By participating in B2B meetings at the renowned South African international trade fair, SMEs in the water & power utility sector can benefit from EU support. This opportunity will help them expand their businesses abroad.

The next Business Beyond Borders business connections event will take place in Cape Town (South Africa) at African Utility Week (AUW), a leading water and power utility trade fair, in May 2017. Business Beyond Borders (BBB) is a European Commission initiative to help EU businesses, in particular Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Clusters, operate internationally with the ultimate goal of increasing economic growth within and outside Europe.

A series of business connections events are being organised to bring together SMEs and representatives from relevant clusters, with potential trading partners from Europe and abroad with the aim of assisting businesses to access new international markets.

After a first successful business connections session at the Genera fair, which took place in the beginning of March in Madrid, BBB turns its attention to the biggest trade fair on the African continent. Hosting thousands of visitors each other, AUW is known for a strong representation of EU companies at the event, hosting national pavilions for Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium and Czech Republic.

Welcoming the upcoming BBB event, Commissioner Karmenu Vella said “By helping EU green SMEs operate internationally and by promoting green partnerships in target sectors, this Business Beyond Borders (BBB) business connections event at African Utility Week will help preserve our natural resources, promote clean energy and drive growth through a circular economy.”

Thanks to the large network of partners and support entities, a unique package is being made available to businesses across the world in the water and power utility sector wishing to take part in AUW as members of the Business Beyond Borders delegation:

- Business meetings perfectly matching each BBB delegate needs and preferences
- Access to five technical sessions in the strategic conference, one of which organised by EREF specifically on hydropower
- A convenient business connections area at the heart of the trade fair, with free access to the side conferences during the fair
- Access to an international and well placed worldwide network, including several EU-funded support schemes
- Possibility to present your company and technology in the "Demo zone" stage 
- Possibility to participate in the Project and Country Spotlight sessions to access the newest project opportunities on the African continent
- Professional assistance on the spot to make the participation tailored to the needs of each BBB delegate
- Post event assistance and survey, to support the BBB delegates even after the participation in the event  

The registration is now open at http://www.african-utility-week.com/bbbmatchmakingMore than 200 companies are expected to attend the B2B Meetings in the dedicated BBB area. Business Beyond Borders, maximising your business connections experience at African Utility Week 2017!  

- ENDS -  

Contact: Ana Oliveira, LOW Europe: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NOTES TO EDITORS: African Utility Week:
The only global meeting place, conference and trade exhibition for African power and water utility professionals. Organised annually by Spintelligent, African Utility Week offers a unique networking opportunity for engineers, stakeholders and solution providers alike.

The 17th edition of African Utility Week will take place from 16 to 18 May, 2017, and will host thousands of business from all over the world looking to trade and grow. The main sectors covered within African Utility Week are products and services for the power, water and waste management utilities industry: power generation, T&D, metering, clean technology, finance, reliability, water supply or energy efficiency.

The Business Beyond Borders Consortium:
EUROCHAMBRES: The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry represents over 20 million businesses in Europe – 98% of which are SMEs – through members in 43 countries and a network of 1700 regional and local Chambers.
EMECA: The European Major Exhibition Centres Association unites 22 leading exhibition venues in Europe. They provide businesses with an excellent infrastructure and outstanding information networks. The 22 EMECA Members organise and host 1,769 exhibitions a year, both in Europe and all over the globe, with more than 350,000 exhibitors and over 41,5 million visitors.
UFI: The leading global association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations. UFI represents 700 member organisations in 83 countries around the world. Over 900 international trade fairs bear the UFI quality label.
LOW: A strategic communications consultancy based in Brussels, with a network of associates across Europe. We specialise in creating policy-rich events; managing complex programmes; PR and all types of marketing communications; and EU related public affairs.

Visit us: www.businessbeyondborders.info @EU_BBB #EUBBB Business Beyond Borders is an initiative funded by the European Commission and coordinated by Eurochambres.

SMSPortal is pleased to announce the launch of its 2017 Software Development Internship Program. Now in its fourth year, the two-week paid internship consistently attracts exceptional students from leading universities across South Africa. This year, SMSPortal expects to receive more than 1,000 applications for four placements in its Cape Town headquarters.  

During the internship program, which runs over the June/July break, students train with experienced staff who help develop skills and interests beyond university. Interns have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the organisation, get experience in real-world software development, will apply the theory they’ve learnt, and work with the SMSPortal team which specialises in multithreaded highly-scalable services.  

