Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Group has achieved an ISO certification after improving energy efficiency across its markets.
The recent achievement of the ISO 50 001 certification for energy management comes after a year of investment in energy and the environment, the company said in a statement yesterday.
ISO 50 001 is an official and recognised certification awarded to organisations that display world-class, efficient energy management, helping them reduce energy consumption by developing an Energy Management System.
To qualify and retain the certification, organisations need to drive energy management practices such as setting targets for energy performance at a senior management level, implementing policies designed to help the organisation achieve measurable goals, and driving continuous improvement in terms of efficiency across operations.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement, said Vodacom Group technology officer, Mr Dejan Kastelic.
He said climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to society, especially in Africa.
“As a purpose-led organisation, Vodacom Group aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent and source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025,” said Vodacom Group technology officer, Mr Dejan Kastelic.
The certification underscores Vodacom’s dedication to energy management and to connecting for a better future while lowering the company’s energy use.
Vodacom invests in energy efficiency programmes, which include sourcing more efficient network equipment, reducing energy demand by installing lower-power and cooling technologies and reducing energy use by decommissioning and upgrading legacy equipment.
The investment in this programme led to a 26 percent reduction in the company’s energy intensity from the 2023 to 2024 financial years, the firm stated.
“We have seen and felt the impact of climate-related disasters and recognise the need for sustained and improved action to bring about meaningful change. Energy efficiency initiatives are critical to helping us decarbonise society,” said Mr Kastelic.
Speaking on the certification, Vodacom Tanzania managing director, Mr Philip Besiimire, said the telecom firm’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond mere compliance.
“It’s ingrained in our business operations as a purposeful pillar. We have put in place different strategies aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and minimising the environmental impact of our business activities,” he said.
From investing in climate-smart, energy-efficient networks and solutions, reducing waste across our value chain, enhancing climate resilience through tree planting, and ensuring compliance with environmental impact assessment requirements, We’re reshaping our industry towards a greener, more responsible future.”
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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
