Wesgro

Wesgro Business Outlook Event: Transport and Logistics as Catalysts for Economic Growth At Wesgro’s annual Business Outlook event on Wednesday, the role of transport and logistics in South Africa's economic growth was front and centre. Held at the Nasdak in the Media24 building in Cape Town under the theme “Logistics for Growth and the Future,” the event highlighted the need for collaboration across the logistics value chain, enhancement of rail and port infrastructure, and aligned public and private sector efforts to spur economic growth. Wesgro, in partnership with the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders, also launched the Business Outlook on Logistics in the Western Cape, a comprehensive publication that outlines growth opportunities within the province’s logistics sector. In his opening remarks, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, emphasised the “urgency of now” for a coordinated strategy to strengthen the logistics sector and drive export-led growth. Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer echoed this call, noting the critical role of logistics in creating jobs and achieving the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy target of 4-6% economic growth by 2035. Cape Town’s James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth noted the importance of private sector participation for the city's competitiveness. Via video, Michelle Phillips, the CEO state-owned ports and railway operator, Transnet expressed the company’s commitment to collaborating with private partners to build a more efficient logistics system. Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander, led two insightful panel discussions during the event. The first focused on the role of public-private partnerships in logistics infrastructure, featuring industry leaders like Busisiwe Mavuso BCompt, FCCA, MBL, MPhil (Business Leadership South Africa), Dr. Andrew Shaw (Transnet), Jaap Van der Merwe (Operation Vulindlela), and Dr. Juanita Maree (Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders). The second panel addressed unlocking the Port of Cape Town's potential, with contributions from Ilse van Schalkwyk, Oscar Borchards, Antoinette van Heerden, and Professor Joubert Van Eeden. Other speakers included Mathys Enslin (DP World) and Jenny Mohanlall (DHL Express), advocating for sustainable practices in logistics. The event concluded with remarks from Terry Gale, Chairperson of Exporters Western Cape, reinforcing the theme of collaboration to strengthen the logistics sector and broader economy. To download the Business Outlook on Logistics in the Western Cape publication, click here: https://lnkd.in/dNM46cmT #Logistics #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EconomicGrowth #InfrastructureDevelopment #Wesgro #CapeConfidence Wrenelle Stander Alan Winde Dr Ivan Meyer Russel Brueton Jean Scheltema Bekezela Phakathi Sarah Brownlee

Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer Dr Shirley Zinn Western Cape Government City of Cape Town To download the Annual Report, click here: https://shorturl.at/l7b3K

🛳 Cruise Cape Town celebrates 2024/2025 season opening, announcing stellar results from previous season Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, celebrated the official opening of the 2024/25 Cruise Season at the V&A Waterfront, marking an exciting chapter for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s tourism economy. The event also unveiled Wesgro’s latest Cruise Liner Industry 2023/24 Season Report, a detailed analysis of the cruising period from November 2023 to June 2024. Last season, the cruise industry contributed R1.32 billion to the regional economy, up from R1.2 billion the previous season, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs across retail, hospitality, and other key sectors. The new season promises further growth, with over 86 ship calls anticipated and 15 new vessels, including today's maiden visit of Anthem of the Seas. Our ongoing collaboration between public and private sectors positions Cape Town and the Western Cape as a premier cruise destination, strengthening the local economy and offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the region's beauty and potential. To read the press release, click here: https://lnkd.in/dUTTDgeD #CruiseCapeTown #CapeConfidence #CapeTownTourism Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer David Green Monika Iuel Travis Stedman

#ICYMI |🌍✈️Cape Town Air Access celebrates FlySafair's inaugural flight to Windhoek! Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, congratulates FlySafair on the launch of the inaugural flight between Cape Town and Windhoek this past Tuesday. Announced in September, this new service operates twice a week—on Tuesdays and Saturdays, adding capacity to one of the top source markets for Cape Town and the Western Cape. #DIDYOUKNOW❓Namibia holds a vital position in Cape Town and the Western Cape's air travel market, ranking as the fifth-largest passenger market overall. In 2023, over 120,000 two-way passengers travelled between Cape Town and Namibia, marking a 16% year-on-year growth, highlighting the significance of this route. Improved connectivity between Cape Town and Windhoek will not only strengthen ties between the two regions but also boost tourism and trade, creating opportunities for economic growth. #CapeConfidence #CapeTownAirAccess #CTAA #Wesgro Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer Russel Brueton Paul van den Brink David King Sibusiso Maneli

The Africa Health Exhibition, the largest healthcare platform on the continent, officially opened at the CTICC from October 22 to 24, 2024. Western Cape Minister for Health & Wellness, Minister Mireille Wenger, and Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander, led the opening, welcoming local and global healthcare manufacturers, medical device suppliers, and industry buyers. During her address, Minister Wenger highlighted the Western Cape government's efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes, with a focus on integrating innovation into healthcare services and facilities. Meanwhile, Stander showcased the province's vibrant Life Sciences and Healthcare ecosystem, featuring groundbreaking innovations from local companies and universities. Approximately 15 of these companies are exhibiting at Wesgro’s stand, presenting their cutting-edge products and services. Through the Cape Trade Portal, these businesses are now connected to global buyers, providing them with opportunities to expand into new markets. The Western Cape has one of the highest concentrations of medical device and healthcare companies in South Africa, with the health technology sector contributing an estimated R1.7 billion to the province's economy. #Wesgro #CapeConfidence #AfricasTechCapital #HealthCare #Innovation Africa Health Exhibition Wrenelle Stander Minister Mireille Wenger Western Cape Government; Informa Markets Africa Health Exhibition Daniel Green Tom Coleman Mandi Swanepoel (nee Bell) JP van der Merwe Melonie Grunewald Brandon Jenniker