Charles Stretch, co-founder and MD of SMSPortal says: "We are proud of the reputation that our internship program has earned over the years and of SMSPortal’s ability to attract such remarkable talent. Investing in software development is an important goal of our management committee, and we are committed to providing additional training and educational opportunities for all of our employees. This is an exciting time for SMSPortal, and we are enthusiastic about our role in preparing the next generation of software developers." 

The internship pays R7,500 for the two weeks, includes free transport to Cape Town and free accommodation near SMSPortal’s Century City offices for the duration of the internship.  

To apply for an SMSPortal internship, visit: http://www.smsportal.co.za/#!careers

“Rather than tariff increases, cost reductions are often the best first step towards financial viability”

A new World Bank study presents a sobering assessment of the financial health of electricity utilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, and suggests how utilities can be profitable while extending affordable services for the poor.  

“A central but under-reported issue on the movement to reach universal access is the financial health of electricity utilities. Less than half of utilities cover operating expenditures while several countries lose in excess of US$0.25 per kWh sold. In this context, it will be difficult for utilities to maintain existing assets, let alone facilitate the expansion needed to reach universal access goals,” said Lucio Monari, Director, Energy and Extractive Global Practice at the World Bank.

Mr Monari will address the Utility CEO Forum at the upcoming African Utility Week in Cape Town from 16-18 May and present results of a recent World Bank study: “Making Power Affordable for Africa and Viable for Its Utilities”.

The study looked at utility financial statements and power tariffs in more than 40 countries, and spending data in household surveys for 22 countries. “It remains surprisingly difficult to get basic bread-and-butter data such as tariff schedules, operational performance data, and financial statements. We focused heavily on raw data collection directly from Sub-Saharan utilities. This study’s strength is that it distils lessons from dozens of countries. We hope it will help make Africa’s power sector financially sustainable and advance the goal of universal access to electricity,” Mr Monari explained.

Key messages from the report suggest several ways of recovering the cost of supply and making electricity affordable:
- One third of countries may become financially viable through improving operational efficiency.
- It is almost certain that increasing tariffs will be needed in the remaining two-thirds of the countries studied.
- Individual meters in poor households can help utilities target cross-subsidies better.
- Installing prepaid meters would benefit both utilities and customers.
- The first priority in increasing access to electricity is to make the initial connection affordable to the poor.

Increasing potential of mini and off-grid
Mr. Monari is a featured speaker at African Utility Week and the Energy Revolution Africa conference and exhibition in Cape Town from 16-18 May. He says: “To make the power sector more viable, sector governance and utility management need to be strengthened. The regulatory framework should be clear and predictable, providing incentives for the utility to improve their performance. Privatization and unbundling can work where the conditions are right. Unbundling does have transaction costs that need to be considered and weighed carefully against the benefits of creating new institutions.”

The World Bank study focused primarily on grid electricity, says Mr Monari, adding: “while connecting to the grid is a solution for urban Africans and many people living in rural areas, rural electrification cannot rely solely or even largely on grid extension. Mini and off-grid electricity, especially from sources like solar, offers increasing potential to electrify homes in many rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Eskom performs well, but low tariffs highlighted
The study states that South Africa has the most developed and complex electricity sector in Sub-Saharan Africa and that its installed capacity alone is equivalent to the rest of the continent. Eskom also seemed to be one of the best performing utilities in the region with regards to technical and non-technical losses. However, the report identified low tariff levels as a major issue. Says Mr Monari: “as Eskom moves away from aged coal plants to modernize its generation fleet, prices will likely need to increase to cover the investment costs for capacity rehabilitation and expansion, or else the utility will continue to pose a fiscal burden to the government.”

To read the full the interview with Lucio Monari and the World Bank study, go to: http://www.african-utility-week.com/WorldBank-AUWinterview

Real world doers share their expertise
The 17th annual African Utility Week is the leading conference and trade exhibition for African power, energy and water professionals who will have the opportunity to meet over 300 suppliers of services and technology to the industry.

Energy Revolution Africa will provide a unique forum for solution providers to meet with the new energy purchasers such as metros and municipalities, IPPs, rural electrification project developers and large power users, including mines, commercial property developers and industrial manufacturers. The latest innovations and projects in the sectors of renewables, future technology, energy efficiency, micro/off-grid and energy storage will be showcased.

Industry support
Apart from KPMG’s diamond sponsorship, industry stalwarts EPG, GE, Huawei, Landis+Gyr, Lucy Electric, Ontec and Shell are platinum sponsors while Aberdare Cables, Conlog, Oracle Utilities, SAP, SBS Tanks and Vodacom have already confirmed their gold sponsorships.

