Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

RS South Africa Shines Spotlight on Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Procurement Challenges in Key Economic Sectors

Source: APO

RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4gljCdG), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, has highlighted the growing pressures faced by procurement professionals responsible for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies across the country’s vital economic sectors. This follows the release of the 2025 Indirect Procurement Report: Tackling the Cost of Business, produced in association with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

The report, now in its eighth year, provides insights into the priorities and challenges of procurement professionals working in manufacturing, energy, public services, and facilities management. Findings reveal that inflationary pressures, supply chain risks, and skills shortages continue to dominate the agenda, while environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are rapidly becoming a business imperative.

Key concerns for MRO buyers include ensuring cost savings, maintaining ageing assets, contract compliance with preferred suppliers, and managing multiple stakeholder expectations across dispersed sites. In South Africa, where industries such as mining, energy, and manufacturing rely heavily on operational uptime, the resilience of supply chains and the ability to secure trusted, high-quality components are critical.

Commenting on the report’s relevance for the local market, Erick Wessels, Sales Director at RS South Africa, says: “Procurement professionals in the Sub-Saharan African region are operating in an environment shaped not only by global inflation and supply-chain pressures, but also by unique local challenges such as energy instability, infrastructure constraints, and the need to maintain older assets well beyond their original life cycles.”

Wessels adds: “At the same time, procurement leaders are being asked to deliver on ambitious sustainability goals while ensuring uninterrupted operations in sectors that underpin our economy. This makes strong supplier partnerships, risk mitigation strategies, and the adoption of best-practice procurement models more important than ever.”

The report also shows a sharp increase in initiatives around sustainable and ethical procurement, with nearly two-thirds of respondents globally identifying ESG as central to corporate strategy. Yet, cost pressures remain a barrier, with more than a third of professionals reluctant to pay a premium for sustainable products.

“For African organisations, the balancing act between cost control and sustainability is particularly complex. Working with trusted distributors who provide not just products, but also technical expertise, supplier vetting, and inventory management solutions, will be essential in building both resilience and efficiency into procurement strategies,” concludes Wessels.

The full 2025 Indirect Procurement report can be found here (https://apo-opa.co/4n7gswO).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

Links to additional content:
Exports link: https://Africa.RSDelivers.com
MRO Campaign link: https://apo-opa.co/46fuFSx

PR contact details:
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE Agency:
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3VhVOhb
X: https://apo-opa.co/463xMwC
RS South Africa (https://za.RS-Online.com/web)
RS Africa Exports (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com)
DesignSpark (https://apo-opa.co/467Z9pu)
RS Group plc (https://www.RSGroup.com)

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: www.RSOnline.co.za

Media files

.

Posted on

‘We are going to find solutions’ to Jhb water challenge – Mayor Morero

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has moved to assure the city’s residents that the current water challenges gripping the city are being dealt with.

Morero was speaking during a media briefing at the Alexander Park Reservoir on Monday morning following violent protests across the city last week over the issue.

“We are on top of this problem. We are going to find solutions on the water issue in Johannesburg,” the Mayor said.

Morero said the city will soon unveil its water infrastructure master plan, which will include refurbishments and pipe replacements, which enable the city to deal with water leaks.

“We have also agreed with the Minister of Water [Pemmy Majodina] that Johannesburg will have a programme on dealing with leaks and get support with provincial government. In that way we will reduce our water losses quite significantly as we deal with pipe replacements,” he added.

Furthermore, the city will be “very hard” on illegal water connections, which Morero said are contributing to the current water challenges.

“Illegal connections have been a big problem in the City of Johannesburg. We try from time to time to cut off illegal connections and… to a large extent, the cut-offs do help us in maintaining the water supply.

“What we have agreed on… with Johannesburg Water, we are going to have a meeting with the Johannesburg Police Department with an intention to get them to be consistent in the programme of cut-offs. This will help us a lot in terms of [managing] water demand and it will also help us in terms of our bulk purchases. So, there’s a lot that it can help in reducing the current problems that we have with water,” he said.

On immediate interventions, the city has acquired 20 tankers which will be deployed to communities when needed.

In Coronationville, where water shortages ignited protests last week, the area is being supplied.

“They do have water. What we are doing is a balancing act. At night we close water and during the morning we open it. It’s an issue of demand.

“We have to make a call to our communities to try as much as possible to preserve water…to use it sparingly. So that those areas that are battling to get those levels high, we can be able to provide and increase the levels in their water reservoirs,” Morero said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

BMA leadership to visit Durban Harbour

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will on Wednesday lead a high-level delegation from the BMA’s Executive Committee (EXCO) on a monitoring visit to the Durban Harbour.

