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Q&A with BASA MD, Cas Coovadia and BANKSETA CEO, Max Makhubalo After 20 years of democracy, where does South Africa’s banking and microfinance sector stand? MM: In comparing our sector today with its 1994 counterpart, you will see few similarities. From our most remote banks to our most sophisticated institutions, there has been a dramatic shift of black people behind the Teller desks. Yet one of the real challenges we face is the lack of women of colour in management, which we are working hard on improving through the likes of bursaries and other executive development programmes we offer. The sector has seen an increasing number of previously disadvantaged individuals employed and we are proud of skills development interventions over the years.
In closing the gap of nearly five decades of injustice, how has banking performed over the two decades of democracy? CC: Banking has seen significant changes and has done reasonably well throughout the crises we have faced globally. Although the level of business decreased mid-crisis, we retained our position as second most sound banking system in the world. Our Chartered Accountants are rated the best in the world and we have raised the ratio of banked people from 68% to 75%. Having said that, we still have work to do, particularly in training.
Today, what challenges face our banking institutions? CC: The challenge is the sort of skills needed in banking. We must do more to train people on the job. One of the most critical issues is throughput of qualified people into the system. We must clearly define the sort of people that we, as a sector, need to take in to train and we need to work with Universities and FET Colleges to get that throughput going. MM: Although we have made great strides in most areas of transformation, addressing disability remains a challenge. Our banking institutions have not moved to the wider use of technologies that would enable people living with disabilities to access various banking services without assistance, whether remotely or at a banking centre. Also, we are disheartened to report that the banking sector has not met the employment equity target of at least 4% employment of people living with disabilities. The BANKSETA has implemented skills development projects aimed specifically at this vulnerable group and we plan to identify the challenges faced by the sector and work with key role players in addressing this challenge.
What does the BANKSETA aim to achieve through its call to make financial institutions training spaces? MM: What we want to achieve through our focus on Work Integrated Learning is to activate the call of the Minister of Higher Education to make every workplace a training space. The NSDSI articulates a strong call to make workplaces ‘centres of life-long learning’ and in the NSDS III, the Minister emphasises the value of encouraging the application of workplaces as training spaces. We want to work with employers to help young people gain work experience because the real training doesn't only happen in the classroom. It needs the reality of the workplace in which to apply theory. We aim to support all financial institutions to develop and implement a model where more youth with theoretical knowledge can easily access workplace training to obtain the practical skills they need to find employment in the sector.
Is a University degree the only way in which young people can enter into the banking workforce? CC: This is an important question that we need to answer. Formal academic training is needed, but we must look at how we usher matriculants who have optimism and hope to enter into our sector, into that training space. Our banks need to consider to what extent they are helping young people apply their Recognition of Prior Learning Programmes (RPL) to formal study
programmes. We must remember that like all other economic sectors, banking also has a range of occupations across different occupational levels. This is why the qualifications and skills must come from all 10 levels of the National Qualifications Framework. Our sector employs the likes of technicians, professionals and managers. Due to this, young people can enter the sector at a lower level and work their way to senior occupations. Therefore, youth with a Matric and FET College qualification can enter into our workforce. Many of the Financial Institutions also offer internships for young people to use as a point of entry. In addition, the BANKSETA has many registered banking specific learning programmes that are offered with the financial institutions. These provide young people with skills to enter the banking sector labour market.
Can Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) contribute meaningfully to the skills solution? MM: The BANKSETA undertook a pilot programme in the 2013/14 financial year in which 3 083 people are registered for RPL. All of these candidates have previously been through non-accredited training in the banks. Such training is mapped to nationally registered standards on the NQF utilising the Credit Accumulation and Transfer system (CAT). Those whose previous training meets the standards are exempted from the specific requirements of the identified FAIS recognised qualification. In addition to this the participants make submissions relating to their previous work experience. Their experience gets assessed and they get awarded a full qualification through CAT and work experience should they meet all the requirements. Remediation work is done for those who do not meet all the requirements. RPL is making a big difference in transforming the banking sector.
What kind of people does the sector need in its professional workforce to retain its leading global position? CC: As bankers, there is a whole new world opening up to us and we have got to realise that we don't work in an island. We need the sort of staff who will be humble enough to learn. Critically, we need a different kind of banker – bankers who think unilaterally and are able to respond appropriately to the environment. We need bankers who understand the impact of a social environment on their business and the opportunities therein. Bankers who are academically sound but who understand how to push the barriers and frontiers. On an annual basis the BANKSETA works with the sector to develop the Sector Skills Plan, which outlines critical and scarce skills required. Projects are then designed and implemented to address these critical and scarce skills.
What is the BANKSETA doing to promote the profession to the next generation? MM: Our message to the next generation is that it is cool to work in the banking sector and to be a banker. We also do consumer education in terms of National Credit Act, training the next generation consumers to get into a savings state of mind early. What is also important to consider is that due to the convergence of technologies, our next generations can enter professions in banking through IT qualifications. With the growth of the banking sector in terms of the rapid expansion of its client base, the constant development of new banking products and the introduction of new banking technologies, our profession is a dynamic career choice.
Any closing thoughts? MM: The solution to aligning the skills demand with a skills pool that can ably step into our professional environment lies in a two-pronged training approach. Yes, we need formal tertiary training, which Universities and FET Colleges must provide. But we also need to take in learners and young people, exposing them to the realities of the workplace. On this front, I am pleased to report that programmes such as our bursary fund in partnership with SAICA Thuthuka Programme, which runs at the Universities of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu, Venda and Western Cape is producing high quality young professionals. Our country has around 4 000 black Chartered Accountants - we need around 50 000.
What an opportunity we have to truly transform our sector and peoples’ lives.
The BankSETA
@TheBankSETA
The BANKSETA
contents
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Editor’s note
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Subscriptions
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We Remember
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Orbiting a New Era for SA
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The Big buy in
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The rise of smaller airlines
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
Publisher: All Media Africa International The Avenues Office Park Media House,unit 3b2/3b1 1 Village Walk, Parklands Cape Town, 7441 Tel: + 27 21 0100 936 Website: www.amafrica.net
All MediA Afr icA international EDITOR Grivin Ngongula editor@amafrica.net COPY EDITOR Tanya Waterworths waterworth@telkomsa.net CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Dippnall Chantel Venter design and layout Indio Design indiodesign@mweb.co.za Sales Director Julian Moffat julian@amafrica.net Project Manager Liberty Sibusiso Khumalo Advertising Sales: Leroy Muguti, Nicky Ndaba Managing Director Graeme Mather graeme@amafrica.net
Tourism takes centre stage with Madiba magic and airline accolades
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Trading and partnerships
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Diverse beauty - The Eastern Cape Province
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Sustainable transport bid
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Laptop security
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
associate publisher Mark Poonan DISCLAIMER: INSPIRE SOUTH AFRICA is published by ALL MEDIA AFRICA INTERNATIONAL. All work published herein is protected by copyright. No part, editorial or images may be reproduced or adapted in whatever format without the express permission of the publishers and / or their contributors. Information and opinions expressed and published in INSPIRE SOUTH AFRICA, do not necessarily express opinions of this magazine. The magazine, publisher or editor cannot be held liable for damages of any nature, directly or indirectly from any facts or information that has been provided or omitted in these pages. The same applies to any statements made or withheld by this magazine.
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from the editor
O
ur first democratic elections in 1994 only seem like a few years back, but its 20 years gone. Those born in 1994 will cast their votes at the ballot box as adults, for the first time this year. According to Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel, trillions of rands have been set aside for efforts to speed up economic development. Government has earmarked these funds towards infrastructure, poverty alleviation and many other projects. State owned companies such as Transnet will play a pivotal role in this drive to stimulate economic growth. Cathy Dippnall looks at the National Development Plan, this time focusing on infrastructure related issues. Asked about the role satellites have played in our day in different ways, Nico de Klerk, Change & Communication Specialist says “Satellites have a growing impact on our world and this will create a constant challenge for us. Satellites will provide us with data. Lots of it! Data management, Brontobyte and Zettabyte are new terminology and in the same way we will have to develop new skills in terms of communication and change”. I’m sure readers will agree that all these new words and terms in our fast changing world can be mind-boggling. They are certainly a challenge for my lazy brain, but putting it all into perspective is our correspondent, Chantél Venter who takes a look at the satellite industry and how important this industry is to different areas of development - intriguing stuff. A lot of exciting things are happening in South Africa this year. The country hosts the 2014 Aviation Outlook, the continent’s leading aviation transport show taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in June. This comes hard on the heels of SATCOM 2014, which saw roleplayers from Africa’s satellite and telecommunications industries coming together to discuss challenges and opportunities ahead. And for a province that has that turned 20 this year, having been formed in 1994, our Eastern Cape Province deserves special mention in this edition. It is particularly interesting to note this region was also home to many prominent national leaders such as the late Chris Hani, the late Sir Charles Patrick John Coghlan - who later became the first Premier of the then Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1923, as well as inspiring national icons such as the late Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Robert Sobukwe and of course, former president Thabo Mbeki, who all hail from the Eastern Cape Province. I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Sibusiso Liberty Khumalo as Sales Manager for Inspire South Africa Magazine. He takes over after a successful stint at the magazine 20 Years of Democracy. Welcome to the club. Until next time, stay inspired!
Grivin
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
ŠClaudia Culverwell
Cape Town, Mother City, design capital 2014
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participants, thus creating a sense of awe and wonder in Southern African history. It allows visitors to become part of the history that we leave for our children.
