Publication of the ANC Progressive Business Forum
Issue 21 | December 2019
R39,95 INCL VAT ISSUE 21
A VICTORY FOR ALL SOUTH AFRICANS Cover_PL21-FINAL!.indd 1
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MESSAGE | FROM THE PRESIDENT
Africa is on the rise
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n 2020, South Africa will be the next rotational Chair of the African Union. This places on us the responsibility to guide the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The AfCFTA is a historic milestone that demonstrates that African leaders are serious about overcoming the legacy of colonialism and focusing on economic integration and growth. As African governments committed to the improvement of our peoples’ lives, we are seeking to build sustainable with investors, businesspeople and entrepreneurs. Notwithstanding the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, Africa is on the rise. Five of the ten most improved countries in this year’s World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index are from Africa. The IMF 2019 World Economic Outlook has placed six of the ten fastest-growing economies on our continent. This positive picture emerging from these institutions points to the fact that African governments are already working hard to put regulations and mechanisms in place to allow the free flow of goods and services across borders. This will enable African businesses and entrepreneurs to expand their horizons,
improving access to existing markets and leading to the creation of new ones. The removal of trade barriers will lower the same time reducing business costs are looking at measures to ease customs controls, develop regulations on the cross-border movement of people, strengthen distribution channels, reform taxation and intellectual property regimes, and improve anti-corruption legislation. The convergence of economies and the integration of markets under the AfCFTA will therefore be a key pillar of South Africa’s tenure as the Chair of the African Union. There has never been a better time in history to invest in Africa. We urge the business community to seek out investment opportunities in a continent with a sophisticated consumer market with increasing spending power, and increased demand for products and services. Ours is a continent with abundant natural resources such as minerals, oil and natural gas, but also vast tracts of arable land and water. The continent has an abundance of wind and sunshine, the drivers of the renewable energy revolution. It is also an advantage that Africa is a rapidly urbanising continent
Five of the ten most improved countries in this year’s World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index are from Africa with the youngest population in the world, and which is expected to have a workingage population of 1.8 billion by 2035. Africa has the potential to be the next great driver of global growth and development and to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty. To realise this potential requires collaboration between governments, business, labour, civil society and communities. It requires investment – from both the public and private sector – in infrastructure and industrial capacity, in skills development and health care, and in food, water and energy security. Let us therefore work together to integrate the economies of Africa, grow the continent and improve the condition of all its people. Cyril Ramaphosa President of the ANC and the Republic of South Africa
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As crime and violence continues to be a factor in our country, assets and lives are exposed without security. WPS continues to invest in highly trained security staff members backed by state-of-the-art technology and equipment capable of responding to any lifethreatening situations at the slightest provocation and our men and women are always ready to confront these situations. As a law-abiding company, our officers, all of whom are locals, are trained to meet the standards set by the Private Industry Regulatory Authorities. In addition to our in-house training, WPS has a network of professionals, associates as well as expert security operators whose role is to ensure our officers are always a step ahead of the game. Head Office: Wenzile Phaphama Security & Projects, Montana Gables, 5 Escallonia Street, Montana Park, Pretoria 0182 Tel: (012) 543 3440 Fax: 086 601 8024 Email: admin@wenzile.co.za www.wenzilephaphama.co.za
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INSIDE
PROGRESSIVE LEADER
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A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa From the editor, Sasha Muller Join the Progressive Business Forum New Premiers: SA’s new provincial leaders
FEATURES
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Rugby World Cup: a victory for all South Africans Financial Times Africa Summit: Africa’s investment climate Gautrain: new extensions Sophia Williams-De Bruyn: leading liberation activist Table Mountain: symbol of natural heritage National Arts Festival: an eclectic blend of arts and culture
BUSINESS FOCUS
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Japan – country focus France – country focus BEE: transformation beyond the scorecard Work ethics: do your fair share Ethical leadership: what’s right and wrong in the 4IR South Africa Scotland Business Network 5 Future skills for youth development Whoosh: affordable turnkey business technology Tendai ICT: turning on Africa’s tech SA’s black tobacco farmers under threat The Solar Bread Box Project
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE 78 86 88 90
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Jenny Wu Soccer Academy Mindfulness in the workplace SEO: Zero Moment of Truth Design Indaba: 25 years of innovation
PBF EVENTS
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Women in business annual awards luncheon South Africa–China Business Forum in Joburg China North East Asia Expo Basic business tax training Luncheon with Malaysian Minister of Trade, Datuk Ismail Top End Dinner in July
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WELCOME | EDITOR’S MESSAGE
Winners – ALL of us! After the South African victory in the Rugby World Cup in Japan, in November this year, Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi was famously quoted as saying: “We represent something much bigger than we can imagine.” His words are hugely powerful and serve to remind us of the light that follows a challenge – an inspiration to continue to take big, positive steps no matter how grey the present skies may be. As we approach the end of the year, for each of us there is much happening and needing to be taken care of timeously. The same applies to the PBF, of course. Daryl Swanepoel, now former Convenor, has taken up a position heading a policy institute. We wish him the very best, knowing he takes with him everyone’s
warmest wishes and appreciation for his years of dedication and service. No longer the Deputy Convenor, I have moved up to become the PBF Convenor, with headquarters located at 77 Houghton Drive, in Johannesburg. I hope to host many of you there in due course. rejuvenate our records and communication systems to bring more advanced technology interaction with PBF subscribers. Part of that rejuvenation will include my meeting you in the New Year, where I will also brief you on these new technologies aimed at streamlining and facilitating our joint endeavours. This way, we can be the most effective voice communicating with
government on your behalf. This edition celebrates South Africa’s Rugby World Cup victory and in keeping with that uplifting tone, other articles in the publication lead us to the positive and the constructive stories taking place in our country every day. In that spirit, I encourage you to see the positive and the good, and to know that indeed, we are winners, all of us – “part of something much bigger than we can imagine”.
Sasha Muller
Editor Sasha Muller Managing Editor Olivia Main
Chief Albert Luthuli House 54 Sauer Street Johannesburg 2001
Content Editors Stephen McQueen Alwyn Marx Art Director Clare Schenk Cover image REUTERS / Peter Cziborra Picture Credits stock.adobe and supplied Progressive Leader is published by Yes!Media on behalf of the Progressive Business Forum. Opinions expressed in Progressive Leader are not necessarily those of Yes!Media or the Progressive Business Forum. No responsibility can be accepted for errors, as all information is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. Copyright subsists in all work in this magazine. Any reproduction or adaptation, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited and is an act of copyright infringement which may, in certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offence.
Publisher Yes!Media Suite 20-301B Waverley Business Park, Kotzee Road, Mowbray, Cape Town PO Box 44383, Claremont 7735 Tel: +27 21 447 6467 www.yesmedia.co.za Printed by CTP Printers Project Sales Managers Christa Nel, Crosby Moruthane Project Sales Reginald Motsoahae Tatenda Musonza Production Coordinator Ursula Munnik
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Business Update is an official magazine of the ANC Progressive Business Forum (PBF). It reaches business leaders of companies that are subscribers of the PBF and other influential government leaders. Capitalising on the PBF’s reach and access, the magazine presents the views of the country’s foremost leaders, thinkers and business practitioners drawn from all fields of business. Its objective is to assist business, and the subscribers of the PBF in particular, to be good corporate citizens in the pursuit of a successful and progressive South Africa.
Expert contributors from the public and private sector provide a holistic perspective on doing business in South Africa’s unique corporate environment. The content offers helpful insights on legislation, advice on growing a business, information on support programmes for business owners, and other useful know-how for every business leader and career driven individual. Business Update is a primary communication channel between the PBF and its subscribers. It is the ideal vehicle for companies to speak to subscribers directly.
TO ADVERTISE IN UPCOMING EDITIONS CONTACT Jan Weiss | jan@yesmedia.co.za | 021 447 6467 Crosby Moruthane | 067 053 0189 PUBLISHED FOR THE PBF BY
Suite 20-301B Waverley Business Park, Kotzee Road, Mowbray, Cape Town Tel | +27 21 447 6467 info@yesmedia.co.za www.yesmedia.co.za
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Join the Progressive Business Forum Since 1994, the ANC-led government has worked tirelessly to transform the South African economy, through fundamental macro-economic reforms, into a robust and vibrant economy characterised by good monetary and
international trade missions and ongoing dialogue between the ANC and the internationally;
BENEFITS TO SUBSCRIBERS
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requires ongoing dialogue between the business community and the country’s
including discounted airfares; •
your business concerns with the business by giving you access to the global banking, housing and credit discussion between the business such as business growth strategies, tax Effective communication between government and the business community has been vital to the economic successes
• be invited to intimate and exclusive
traditionally been conducted at the formal level through entities such as Nedlac and
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In order to continue facilitating effective and vital communication between government and all sectors and sizes of business, the ANC would like to invite you
and so forth; • be able to attend regular courses
that will be structured in a way that maximises honest two-way discussion; •
business; • receive information bulletins and •
To Join the PBF go to our website: www.pbf.org.za/join/php 7
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PBF | NEW LEADERSHIP
Meet our new PBF Convenor In an exclusive interview with Sasha Muller, recently stepping up as PBF Convenor, Progressive Leader found out what makes her tick, and what’s in the pipeline for the future of the organisation and its subscribers
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worth far more than diamonds, the PBF is that much richer for having found a gem like Sasha Muller to come on board as the new Convenor. With an impressive diversity of experience – 20 years locally and internationally as an entrepreneur, government and corporate consultant in global networking, political and culture – she is the ideal candidate for this position. Widely read, well-travelled and multiskilled, Muller is a dynamic global businesswoman, impact investment and communications expert. She specialises in international relations, developing cross-functional relationships that advance mutual growth and cultural sensitivity, all the while promoting social democracy. After mastering stimulating enterprise across complex supply chains to produce Attaché for South Africa to the United Kingdom for the Department of Arts and Culture, she returned home in 2015 to assist institutions in promoting bilateral trade. Since 2017 she has been advising the Treasurer General of the ANC on promoting the local economy, assisted with 2019 National Election Fundraising as well as
implementation of systems to support the newly passed Political Party Funding Act. And now Muller adds Convener of the Progressive Business Forum to her portfolio, putting her at the forefront of keeping the dialogue alive between business and government. We asked her how she’s settling into her new position, to which she enthusiastically responded, “I’m actually really excited about it. I think I have a lot of freedom to make progressive changes to this wellestablished organisation. The real vision is to modernise it – not just the look and feel aspect but also in the way we’re going to approach it, around systematic changes.” Muller says these kinds of changes could be as simple as the way the PBF engages on a social media standard. Though Facebook is certainly not on the agenda, articles on LinkedIn, for example, and discussion boards for increased more interactive approach, so that we can really get a good sense of where the corporate market is and how to feed into policy. And also, we can act a lot faster, because there’s something unique that comes out of an online meeting. We can then react on that, post it and ask people for their comments and feedback.” We were curious about where her passion for business and politics began.
“We can really get a good sense of where the corporate market is and how to feed into policy”
The answer is: with her father. He was an ANC activist, and a journalist for the Cape Times. Seeing his passion for making positive changes sparked a process for her of feeling a responsibility towards society. It made her feel that her contribution could truly make a difference; it gave her the Muller says it’s also in her nature to not give up. Though she grew up in a relatively poor family, Muller worked hard to win the bursary that gave her the opportunity to study overseas (and go on an aeroplane for along the way, but they only became opportunities because she was mentally well prepared, thanks to her intensely curious personality.
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PBF | NEW LEADERSHIP
“I believe in valuebased leadership, in leading not only from the front but from within the group too - rolling up my sleeves and getting involved in the process�
We just need to not be distracted by
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INTRODUCING CDE
NEIL DE BEER N
eil de Beer has served South Africa on all possible fronts stemming from his time joining the ANC MK in the late ’80s, taking refuge with struggle stalwarts in Mthatha and other parts of the Transkei and advising the new democratic government of intelligence. A man so loved by the Eastern Cape that he begot the Xhosa name Sgantsontso (the giant) and a Xhosa clan name Faku that was given to him by King a’Buyelekhaya Dalinyebo. To this day he ensures that he attends traditional ceremonies at least once a year amidst his ever-congested international business schedule. Neil De Beer is the founding President of the Mauritian based Investment Fund Africa (IFA), which has a Pan Africanist objective to develop infrastructure on the African continent, a multinational entity built through a consortium consisting of international funds and banks. He also founded, and still champions, a leading commercial consulting agency known as the Nedebe Group, with strategic investment holdings in several ventures operating in Agriculture, ICT, Mining, Construction, Education, Sport, Health, Food, and Beverage industries. When we asked him about domestic issues, Neil stated, “I believe that the world only wants to give credit to South Africa for its mineral wealth, supreme constitutionalism andexceptional democracy. Generally stopping short of extending that credit to include that South Africa is also a political haven for voters and politicians alike, in light that the amount of corruption that is spread in the media is due to the fact that politically we are strong enough to uncover and expose that which is corrupt, and secondly, contrary to popular belief there is no political violence, with as many as 10 elections, local and national, that have occurred with all of them being peaceful.”
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ADVERTORIAL
“It takes one person to make a change. It takes another two to tango, and three people to make it a company. The companies in our communities make the country and the countries subsequently birth a continent. That is how I derive my CCC ideology of Company-Country and Continent. And that is all that I am about–
“South Africa is a country that allows for businesses to thrive with a business having known clear barrier lines are drawn that demands them to only participate as and when consulted regarding the provision solutions aiding our country’s NDP.” One gets to be humbled by Neil’s global status which feeds
“Neil is a philanthropist who travels the world to change it.”Jaume Puig, Co President, Investment Fund Africa.
“The IFA believes that the investment into infrastructure will enable the push of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the African continent to
For those with infrastructure projects who share his vision and that of South Africa, Neil invites you to contact him via neil@ifa.africa.
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A Victory for all South Africans
On 2 November 2019, a worthy Springbok side were crowned rugby world champions after a record-breaking win over a stunned England at the Rugby World Cup, held in Japan. The Boks also won the hearts and imaginations of those back home with their passion and camaraderie, and their cup overflowing with much-needed hope and euphoria (and champagne!), writes Olivia Main. Long may it last‌ 14
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COVER STORY | RUGBY WORLD CUP
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Picture Credit: GCIS
Rugby World Cup in Japan, back in South Africa people from all walks of life, in their houses, in shabeens and restaurants, at their places of work the country over sprung to their feet with shouts and tears of joy,
Then came the dancing and singing, Shosholoza ringing out across neighbourhoods and from the buzzing dressing room of the Springboks. Strangers hooted congratulations and shared the good news with each other in the streets. South Africa was once again united and alive with possibility. Not many things unite our country the way winning a Rugby World Cup can. After all, its history is bound as a symbol of transformation to the legendary win in 1995, which saw newly elected President Nelson Mandela donning the ‘green and gold’ Springbok rugby jersey. An extraordinary show of solidarity, given
that the country was still deeply divided by the painful legacy of apartheid – where players were denied a place in the team on the basis of skin colour alone. But intuitively, Madiba knew that sport could bring people together, that it could convey the message that it is possible to meet on equal ground for a single shared purpose. If ever there was a time South Africa needed another moment such as that, it is now. Our country is at a critical crossroads economically and politically, given the massive stumbling blocks of corruption, poverty and unemployment we currently face. We needed this win, not only for a team that worked tirelessly to claim the coveted golden cup as theirs, but also for a country in dire need of a reason to believe again in the possibility of overcoming adversity. With his unwavering message of national cohesion, and wearing the number 6 Springbok jersey, President
When the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup as rugby world champions, they lifted our nation with it Cyril Ramaphosa knew too what Mandela understood over 20 years ago. Echoing Mandela’s calm call for unity, President Ramaphosa stood proud in the Yokohama Stadium in Japan, in resolute support of the Boks. And for the third time, when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup as rugby world champions, they lifted our nation with it. Because for them, and for South Africa, it wasn’t just about winning a rugby game, it was about reigniting hope and belief in a nation that has had little reason to celebrate over the past decade.
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THE NARRATIVES BEHIND THE GAME
“We started talking about what pressure pressure is not having a job. Pressure is
with real pressure.
Alexander believes the relationship between talking about how we’ve got the privilege giving people hope. But hope is not talking about hope and saying you’ve got hope “Hope is when you play well and people
land in this pivotal position. and you start believing in that. That’s not way the Boks handled the enormous
responsibility as role models to a nation besieged by poverty and unemployment.
