Latest news with #BronwynWilliams
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Enlit Africa 2025: Igniting Africa's energy and water future – just one week to go!
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host Enlit Africa, the continent's most electrifying gathering of power, energy and water professionals. This is not just an event—it's a call to spark transformation, forge connections and power a sustainable future for Africa and beyond. With a dynamic programme bursting with innovation, inspiration and actionable insights, Enlit Africa is set to be the unmissable epicentre of Africa's energy and water revolution. A powerhouse of vision and innovation Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen. Water Security Africa: A Vital Focus Running alongside Enlit Africa, Water Security Africa will tackle one of the continent's most pressing challenges—sustainable water management. With sessions on desalination, smart metering and climate-resilient infrastructure, this dedicated track features trailblazers like Sean Phillips, Director General, Department of Water&Sanitation and Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, who will share strategies to secure Africa's water future. Highlights include the Youth in Water Forum, spotlighting young innovators and a GreenCape-hosted workshop to scale water security initiatives. Unparalleled networking and business opportunities Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by Actom). Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects&Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure. The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment. Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025 Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors. Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom. Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans. Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor. Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management. Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape. Programme highlights 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future. 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa. 22 May: Join the Energy&Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow. For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water. Join the movement With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Free Expo Visitor Pass to the Platinum Package, which includes exclusive access to strategic sessions, networking dinners and site visits. Visit Enlit Africa on or contact Vuyisa Mfobo at vuyisamfobo@ or +27 66 305 7203 to upgrade your experience. Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together! Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group. Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change. About Enlit Africa: Enlit Africa celebrates 25 years in the African power, energy, and water sector. A game-changing event, it brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa's future direction of travel. Enlit Africa takes place from 20 - 22 May 2025 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts. For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at or contact our team at info@ About The Vuka Group: VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.
Mail & Guardian
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Enlit Africa 2025: Igniting Africa's energy and water future – just two weeks to go!
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host A powerhouse of vision and innovation Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen. Running alongside Enlit Africa, Unparalleled networking and business opportunities Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by ACTOM). Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects & Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure. The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment. Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025 Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors. Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom. Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans. Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor. Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management. Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape. Programme highlights 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future. 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa. 22 May: Join the Energy & Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow. For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water. Join the movement With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together! For media inquiries, contact: VUKA Group Media Team Email: Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bizcommunity launch BizTrendsTV: A global first in Afrocentric thought leadership
This month saw the exciting launch of BizTrendsTV. A first-of-its-kind venture and global benchmark for the continent, presenting Bizcommunity's ( annual award-winning trends in exciting new formats, in collaboration with Rapt Creative and The Real-Networks consortium. BizTrendsTV will leverage multimedia platforms, including YouTube as well as podcasts and social media platforms to provide business professionals with accessible, engaging, and authoritative trend resources from Africa's top thought leaders with a uniquely Afrocentric vantage. A leading voice in Bizcommunity's trend offering for many years, fast-talking, fast-thinking Bronwyn Williams, futurist, economist and business trends analyst, has been appointed to host the show which kicked off on 25 February 25, 2025. The first episode on the topic of Afro-optimism is now available on Bizcommunity and The Real-Network YouTube channels. Listen to hear how guest Li Ndube, identifies the trend towards an African growth mindset in contrast to a growing Western degrowth mindset in conversation and a greater sense of optimism that our continent faces versus a pervading Western 'future-pessimism'. Li predicts that technology will level playing fields, enabling everyone with a great idea to participate in new AI economies. The monthly series will deliver predicted trending topics from AI, influencer farming, billionaire bunkers, distraction democracy, Gen