Trade, Investment and Policy Specialist, Thabo Shenxane has been appointed CEO of the AIDC Eastern Cape.
Mr Shenxane joins the AIDC Eastern Cape (AIDC EC) from his position as Head: Trade, Investment & Innovation at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). He holds a Master’s degree in Economic Policy from the University of Stellenbosch.
In a statement announcing the appointment, AIDC EC Board Chair Mr Phumzile Zitumane said Shenxane’s deep experience in unlocking development funding would “assist in lifting the lid on the AIDC EC’s contribution to the growth of the region’s automotive and manufacturing sectors and the Eastern Cape economy in general.”
Specialising in Policy, Investment and Trade development, Mr Shenxane has also served in executive leadership roles at South Africa’s national Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Economic Development in the Western Cape, Amathole Development Agency and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund in a career spanning 23 years.
At the behest of the Minister of Finance he had been appointed a Board Member of the Co-operatives Banks Development Agency (CBDA) between 2013 and 2016.
In his role at the ECDC over the past four years Shenxane and his team at the ECDC secured investment revenue worth R3.6billion for the Eastern Cape, but he has always balanced high-level trade and investment with the priority of supporting small enterprises.
In the private sector as the MD of Chumisa Consulting, he completed successful strategy development and skills related contracts for, among others, the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs of the Eastern Cape to develop a Provincial SMME Strategy in 2009. Other studies include “Challenges facing Youth Co-operatives in Gauteng” for the Gauteng Youth Commission, a Review of the Implementation of the Gauteng B-BBEE Strategy in partnership with ECI Africa and a review of the North West 1998 Provincial SMME Strategy.
Shenxane said he was relishing the opportunity of serving the AIDC EC team and growing its impact.
“I am looking particularly forward to working with the AIDC EC team who are industry-involved industrial and manufacturing specialists, while also maintaining the high governance standards that have marked the AIDC EC’s 18 year history. We are planning to bring the issues of the automotive sector as part of policy priority to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government”.
“As a responsive and focussed government agency that works to achieve both industry and government priorities – which are not mutually exclusive – the AIDC EC will continue to support inclusion and growth in the automotive and manufacturing supply chain, which is essential to the socio-economic development of the Eastern Cape,” Shenxane said.
Zitumane said former industry-steeped CEO Hoosain Mohamed who “remained a vital asset” would complement Shenxane’s appointment in the new role of business development.
The AIDC EC, founded in 2003, is an Eastern Cape Provincial government subsidized agency mandated to assist the region’s important automotive and manufacturing sectors become more globally competitive.
For more info see www.aidcec.co.za
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) would like remind motorists of ongoing roadworks on the R61 section 3 between Tarkastad and Cradock. There are three stop-and-go sections on this road until February.
The three stop-and-go sections are on a 21km stretch of road, closer to Tarkastad.
Motorists are advised to use caution when making use of the road and to plan their trips accordingly.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure invites stakeholders and interested persons to submit written submissions on the Expropriation Bill [B23-2020].
The purpose of the Expropriation Bill is to:
• Repeal the existing Expropriation Act 63 of 1975
• Provide a common framework in line with the Constitution to guide the processes and procedures for expropriation of property by organs of state
• Provide for instances where expropriation with nil compensation may be just and equitable.
Please complete the submission form on this link: https://forms.gle/UqG2TXTBNzhsy45i8 and email it to expropriationbill@parliament.gov.za or send it via Whatsapp on 060 550 9848.
Submissions must be received by no later than 10 February 2021.
Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Copies of the Bill may be obtained from www.parliament.gov.za.
Enquiries must be directed to Ms Nola Matinise, cell, 083 709 8397.
Issued by Hon. N Ntobongwana, Chairperson: PC on Public Works and Infrastructure.
The Covid-19 pandemic saw the South African SMME sector face major challenges, with many businesses grappling to stay afloat, while others had to close.
A study by FinFind shows that 42.7% of SMMEs closed during the extended lockdown in South Africa, and that 60% of full time jobs were lost during the first five months of national lockdown.
The study was done in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, Business Leadership SA, the Banking Association South Africa, the JSE, and SAICA.
The full report and a six page simplified infographic can be downloaded below.
It’s with great sorrow and sadness that we learn of the shocking news of the untimely departure of the Deputy Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Zoliswa Matana. The Deputy Executive Mayor was admitted to hospital earlier this week due to COVID-19 related complications and we have since learnt that she succumbed today.
We are in serious devastation as the Deputy Executive Mayor was highly active in the implementation of development in the city, more particularly integrated planning as she was responsible for IDP and the performance reporting function. Her astuteness and vigilance will be dearly missed.
Our City has lost a steadfast, raw, vigilant but yet committed community activist whose life story is testimony of selfless service to others. The continuing devastation that is caused by COVID-19 is too huge to fathom and explain.
This loss of the Deputy Executive Mayor reaches us at a time where we are starting to witness an alarming rise in COVID-19 infections, a signal of the arrival of the second wave of the Corona Virus. This happens just as we thought that the storm with the accompanying grief and sorrow has passed.
We send our deep and most sincere condolences to the Matana family, friends and comrades of the Deputy Executive Mayor. Sithi thuthuzelekani. We are unable to even imagine the amount of pain you feel. We share in your shock and grief.
Issued by the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metro
Cllr Xola Pakati
The ECDC in conjunction with South African Embassy Beijing, Consulate General in Shanghai and the Consulate General in Hong Kong invites you to the 3rd series webinar ”Exploring export and Investment opportunities from Eastern Cape and China” in which we will explore opportunities to match buyers and sellers from the Eastern Cape, South Africa and China.
There will be 5 parallel trade sessions focusing on different sectors to meet buyers and sellers in Eastern Cape South Africa and China.
- Food and Beverages
- Manufacturing and Technology Transfers
- Energy and Resources
- Real Estate Investment
- Services and Tourism
Space is limited.
Who should attend?
The webinar will be of interest to all SMME’s, Decision Makers-CEO’s, CFO’s COO’s and Senior Managers looking to establish bilateral trade between Eastern Cape, SA and China.
REGISTRATION LINK: *https://hopin.com/events/investment-and-trade-showcase-buyers-meeting-sellers
For enquiries please contact: Ms. Linda Lubengu on llubengu@ecdc.co.za / 043 7045711