African Utility Week and Energy Revolution Africa is the flagship energy event organised by the multi-award winning Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and part of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Other well-known energy events by Spintelligent are Future Energy Nigeria (formerly known as WAPIC), Future Energy East Africa (formerly EAPIC), Future Energy Uganda and Future Energy Central Africa.

Other industry-leading events organised by Spintelligent are DRC Mining Week, Kenya Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week, Agritech Expo Zambia, Property Buyer Show, African Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit and Eduweek.

Earlier this year, Spintelligent won four major awards at the ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards, which honour excellence in the exhibition and events industry on the continent and were organised by the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO). African Utility Week won for Best Trade Exhibition 6001-12000 sqm category, (joint winners with the World Travel Market).

Dates for African Utility Week and Energy Revolution Africa:
Conference and expo: 16-18 May 2017
Awards gala dinner:  17 May 2016
Site visits: 19 May 2016
Location: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa

Interviews with expert speakers: http://www.african-utility-week.com/expertinterviews
Website: http://www.african-utility-week.com   
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfricaUtilities #AUW2017  
Linkedin: African Power Forum

Media contact:
Senior communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
Mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“Choosing the right oil is essential”

The award-winning African Utility Week has welcomed back a longstanding supporter, the global energy giant Shell, who will be a platinum sponsor again at the conference and exhibition from 16-18 May in Cape Town.

The 17th annual African Utility Week will gather over 7000 decision makers from more than 80 countries to source the latest solutions and meet over 300 suppliers. Along with multiple side events and numerous networking functions the event also boasts a five track conference with over 300 expert speakers. The conference programme will address the latest challenges, developments and opportunities in the power and water sectors: ranging from generation, T&D, metering, technology and water.

“Choosing the right oil is essential”
“We are delighted to return for the third time as a platinum sponsor for African Utility Week,” says Tendani Ndwamise, Shell Lubes Direct Sector B2B Marketer at Shell South Africa. She continues: “in addition to hosting a booth with experts from our global and local business, we are proud to announce Dr. Peter Smith as a speaker for the event. He has over thirty years’ experience in the development of lubricants for use in the sector and will talk about how choosing the right oil is essential in meeting the challenges of the industry, both now and in the future.”

According to Tendani the main challenges currently in the industry are: ”providing sustainable power supply to the population, with aging infrastructure. This in turn leads to the challenge of lowering costs to produce, distribute and transmit power for our customers.  Shell aims to help its customers with sustainable lower total cost of ownership of their assets, through Shell’s sector expertise and industry knowledge in addition to our technology-leading products.”

She adds: “In the last five years, Shell has launched two new ranges of products for the power sector – Shell Diala S4 for use in transformers and Shell Turbo S4, our premium turbine oil range. In South Africa, we have been working closely with Eskom to conduct field trials for Shell Diala S4. We have had confirmation from Eskom that they approved the use of Shell Diala S4 ZX-IG in their fleet of transformers.  We have also supplied a number of projects in South Africa with our premium turbine oil, Shell Turbo S4, which provides superior performance in a number of key areas, compared to competitor oils.” 

On the rest of the continent, Shell has supplied a number of projects with both ranges, notably the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project and the Mega project in Egypt. “

African Utility Week is a high priority event for Shell” says Tendani, “as it gives us the opportunity to not only connect with manufacturers and utilities in South Africa, but also the wider African continent and also internationally. We are delighted that a number of our customers outside of Africa have also chosen to attend the event.”  

Award-winning energy platform
The African Utility Week expo offers an extensive technical workshop programme that are CPD accredited, free to attend, hands-on presentations that take place in defined spaces on the exhibition floor. They discuss practical, day-to-day technical topics, best practices and product solutions that businesses, large power users and utilities can implement in their daily operations. 

African Utility Week and Energy Revolution Africa is the flagship energy event organised by the multi-award winning Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and part of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Other well-known energy events by Spintelligent are Future Energy Nigeria (formerly known as WAPIC), Future Energy East Africa (formerly EAPIC), Future Energy Uganda and Future Energy Central Africa.

Earlier this year, Spintelligent won four major awards at AAXO’s ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards, with African Utility Week named the joint winner for Best Trade Exhibition 6001-12000 sqm category (with the World Travel Market). 