This significant visit marks the first time the full BMA EXCO undertakes an official monitoring visit of Durban Harbour (Durban Port), which is Africa’s busiest seaport. 

The Port Management Committee (PMC) is expected to provide a first-hand, on-the-ground operational report on the environment, challenges and complexities faced by BMA officials stationed at this critical national gateway.

The programme will include an extensive inspection of key port facilities, direct engagement with BMA personnel and interactions with various stakeholders operating within the border management environment. 

According to the Border Management Authority, the visit is a critical step in the BMA’s strategy to enhance efficiency, security and compliance at South Africa’s borders.

“The Durban Harbour is a vital artery for the South African economy and a primary focus for our mandate of integrated border management,” the Border Management Authority said in a statement.   

“This visit will not merely be observational, it is a diagnostic mission by the BMA Executive leadership. The EXCO aims to identify systemic challenges and collaboratively develop practical, effective solutions to strengthen border management efforts. 

“The visit underscores the BMA’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making and proactive engagement with the operational realities on the front lines,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Government is strengthening the “foundations of our public service" – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africa marks Public Service Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that government is hard at work to strengthen the public service system and has reiterated the commitment to closing the skills gaps, rooting out corruption and returning the public service to its core principle: Batho Pele.

The President addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday. 

He noted that while there are challenges, there are “dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation”. 

“We thank them for the work they do to improve the lives of South Africans. But our public service faces significant challenges. These include skills gaps, outdated systems and processes, inconsistent service delivery and corruption. In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded.

“That is why we are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service. Through the reforms underway we are working to attract the right skills, implement rigorous performance management and create career pathways that reward merit and excellence. Through the National School of Government, we are investing in training and development,” President Ramaphosa said.

September marks Public Service Month in the country which focusses on the “essential contribution” that South Africa’s 1.7 million public servants make to deliver services to South Africans.

READ | Government launches Public Service Month

“It is through public servants that government provides healthcare, education, policing, social services and countless other essential functions that touch every South African’s life. 

“When our public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. When it falters, it is often our most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt,” he said.

Close collaboration

President Ramaphosa noted that as government works to build a “professional, accountable and capable public service”, the public service must be brought closer to the people it serves.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services. The National Dialogue, which was launched in August, provides an opportunity to change the relationship between public servants and the public,” he said.

The National Dialogue paves the way for South Africans all over the country to meet to discuss the issues they face and find a path to take the country forward.

READ | National dialogue outcomes to be determined by citizens: President Ramaphosa

The dialogues will culminate in a National Convention to be held next year which will “finalise a social compact that outlines clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society”.

“The thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live. 

“Through the National Dialogue process, each community is encouraged to work with all relevant stakeholders – ward councillors, municipal officials, civic bodies, community organisations and provincial and national departments – on a common plan to address these challenges.

“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems. Public servants have a vital role to play in working towards solutions alongside and in cooperation with communities,” President Ramaphosa noted.

This approach takes a leaf from the District Development Model which emphasises “bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that local needs inform service delivery priorities”.

“It is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services. Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation.

“I call on every South African to hold government accountable, to engage constructively with public institutions and to recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all,” the President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

DWYPD calls for unity to protect rights of people with albinism

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to work together in creating inclusive and safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear.

The appeal comes as the country observes National Albinism Awareness Month, marked annually in September to promote understanding, fight stigma, and protect the rights of persons with albinism.

Albinism is a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colouring the skin, hair, and eyes.

This year’s awareness campaign is being observed under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

DWYPD Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, highlighted that people with albinism face not only health challenges, such as sensitivity to the sun and vision impairments, but also harmful discrimination, stigma, and violence.

“This month provides an opportunity for South Africans to raise awareness about the realities of living with albinism, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and community life,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of advocating for the protection of persons with albinism against discrimination, exploitation, and violence; while also celebrating their diversity by recognising the achievements, talents, and contributions to society.

“Through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, we can build a society where diversity is embraced, rights are respected, and every person – regardless of skin colour or condition – is valued. Together, let us stand for inclusion, equality, and the protection of persons with albinism.

“We call on all citizens, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, and the private sector to unite in creating inclusive, safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear,” Chikunga said.

The department also urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism, adopted on 17 August 2024 at the SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The declaration demonstrates commitment by governments to protect the rights of persons with Albinism who are faced with numerous attacks ranging from abductions, killings, maiming, discrimination and trafficking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Gauteng police honour fallen heroes

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has honoured four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the 2025/26 financial year.