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COVER STORY | RUGBY WORLD CUP
“I have never seen South Africa like this. We were playing for the people back home. We can achieve anything if we work together as one. It was like in ‘95. So many challenges we have [in South Africa]. The coach told us we are not playing for ourselves, we were playing for the people back home” - Siya Kolisi
CHANGING THE LEGACY OF RUGBY The trending slogan #StrongerTogether, a message Kolisi and his team represent literally, is an inspiration to all, but particularly to young South Africans. The start to Kolisi’s story as a rugby player mirrors many a young underprivileged poverty-stricken township, Kolisi seized the rare opportunity to train formally when it came knocking. Current SA Rugby president Mark around the number of players of colour in the Bok side. “People think we prioritise transformation to give black players opportunities, but it is about more than that,” Alexander says. “Black players make up 80% of our pool, so if we don’t take transformation seriously, we will have no rugby by 2030. It’s about survival.” Although Alexander believes rugby can be used as an effective tool for social cohesion, and that the passion for the sport within the communities is clearly evident, he says there remains major
barriers to progress in player development,
Building on the success of the Springboks’ triumph, SA Rugby will hold an event in January 2020 to rally support for the sport. “We want to use this success to help generate funds down to the unions,” he said. Erasmus also showed his strong admiration for Kolisi’s bravery and commitment to lift himself out of poverty, saying, “It’s easy to talk about going through hard times and struggling to get opportunities. But then you think about it clearly. At one stage Siya didn’t have food or shoes to go to school, and now he’s led South Africa to the World Cup – that should sum up what Siya is.” PRESIDENT HAILS SPRINGBOK RUGBY WORLD CUP TRIUMPH South Africans have been angry about the slow pace of economic transformation. They feel betrayed, and demoralised by the lack of opportunities to participate
meaningfully and productively in the economy. But with a victory in hand, the mood in the country has shifted somewhat. South Africans are inherently resilient and forgiving, learnt from decades of with their perpetrators. So, as we wake up in the afterglow of the win and are reminded of the challenges we still face, we need to take a lesson out of the Springboks’ game plan: to use brute strength to overcome the negativity of greed and corruption, the cunning to attract the positive returns of international investment and local infrastructure, and the stamina to stay the course of South Africa’s growth and to create another ‘good news’ story for our country. Such is the sentiment of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who expressed his elation at the Springboks’ triumph in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, saying “it’s a great outcome”.
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COVER STORY | RUGBY WORLD CUP
Speaking moments after the Springboks beat England 32-12 at the International Stadium in Yokohama, President Ramaphosa said: “The boys have outshone everyone in the world. They are the best; they are the best team. When I spoke to them hours before the match, I could see in their eyes that they were really determined, and they have delivered a great victory. It was really Go Bokke! “We are the Champions; indeed, we are the champions of the world.” The president congratulated captain Siya Kolisi, coach Rassie Erasmus and the technical staff, the tournament squad, the team on the day and the leadership of SA Rugby for securing the Webb Ellis staged in Asia. As he reflected upon what the Springboks had achieved, and how they had handled the high expectations weighted on them, the president offered insight into how we may draw inspiration from our triumphant team and turn the notion of ‘failure’ on its head. “This is a historic moment for South Africa, for World Rugby and for Japan as the host nation and close partner of South Africa. “This historic win has been achieved with the passionate support of more
than 57 million South Africans who have been inspired by the Springboks’ performances throughout the tournament. “This is a powerful indicator of what we can achieve as South Africans when we set goals for ourselves and we work together to achieve success. “This is a moment of inspiration for all South Africans in all avenues of life and all sectors of our society. It is a moment that is embedded forever in our national memory.” Doumo Arigatou, Japan.
“A moment of inspiration for all South Africans in all avenues of life and all sectors of our society... a moment that is embedded forever in our national memory” President Ramaphosa
10 Fast facts about the Boks at RWC19 South Africa is now tied with New Zealand with three Rugby World Cup victories each. South African to score a try in a
the title after having lost a match in the pool stage. Handre’ Pollard scored the most points in the tournament. South Africa is the only team in RWC They won the only two they featured in (1995 and 2007).
win the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup in the same year. Frans Steyn is the 21st player in Rugby World Cup history to win the Webb Ellis Cup twice. Bongi Mbonambi was the most successful tackler in the tournament. South Africa scored the most posts in the tournament. teams that have appeared in a
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An unforgettable year for Japan and South Africa In this message from H E Mr Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of South Africa, he congratulates the Springboks on their RWC triumph, and says Japan is proud to be associated with South Africa and the encouraging message of unity it has sent to the world
I am also grateful to the 10 000 South Africans who visited Japan during the Rugby World Cup. I hope they experienced and enjoyed the spirit of our hospitality, Omotenashi. For South Africa, thanks to the Springboks, 2019 will be remembered as The Year of Victory and I am particularly proud that the name of the host country, Japan, and that of the city of Yokohama associated forever with this memorable achievement. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Springboks and also to the people of South Africa. United, you achieved a remarkable result. You sent an encouraging message to the world.
JAPANESE INVESTMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA President Ramaphosa never returned home from Japan with empty hands. He got the commitment of Japan to support South Africa to overcome the challenges it
faces, namely job creation and skills development – the key for both is investments. The two business conferences he (on the sidelines of the G20 Summit) and the second one in Yokohama (on the sidelines of TICAD 7), brought a tangible commitment from the Japanese side. The South African Investment Conference in November brought not only pledges from the Japanese private sector, but also the establishment of a ‘Business Forum’ between Japan and South Africa, an ‘institution’ warmly welcomed by the Japanese business community who wish to invest more in South Africa. As the world’s third-largest economy, Japan is one of the Top 10 long-term investment partners of South Africa, with more than 160 companies operating in South Africa, such as Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Komatsu and NEC to name but a few. They have created more than 150 000 jobs in South Africa.
Picture Credit: AFLO
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he year 2019 became an unforgettable, memorable, historical year for both Japan and South Africa. For Japan, a new era started with the accession to the throne of the new Emperor Naruhito in May, followed by an unprecedented busy schedule hosting four big international events in one year: the G20 Summit in Osaka (June), the 7th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD 7) in Yokohama (August), the Enthronement Ceremony of the new Emperor (October) and the Rugby World Cup (September to November). South Africa as a member of the G20, a participant of TICAD, and as a rugby nation, accompanied Japan throughout this year. President Ramaphosa and members of his cabinet travelled to Japan twice, and the historic victory of the Springboks brought President Ramaphosa to Japan again. It was indeed his third visit to Japan in four months – an unprecedented record for the President of South Africa.
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COUNTRY FOCUS | JAPAN
Well-known names and their investment Nissan’s new-generation Navara (R3-billion), Isuzu’s new-generation bakkie programme (R1.2-billion), and Toyota’s Hiace (R454-million) and new passenger car, including a hybrid model (R2.4-billion). On the occasion of TICAD 7 this year – a large international conference Japan co-organises every three years with the UN, the World Bank and the African Union Commission, which welcomed 42 Heads of State or Government – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that since TICAD VI (in 2016), more than US$20-billion in Japanese investment has flowed into Africa, and he added: “I make this pledge to you. The Government of Japan will put forth every possible effort so that the power of Japanese private investment of US$20billion dollars in three years should, in the years to come, be surpassed anew from one day to the next.” A good portion of the Japanese private investment is expected to flow through South Africa, a business hub for Japanese companies on the continent.
JAPAN AND SOUTH AFRICA: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE South Africa and Japan have been cooperating for the past 109 years, with full diplomatic relations between the two nations only being established after former President Nelson Mandela visited Japan as South Africa’s leader, in July 1995. The two countries have a substantial history. Japan played a crucial role as a friend of South Africa in the anti-apartheid movement to drive change in South Africa. This relationship was clearly demonstrated and cemented when Mr Mandela chose
a country that weathers fearsome natural disasters with such calm and fortitude, and displays an astonishing work ethic and innovation central to building a new and better world”.
JAPANESE ASSISTANCE Through its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Japan has supported South Africa’s human resource development under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It provides this assistance in close alignment with South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDSA). Thus far, more than 1 300 South Africans
courses in Japan. Moreover, approximately 113 South Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative), which was announced by Prime Minister Abe at TICAD V in 2013. The ABE Initiative was launched to develop human resources in both the public and private sectors, by providing fully-funded Master’s Scholarships at Japanese Universities and the opportunity to work at Japanese enterprises. More than 1 200 participants have joined the programme since 2014. In July 2018 JICA agreed to launch a three-year Specialised Artisans Training
pilot project for South Africans, focusing on the automotive and energy sectors, which will later be rolled out to South African Colleges.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS Fruitful and constructive relations between our two countries will continue to grow and flourish. On 1 May 2019, with the accession to the throne of the new Emperor, Japan entered a new era, the Reiwa Era. ‘Reiwa’ means ‘beautiful harmony’, referring to a culture coming into being and flourishing when people bring their hearts and minds together in a beautiful manner. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games heading to Tokyo next year, the ‘beautiful harmony’ between Japan and South Africa looks set to grow stronger in the years to come, as relations are strengthened for the common goal of mutual contribution to the good of humanity. The three visits by President Ramaphosa to Japan this year and the 10 000 South Africans who visited Japan for the Rugby World Cup, will amplify the importance which both countries place on their relations. We hope to see you in Japan again next year. The 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games are waiting for you. H E Mr Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of South Africa
visit following his release in 1990. between nations as much as the communion of ideas. Fewer still reflect the respect nations accord one another better than the recognition of their mutual contribution to the good of humanity.” – Nelson Mandela In 1995, during a visit to Japan, Nelson Mandela described Japan as a country “… that has embraced peace with a passion; …
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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDES TO GOVERNMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Yes! Media’s annual Government Handbooks are the most comprehensive guides to government in South Africa. Each publication focuses on a particular layer of government, and together they provide detailed information on more than 800 national and provincial departments, institutions, public entities, state-owned enterprises, and municipalities. The comprehensive directories provide relevant descriptive information, contact details, particulars of senior political and administrative officials, as well as financial and other performance information.
The Handbooks are aimed at government officials, local and foreign representatives of business, as well as investors and NGOs, who need complete, yet concise, reference sources to South African government. Copies are distributed to senior government and municipal officials, government and industry bodies, investment promotion agencies and business chambers. Copies are sold to the private sector via the Yes! Media website. Online versions of previous editions of the print publications can be viewed at www.issuu.com/yesmedia
To advertise in future editions contact: Jan Weiss | Email: jan@yesmedia.co.za | Tel: 021 447 6467 To order copies of current editions visit www.yesmedia.co.za.
Suite 20-301B Waverley Business Park, Kotzee Road, Mowbray, Cape Town Tel | +27 21 447 6467 | info@yesmedia.co.za
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GOVERNMENT | NEW PREMIERS
SA’S NEW PROVINCIAL LEADERS
Picture Credit: GCIS
Following the general elections on 8 May 2019, the country’s newly elected premiers took their seats at the head of their respective provinces, with much hope pinned on the principles of gender parity, unity and stability to move these provinces in the right direction
EASTERN CAPE Mr Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane (ANC)
FREE STATE Mrs Sefora Hixsonia Ntombela (ANC)
GAUTENG Mr Malemolla David Makhura (ANC)
KWAZULU-NATAL Mr Sihle Zikalala (ANC)
LIMPOPO Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha (ANC)
MPUMALANGA
NORTHERN CAPE Dr Zamani Saul (ANC)
WESTERN CAPE Mr Alan Richard Winde (DA)
NORTH WEST
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President Cyril Ramaphosa gave an arresting keynote address at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2019, held at Claridges Hotel, London, on 14 October. His speech captures the essence of the message on the day, which was one of shared challenges, shared solutions and shared success
Picture Credit: GCIS
Africa’s climate of reform attracts new investors 24
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FEATURE | FINANCIAL TIMES AFRICA SUMMIT
Picture Credit: GCIS
I
“It’s been proven many times over and in numerous countries that discerning investors who have the foresight to invest in Africa can earn good returns”
As we pursue economic integration, these regions are taking on a greater
countries to promoting greater economic
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of the Organisation of African Unity 56 years ago. As we meet here to discuss the potential for scaling up investment and trade with and within the African continent, we do so with an appreciation that we are on the cusp of a new era. We share a common vision to see greater levels of investment directed into Africa and to see higher volumes of intra-African trade. Trade among countries in Africa is currently at 15%, compared to 47% in the Americas, 61% in Asia and 67% in Europe. By some estimates the new free trade area could increase the value of intra-African trade by 15 to 25% by 2040. In addition to its economic impact, the African Continental Free Trade Area will have far-reaching political, social, physical and international effects. On the economic front, it will improve access to existing markets and lead to the creation of new ones. The free flow of goods and services will enable African businesses and entrepreneurs to expand their horizons. It will lead to the creation of a huge number of both big and small businesses. This treaty will unleash the manufacturing and industrial capability of the continent as companies will seek to make products for the burgeoning African market. The removal of trade barriers will Business costs will be reduced and African governments are hard at work putting regulations and mechanisms in
place to ensure that the free trade area is a success. These include easing customs controls, developing regulations on the cross-border movement of people, reforming taxation and intellectual property regimes and improving anti-corruption legislation. On the political front, the AfCFTA will help to consolidate the union among all African states. It will reduce the potential for wars with countries that you trade with. From a social perspective, it is likely to result in a more cosmopolitan Africa as the greater movement of people and skills brings more people of diverse backgrounds and nationalities together. As African countries become more connected to each other through highways and railway lines, through regional power grids and water infrastructure, the continent will undergo a infrastructural transformation. The borders drawn up in the palaces of Europe will gradually become less that will link African economies together. The AfCFTA will also have a broader international impact as Africa will be able to deal with other trade blocs from a position of greater strength, able to demonstrate economies of scale. As the incoming chair of the African Union next year, South Africa will put great emphasis on giving effect to the agreement on the Continental Free Trade Area. There is much work that needs to be done and many obstacles that need to be overcome, but we are determined that Africa should seize this moment.
“Between 2017 and 2018 global foreign direct investment to Africa rose by 11% at a time when global FDI flows fell by 13%� The convergence of economies and the integration of markets under the AfCFTA will make the case for investing in the African continent even stronger. This is a continent with abundant natural resources such as minerals, oil and natural gas, but also vast tracts of arable land and water, as well as wind and sunshine – the drivers of the renewable energy revolution. Africa is the continent with the youngest population in the world, and which is expected to have a working age population of 1.8 billion by 2035. It is a rapidly urbanising continent. By 2030 Africa will host more than 41 megacities with more than 10 million inhabitants each. This growth in urban populations is contributing to raised standards of living and rising affluence. Africa has become a sophisticated consumer market with increasing spending power, and increased demand for products and services. Over the last two decades, Africa has become more stable as democracy has spread. This year alone, elections have been held in Nigeria, South Africa, Malawi, Mauritania and now Tunisia.
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FEATURE | FINANCIAL TIMES AFRICA SUMMIT
This week there will be elections in Mozambique, and later in the year in Ghana, Cameroon, Botswana, Namibia and Algeria. These aren’t just political milestones for the respective countries. They are a signal of growing political stability. National elections on the African continent have become the norm rather than an exception. Across Africa, countries are enacting Public institutions are being reformed and laws around corruption and bribery are being strengthened. Because of these cumulative reforms, in this year’s World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index are from Africa. This should Between 2017 and 2018 global foreign direct investment to Africa rose by 11% at a time when global FDI flows fell by 13%. According to the IMF, of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies, six are in Africa. These countries are industrialising, diversifying and attracting new investment. Their economies are becoming increasingly sophisticated as investors seek returns in industries from renewable energy to ICT, from telecoms to agribusiness. This is not to make light of our challenges. Unemployment, especially among young people, is still high. Poverty is widespread and inequality is growing. Millions do not have access to proper health care or decent education. The IMF estimates that Africa needs to create 20 million jobs a year over the next two decades. The average debt-to-GDP ratio on the continent has risen to 57%, with debt servicing costs increasing sharply. Policy and regulatory uncertainty, weak implementation and corruption is deterring investors. These are challenges we recognise and are working to overcome. Like many other countries on the continent, South Africa is positioning itself as an investment destination of choice. At the core of these efforts are good governance, growth enhancing reforms and macro-economic stability. We have vast mineral and natural resources, and the third-largest coastline in Africa. We have world-class infrastructure, a sophisticated and well-regulated
an independent judiciary, strong a diverse manufacturing base and an able workforce. Since last year we have been implementing key structural reforms to address perennially weak growth, ignite economic activity, restore investor steps to provide greater policy certainty in areas such as mining, oil and gas and telecoms as part of efforts to create a stable environment for investment.
lower-emission coal technologies, nuclear, hydropower, gas, renewables and battery storage. We have initiated the release of the high-demand broadband spectrum, which will bring down data costs and encourage investment. As part of attracting skilled professionals and growing tourism, we have prioritised immigration reform and changes to the visa regime. We are undertaking a process of accelerated land reform guided by the recommendations of an expert panel.