While Freedom Park takes visitors on our painful struggle journey that shaped the history of our beautiful land, the destination offers an impassionate, exuberant and unparalled breath-taking heritage experience that tells a story of our motherland from an African perspective. Hailed as the most ambitious heritage project of our democratic government, Freedom Park is located on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop in Pretoria. The Park offers a unique and exceptional opportunity to experience and appreciate South Africa’s history. As a national and international icon of humanity and freedom, it weaves the story of where we come from and the historical and cultural events that shaped what South Africa is today. Freedom Park is the heartbeat of all that is South African – the hub through which to know this land of promise in all its diversity. With the recently opened //hapo interactive museum fully operational and navigating visitors on a journey dating back 3.6 billion years, visitors can’t leave the destination untouched. //hapo showcases South Africa’s rich and colorful history, from creation to the issues of reconciliation and nation building that we face today. What makes //hapo so unique is its interactivity in that it transports visitors from mere spectators to active
As with the other elements in Freedom Park, //hapo was designed to blend into the landscape, rather than impose on it. By sculpting the building frames using steel structures and overlaying them with copper, //hapo was shaped to resemble boulders. Each of the seven epochs or eras will be depicted in a separate boulder. Over time, the copper will fade and turn the color of the boulders in the area. Surrounded by large trees and other vegetation, //hapo will thus resemble a series of boulders on the side of Salvokop. Within //hapo, the history of our region is brought to life as visitors are transported beyond a mere taking in of facts but are encouraged to live and experience the bygone ages. Each story is revealed in layers, creating a sense of wonderment and curiosity. Instead of simply stating the facts, //hapo equips visitors with clues and tools that allow each and every one to paint a picture of “what might it have been like for me”. By giving voice to histories that have been previously marginalised, //hapo emphasises a people’s history that reveals the creativity, inventiveness, resilience and spirit of our people. //Hapo aims to foreground indigenous knowledge as a paradigm, thereby emancipating the African voice. The following seven epochs or eras form the basis of the Southern African story: Epoch 1: Earth Epoch 2: Ancestors Epoch 3: Peopling Epoch 4: Resistance and Colonisation Epoch 5: Industrialisation and Urbanisation Epoch 6: Nationalisms and Struggle Epoch 7: Nation Building and Continent Building
Guided tours daily at 9am, 12pm & 3pm. Entrance fee: R45 - adults (age 16 years and above) R25 - children (age 3 - 16 years) and pensioners Self-guided tours are also possible - maps available! Emergency (after hours) bookings: +27 (0)79 873 8988 Tel: +27 12 336 4000 E-mail: info@freedompark.co.za Web: www.freedompark.co.za
ŠGraeme Mather
satellite industry
orbiting a new era for sa
In South Africa, the developing satellite industry impacts multiple industries in unique ways. ChantĂŠl Venter explores the economic and social role the satellite industry plays for South Africa and what the future holds in store.
ŠShutterstock
By Chantel Venter
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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satellite industry
Lessons from Space Advanced satellite technology in the telecommunications industry is one of the reasons why South Africa is able to grow its imports and exports, tourism, mining and manufacturing industries. Being connected to the world indirectly allows for income generation and job creation in South Africa. When it comes to engineering, satellite technology is essential to a company to be a competitive player in the industry.
Šwww.123rf.com/profile_mechanik
cross the world, satellites are aiding scientists in uncovering important and invaluable information about space and earth. It is connecting countries, navigating planes and is utilised as a defence platform. In South Africa, satellite technology and research is playing an influential role in various industries including telecommunications, agriculture, education and energy. Not only does satellite technology assist with global competitiveness, but it also helps to preserve our natural resources and improve the quality of life for all South Africans.
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“Site progress management done remotely from the design office is imminent,” says Marilize Visser from TMV consulting & Design, a Pretoria-based structural and civil engineering company. “The right vehicle can rocket this technology and provide an unrivalled advantage for businesses in the industry,” Visser adds. Not only do businesses benefit from satellite communication, but also people. Access to the Internet is now possible via smart phones and tablets and with the cost of broadband becoming more affordable; more households can now carry the cost of Internet at home. As a result, children have access to a wealth of open source web information to encourage learning. According to First Space Fiber, a satellite broadband company headquartered in South Africa, a solution for impoverished and underprivileged people no longer only depends on central necessities alone. “Donating money for food, water, and medicine for Africans in need still is considered crucial, but experts now believe Africa’s long-term survival also depends on something else – education and enlightenment of the African people,” the company says. With low-cost high-speed satellite broadband, remote locations in Africa will be able to access the same level of education as the rest of the world.
Forecasting for the Future
Earth observing satellites offer weather stations the ability to make better forecasts about the weather and predict natural disasters before they happen. This way a city’s inhabitants can be prepared for unpredictable weather, such as floods, droughts, tornados, which in turn results in saving of lives. “Satellites are one of the most important modern tools available to meteorologists to accurately forecast weather conditions and disasters,” says Henning Grobler, forecaster and meteorologist at the SA Weather Service. According to Grobler, data is received from satellites at 15-minute intervals and is used to continuously analyse weather conditions “which enables forecasters to send out weather warnings in an effort to protect nature, assets and even human life”. Weather also strongly affects the electric energy consumption of an area and with better weather forecasts, the demand for heating and cooling needs can be managed more effectively as well.
Conservation from the Cosmos
Only three percent of the water on Earth is freshwater, of which two thirds are frozen in glaciers and ice caps. Preserving freshwater and other natural resources i.e. land, plants, forests, oceans, soil and wildlife is becoming a growing concern, not
only locally but internationally as well. With satellite imagery, South Africa can accurately map large areas of land to capture any spatial changes. This, combined with botanical research, can ensure that natural resources can be monitored in real-time and better preserved.
Big Brother to Ground Control Many factors influence soil properties and vegetation conditions in specific areas. Through satellite imagery, the current condition of soil and the surrounding environment can be monitored in real-time leading to a more accurate yield forecasting. Satellite technology assists with early warning of possible crop failure or famine, and when used in conjunction with geographical information systems (GIS), satellites are also utilised as a management tool to allow for more efficient cultivation processes. When it comes to managing livestock and wildlife, satellite tracking via GPS has become an extremely effective way to combat theft and ensure that animals stay exactly where they are supposed to be. “Satellites are versatile and useful in many ways for the average farmer,” says Duvan Papenfus, Customer Manager at Agri-Alert in Potchefstroom, a company creating satellitetracking products for farmers. “With technology like GPS-tags and the use of global surveillance and coverage, we can monitor and track sheep, cattle and goats in an attempt to confront stock-theft. The farmer can react on any alarm that is received via SMS when there is abnormally high or low activity in a herd. He can then request a fix on the position also via SMS, or get a notification if the herd is moving either outside or inside a designated zone. “We also work hand-in-hand with Yrless Wildlife which is involved with anti-poaching, as well as increasing our knowledge of the wild through research of animals’ movement and behavior in certain environments,” Papenfus adds.
Breathe Easy
Sudden economic growth, such as the powerful growth experienced by South Africa since 2002, places excessive strain on a country’s ability to minimise pollutants in the air. According to a study compiled by the European Space Agency (ESA), satellites over the industrialised Highveld region show high levels of nitrogen dioxide in the area. Project leader, Dr Ronald van der A believes emission estimates gathered from satellites is beneficial because of the satellites’ spatial consistency, high temporal resolution and real-time availability. By monitoring atmospheric compositions, South Africa is
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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better able to manage and correct pollution levels where necessary.
Big Bang for Space Industry (or perhaps Shooting for the Stars) In November last year, South Africa saw the release of ZACUBE-1, a South African-built micro satellite into orbit. The satellite was created by designers at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) on the CPUT campus in the Western Cape, and launched from Yasny Launch Base in Russia. This satellite is currently orbiting the earth 15 times a day at an altitude of 600km and is used to capture data that will be implemented to help manage natural disasters and natural resources and aims to reduce poverty. Although this was only South Africa’s third satellite in 15 years, it will become all the more prominent. “The market for micro satellites is a growing one as it offers the development of engineering and scientific skill as well as the opportunity for scientific research,” Dr Sandile Malinga, CEO at the South African National Space Agency (Sansa) told News24. According to Malinga, South Africa will be looking seriously at space research in the future due to the benefits it offers the economy. Malinga highlighted “social challenges like infrastructure and housing planning, managing our natural and environmental resources, improving agriculture, monitoring and management of natural disasters and even for the safety and security of our nation” as some of the advantages an active space programme can offer a country. Malinga also told the news source that investing in space research furthermore contributes to the country’s aim of moving forward as a knowledge economy. “Space research is important for the global competitiveness of the country and affords collaborations across the world for the benefit of our citizens and mankind.” As a result Sansa is currently in the process of completing various projects to further space research in South Africa i.e. ZA-ARMC1 satellite, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope project and the 64-dish MeerKAT telescope, which would be the largest telescope in the world, once completed. The trade publication Satellite Markets & Research pinpointed Africa “as one of the fastest growing markets for telecommunications and satellite services”, saying that it is growing nearly double the global average of 6-7% and it will continue to do so well into the next decade. This in turn creates promising opportunities for South African engineers and micro satellite manufacturers.
A World in Union
In 2015, Mandla Maseko, a 25-year-old DJ from the Mabopane township near Pretoria will become the first black African to head into space after being one of 23
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“Donating money for food, water, and medicine for Africans in need still is considered crucial, but experts now believe Africa’s long-term survival also depends on something else – education and enlightenment of the African people”
people to win an hour-long sub-orbital trip. When asked what he would be taking with him on this trip, he replied: “I will take my South African flag that has a map of Africa on it. I also want to take a song by PJ Powers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo called World in Union. If I win, lose or draw, it’s a victory for all. It’s a world in union, the world as one. As we climb to reach our destiny a new age has begun - those are the words that really speak to me in the song,” he said. The satellite industry has the power to unite the world. It connects and builds industries and helps to improve and protect civilization. The potential for this industry in South Africa is immense. Soon every industry in the country will be able to implement it to enhance products, solutions and service. We may even see satellite drones assisting in law enforcement, 3D mapping, search and rescue operations, agriculture and managing wild life. Perhaps we may even get our cars fixed via satellite after they have broken down along the side of the highway. The possibilities with satellite are endless. It is truly an exciting time to be alive.