Held on Sunday, the ceremony honouring three male officers as well as a female officer was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The four were remembered for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng with the Commissioner posthumously thanking the officers for serving their country with loyalty, bravery and dedication. 

He also thanked their families for supporting the members during the time when they were out on the streets of Gauteng ensuring that communities are safe. 

“On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time,” he said.

Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station was shot and killed as he intercepted the suspects who were committing a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025.

Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by the suspects who were committing a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024.

Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was knocked down by a speeding vehicle while conducting a roadblock in Springs.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will take care of the educational needs of the children of the fallen heroes and heroine through the SAPS Education Trust. 

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

READ | ‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

The day honoured the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year with Deputy President having issued a  warning against the killing of police officers.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Nestlé célèbre la nutrition dans la gastronomie ivoirienne

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La gastronomie populaire à Abidjan ; c’est un véritable mode de vie. Des mets comme le placali, l’alloco, ou encore le garba font partie des plus plébiscités qu’on peut retrouver dans les maquis, les restaurants, ou les petites gargotes de coin de rue.   

La gastronomie abidjanaise a du succès à cause de sa diversité, de ses saveurs, et son accessibilité. Toutes les bourses y trouvent leur compte. Mais c’est plus que de la nourriture. En effet, elle représente un élément partagé et hérité de l’identité de la ville qui s’est transmis de génération en génération. Comme sa ville, la gastronomie à Abidjan est cosmopolite et riche.

Malgré cette réputation, nombreux sont peu conscients des aspects nutritionnels associés à ces mets locaux. Leur choix repose souvent sur le goût et la satiété, plutôt que sur la nutrition.

C’est là que Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire intervient avec Cuisine de Chez Nous, une série de capsules conçue pour nous réconcilier avec la nutrition et célébrer une cuisine saine et locale.

Diffusée sur la chaîne ivoirienne 7 INFO, et la plateforme digitale PULSE CI (https://apo-opa.co/3Ilc91I), l’émission suit le nutritionniste, Dr Jules Kouassi, alors qu’il explore le paysage culinaire d’Abidjan. Il rend visite à des restaurateurs bien connus, savoure les repas et partage les meilleures façons de les cuisiner et de les consommer. Dans chaque épisode de trois à cinq minutes, Docteur Kouassi décompose le contenu nutritionnel de chaque plat dans des termes simples. Il offre également des conseils pratiques sur la façon d’intégrer ces plats à une alimentation équilibrée sans sacrifier les saveurs que les consommateurs apprécient tant.

Faire le lien entre Alimentation et Santé

L’objectif est d’aider les gens à mieux comprendre leur alimentation, et non de changer ce qu’ils consomment. Nestlé espère que cette série favorisera des choix plus sains tout en célébrant les diverses traditions culinaires qui participent à rendre Abidjan si spéciale.

« Avec La Cuisine de Chez Nous, nous voulons célébrer la richesse de la gastronomie ivoirienne tout en encourageant des habitudes alimentaires plus saines. Il s’agit de montrer aux familles que les savoureux repas qui leurs sont usuels peuvent être aussi nutritifs ». Mame Pane Sakho, Directrice de la communication institutionnelle et des affaires publiques, Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire.

L’approche nutritionnelle de Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire va au-delà de la sensibilisation ; elle s’illustre dans les recettes de ces produits.

Prenons les cubes d’assaisonnement MAGGI. Ils représentent un aliment de base dans les cuisines ivoiriennes, utilisés pour aromatiser les sauces, les salades, ou l’attiéké. Nestlé les a enrichis en iode et pour certains en fer pour aider à lutter contre des carences courantes dans la région comme l’anémie. Les cubes sont déclinés en plusieurs saveurs (goût poulet, crevettes, piment ail, …) et sont adaptés aux goûts locaux.

Autre exemple avec NIDO, un produit laitier en poudre largement utilisé par les familles avec les enfants. Enrichi en vitamines et en minéraux, il contribue à la croissance et au développement, ce qui en fait une source nutritionnelle fiable pour les enfants dont les repas quotidiens peuvent ne pas être suffisamment équilibrés. NIDO est souvent mélangé à de la bouillie ou servi en boisson chaude, ce qui le rend facile à inclure dans les habitudes du petit-déjeuner.