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They have presented a comprehensive package of measures to resolve what is not only one of the great injustices of our colonial and apartheid history, but is also an impediment to faster, more inclusive growth. We are undertaking this work in line with the prescripts of our Constitution, committed not only to safeguard property rights, but also to ensure that all our people have an equal opportunity to exercise such rights. We are keen to take advantage of the We are therefore developing plans for industries with high growth potential, such as automotive, clothing and textiles, gas, chemicals and plastics, renewable energy, oceans economy, agriculture and the hightech industries. Our focus is on expanding trade and investment links with the rest of the Southern African region and the continent at large. As the largest manufacturing economy in sub-Saharan Africa, the AfCFTA presents immense opportunities for South Africa. For example, we are the largest exporter of trucks to the rest of
Africa, and the fourth-largest exporter of cars. Exports to other African countries directly support about 250 000 South African jobs. We are also strengthening trade ties with other regions of the world. Most recently, Southern African region concluded a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom in the event of a ‘no-deal Brexit’. The new agreement will effectively replicate the terms of trade present in the existing SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement in respect of tariffs, quotas, rules of origin, and health and safety regulations. This agreement is important for the thousands of South African workers whose jobs are dependent on bilateral trade with Britain, and for the investors who have utilised South Africa as an export base to the UK and the rest of the world. In less than a month from now, we will host the second South Africa Investment Conference, as part of our national drive to attract US$100-billion in new investment conference last year raised around US$20-billion in investment commitments.
Our focus at this year’s conference will be on moving beyond commitments to bankable projects that are ready to be implemented. It is through building social compacts among all partners – government, labour, business and civil society – that we will be able to overcome our economic and social challenges. I have monthly meetings with leaders of business, labour and community organisations on detailed measures to address the unemployment crisis in our country. We are scaling up initiatives to promote youth employment and small business development. South Africa recognises that to grow our economy, create jobs and support investment we have to pursue prudent policies coupled with sound macroeconomic management. At a pressure, we are committed to ensuring debt sustainability, improving the composition of spending and reducing risks arising from contingent liabilities, especially of our state-owned enterprises. One of the greatest challenges to our economy is the dire state of our electricity
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FEATURE | FINANCIAL TIMES AFRICA SUMMIT
“African governments, companies and citizens are embracing innovation and technology to overcome the developmental constraints Africa has long faced”
for investment in wind, solar, bioenergy, hydro and natural gas. South Africa’s renewable energy independent power producer programme, for example, has attracted approximately US$14-billion in private sector investment in 102 projects and created around 40 000 jobs. Africa’s success will lie in collaboration, in cooperation and in partnerships for countries working to advance the interests of their people, seeking African solutions to African problems. Africa wants to deal with the rest of the world on its own terms. It wants to see an end to outside interference, particularly from those countries that continue to fuel conflict in African countries. The continent cannot develop fully for as long as parts of Africa remain theatres of war to advance the interests of powers beyond our shores.
utility, Eskom, which has huge debt, severe liquidity problems and extensive operational challenges. We have embarked on a process to strengthen governance, cut costs, improve revenue collection and increase energy availability and plant performance. This is part of a longer term plan for the company that will see it unbundled into three separate entities responsible for generation, transmission and distribution. By acknowledging, confronting and addressing such challenges, we are certain that South Africa will be well-positioned to take full advantage of the many opportunities on the African continent. We are a continent of entrepreneurs, a critical ingredient for growth. African governments, companies and citizens are embracing innovation and technology to overcome the developmental constraints Africa has long faced. One need only look at the exponential growth of mobile money transactions since M-Pesa entered the East African market over a decade ago. Twenty-one percent of adults in subSaharan Africa now have a mobile money
account – the highest of any region in the world. In Ethiopia, drones are being used to deliver medication and even blood supplies to remote areas of the country. Across cities in Nigeria, solar powered phone charging kiosks have become a familiar sight. But Africans aren’t just consumers of technology. They are inventing, adapting and customising it for their needs. Africa’s need for infrastructure is a major investment opportunity as we strive to meet our industrialisation goals. We need cables and ports. We also need more social infrastructure like roads, schools, public housing and clinics. The African Development Bank estimates that Africa’s infrastructure needs amount to some US$130-billion to US$170-billion a year. This need will not be met without South Africa is in the process of setting
multilateral development banks, asset managers and commercial banks. With the global move towards cleaner energy sources, Africa is perfectly situated
are used in theatres of war on the African continent should instead be building bridges, ports and rail lines, schools, hospitals and clinics. As governments we are committed to create the necessary enabling environment for business to flourish. I call on the investor community to harness the climate of reform that is sweeping the continent and take advantage of its momentum. There has never been a better time to invest in Africa. As the continent grows and reaped in years and decades to come. As African nations, there has never been a better time to deepen our collaboration to Area, our most ambitious collective venture yet, is a success. As Kwame Nkrumah famously said: “Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.” This is an opportunity to grow our economies, but also to use our considerable collective resources to uplift our people and improve their condition. We may come from different parts of the world, we may speak different languages and have different cultures. But our fortunes are intertwined. Our destinies intersect. And ultimately, our success story will be a shared one.
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Gautrain:
for people on the move The proposed new extensions for the Gautrain route are set to boost Gauteng’s current transport system, to halt the steadily increasing number of road-based commuters from coming to a standstill
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FEATURE | GAUTRAIN
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lmost ten years since the operations of the Gautrain System commenced, the system has transformed commuter behaviour and contributed to the integration of the Gauteng City Region. Deemed the biggest Public Private Partnership project in Africa, the Gautrain has made rapid travel between major commercial nodes across the Gauteng province possible. It has not only changed the perceptions of public transport in Gauteng, but most importantly, it has tangibly changed the lives of public commuters.
Gauteng Province is rapidly becoming a globally attractive destination for business and leisure, with the exponential population growth of approximately 15.2 million people living in the region. While there are a range of factors that have influenced this trend, Gautrain has been an integral part of putting the province on and reliable public transit system. With the influx of the population into the there is a need for the development of additional transport infrastructure – essential to providing accessibility, safety and convenience to local residents. In 2016 the Gauteng Provincial Government commissioned a feasibility study on the Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN), the outcomes of which can be found in the Feasibility Study for Possible Rapid Rail Extensions to the Gauteng Network report, has been submitted to National Treasury, where it is awaiting Treasury Approval I (TAI) for Phase 1 of the proposed extensions. The proposed expansion to Gauteng’s rapid rail network will see new stations being built in areas such as Boksburg,
Roodepoort, Mamelodi, Irene and Lanseria airport. The advent of the proposed extensions also heralds good news for commercial and housing markets along the proposed route. Since the establishment of the Gautrain Stations in Rosebank and Sandton, property prices in the area have skyrocketed. Gautrain has already stimulated new development nodes around its stations and large residential development close to its stations. NEW PHASES FOR THE GAUTRAIN This state-of-the-art rapid rail network currently comprises two links: one between Tshwane and Johannesburg and the other between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton. Apart from the three terminal stations of these two links, seven other stations are linked by approximately 80km of rail along the route. The below map – provided by the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) – shows what Gauteng’s new rapid rail network routes could look like after all the planned new stations have been developed.
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While the GMA waits for feedback on the extensions from the National Treasury as to whether they can indeed break ground on the new routes and stations, the agency has also initiated a preliminary route alignment study to determine the route for Phase 1, which includes nodes from Sandton, through Randburg to Little Falls. The study is as per the prescripts of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA). The Gautrain has continued to positively impact on social investment, influencing transport choices, reinforcing development nodes, integrating Gauteng and its communities and changing perceptions and attracting investment. With rail as the backbone of an integrated public transport system, Gautrain has been designed in such a way that it restructures urban areas, improves city sustainability, reduces travel distances and adds value for money to the user. Moreover, Gautrain has made direct and indirect economic contributions to township economies through providing employment and stimulation of new commercial developments around stations. It has presented the province with an opportunity to empower its citizens and to expand the economic activity of the area. With the proposed extensions, GRRIN will enhance socio-economic development in a variety of ways: • Improved mobility and connectivity, which will facilitate higher productivity and access to job opportunities • Supporting economic development through the strengthening of existing development nodes and enabling the growth of additional development zones • Direct and indirect job creation during both the development and operational periods of the project • Complimenting other initiatives within the province and the country to revitalise and grow the rail industry • Promoting tourism • Private investment in developments in these new station nodes, which will support job creation and contribute to the overall economy of Gauteng.
Gautrain is more than just a train – it is a sustainable public transport system, which increases development in Gauteng. Car users are opting for a greener option by using Gautrain and inner cities become rejuvenated as people seek homes and business opportunities close to the Gautrain route. In return, urban planners are considering high-density developments, which results in the reversal of urban sprawl. Bringing jobs to people and people to jobs, Gautrain has become a symbol of pride, prosperity and progress not only for the people of Gauteng, but also for the African continent.
BENEFITS OF GAUTRAIN TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT • Limit greenhouse gas emissions to minimise the negative impact on the climate. the resulting congestion costs. • road accidents, fatalities and injuries.
services of health, education For more information on Gautrain: • Reduce conventional emissions and transport-related noise so that Gautrain does not constitute a
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FEATURE | GAUTRAIN
10 USEFUL FACTS ABOUT GAUTRAIN TO KNOW Gautrain’s train, bus and parking services are all fully integrated. These services are all accessed by means of a contactless smartcard: your Gautrain Swift Card. All station environments, as well as designed to provide easy access for mobility-impaired passengers. The Gautrain bus and midibus service provides safe, comfortable and reliable passage on numerous routes from all stations except the airport station. More routes will be added in future. The power feed driving the trains is derived from two different Eskom sub-stations with built-in redundancy. Thus, if one Eskom feed goes down, the trains will remain fully operational.
An operational control centre controls all train movements and also comprises a communications and control hub for the monitoring and control of the bus feeder system and key station and tunnel equipment. Passengers who lose items on Gautrain premises should report this Station Security will then do a check on the Security Analysis System under ‘lost and found’ items. If found the hand over is done immediately after following security checks. Gautrain mobile app and website provide timetables, fare calculator and routes on your cellphone.
The Gautrain offers two distinct train services: The Airport Service operates exclusively between Sandton and Marlboro stations and OR Tambo International Airport. While the Commuter Service is targeted at general commuters that need to travel between Johannesburg and Tshwane. With safety and security being central to Gautrain’s offering, Gautrain’s Integrated Safety and Security Programme covers all scenarios of degraded and emergency operation of the system. Gautrain has developed a number of important measures to mitigate the risks. Communication points are provided at stations for passenger information and safety.
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Focus on France Aurélien Lechevallier, France’s new Ambassador to South Africa, welcomes President Ramaphosa’s shared reform agenda as a path to creating favourable investment conditions between the two countries and cementing their relationship
political dialogue between our countries remains strong, illustrated by regular state and ministerial visits. Both countries are members of the G20 and share a deep commitment to freedom, equality, democracy, human rights and multilateralism. Whether it is education, technology, culture or industry,
France and South Africa cooperate closely on various ambitious projects – more often than is known. Moreover, numerous French entities are present in South Africa, with 400 French companies investing in the country. As France’s new Ambassador to South Africa, Aurélien Lechevallier’s goal is to bolster all aspects of the partnership. He believes that although South Africa and France already have a solid relationship, more can be done to reinforce these ties and make them even more visible – and that will be made easier through our shared reform agendas.
BILATERAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT Looking at bilateral trade and investment relations, Europe is South Africa’s top partner, with a well-recognised French expertise. In France, South African companies have invested several hundred million euros in the past few years. French companies employ nearly 65 000 people in South Africa, from highly internationalised groups to SMEs. They invest with a longto activities alongside South African partners, while ensuring full compliance with and respect for South African laws and regulations, in particular BEE standards,
Picture Credit: MEAE/F de la Mure
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rance and South Africa enjoy a vibrant bilateral relationship. In fact, the countries’ strategic partnership dates back to 1994, when socialist President Mitterrand visited the then newly democratic Republic of
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COUNTRY FOCUS | FRANCE
MAKING THE INVESTMENT CASE FOR FRANCE
Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier
Picture Credit: Marjorie Draps
French companies employ nearly 65 000 people in South Africa, from highly internationalised groups to SMEs
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PROGRESSIVE WOMEN BREAKING THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING The glamorous Progressive Women in Business Annual Awards Luncheon, directed by Ms Sasha Muller, then Deputy Convenor of the PBF, was hosted at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on 15 August 2019. With nearly 200 guests in attendance, the women (and men) got down to some serious business and celebration...
T
hen PBF Convenor Daryl Swanepoel kicked off the programme with a warm welcoming to the guests. Mr Swanepoel shared promising statistics on South Africa’s progress towards the advancement and empowerment of women. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2018 Global Gender Gap Index, out of 149 countries, South Africa came in at number 19 overall. Surprising was our position for health and survival at number 1. For political empowerment, SA came in at 17th, for economic participation and empowerment, 91st, and education, 72nd.
Hon Hlengiwe Mkhize MP, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Children and Peoples with Disabilities, was the keynote speaker for the day. Ms Mkhize spoke about transforming the economy towards greater inclusiveness for women. Next to speak was the Minister for Social Development, Hon Lindiwe Zulu MP, who deviated from her prepared speech to move the audience with her personal story of growth from an adrift girl child to a woman of power. Also inspiring the audience with her philosophy of “a businessperson must give back to society” was Ms Jenny Wu,
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EVENT | WOMEN IN BUSINESS
“Women in business have no right to demand empowerment if they do not practice it themselves and create opportunities for other women” – Dr Anna Mokgokong
who shared with the gathering her philanthropic work at the Jenny Wu Sports Academy. You can The awards ceremony followed, with enthusiastic applause for the proud winners: Matshidiso Lengwati, Start-Up Businesswoman of the Year; Kgaogelo Sebola, Young Business Achiever of the Year; Melita Mohlala, Women-Led Business of the Year; and Verna Jansen, Progressive Business Women of the Year. The event concluded with Bobo Seritsane serenading the ladies, while they indulged in delicious food and drinks, and a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow progressive women breaking through the glass ceiling of the business space.