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
movers and shakers
movers Bringing new energy and a wealth of knowledge to their respective fields
and shakers
Our Correspondent
Cricket South Africa announces appointment of Conrad and Mahatlane CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today announced the appointment of Shukri Conrad as National Academy Head Coach and Lawrence Mahatlane as National under-19 team Head Coach. “I would like to congratulate both individuals on their respective appointments and wish them well as we re-organise ourselves for greater success in future,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. “I would also like to thank Ray Jennings for his fantastic service as our under-19 Head Coach over the past nine years. “Change is inevitable and these new appointments follow the restructuring put forward through the Cricket Pipeline Committee and approved by the Board in February.” Corrie van Zyl, CSA General Manager: Cricket, explained the new structure: “The under-19 Head Coach will focus on
the management of the Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP) and the coaching of the under-19 national team. As such he will attend all regional and national camps and weeks that form part of the TAP. “The National Academy Head Coach will focus on the National Academy programme during the off-season period from May to September and manage the standardization process of the provincial academies. “During the in-season period he will act as the Head of scouts and master coaches in the semi-professional structure and monitor existing national academy candidates in semi-professional cricket and identify new candidates for the national academy.”
Deloitte Digital appoints Mark Strathmore As it moves towards addressing the impact of digital disruption in key industries ranging from technology and telecoms to consumer businesses, Deloitte Digital is pleased to announce the latest in a series of high-profile appointments to its expanding team. Mark Strathmore joins Deloitte Digital South Africa to spearhead the Enterprise Mobility Division within the professional services firm. He brings more than 20 years experience in the field of enterprise development. Mark moves to Deloitte Digital from Nokia where he led the company’s development ecosystem and headed up developer relations for South and East Africa. Prior to this, he manged
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internet services for the Internet Solutions Division at Dimension Data. “We are delighted to have Mark on board. His wealth of expertise will further expand the enterprise and consumer mobility expertise we are delivering across the continent and abroad,” says Tim Bishop, director of Deloitte Digital.
G&B new appointments Kabby Esat achieved his BL Honours and LLB at the University of Zimbabwe thereafter practising for eight years in Bulawayo where he appeared in several ground breaking cases, including challenges to the government in several human rights cases. He was also invited to participate as part of a small delegation of lawyers to tour the USA. Kabby then moved to Cape Town and completed his LLM in commercial law (taxation and company law) at the University of Cape Town, for which he achieved a distinction. He then joined a successful national law firm based in Durban where he honed his specialist skills for the next twenty years, until joining Garlicke & Bousfield’s commercial department. Kabby’s areas of expertise include: company law, corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, business start-ups and closures, engineering and construction law, procurement and sales, water and energy law, banking, structured finance, insurance and competition law. He has been extensively involved in corporate restructuring work, due diligences, agreements governing all aspects of running industrial plants, as well as many high value engineering and construction projects. These include a major acid and fertiliser plant extension, large pulp and paper mill expansions, a new cement plant, the privatisation and expansion of water recycling plants for Durban and Windhoek, a new port cruise terminal, and the new King Shaka International Airport. Kabby is a fellow of the Institute of Directors, Southern Africa, and an associate member of the Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa).
“We are delighted to have Mark on board. His wealth of expertise will further expand the enterprise and consumer mobility expertise we are delivering across the continent and abroad,”
Securing Africa in the cloud
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
Growing Mimecast’s presence in Africa was an opportunity that Martin Rohde has embraced as the unified email management company’s new Business Development Manager. “I had been following Mimecast for a while, and the challenge to take this market leader into a largely untapped environment appealed to my need for personal and professional growth,” says Rohde. Along with his extensive experience as a Business Development Manager in multiple markets, Rohde’s expertise in developing successful and sustainable partnerships in new markets made him an immediate asset to Mimecast. As a leading provider of essential cloud services for Microsoft Exchange, Mimecast delivers email management services that include security,
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movers and shakers
Africa has a growing internet culture and a significant mobile user-base from the rapid adoption of smart devices ..... increased bandwidth capabilities across Africa enables companies to make better use of cloud technology and software as a service”
Top new team brings fresh energy to One&Only Robin Thomas steps up as One&Only Cape Town resort manager while Roberto de Carvalho has been announced as the resort’s executive chef Jené Barnes has been appointed international sale manager and Nicki Linde joins the resort as its new strategy and planning manager. continuity, and archiving to a range of businesses across the world. “Africa has a growing internet culture and a significant mobile user-base from the rapid adoption of smart devices,” says Rohde. “Increased bandwidth capabilities across Africa enables companies to make better use of cloud technology and software as a service (SaaS).” African economies are also expanding, and with the Nigerian economy over-shadowing South Africa’s, the appeal for African expansion amongst businesses is undeniable. “The challenges of cultural diversity and language barriers across our continent can only be overcome with expert insight,” comments Brandon Bekker, Managing Director of Mimecast South Africa. “Having Martin on-board to progress our business in Africa is incredibly exciting and we look forward to the growth opportunities that lie ahead for Mimecast.”
Isobar appoints development director Mark Kritzinger has been appointed as the development director SSA, Isobar. He willmanage and lead the digital strategy of Isobar across the various African markets. Mark has vast experience in operations management and execution, with an innovative history in digital, out-of-home, search marketing and holds an MBA in strategy, innovation and operations.
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
Pantone 5255 (dark purple) or as close to it as possible
★★★★
ndp
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
NDP
the
big buy in
With a massive infrastructure overhaul in the pipeline, significant private sector support and investor confidence needed to boost NDP
President Jacob Zuma says that some industrial projects connected to infrastructure would have to be paid for by the private sector, alongside government which is already investing about R844 billion over the next three years on infrastructure development. Zuma has also invited businesses from BRICS countries to partner in Africa’s drive to develop its infrastructure.
ŠShutterstock
By Cathy Dippnall
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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ith a hotly contested national election under its belt, South Africans can be forgiven for wondering, in the aftermath of the intense political battle, whether political promises of major economic upliftment, the creation of millions of jobs for the unemployed and an end to poverty, is all a pipe dream. For millions of people these promises, bandied around at every election have failed to uplift them, the United Nations’ idealistic 15-year Millennium Development Goals (MDG) have faltered and South Africa has still not been able to fulfil the first and most important MDG 1 goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger within this timeframe. With only one year left to achieve the 2015 MDG targets, Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela comments that one
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perspective of realising these goals is by linking them to the National Development Plan (NDP). “The reason South Africa has failed to deliver is a combination of two things, lack of planning and maladministration. The funding is there and the political will is there, but there is no exact plan on how to implement the strategies.” Madonsela explains that in order to go forward, government and in particular local municipalities need to plan and implement strategies with year by year deliverables. ‘’Unfortunately the status quo in South Africa is that municipalities (generally) wouldn’t know how to implement these strategies. The links between planning, co-ordination and administration are very bad, but if we can sort out maladministration and get these linkages working, these goals could be achieved community by community, creating achievability through collaboration.”
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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NDP
ndp
Sluggish growth Madonsela says that by benchmarking deliverables, people will be better educated, able to look after themselves and have better health and food security. But government cannot achieve these goals alone and two years after its adoption by Cabinet, the NDP remains a challenge unless there is significant private sector input and investment. The World Economic Forum (WEF) paper on fuelling competitiveness says that an NDP, created with business input extending over decades can help provide the necessary long-term stability needed to implement its strategies, such as investing in infrastructure that will last through changes in government. “Pension funds, long-term investors by nature are logical partners in this process.’’ Reiterating this is Johann Els, Old Mutual’s investment group senior economist who says it is necessary to build capacity to effect investment rollout in order to meet the NDP’s target. “The NDP is an effective plan and its fixed investment target of 30% by 2030 is an ambitious and challenging one.” He explains that fixed investment makes up 19% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with private fixed investment contributing to 63% of the country’s total fixed investment, public corporations, mainly Eskom and Transnet, making up 21% of the total, while government fixed investments, such as roads, schools and hospitals constitute 16% to the total. Private sector investment is therefore a significant factor in the NDP’s target. “Private sector fixed investment needs low interest rates and strong economic growth to thrive, with a strong government infrastructure drive helping to boost this growth,” says Els. But, he explains that with the current low interest rates and sluggish growth, the economy is just not strong enough to drive new private sector investment, despite some additional investment taking place.
Bold decisions
However, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was still upbeat about his 2013 projections for South Africa’s economic growth when he tabled his 2014 budget, despite continued sluggishness that has dogged the economy since the global financial crisis of 2008/09. He predicts that South Africa’s GDP growth will increase from 2.7% in 2014 to 3.4% by 2016. Gordhan says government will continue to focus its energy on economic growth that is backed up by increased investment in energy and transport infrastructure, saying “We need bold decisions to go forward, as increased spending on public infrastructure would encourage private investment, and a stronger employment growth would contribute to increased household consumption.” Jurie Swart, head of infrastructure at Old Mutual Investment
says that infrastructure development is a key driver of job creation in forming the basis for higher economic growth. “Government’s response to the challenge of economic growth and job creation was the formation of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC), and the thinking behind its establishment is to coordinate, integrate and accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects across the country,” says Swart, adding that PICC’s mandate is to ensure systematic selection, planning and monitoring of large projects, and the development of a 20-year pipeline.