MILO, la boisson au malt, chocolatée, de Nestlé, est un autre choix populaire, en particulier parmi les écoliers. Il est enrichi en nutriments tels que le calcium, le fer et les vitamines B, qui contribuent à soutenir les niveaux d’énergie et l’activité physique. Consommé chaud ou froid, MILO est une boisson réconfortante familière qui contribue également à une alimentation équilibrée.

Garantir l’accès à la nutrition

Rendre les concepts nutritionnels simples à comprendre et utiles au quotidien est l’un des principaux objectifs de Cuisine de Chez Nous.

Nestlé veut permettre aux consommateurs de prendre des décisions éclairées tout en profitant des aliments qui font partie de leur identité.

Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire tient à ce que la nutrition reste au cœur des discussions. À travers cette série et ses produits, l’entreprise vise à soutenir les familles, à célébrer la gastronomie locale et à promouvoir le bien-être, repas après repas.

Distribué par APO Group pour Nestlé.

Media files

Posted on

Rand Refinery Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 as an Associate Sponsor

Source: APO


.

South Africa’s Rand Refinery – the world’s largest integrated precious metals refining and smelting complex – has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) as an Associate Sponsor. The company’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering partnerships with global mining stakeholders to advance Africa’s local beneficiation agenda, in line with the event’s theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth. 

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

AMW 2025 will connect Africa’s leading gold-producing nations and companies – including Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda and B2Gold – with downstream players like Rand Refinery to unlock the full potential of Africa’s gold sector. 

Rand Refinery continues to reinforce Africa’s role as a global gold powerhouse, having refined approximately one-third of the world’s mined gold to date. The company has a crucial role to play as African-gold rich countries seek to maximize gold production and monetization of value-added products for GDP growth. Rand Refinery is advancing the sustainability of gold processing, deploying a 4.5 MW solar PV system to meet its peak power demand, reducing its annual carbon footprint by 8.500 tons. The firm is also spearheading Africa’s responsible gold monetization agenda through innovative traceability and transparency solutions such as RandTrack and the Gold Bar Integrity platform, while aligning with international standards including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible gold sourcing. The company is also the only refinery in Africa certified by the London Bullion Market Association for good delivery practices. 

AMW 2025 provides an ideal platform for Rand Refinery to showcase its industry milestones and investment strategy. AMW will feature high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, providing an ideal platform for Rand Refinery to engage with African public and private sector leaders, as well as global investors, to shape the future of Africa’s gold industry. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets UK National Security Adviser

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 14, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom Jonathan Powell, who is visiting the country.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, as well as the developments in the region, particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.

During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty in response to the blatant Israeli attack.

In turn, HE the National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom reiterated the UK’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack, and its categorical rejection of any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region.

Posted on

Government engages public on fiscal framework

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

The National Treasury has encouraged the public to submit written comments on the Fiscal Anchors Discussion Document, which proposes reforms to stabilise South Africa’s debt and aims to improve public sector efficiency.

The discussion document outlines how slow economic growth and persistent budget deficits have led to a tripling of public debt over the last 15 years. This has forced the government to spend more on interest payments, crowding out services and investment. 

In response to this challenge, the document proposes two broad reform options namely a Numerical Fiscal Rule, and an enhanced Parliamentary Procedures Mode.

The National Treasury recently held a first round of consultative stakeholder workshops on the document, marking the opening stage of a broader consultation process aimed at strengthening the sustainability, credibility, and transparency of South Africa’s fiscal framework.

“We are encouraged by the thoughtful contributions made during these initial workshops. This was the beginning of a much wider conversation. We look forward to hearing from many more voices in the months ahead,“ Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said.

Three workshops were convened with a broad group of experts with a direct interest in macro-fiscal issues: 
•    Civil society organisations (workshop held in Pretoria on 28 July 2025),
•    Participants in the debt-capital markets (workshop held in Sandton on 30 July 2025), and
•    Academics (workshop held in Cape Town on 7 August 2025)

Building on the success of these first workshops, government will host public webinars, followed by a conference alongside the consideration of the 2026 Budget. 

“In the months ahead, government will have further public engagements, including a larger conference. The conference will provide a formal platform for broad public participation and expert contribution, culminating in a published conference report. 

“This report will feed into the preparation of a refined Treasury proposal for consideration later in 2026. Written submissions are invited ahead of the conference, with selected contributions to be presented during the event,” National Treasury said.

Interested parties are encouraged to read the discussion document and submit their written feedback to: fiscal.policy@treasury.gov.za by 15 December 2025. 

The Discussion Document and presentations shared at the workshops are available on the National Treasury website (https://www.treasury.gov.za/) . –SAnews.gov.za