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Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I achieve first close at R870m

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Kholo Capital

With a strong pipeline of opportunities, Kholo Mezzanine Debt Fund I is well positioned to advance its investment objectives, making a substantial impact in support of the real economy

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 21, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I (“Kholo Capital”) (www.KholoCapital.com), has secured R870m in commitments for long-term mezzanine debt investment in support of growth, job creation and advancement of transformation within mid-market companies with operations in Southern Africa (i.e., South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland). These first close commitments have been secured from leading institutional investors including the 27four Black Business Growth Fund, RisCura (on behalf of various clients), the Mineworkers Provident Fund, the National Fund for Municipal Workers and Thuso Partners, and represent a significant milestone in the mezzanine debt fund’s ambitions to reach a target final close of R1,5bn.

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I believe that the mezzanine debt funding approach, being a subordinated loan position that sits between senior debt and equity in the capital structure of a company, is attractive because it provides companies with a tailored, more flexible solution in support of their growth needs. Kholo Capital’s selection criteria means it will focus on investing in companies generating minimum R25m EBITDA across various growth sectors of the economy, providing access to capital within a preferred range of R50-200m per investment. The benefit of mezzanine debt funding lies not only in the ability to tailor terms like debt servicing requirements, but also it avoids the significant equity dilution which is sometimes the reality when companies try to fund their growth ambitions.  As Kholo Capital, we are excited at the opportunity to bring a solution to this part of the market and partner with businesses over a 4–7-year investment period, realising not only commercial returns, but with a focus on achieving more holistic impact.

Zaheer Cassim, founder and Managing Partner at Kholo Capital, said: “Our aim is to invest responsibly, and, in the process, create jobs and sustainable businesses. We will add value by providing strategic and financial support to investee companies including family-owned and black-owned businesses. Our assistance will help these businesses to build much needed capacity and professionalise. We would like to thank all our investors that have supported us to getting to this first close”.

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is passionate about making investments that actively take social, environmental and economic impact into account and as such will provide financing, with a focus on growth capital, into sectors of the southern African economy with high social impact including social housing, renewable energy, healthcare, education, telecommunications and infrastructure. The mezzanine debt fund will use the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles with key focus on those linked to job creation and climate action.

The benefit of mezzanine debt funding lies not only in the ability to tailor terms like debt servicing requirements, but also it avoids the significant equity dilution

Mokgome Mogoba, founder and Managing Partner at Kholo Capital, added: “We aim to drive social change and economic growth by investing in strategic sectors of the South African economy, on behalf of institutional investors, in order to fund the development of historically disadvantaged communities. Kholo Capital wants to play a key role in addressing the massive challenges of high unemployment, inequality, poverty and low economic growth in South Africa.”

This mission is critically aligned to that of our investors with Rory Ord from 27four Investment Managers adding: “It has been a pleasure to work with the highly experienced and transformed mezzanine debt team at Kholo Capital as they have progressed to their successful first close. This type of growth capital is sorely needed in South Africa and we are proud to back the Kholo Capital team in their dual goals of strong investor returns and positive impact.”

Principal Officer, Frans Phakgadi from Mineworkers Provident Fund added: “On behalf of the Board, the Mineworkers Provident Fund is excited to support Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I, to invest directly in the local economy for growth and job creation, which are sorely needed. We are also pleased to be able to back a highly experienced team of black professionals as we continue to address transformation in the investment management industry.”

These sentiments were echoed by Leslie Ndawana, the Principal Executive Officer at the National Fund for Municipal Workers: “Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is aligned with the vision of the National Fund for Municipal Workers to contribute substantially to high-impact areas that address many socio-economic issues confronting Southern Africa, particularly South Africa. We are proud to be an investor alongside Kholo Capital and are looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with them.”

With a strong pipeline of opportunities, Kholo Mezzanine Debt Fund I is well positioned to advance its investment objectives, making a substantial impact in support of the real economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kholo Capital.

Events

The 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum Successfully Held in Zhongshan, Guangdong

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Sun Yat-sen Forum

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

 

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Business

Toblerone Presents ” The Ultimate Gift “: The Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

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Swarovski

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.

The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.

However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.

To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.

The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”

The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.

Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

 

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Business

Kora highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure as stablecoin adoption accelerates

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Kora

The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As stablecoins continue to gain traction across the financial services industry, businesses are increasingly focused on the infrastructure required to support their adoption at scale. The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently.

 

This was a key theme at Money20/20 Europe 2026, where global fintech leaders gathered to discuss the future of payments. Across the event, discussions centred on artificial intelligence, regulation and reducing fragmentation across global payment systems.

Industry leaders focus on practical implementation 

As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important

Sessions such as the live Agentic AI demonstrations and the Policy20 regulatory roundtables highlighted the industry’s growing focus on execution rather than experimentation. Stablecoins featured prominently in conversations around faster settlements, lower costs and more efficient cross-border payments.

“Kora is well-positioned for where the industry is heading,” said Tofunmi, Head, Global Partnerships at Kora. “As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important.”

Connecting Africa to the future of payments 

Money20/20 Europe reinforced the importance of payment infrastructure in enabling the next generation of financial services. Throughout the event, Kora was recognised as a trusted African payment infrastructure provider, with discussions focused on the company’s expansion efforts and growing settlement capabilities.

As demand for faster and more connected payment experiences grows, Kora continues to build the infrastructure that enables businesses to collect, send and settle payments across Africa and globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

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