Max Pichulik

For the DA, South African’s G20 Presidency presents a momentous opportunity for our country under the Government of National Unity to secure increased trade and investment, and leverage international best practice to accelerate our economic recovery, grow our economy, and tackle unemployment. It also presents us with a platform where our government can interface with developing-world leaders in sector-specific programmes where we can learn from, and implement best practice for our own development. We must engage in robust and constructive discussions around our foreign policy over the coming year to ensure that we maximise this window of immense international opportunity for the benefit of all South Africans.

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[New Future Cities Africa episode] The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a key policy tool that forms part of the European Green Deal (EGD) to reduce net GHG emissions across Europe and abroad. Within this context, CBAM can be defined as a carbon border tax on embedded GHG emissions of carbon-intensive products imported into the EU, also from SA. It can be viewed as an opportunity to drive local businesses towards greater economic resilience and green innovation. This episode is part of the "Preparing Western Cape businesses for CBAM challenges and opportunities", a three-part series Supported by the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, produced in partnership with GreenCape, featuring Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, Senior Economist at TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY STRATEGIES In this series of episodes, we will unpack its implications on business, building business resilience, key opportunities, where to find support, and much more. Watch or read the summary https://lnkd.in/eDgtP5kT

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Introducing more Speakers for the South Africa Sustainable Finance Intensive 2024. Join Wayne Hiller van Rensburg, Premal Ranchod CA(SA), Xolisa Dhlamini (CDFA® , CESGA® , LT®), Anne Cabot-Alletzhauser, Belaina Negash, and Mosa Molebatsi at #SASFI2024 as we explore the fundamental question: ESG to what end? - Finding balance with retirement ‘values vs. value.’ Pension funds are increasingly integrating ESG criteria into their investment decisions as investor preferences evolve. However, there are diverse perspectives on whether, how, and when ESG criteria should influence pension fund investments. This debate revolves around the fundamental question: “ESG to what end?" How can pension funds ensure they comprehend their stakeholders' expectations while balancing these preferences with their goals of enhancing investment performance, mitigating portfolio risk, and delivering desired retirement outcomes? Date: July 24, 2024 Location: Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Theme: Resilience Amid Uncertainty REGISTER NOW: https://lnkd.in/dCcxu75t Request agenda: [email protected] Join the conversation in the ASFI Group: https://lnkd.in/ejK4GiNF Stanley Austin Sophie Masipa Gobopaone Gaseitsiwe Resego Majafe Sanlam Sanlam Investments Alexforbes Government Employees Pension Fund GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science) Institute of Retirement Funds Africa #SASFI #ASFI #ESG #sustainablefinance #climatefinance #retirementfunds #investmentstrategies #resilience #sustainability #finance #Johannesburg #pensionfunds

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Innovation Edge aims to improve the chances of children’s life-long success by influencing the quality of their first six years of life. We do this by providing funding and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and social innovators who bring innovative solutions to early childhood challenges in South Africa.     Check out this video to see our investment process and the steps we follow. #TheWaysWeInvest #InvestEarly #0to6Matters

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As we witness a pivotal moment in South Africa's political and economic landscape, I am optimistic about the future. The recent announcement of President Cyril Ramaphosa's new cabinet and the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) marks a significant step towards stability and growth for our nation. The South African Rand's surge to a two-week high following this announcement is a testament to renewed investor confidence. This development brings hope for economic recovery and a brighter future. Key appointments, such as Enoch Godongwana retaining his position as Finance Minister, signal a commitment to financial discipline and economic reforms. The inclusion of diverse political parties in the GNU demonstrates our democracy's vibrancy and the collective will to tackle the challenges ahead. However, we must remain vigilant and proactive. The new cabinet must swiftly implement effective policies, drive structural reforms, and address critical issues such as unemployment, inequality, and corruption. Collaboration between the government and the private sector will be crucial in creating a stable environment for investment and entrepreneurship. At Grovest, we are committed to playing our part in this journey. We will continue to support initiatives that foster economic growth, innovation, and social development. Together, we can build a prosperous and inclusive South Africa. Let's embrace this new chapter with optimism and determination. The road ahead may be challenging, but with unity and purpose, we can achieve sustainable growth and a better future for all. #SouthAfrica #EconomicGrowth #Investment #GovernmentOfNationalUnity #Grovest #Optimism #PioneeringOpportunities