Failing railway burdens roads
But while South Africa still ranks in top position in Africa for economic performance, the latest data from WEF has placed Nigeria in front of South Africa as the biggest economy, significantly because of this country’s poor transportation infrastructure. South Africa’s lack-lustre performance is due to the failing railway network and to some extent its port infrastructure that was sacrificed 30 years ago in favour of road transport and superior roads. Poor railway infrastructure and gaps in development have put a heavy burden on the maintenance of road systems due to heavy freight transport, which is reflected in the unbalanced distribution of costs between road maintenance and other infrastructure projects. Although South Africa ranks above the global average on the WEF’s seven-grade scale, its score of 4.5 places it in 58th position out of 145 countries surveyed, below the developed world and some of its peers in SADC and is placed 7th in Africa in terms of the overall quality of its transportation infrastructure, although it is performing as well as other members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China.) In terms of railway infrastructure, South Africa rates almost one point lower than India, China and Russia, and 0.3 point lower than Namibia. Where South Africa surpasses is in its air transportation system with South African Airways named in 2013, the best airline in Africa for the 11th consecutive year. Its WEF rating is 6.11 placing South Africa 15th globally, well above the average score of 4.94 and compares favourably with the best airways networks in the world. The R4 trillion spend on infrastructure projects over the next fifteen years focusing on rail, roads, energy, water, sanitation and communication, has been welcomed by business leaders. President Jacob Zuma says that some projects such as industrial projects connected to infrastructure would have to be paid for by the private sector and that government is already investing about R844 billion over the next three years on infrastructure development. Zuma has also invited businesses from BRICS countries to partner in Africa’s drive to develop its infrastructure. “There is a lot of scope for mutually beneficial partnerships
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ndp
within the BRICS community which will create much-needed infrastructure in Africa,” says Zuma.
Unlocking growth
DHL, the world market leader that provides international express services to over 220 countries globally, welcomes government’s input on infrastructure development. “We welcome any investment in infrastructure that makes it easier for businesses like ours, and those of our customers, to operate effectively,” says Hennie Heymans, Country Manager of DHL Express South Africa.
“Private sector fixed investment needs low interest rates and strong economic growth to thrive, with a strong government infrastructure drive helping to boost this growth,” Johann Els, Old Mutual’s investment group senior economist
He explains that improved infrastructure spend will not only have a positive impact on the local economy but will have a positive knock-on effect in trade with key African countries, north of its borders. Heymans considers that improved infrastructure and logistics in the region will be the key to achieving economic growth. “If Africa is unable to attract enough investment in order to improve the infrastructure situation, it is doubtful that the region will achieve the projected growth. Only 4% of African GDP is invested in infrastructure, compared with about 14% in China.” He also believes that South African needs to be more of an export rather than an import market and businesses should take the initiative in expanding into Africa before countries like Nigeria overtake us. He explains that South Africa has the ability and capacity to manufacture and export its products into Africa. However, Heymans says that although trade in Africa is the next frontier, growth will be slow and steady and investors and
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businesses mustn’t expect instance success considering the challenges the country still has to overcome. According to Old Mutuals’s Swart, growing capacity is the challenge in delivering solid infrastructure despite increased confidence and contracts in some of the construction sectors. “There is a good infrastructure plan on the table, but the bottom line is that there needs to be more infrastructure specialists. If you look at government’s labour force in the infrastructure sector, engineers are in shortest supply, followed by technologists and technicians. Labourers outnumber all of these specialist and middle management roles.” Els believes that when it comes to fixed investment and infrastructure in particular, investment indicators are not looking very exciting either. “The days of government’s huge infrastructure boom between 2004 and 2007 are over and while there are still billions of rand to be spent over the next few years, the growth rate has dropped sharply compared to what we saw during that period.” The Old Mutual Investment Group views infrastructure as a distinct long-term savings class, says Swart. Its current infrastructure investment and commitments total R10 billion in equity investment and 15.6 billion in debt.
Window of opportunity
Will government’s NDP 2030 vision slip away? According to the World Bank, South Africa has done remarkable well over the past 20 years. “’Its peaceful political transition was one of the most remarkable political feats of the past century. The magnitude of the constitutional and institutional re-design has had a deep transformative impact on the entire system of government as well as the region. Today, South Africa is a stable, multi-racial democracy with a vibrant civil society.’’ Despite government’s pro-poor public spending that has contributed greatly to improved social development, South Africa’s agenda for economic transformation remains unfinished with one of the highest rates of inequality in the world. Government is committed to the NDP as the country’s all-embracing strategic plan to implement its development vision. In order for the NDP to achieve its objectives it needs to raise employment through quicker economic growth, improve the quality of education, skills development and innovation, and build state capacity to play a developmental, transformative role. Government in turn will need to improve its service delivery by improving its capabilities and strengthening the skills profile of its public servants. But will the new government be able to rise to the challenge? Unless it can quell the spate of labour unrest and revive international investor confidence, the window of opportunity of building capital infrastructure and taking a leadership role in expanding into sub-Saharan Africa could be lost
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
find out how we can
help you if things go
wrong
Vast numbers of South Africans who travel abroad do not encounter any difficulties. However, crime, accidents, illness, natural or man-made disasters, civil unrests and even death can happen. ROSA is the Registration of South Africans Abroad and is available exclusively to South African citizens. Register your trip online. This is free of charge and will assist the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in locating you during an emergency, verifying your status and informing your nextof-kin. ROSA allows you to register as an individual traveller or as a group. Register multiple destinations, update your profile and de-register your profile from the system upon your return home. The information remains confidential and secure.
www.dirco.gov.za / +27 12 351 1000
aviation
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
aviation
rise of the smaller
airlines Cutting prices and breaking down monopolies, less known players in the airline industry are heading for the skies over secondary routes.
ŠGraeme Mather
By Rob baker
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aviation
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Blu Crane gets going Blu Crane Aviation got going in February 2013 when it launched flights from Port Elizabeth to East London. Not everybody wants to drive the route and, up to then, Airlink had a monopoly on PLZ-ELS flights. At the start of this year Blu Crane turned things up a notch, when it announced it would also be flying from Port Elizabeth to George. All great news for those living in the Friendly City.
SA Express and Airlink go toe to toe Publicly SA Express and Airlink deny that they’re in a price war. However, the facts show that up to the end of September 2013 they avoided flying on each other’s routes. Then, in September 2013, SA Express announced that it would be launching flights in direct competition with Airlink on the routes from Cape Town to George, OR Tambo to Pietermaritzburg and OR Tambo to Nelspruit. Airlink
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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A
t the start of this year I made 22 predictions for travel in South Africa, one of which was that I expected a new airline to start up. This prediction is coming true, but in a completely unexpected way. There are four airlines that are trying to get licences to operate scheduled flights in South Africa and take on the big players like Kulula and Mango Airlines on the major routes they are 1time Airline, fastjet, Skywise Airline and FlySafair. My expectation was - and still is - that we’ll see one and maybe two of them in the sky by the end of this year. What I didn’t expect was to see the proliferation of small airlines expanding into the less served secondary routes in the country. This is terribly good news for passengers flying on these quieter routes, which have historically only had one airline on them, charging monopolistic prices.
aviation
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responded that it “feels strongly about being taken on by a technically insolvent state-owned airline using the taxpayer’s funds to compete with us unequally.” Airlink soon announced that they would be flying from JNB to Bloemfontein, JNB to Richards Bay and JNB to Kimberley, all routes on which SA Express had previously had a monopoly.
OPPOSITE: A340 disembarking passengers after intercontinental flights on April 18, 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg Tambo airport is the busiest airport in Africa ABOVE: Airbus A320 on the repair site with engine ready for replacement
Fly Cemair The south of Durban has had its nose out of joint since flights were moved from Durban International Airport to King Shaka International Airport to the north of the city. The pain was somewhat soothed when Fly Cemair launched flights from Johannesburg to Margate over the summer season, although it was only seasonal. At the start of February, much to the delight of those who love “Plett”, Fly Cemair then announced that it would be launching flights from Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay and from Cape Town to Plettenberg. The lives of the wealthy holidaymakers who enjoy its beaches just got a whole lot easier, as they do not have to drive from George or Port Elizabeth Airport.
Phakalane Airways Phakalane Airways was the first mover this year, announcing on
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22 January that it would be launching flights from Kimberley to Upington and Springbok. The airline’s launch was a highend affair, with political bigwigs from the Northern Cape government attending en masse.
Fly 88 The latest to enter the fray is Fly 88 (previously known as Studio 88 Aviation), which announced this month that it would be launching flights from Johannesburg’s Lanseria Airport to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in
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its Beechcraft 1900D turboprops, for those wanting to spend a weekend in the Kruger. It had been approached by Ramsay Travel Africa, and so what’s especially great is to see an international group trying to get things going in South Africa. With the weakness of the rand, South Africa is becoming an increasingly cheap holiday destination for international tourists. All this new competition must be ringing alarm bells for Airlink and South African Express, which make a living out of serving these types of flight routes. Whilst competition is great for passengers, for shareholders it eats into profits.
