Did the entire country not sigh a breath of relief for pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s televised address on eased covid-19 lockdown restrictions kicking in at midnight? Today on Food For Mzansi’s watch-list is the lifting of the alcohol and tobacco ban, a virtual gathering with discussions on the latest trends in the fresh produce industry and a signing ceremony with the Developmental Bank of Southern Africa, national treasury and Infrastructure South Africa.
1
Victory for alcohol and tobacco industries
It is a long-awaited victory for the alcohol and tobacco industries, as well as restaurants, bars and taverns as level 2 of the country’s lockdown kicks in at midnight on Monday, 17 August 2020. All restrictions on alcohol and cigarette trade will soon be a thing of the past. Liquor outlets can sell booze from Mondays to Thursdays between 09:00 and 17:00. Only on-site consumption will be permitted until 22:00 at restaurants, bars and taverns.
2
Last chance to register for Fresh Connections
Here’s your chance to learn about the latest trends in the fresh produce industry at this year’s historic first virtual Fresh Connections conference hosted by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA). Last minute registrations for the three-day event, starting tomorrow, is now awaited.
Organisers promise a virtual gathering of renowned industry experts, thought leaders and stakeholders across the entire fresh produce supply chain. This includes growers, buyers, sellers, exporters, retailers and input suppliers. Each day’s programme will range between 90 and 120 minutes.
REGISTER NOW: Fresh Connections virtual conference
3
Signing ceremony with Development Bank
The national treasury, Infrastructure South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa will at 11:15 enter into an agreement to establish and manage the infrastructure fund.
The fund, which is a R100 billion commitment for seed funding over a period of 10 years, is intended for the co-financing of blended finance programmes and projects. This includes financing from the private sector and international financing institutions as part of the broader budgeting reforms that the government is undertaking to address problems in the infrastructure value chain. The signing ceremony will joined by the the bank’s CEO, Patrick Dlamini, CEO of Infrastructure South Africa, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and officials of the department of public works and infrastructure.