Dates for African Utility Week and Energy Revolution Africa:
Conference and expo: 16-18 May 2017
Awards gala dinner:  17 May 2016
Site visits: 19 May 2016
Location: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa

The full interview with Tendani can be read here: http://www.african-utility-week.com/Shell-AUW-interview
Website: http://www.african-utility-week.com  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfricaUtilities #AUW2017  
Linkedin: African Power Forum

Contact: Senior communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
Mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

“Enriching lives in the era of energy intelligence”

Huawei, the well-known global information and telecommunication giant, has signed a platinum sponsorship with African Utility Week, the leading conference and trade exhibition for African power, energy and water professionals, taking place from 16-18 May 2017 in Cape Town. The company will also be the lead sponsor of the African Utility Week Industry Awards.

Additionally, Huawei will host its 5th Huawei Power Summit, where Huawei will demonstrate its industry-leading solutions. This summit will be co-located at African Utility Week on 17 May from 14h00 – 18h00. The main theme for Huawei’s showcase this year is “Leading New ICT, The Road To Smart Grid” and will host its exhibition area in Auditorium 2.

Mr. Jerry Ji (Xiang)  is President of Energy Industry at Huawei’s Enterprise Business Group: “Huawei hopes that through Africa's most influential energy expo, we will better understand the needs of our customers and integrate Huawei's latest solutions and practices into smart grids to help the African power companies achieve safe, efficient operations and green sustainable development, and thus enriching lives in the era of energy intelligence.”

“We have been honoured to have Huawei as a long-term partner with not only African Utility Week, but also our regional power shows on the continent,” says event director Evan Schiff, adding: “we are thrilled that they have chosen to expand their investment in the show, and we believe this is testament to the value we offer to our esteemed partners. We take our task of gathering the best in the industry to discuss the challenges, solutions and successes very seriously and as market leader, Huawei should be part of that conversation. We look forward to their contribution in May.”

Real world doers share their expertise
The 17th annual African Utility Week will gather over 7000 decision makers from more than 80 countries to source the latest solutions and meet over 300 suppliers. Along with multiple side events and numerous networking functions the event also boasts a five track conference with over 300 expert speakers. The conference programme will once again address the latest challenges, developments and opportunities in the power and water sectors: ranging from generation, T&D, metering, technology and water. These include two exclusive plenary keynote sessions featuring the most sought-after international speakers.

The African Utility Week expo offers an extensive technical programme sessions that are CPD accredited, free to attend, hands-on presentations that take place in defined spaces on the exhibition floor. They discuss practical, day-to-day technical topics, best practices and product solutions that businesses, large power users and utilities can implement in their daily operations.

The fourth edition of the African Utility Week Power Industry Awards brings together 800 of Africa’s most renowned power and water industry professionals. The Power Industry Awards is the leading gathering to recognise, reward and celebrate the successes of Africa’s power and water sectors during 2016/17.

Energy Revolution Africa will provide a unique forum for solution providers to meet with the new energy purchasers such as metros and municipalities, IPPs, rural electrification project developers and large power users, including mines, commercial property developers and industrial manufacturers. The latest innovations and projects in the sectors of renewables, future technology, energy efficiency, micro/off-grid and energy storage will be showcased.

African Utility Week and Energy Revolution Africa are organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and part of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Huawei has also been a longstanding supporter of another flagship event of Spintelligent, formerly known as WAPIC (West African Power Industry Convention) in Lagos, and rebranding as Future Energy Nigeria and returning in November this year.

Other leading events in Spintelligent’s power portfolio are Future Energy East Africa (formerly EAPIC), Future Energy Uganda and Future Energy Central Africa.

Dates for African Utility Week and Energy Revolution Africa:
Conference and expo: 16-18 May 2017
Awards gala dinner:  17 May 2016
Site visits: 19 May 2016
Location: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa

Websites: http://www.african-utility-week.com   
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfricaUtilities  
Linkedin: African Power Forum

Contact:
Senior communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
Mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

March 2017 - After 5 years of discussion, the long awaited album collaboration is here between talented Mozambican saxophonist, Moreira Chonguiça and the ‘Lion of Africa’, Cameroonian, Manu Dibango. The album is to be released on Friday 31 March 2017 at the 18th edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.  

In February 2015, the two African saxophonists began discussing a list of songs. In March 2015, Moreira flew to Paris to rehearse with Manu Dibango’s band comprising of  - Cameroonians, Jacques Conti Bilong on drums, Guy Nwongang on percussion, Justin Bowen on piano-keyboards and Guy Nsangué Akwa on bass guitar and Valérie Belinga on vocals. From France, Patrick Marie-Magdelaine on guitar, Isabel Gonzalez on vocals and two-time Grammy award-winner - for his work on Zawinal Syndicate - Paco Séry on sanza (more commonly known as the mbira).