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Leading to this day Spurring on a new wave of women’s empowerment, Sophia Williams-De Bruyn – decades-long devoted activist for women’s rights and social liberation – refuses to slow down at the age of 81
O
ne of the iconic images of the South African Liberation Movement is that of an 18-year-old Sophia WilliamsDe Bruyn standing side-by-side with three others; a large stack of petitions protesting passbooks for black women draped over an arm of each of them. On that day, more than 20 000 women descended on the Union Buildings in Pretoria, careful to walk
there in groups of two or three so as to not break the law banning large gatherings. Standing on the steps, they remained still for 30 minutes before singing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and then, to the president of the day, JG Strijdom, Wathint’ abafazi, Strijdom! (When you strike the women, Strijdom, you strike a rock). Leading the women to the steps of
“Standing on the steps, they remained still for 30 minutes before singing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and then, to the president of the day, JG Strijdom, Wathint’ abafazi, Strijdom! (When you strike the women, Strijdom, you strike a rock)”
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FEATURE | SOPHIA WILLIAMS-DE BRUYN
“While the challenges are obviously different, we need to do the most drastic things in 2019 for women’s empowerment so that, as we now look back on the march 63 years later, we will 63 years from now also talk about a new wave that swept the country and that altered the course of history and turned it in favour of women”
cadre, Henry De Bruyn, the couple was detained by the police and, upon release, left South Africa to live in exile in Zambia. Raising three children and working tirelessly alongside OR Tambo in the her high school education by night, going on to receive a scholarship for training
Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Albertina Sisulu. Of the leader group of the Women’s March on 9 August 1956 she was the youngest, and the one that’s survived the longest. Affectionately known as Auntie Sophie, Sophia was born in Villageboard in Port Elizabeth. Indicative in a way that activism was always part of the fabric she’s made of, her work started with involvement in the Textile Workers Union – a commitment education and move to Johannesburg. There she worked as the organiser for the Coloured People’s Congress before slowly but surely getting drawn into the broader struggle for freedom. It was during this time that she led the Woman’s March – a remarkable achievement and only but the start of a life in activism that spanned decades. The road wasn’t easy. After marrying fellow activist and Umkhonto we Sizwe
she accepted a lecturing post at the newly opened United Nations Institute of Namibia (UNIN) preparing SWAPO activists for government. She climbed the ranks throughout the 70s and 80s until being promoted to the position of department head in 1988. But then an invitation arrived via fax: Aunty Sophie was needed in her home country to help administer the conference that was organising the unbanning of the ANC. Working alongside Valli Moosa and Ahmed Kathrada, she helped the conference achieve its goal. By now the chief representatives of the ANC were called to return to South Africa, had lived for seven years in Rome. It was a happy reunion of two struggle activists who had uprooted themselves for the cause. Henry was appointed as Ambassador of Jordan, where Sophia joined him before taking up a position at the Gauteng Legislature in 2004. She became its deputy speaker from 2005 until 2009 before moving to national parliament. Sophia turned 81 this year. She currently sits on various structures and boards including the ANC’s Integrity Commission,
the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and is patron of the Sophie and Henry De Bruyn Foundation she started with her husband to address issues of gender equality and sexism. Sitting, however, may not be the best word to describe her in 2019. Writing for a major news outlet recently, she describes how many of her friends and family have told her to ‘take it slow’, to ‘do less’ – some even going so far as using the dreaded, in her case, R-word telling her to retire. Their pleads fell on deaf ears. Writing with great passion, Sophia says she’s growing more and more concerned about the slow progress being made in the struggle for gender inequality as women continue to bear, what she accurately describes as, the disproportionate burden of the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and gender-based violence. She goes on to say that she “remain[s] dedicated and committed to the struggle for women and their rights [and] owe it to the 20 000 women who placed their trust in us when they got on to buses early that morning to join us from distant and remote areas in our country. Their faith has always carried us through and remains the greatest source of inspiration to me. “While the challenges are obviously different, we need to do the most drastic things in 2019 for women’s empowerment so that, as we now look back on the march 63 years later, we will 63 years from now also talk about a new wave that swept the country and that altered the course of history and turned it in favour of women.”
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AT THE CENTRE OF SERVICE DELIVERY The PBF hosted a successful ministerial briefing and networking event in Durban on 28 August 2019, with a warm welcome to the new Deputy Minister of COGTA
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he guest of honour and keynote speaker at the annual PBF cocktail evening held in KwaZulu-Natal was Parks Tau, recently appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
The Deputy Minister is widely hailed as a local government specialist. His extensive experience speaks for itself: former mayor of South Africa’s biggest metro, City of Johannesburg; current Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA);
and current President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). It became clear during Hon Tau’s address to the members that he understands that local government is at the heart of service delivery and that this is how the average citizen interacts with government on a daily basis.
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EVENT | DBN MINISTERIAL BRIEFING
It is comforting to know, then, that we have Deputy Minister Tau in this leadership position to navigate the necessary changes in this faction of government that has been failing – many will come under his and Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s scrutiny in mitigating the fallout. The PBF members welcomed his comments with regards the changes,
is now a stronger alignment between the NDP and local government and discovering how this will affect municipalities at large. They were particularly pleased to hear that eThekwini Municipality will be implementation of the plan and that this could also stimulate more localised business opportunities through the new structure.
The business aspect of the evening was brought to a close by PBF member Roger Lutchman, ending on a positive note with a ‘good news’ story about how his own business has helped develop skills for youth development and offers professional services of a high calibre. This was followed by a hearty networking session between the PBF provincial members, over delightful cocktails and canapes.
DIRECTORS: MRS LIZZY NGWENYA MR FG NGWENYA
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Transformation
beyond the scorecard For far too long, black economic empowerment has been quantified by points on a scorecard rather than by real-time performance, and this makes no business sense, writes Anton Baumann of Empowerment Capital
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welve years after the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice were gazetted into existence, it’s a good time to assess the ‘impact’ of transformation-related activities. Presentations from industry and relevant surveys conducted by the BEE Commission and relevant industry bodies clearly show the great transformation efforts that have
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HUMAN RESOURCES | BEE
been made by corporate South Africa – efforts that are largely supported by
discussing the measurement of points on a scorecard versus the measurement
that compliance hat is one where a corporate gets ‘most points for least
There are few corporates still lagging behind in implementing BEE (though they do exist) and there is literally no bank that does not have at least a level 2 BEE
Coinciding with that debate is the increased focus by the BEE Commission
would rather engage with lawyers and consultants who ‘make things work’ and maximise points on a scorecard – often through fronting – than maximising
denominator is that corporate South Africa still largely sees BEE and
are asking about the impact of initiatives that lead to such impressive levels of
According to the dtic it means “a deliberate circumvention or attempted circumvention
MEASURING BEE SUCCESS: POINTS VS IMPACT
initiative that aims to frustrate the and a high-impact BEE strategy wearing
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One way to test if an initiative would be
Transformation in South Africa needs to be a way of life and not a tick-box exercise
ESD INVESTMENT: A SOLUTION FOR SA’S SHORTFALL TRANSFORMATION AS A WAY OF LIVING
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HUMAN RESOURCES | BEE
BEE is a mechanism to grow the economy in an all-inclusive manner and not merely a method for redistribution South Africa as a nation has reached a crossroads, which requires each South African to act with a sense of responsibility to unify our nation. Addressing societal challenges will lead us to the acceptance and appreciation of our rainbow nation and its resources. Positive transformation outcomes are key to our progress and require the right incentive structures for all stakeholders.
initiating entity, drive transformation in an unprecedented manner and, moreover, comply with the BEE Codes and therefore grant the initiating company its relevant points. As a result, the dynamics around the Ethics Committee boardroom table change transformation executive has to plead with the CFO every year for a budget for initiatives, which are perceived as a cost, now the CFO may very well approach the transformation executive to ask for more initiatives, because they have done so well as from a reputation point of view. By creating the right incentive structures, we go far beyond scorecard requirements. The ESD element in the BEE scorecard has the highest propensity for solving South Africa’s immediate problems. that start successful businesses, employ staff.
RIGHT INCENTIVE, RIGHT OPPORTUNITY, RIGHT SUPPORT At this year’s SA Investment Conference, President Ramaphosa declared that: “The total value of investment commitments made today at our second SA Investment Conference is R363-billion. I repeat: R363-billion!” These billions are targeted mostly at large projects of major corporates. However, every year there would be an additional R40-billion available in the form of enterprise and supplier development investments for the support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – if corporates in South Africa would see this as a commercial opportunity as opposed to merely a compliance cost. Unfortunately, to a large degree corporates do the latter, and so, set up structures that only allow for the recognition of one-off initiatives. Corporates are often so far removed from SMEs that they fail to see a commercial opportunity in supporting them. But in fact, there are great commercial investment opportunities in the SME sector that in most instances drive transformation forward in an unprecedented manner. Companies such as Empowerment Capital Investment Partners have for the longest time been promoting minority investments into the SME sector in a way that is allinclusive, performance-based and drives transformation and economic growth. It is all about creating the right incentive
structure, creating the right opportunity and supporting SMEs based on performance. That means companies should not be supported merely because they are black-owned, but because they are performers, which best capitalise on any support given to them. As they grow, they generate a return for the initiating entity – a win-win-win situation, where the SME expands, the corporate makes a return and South Africa grows. This is best achieved by assisting top performing SMEs where there is a strong strategic alignment with the initiating corporate. At the same time, support must be given on the understanding that it is based on performance and that there is no exclusive arrangement with the corporate. For SMEs to thrive, they not only need access to long-term patient growth capital, but also access to market. An initiating corporate needs to give an initial off-take, but should not limit the clients. This is where an investment creates the right incentives: as an investor into the SME the corporate is incentivised to ensure that the SME gets contracts with as many clients as possible. Transformation beyond the scorecard; it is about initiatives that follow the right incentive structures. Corporates should not shy away from making a return on BEE initiatives, since they will be incentivised to do more than what is required if an initiative makes commercial sense. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems that government is pulling in different directions, where on the one side there is a strong drive to incentivise investments into the SME sector in South Africa, but on the other side tax incentives such as Section12J ITA are being amended to such a degree that they become unattractive for investors. Something has got to give.
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Work ethics, discipline and respect need to underpin structural economic reform Daryl Swanepoel, CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute, calls for a change in the national ‘work value system’ – moving away from a ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude, to taking pride in what we do and doing our fair share of the work
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et’s face facts. The economy is not in good shape. On all fronts, the statistics raise alarm. For example, unemployment –
them’, ‘it’s the managers that must sort it
usher in structural reforms, ensure policy certainty and create a business-friendly ‘business’ telephone numbers and email addresses often remarkably similar to a What no one seems to comment on is
debt, already at 60%, is heading for 70% of sabotage any noble effort to get the
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BUSINESS ETHICS | WORLD OF WORK
A study shows that top-performing countries have all taken these fundamental values seriously. Germany, Japan and South Korea have all miraculously transformed from economic destruction into winning nations
‘Was it in my diary? Oh well, let’s try again in a week’s time.’ Not so fast! The company’s petrol, vehicle wear and tear as well as precious time have been wasted, to the detriment of productivity and
fundamentals of the economy right. The same goes for discipline. ‘I won’t pay tolls.’ ‘I’ll steal electricity.’ ‘I’ll ignore the rules of the road.’ ‘I won’t be on time.’ ‘Let’s see how much I can cyphen out of the system for myself.’ ‘I’ll claim from the insurance company items that I in fact never owned.’ ‘I’ll party till late at night; never mind productivity tomorrow morning.’ Sounds par for the course, right? All of the above is a direct attack on the state’s ability to grow and maintain economic infrastructure, workplace productivity and social cohesion. This is not a petty matter. Without basic discipline, the economy will continue to falter. Finally, there’s the issue of good old, common respect. How many times have we rushed ourselves silly to make a rescheduled, delayed or postponed?
respect will damage any gallant effort to get the fundamentals of the economy right. A study shows that top-performing countries have all taken these fundamental values seriously. Germany, Japan and South Korea have all miraculously transformed from economic destruction into winning nations. Through its Konzertierte Aktion (concerted effort), Germany rose from the ashes of World War II, as did Japan. And South Korea transformed itself from one of the poorest nations on earth in the late 1950s, early 1960s, to 12th on the global GDP rankings (2018). These countries all share good work ethics, discipline and respect as fundamental values in their work environment. Traits frequently attributed to Germans are that they are “diligent, disciplined, systematic, straightforward and reliable, qualities that are directly related to their perceived work ethic”. In Japan, “loyalty, discipline and … diligence” permeate the workplace. And in South Korea, studies have found that the values of respect, discipline and a positive work ethic are instilled at school already. Where those nations were, hovering on the brink of disaster, South Africa seems (2015), we have one of the highest inequality rates in the world. Economic growth remains stubbornly stagnant, giving rise to record-breaking unemployment, growing poverty and
a decline in dignity. This is a formula for social discord that needs to be nipped in the bud. Urgently applying measures to structurally reform the economy is indeed part of the solution. Yet structural reform in itself, without a change in attitude, will not catapult the nation into a new trajectory. Structural reform needs to be accompanied by a change in the national ‘work value system’. As a nation, we must move away from ‘what’s in it for me’, a sense of entitlement, little work for large reward, and shirking responsibilities, to taking pride in what we do, doing our fair day’s work to earn a fair day’s wage, abiding by the rules, and building a sense of community. If we, as a nation, get these fundamentals right, along with our natural endowment, we could very well be the next economic marvel of the world. And we can improve our dignity and sense of selfworth at the same time.
Daryl Swanepoel
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Learning ethical leadership: What’s right and wrong in the 4IR A set of ethical values is not just a ‘nice to have’. These values boil down to an essential goal that must be shared by all of us in the business space – to do business ethically and sustainably, writes Dr Cobus Oosthuizen, Dean of Milpark Business School
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thics are part of the foundation of a society. A shared moral code and a set of principles are what binds groups of people together. But what happens in societies in transition, when technology, demographic change or cultural exchange shift the
cultural touchpoints that have always been taken for granted? That is the time for ethical leadership, and it’s never been more important than it is today. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution gains momentum, it will
that will pose ethical questions we have not previously had to contemplate. Automation, for instance, is as old as the weaving loom, but never before has automation promised to affect so many
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BUSINESS ETHICS | LEADERSHIP
An invaluable skill for the businessperson of the future will be ethical intelligence be used to build a new ethical code in the shifting sands of the new global business environment. In Japan, for instance, it is traditional to exchange gifts with business partners. It’s more nuanced than that. But it requires sophisticated emotional intelligence to do business in this space without offending one’s hosts or compromising one’s own values. In African culture it is also customary to pay tribute to community leaders with gifts. Again, this is more of a sign of respect than a transactional exchange, but it takes quite some cultural awareness to know the difference. In pursuing business development of the African continent, one has to be cognizant of these cultural nuances. For business leaders and business schools, managers and business leaders to think deeply about how to embrace it. In an increasingly globalised economy, cross-cultural engagement is ever more common. Multinational enterprises do business across the African continent and in remote corners of the world never previously dreamt of as investment destinations. This poses challenges around the ethical codes to be followed in these new business environments. There are certain global norms shared by cultures across the world, but other value systems are peculiar to certain nations and liable to misinterpretation. It takes a gifted leader to not only do business in these new environments, but to forge new shared cultures and value systems with a set of ethics that all team members can identify with and implement. A perceptive leader must know the difference between a cultural difference and an ethical lapse, and also have a keen eye for shared cultural values that can
and challenges. Fundamental to any enterprise’s right to operate is that it must have social legitimacy. This requires ethical leadership, based on cultural understanding. In part to address this need, the United Nations-supported initiative, Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) encourage business schools and management-training institutions to advocate for an inclusive, sustainable global economy by incorporating values of business responsibility and sustainability into their activities. The six broad PRME principles – purpose, values, method, research, partnership and dialogue – can all be employed to drive the social and environmental responsibility that must be the hallmark of the modern business age. There are only 14 signatories to these principles across Africa’s business schools, but they are certainly a good place to start in trying to inculcate a set of ethics that can be a business leader’s lodestar in every
territory, no matter how much the 4IR shifts the ground beneath our feet. These values boil down to an essential goal that must be shared by all of us in the business space – to do business ethically and sustainably. In this context, an invaluable skill for the businessperson of the future will be ethical intelligence: the ability to know the right thing to do at any to do’ must be broad and inclusive. We need to know what action, what strategy, what interventions will be for the greater good. have’. For some of the bravest among us – such as the lone whistleblowers exposing moral corruption, ethics may sometimes be all they have to cling to. These are the very bravest exponents of ethical leadership, and while it may sometimes seem like they are in the minority, they are in the vanguard of an ethical revolution that is sweeping the planet, exposing wrongdoing in the environmental, business and political space. Each of us can look to play such a role in our industries, and it is incumbent on business to grow the ability of its people to not only behave ethically, but to inspire others to do the same. Ethical leadership should now be an intrinsic part of most business-school programmes. robotics and the Internet of Things all with several ethical issues that must be understood and dealt with. In the era of business sustainability, we need to decide whether there is such a thing as environmentally friendly capitalism. Does business optimisation the planet? Who should have access to the reams of information generated by our intelligent devices? If you can replace someone with the machine, should you? Are carbon offsets ethical? Single-use plastics? These issues must be debated and understood. Ethics are not static. They evolve with we go forward, and empower our leaders to do the same.
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SA and China agree to up the ante on trade and investment The PBF and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) co-hosted the 2019 South Africa–China Business Forum on Mandela Day, 18 July, at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg
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he 2019 SA–China Business Forum saw more than 300 business delegates from around the globe in attendance, including roughly 100 Chinese entrepreneurs. The forum comprised four sessions: the opening ceremony, thematic discussions, B2B exchanges and a luncheon, the latter addressed by the Treasurer General of the
ANC, Paul Mashatile. Other key speakers at the forum included CCPIT Chairperson, Ms Gao Yan; the Director General of Mineral Resources and Energy, Thabane Zulu; the Deputy Director General of Trade and Industry, Ms Lerato Mataboge; Clifford Ndlovu, Manager of Investment Facilitation, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency; the Vice President of Business Unity South Africa, Martin Kingston; the CEO of the National Employers Association of South Africa, Gerhard Papenfus; Wang Wenan, President of the South Africa–China Economy and Trade Association; and Li Nan, Charge de Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa. Business speakers from South African enterprises included Mohammed Cajee, Group CEO, Ayman Investment Corporation
and Ms Tumelo Marivate, Director of Africa Tax and Legal, Deloitte. And lastly, Chinese entrepreneurs were Zhang Jinghua, Vice President of Sino Steel Group and Chen Zhong, President of Overseas Marketing Department of the China Communications Construction Company. The extensive discussions touched on, among many others, the need for FDI policy certainty; the easing of doing business, including a more visa-friendly regime; investment opportunities in South Africa; South Africa as the trade and investment gateway to Africa and the new markets being opened up for South African products through the China-led Belt & Road Initiative (BRI); and China’s campaign aimed at increasing the importation of quality products from its entrepreneurs expressed a keen interest to enter the South African market and indicated that they were open to skills and technology transfer, which would assist in reducing the high unemployment rate in South Africa. Speakers raised crime and security as an impediment to FDI and indicated that an improvement in the situation would facilitate an acceleration of inward-investment.