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Hi Ever wondered what the state of climate action is in South Africa? You can view it here: https://lnkd.in/dDVH-aAx In summary, this report is the Presidential Climate Commission’s first assessment of climate action in South Africa. It presents a snapshot of South Africa’s progress toward reducing emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and improving the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans—particularly those most impacted in the climate transition. In preparing this report, the PCC took the following actions: · Assessed progress toward multiple priority indicators of change—encompassing mitigation, adaptation, finance, and the just transition—reviewing available data up until the end of 2023 · Interviewed more than a dozen experts on this progress to substantiate findings and provide broader context · Studied the environment in which climate policy is made in South Africa, looking at the political, development, and economic factors that are enabling or preventing progress · Conducted the first nationally representative survey on the just transition, together with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), surveying more than 3,000 South Africans on their perceptions, attitudes, and support for climate action and the just transition The key finding from this work is that although South Africa has strong commitments and public support for tackling climate change and facilitating a just transition, progress is not happening at the pace and scale required to tackle a crisis of such proportion. Key barriers hindering progress include incoherent policies, weak governance structures, insufficient finance, and inconsistent actions by the government and other stakeholders. From these analyses, we are beginning to identify the immediate actions that must be effected to realise South Africa’s vision for the just transition and overcome these barriers. #ClimateAction #SouthAfricaClimateAction #Sustainability #Climate #ClimateStatus #ESG #SustainableDNA #PresidentialClimateCommission

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https://lnkd.in/du4ZRi6d The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) will launch South Africa’s inaugural State of Climate Action Report today in Johannesburg. This landmark report offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of #climatechange on the nation and evaluates South Africa’s progress towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C and enhancing climate #resilience.

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Exciting developments as Cyril Ramaphosa and Keir Starmer engage in positive conversations! They are looking forward to collaborating on climate change, economic growth, and equality. Additionally, the #G20 summit in #SouthAfrica in 2025 will be a significant platform for advancing these crucial issues. #ClimateAction #EconomicOpportunity #Equality #GlobalPartnerships

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The World Bank has suggested several key trade policy reforms for South Africa. It says that driving an export-oriented strategy can enhance economic growth and job creation while strengthening the economy’s resilience to shocks. “Promoting inclusive growth and development in South Africa requires bold microeconomic reforms to adapt to global changes and address domestic constraints,” said the World Bank. The World Bank said that adopting an export-oriented strategy and making the most of it for South Africa’s economy will require policy changes in at least three key areas. 1 – Structural reforms 2 – Improve export competitiveness 3 – Reforms in trade policy and facilitation #southafrica #reforms #policies #competitiveness #exports #economicgrowth https://lnkd.in/dehPNwu5

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Making History: South Africa’s Climate Change Bill has been signed into law. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Climate Change Bill into law on 23 July 2024, marking an historic moment in South Africa. The Climate Change Act sets out South Africa’s national response to climate change and sets ambitious goals to achieve a low-carbon and climate-resilient future for the Country. The Climate Change Act aims to enable an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa in line with the Country’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Act includes climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. It mandates the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to request essential data, information, or documents from businesses to facilitate the National Climate Change Response White Paper. The Act also formalises the Presidential Climate Commission, which has been operating for a number of years. This Commission is tasked with monitoring and evaluating progress towards emission reduction and adaptation goals, which includes providing advice on the Country’s climate change response to enable an effective climate change response and support the long-term just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society. The Act champions cooperative governance by entrusting responsibilities not only to the Minister but also to provincial and municipal authorities through their respective MECs and mayors. The Act requires that within 12 months the Minister should develop adaptation scenarios which are based on the best available scientific evidence and information, and which anticipate the likely impacts of climate change in South Africa. The availability of such scenarios will be of value to both public sector agencies as well as the private sector and will inform the development of a National Adaptation Strategy and Plan and a Sector Adaptation Strategy and Plan. The Act and associated strategies and plans provide some regulatory certainty relating to climate change; confirming the direction of travel for a much needed development for both the public and private sectors. The Alexforbes Impact Centre of Excellence has been tracking developments of the Bill as it as progressed. The implications are significant and of strategic importance to all organisations, including companies, retirement funds and other institutional investors. Our research shows that South African corporates, retirement funds and asset managers still have some way to go in ensuring their policies, practices and implementation factor in the various risks and opportunities.  We also anticipate further regulatory changes for institutions to support the goals set out in the Climate Act. These institutions should therefore be proactive in preparing themselves. #climatechangebill #climatechangeact #justtransition #sustainability #esg