  “I am honoured and humbled by the opportunity and circumstance created by  “Papa Manu” to express, experiment, sometimes in a very disruptive manner, the rhythms and grooves that I have never heard; the chords and melodies that I never thought I would record; the meals, talks and jokes that we shared whilst building this historical storm. 

M&M is a celebration of similarities and differences, diversity and pluralism, love and hate, empathy and passion. M&M mirrors once more that in a creative world the best form of evolution is the collaboration. M&M is the true reflection that as Africans we can live together, love each other and break all negative boundaries related to our wellbeing.“ says Moreira.  

The album was recorded at Ferber Studios in Paris, France under engineer Guillaume DuJardin and was mastered at Milestone Studios in Cape Town, South Africa by Murray Anderson.

  Moreira Chonguiça has produced the album, he performs on alto and soprano saxophone and the arrangements with the exception of Track 1 and 10 are by Manu Dibango who performs on the vibraphone and saxophones.  

For Manu, it was an opportunity to give African meaning to established American jazz standards and to “return the boat to African soil”. For Moreira, the privilege of working with Manu at this level was an extraordinary experience that only comes along once in a lifetime.  

Moreira and Manu first collaborated on Moreira’s second album The Moreira Project Vol 2: Citizen of the World on the track “West South Side”, which has been included as a bonus track.

  Manu Dibango has released over 40 albums to date with nearly 800 songs including collaborations and duets.  

“The idea and perseverance for this album came from Moreira! We have been friends and collaborating for about 15 years.  It is a very nice album, for which I took great pleasure in writing the arrangements, an African re-reading of the music made in the USA: the return of the "boat" on African soil.  I hope that those who listen to it will take as much pleasure as we did when it was recorded in Paris. We had sought, Moreira and myself, an atmosphere of peace and serenity where only music is the Master. So we invite you to listen, dance and vibrate body and soul.” says the legendary Manu Dibango.  

The CD will be on sale at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, at all good music stores and online from www.CDBaby.com.  

Editors notes:  

Track one – “Blues for Africa” (03:22) is just pure jazz. There was no plan, no structure, just two old friends jamming together for the love of the saxophone and music.  

Track two – “Take Five” (06:31) is a jazz piece composed by Paul Desmond and original recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959 for their album “Time Out”. He played alto sax in the quartet. It became an unlikely hit and the biggest selling jazz single ever.  

Track three – “Tutu” (08:11) composed by Marcus Miller for Miles Davis’ album of the same name as a tribute to Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, Desmond Tutu who Davis was prevented from visiting during the apartheid era.  

Track four – “Softly, as in a morning sunrise (05:51) is a song written by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1928 operetta, The New Moon.  

Track five – “Unga Hlupheki Nkata” 05:14) is a soft romantic ballad written by one of Mozambique’s greatest composers, Fany Pfumo. Leaving Mozambique to work in South Africa, he wrote this song in Shangaan, telling his lady that he will return to marry her.  

Track six – “Night and Day” (09:08) was written by Cole Porter in 1932 for the musical “Gay Divorce”, which was retitled “Gay Divorcee” for the film version.  Fred Astaire made this iconic American jazz standard a number one hit.  

Track seven – “In a Sentimental Mood” (05:09)  - this legendary jazz composition was written in 1935 by Duke Ellington. The most well known version was recorded with Ellington and John Coltrane in 1963.  

Track eight – “Nonto Sangoma” (06:24)– composed by saxophonist and record producer, Isaac Zakes Nkosi (Bra Zakes) and recorded for the first time by the Dark City Sisters but later recorded by African Jazz Pioneers in 1994.  

Track nine – “Soul Makossa” (07:58) – was first released as a single by Manu Dibango as the B- side for a record celebrating the Cameroonian Football team’s achievements at the African Cup of Nations. In 1973 the single reached 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100; No 21 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Singles and No 17 on France’s SNEP charts.  It has been adapted and sampled over 40 times and covered at least 20 times by other artists.  It is an iconic legendary truly African masterpiece.  

Track ten – “West South Side” – written by Moreira Chonguiça for his second album The Moreira Project, Vol 2: Citizen of the World, which features the distinctive voice and saxophone of Manu Dibango.  The album went on to win Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Album Art at the 2009 South African Music Awards.  