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EVENT | SA–CHINA BUSINESS FORUM
In his speech, ANC Treasurer General, Paul Mashatile, covered four main topics: China–Africa economic cooperation, the BRI, how to promote win-win solutions how to best advance trade and investment in the context of the new African economic architecture, while the Chairperson of CCPIT, Gao Yan, focussed on expanding
economy nations. Both the Chairperson of CCPIT and the Convenor of the Progressive Business director for the day, pointed to the strong, friendly and expanding cooperation emerged flowing from their entering into Both sides committed themselves to increasing both their practical work in promoting trade and dialogue aimed at advocating and advancing mutuallypolicy that would leverage greater access and opportunity for the enterprises of their respective countries.
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Expanding the basket of trade On a trip to China in August, the PBF and its delegation of businesspeople took the temperature of the trade relations between SA and China, and gave it a clean bill of health
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he Progressive Business Forum led a delegation of South African businesses to the China North East Asia Expo (CNEA), held in the city of Changchun, Jilin Province in China, from 20 to 27 August 2019. In addition to visiting the expo, the group visited a number of factories, both in Changchun and Jiutai. The contingent was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of Changchun, Mr Shi Changyou, and the Jiutai Jinliufu Food Group. In the evening they were treated to a business engagement and welcome dinner, hosted by Mr Shi Changyou.
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EVENT | CHINA NORTH EAST ASIA EXPO
Then Convenor of the PBF Mr Daryl Swanepoel, who headed the delegation, met with Vice Governor of Jilin Province, Mrs Li Yue, who will be visiting South Africa later in the year. Mr Swanepoel applauded the efforts being made by the Jilin province to enhance trade relations with South Africa. Much progress has been made, with the investment of First Automobile Works (FAW) in Coega, Eastern Cape; CRRC; in building of locomotives for PRASA, among a number of other trading projects including wine, chemicals and LED lights and screens. Mr Swanepoel emphasised that while progress has been made, “we have but scratched the surface.” He suggested that “the basket of products that South Africa was selling to China needed to be expanded”, and that “China should likewise focus on raw material approach would, according to Swanepoel, “give practical content to the developing Belt & Road Initiative”. In Changchun the delegation attended the opening ceremony of the CNEA Expo, which was addressed by the Vice Premier of China, Mr Hu Chunhua. The group was also hosted for a luncheon by the president of the Jilin People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Madame Hu Ying. And they paid a visit to three factories: Yili Group, Hongda Group and Cedar Electronics. The visit was concluded with a tour to the Changbai Mountains National Reserve, which is a sizable natural zoo and botanical garden spanning an area of 2 000km². The reserve forms part of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and boasts six local natural wonders: Tianchi Lake (Heaven Lake), vertical scenery, aerial park, hot springs and waterfalls. With its primitive forests, these mountains are an attractive destination for tourists.
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Joint investment in business network by Africa and Scotland New opportunities abound with the connection between Africa and Scotland opening up in early November this year. Claire Alexander, a founding member of ASBN, draws on the spirit of Ubuntu to describe the dynamic network potential the two countries hold
A
n all-new business network creating cross-continental partnerships for trade and industry between Africa and
Scotland Business Network (ASBN). ASBN is already supported by businesses and authorities alike both locally and abroad. Founding member and entrepreneur Kaz Henderson comments, “Investment into Africa and South Africa is a hot topic at the moment. Over the past few days President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed various international companies at the SA Investment Conference with the goal of building relationships and exploring ways
to ignite growth together. There are also several industry events like AfricaCom, African Agri Investment Indaba and Africa Oil Week that aim to increase business on the continent. With such big events in the news, it’s energising to collaborate with businesspeople on the ground working towards the same goals. The launch of the Africa Scotland Business Network shows a real commitment to fostering stronger relationships between African countries and Scotland, creating real opportunities for all levels of business.” The Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN) is an independent business network based in Africa.
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INVESTMENT | AFRICA SCOTLAND BUSINESS NETWORK
It connects African and Scottish professionals and enterprises to increase the potential for trade and relations between the two lands, as well as to strengthen social and cultural ties. In addition, the organisation welcomes members from other countries who have a real interest in doing business with the Africa and Scotland business diasporas. The network connects its members with relevant business contacts, new business opportunities and international resources such as industry, marketing and geographical expertise. It’s founding members represent key shared economies in Africa and Scotland including agriculture, agritech, oil and gas, renewable energy, technology, international business strategy, education and more. Working with a range of strategic partners in both regions is integral to building each other. To this end ASBN works with a range of government and private sector partners such as the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), Scottish Business Network (SBN), Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Enterprise (SE). Speaking at the launch, Andrew Monaghan, Africa regional manager at Scottish Development International said, “We want to develop a trading relationship with Africa bigger than the one we have now. Through a progressive relationship where we both enjoy each other’s people, ideas and cultures, we can ultimately build business ecosystems. SDI is doing great work connecting Scotland with the world, but there are simply too few of us… we cannot cover this vast African continent.
a business network collective that could assist each other on the ground in Africa but also encourage African and Scottish business to take advantage of the immense opportunities in our shared economies. The venture has been developed and launched by entrepreneurs in Africa and Scotland that understand business, have international relations and showcase opportunities for businesses in Africa and Scotland. “We all experience different challenges in business. I know too well the value of a strong business network. They have been utterly intrinsic to the success of my own businesses here in Africa,” she says. At the event, Alexander said, “In Scotland we have a phrase ‘we’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns’, the modern sense meaning ‘we’re all the same under the skin, or we are all one’. In the same way Africa celebrates Ubuntu ‘the spirit of Africa’, essentially the essence of humanity and the connectedness that exists between us. I am because we are. Now, can you imagine what we can achieve together as one dynamic network with this incredible support around us?” Steven Craig, founding member and Africa head of Craig International Pty,
remarks, “I am delighted to be part of this initiative to support collaboration between Scotland and Africa. With our business headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, our division in Cape Town supports clients in the oil and gas industry throughout Africa. This network will enable us to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead in the vibrant, emerging markets across Africa and strengthen ties and promote trade links between the two.” At the launch event held on 6 November 2019, in Cape Town, the Africa Scotland Business Network recreated a little piece of Scotland in Africa, welcoming over 150 business leaders, government and diplomats from ten different countries. event in Africa and, excitingly, to take a little piece of Africa to Scotland in early 2020 to promote the incredible opportunities that lie in Africa for Scottish investors. For more information, visit: www.africascotland.network or email hello@africascotland.network Connect with us: Facebook - AfricaScotlandNetwork Twitter - Africa_Scotland Instagram - africa_scotland
people and organisations that can help us, and that is why we welcome the creation of the Africa Scotland Business Network and pledge our support to achieve our common goals.” Claire Alexander, a Scottish entrepreneur living in South Africa and a founding member of ASBN says their primary objective when conceptualising the Africa Scotland Business Network was to develop
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Corporate tax basics every entrepreneur should know During September this year, the PBF held a well-attended training event in Woodmead, Johannesburg, at the comfortable offices of Deloitte
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he word ‘tax’ makes even the
businessperson cringe. Not only because it represents hard-earned money that you have to hand over to someone else, instead of using it to pay for that much-dreamt-of holiday or big ticket item, but also because it seems so complex and admin intensive that it’s a daunting task for the best of us. And so, it gets relegated to the bottom of the to-do list.
But once you know the facts, you can save yourself months of stressing about it. Marthie Claassens’ Corporate Tax training course will help you tick it off your list in no time. Kicking off with the basics…
WHAT TO DO, TO DO IT RIGHT Starting with the obvious, legal entities that are expected to pay corporate tax in South Africa include: • listed and unlisted public companies • private companies
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EVENT | SKILLS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
• close corporations • small business corporations • body corporates
PROVISIONAL TAX
ensure that the taxpayer does not remain • dormant companies • state-owned companies • municipalities and municipal entities.
be done by:
The Income Tax rate for businesses is 28% on taxable profit (taxable revenue less tax-deductible expenses)
VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) VAT is an indirect tax on the consumption
INCOME TAX
can be made when taxable supplies exceed
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Without a proper tax invoice, a business cannot deduct input tax on business expenses
PAYE Employees’ Tax refers to the tax required to be deducted by an employer from an employee’s remuneration paid or payable. The process of deducting or withholding tax from remuneration as it is earned by an employee is commonly referred to as PAYE.
• Category A - vendor is required to submit one return for every two calendar months, ending on the last day of January, March, May • Category B – vendor is required to submit one return for every two calendar months, ending on the last day of February, April, June, August, October and December • Category C – vendor is required to submit one return for each calendar month • Category D – vendor submits one return for every six calendar months, ending on the last day of February and August • Category E – vendor is required to submit one return for every 12 months, ending on the last day of the vendor’s year of assessment. In addition, make sure your tax invoice for VAT looks valid; without a proper tax invoice, a business cannot deduct input tax on business expenses. Follow the prescribed rules of the VAT Act for what the invoice needs to include: • A tax invoice must contain certain details about the taxable supply made by the business. • The timeframe within which a tax invoice must be issued (i.e. 21 days from the time the supply was made). • A business is required to issue a full tax invoice when the price is more than R5 000.
• A business may issue an abridged tax invoice when the consideration for the supply is R 5 000 or less. If the supply is R50 or less, a tax invoice is not required. (However, a document such as a till slip or sales docket indicating the VAT charged by the supplier will be required to verify the input tax deducted.) Here are a few pointers on what a valid tax invoice must consist of: • Contains the words ‘Tax invoice’, ‘VAT invoice’ or ‘Invoice’ • Name, address and VAT registration number of the supplier • Name, address, and where the recipient is a vendor, the recipient’s VAT registration number • Serial number and date of issue of invoice • Accurate description of goods and/or services (indicating where applicable that the goods are second-hand goods) • Quantity or volume of goods or services supplied • Value of the supply, the amount of tax charged and the consideration of the supply (value and the tax). PAYROLL TAXES There are three different types of payroll taxes: PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn), SDL (Skills Development Levy) and UIF (Unemployment Insurance fund).
SDL This is a tax payable by employers to promote learning and development of employees in South Africa. Employers become liable for SDL if their total annual salary bill is more than R500 000. SDL is charged to employers at a rate of 1% of the total salary bill, and is paid monthly to SARS – the money is then used for the skills development of employees. UIF payable to those who have been in employment for at least 24 hours per week, if they become unemployed, sick or take maternity leave. It is a short-term, through contributions of 2% of the employee’s salary (1% from the employer and 1% from the employee). It is the employer’s responsibility to pay this out of employee salaries each month to SARS. Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) The ETI is an incentive aimed at encouraging employers to hire young work seekers, which was implemented with effect from 1 January 2014. DIVIDEND TAX owners) when dividends are paid to them and, under normal circumstances, is
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EVENT | SKILLS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
withheld from their dividend payment by a withholding agent (either the company paying the dividend or, where a regulated intermediary is involved, by the latter). A dividend, in essence, is any payment by a company to a shareholder for a share held in that company, excluding the return of contributed tax capital (i.e. consideration received by a company for the issue of shares). It is triggered by the payment of a dividend by any South African tax resident company or foreign company whose shares are listed on a South African Exchange. Dividends received by individuals from South African companies are generally exempt from income tax, but dividends tax at a rate of 20% is withheld by the entities paying the dividends to the individuals. Dividends Tax is payable by the withheld from the dividend payment and paid to SARS by a withholding agent. The person liable for the tax, however, remains ultimately responsible to pay the tax should the withholding agent fail to withhold the correct amount of tax.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS HAVE ALREADY GONE WRONG PENALTIES AND INTEREST Interest This relates to interest rates charged on outstanding taxes, duties and levies and interest rates payable in respect of refunds of tax on successful appeals and certain delayed refunds. Note that from 1 March 2019, the rate is 10.25% per annum. Penalties According to the Income Tax Act, penalties are: • 10% for late payment of withholding tax on sale of immovable property by nonresident seller (section 35A(9)(b)) • 10% for late payment of employees’ tax (paragraph 6(1) of the Fourth Schedule) • 10% for non-submission of EMP 501(paragraph 14(6) of the Fourth Schedule)
• 10% for underestimation of provisional tax (paragraph 20(1) read with 20(2B) of the Fourth Schedule) • 10% for late payment of provisional tax (paragraph 27(1) of the Fourth Schedule) • 20% for underestimation of taxable turnover by micro business (paragraph 11(6) of the Sixth Schedule). According to the Value-Added Tax Act, penalties are: • 10% for late payment of VAT (section 39(1)) • 10% for late payment of tax on import of goods (section 39(4)). • 10% for late payment of excise duty or environmental levy (section 39) The Skills Development Levies Act penalises at 10% for late payment of levies (section 12(1)). And the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act penalises at 10% for late payment of contribution (section 13(1)). WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY THE FULL AMOUNT NOW? In order to avoid penalties and interest, it is payments on time. If you are not currently able to pay your tax debt, contact SARS as soon as possible. In certain circumstances you can reach an agreement to defer your tax debt for later payment or for payment by instalments. However, SARS retains the option to decline the request. If this is the case, interest will accrue on any unpaid debt. And if you don’t adhere to the conditions of the payment arrangement, the payment agreement will be terminated and normal collection proceedings will resume. In some instances, a compromise may be requested on your outstanding tax debt. position openly with SARS. HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS? If you have outstanding tax debt and are unable to settle the amount in one payment, SARS provides for a deferment, or instalment payment arrangement. This allows you to pay your outstanding debt in one sum or in instalments over time until you have paid your entire debt including
applicable interest. This agreement, however, would be subject to certain qualifying criteria. WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS? SARS may enter into a payment agreement only if: • The taxpayer suffers from a lack of assets or liquidity which is reasonably certain to be remedied in the future • The taxpayer anticipates income or other receipts which can be used to satisfy the tax debt • Prospects of immediate collection activity are poor or uneconomical but are likely to improve in the future • Collection activity would be harsh in the particular case and the deferral or instalment agreement is unlikely to prejudice tax collection • The taxpayer provides the security as may be required • All outstanding returns and/or recons are submitted. WHAT IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE DEBT? If you are not in agreement with your tax debt, you may lodge a dispute. But remember, even though you are disputing the tax debt, you remain under obligation to pay the debt while your dispute is being handled. Also keep in mind that an application for suspension of payment may be requested while the dispute is being dealt with and that interest will accrue on any unpaid debt. CAN I GET A PROFESSIONAL TO ASSIST ME? The answer is yes, you are entitled to let your tax affairs, including outstanding debt, payment arrangements, disputes and objections be handled by a team of professionals. Tax involves a complex world of law, accounting and application of professional judgement. There is always hope and a plan that can be made. Don’t give up! Contact Marthie Claassens at marthie@protectadirector.co.za or on 082 601 2634.
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5 Future skills for youth development in SA Reprogramming outdated learning, relational skills, creative innovation, wholistic thinking and self-sustainability are key to youths landing in an employable position in the future of the work space, writes Lisa Illingworth of Futureproof
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EDUCATION | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
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dding and subtracting, being able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing as well as understanding the world around us are skills that are never going to become obsolete. Those skills are going to be needed in education for the foreseeable future, but there are other skills that are currently being overlooked that are critical to the economic prosperity of South Africa, as we head into an unpredictable future. Here are a handful of those:
1. UNLEARNING In a recent workshop conducted by the President’s Commission into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the new venture incubation team of Standard Bank encouraged the participants to ride a ‘backwards bike’. The seemingly harmless contraption resembling the two-wheeled device commonly accepted as a bicycle was impossible to master – due to the calibration of the steering and the inability of the riders to reprogramme their neural pathways from how they had originally learnt to create momentum on this mode of transport. The ability to reprogramme or ‘unlearn’ what has thus far yielded favourable results is desperately needed within our youth, so as to disrupt and innovate solutions we will need to solve futureworld problems.
2. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE The value of establishing healthy and valuable relationships with others is going to increase in necessity and demand. With more occupations being replaced by technology, or at least segments of industries, having the ability to create and maintain strong relationships is going to be a skill harder to develop and yet, more valuable than ever before. Closely related to this is the skill of social consciousness or being aware that actions and their consequences do not exist in a vacuum but affect society on a macroscale. Acquiring this skill allows the youth to create a solid foundation of preservation
and growth for generations to follow. Unlike the echoes of carbon emissions that are destroying our earth or social sins like genocide, which leave widening legitimacy gaps in our socio-economic strata, social consciousness awakens the youth to future consequences of today’s actions.
3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP At its core, entrepreneurship is about creative problem-solving through creative destruction. By being able to solve problems creatively and generate income, entrepreneurs open up increasing exponential value in society, and for themselves too. Entrepreneurship is the ground zero for all economic activity and without it, economies become stagnant, causing a knock-on effect into other sectors and industries. It is no longer a foregone conclusion that with a university degree employment is guaranteed; the youth need to give up looking for incomegenerating activities provided by someone else and create their own. Coding, robotics, innovation and design are all critical skills to have under your belt – but coupled with entrepreneurship, they quickly become a superpower.
5. MICRO-FARMING As the natural resources of the world become constrained and land and water become scarcer, the skills and abilities needed to eke out spaces where fresh produce can be grown is going to set the youth up for sustained healthy living. There is a widening gap between the cost of living in South Africa and the common wage, making the average middle-class salaried individual buckle under the pressure of ever-increasing bills. Even now, young opportunists are using unoccupied urban rooftops to grow vegetables, fruits and herbs in order to optimise the space and generate food for themselves and to sell. Not only does this reduce the grocery bill, it also reduces the need for large-scale production using GMOs to meet the demand and is a must-have skill going into a future of constrained resources.
4. SYSTEMS THINKING OVER SILO THINKING Our educational structures have taught knowledge grouped together in silos, which has resulted in our thinking being done in silos too. Conversely, the world and its complicated mechanics work in a system where no area of knowledge or skills is entirely independent. Being able to understand a system and negotiate within it, is a skill that sets some youth apart from others. Educational methods of teaching arising from an attempt to tackle this problem include project-based learning, which integrates all knowledge areas into solving a problem from all angles and not in the isolated and ring-fenced manner that subjects like mathematics and geography does. It takes a wholistic approach to learning and in this way sets the framework for how youth interpret their world and navigate within it.
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TECHNOLOGY | WHOOSH
Finally, affordable turnkey business technology What is the solution for businesses to the modern era of technology? Adopt, adapt, or die‌ Fortunately, the price is right to make those changes now without too much risk
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One initiative that is helping businesses adopt and adapt to this new technology is
he perks of the ongoing technology revolution is a businesses should reflect on how to devise
to guide you to new and modern strategies
allowing small businesses to compete at the same scale as big business
software available to achieve business objectives was solely in the hands of companies with enough research and
disruptive technology is what it actually convergence of technology and payment biggest of these factors are price and reputation for producing innovative ideas business wants to deploy make sense from
it made sense that the price reflected
you also needed the accompanying
The core business of the company is the to scale and be able to manage demand at a global scale? If the answer to either of those questions
solutions delivered through web interface gateway is hosted on the latest and most
But software or technology services were and project management services to This must have been a precarious position
play a role in such decision-making: capital intensity versus projected income; efforts MasterCard and Visa and is integrated into a number of popular third party softwares
towards embedding solutions to run their
A GUIDE TO ADOPTING AND ADAPTING rands to deploy an online shop and a
capacity for special cases of having to
DISRUPTING THE PRICE OF TECHNOLOGY the deployment of an online store is close to nothing in terms of costs and can take can be as global as the company’s sectors whose prices have increased rather than decreased are satellite TV and
due to high barriers to entry and thus a
It goes without saying that the digital revolution has only scratched the surface needs a wider reach for adopting the
as compelling as it is today for businesses
This pricing revolution means that and employers are transforming as digitisation permeates almost everything that we do on a day-to-day basis – from
are closing down not because consumers is to navigate as to how they can adopt have more and better access to movies new technology and therefore could
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Turning on Africa’s Tech The PBF takes a closer look at a thriving company that’s making a difference on the ground by bringing the world of tech to the people in Africa that need it most
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ne hundred percent BEEowned and -managed Johannesburg-based company, Tendai ICT, is
continuing to grow its partnerships with some of the country’s biggest corporates – including Afrocentric Group, MTN, SIEMENS and Vodacom. Founding the company in 2014, talented entrepreneur Andrew Maringa brings myriad interests and expertise to the boardroom table: shared value
IoT security, design thinking, robotics, AI, big data, project management, social innovation, creative problem solving, IT management and strategy. Maringa started running his business on a part-time basis while selling hardware and offering IT services full time to SOHO contracts with them were mostly on request only. It was once he had been bitten by the entrepreneurship bug that his outcome-creating stance came to the fore.
He resigned from regular employment and started working on his vision of turning on Africa’s technology – and launched Tendai ICT. From the start, Maringa’s mission has been to take ICT technology trends shaping the lives of Africans to the underprivileged people of Africa and to create employment. No stranger to the previously disadvantaged experience, Maringa grew up in Giyani, a computer and used a mouse was in his to study IT. He has come a long way since then. Tendai ICT has gained a reputation as a leading provider of technology solutions for companies across South Africa.
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TECHNOLOGY | TENDAI ICT
The company is empowered by Afrocentric Group and Black Umbrellas – a partner entity of the President Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. “The Black Umbrellas Programme helped to shape me as an entrepreneur,” says Andrew. “It instilled patience and direction in me and gave me an understanding about how business takes time to grow. You can’t get everything you need in one go; you need to work hard for it over time.” Among the services that Tendai ICT has capacity to deliver on are data communication and networking, IT solutions, IoT (software and applications development), AI, data centre and facilities integrated ecosystems. The company is currently in the process of launching an IT academy, which will focus on creating and taking to market IoT embedded software solutions, with
solving solutions. The following IoT Solutions are already developed and ready to roll: • Robust, scalable and integrated health ERM and IoT platform purpose built to create a seamless healthcare continuum and achieve vital management objectives across the healthcare sector management solution that covers the various necessary functional areas of modern small and medium enterprises
Helios IT Solutions – has collected a Diploma in IT and a BCom Degree in Information and Technology Management. He is currently working towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from Henley Business School, before he starts an MBA. Of this he says, ”If you are working or you are running a business, it is crucial to set aside time and money to invest in your continued formal education and skills acquisition.” In addition, Maringa is a member of Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI), Institute of Directors (IoDSA), za Domain Name Authority (zadna), Institute of IT Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) and Chairman of MRN Investment Group.
The company is currently in the process of launching an IT academy, which will focus on creating and taking to market IoT embedded software solutions, with specific emphasis on business process optimisation
investment holding company, focused on opportunities in construction and civil engineering, ICT, healthcare, business security solutions, renewable energy,
entrepreneurship is a solution to many of Africa’s unemployment issues,” says the CEO. Tendai ICT’s management philosophy
and environment technologies. Maringa’s goal for the future is to play
and all the time. Exercising personal and business integrity, quality workmanship, building strong relationships with its customers and vendors, as well as valuing its employees highly is at the core of the company’s ethos. And at the centre of its success story.
unemployment in the country. “Although money and success are enterprises. “My ultimate goal is to be one of the biggest contributors to employment creation, not just in South Africa, but globally. I truly believe that
For more information, contact: 010 590 5555 / info@tendaiict.com www.tendaiict.com
Andrew Maringa
relationship management and sales tracking tool • Tracking and sensing (beverage coolers, notebooks and geysers). Maringa says he is privileged to partner with Huawei in building transport service transmission platforms and 5G product solutions. Maringa, who has experience working with some of the biggest names in the industry –including Sahara Computers, Deloitte and Touché, Mthombo IT Services, Dimension Data, Total SA, Bytes Technology, Siemens, Medscheme, Multichoice and
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AGRICULTURE | BLACK TOBACCO FARMERS ASSOCIATION
South African black tobacco farmers: a success story under threat Ntando Sibisi, a founding member and Chairperson of the Black Tobacco Farmers Association (BTFA), says the rise of the illicit tobacco trade is threatening their livelihoods and undermining the entire value chain, Mandlakazi Sigcawu reports
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hen Ntando Sibisi introduced tobacco to his farm in Matsamo, Mpumalanga, his fortunes changed almost immediately. This was true not only for Sibisi, but for the more than 150 black tobacco farmers who’ve been assisted by an initiative to support emerging farmers to grow tobacco and food crops. Although he’d begun farming while still in his teens, it was only once he started farming tobacco that he could move beyond subsistence. “We were struggling before because we were still dependent on the rain. We only planted maize once a year, but not enough to sell,” Sibisi says. “Finance was a big consideration, as well as the equipment needed for any kind of farming.” The Emerging Farmers Initiative (EFI) – a project established by British American Tobacco (BAT) in partnership with Mobi Agri Skills Development and Training (MASDT),
Limpopo Tobacco Processors (LTP) and Lowveld Agricultural Services – assisted Sibisi with his transition to tobacco. Under the project, sun-cured Virginia tobacco was introduced, and farmers were assigned mentors who helped with the planting and production of this crop. In addition, farmers were instructed on the proper care and raising of poultry and livestock, crop rotation techniques and were assisted with vegetable farming. They learned ways to properly irrigate their crops and how to control pests and disease as well as the know-how to manage larger parcels of land. According to Sibisi, the training they were given helped a great deal because the farmers didn’t have the capacity to work at higher levels of productivity. “We didn’t have the necessary skills. We needed to learn how to do proper farming as a business,” he says. “All the farmers taken onto the project are now well trained,” explains Sibisi.
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42% of the informal market share is down the drain, lost to illegal cigarettes. That’s more than R9-billion in taxes that is also lost
While the focus of the initiative is on skills development, an independent economic impact study conducted by Professor Hendri Coetzee and Professor Werner Nell from the University of the North West showed that participation in the project is positively impacting the lives of the farmers and their families through food security, an increased asset base, educational and the psychological, social and emotional were based on visits to 22 of the projects. For every hectare of tobacco planted, a corresponding hectare of food crops is established. Most people in Matsamo are now involved with the project. “We are much more stable than before,” Sibisi shares. “Some of us were dependent on grants before and now we can earn salaries. Tobacco farming is economically viable and allows farmers to budget and plan in advance. Sibisi explains: “With tobacco, we’ve got a ready market. We know how
much tobacco will cost at the end of the season because the price per kilo is set beforehand.” Sibisi also grows vegetables such as cabbage, beetroot and beans, which he sells to locals, but he struggles to to grow tobacco; we don’t have to look ready market for it.”
ILLICIT TOBACCO DISRUPTS BLACK FARMERS’ LIVELIHOODS Now, the livelihoods of Sibisi and his peers are under threat due to the rise of the illicit tobacco trade, which has resulted in
diminished demand for tobacco leaf and is threatening the entire value chain. The bulk of tobacco leaf grown in South Africa is purchased by LTP. Earlier this year, LTP warned farmers that the organisation’s sustainability is at stake due to the impact of illegal cigarettes on the market, which is causing diminished demand for cigarette brands that are tax-compliant. BAT is the main buyer of tobacco leaf supplied by LTP. Asked about his biggest challenge, Sibisi does not hesitate. “At the moment, for thing is that there’s too much illicit activity
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AGRICULTURE | BLACK TOBACCO FARMERS ASSOCIATION
BTFA members seek to engage with government on the issues they face, including the threat to at least 10 000 jobs
The 155 members represent black-owned
taking place in the cigarette industry. Government is not doing much about it. This is my biggest worry,” he says. What constitutes illicit cigarettes? Simply, these are cigarettes on which the correct excise tax has not been paid. Each year, the minimum collectible tax on a pack of cigarettes is established; this is the amount payable by cigarette manufacturers as an excise tax. In 2019, the minimum collectible tax on a pack of cigarettes is R19.16. Any pack selling for less than this amount should raise serious concerns regarding its tax compliance. In fact, a 2015 ruling in the Eastern Cape High Court sets out that a pack of 20 cigarettes selling for below the minimum collectible tax should be considered illegal. Although counterfeit cigarettes that infringe intellectual property rights of brands and cigarettes are smuggled into South Africa, the overwhelming majority of illegal cigarettes sold in the country are produced here – by licensed tobacco
manufacturers who do not declare all their manufactured product to the South African Revenue Service. The lower-priced cigarettes are eroding market share of the tax-compliant brands and this drives down demand for legally manufactured products as well as for the tobacco leaf grown by Sibisi and other black tobacco farmers. Illegal cigarette producers do not source their tobacco locally either. The impact is far-reaching. “I understand that now 42% of the informal market share is down the drain, lost to illegal cigarettes. That’s more than R9-billion in taxes that is also lost,” Sibisi says.
PROTECTING BLACK TOBACCO FARMERS Sibisi is a founding member of the Black Tobacco Farmers Association (BTFA), launched in January 2019. The primary objective of this grouping is to protect and prioritise the interests of black tobacco farmers and to ensure the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the North West. Through the establishment of the BTFA, members seek to engage with government on the issues they face, including the threat to at least 10 000 jobs in the broader tobacco farming sector if the situation remains unchecked. Sibisi believes that government is not fully aware of the scale of the problem and is optimistic that a solution could be found were government and all other stakeholders in the tobacco value chain to work together – to quash illegal sales and to support those trying to earn a living while paying the correct tax. “Now that we have a steady income, we are praying that the government will eradicate the trade of illicit cigarettes and ensure that us emerging tobacco farmers are given the opportunity to earn a decent living. We can make a meaningful economic contribution,” he offers. “We are economically viable through the tobacco leaf that we sell. All of our members employ people in our locales. Tobacco is a multibillion Rand industry, and for such an economically viable programme to diminish is unfortunate. Government needs to intervene.” Sibisi adds: “Grants can’t be maintained forever, but if government were to invest more money in agriculture and ensure that illegal tobacco products are done away with, we’d be able to sell more of our tobacco yields. Everyone will be able to look after themselves because they will be working and getting a deserved reward at the end of the day.”
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Khoi and San to share in benefits of rooibos After years of negotiation, the Rooibos industry has acknowledged the rights of the indigenous communities of the West Coast, in the Cape, to a share in the glory (and the profits)
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A special ceremony to mark the historic occasion was held on 1 November 2019,
trade in indigenous biological resources, traditional knowledge holders in a fair
representatives from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries traditional knowledge holders of Rooibos, a Working Group – which included the the protection and preservation of the Rooibos industry and its people remain with the National Environmental
here has been a sea change in the Rooibos industry, following the signing of an Access and
of the Rooibos plant and that including
agreement between the Rooibos industry, the move which they say will contribute a great deal to the development and
As a signatory to the Nagoya Protocol,
“It’s the first agreement of its kind in the world – both in terms of the interpretation and application of the Nagoya Protocol”
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AGRICULTURE | ROOIBOS
described the signing as a landmark world – both in terms of the interpretation past injustice – a wrong that is being After four years of negotiations, an agreement was reached, which included
this currently equates to an estimated
companies and traditional knowledge holders, whereas the Rooibos agreement encompasses the entire industry, ensuring
The accord is regarded as an important milestone in the history of global
this negotiation, and the implementation for all of us to tell considering that Rooibos is an existing industry with prospects for transformation, where the potential to become big players in
used, will be independently decided by
primarily intended for the upliftment of An annual report, detailing the distribution of funds, will be submitted to the DEFF to Bergh has hailed the agreement as a robust framework for other bioprospecting,
Issued by Meropa Communications on behalf of the South African Rooibos Council (SARC).
ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROOIBOS COUNCIL (SARC) The South African Rooibos Council (SARC) is an independent organisation, representing Rooibos processors, packers and branders. Its mission is to responsibly promote Rooibos and its attributes, while protecting the interests of the Rooibos consumer and industry stakeholders. SARC members represent more than 90% of the volume and value of the annual production and sales of Rooibos products.
