Issue 09 by Beyond Publishing

Beyond

NOVEMBER 2010 ISSUE 09 R29.95

vision 2010 and beyond

HEALTHY LIVING

CHINA AN ECONOMIC SUPERPOWER?

STADIUM SUSTAINABILITY

current affairs 2010 SPORT politics finance & business development & education travel & TOURISM

South Africa’s

Sustainability

Are you in danger of non-compliance to the NEMA Act? FSE’s Chief Executive Officer, Mariette Liefferink explains the big picture of the NEMA Act!

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for whom an investment register had been developed, with a view to elevate such crucial discussions to much higher sights at an appropriate time. These investors had shown tremendous interest in the evolution of the IDZ in Mahikeng.

How does the MIDZ define sustainability and what does it mean in terms of its business? The South African Industrial Development Zone Programme is part of national governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy to position the country within the global economy. The aim is to encourage international competitiveness and sustainable economic growth through strategic investments in export manufacturing industries, and in the case of the MIDZ operations, that is how we view and define that sustainability.

How do strategies impact the development nodes in the North West and what are the benefits that they can derive from it? The benefit of the MIDZ in the North West is that it is regarded as one of the influential catalysts of the economic development of this region, and most of the prospective investments that promise to come to Mahikeng perceive the MIDZ as a fitting platform for their future business operations, especially along manufacturing contours. The chief purpose of the IDZ in Mahikeng is therefore to take advantage of Mahikengâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic location along key trade routes (north-south and east-west) in the region and to dramatically increase the utilisation of an excellent Mahikeng International Airport.

What strategies or processes does the MIDZ have in place to ensure sustainability both in the short and long term? The MIDZ has to date developed one hundred and five million rand (R105m) worth of infrastructure at its Industrial Site. Already 52 industrial sites had been serviced with advanced municipal services, and can already start to house qualifying enterprises as an Industrial Park in the short term. In the long term, the MIDZ has ongoing discussions with interested local and international investors,

What are the benefits that the Mafikeng communities and businesses are able to draw from in terms of the current projects and how will it aide job creation? As stated in 2 above, the Infrastructure Development Programme of the MIDZ had so far cost the North West Provincial Government R105m to establish. This precisely done in preparation for a fully fledged Industrial Development Zone in Mahikeng. This huge investment benefitted particularly local engineering companies, who during all

phases of the development of this infrastructure made use of labour from the neighbouring villages. As the state-owned-enterprise and the face of government, the MIDZ had the duty to encourage companies to say that where practically possible, these projects be tackled through the labour intensive method, in line with the spirit of the National Government. Any other general comment that you want to make. With a view to expand its horizons, as the CEO of the MIDZ, I have been one of the strategic official delegates from South Africa, on outbound missions to overseas countries, as organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the Office of the Premier (North West Province), and had managed to engage a number of prospective international investors to the MIDZ, and I am absolutely confident that the meaningful networks that I had managed to establish would indeed bear meaningful dividends to the entity, going forward.

CONTENTS

Editors note

FOREWORD Johan Schlebush

WORLD NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

STADIUM SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW Guy Lundy

SUSTAINABILITY Eskom

SUSTAINABILITY Wind energy

INNOVATION Fiat technologies

DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN Mario Thompson

TALK TO THE BOSS Sean Stegmann, Allon Raiz, Nkululeko Mvulana

CHINA An economic superpower?

Why Asia loves Africa

BANK BAIL OUTS Is South Africa in trouble?

Property markets South Africa

DEBT REVIEW The Sustainability of the Debt Review Process

Skills Development

56 \

Job Creation or Job Loss Reality of South Africa’s workplace

EDUCATION Exclusive

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE Rhoda Kadalie

BBBEE Stepping stone

POLITICAL SATIRE

MARCH FOR SERVICES Hout Bay

EDUCATION FOR ALL At what level?

8 page profile

CONTENTS

112

116

FOOTBALL Strengthening rural communities

POOR SHOW What’s happened to sportsmanship?

AUDI A8 The art of progress

INFRASTRUCTURE Telkom and Neotel

MOTOROLA DROID 2

BEYOND TECHNOLOGY

HEALTHY LIVING Eating for sustained health

HEALTHY LIVING Gaming for adults

END OF YEAR GIFT GUIDE What we all want

TOURISM FORECAST Who’s coming to South Africa

100

TOURISM Why do South Africans not travel in their own country?

