South African Airways (SAA) is the official airline partner of the 2016 Investing in African Mining Indaba™, which takes place from today until Thursday, 11 February in Cape Town.

The annual African Mining Indaba is a gathering where investors, financiers, governments, mining executives and other industry stakeholders from 100 countries come together for unparalleled insights and deal-making of Pan- African mining opportunities.

“We proudly and responsibly fulfil our leadership role on the continent in support of this indaba, which holds great value for the South African mining industry and, ultimately, the country’s global competitiveness,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

The mining industry has contributed to SA’s global competitiveness. It is estimated that mining also contributes approximately R263 billion (8,6%) to the country’s GDP, creating over 500 000 direct jobs and an additional 500 000 indirect jobs (according to Brand South Africa).

Despite the current commodity cycle, SA and the African continent continue to offer attractive investment opportunities, including new mines and projects, immediate infrastructural development and other critical industries supporting mining operations.

For more than 20 years, the Mining Indaba has presided as the convener of these global players, providing a platform that channels billions of foreign dollars in capitalising the African mining value chain. The event has a strong partnership with SA.

As the longest-running event in Cape Town and one of the main drivers of the local Cape economy, the Mining Indaba will once again bring thousands of influential corporates, governments and other industry stakeholders to not only driveinvestments into African mining, but also enjoy the culture and breathtaking landscape of the city.

In the past eight years, the Mining Indaba has contributed R610 million to the local Cape economy and created 5 000 jobs. In addition, the organisers have established an annual bursary programme, now in its fourth year, providing financial support of R350 000 to four South African university students in an advanced mining curriculum.

Issued by SAA