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The Solar Bread Box ENABLING ENERGY ACCESS AND DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES Profs Johan Meyer and Sune von Solms came up with an initiative to not only empower the homes of disadvantaged communities but also to empower the people, by putting bread on the table with solar bakeries
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espite being ranked as the eighth most developed country in Africa in the United Nations Development Programme’s annual report in 2018, several challenges still plague South Africa. The need for employment, access to energy, economic activity, community development and access to affordable essential foods is still very prominent in both rural and urban areas. While working on a project to empower a remote village in the Northern part of South Africa through enabling energy access and community development from locally available renewable energy sources, Profs Johan Meyer and Sune von Solms of the University of Johannesburg’s School of
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Sciences conceptualised the Solar Bread photovoltaic solar bakeries. Boasting the same equipment and commercial bakery, the Solar Bread Box eliminates the dependence, purchase and electricity. Not only that, but the bakery is also an instantaneous employment and skills development opportunity for youths, a tool for economic stimuli and an avenue for an essential product. urban communities where there is no grid connection; communities where the residents cannot afford electricity;
or communities where there are underlying social issues regarding the access and distribution of electrical power consider bread an everyday staple or meal. The affordability and access of wholesome, fresh bread is essential in such areas. Box should not be confused with other solar solutions such as concentrated solar power or solar thermal technologies that are used for heating and cooling. He explained that the Solar Bread Box uses a photovoltaic system, which converts solar energy into electrical power used for the baking process. Prof von Solms explained that the idea is for the bakery to function on the conversion of solar energy as much as possible – minimising the cost of solar energy storage solutions. This means that baking will be seasonally dependent, and bakers will have to adjust their baking times in accordance to the sun to harness maximum power during baking cycles.
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ENERGY | SOLAR BREAD BOX PROJECT
Contrary to traditional community development activities which normally consist of agriculture, tourism and niche manufacturing, the commercial-sized bakery is ideal because: • The operation and income are immediate • It is a sustainable business with vast opportunities for growth • It is not dependent on grid-tied electricity as it harnesses the power of the sun • It immediately avails job opportunities in communities • It fosters skills development, micro business and enterprise development.
The UJ School of Electrical Engineering in collaboration with Bakery and Food Technology Incubator of South Africa (BICSA), offers training on how to bake, run a bakery as a business and how to maintain a solar PV system – enabling communities to thrive independently. So far, the Solar Bread Box has sparked economic activity, created jobs for eight individuals, created an enterprise that now serves neighbouring villages, created the access to wholesome foods, the production of at least 100 loaves of bread a day, and boosted skills development in Gwakwani – a small remote village in Limpopo,
South Africa, that initially had no grid connection. When used as a tool for community development, the Solar Bread Box becomes a self-sustaining, economy stimulating, job creating and skills development platform – creating communities that have access to healthy, wholesome baked goods, are selfdependant and economically active. Make the Solar Bread Box a part of your community development project. Contact Cornay Keefer at cornayk@uj.ac.za to eliminate running energy costs in your next project.
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A table for fifty-six million (South Africans) Hans Mackenzie Main paints a fresh picture of Table Mountain for those who’ve reached its summit, and for those yet to make the magical journey there (spoiler: there’s a sweet deal for locals)
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FEATURE | TABLE MOUNTAIN
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haped by time and the elements to resemble a man-made object, Table Mountain towers over a city that seems as though it was always meant to be. Whether on a T-shirt, a postcard or a billboard, the outline of Table Mountain is recognisable the world over and a powerful symbol of our country’s cultural and natural heritage. In the summer months its northern slopes are lit up in the night-time; those same slopes covered in thin white waterfalls in winter, feeding its diverse plant and animal life. Table Mountain on a cableway with cabins designed to take up to 65 people, rotating a full 360 degrees. Back in 1929, the ascent took a full ten minutes aboard what amounted to a metal box that rotated zero degrees. Nevertheless, reaching the top of Table Mountain simply by stepping
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company uses one of only three Rotair cable cars in the world, makes about 190 trips a day and has lifted more than 28 million visitors
into a box was a momentous occasion that took years of planning. This year, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Co Ltd celebrated 90 years of operation giving us a bird’s-eye view of Cape Town. The company uses one of only three Rotair cable cars in the world, makes about 190 trips a day and has lifted more than 28 million visitors.
BUSTING THE MYTHS OF THE MIGHTY MOUNTAIN Like all mountains, Table Mountain is shrouded in myth and legend, perhaps the most famous being that each time the white ‘table cloth’ of cloud cascades over the top, a smoking duel is taking place between the devil and notorious pirate, Van Hunks.
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Not far behind Van Hunks and the devil is the Xhosa folktale of Qamata, the god believed to have created the world. When a sea dragon named Nkanyamba prevented Qamata from lifting dry land from the oceans, his mother positioned four giants on the four corners of the world. The giants turned to stone when the world was done and the southernmost rock christened Umlindi Wemingizimu (Watcher of the South), or what we know today to be Table Mountain. Beyond myth there is of course fact. Using tried-and-tested science, geologists have found the uppermost layers of Table Mountain to be made of extremely hard quartzitic sandstone and went ahead naming the substance, Table Mountain Sandstone. Erosion-resistant, the sandstone has resulted in the many crags in its surface giving rise to the winter waterfalls.
The lower layers, known as the Graafwater Formation, consists of distinctively maroon-coloured mudstones. The Graafwater rocks can best be seen just above the contour path on the front of Table Mountain, and around Devil’s Peak. They can also be seen in the cutting along Chapman’s Peak Drive. Standing in front of Table Mountain and looking at it head-on can lead to the optical illusion, and assumption, that it is a freestanding table. Look at it from the top or sides and you’re presented with a much different view. Table Mountain is, in fact, part of a set called the Cape Fold Mountain range. This ancient formation was shaped over millennia and forms the backbone of the Cape Peninsula, stretching from the Cape of Good Hope in the south to Table Mountain and its flanking Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
What may not be an illusion is that the mountain is quite high. Interestingly, it’s not high at all by international standards, measuring at roughly an eighth of Mount Everest. Regardless, it has become one of the planet’s most visited peaks by mountaineers. Perhaps most notably was the pioneering Sir Edmund Hillary, who paid it a visit shortly after ascending the world’s highest mountain. Over the years, he’s been followed by royals, celebrities and statesman travelling from all parts of the globe to summit the world’s tallest table.
A SWEET DEAL FOR LOCALS THIS SUMMER As summer approaches, the Mother City will again welcome thousands of tourists ticking off what must be a must-do
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FEATURE | TABLE MOUNTAIN
The company also gives the underprivileged of Cape Town’s more than 3.7-million people a chance to go up for free as part of their corporate social investment (CSI) programme
8 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Highest point: 1 084.6 metres at Maclear’s Beacon First ascent: António de Saldanha in 1503 Age: 240 million years, one of the oldest mountains in the world on anyone’s bucket list: going to the top of Table Mountain. The double-decker buses navigating their way up Kloofnek Road towards the cableway – their air conditioners on full blast – will again be aplenty. slowly in their airborne cars all the way to the top where they will stop and sway, heartstoppingly, waiting for the other cabin to descend, before docking and stepping onto one of the world’s seven natural wonders. To encourage South Africans – to whom the mountain ultimately belongs – to go up the wonder in their backyard, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is offering trips for those in possession of a green ID book at half price over the festive season. The company also gives the underprivileged of Cape Town’s more than 3.7 million people a chance to go up
for free as part of their corporate social investment (CSI) programme. Registered NGOs, NPOs and community organisations can apply for complimentary and concession tickets for the cableway simply by emailing a form. And kudos to them. Like visiting the Kruger National Park, or the Golden Gate, or the Cradle of Mankind – seeing the world from atop Table Mountain is each and every South African’s birthright. From up there you can see Robben Island, Parliament and Tuynhuys. Squint your eyes and you might see the Mandela Rhodes building and the balcony of City Hall from where the former president gave his famous speech. On a clear day, you might see all the way up the coast to Koeberg, the Sishen Railroad track Stand a little while longer and you might see right into our country’s soul.
One of the new Seven Wonders of the World Home to 8 200 plant species, of which around 80% are fynbos (the British Isles has less than 1 500 plant species) There are more than 350 trails to get to the top Hoerikwaggo – ‘Mountain in the Sea’ – is the original name by the Khoisan people of the Cape Approximately 800 000 people visit each year
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JWSA takes ball in hand for the youth A beacon of hope for youngsters in Malvern, the Jenny Wu Soccer Academy champions the talents and well-being of the next generation
T
he youth in South Africa are hardest hit by the seemingly ever-growing challenges of poverty, unemployment, crime and drugs in our community. And historical disadvantages and inequality just further the battle to address the severe impact these issues have on our younger generation.
But there is hope, with various organisations now offering training and workshops to inspire and support the next generation of South Africans. One such champion is Jianling Wu, who decided that instead of just sitting around talking about what a shame it is, she would be one of those people who are stepping up and taking action. And so, the Jenny Wu Sports Academy – better known as the JWSA – came into being. Ms Wu, who is the director and at this stage the main sponsor of the academy, was inspired to set up the organisation by the potential she saw in the youngsters living in the area. Jenny has been involved in numerous projects in the community
over the years, however, this project got her particularly excited about the future. The Melbel Sports Centre in Malvern was chosen as the ‘home grounds’ of the academy. Though the grounds appeared derelict, Ms Wu had a vision and a plan to develop not only the centre but each and every player to their full promise. Developing young people’s sporting talents is an important part of a bigger picture of growth. The academy also aspires to: • promote healthy lifestyles within the whole community through sports activities • assist the public and private sector in
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SPORT | JENNY WU SOCCER ACADEMY
An opportunity to not only gain valuable abuse, cancer and education through sports activities
have already been playing for years, but a
of the youth where they can explore their sporting
Association as well as engage in plenty of
right
the surrounding area. This is an up-and-
and self-reliance through developing
your radar!
The academy was officially launched in June 2018, and to date has over 200 members
building a clubhouse with a canteen area, building seating for spectators, and putting up state-of-the-art security at the venue. Unfortunately, there has yet to be Metro as to whether they can in fact go ahead and begin the renovations on the venue. In addition, sponsorship and funding are
disciplines offered: netball, soccer and as aerobics, which is offered to both the
a big issue. Though the security of their donated since inception, this project costs vagrants entering the property at night or
to run. With league fees, transport, catering,
A tender to upgrade and secure the
wonderful opportunity to play against
resurfacing the existing tennis courts to
of corporates to step up to the plate and lend their hand in developing the youth’s talents and attending to their well-being.
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SA AND MALAYSIA EXTEND TRADE RELATIONS The PBF Convenor met with the Malaysian Minister of Trade to discuss opportunities for bilateral trade between South Africa and Malaysia
T
hen Convenor of the Progressive Business Forum (PBF), Mr Daryl Swanepoel, met with the Malaysian Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Hon Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail, in Cape
whether there was any scope for furthering business between the two countries. The minister was accompanied by a delegation which included a wealth
Malaysia and Companies Commission of Malaysia. Whilst trade relationships between the two countries are on a sound footing, much potential exists for expanding the level and nature of the trade.
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EVENT | MALAYSIAN TRADE
Malaysia is currently importing mainly mineral resources from South Africa. So, in order to facilitate balanced trade, Malaysia wishes to export more products to South Africa. And South Africa, in materials prior to export, as well as extending the basket of goods exported to Malaysia.
During their enthused discussions over encourage their respective enterprises to seek out new opportunities for shared business between the two countries. Another positive outcome of this meeting was that the PBF will begin to explore the potential of leading its own delegation to Malaysia in the near future.
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National Arts Festival essential to arts ecosystem Get in touch with SA’s eclectic blend of art and culture at Africa’s famous arts extravaganza bar none: from theatre productions, workshops, lectures and tours to pop-up restaurants, craft markets and busking, there’s something for everyone’s tastes
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FEATURE | NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
I
In a 2016 economic impact study by Rhodes University, 87% of respondents agreed with the statement that NAF gave them cultural capital (increased their understanding and enjoyment of other cultures). In the same survey, 99% of respondents said they would recommend the festival to another person Each year the Standard Bank Young Artists take their places in the spotlight at a pivotal point in their careers and, together with the audience, each festival honours a featured artist who is selected for their contribution to, and transformation of, the South African arts.
Picture Credit: Michelle Hodgkinson and Mark Wessels
n 2020, the National Arts Festival marks 46 years of existence. The festival’s rich history is integrally linked to the evolution of South Africa’s arts landscape and the artists who continue to weave that landscape together. In our expression imbongi, our storytellers and social innovators, and NAF, as it is colloquially known, is the place where they come to gather. The festival started in 1974 with 64 main events on the programme, ranging from theatre productions to workshops, lectures and tours. At the outset, it was largely dedicated to English works and was considered something of an oasis in a sea of censorship, open to all regardless of race or sex. Perhaps because it was tucked away in the small city of then Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, it evaded the normal scrutiny of the regime and was regarded as an important home for political protest theatre and resistance art during the height of apartheid. It is this spirit of independence that carries the festival forward: its stages, streets and galleries providing the space to test ideas, innovate, experiment and make groundbreaking new work (in multiple languages) come alive. Now comprised of a curated Main Programme and an open Fringe, there are several markers of recognition through the festival journey that identify exceptional talent and promising new artists.
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The festival now contributes R340-million to the economy of the Eastern Cape, with a R90-million economic impact on the town of Makhanda itself. Despite constrained economic times, the National Arts Festival has grown by 61% in the last decade and tickets sold per festival round out at about 200 000
The role of the festival is key in an arts environment that is competing for funding and in which artists are struggling to get new work seen. By creating a space for anyone to make work, the festival provides much-needed exposure not only to audiences but also to visiting producers from international festivals and theatres, as well as theatre owners and makers in South Africa. Many of South Africa’s greatest productions have arisen from collaborations and relationships made at the festival. Well-known South African performer and director Rob van Vuuren credits the National Arts Festival with being central in developing his love for the stage; and Mandla Mlangeni, the 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, says, “It is largely because of the efforts of the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival that South Africa enjoys a thriving music scene today, bringing learners into contact with top-flight jazz musicians from all around the world who congregate at NAF and, for six full days, give all their time to nurturing and guiding young musicians. The foundations for a thriving jazz scene take root at the Youth Jazz Festival. I believe if such systems are kept in place, music in South Africa will continue getting better.”
The National Arts Festival receives the bulk of its funding from public and private partnerships with the Eastern Cape government, Department of Arts and Culture and long-standing partner Standard Bank. The National Lottery is another important contributor towards the festival’s sustainability. Furthermore, arts-savvy municipalities provide funding to regional artists to bring their work. Other funding mechanisms getting in on the act include international arts agencies, foreign embassies, local and international corporates, education and training institutions, theatres, to name a few. Of course, as home of the National Arts Festival, the Eastern Cape government supports and showcases its talents across jazz, literature, visual art, music and dance throughout the event.
GET WITH THE PROGRAMME Once known mostly as a theatre festival, the National Arts Festival now presents a full and engaging programme of international and local theatre, dance, performance, public and visual art, music and more. The festival also nurtures new audiences through a family theatre programme, and the Children’s Arts Festival is a deep dive into the arts for youngsters.
The Schools’ Festival, which occurs over hundreds of Grade 12 learners to Makhanda to watch shows and participate in workshops and master classes. The newest aspect, the Creativate Digital Arts Festival, is an exciting space for all ages but particularly teens, as it explores the fusion between the arts and technology and shows how it translates into relevant, engaging cross-genre works that explore potential around new live experiences. The festival continually strives to involve the whole of the Makhanda community in the project and urges and encourages the community’s ownership of the event. Venues, pop-up restaurants, craft markets, mobile stages, busking areas, street theatre and so much more can be found throughout the city – with increasing visibility in disadvantaged areas. Case in point, Joza Township is home to a mini Jazz Festival and music concerts at Nombulelo Hall, a full children’s theatre programme at Nompumelelo Community Centre, and NAF also supports the independentlyrun Fingo Festival and the Black Power Station programme of talks, music and poetry.
Picture Credit: Jan Potgieter
NAF PLAYS A LEADING ROLE
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FEATURE | NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
KEEPING THE COMMUNITY ALIVE As a result of its longevity, the festival now contributes R340-million to the economy of the Eastern Cape, with a R90-million economic impact on the town of Makhanda itself. Despite constrained economic times, the National Arts Festival has grown by 61% in the last decade and tickets sold per festival round out to roughly 200 000. Within a tough economic environment and in the face of ever-increasing costs,
the festival faces a key challenge in keeping pace with costs while continuing to provide world-class programming. It is increasingly looking for new, innovative partnerships with businesses and others – welcoming new strategies to continue to grow the arts in South Africa. Known as Africa’s biggest and most diverse arts festival, where will the National Arts Festival take us next? If the last 46 years are anything for us to go by, the artists will lead the way.
