Author: Web Desk

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Zimbabwe: Zim Woman Kills Husband, Throws Body Parts in Three Pit Latrines in SA

The bail hearing for a 42-year-old Zimbabwean woman, who in 2015 allegedly killed her husband during a domestic dispute has been postponed to September 21 at the Mogwase Magistrate Court in North West, South Africa.

Nancy Majoni is accused of assaulting her husband Prosper Chipungare (44) with a hammer before dismembering his body with a spade in July 2015.

After which she dumped his remains in three separate pit latrines in the Sun City area.

North West spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mr Henry Mamothame confirmed the latest development on Friday.

Source: Africa Focus

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Zimbabwe: Opposition Leader Invites Mnangagwa for Talks

Ideas Party of Democracy (IPD) leader, Herbert Chamuka has invited President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss the state of the national affairs and foster a way forward for economic recovery.

Chamuka, who is one of the several opposition leaders in the country told 263Chat from his South African base that Mnangagwa should give an ear to opposition parties who are outside Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) and hear their ideas for the country.

"My biggest wish is to meet with the President and talk about different things because we are not enemies and we will never be enemies. Even if a lot of people say many things Mr Mnangagwa did this and that, as long as he has not done those things to me or my party, I don't have any proof.

"The issue that I have as a leader, I want Mr Mnangagwa and his Zanu-PF cabinet to sit down and dialogue with us. The dialogue that we have is how we can fix Zimbabwe. How do we remove the people from the mud? We can see the issue of the sanctions. We want to see how they can be removed but the ones at the top are difficult to deal with so what can we do to get out of the sanctions?" Chamuka said.

Source: Africa Focus

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Sphera Announces Expanded Availability of Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Solutions

Sphera’s ESG offering supports companies on the path to net zero while reducing operational risk and enhancing brand reputation.

CHICAGO, Sept. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sphera®, a global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk and performance management software, data and consulting services, announces the widespread availability of its integrated ESG solutions. They consist of a comprehensive suite of data, software and consulting services that help customers quickly and effectively elevate their ESG performance and reporting capability.

With this expanded offering, Sphera customers will have better access to data-driven insights to maximize cost-effectiveness, increase the value of their investments in corporate social responsibility efforts, and satisfy both traditional compliance and future sustainability needs. Managing ESG performance reduces exposure to environmental risk, increases revenue and drives organizations into a sustainable future. With growing investor demand for measurable ESG progress, business leaders need to be able to demonstrate their ESG performance with clarity and confidence. Sphera has adapted its technology suite to specifically address this burgeoning market need. Features of Sphera’s integrated ESG solutions include:

  • Industry-based sustainability data to provide reliable data-driven insights—close to 15,000 datasets for more than 20 industries—into a company’s value chain and create a foundation for fact-based improvement and communication of your ESG performance.
  • Connected, scalable software solutions to ensure transparency and increase the efficiency of each stage of a customer’s sustainability and ESG journey.
  • Expert-led ESG guidance from sustainability consultants to bring deep sector and method-specific knowledge into the equation.

Moving toward a net-zero emission target is one of the most important metrics for ESG reporting. However, the assessment, management and reduction of Scope 3 emissions are the most difficult parts to achieve due to the huge amount of information that needs to be collected and analyzed. Sphera’s combination of data, software and expertise helps companies address these strategic decarbonization challenges.

Sphera’s ESG solution also incorporates a number of widely accepted disclosure framework standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).  This flexibility enables companies across industries to efficiently report their sustainability activities in relevant, sector-specific terms.

“Innovation has always been at the heart of Sphera’s mission, and our laser focus on staying ahead of the risk management curve has helped us evolve to become a leading integrated ESG software, data and services organization—at a time when our clients need these services the most,” said Paul Marushka, Sphera’s president and CEO. “Companies with the highest levels of ESG performance see greater returns on their investments, and we believe our comprehensive solutions can help them harness this powerful correlation.”