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Moreira Chonguica & Morestar Entertainment  

For interview requests or more details please contact:  

Lesley at Morestar Entertainment
Tel: +27 (0) 83 7028139
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, will transform the Helderberg area into a winter wonderland when it launches its National Lotteries Commission funded ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme, in partnership with the Imibala Trust, as a six week training Juggling and Card Skills course, from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and life- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.   Helderberg’s aspiring Harry Potters are invited to get a sneak peek behind the magician’s curtain at the Imibala Trust’s charming base in Bright Street in bustling Somerset West.   H

ere, the College’s voluntary staff, led by renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi,  will introduce the wizarding recruits to the wonder of magic with a two-hour long lesson each week.  

Students from diverse backgrounds, between the age of 10 and 15 years old, will learn all kinds of fantastic effects in these incredible sessions, including the gravity defying effects of juggling which improves hand and eye coordination and the dexterity of card magic. In addition, these lessons offer learners the chance to improve their social and communication skills as well as equip them with employable skills.  

The Juggling and Card Skills course forms part of the College of Magic’s community training programme, a project funded with a grant of R500 000 from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) which supports disadvantaged students.   The ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme is an extension of the College’s successful Magic in the Community programme, which provides young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The College of Magic is thrilled to be commencing the next phase of its ‘Magic in the Community’ programme with the Imibala Trust:  

“The Imibala Trust has a strong community and youth development focus which makes them the perfect partner to help launch this phase of our programme and share the wonder of magic with a new generation of magic students. We look forward to motivating and inspiring the youth alongside them”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.   

Clare Jeffrey of Imibala Trust concurs:

“Magic has the ability to unite people, especially children, from all backgrounds. The College of Magic has a proven successful record of promoting diversity and unification through their teaching and we are committed to implementing this practice into our programmes.”  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint Dyantyi, a 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

The talented performer can’t wait for the Juggling and Card Skills course to begin:  

“Kick-starting our “Magic in the Community’ project in the Helderberg area is so exciting! I can’t wait to meet my new students and help them develop their self-confidence. I have so much to teach them about the amazing world of magic”, says Dyantyi.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution can positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.   Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

Calling all aspirant mini-magicians in the Helderberg area:  

Youngsters, between 10 and 15 years old, keen to learn the wondrous art of magic, are invited to  join the College of Magic’s Juggling and Card Skills course, to be held weekly for six weeks at the Imibala Trust’s premises in Bright Street, Somerset West from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.  

For families who can afford, the fees are R1200 and include notes and magical equipment, which will be provided by the College of Magic.   Registration for the Juggling and Card Skills course is now open. Please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 021 852 0418.    

For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.  

“Zambia is an exciting market to explore, not just for South African suppliers to the agriculture sector, but also for South African farmers” says Liam Beckett, commercial director for the upcoming Agritech Expo Zambia. The award-winning event is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and returns to Chisamba for the fourth time this year from 27-29 April.

He adds: “in certain sectors the South African market has become saturated and many South African companies are looking to branch out across the border, in order to continue their business growth in Africa. In Zambia, there are approximately 400 registered commercial farming professionals, which represents a very lucrative potential market. The Zambian farming sector is also far more advanced than other neighbouring countries and farming methods are also similar to South Africa. Therefore, South African brands and products, such as implements and agro chemicals, are all applicable in Zambia.”

More international pavilions
Last year Agritech Expo Zambia drew a record-breaking attendance of 17 605 visitors. This year even more small-scale, emerging and commercial farmers are expected to descend on the GART research farm in the heart of Zambia’s agri-hub Chisamba, where the latest farming products and services will be showcased. The three-day expo will furthermore feature an even greater international presence with international pavilions from Germany, Zimbabwe, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the UK and France already confirmed.

Says Liam Beckett: “just judging from the big increase in international pavilions at Agritech Expo this year, the global interest in Zambia as an agri market is obvious. Already there is major international investment in the country at present as well as projects being planned and if a South African company wants to establish a footprint in Zambia, they need to make sure they grab this business development opportunity now before they miss out.”  

The South African companies that have so far booked to exhibit or sponsor at Agritech Expo Zambia include AGRICO, Gallagher Power Fence SA Pty Ltd, Hydraform, Kempston Agri – Claas, Lindsay Africa, Neptun Boot, Organico, Senter 360, Teejet and ROFF. Many other suppliers have headquarters in South Africa, but they are exhibiting as the Zambian branch.  

Liam adds: “for South African farmers, Zambia is of interest as there are many new technologies, agro chemicals and commercial farming methods that are available in Zambia that they can learn from. They can also explore renting land on a 99-year lease to expand on their existing South African operations.”  