102

TOURISM Summer hotspots

106

MOVIES & THEATRE

108

BOOKS & MUSIC

110

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

112

RESTAURANT REVIEW Savoy Cabbage

114

EVENTS

116

FASHION Season trends

118

FASHION PROFILE Errol Arendz

130

136

BEYOND THE BEAT

BeYOND the team Managing Director Charles Felix Editor Steve Rosenberg COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Simphiwe Mbekile Sales Manager Michael Keys Sales ExecutiveS Bernhard Kappelsberger, Charlene Heyburgh, Gerhardt Burger, Jerome Dyson, Christopher Engelbrecht, Harold Peters, Gaynor Thompson, Shaun Davids Traffic Controller Kian Ross Designer Mark Rosenberg Director Mr. JB Mabecha Accounts ExecutiveS Laurenda Hagglund Kelly Cupido Office Administrator Rene Williams Beyond Publishing CK 2008/187319/23 25 Voortrekker Road, Unit 29 Goodwood, 7460 Tel: 021 592 5721, Fax: 021 592 5714 Email: beyondpublishing@telkomsa.net The opinions in Beyond are not necessarily those of the publisher. COPYRIGHT MABECHA PUBLICATIONS. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the publisher.

The “we’re ok Jack!” attitude doesn’t work in business. It doesn’t work in government and it certainly doesn’t work in life.

Editors note

love this time of year. The weather is changing, the sun is rising earlier and earlier, morning brings with it the promise of warm summer days. There are so many festivals, shows and opportunities to enjoy the best that South Africa has to offer.

I recently took the opportunity to enjoy the tragic opera Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Cape Town Opera – which left me breathless. Now I look forward to the FNB Whiskey Festival in November as well as the Five:20 Opera’s made in South Africa – more on our events page. Ah, Spring! Ah, Summer! I think you can actually smell the sunshine, the happiness and the promise of hope that summer brings. And that is how we should all feel! But for some the harsh reality of life in South Africa promises only a continual struggle. We still have millions living below the bread line, millions living in shanty towns, millions unemployed. Quite often we simply ignore the problem, thinking that because we 10

are ok it doesn’t matter or that it doesn’t affect us. That is not a responsible or sustainable attitude! The “we’re ok Jack!” attitude doesn’t work in business. It doesn’t work in government and it certainly doesn’t work in life. We share this world and this country. If the recent economic crisis has proved anything it has proved John Donne’s statement: No man is an island! And by extension: No country is an island. As the Global village grows smaller and more interdependent it places greater responsibility on each one of us, in our personal and business capacity, to ensure that we are adopting practices and attitudes which help develop a sustainable future. In this issue of Beyond we’re taking a look at sustainable

development. Look out for the “Talk to the Boss” feature where Nkululeko Mvulana (MD Sandulela International), Allon Raiz (CEO, Raizcorp) and Sean Stegmann (CEO, Cash Crusaders) each give their opinions and experience in building sustainable business. We also talk to CEO of Accelerate Cape Town, Guy Lundie about sustainable development. On a lighter note, look out for the Technology and Gift Guide and be sure to read our Audi A8 review and see why we were blown away! Here’s looking forward to a great summer!

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Infrastructure should be those investments in water, roads, rail, energy and communications that make the social project as well as private sector projects viable

FOREWORD

outh Africa and southern Africa with the new bright-colour coats of democracy and eyes ashine with Chinese investment offers, is showing good intent to invest and grow infrastructure as both a tool for job creation and economic development support. However, it would appear that the definition of infrastructure is lost in translation at times, and we incorrectly look at sport, education and health as part of infrastructure. Not that investment in social programmes is not also essential (and overdue), but that we should really be looking at the infra that is the driver or support for social and economic projects in the bigger scheme of things. Infrastructure should be those investments in water, roads, rail, energy and communications that make the social project as well as private sector projects viable, ie mineral exploitation, process investments and financial services. 14

Even if we understand and support PPP developments within this context, we still have to ask the correct questions for each project to ensure that it has merit. We have seen various investments by states (direct or in PPP models) in Africa as well as closer to home that don’t have all the merit questions answered, leaving Tazara lines and empty, shallow ports as shouting skeletons. Any project by the State or private sector should have their credibility, feasibility, risk and creditability sincerely checked and counter-checked. Should all of the latter be done properly (even if it takes a bit longer), we end with a product that will inevitably be

SUSTAINABLE. With the recent change of guard in governments and banks, we must exercise the moral and political obligations to ensure that the World Cup stadia, access routes, BRT’s, airports, powerstations, mining projects, mineral exports, etc. are sustainable and don’t end up as white elephants at the cost of our childrens’ education, health and future.

WORLD NEWS General strike hits Spain Austerity measures including civil wage cuts, labour market reforms and a freeze on retirement pensions have sparked the first general strike in Spain since 2002. The strike marks a bitter split in the relationship between the socialist government and the unions. Spain’s bloated deficit and 20% unemployment rate has raised alarm bells and prompted market worries. “This strike is more necessary than ever,” said one union representative, Roberto Tornamira, manning a picket line near Madrid’s elegant Plaza de Cibeles. Workers who strike are automatically docked that day’s pay.

