Latest news with #Kriel
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Afreximbank wins mandate as sole financial advisor for South Africa's $1.7bln Suiso Project
CAIRO, Egypt/ -- African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) ( Advisory and Capital Markets (ACMA) department has been appointed and mandated as the exclusive financial advisor to raise capital for the US$1.7-billion Suiso Project, a transformative coal-to-fertiliser facility to be developed in Kriel, Mpumalanga Province, in South Africa. As financial advisor, ACMA's role will involve leveraging its network and expertise to structure and mobilise the capital required for the project's execution. The Suiso Project, which aims to promote sustainable agriculture, will use cutting-edge fertiliser technology, such as air products gasification, and is expected to enhance the food security situation in the region. Sponsored by a consortium of leading energy and industrial companies committed to sustainable development and economic growth in the region, the project represents a significant investment in South Africa's industrial agriculture sector aimed at reducing dependency on imported fertilisers. This appointment is a reflection of the increasing recognition of Afreximbank's capacity and commitment to supporting large-scale projects with the potential to drive industrialisation and economic development across Africa. Suiso was formed recently to focus on the manufacture of ammonia and fertiliser, using a fossil-fuel gasification process. It intends to build a more resilient and sustainable fertiliser and agricultural market across Sub-Saharan Africa with more efficient fertiliser application rates and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Suiso plans to establish a blue ammonia production facility with a capacity of 2,200 tonnes per day (TPD). This facility will produce approximately 2,600 TPD of Urea, 1,600 TPD of Ammonium Nitrate (TAN), and a low-density Ammonium Nitrate using prilling technology, with any excess ammonia being sold in bulk. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media Contact: Vincent Musumba Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) Email: press@ Follow us on: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. For more information, visit:
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Principal and teachers ‘arrested' in front of students
Principal and teachers 'arrested' in front of students VAALPARK – On May 14, the classroom tables shook as students laughed when Lumiére Primary School held their Break the Rules Day. Learners decided the fate of their beloved teachers and, by unanimous vote, selected which teachers should be arrested. The 'culprits', a few brave souls who took up the challenge, were the principal Mr Kriel, Mr Wickus, Miss Hanli, Miss Christie, and Miss Lizzy. With sirens blaring and a real police van on the scene, the 'arrests' happened in front of cheering learners who thoroughly enjoyed the fun-filled day. The learners owe a lot to @PublicEyeVaalpark, because it's not every day that you see your principal being driven away in a police van while you sit on the grass enjoying popcorn. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Debate opens door for farmers to stop ‘Kill the Boer' song
The singing of 'Kill the Boer' and farm murders are now on the world stage, say Afrikaner lobbyists, who warn the ANC government to stop denialism and rebuild trust. President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump will put a stop to the singing of Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer. Ramaphosa and his ANC-led government now face a serious choice, said AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel. 'They can either continue to deny SA's pressing problems – which will have negative implications for the country – or they can try to lead the country out of this crisis by, among other things, acknowledging and helping to resolve the human rights violations to which Afrikaners and other minorities are subjected.' 'Where to now' Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) director Theo de Jager said the question shouldn't be who won the debate but, rather, what now and where to now? 'What was clear from the debate was no matter what the Human Rights Commission of South Africa says about it, no matter what the judges in the Constitutional Court say about it, for the rest of the world and, especially for the West, it was not okay to sing Kill the Boer. It is not okay for our government to overlook it. There should be consequences,' he said. ALSO READ: AfriForum's bid to have 'Kill the boer' declared hate speech fails at ConCourt Taking the fight to global platforms 'The doors of justice have been closed to our case against singing this song, but we've learned from this debate that the opportunity is still there to take it to the international platforms. 'We will stop the singing, whether it is in United Nations or the International Court of Justice. We can stop this thing on an international level, because the world now has its attention on this issue,' he said. De Jager said there was no use in saying farm murders were only a small portion of the murders in SA, or that more women, children and gangsters were murdered annually. 'The fact is the farmers are less than 0.1% of the population and if you look at the proportionality of it and the number of farm murders per thousand farmers, it is by far the highest,' he said. Threat to 'survival of Afrikaans' Kriel said the introduction of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act and the Expropriation Act, as well as the application of a range of racially based regulations, contribute to the alienation of Afrikaners and other minority communities in the country. 'The ANC-led government's act of aggression against Afrikaans people by threatening the survival of Afrikaans schools and, consequently, that of Afrikaans cultural communities has caused a serious breach of trust. 'This breach of trust has been exacerbated by the publication of draconian racial regulations that enforce strict racial quotas in the workplace and economy, the denial of human rights violations, as seen in farm murders, and legislation that allows for expropriation without compensation,' he said. Kriel warned that the persistent attempts by ANC leaders and their allies to falsely dismiss concerns about the country's problems as the result of misinformation will fail. NOW READ: Will Trump go after Malema and Zuma? IRR says 'Kill the Boer' chant created problems for SA
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Minister Ntshavheni's comments on misinformation spark AfriForum backlash