Bees, hyper-capitalism, trade wars, exclusionary geopolitical policies, to hot wars and more. Terry Levin, Bizcommunity's Marketing Director explains 'With new world orders changing at speed, BizTrends #CuratingtheFuture will play a vital role in simplifying and demystifying trends for business audiences from learner to leader. BizTrendsTV is a natural evolution and we are honoured to be associating with an A-list of business media partners in this venture.' Garreth van Vuuren, Rapt Creative's CEO and headline sponsor, highlights the strategic importance of BizTrendsTV: 'At Rapt Creative, we believe in the power of insight-driven content to shape the future of industries. BizTrendsTV is a perfect platform to foster conversations that will drive innovation and business transformation and we are proud to be the headline sponsor of this pioneering initiative.' Danette Breitenbach, Bizcommunity's Managing Editor, says: ' BizTrendsTV is a major step forward in how we engage with our audience. By expanding into video and digital platforms, Bizcommunity ensures essential insights are accessible and engaging for business professionals who need to stay ahead of the curve.' Launching 25|02|2025 BizTrendsTV will be available on Bizcommunity's official website ( and social media networks and via The Real Network digital platforms ( and channels BizTrendsTV is a collaboration between Bizcommunity, Rapt Creative and The Real-Networks consortium, and the first-of-its-kind trend show focusing on global topics impacting future socio-economic trends from a uniquely Afrocentric perspective. Hosted by a leading voice in the African business trend ecosphere - fast-talking, fast-thinking Bronwyn Williams - futurist, economist, future finance specialist and business trends analyst - in conversion on trending topics such as AI, influencer farming, billionaire bunkers, distraction democracy, Gen Bees, hyper-capitalism, trade wars, exclusionary geopolitical policies, hot wars and more with leading PanAfrican futurists. A new episode is available on the last Tuesday of every month at 8 am on Bizcommunity's official website and via The Real Network digital platforms. For sponsorship enquiries or to be featured on the show contact BizTrends@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity. Media enquiries: marketingnews@ Issued by @ bizcommunity About Bizcommunity: Bizcommunity is South Africa's leading B2B news platform, providing industry insights, business trends, and market intelligence to professionals across multiple sectors. About Rapt Creative: Rapt Creative is a strategic creative agency specialising in brand storytelling, digital innovation and content production. About The Real-Networks Consortium: The Real-Networks consortium is a collaborative hub of media and production experts dedicated to shaping the future of business content. About Bronwyn Williams: Bronwyn Williams is a futurist, economist, business trends analyst, future finance expert, keynote speaker and media commentator.
The National
10-03-2025
- Health
- The National
The UAE's solution to excessive screen time
That children and adolescents spend too much time in front of a screen is an undeniable truth of the modern world, and one that many of us are confronted with on a daily basis. It is another matter that often parents and grown-ups are all too often guilty of the charge as well. But the worry is greater regarding younger people, as the possible long-term neurological effects in crucial formative years – physically, mentally and emotionally – from excessive screen time, while still being researched, is a cause of great global concern. One of the guidelines of the American Paediatric Association is: screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation. People of various backgrounds are susceptible to these pernicious realities of the digital age, the fixation with screens, social media and the effects of unchecked access to devices on the development and behaviours of growing children. To address precisely these issues, Abu Dhabi has opened the country's first digital detox clinic for children. The UAE has a reputation for technological innovation, strong health provision and being ahead of the curve. It is thus unsurprising yet creditable that the Emirates would take the lead to tackle a persistent issue that is present in one too many households and devise a six-step programme to help young people and families keep within the bounds of what is permissible screen time and what is excessive and thus unhealthy at several levels. Screen addiction among young people manifests in many different ways: disrupted sleep, deteriorating eyesight and or poor posture – from being exposed to the screen's blue light and hunched over phone screens and holding iPads. In terms of harm caused, last year, an economist and trend analyst Bronwyn Williams even likened social media addiction to smoking. As for the mental and emotional tolls of excessive screen time, they become apparent when children become less socially involved in actual human interactions, feel anxious or withdrawn if the device is taken away from them, and even lose some ability to concentrate on a task for any significant period of time, as attention spans infamously plummet with increased screen time. Dr Dinesh Banur, chair of paediatrics and consultant paediatrician at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, where the digital detox clinic is based, told The National: "Digital addiction has become one of the most pervasive yet unrecognised health issues of our time.' What can be done about this rests in large part with parents, caregivers and schools, with whom the task of monitoring and setting limits on screen time lies. Beyond those primary guardrails, professional help could increasingly be the third alternative as specialists and clinics, as the one in Abu Dhabi, grow to address this problem. Considering, however, that screens are likely to be a fixture in the modern world and there's no turning back from the digital age – neither are devices likely to be taken away altogether by parents – one part of the solution of the screen time dilemma perhaps lies in communicating the ill-effects, helping young people understand the problem, and persisting, as parents must, in trying to achieve the right balance.