Agritech Expo Zambia will also offer free workshops again, as well as live machinery and product demonstrations and crop trials. New for this year will be specialised agri-sector industry zones and mowing and baling demonstrations.  

Multi-award winning Agritech Expo
Agritech Expo Zambia recently won two coveted awards at the ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg which honour excellence in the exhibition and events industry on the continent. The awards were organised jointly by the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) and the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA). Agritech Expo won for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition +12000 sqm and for Distinction in Social Responsibility.  

The expo also has an outreach programme at the local Golden Valley Basic School, where, with the assistance of numerous event sponsors, it is assisting the school with much needed infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies and management of the school’s farm.

As in previous years, Agritech Expo enjoys extensive support from the agri industry with well-known suppliers AFGRI and John Deere returning as platinum sponsors again. Confirmed gold sponsors are Action Auto, Agricon, BHBW, Case Construction, Case Agriculture, Gourock and SARO.  

Agritech Expo Zambia is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. The event is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union. Other well-known events by Spintelligent include Agritech Expo Tanzania and Agribusiness Congress East Africa.

Agritech Expo Zambia 2017:
Dates: 27-29 April 2017
Location: Gart Research Centre, Chisamba, Zambia
Website: http://www.agritech-expo.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Agritech_Expo
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/agritechexpozambia/  
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7477169  

Media contact:
Senior communications manager: Annemarie Roodbol
Mobile: +27 82 562 7844
Office: +27 21 700 3500
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Introduction

Lorge Consulting Services – has been frequently making headlines following a streak of noteworthy philanthropic endeavours and client success stories. The company has also featured at various single and multi-industry events, on national and international platforms. This time, however, the Premier Certified Sage Partner is sending shockwaves throughout the Southern African business landscape by expanding its product line. This is courtesy of a new addition to the existing suite of cutting-edge BMS solutions: Sage Evolution (SE).  

Following much preparation and planning, the company is proud to announce the official addition of Sage Evolution to the existing family of Sage products offered to the market. This is in-keeping with the company vision to be thee leading provider of innovative, business and industry-specific BMS and BI software. The company’s comprehensive range of sought-after solutions under one umbrella, together with proven industry expertise for more than 30 years, and an unstinting commitment to service excellence - all attest to Lorge’s reputation as a pioneering and forward-facing organisation.    

Sage Evolution – “Next Level” Business Management Resource    

The launch of Sage Evolution in South Africa represented a direct response to the unique and ever-evolving needs of businesses operating in dynamic markets, with intensifying competitive forces and rapidly growing consumer needs. This called for a progressive software solution with sophisticated tools and capabilities as well as the ability to enhance user-experience.       

The latter is a key factor addressed by SE as the software is intelligently designed for exceptional ease-of-use. Additionally, there are a host of important reasons why Sage Evolution is the software of choice for leading industries within South Africa, the continent as a whole and for that matter – globally.  

Consider these 5 compelling reasons why your business development, customer-service and administrative systems can widely benefit from this particular Sage product in 2017 and beyond.    

These features and benefits although considerable, only begin to scratch the surface of SE. For more comprehensive insight contact our experts here.    

1. The features of SE provide for a holistic and fully integrated software solution:  

An effective BMS cannot stand alone as an isolated system that isn’t compatible with others and refuses to factor in the influences of all operational elements. This is where SE’s advantages kick in, as an all-encompassing product that instinctively connects with other applications.  

This means that SE is not only a robust financial management system, but one than can seamlessly network and align to existing third-party programs - wherever required. There is a science to it and a deeply technical side, but this is where the expertise of trained technicians and the comfort of reliable service support come in. SE can therefore work harmoniously with an existing CRM tool, for instance – and the same would apply to any current system that has to be considered. This enables efficient installations as well as tailored products suited to individual business needs.  

2. SE offers ease-of-use - despite its advanced capabilities:  

This is a massive consideration in that, while the software handles complex integration and manages a host of important business functions, the end-user experience is highly intuitive. For instance, the main system manager features an easily navigable System Tree. This welcoming interface caters to everything from system set-up, to control, to multi-level password security, online help and so forth. Such simplicity and functionality foster greater productivity, efficiency and security.  

3. SE allows for the implementation of dynamic Industry and business-specific solutions:     

Since every business differs as do its needs - a scalable and customisable solution is required for peak performance. SE enables one to create business-specific modules that complement the software’s core functions. So whether you need to incorporate a high traffic ecommerce platform into your business management system, or whether you need to collate and analyse data from multiple offices with hundreds of users – unique modules can be created or set-up to cater for these demands.  