Thabo Makwakwa | Published 1 week ago AfriForum, South Africa's Afrikaner civil society organisation, has issued a strong response to recent statements by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, concerning the role of the State Security Agency (SSA) in monitoring and acting against misinformation. During a National Council of Provinces session on Tuesday, May 25, 2025, Ntshavheni announced that the SSA would be taking steps against individuals and organisations spreading what the government considers misinformation about South Africa. She expressed concerns over claims by some minority groups alleging genocide activities by the South African government, assertions that experts and independent analysts have dismissed as misinformation, particularly relating to South Africa's stance on Israel's military operations in Gaza. AfriForum Response Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, responded to these developments in an interview with IOL on Wednesday, strongly criticising the government's approach. He argued that the South African government focuses on prosecuting organisations like AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement for engaging with international entities, including the US Department of State and former President Donald Trump's administration. 'The South African government now wants to prosecute AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement because these organisations dared to engage with President Trump's administration and the US Department of State. 'This is an alarming attempt to silence voices that challenge the official narrative.' He further criticised the government's actions, suggesting they reflect an increasingly oppressive climate. 'The Presidency's attempts to silence opposing voices through intimidation and prosecution do not create a favourable environment, especially with President Ramaphosa's planned visit to Washington,' Kriel said. 'Such tactics resemble those used by authoritarian regimes rather than democratic societies.' AfriForum expressed concern that the government's focus on monitoring and potentially prosecuting organisations based on their international engagement could undermine democratic freedoms and stifle legitimate debate. Kriel accused the government of turning to undemocratic tactics. 'The Presidency now appears to be resorting to actions reminiscent of oppressive regimes to silence dissenting voices. This not only threatens civil liberties but also risks damaging South Africa's reputation on the international stage.' In her parliamentary address, Minister Ntshavheni emphasised the importance of safeguarding national security. She explained that the SSA actively monitors international political movements and support groups due to concerns over their potential influence on South Africa's domestic affairs. She highlighted efforts to combat disinformation campaigns, cyber operations, and ideological influences that could undermine public trust and destabilise democratic institutions. 'Disinformation and foreign influence operations pose significant risks to our democracy,' Ntshavheni said. 'The SSA's vigilance is essential to protect South Africa's sovereignty and ensure the stability of our democratic processes.' While the government emphasised the need to combat disinformation and protect national interests, AfriForum argues that such measures risk undermining democratic rights and suppressing legitimate dissent. [email protected] IOL Politics
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
AfriForum challenges Expropriation Act in court, criticises Ramaphosa for ‘silently' signing the law
'It is clear that the president obstinately pushed ahead despite valid concerns,' AfriForum's application reads. Lobby group AfriForum has formally lodged a legal challenge against the Expropriation Act, coinciding with President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the United States (US). On Tuesday, AfriForum submitted an application to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, seeking an order declaring the Expropriation Act unlawful and unconstitutional. The organisation has asked the court to set aside the legislation and issue a directive for Parliament to amend the Act within 24 months. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa advises Gauteng to take advantage of Expropriation Act In addition, AfriForum is requesting a costs order and has asked that the matter be referred to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) for confirmation should the High Court rule in its favour. The respondents listed in the court papers include the president, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. AfriForum challenges Expropriation Act In an affidavit, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel argued that certain sections of the Expropriation Act contain 'inherent contradictions which render the whole Act unconstitutional'. He contended that the Act introduces substantial provisions impacting property owners, particularly regarding the payment of just and equitable compensation. Kriel also highlighted that the Act affects the legal recourse available to affected parties in courts at all levels, including the ConCourt. While he acknowledged that the outdated 1975 Expropriation Act required revision to align with the current constitution, Kriel expressed opposition to the new Act's allowance for nil compensation. 'The Expropriation Act has been controversial and has elicited broad debate from various walks of life, and is of significant public interest and importance,' the affidavit reads. READ MORE: Expropriation: Another land reform bill in the works Kriel further alleged that President Ramaphosa 'silently' assented to and signed the Expropriation Bill into law on 24 December 2024, after a five-year legislative process. However, the decision was only made public when the law was published in the government gazette on 24 January 2025, more than a month later. He noted that the Act has not yet come into effect, as its implementation date must be determined by the president through proclamation. Kriel described the delay in gazettetting the Act as 'inexplicable,' arguing that it denied Members of Parliament (MPs) the opportunity to challenge the legislation directly in the ConCourt. 'It is clear that the president obstinately pushed ahead despite valid concerns and controversy regarding certain provisions of the Expropriation Act.' Nil compensation Kriel emphasised that Section 12(3) of the Act, which permits zero compensation, opens the door for potential abuse of public power. He warned that any expropriating authority, including 'poorly managed' local municipalities, could take land without monetary payment. 'The Act also has far-reaching and negative effects on property rights, economic stability, food security, the viability of farming enterprises, economic freedom and the like.' He also raised concerns that the law allows a property owner to be deprived of their property while legal proceedings over the expropriation are still ongoing – proceedings that could take years to resolve. Expropriation Act a 'real threat' Meanwhile, AfriForum's Head of Public Relations, Ernst van Zyl, issued a statement criticising the legislation. He contended that the Act had 'serious flaws' and was a 'real threat' to the constitutional right to private property. 'We have heard them highlight their objectives, and we believe them,' Van Zyl said, referring to the ANC's advocacy for nil compensation. The Expropriation Act has sparked intense debate across South Africa and has also drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump. NOW READ: Expropriation Act: 'Contradictory processes' will prevent implementation, says Macpherson