Sphera has long been at the forefront of innovative sustainability reporting solutions, leveraging its triple-powered approach of Innovation, Information and Insights to help companies improve their ESG performance.​ Verdantix, an independent analyst firm, recently named Sphera as a market leader for environmental compliance, sustainability management and sustainability reporting in its EHS Software Benchmark report. Sphera achieved the highest aggregate score for environmental compliance management and Corporate Sustainability solutions.

“Sphera is one of the few digital solution providers to bring together capabilities for sustainability reporting, ESG risk management and product stewardship. They’ve made meaningful investments in building their ESG reporting capabilities,” added David Metcalfe, CEO of Verdantix. “Their recognition in our EHS Software Benchmark report is a direct reflection of their commitment to leading the way for corporate sustainability excellence.”

To learn more about how Sphera is helping customers in their sustainability journey, read about how the company helped Aptar, a global leader in packaging and drug delivery devices, validate their ESG risks and opportunities according to the TCFD methodology.

Dr. Michele Del Grosso, global program manager of sustainability at Aptar said that, “Sphera’s corporate sustainability and strategy experts provided Aptar with valuable insights into the financial implications of our climate-related risks and opportunities. This enabled us to provide our stakeholders with valid proof of our environmental performance. By integrating the results into CDP reporting, we were able to improve ESG performance and recognition to become a CDP 2020 Climate A-List company.”

For additional information on how Sphera is helping customers meet and exceed ESG performance goals, visit https://sphera.com/begin-your-esg-sustainability-journey/.

About Sphera

Sphera creates a safer, more sustainable and productive world. We are a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services with a focus on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management and Product Stewardship.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Sphera@AspectusGroup.com

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Le projet marocain éolien + informatique durable poursuit son développement sous un nouveau nom

Soluna Technologies Ltd. s’appelle désormais Harmattan Energy, Ltd.

NEW YORK, 9 septembre 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Soluna Technologies, Ltd., connue pour son parc éolien de 900 mégawatts (MW) et centre informatique blockchain en développement à Dakhla, au Maroc, s’appelle désormais Harmattan Energy, Ltd. Le directeur général, John Belizaire, a renommé l’entreprise après que Mechanical Technology, Inc. (MTI) ait acquis Soluna Computing — une spin-out focalisée sur l’élimination du gaspillage de l’énergie renouvelable à l’aide de l’informatique durable – qui devient Soluna Holdings le 12 août 2021. Le projet éolien Harmattan Wind au Maroc n’a pas été inclus dans l’acquisition de Soluna par MTI.

Harmattan Energy, Ltd. maintiendra le projet éolien Harmattan Wind et gérera toutes les activités de développement.

« Harmattan a totalement inspiré notre business model pour Soluna, qui sera un terrain d’essai important pour le premier projet informatique blockchain du genre avec l’éolien verticalement intégré », a déclaré Belizaire. « Ce projet a le potentiel d’être le plus important en Afrique et de tirer parti d’une énorme ressource éolienne. Notre business model de développement des énergies renouvelables jumelé à l’informatique durable peut ouvrir des perspectives économiques à l’échelle du continent. »

Nommé d’après les alizés de l’Est de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, Harmattan continuera à développer le parc éolien sur plus de 10 000 hectares, y compris les data centers sur site qui utilisent l’énergie renouvelable pour alimenter la puissance de calcul de la blockchain. Harmattan Energy générera de l’énergie propre pour des processus informatiques à haute intensité et potentiellement regroupables. Ce business model résout deux problèmes croissants. Tout d’abord, il crée une utilisation avantageuse des énergies renouvelables « restreintes » ou gaspillées. Ensuite, il offre une voie qui permettrait à l’informatique à forte intensité énergétique d’être plus durable.

Harmattan Energy, Ltd. poursuivra les plans précédemment conçus par l’intermédiaire de sa filiale A.M Wind, SARL, pour développer un centre d’excellence, créer des emplois et établir des partenariats avec des intervenants locaux, notamment des gouvernements, des organisations locales et des partenaires de services publics au Maroc.

La société conserve ses actionnaires originaux, Brookstone Partners, qui sera supervisé par Matt Lipman, directeur général de Brookstone. M. Belizaire agira à titre de PDG par intérim, jusqu’à ce qu’un remplaçant soit nommé. La première phase de développement de 100 MW devrait débuter en 2022.

À propos de Harmattan Energy, Ltd.

Auparavant connue sous le nom de Soluna Technologies Ltd., Harmattan Energy Ltd., a été fondée en 2018, puis renommée en 2021. Harmattan développe des projets intégrés verticalement, à l’échelle des services publics, qui associent ses propres centrales d’énergie renouvelable avec des installations informatiques transférables axées sur le minage de cryptomonnaie et les applications de pointe utilisant la blockchain. Le projet phare de Soluna, Harmattan Wind, est un site éolien de 900 MW situé au Maroc. La productivité record du site apporte une couche d’infrastructure propre, à faible coût et durable à la blockchain.

Dirigée par une équipe de technologues et d’experts en énergie renouvelable réputés à l’international, Harmattan a pour mission de contribuer à un monde meilleur en faisant de l’énergie renouvelable la source d’énergie principale en utilisant l’informatique comme catalyseur.

Le siège social d’Harmattan est à New York, avec des bureaux au Maroc.

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In First Summit with International Business & Government Leaders, Essential Workers to Discuss Framework for Just COVID-19 Recovery

*Tune into Day 2 of the Summit at 13:00 GMT at essentialforrecovery.org*

London, UK, Sept. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wednesday, Sept. 8 marked the opening day of the first-ever global summit of essential workers. Participants from around the world tuned in to a powerful conversation about an economic recovery that prioritizes essential workers, especially women in the informal economy.

“Universal social protections for essential workers are no longer a choice for governments; it is a very necessary move for governments to take,” Lorraine Sibanda, president of StreetNet International, an international alliance of street vendors, told the crowd.

The Essential for Recovery summit, which runs from September 8 through September 10, brings together essential workers from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia with global business and government leaders to discuss a framework for a just economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The event centers the demands of care workers and the 61% of workers worldwide who labor in the informal economy, including domestic workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and home-based workers.

“Home-based workers contribute around $300 billion to the economy, but they don’t get any benefit out of it. We are part of supply chains but we are not recognized as contributors to the supply chains,” said Saira Feroze of the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, on Day 1 of the summit.

The first day of the innovative summit brought together diverse voices from across the globe. Martha Chen, a lecturer at Harvard and senior advisor to Women in Informal Employement: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), interviewed Rosheda Muller, president of the South African Informal Traders Alliance, on how street vendors are organizing globally. Legendary South African labor leader Myrtle Witbooi spoke with Maina Kiai, senior official at Human Rights Watch and former United Nations Special Rapporteur. And actor and activist Martin Sheen and actress Yalitza Aparicio made special appearances.

“COVID-19 taught us the importance of all workers in different sectors, recognizing that they deserve decent work and are important in the global economy. Governments know about this issue, but what are they doing about it?” asked Aparicio, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 2019 movie Roma.

Day 2 of the event on Thursday will focus on the fight against inequality, sexual harassment, and abuse in the workplace. Guests include: Rosa Pavanelli, the General Secretary of Public Services International, interviewing “Mama Union” Rose Omamo, leader of the Kenyan metal workers union; journalist Xanthe Scharff interviewing Mercedes D’Alessandro, feminist economist and Argentine government official; and journalist Reena Ninan interviewing business leader Brid Gould of Sodexo.

About Essential For Recovery:

The Essential for Recovery Summit is led by non-profit labor organizations — including  HomeNet International, International Domestic Workers’ Federation, International Trade Union Confederation, Solidarity Center, StreetNet International, UNI Global Union, and Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing — and supported by the Open Society Foundations.

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media@opensocietyfoundations.org