🌍 Join Wesgro at Africa Health Exhibition 2024! Wesgro will join over 10,000 global healthcare professionals at the Africa Health Exhibition, set to gather and promote collaboration and advance a more sustainable, impactful healthcare industry. Don't miss these two exciting events: 1️⃣ Health Innovation Event Join Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander, James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, and Western Cape Minister of Health & Wellness Minister Mireille Wenger for an engaging panel discussion on Advancing Healthcare: African Solutions for a Global Stage. 🗓️ 22 Oct 🕰️ 10:00 📍Transformation Zone, Main Exhibition Floor To register, visit: https://t.ly/F0Rsj 2️⃣ Exclusive Networking Event Wesgro, in partnership with Informa Markets, will host a special networking event for international guests and local suppliers at our offices to connect, collaborate, and strengthen partnerships in the healthcare sector. 🗓️ 23 Oct 🕰️ 17:00 📍Wesgro Offices, Media 24 Building To RSVP, visit: https://t.ly/bBB6Z  #Wesgro #CapeConfidence  #AfricasTechCapital #HealthCare #Innovation Africa Health Exhibition Wrenelle Stander James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth Minister Mireille Wenger Informa Markets Africa Health Exhibition Mandi Swanepoel (nee Bell)

Wesgro celebrates excellence at the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism & Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards As custodians of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network membership for the Western Cape’s wine regions, Wesgro hosted the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism & Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards, yesterday at Delaire Graff Estate, in Stellenbosch. In its 26th year globally, and the 4th time Wesgro hosted the local awards, the initiative recognises the Western Cape’s wine tourism industry - a substantial contributor to the region’s economy. Commenting on the sector's impact, Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander, said: ''Wine tourism is a vital part of South Africa’s economy, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience our vineyards, wineries and wine culture.'' According to South Africa Wine, in 2022 this sector generated over R9.3 billion annually, with the Western Cape as a key contributor. The region produced more than 1.3 million tonnes of wine, contributing R50.9 billion to the economy. Highlighting the significance of the awards, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer added: "These awards showcase the creativity and dedication of our wine producers, many of whom are setting the benchmark for excellence and sustainability in wine tourism." Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/dFcuYG_Z #Discoverctwc #WineTourism #VisitWinelands Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer Monika Iuel Julia Louw Lana Carls

📢 Attention Cape-based export businesses! If you're looking to enhance your global competitiveness in the export market, join Wesgro's virtual Export Advancement Programme, specifically tailored for Western Cape-based firms – set to take place from 04 – 13 November 2024. This free 5-part series, delivered over 7 sessions, will cover key topics like export trade fundamentals, financial risk management, and logistics—equipping you with the tools to navigate international trade with confidence.  🗓️ November 🕘 Time: 09:00 - 13:00 📍 Virtual, via Zoom  For more information, and to secure your spot visit: https://t.ly/ZQnyp before 25 October 2024 as spaces are limited.  #Wesgro #Trade #Exports #Investment #WesternCape #MadeInTheCape #CapeConfidence Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer Erica Joubert Nadine Smith-Clarke Nomandla Mene Ayathandwa Makana

Showcasing innovation and creative versatility, Wesgro’s Made in the Cape Market took home four awards at this year’s Loeries. In its 45th year, the Loeries are Africa and the Middle East’s premier awards that recognise, reward, inspire and foster creative excellence in the advertising and brand communication industry - winning a Loerie is the highest accolade for creativity and innovation across the region. The Made in the Cape Market showcased quality Western Cape products from around the province using creative storytelling in retail through a combination of physical design and AR animations. Made in the Cape is a region of origin exports brand built on quality, sustainability, diversity and trust. The market was recognised in the following categories: 🥉 Bronze in Digital - Use of Metaverse, AR and VR category 🥉Bronze in the OOH - Ambient category 🥉Bronze in the Live Events category 🌟 Craft Certificate in the Live Crafts category #Wesgro #CapeConfidence #MadeInTheCape Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer Accenture Song Jean Scheltema Alistair King Sarah Brownlee Raphaella Joannou Danni P. Leandi van den Berg The Loeries City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

#ICYMI | 🛳️ Cruise Cape Town Hosts Networking Event to Strengthen Industry Connections and Drive Growth Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, recently hosted a networking event, bringing together key industry players to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for growth in the broader tourism ecosystem. An increase in cruise liners sailing around the tip of Africa, has resulted in a record number of ship calls in Cape Town and the Western Cape. The 2023/24 season saw 67 ship visits, including 31 turnaround calls, with nearly 150,000 passengers and crew. The upcoming 2024/25 season is set for even greater expansion, expecting 85 ship visits, 36 turnaround calls, and over 15 new vessels, including iconic ships like the Royal Caribbean Group's Anthem of the Seas and Cunard's Queen Anne. In 2023, the cruise industry contributed R1.2 billion to the region's economy. The rise in ship calls this season presents a strong opportunity for further economic growth and job creation within both the cruise industry and the wider tourism sector. #CruiseCapeTown #CapeConfidence Wrenelle Stander Dr Ivan Meyer Monika Iuel Travis Stedman Julia Louw