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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aviation
tourism
walking in
mandela’s footsteps Tourism takes centre stage with Madiba magic and airline accolades
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SA Info Reporter & South African Airways Media
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Inspire South Africa Issue 4
tourism
t
he tourism industry has enjoyed two huge boosts with the launch of a new map for visitors to follow ‘Mandela’s footsteps’, while South African Airlines (SAA) has scooped the title of best airline in Africa. The Department of Tourism launched the travel map to guide and assist people from around the world who would like to visit South Africa to “walk in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps”. “To make it as easy as possible for people to personally experience Mandela’s story, we have developed the ‘Madiba inspired tourist attractions’ map, which encapsulates the key points on his life’s journey,” said Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, at the launch of the travel map at Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison) in Cape Town - the last place where Nelson Mandela was held captive before he took his first steps to freedom on 11 February 1990. Developed by South African Tourism in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the map highlights tourist sites, as well as general places of interest in the four main provinces that defined Mandela’s life. These include the Eastern Cape, where he was born, grew up and attended Fort Hare University; Gauteng, where he worked as a human rights lawyer and became instrumental in South Africa’s political struggle; KwaZulu-Natal, where he was captured; and the Western Cape, where he was imprisoned and ultimately freed. Since Mandela was released from prison in February 1990, a number of world-class museums, monuments and precincts have been developed to help bring his story to life and to cater for the demand to better understand South Africa’s history. The map includes well-known attractions such as the Unesco world heritage site Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned, and Mandela’s house on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, which is the only street in the world to have had two Nobel peace prize winners: Mandela and Desmond Tutu, as residents.
A road less travelled
Aerial view of Cape Town waterfront and harbour
It also features some lesser-known attractions, such as the Kliptown open-air museum, also in Soweto and which marks the spot where the Freedom Charter was adopted by the Congress of the People, as well as the Nelson Mandela youth and heritage centre in Mandela’s childhood home, Qunu, where he was laid to rest on 15 December. “Mandela’s integrity and spirit of hope, reconciliation and love have touched the lives of millions of people,” Van
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tourism
Schalkwyk said, “This year, we celebrate 20 years of democracy and freedom, and we look forward to welcoming many tourists from around the world to share the South African story and Mandela’s legacy with us. “Not only was Nelson Mandela an incredible man and leader, but he remains a truly global icon. Since 1994, visitors from all corners of the globe have come to South Africa to seek out the places that shaped his remarkable life. His name alone put South Africa on the map, today, we are returning the favour in a literal sense.”
bringing tourists to the continent, South African Airways (SAA) has been named as the best airline in Africa by readers of three well-known business travel magazines in the United States Premier Traveler Magazine, Business Traveler Magazine and Global Traveler Magazine. The national carrier said in a statement, “this reaffirms our long-standing position as Africa’s most awarded airline and preferred carrier for business travel to the continent.” Global Traveler named SAA as Africa’s best airline for the tenth consecutive year, earning the airline a spot in the magazine’s Hall of Fame. The magazines’ readers are described as “well-seasoned global travellers who are experienced in evaluating the services provided to passengers by airlines”. “The readers of these three prestigious magazines are truly discriminating and difficult to impress, given their extensive travel to all corners of the globe,” said Marc Cavaliere, SAA’s Head of Global Sales Development and Alliances. “It is certainly a feather in our cap to be named their favourite airline to the African continent, and to even earn a spot in Global Traveler›s Hall of Fame. We will work hard to continue to earn their loyalty and praise by offering the most convenient schedules and the most comfortable amenities from North America to the African continent.”
Dramatic view of the hills of the Drakensberg Range in the Giants Castle Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
According to the Department of Tourism, international visitors to the country increased from 3.4-million in 1993 - the year before Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president - to 13.5-million in 2012, with close to 9.2-million of those being tourists (people who spent one or more nights here). “The numbers aside, what has perhaps been the greatest legacy for tourism is that Mandela has encouraged people from all corners of the globe to come and experience South Africa for themselves,” Van Schalkwyk said. It was also thanks to Mandela, the minister said, that the world “now knows South Africa for more than just our incredible wildlife, amazing scenic beauty and excellent value for money. Since 1994, the world has come to realise that what really sets this country apart is Mandela’s people, whose warmth and hospitality leave all who visit us touched by the ‘Madiba magic’.”
Simply the best
And keeping South Africa ahead of the pack when it comes to
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In addition to those awards, SAA was named the best airline in Africa in a global customer satisfaction survey at the 50th International Paris Air Show in June, at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony. It was SAA’s eleventh consecutive year of winning the best airline in Africa award, making it the continent’s most awarded airline. Skytrax, an independent aviation research organisation, annually conducts a customer satisfaction survey of 18-million business and leisure air travellers from 160 countries to choose the winners from more than 200 airlines. These range from the largest international airlines to smaller domestic carriers. Forty-one key performance indicators for passenger satisfaction are measured, including check-in, boarding, onboard seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, inflight entertainment and staff service. Since the beginning of 2013, SAA has also scooped six accolades including a 4 Star Skytrax rating for the eleventh consecutive year, the on-time performance service award by Flightstats as the winner in the Middle East and Africa region, and African cargo airline of the year from STAT Times, which is an international award for excellence, according to a report on Fin24. SAA operates to 42 destinations worldwide, including 26 destinations across Africa, while domestically, it offers 660 flights a week.
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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Most awards in Africa
trading partners
Africa
‘committed to tackling trade bottlenecks’ Unlocking growth across the continent is the name of the game, as trade-enabling infrastructure comes under the spotlght at the AU Summit and Bloomberg Conference. By SA Info
A
frican heads of state are committed to tackling the infrastructure bottlenecks blocking intra-Africa trade and investment, South African President Jacob Zuma told the Bloomberg “Africa: Economic Outlook and Opportunities” conference in Johannesburg on Monday. Zuma said this commitment was made at the African Union Summit that took place in Ethiopia at the weekend. The Bloomberg conference, founded by the 108th Mayor of the City of New York, met in Johannesburg to discuss the economic outlook of the African continent, with South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus also in attendance. Zuma said that while intra-African investment had been growing at more than 32% since 2007, a lack of access to trade-enabling infrastructure on the continent remained a fundamental challenge. “We discussed this matter at length again at the African Union summit in Ethiopia this past weekend. We recommitted ourselves as African heads of state to continue building cross-border infrastructure, to unlock growth and development in our continent. “In addition to a focus on trade-enabling infrastructure, we are intensifying our continental integration efforts through the negotiation of the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement,” Zuma said. “We have made considerable progress in the negotiations, which aim to integrate 26 countries of eastern and southern Africa. This involves a population of nearly 600-million people and a combined GDP of US$1-trillion.”
South Africa’s National Development Plan On the home front, Zuma said that South Africa has begun work on implementing the National Development Plan (NDP), the country’s policy framework for eradicating poverty, reducing
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inequality and boosting employment by 2030. He said the plan outlined the country’s intentions of transforming the economy and creating jobs through promoting sectors in which the country has a competitive advantage. This includes the minerals sector, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, construction, general infrastructure and the green economy. Zuma said the plan also committed the country to investing in a strong network of economic infrastructure designed to support the country’s medium and long-term economic and social objectives. “We are building roads, bridges, dams, schools, hospitals, universities, colleges and a lot of other infrastructure. “We believe we are making progress,” Zuma said, adding: “Very few nations have gone through the repression, subjugation and divisions that we went through and emerged to build a new society and a stable democracy in such a short space of time.” The NDP also envisions South Africa investing in Africa. Since 2007, Zuma said, there had been a compound growth of 57% in South Africa-originated foreign direct investment (FDI) projects into the rest of Africa. “South Africa was the single largest FDI investor in the rest of Africa in 2012, with cumulative FDI jobs created standing at more than 45 000 to date.” Zuma said that Africa’s economy growth had tripled since 2000, and that growth was expected to continue, “giving rise to a new African paradigm: Africa as the new growth frontier. The South African government and private sector have a critical role to play in this continued growth,” he said. “There is a need to redefine and to strengthen our partnerships on the continent towards realising the vision of an integrated Africa, underpinned by greater levels of intra-Africa trade and even greater levels of intra-Africa investments.”
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
trading partners
African infrastructure invite for
BRICS
President Jacob Zuma champions cross border trade and a corridor from Cape to Cairo to open up Africa’s enormous potential. By SA Info
s
outh Africa President Jacob Zuma invited businesses from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries to partner with Africa in its drive to develop the continent’s infrastructure. Addressing the first meeting of the BRICS Business Council in Johannesburg, Zuma noted that South Africa, as part of its push for increased regional integration and cross-border trade within Africa, was a strong promoter of both private and public sector investments on the continent. “Over the last few years, the South African Reserve Bank approved nearly 1 000 large investments into 36 African countries.” Intra-African trade levels were still far below their potential, Zuma said, owing in large part to under-developed production structures and inadequate infrastructure - a major theme of the meeting between BRICS and African leaders at the 5th BRICS summit in Durban in March/April.
African infrastructure initiative “In my capacity as the champion of the AU’s [African Union’s] Presidential Infrastructure Initiative, I warmly invite you to collaborate with us in realising the delivery of infrastructure on the continent,” Zuma told the gathering of business leaders. “We specifically champion the North-South corridor with its particular emphasis on road and rail infrastructure, initially from Durban to Dar es Salaam and ultimately from the Cape to Cairo.” Zuma noted that South African state corporations, including electricity utility Eskom and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, were already intensifying, or preparing to intensify, their investments in African infrastructure projects, particularly in electricity supply and road infrastructure. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) had invested a total of R6.2-billion in 41 projects across 17 African countries in 2012, the bulk of these being in mining, industrial
infrastructure, agro-processing and tourism. Within South Africa, Zuma said, the government was on course to spend in excess of R4-trillion on infrastructure over the coming years, focusing on rail, roads, energy, water, sanitation and communication. “There is a lot of scope indeed for mutually beneficial partnerships within the BRICS community which will create much-needed infrastructure in Africa,” Zuma said, adding that Africa›s success story augured well for the BRICS-Africa relationship.
