elevation: 1274 Metres 

Monday, 14 January 2019: Stage 4: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Mbombela Stadium
Distance: 148,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1163 Metres
Max Elevation: 1721 Metres 

Tuesday, 15 January 2019: Stage 5: Forever Hotel White River
Distance: 129,5 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 943 Metres
Max Elevation: 972 Metres 

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Stage 6: Mbombela to Forever Resort Badplaas
Distance: 97 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 682 Metres
Max Elevation: 1557 Metres

Thursday, 17 January 2019: Stage 7: Forever Resort Badplaas to Forever Resort Loskopdam
Distance: 197,2 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1112 Metres
Max Elevation: 1791 Metres

Mpumalanga, South Africa – On 11 January 2019 the 4th Mpumalanga Cycle Tour took place starting at Forever Resort Blyde Canyon.  There are a total of seven stages across Mpumalanga and approximately 100 long distance road cyclists are expected to participate including some international riders. Apart from competing for the various titles the total value of the prizes add up to approximately R128 000.00.

Willie Smit is one of the well-known riders, was approached by the Italian team, Katusha Alpecin after his results last year. This year Smit will be participating alongside some of his Katusha Alpecin team members.

2019 Mpumalanga Cycle Tour Race Stages:
Friday, 11 January 2019: Stage 1: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Forever Resort Swadini
Distance: 90,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1164Metres Max
Elevation: 1274 Metres

Saturday, 12 January 2019: Stage 2: Forever Resort Swadini to Orpen Gate and back to Forever Resort Swadini
Distance: 121 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 636 Metres
Max Elevation: 742 Metres

Sunday, 13 January 2019: Stage 3: Forever Resort Swadini to Forever Resort Blyde Canyon
Distance: 90,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 628 Metres
Max Elevation: 1274 Metres

Monday, 14 January 2019: Stage 4: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Mbombela Stadium
Distance: 148,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1163 Metres
Max Elevation: 1721 Metres

Tuesday, 15 January 2019: Stage 5: Forever Hotel White River
Distance: 129,5 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 943 Metres
Max Elevation: 972 Metres

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Stage 6: Mbombela to Forever Resort Badplaas
Distance: 97 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 682 Metres
Max Elevation: 1557 Metres

Thursday, 17 January 2019: Stage 7: Forever Resort Badplaas to Forever Resort Loskopdam
Distance: 197,2 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1112 Metres
Max Elevation: 1791 Metres

2017 Best Results:
Clover Lowveld Tour (1st Overall)
Volta Cyclista ó Ribeiro (1st)
Vuelta Ciclista a Leon (1st)
Vuelta a Segovia (1st)
African Continental Championship (1st Road race, 4th individual time-trial)

South African National Road Championships (2nd individual time-trial, 3rd road race)

Winner Mpumalanga tour 2016 and 2017

As a leading provider of accommodation and logistic solutions at large sport events KhayaMedia is undergoing a rebranding. “Until now we were known as KhayaMedia but most clients refer to us as “Khaya”, explains CEO Volkhard Bauer.  

In a short period of nine years this destination management company has become a household name amongst broadcasters and other media companies.  

The relaunch is a consequence of the broadening of the client base. The company now also provides services to corporate sponsors, sport federations and tour operators, as well as many other clients requiring accommodation and logistic solutions.  

“We provide everything from hotel rooms and serviced apartments to dedicated drivers and translators at large sport events,” explains Global Sales Director Rafael Sperotto.  

Word of the high levels of service Khaya provides has spread. This has resulted in new clients and exciting developments for the company.  

Understanding each country like a local   

Khaya currently has offices in nine countries around the world. This strategy ensures full control of the services provided and Khaya is able to maintain a high standard at international sporting events.  

Carefully selected local personnel are given comprehensive training and therefore clients benefit from dealing with local staff that speak the language and can bridge the cultural differences.  

With the strengthening of the teams at its offices in Seoul and Tokyo the company is ready to support its clients and is also open for cooperation with other companies seeking to move into these exciting territories.    

Unique accommodation solutions  

Sourcing suitable accommodation at a global event is a challenge for any visitor, and even more so for groups who have particular requirements. Khaya has demonstrated that it is able to find solutions for these challenges.  

“Rio was our biggest challenge so far,” reveals Volkhard. “Due to the lack of hotel rooms we turned 500 private apartments into fully serviced accommodation. It's been a great team effort.”  

All 55 clients at the Games were impressed with the quality and convenient location of the apartments, which were within walking distance to the Olympic Park and IBC. Khaya provided in excess of 50 000 room nights’ accommodation at Rio 2016. Together with the 20 000 room nights it secured for the UEFA EURO in France the company can look back at two events, where it proved its ability and strengthened its market position.  

Further afield, the company’s team in Moscow recently announced that it has concluded major deals with various hotel groups in preparation for the FIFA World Cup and is ready to supply a wide variety of accommodation as well as transport in all the host cities.  

News from Korea is that finding accommodation in PyeongChang is the biggest challenge for everyone planning to attend the Winter Games. However, Khaya in on track to fulfil the needs of broadcasters and Olympic Federations.  

New brand to be launched at SPORTELMonaco  

The new brand, name and logo, will be launched at the SPORTELMonaco Convention. “What will stay are our dedication and the red shirts our team is recognized by at large events,” says Rafael with a smile.  

SPORTELMonaco exhibitors and visitors will be able to meet the new Khaya at Stand A55.  

Ready for the future  

With the successful delivery at recent events in mind, Khaya is preparing for its next highlights.  

The upcoming events include:  

• 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang
• 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
• 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
• 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
• 2020 UEFA EURO in Europe

Today Khaya looks forward to a bright future with its new name, new look, and a solid strategy to provide clients with exceptional service at major international events.

{pp}The French Consul, Antoine Michon, visited Knysna last week and met with Knysna Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, the Municipal Manager Mr Johnny Douglas, Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck and other representatives to discuss the town’s hosting of the French team during the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup.