Unlocking private sector generation in SA; Business and ICT education #FeesMustFall

The EU-SA Chamber of Business and Industry invites you to a Zoom webinar to explore the opportunities and obstacles to private sector energy generation in South Africa’s cities.

DATE: Thursday 18 June 2020; TIME: 10h00 to 12h00; COST: No cost, free-of-charge

The threat of electricity blackouts at short notice continues to weigh heavily on South African industry, business and households, almost fifteen years after these blackouts first started in 2006. This has a huge cost on the economy and affects business confidence and morale. In 2019, the DMR&E published the long-awaited Integrated Resource Plan IRP 2019, which was promptly approved by Cabinet. 

The Plan emphasizes the need to encourage own use generation through the enactment of policies and regulation (pg 44). This policy statement is a major step towards unlocking much needed private sector investment to help alleviate electricity shortages and consequently increase national production, improve technical skills and create jobs. 

Continuing on path of the current status quo could lead to the least efficient economic outcome for investors, users, municipalities, the utility and ultimately the nation. This webinar will unpack key issues and discuss viable alternatives which could change the narrative. Some of these initiatives are already underway, whilst others are readily available.

The webinar will be will be moderated by Chris Yelland, EE Business Intelligence, and presenters include: Roberto Cecutti, EU Delegation; Nikkie Korsten, University of Stellenbosch; Grahame Cruickshanks, Growthpoint Properties; Sabine Dall’Omo; CEO Siemens South Africa; Kadri Nasiep, City of Cape Town; and Josh Dippenaar, Sustainable Energy Africa.

The Regenesys Business School, with its its South Africa campus based in Sandton, has launched a lockdown higher education initiative enabled by a R100-million pledge from the Regenesys Foundation.

The initiative provides a reduction of course fees by 60% for 500 students. This reduction applies to its online MBA, Bachelor’s, Diploma, and Certificate programmes for the period between May and August 2020. ICT courses include artificial intelligence; blockchain; coding; cybersecurity; data science, digital marketing; machine learning, robotics; and more.

Dr Marko Saravanja, chairperson of Regenesys Business School, said: “Regenesys is deeply committed to helping all members of society that have been affected by pay cuts and job losses to develop a competitive edge and bounce back from the pandemic or to start their own new venture.”

This initiative has been made possible by generous support from the Regenesys community of alumni, students, staff, part-time faculty, and friends of Regenesys from over 20 countries who have pledged various types of support ranging from cash to lecturing, tutoring, assessments, research supervision, mentoring and coaching, as well as salary sacrifices.” 

The places are limited to 500 and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students from South Africa, India, Nigeria and all other African countries.

To view online courses please visit www.regenesys.net, or email MoakamediN@regenesys.co.za