African free trade area The rate of return on foreign investment in Africa was already higher than in any other region in the world, Zuma said, and the continent›s potential - given its mineral wealth, agricultural resources, young population and growing middle class - was enormous. In addition, the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Central Africa (Comesa) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) were working on creating free trade area that would join the markets of 26 countries with a combined population of nearly 600-million people and a GDP of US$1-trillion. This, Zuma said, “will form the basis for an Africa-wide free trade area, which could create a single market of 2.6-trillion US dollars.” Zuma noted that a key outcome of the BRICS summit in Durban had been the agreement to establish a BRICS development bank to help finance infrastructure development in the BRICS and other developing countries. “BRICS leaders plan to meet again on the margins of the G20 Summit in Russia next month and we will consider the progress report from our finance ministers in this regard,” Zuma said, adding: “I trust that this meeting will provide further impetus to the BRICS-led new development bank.”
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trading partners
South Africa, Guinea to deepen relations Eight signed agreements consolidate a strong partnership, which is now set to explore new benefits for both countries.
outh Africa and Guinea are set to deepen their long-standing bilateral relations, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said at the 2nd Joint Commission for Cooperation between the two countries in Pretoria in May. The meeting was co-hosted by Nkoana-Mashabane and Guinea›s foreign minister, Francois Lounceny Fall. “During our discussions, we agreed that there is great potential between our two countries that must be explored to further to strengthen this relationship for mutual benefit,” Mashabane said afterwards. “We are pleased with the increasing co-operation between South Africa and the Republic of Guinea that spans
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education, science and technology, mining, infrastructure development, agriculture, transport and a host of other areas. “To date, eight agreements have been signed by our two countries, including the protocol on diplomatic consultations, trade, visa waiver (for diplomatic and official passport holders) and education.” The commission decided that officials from the two countries would meet at least once a year from now on in order to ensure that decisions made at the meeting were being implemented. “South Africa enjoys a long-standing relationship with Guinea,” Nkoana-Mashabane said. This was solidified by the unconditional support given to South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
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S
By SA Info
Celebrating an extraordinary 50 year yourney Beverly Hills, icon and landmark hotel in Kwa-Zulu Natal first opened her doors in December 1964, and this year sees her celebrate an extra ordinary 50 year journey. It was Sol Kerzners’ inaugural luxury hotel, named after his daughter, Beverly and was the first hotel in the province to achieve five star status. To commemorate this milestone Beverly Hills will be hosting a variety of culinary events including wine dinners, afternoon haute teas, and ladies lunches. The hotel is lead by General Manager, John de Canha. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong culture of professional, intuitive service. Under his leadership the hotel enjoys a fine reputation for exceptional service delivery and continues to surpass global standard of hospitality and meet the changing needs of todays guest. ‘It is a privilege to be managing the hotel in her 50th year,’ enthused John. ‘ The love affair with the Beverly Hills continues, and we delight in welcoming back so many repeat guests, who feel like they are coming home when they stay with us. Loyalty from the local market has also grown enormously with many locals visiting the hotel for meals, sun downers or afternoon tea. ‘stated de Canha . Great care and consideration has been taken in maintaining the hotel. The public areas exude gracious living. In the lounge large comfy sofas, high wing back chairs and card tables intimately set up complemented by low level lighting create a warm inviting atmosphere. The use of leather, large mirrors, crystal vases and exquisite fresh flowers captivate the senses and express the passion behind this glamorous hotel. Large sepia prints of early Durban landscapes and the extensive use of wicker and cane on the Vista Terrace reflect the hotels’ intention to champion the glamour and sophistication of a bygone era. The signature restaurant, The Sugar Club offers beautiful views of the ocean in a romantic setting. Intimacy is enhanced by smaller table settings. Executive chef, Tony Kocke and his dynamic team ensure the best and freshest ingredients are prepared into works of art. With an extensive Wine List, the food is rated amongst the best in the country. Elements café bar is a chic and relaxed café style restaurant situated on the pool terrace, with an eclectic mix of aluminium, chandeliers, comfy couches and stylish ghost chairs. Large sliding doors open to panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. This restaurant, delights guests with the ‘catch of day’, gorgeous pastas and fresh salads. Proving very popular is the ‘Lite’or smaller portion option available with all main dishes. It is an idyllic place to meet friends for a cappuccino ,cocktail or enjoy a glass of champagne. A signature experience is the large heated ocean-facing pool, which is enhanced by poolside massages and treatments to all residents from 09h00 to 23h00 daily. The pool lawns offer dramatic uninterrupted sea views and each guest indulged with a lounger. Guests are pampered with our special pool experience of complimentary ice lollies, fruit skewers, sun cream & lip balm, and of course…. sunglass cleaning service! Whether you stay for a weekend or a business trip, the Beverly Hills is sure to emulate feelings of nostalgia, timeless elegance and romance as only an icon can. Share in this extraordinary journey with us and send some of your video, photo or written memories of magical times spent at the hotel. Send these to www.facebook.com/TheBeverly Hills or email beverlyhills50@tsogosun.com and be part of the celebrations. Share the journey with us on blog.tsogosun.com/beverlyhills50 and be part of the celebrations.
Reservations: beverlyhills.reservations@tsogosun.com Tel: 031 561 2211 / thebeverlyhillshotel.co.za Follow us on facebook.com/TheBeverlyHills and twitter: @bevhillsza Lighthouse Road uMhlanga Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa
Hobie beach of Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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eastern cape
Inspire South Africa Issue 4
eastern cape
diverse
beauty The Eastern Cape - a province of sunshine, orchards and endless promise
Šwww.123rf.com/profile_michaeljung
By SA Info Correspondent
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eastern cape
From forests to veld At 168 966 square kilometres, it is the country’s second-largest province after the Northern Cape, taking up 13.9% of South Africa’s land area and with a population of around
6.5-million people. The majority of the people speak isiXhosa, followed by Afrikaans and English. In the Eastern Cape, various floral habitats meet. The long curve of coastline, large area and the considerable east-west and north-south distances it covers, give the province extremely varied vegetation. Along the coast, the northern tropical forests intermingle with the more temperate woods of the south, creating an interesting forest habitat of various species endemic to this region. Ancient forests are found around Keiskammahoek, Dwesa, Port St Johns and Bathurst, dune forests near Alexandria, and mangroves along the Wild Coast, while the Tsitsikamma National Park on the southern border is home to dense indigenous forest. Rolling grasslands dominate the eastern interior of the province, while the western central plateau is savanna bushveld. The northern inland is home to the aromatic, succulent-rich Karoo habitat.
Revving it up The metropolitan economies of Port Elizabeth and East London
The beautiful casino at the Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
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t’s roughly the size of Uruguay, has one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world and is the powerhouse of South Africa’s automotive industry. That’s the Eastern Cape, a region of great natural beauty, particularly the rugged cliffs, rough seas and dense green bush of the stretch known as the Wild Coast. The province’s diverse climate and landscape range from the dry and desolate Great Karoo to the lush forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley, the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple harvests, and the mountainous southern Drakensberg region around the town of Elliot. The Eastern Cape’s main feature is its majestic coastline, lapped by the temperate Indian Ocean. Divided into the Wild Coast and Sunshine Coast, the long stretches of unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky coves, secluded lagoons and towering cliffs are a major tourism drawcard.
Saving the Nation W
HEN it comes to saving money, poor people are leading the way in South Africa, showing both a desire and a capacity to save. Despite their limited incomes, demand for accessible and affordable financial services is high among the country’s most vulnerable groups. Understanding this need, and the potential of savings to boost local, national and regional economic development, South African NGO SaveAct has been at the forefront of a savings revolution among rural communities, offering an empowering alternative to debt-based financial services. “Since its establishment in 2008, SaveAct has enabled over 28 000 members – mainly women – to reduce debt, improve their livelihoods and, in many cases, establish their own enterprises,” says SaveAct Director Anton Krone. Through structured support and financial education programmes, SaveAct-led savings and credit group members acquire the basic skills to manage their own finances, save, and make loans among themselves, while earning high returns to build capital. After completing the SaveAct enterprise development programme, many members go on to start their own micro-businesses.
SaveAct’s successes have attracted the interest of FinMark Trust – an independent Southern African financial services research and policy advocacy group – which commissioned research to show the real impact of the groups on people’s lives. The SaveAct savings model mirrors the stokvel – a widespread indigenous, informal method of saving in South Africa – but with some important modifications. “The SaveAct model brings transparency to all transactions and gives control to all members,” says Krone. The groups are proving highly sustainable. Almost without exception savings groups continue, once they have graduated from SaveAct’s training. They are supported by community-based promoters.
Drivers of positive change
High returns, low risk
Research shows that savings groups assist people with HIV/AIDS to manage their household economy and their illness better. They generally enable members to reduce debt and develop sustainable livelihoods. “We witness people taking control not only over their money but their lives,” says Krone. “They become drivers of positive change. If there is no silver bullet to eradicate rural poverty, self-sustaining savings groups come about as close to it as one can get.”
Since inception, growth of the organisation has been entirely demand driven and SaveAct is currently struggling to meet demand for its services.
Although currently working in South Africa SaveAct is exploring options to extend the model into other countries in Africa.
That’s partly because returns are high and risk is low. On average members earn 30% interest on their investment and repayment rates are close to 100%. As groups mature they tend to schedule their annual share-outs to capitalise on economic opportunities such as the bulk-buying of agricultural inputs.