7 THINGS ABOUT NAF YOU NEED TO KNOW • The next National Arts Festival takes place in Makhanda from 25 June-5 July 2020. • Follow the National Arts Festival on Twitter @artsfestival and @nationalartsfestival on Instagram and Facebook. • The programme is revealed in stages from March til April and bookings go live in May. • Book accommodation early! There are several agencies who can assist in securing the best options. • Makhanda is closest to both Port Elizabeth and East London airports. • In a 2016 economic impact study by Rhodes University, 87% of respondents agreed with the statement that NAF gave them cultural capital (increased their understanding and enjoyment of other cultures). • In the same survey, 99% of respondents said they would recommend the festival to another person.
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Why mindfulness in the workplace increases productivity Follow in the footsteps of global corporate giants in prioritising mindfulness practices as part of your employees’ development – increasing productivity, improving interpersonal relationships and boosting your bottom line
I
n the current culture of overwork, where endurance is valued above all else, the new norm of pushing ourselves too hard can fast become a self-defeating cycle. None of us has the capacity to continue pushing beyond our limits without burnout or some stress-related illness becoming inevitable. And that level of exhaustion leads only one way: a spiral of declining mental and physical motivation and function. Today, there is far too little attention paid to the mental health of employees. The World Health Organisation estimates that stress costs businesses billions every year. A study conducted by Bloomsberg revealed that South Africa is the second most stressed country in the world! Clearly, working too hard doesn’t necessarily equal productivity. Despite the good intentions of ever-increasing technological advances to improve our lives, our modern-day work-life balance has deteriorated. So, how can we enable ourselves – and our employees – to better manage our workload? Mindfulness, a highly touted skill, is changing the way leaders and employees engage with each other in the workplace.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS? Let’s unpack this term: Mindfulness is being present and aware of where we are and what we are doing in each moment. The idea is to focus on the present, to not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Ultimately, the practice of being mindful should enable us to remain unaffected by external distractions. The upshot? Without distraction, productivity is boosted. Plus, the ability to be aware of and remain connected to ourselves is an extraordinarily helpful tool for taking care of our mental and physical health. mindful are linked to an increase in empathy and self-regulation – enabling employees to communicate better and creating a work environment that is less stressful and happier. Mindfulness creates a positive cycle, as employee retention rates tend to go up when people are happy at work. Better communication between employees equals better results for business!
WHO USES MINDFULNESS IN THE WORKPLACE? Corporate giants Goldman Sachs, Google, Apple and Nike all prioritise mindfulness practices such as meditation as part of their employee development programmes. In fact, Google has developed a hugely successful programme, Search Inside Yourself, which is not only utilised within the company but is also offered to the general public. The programme is proven to “reduce stress, improve focus, raise peak performance and improve interpersonal relationships”. the expense of providing mindfulness classes for employees. Job-related stress costs companies indirectly through heightened employee turnover, lowered productivity and missed workdays. Also, companies that are perceived as caring tend to get more from their employees automatically – people are willing to do more if they feel like they’re part of something good dog-eat-dog mentalities, when it comes to employees feel valuable and connected helps the bottom line so much more.
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LIFESTYLE | MINDFULNESS
LIFE RETREAT’S TOP 10 MINDFULNESS TIPS Consciously connecting with one of your senses is a simple mindfulness exercise. You don’t need to close your eyes or be sitting down. Just connect with your body. Here is the Five Senses exercise for a quick reconnect with yourself, at any time of the day. All you need to do is notice something in your environment that
usually wouldn’t. • Notice four things you feel. For example, the feeling of your shirt against your or the sun on your face. • Listen for three sounds. Do you notice your window? • Notice two things you smell. Do your and focus on your perfume, flowers or other aromas. • Lastly, focus on taste. It can be a sip of water or just the current taste in your mouth. 2) Become a single-tasker Only do one thing at a time. This is vitally important when you are feeling overwhelmed. Multitasking limits productivity and increases stress. If you feel yourself wandering from task to task, then re-centre and come back to the most important job at hand. 3) Switch off all distractions Silence your phone and log off your social media. Once you have muted your distractions, get to work! Reducing input reduces the ‘noise’ in our heads. You can even try turning off the radio while you are driving, and listen to your breathing instead, as it calms and centres you.
Take a few deep breaths and practice a couple of yoga poses at your desk. During your lunchtime, go for a brisk walk, preferably outdoors.
“Reduce stress, improve focus, raise peak performance and improve interpersonal relationships”
Each time you get up to make yourself a coffee or chat to a colleague, etc., use this time to stretch your arms, move your head and neck and get some blood flowing again. ‘Sitting is the new smoking’, they say. So, keep moving.
There are numerous breathing techniques. One of these is to close your eyes for a minute: breathe in through your nose for four counts, hold for four, breathe out for four counts. Repeat. 8) Be consciously present Mindfulness is about being aware, rather than operating unconsciously. When you are consciously present at work, you are aware of two aspects of your moment-tomoment experience: • What’s going on around you • What’s going on within you.
5) Slow down to speed up Rushing doesn’t make you more effective, it just leads to making mistakes, poor decisions, irritability and misused energy. Living on adrenaline zaps energy and good health. Take time to reflect before acting or deciding, if you’re wanting the best results.
9) Journal your thoughts Begin your day with random writing. It’s manageable to get up 10mins early and write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t have to make sense – no one will ever read it (except you). Journaling clears out all unnecessary thoughts and often brings up what we need to focus on for the day.
minimum seven hours sleep a night. Make Stress Your Friend! See your future problem as a positive challenge and recognise your body preparing to meet it. This small change in attitude can add years to your life and improve your productivity and achievements.
10) Accept the things you cannot change Acceptance lies at the heart of mindfulness. You must accept this present moment just as it is; accept yourself just as you are now. Acknowledge the truth of how things are at this time before trying to change anything.
6) Feel gratitude Practising gratitude has a positive impact on our creativity, health, working relationships, and quality of work. Overuse the words ‘Thank you’ and see how your co-workers’ morale improves. And, see how the positivity follows you home at night. When you’re stressed, in a negative headspace, dig yourself out by looking for the positives. Take a few minutes to focus on: • The good, helpful people in your life • The positives about your job • What you appreciate about your working environment and co-workers.
Being aware of your breathing helps to centre your attention by focusing your thoughts on one aspect of your experience.
LIFE RETREAT MINDFULNESS PROGRAMMES: • Introductory to in-depth workshops on Mindfulness in the Workplace • Monthly mindful/movement workshop • Weekly mindful/movement class • Advice on setting up a mindful space for staff • Tailor-made workshops designed for your company
CONTACT DETAILS www.liferetreat.co.za info@liferetreat.co.za Tel: 087 135 5542
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The Zero Moment of Truth It’s true that search engine optimisation can be technically complex to tackle, but Mike Saunders, CEO of DigitLab, shares a simple recipe for a successful online presence
S
earch engines are the ‘go-to’ destination for almost every question we have these days. They have become our source of general knowledge, entertainment, purchase information and celebrity gossip. The Zero Moment of Truth, a term coined by Google in 2011, refers to the research
that is conducted online about a product, organisation or service before taking any action. It’s this zero moment that drives the discovery of our businesses; it’s the single moment that we need to learn to leverage to build personal and business reputation. Leveraging this moment has a lot to do with understanding search engine
optimisation (SEO), content marketing and online advertising channels to meet potential customers when they discover saying that managing a robust online reputation means that you need to be able to meet your customers at that zero moment.
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SOCIAL MEDIA | SEO
When Google views your content as relevant, it ranks you correctly in search results, driving more organic, relevant
HOW SEARCH ENGINES WORK
shoes online – making this an ideal keyword
strategy comes down to understanding your users and their search intentions: • Navigational users are looking for
Search engines have two primary functions: Firstly, they use automated
information and storing it in an extensive
•
Informational users are looking for
cross-checks the provided keywords against their index and presents ranked results according to what they deem the
•
Commercial users have the intention of making a purchase and looking for the
Algorithms are the ‘recipes’ that search engines use to rank the content, and every search engine keeps their algorithm a tight
against the various recipes within their
and ‘online shoe stores’ are examples of
Once your content is created, its relevant users who will link to it, share it on social
crawled and how many pages are fetched Crucial to success in SEO is
The more people link to your content, the
Google will assess the relevancy of your
RELEVANCE, REFERRAL AND RECENT The key to excellent search engine reputation is relevant content, that is recent
referral and relevance, the higher in the Finally, no-one likes an out-of-date
on creating relevant content for your standing your searchers intent, which will help you develop a list of keywords, where
To the point that it won’t send people to
In this case, we look to making sure we keep creating a consistent stream of
skillset, you can understand how to create content in a simple fashion that helps you gain traction in search engines to manage In a nutshell, SEO is the fundamental art of setting up your online presence so that Google showcases you as a highly relevant result when a customer conducts an online search around your chosen
– and there are many different reasons
‘online shoe store’ will send users to your
For more information, visit: www.digitlab.co.za www.mikesaunders.com
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Design Indaba: 25 years of innovation Neo Maditla, content strategist and partnerships manager at Design Indaba, lets us in on how the annual creative conference is bringing design projects to life and finding innovative solutions to our country’s challenges
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LIFESTYLE | DESIGN INDABA
Picture Credit: Aaron Polikoff
D
esign Indaba was born at the dawn of the new South African democracy with a simple mission: to create a better world through creativity. And that expansive mission has manifested itself in many charming yet utilitarian ways over the past 25 years. The most visible manifestation of this undertaking has been our flagship event, the Design Indaba Conference, which attracts some of the best innovative thinkers from around the globe to Cape Town annually, in February, for three days of inspiration and cultural invention. The conference has grown to become one of the biggest events of its kind worldwide. With that has come the likes of worldrenowned speakers such as the most awarded man in advertising, David Droga, who this year took to the stage to speak about why he remains optimistic about the
future of advertising, even as the industry is undergoing drastic changes. Wanuri Kahiu, whose work as a writer and ‘good news’ stories about Africans as – about two women who fall in love – was banned in Kenya, implored the audience to through their productions to change negative, stereotypical perceptions and narratives about Africans, by reflecting their true nature: as people of joy and complexity like everyone else. South African comedian Kagiso Lediga, one of the pioneering creatives who helped build a thriving industry with regards South African comedy, was also a key speaker this year, enlightening the audience about his burgeoning career.
The Design Indaba Conference... attracts some of the best innovative thinkers from around the globe to Cape Town annually, in February, for three days of inspiration and cultural invention
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His story included his work producing shows such as The Pure Monate Show and Emmy-nominated Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, the breakout movie Matwetwe and, more recently, being commissioned by media giant Netflix
colour, where once he couldn’t. In Ribas’ case, she had seismic sensors implanted into her feet, so she can feel earthquakes as they happen around the world.
series, Queen Sono. This is a just small taste of the 40 speakers who used the Design Indaba
more and more towards being a Think Tank (a straight-up conference talk) and Do Tank (where we collaborate closely with our presenters to bring their projects to life). We believe that in a country like South
expose the myriad aspects of design and creativity– from architecture to graphic design, product design, costume design and even two cyborgs, Neil Harbisson and Moon Ribas, who made a strong case for why we should be exploring the idea of designing ourselves instead of the world around us. Fascinatingly, Harbisson has an antenna implanted into his skull to allow him to see
TRANSLATING DESIGN INTO REALITY
potential but where inequality is rife, design has a crucial role to play in helping to mastermind creative solutions to what can seem insurmountable problems. One such project looked at the issue of low-cost housing. The Design Indaba 10 x 10 Housing Project challenged
architects to use the identical budget that the government allocates to low-cost housing projects, to come up with a creative way to build sustainable homes that would afford dignity to the people who would live there. The objective was to put forward an affordable, attractive, innovative response to the urgent need for housing for the urban poor. Design Indaba speaker and
translated it into a beautiful row of houses for residents of Freedom Park informal settlement in Cape Town. DESIGN: A CREATIVE ECONOMY Indaba amounts to an enormous number of exciting projects and collaborations, ranging in size and impact, not only in
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LIFESTYLE | DESIGN INDABA
South Africa but throughout the continent and indeed, the world. Reflecting on this special anniversary, we also turn our attention to the efforts we’ve made over the years to feed and grow the design and creativity industry – the continent’s sleeping giant. Speaking to Fin24, Professor Jen Snowball, a cultural economist from the South African Cultural Observatory, said that the creative industry possesses huge potential in terms of growing the South African economy. She said that some early mapping of the sector showed that the industry contributed over R90-billion or 2.9% of GDP between 2013 and 2014. Clearly there is much potential in the creative industry, and it was with this in mind that we partnered with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture
in 2005, to launch the Design Indaba Emerging Creatives programme. Every year we select 50 up-and-coming designers, whether they are still in university or self-taught, and give them a chance to exhibit their work during the Design Indaba Festival of Creativity. It is from this platform that they have the opportunity to network and make useful lifelong connections not only with each other, but with important business contacts from around the globe – contacts that act as a springboard for their businesses, jumping them to the next level. With unemployment in South Africa being a major ongoing concern, we see the power and possibilities that design and creativity has to develop and grow our future design entrepreneurs. Proudly, the programme has been responsible for turning out a considerable number of
top-notch leading designers in the country, with fashion designers Thebe Magugu and Laduma Ngxokolo among them. Our 25th anniversary is a good time to reflect on the achievements of the past. It is also a good time to look to the future of what design can actively do, both to uplift society and to inspire future leaders in the design sector and beyond. In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ideas and innovations is the name of the game; as important as the minerals in the earth, feeding our economy. Design Indaba has an opportunity here, to tap into this energy, to bring forth the complex untapped creativity that exists in abundance in this country – and to channel it into real-life outcomes that make the world a better place to be, for us all.
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CHALLENGES YOU’VE OVERCOME
KEY LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
BEST BUSINESS LESSON WORDS OF WISDOM KEY FOCUS AREAS
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COMPANY LISTING
STRUCTURED FOR PERFECTION HEAD OFFICE
REGIONAL OFFICE
2302
P.O Box 111
Services: • Solar Systems
Home away from home in your local city Newcastle, KZN Tel: 0343155011
Tel: 017 631 1681 / 076 986 0799
Email: reservations@majubalodge.net www.majubalodge.net
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION FULL PROJECT SERVICES +27 35 797 3180 info@makheleni.co.za admin@makheleni.co.za
www.izazienergy.com
Services include: Environmental compliance
Specializing in the supply of goods and plant related spares as well as providing specialized services in the mining, energy, oil and gas industries. Located in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town
With branches countrywide Tel: 015 297 0868 | Cell: 076 066 4740
www.mhks.co.za
DEVELOPING HUMAN SKILLS Cell: 084 407 5026 Tel: 057 354 3937 tmtrainingsolutions02@gmail.com
CEO: Daluxolo Ngendane 083 539 0112 daluxolo@ntulikazitrading.co.za COO: Leonard Arendze 083 603 0594 lgarendze@ntulikazitrading.co.za Dir: Tshepang Malakoana 081 789 4740 tshepang@ntulikazitrading.co.za
We specialise in: Industrial Plants, Oil, Gas & Water Treatment Works, Civil Engineering Services in various trades, Bulk Earthworks and Geo-technical Services, Specialised Structural Steel Framed Buildings and Structures, General and Industry Building Works, Road Works and Paving Services, Specialised Acid We are registered with the Master Builder Association,
Tel (031) 461 1197 • Fax (031) 461 3224 www.patcon.co.za
Reach 15 000 subscribers of the ANC’s Progressive Business Forum and Progressive Citizens’ Forum. TO ADVERTISE IN UPCOMING EDITIONS CONTACT Jan Weiss | jan@yesmedia.co.za | 021 447 6467 Crosby Moruthane | 067 053 0189
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EVENT | TOP END DINNER
A toast to government’s policy-centric vision
F
It was all cards on the table at the first of this year’s Top End Dinners, held on 18 July 2019 at the Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino, in Johannesburg
or starters, guest of honour Jackson Mthembu, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, avidly discussed government’s ‘policy-centric’ vision for economic growth and how to revise plans in respect of the country’s Information and Communications Technology sector.
Minister Mthembu gave a hearty thanks to the PBF for its ongoing role in bringing together government and business in a constructive and meaningful manner. The main course was the opportunity for guests to interact and engage directly with the minister on various issues of relevance to them – they were greatly
appreciative of the platform to discuss openly and frankly matters relating to the South African economy and how that might affect their businesses. And then, of course, there was dessert: networking and feasting on mouth-watering puddings in the stylish yet understated venue.
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