4. Flexible Report generation and real-time updating:  

Successful businesses are largely incumbent on the meaningful assimilation and interpretation of various sets of data. This relates to every facet of the business, and in order to be achieved, requires relevant report generation for internal use or sharing with stakeholders. Instances include the need to monitor or report on sales trends, expenditure analyses, inventory movements, wage and salary schedules, debtors or creditors figures and much more.  

Standard reports can be customised by employing the Report Writer module and scheduled reports can be automated to generate and be emailed periodically to specific persons. Furthermore, vast data volumes can be securely pulled and analysed from multiple sources in excel with figures updating in real time. Simply refresh in order to update to most current data. Controlling accessibility and Alert Management for notifications are some of the other useful features.      

5. Superior Inventory Control and Optimisation:  

Inventory monitoring or tracking and management as a whole are fundamental in developing sustainable business success. The SE Inventory Optimisation feature is included as part of the core SE modules. It allows for stock levels to be set and synchronised with preferred suppliers linked to each item. In this way ordering processes can be automated.  

Factors such as lead times and reorder quantities can also be integrated within the system criteria. Even internal stock distribution or movements between divisions can be managed via the Inventory Issue feature. Then the main Inventory module empowers any business to exercise virtually unlimited control over stock. From summarised management reports to detailed operational reports - all can be customised to the requirements of each user.    

Find out more about the benefits and features of Sage Evolution by dialling 010 594 9800 today.    

Why Lorge is a trusted supplier of SE and other Sage solutions  

SE is a powerful tool with user friendly features. However, in order to ensure the most effective solutions, tailored to your specific business - the right technical expertise and after-sales support is vital in harnessing SE’s full capabilities. This will ensure you have the most appropriate solution for your enterprise, efficiently installed and backed by knowledgeable and dedicated service professionals. This translates to optimum system performance and prompt technical assistance when required.  

Here are only a few reasons why Lorge is your service provider of choice when it comes to Sage Evolution:  

• Lorge has earned a reputation of excellence, being trusted by over 10,000 users in the broadest spectrum of industries.
• Lorge has a Dedicated Sage Accredited In-house Training Centre.
• Lorge is an award-winning enterprise and therefore recognised as a leader by the industry.
• Lorge adopts a client-centred approach with all customers. This has allowed the organisation to expand its footprint nationally as well as internationally.
• The in-house knowledge and expertise of Lorge has been firmly entrenched over a number of years. This is evidenced by the comprehensive suite of Sage and related BMS products that    the organisation specialises in.  

Account Manager at Sage South Africa, David Jones, discussed a plethora of Sage Evolution features and benefits with our media representative – a few of which are discussed above. Additionally, David discussed that strict criteria is applied to suppliers wishing to become Certified Sage Partners, of which there are several tiers. Customers enlisting Lorge will have the comfort of knowing that the company is a Premier Certified Sage Partner.           

For further information on Sage Evolution, or to discuss your current enterprise needs, contact our Sales Department on 010 594 9800.

Media Contact
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Portion of funds to be used to appoint SA magician Olwethu Dyantyi as project coordinator  

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has awarded the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, a substantial grant of R500 000 to roll out its successful Magic in the Community  project to rural areas in the Western Cape.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and like- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.  

In addition to boosting the College of Magic’s training efforts, the NLC grant will assist the College in sharing the wonder of magic with youth from poor communities, through its Magic in the Community programme and the development of a new rural areas programme.  

The College launched the Magic in the Community project in 2000 as a means of providing young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The new rural project will see the College grow its reach to the rural areas of the West Coast, Winelands and the Overberg during 2017:  

“The pressing need for innovative interventions to transform and empower our youth, equip them with employable skills and give them hope for the future is well known. Thanks to the generosity of the National Lotteries Commission, expanding this project to the greater Cape is now possible and we are so thankful”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.  

Plans for the rural areas programme includes actively recruiting new students from outlying areas,  opening up the possibility of joining the College of Magic’s six year magical training and development programme available to them as well as providing food, transport and equipment support.  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

A 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, Dyantyi is a natural choice for the role. His new responsibilities will include the co-ordination of the Magic in the Community programme and setting up and running the rural areas programme.  

Dyantyi is thrilled with his captivating new role:  

“Learning and performing magic has changed my life and given me the chance to see the world. I can’t wait to share my magical knowledge with eager new students in the community and help them realise their own dreams! ” says the excited magician.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of these disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural areas programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.  

Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.