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You can expect that foreign investors will come and go from South Africa, depending on many things including global strategies and our links to the rest of the world. But while decisions are inevitably going to happen both ways, the more attractive our country is, the more often you can expect investment to be made than withdrawn, I write in my weekly newsletter. It feels now that the withdrawal of investment is dominating. The announcement last week that Shell will exit its downstream business in SA, mostly its 600 petrol stations, was driven by many factors. It has shifted global strategy away from downstream, but if South Africa offered a predictable regulatory environment and stronger economic growth outlook, such a decision could have gone the other way. https://lnkd.in/dKeD449q

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Unlike large corporations with deep pockets and diversified portfolios, SMEs often operate on tighter margins and have fewer resources to weather storms (both literal and metaphorical). Here’s a closer look at how climate change can throw a wrench in the well-oiled operations of an SME:

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South Africa's Presidential Climate Commission has adopted two apex reports, the inaugural South African State of Climate Action Report (SASOCA) and the Just Transition Financing Mechanism Report (JTFM). They don't mince their words: "While South Africa has strong commitments towards tackling climate change and facilitating a just transition, incoherent policies, weak governance structures, and inconsistent actions by government and other stakeholders are hindering progress at the pace and scale required”. #southafrica #climatechange #energytransition #status https://lnkd.in/gBVPxD2D

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Where does this thought process take you?

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The capital markets are being tapped to finance non-traditional entrepreneurs to intentionally tackle SDG 11 in South Africa 🇿🇦. How are social bonds being used to develop affordable housing? 🏘️ Trust for Urban Housing Finance (TUHF) has launched South Africa's first social bond, marking a milestone in urban rejuvenation 🏙️ and affordable housing. From the heart of Johannesburg's Braamfontein, TUHF has been turning declining areas into thriving 🌱 communities since 2003. 📊 Striking figures: 🔹By 2020, TUHF had operations in eight major metros, a loan book of R3.8 billion. 🔹TUHF has not only financed over 44,000 housing units but also stimulated economic development by creating jobs in urban areas - 2,927 permanent jobs created since 2015. 🔹In March 2021, the R2.5 billion Urban Ubomi 1 bond was issued, in partnership with Standard Bank Group, aimed at supporting urban development projects. 🔹R.40.5 million operating profit. 🌱 TUHF’s roots: From their base in Braamfontein, TUHF has seen first-hand how urban areas can be unlocked by strategic investments and entrepreneurs. Their approach? 🔎 Providing capital and expertise to property entrepreneurs to turn ageing infrastructures into affordable, efficient living spaces. 🔗 Read the full case study developed by Impact Investing SA (the GSG National Advisory Board) Supply Side Working Group ⬇️ #ImpactInvesting #UrbanDevelopment #SouthAfrica #SocialBonds

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A recent letter from the president points to a critical issue in South Africa: 🚨our carbon emissions 🚨 “Ramaphosa notes that the world is moving towards greener economies and that a number of South Africa’s major trading partners are also taking measures to decarbonise that will affect the competitiveness of the country’s exports to these markets.” Zero Carbon Logistics is attacking this issue with solar energy charging stations electric trucks, enabling road freight in South Africa for a Just Energy Transition ⚡🍃 Read the full article in Engineering News here 👉 https://bit.ly/4bQD9ih #zerocarboncharge #zerocarbonlogistics #solarpower #chargingstations #justenergytransistion #cbam #greenmobility #electrictrucks #ev #evrevolution

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