For more information contact Anton Krone, founder and director of SaveAct: anton@saveact.org.za. Donations may be made through PayFast on SaveAct’s website at www.SaveAct.org.za.
eastern cape
Quick facts about the Eastern Cape
are based primarily on manufacturing, the most important being automotive manufacturing and the province is the hub of South Africa’s motor industry. Volkswagen South Africa and the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa both have manufacturing plants in the Eastern Cape, while General Motors South Africa and Daimler, through its subsidiary Mercedes Benz South Africa, have assembly plants in the province. With two harbours and four airports offering direct flights to the main centres, and an excellent road and rail infrastructure, the province has been earmarked as a key area for growth and economic development. Lying in Algoa Bay is Port Elizabeth, known as The Friendly City and with a key South African harbour, is the province’s largest city. Just outside Port Elizabeth is Coega, a massive infrastructure development, which includes the multimillionrand deepwater Port of Ngqura. The province’s second major industrial development zone is the West Bank in East London. Other towns include Bisho, the capital; Uitenhage, which has important motor vehicle manufacturing and related industries; King William’s Town, rich in early settler and
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Capital: Bisho Major city: Port Elizabeth / Nelson Mandela Bay Languages: 78.8% isiXhosa, 10.6% Afrikaans, 5.6% English Population: 6 562 053 (Census 2011) Share of total SA population: 12.7% Area: 168 966 square kilometres Share of total SA area: 13.9% SAinfo reporter, incorporating material from the South African Yearbo
military history; Grahamstown, also known as the City of Saints because of its more than 40 churches; as well as Mthatha, Graaff-Reinet, Cradock, Stutterheim, Aliwal North, and Port St Johns, the largest town on the Wild Coast Other important sectors include renewables and green industries, forestry and timber processing, pharmaceuticals, plastics and chemicals, capital goods and tourism
The big apple There is much fertile land in the Eastern Cape, with agriculture playing a key role in the province’s economy. The fertile Langkloof Valley in the southwest has enormous deciduous fruit orchards, while sheep farming predominates in the Karoo. The Alexandria-Grahamstown area produces pineapples,
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City view of Port Elizabeth, South Africa
eastern cape
The LRED Fund aims to support the development of chicory and dairy products, while coffee and tea are cultivated new sources of economic activity in small towns, as well at Magwa. People in the former Transkei region are dependent as new technologies that include energy efficiency. on cattle, maize and sorghum-farming, while an olive nursery “The Ikusasa project is a combination of innovation, has been developed in collaboration with the University of commitment and sufficient motivation from the concerned Fort Hare, forming a nucleus of olive production in the entrepreneurs,” Jonas said. “This is a demonstration of people Eastern Cape. who have not waited for government, but took the initiative to The basis of the province’s fishing industry is squid, unleash the potential of business through using the available some recreational and commercial fishing for line fish, the mechanisms for business support”. collection of marine resources, and access to line-catches He added “locally of hake. entrenched” industrialisation And there is excellent could serve to re-ignite the potential for forestry – the province’s manufacturing coastal areas receive good sector, which has experienced summer rainfall and have a “The Ikusasa project many job losses even before moderate climate, becoming is a combination of the recession. more subtropical to the north-west. innovation, commitment
Looking cool for a green deal
and sufficient motivation from the concerned entrepreneurs.” – Mcebisi Jonas, Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
A SMALL factory in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape is using green energy to manufacture cooler boxes for international retailer Massmart, bringing “significant benefits” to the regional economy, the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism announced on Tuesday. The R4-million Ikusasa Green manufacturing plant in Stutterheim in the Amahlati District was officially opened at the end of April by Mcebisi Jonas, MEC for the Department Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Eastern Cape. Jonas said the project was an exciting example of what could happen when a SMME partnered with big business and confirmed the plant would create 20 jobs in the Stutterheim area, with an additional 10 to 15 permanent jobs within the first two months of its operation.
Going global The cooler boxes, manufactured using green energy and using an innovative roto- moulded process, will be available for sale around the world, said Mkululi Pakade, a director of Ikusasa Green. The project has received an investment of R4-million from the department’s Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) Fund, with assistance from the Massmart supplier development fund.
The right stuff
The company handed over its first two cooler box units off the newly installed production line to Massmart at the opening. Ikusasa will hand over 700 units to Massmart for their initial order, worth R610 000. Moshisi Lehlongwane, supplier development manager at Massmart, said the partnership was a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to buy from small and medium suppliers anywhere in South Africa. “They had the right product with innovation and not only will we list their roto-moulded cooler boxes in our stores, but we are putting them under one of our trusted brands, Camp Master. “Through our supplier development fund we have committed to work with Ikusasa Green to remove challenges such as securing the right moulds, ensuring that their factory complies with national standards, and that they have the right machinery to keep up with orders from Massmart,” said Lehlongwane.
Small SA supplier signs deal with Massmart A small factory in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape is using green energy to manufacture cooler boxes for international retailer Massmart, bringing “significant benefits” to the regional economy, the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism announced on Tuesday. The R4-million Ikusasa Green manufacturing plant in
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eastern cape
The Paul Sauer or Storms River Bridge in South Africa
Green energy The cooler boxes, manufactured using green energy and using an innovative roto- moulded process, will be available for sale around the world, said Mkululi Pakade, a director of Ikusasa Green. The project has received an investment of R4-million from the department’s Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) Fund, with assistance from the Massmart supplier development fund. The LRED Fund aims to support the development of new sources of economic activity in small towns as well as new technologies that include energy efficiency. “The Ikusasa project is a combination of innovation, commitment and sufficient motivation from the concerned entrepreneurs,” Jonas said. “This is a demonstration of people
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who have not waited for government but took the initiative to unleash the potential of business through using the available mechanisms for business support” He said “locally entrenched” industrialisation could serve to reignite the province’s manufacturing sector, which has experienced many job losses “even before the recession.
Innovation The company handed over its first two cooler box units off the newly installed production line to Massmart at the opening. Ikusasa will hand over 700 units to Massmart for their initial order, worth R610 000. Moshisi Lehlongwane, supplier development manager at Massmart, said the partnership was a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to buy from small- and mediumsuppliers anywhere in South Africa. “They had the right product with innovation and not only will we list their roto- moulded cooler boxes in our stores, but we are putting them under one of our trusted brands, Camp Master. “Through our supplier development fund we have committed to work with Ikusasa Green to remove challenges such as securing the right moulds, ensuring that their factory complies with national standards, and that they have the right machinery to keep up with orders from Massmart.”
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Stutterheim in the Amahlati District was officially opened on Tuesday by Mcebisi Jonas, the Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC. Jonas said the project was an exciting example of what could happen when a SMME partnered with big business. The plant would create 20 jobs in the Stutterheim area, with an additional 10 to 15 permanent jobs within the first two months of its operation, Jonas said.
transport
South Africa’s sustainable
transport bid There is growing interest in, and demand for, high-quality bus systems across the globe as city officials look to reduce congestion, and carbon footprints, by installing low-cost, sustainable urban transport alternatives like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.
ŠShutterstock
By Romaana Naidoo
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ccording to Global BRT Data, some 163 cities worldwide have implemented BRT systems, or priority bus corridors, serving nearly 29-million passengers daily. South Africa is at the forefront of implementing high-quality bus rapid transit systems that ensure passengers have fast, reliable and affordable transport. The country now has two BRT systems, in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and will soon see Tshwane launch the Tshwane Rapid Transit (TRT) system.
Infrastructure investment Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters said, “Across some of our cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay, Rustenburg and others, we are seeing investments in transport infrastructure - such as the BRT system … a catalyst for urban regeneration - reconnecting isolated nodes and bringing disconnected communities closer to economic opportunities.” In the past 19 years of democracy South Africa has achieved a level of macro-economic stability not seen in the country for many years, she said. “Such advances created opportunities for real increases in expenditure on social services and reduced the costs and risks for investors, laying the foundation for increased investment and growth. “In 2013/14, over R5-billion will be spent across 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks.” Johannesburg and Cape Town have already constructed more than 20km of dedicated bus lanes, supported by more than 100 km of complementary, feeder and distributor services. In the 2013/14 financial year Cape Town and Johannesburg will expand operations on Phase 1 Rea Vaya and MyCiTi services to carry up to 100 000 passenger trips a day on each system, said Peters. “The buses give residents of Soweto and the southern parts of Johannesburg direct access to the inner-city and surrounding areas. “George municipality is a new entrant to the public transport network development enterprise, whilst Buffalo City, Ekurhuleni, Mangaung, Msunduzi and Polokwane will complete their public transport network development planning and service contract designs during the course of 2013/14 and will commence with network development in the 2014/15 financial year.”
MyCiTi - connecting Capetonians The Cape Town Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system, MyCiTi, is an initiative to transform the public transport sector in the Mother City by integrating all current transport modes. These include metrorail services, road-based services on trunk routes, conventional bus services, minibus taxi integration, feeder bus services, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, metered
taxi integration and park-and-ride facilities. MyCiTi lanes run parallel to bicycle lanes, both of which are part of the city’s plans to provide an integrated transport system. At the beginning of 2012, MyCiTi had two dedicated lanes along the R27, also known as the West Coast Road. This was completed to cut travel time by half for commuters, providing a rail service for its 3-million residents. The first phase of the IRT started in 2007, focussing on the inner city basin and the Blaauwberg-Atlantis corridor, because of its extreme congestion during peak traffic periods. A MyCiti bus service was also introduced between the Cape Town Civic Centre and the Cape Town International Airport. Phase 1A includes the Inner City (including extension to Hout Bay), Woodstock rail station, Paarden Eiland, Milnerton, Montague Gardens, Century City, Table View, Melkbos, Atlantis and Mamre. It also runs through Blaauwberg north of the Diep River, Du Noon and Doornbach. The network also extends to the metro’s south-eastern areas including the Cape Flats suburbs of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. MyCiTi fares depend on the journey, as peak periods cost more.
Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya Johannesburg’s answer to Cape Town’s MyCiTi is Rea Vaya, meaning “We are going”. Rea Vaya kicked off in 2009 with the first trunk route, Phase1A, running between Thokoza Park in the south-west of the central business district (CBD) and Ellis Park in Doornfontein, on the eastern skirts of the CBD. For R12.50, a bus ride on the T1 trunk route will get passengers from the Art Gallery Station in the CBD to Lakeview in Soweto. This route includes Walter Sisulu House on Commissioner Street (home to the African National Congress’s provincial offices) and the Orlando Police Station in Soweto. Within walking distance of the BRT station, in Rockville, Soweto, is the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, the largest Roman Catholic church in South Africa. A crucial Rea Vaya objective is to reduce Johannesburg’s public transport carbon footprint; the fleet is the most modern available, with sophisticated engineering to ensure carbon emissions are as low as possible. The fleet runs on low-sulphur diesel, which emits fewer greenhouse gases than other types of fuel. The long-term plan is for the Rea Vaya routes to cover 330km, allowing more than 80% of the city’s residents to travel via bus. However, the bus system doesn’t operate in a vacuum; it forms part of a city-wide plan to provide a seamless public transport network combining other transport options such as regular buses, rail, taxis and private vehicles. It has been estimated that it would save 1.6-million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2020, if 15% of private vehicle users who lived near the city centre switched to it.
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transport
Phase 1B
He explained that this would ensure that residents would spend less on transport. Currently, the average worker spends The Phase 1B route, the second trunk route, is expected to 70% of their income on transport to work and centres of start operating on 14 October. It will travel through Noordgesig, economic activity. New Canada, Pennyville, Bosmont, Coronationville, Newclare, Ramokgopa said Tshwane was moving to create a Westbury, Westdene, Melville, Auckland Park and Parktown, as low-carbon economy through projects such as A Re Yeng, it make its way into the CBD. which would help to reduce carbon emissions, as compressed The trunk route will include feeders extending to areas such natural gas (CNG) fuel would be used in at least 30% of as Yeoville, Cresta, Florida and Parktown. Some 134 buses will its fleet. be used for the route, of which 57 were built locally. The city According to Peters, many made a conscious decision to commuters in Tshwane’s manufacture these buses north-east travelled daily by locally to create more job bus over long distances, with opportunities. The new buses excessive travel times and at will include luggage cabinets “Such advances created high cost to government and and digital screens. commuters. This was Rea Vaya has transformed opportunities for real exacerbated by the lack of relationships in Johannesburg increases in expenditure local by bringing together the city economic development, with a and the taxi industry through on social services and concomitant lack of job PioTrans, the bus operating reduced the costs and opportunities along the company in charge of Phase 1A. corridor. According to Johannesburg’s risks for investors, Commuters spent long executive mayor, Mpho Parks laying the foundation hours in transit, in extreme Tau, “These buses are not cases spending up to seven owned by the municipality for increased investment hours but are owned primarily by a day on buses. Daily, at least the taxi industry.” and growth. In 2013/14, 35 000 commuters travelled over R5-billion will along the Moloto Corridor. Tshwane - let’s go Road safety was also an issue A new player in the game is be spent across 13 cities along the corridor. Tshwane. At present, 66% of on planning, building The City of Tshwane is the peak hour trips in the capital single largest metropolitan city are made using private and operating municipality in South Africa vehicles, which leads to traffic and the largest on the African congestion. Only 17% of trips integrated public continent. It administrates are made on taxis and buses, transport networks.” 2.5-million residents and its including on Tshwane Bus area of jurisdiction is divided Services. These modes serve into seven regions. Tshwane 8% of residents, while 7% is the third largest city, in the use trains. Since most world in terms of land area, economically deprived areas after New York and Yokohama in Tokyo. are wholly dependent on public transport, it is imperative the city provides an affordable and practical alternative. Against this backdrop, the City of Tshwane has developed an A Re Yeng integrated rapid public transit system that will form the transport According to Ramokgopa, backbone for its residents. This system, aptly called A Re Yeng, A Re Yeng will provide the city with a much-needed service which means “Let’s go”, will be accessible to all citizens and to ease travel woes. The first phase will be the CBD-to-Hatfield visitors and meet the goals of the Tshwane Vision 2055. route, where operations will begin in April 2014. The route will Tshwane Executive Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa said extend from Kopanong along the Rainbow Junction to the CBD. the city was setting up a cost-effective integrated transport The second route will run from Denneboom in Mamelodi system aimed at correcting the apartheid legacy of confining through key nodes Menlyn, Hatfield, Lynnwood and Sunnyside blacks to areas furthest from the CBD and potential jobs. to the CBD.
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IT
Programs every new laptop
must have There are many things to consider when buying a new laptop. It is worth making sure your new laptop has these programs before you buy it.
T
here are many things to think about when shopping for a new laptop. The speed, how much RAM, the size of the screen, and the price of the laptop are just a few of the things you might consider. While many people take the time to reflect on all of these things and more as they make their decision about which laptop to buy, they often forget one of the more important matters. They ignore the programs that may be pre-installed on the laptop. Most laptops come with some basic programs already installed. They usually include an operating system and may include at least one program with which to access theinternet. They may also, typically, include programs from the specific
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manufacturer of the laptop. Other programs that can be used on a trial basis, such as Microsoft Office, may also be installed. Keep in mind that if a program you need is not already installed on the laptop, you will have to purchase the software separately. In order to avoid spending more money than necessary, take a look at this list of programs you may need for your laptop. When you find a computer that you like, be sure you consider these essentials as you make a decision about whether to make the purchase.
Security Software The most important program for any new laptop is some type
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BY: PETER DAVIDSON
Office Software Word-processing software, spreadsheet, and other similar software used to be included with all new computers. Now they often offer versions that do not have all of the features that an individual needs. It is a good idea to look for software such as the Microsoft Office Suite which will provide users with the full version of all of office software they need. The starter version of this software has a lot of limitations that make it difficult for many to use.
E-Readers A few years ago, people were paying hundreds of dollars for e-readers. It is much easier to use software for your laptop which allows you to download books and read them on your laptop. Kindle and Overdrive are two programs that allow you to read books that you either purchase or download from the public library.
Maintenance Software Over time, computers slow down because they are getting filled with unneeded files and other things that find their way onto the hard drive. A program such as CCleaner is the best way to keep your computer running at its optimum. This program can clean out temporary files and unneeded data when it performs regular routine maintenance.
Cloud Storage The best way to make sure you do not lose anything you have stored on your new laptop is by investing in cloud storage. Programs such as Dropbox allow you to save all of the pictures, documents and anything else you want in the cloud. If you buy a new computer, or if your laptop stops working, you will still have access to all of the things that you have stored in the cloud. of security program. It is important that you have this in place before you start surfing the internet or engaging in any other activities that could put your new laptop at risk. Many computers come with a trial subscription to antivirus software. This can last anywhere from 30 days to six months or more. The software that you obtain in this way can help at the start, but youwill want to make sure you have the best protection you can get at some point in time. There are plenty of options for security software. You might download free Windows antivirus offered by Immunet or you can turn to more expensive programs. It may be a good idea to include free software along with a paid security program to give your laptop more protection. Whenever you have more than one security program on your computer, however, it is essential to make sure they are compatible.
Media Player Windows computers come with a media player, but a program to add is the VLC media player. It provides many more options than the media player that is installed and does not slow down your computer. As you find different software that is available, the list of programs you may want on a new laptop will grow. There is nothing wrong with looking for programs that you feel are important to the way you use the computer. It is fun to personalize your laptop to fit your needs. While there will be other programs that you find to be essential, do not minimize the importance of the programs listed above. Your software list should start with these and then you can add others as you come across them.
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1-2 July 2014 Sandton Convention Centre,Johannesburg, South Africa
Opportunity and strategy for airlines, airports, investors and regulators ALL ABOUT EFFICIENCY
Take a peek into the future of African Aviation Aviation Outlook Africa is the region’s definitive leadership convention for African aviation professionals seeking to promote development within the sector. The event provides a platform where stakeholders can meet, network and discuss future industry trends, developments and investment opportunities. One of the agenda highlights include: VIP CONFERENCE PANEL DISCUSSION: INVESTIGATING OPPORTUNITIES IN EMERGING AIRLINE MARKETS:
Moderator: Sudeep Ghai, Managing Partner, Athena Aviation
Richard Bodin, Chief Commercial Officer, FastJet Plc
Vivendra Lochan, Chief Operating Officer, Airline Association of Southern Africa
Luo Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, Africa World Airlines
Elvis Ndomo, Commercial Officer, Precision Air
Inati Ntshanga, Chief Executive Officer, SA Express
4000 Attendees
400 VIPs
1-2-1 Partnering
120+ Exhibitors
92 Speakers
63 “It really was a pleasure participating at the event. I commend you for the excellent work you are doing in bringing different stakeholders together who share a common interest, because it is all our responsibility to build this country.” Ofentse Sebitlo, Deputy Director: Economic Infrastructure and Logistics, The Department of Trade and Industry,South Africa
Roundtables
60 Countries
2
FEATURING
Days 4
1 BIG IDEA
=ROI Free Entry: www.terrapinn.com/aviationafrica
BOOK NOW
ŠRodger Bosch, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
Eastern Cape province: Early morning on a beach in Nature's Valley.
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JOBS
EDUCATION
SOCIAL INCLUSION WWW.PROJECTISIZWE.ORG Together with the City of Tshwane, led by Executive Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, Project Isizwe has connected more than 30 000 users to the internet at a cost of less than R1 per user per month. By applying a frugal implementation strategy and unique intellectual property, Project Isizwe is assisting Tshwane in the roll-out of Free Internet Zones for all public spaces in low-income communities, with the ultimate goal of connecting all of Tshwane’s citizens to the Internet by 2016.
Executive Mayor KGOSIENTSO RAMOKGOPA