Brazil warns of Mozambique to world forex war construct its tallest building

Tony Curtis dies at 85 Hollywood star Tony Curtis died of a cardiac arrest at his home in Nevada, September 29, 2010. The Oscarnominated actor, who starred in Some Like it Hot (arguably one of the greatest comedies of all times) opposite Marilyn Monroe, passed away peacefully in bed at age 85. Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to her father, saying he “leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings.”

“We’re in the midst of an international currency war, a general weakening of currency,” warned Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega. “This threatens us because it takes away our competitiveness.” Analyst Neil MacKinnon, VTB Capital, London, commented: “Brazil’s finance minister warns of a currency war’ in which beggarthy-neighbour’ policies result in a covert policy of currency devaluation as a way of trying to retain competitiveness. History shows this is a doomed policy and often results in fractures to the international monetary system.” Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have recently intervened to devalue their currencies, while the US Dollar has fallen by about 25 percent this year against the Brazilian real.

Mozambique has declared that they will build a 115m skyscraper in a bid to attract investors. “The Maputo Business Tower will rise around 190 meters above the capital,” explained Armando Archer da Cunha, executive director of Greenpoint Investments. The 47 storey building will take 3 years to complete and will feature office and shopping space.

Strange whale in San Francisco The 14.3 metre carcass of an unidentifiable species of whale recently washed up on Ocean Beach in San Francisco. The cause of death remains undetermined, however the mammal had a long slash on its back possibly caused by a ship’s propeller. The carcass

also has huge bite marks which experts attribute to great white sharks. The whale has characteristics of both a fin whale and the rare Sei whale, two separate species that scientists said have never been known to interbreed.

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SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

Road Accident Fund Home Affairs sued for R6.8bn grossly undercapitalised The Department of Home Affairs may be sued for R6.8bn, with victims of identity fraud and wrongful detention demanding R414m in damages. “Immigration claims arise out of unlawful arrests and detention of illegal foreigners, as well as damages arising out of failure by the department to timeously make decisions on permits,” the department said. The bulk of the court cases brought against the department are related to tenders and contracts. Technology services group, Gijima, is suing the DoHA after they cancelled a major contract worth R4.5bn.

SAA plans new airline

SAA chief executive Siza Mzimela stated their intention to collaborate with Ethiopian Airlines and Egypt Air to establish a new airline in Africa. Mzimela said the partnership would be used in central and west Africa. Lets hope they offer better service than SAA currently does! 18

The Department of Home Affairs may be sued for R6.8bn, with victims of identity fraud and wrongful detention demanding R414m in damages. “Immigration claims arise out of unlawful arrests and detention of illegal foreigners, as well as damages arising out of failure by the department

to timeously make decisions on permits,” the department said. The bulk of the court cases brought against the department are related to tenders and contracts. Technology services group, Gijima, is suing the DoHA after they cancelled a major contract worth R4.5bn.

Clash of the Titans

Thirty officers arrested

Retail giant, Walmart, is making serious moves to acquire local retailer Massmart Holdings [JSE:MSM]. Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart International, announced the bid late in September, saying that it was Walmart’s mission to save people money. “The benefit of being big is that you have economies of scale. You can source products cheaper and pass (savings) onto consumers,” said Abri du Plessis, chief investment officer at Gryphon Asset Management. “Walmart are definitely going step up competition. South African retailers will have to sharpen their pencils.” Warren Buys, a portfolio manager at Cadiz Asset Management, said that retailers would feel pressure to become more price competitive.

According to Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mzwandile Petros, thirty Gauteng police officers and one public prosecutor were arrested in September. Petros said that they need to ensure that recruits are trained to become good, just officers willing to fight crime even within their own ranks. Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, said: “We need to get rid of these rotten potatoes. We are going to tell the world ‘here are the corrupt former police officers. We don’t need them’.”

BY THE NUMBERS 15 BILLION

$1000 6

1 MILLION

Baseball Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson dies at age 76

homeless Haitians brace for hurricane Tomas

30 tons of marijuana seized in the United States and Mexico

finalists have been chosen for the Miss South Africa 2010 pageant

Israel ranked 15th on annual UN development report. 20th anniversary report ranks 169 countries on the rate and scope of their development in a variety of areas

136 000 20

illegal immigrants in Nigeria have been deported amid tight security and military patrols due to attacks blamed on an Islamic sect

15TH

Singapore Airline planes have been grounded

bounty offered to the first person who figures out how to build an open-source driver for Microsoftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Kinect motion controller

Zimbabwean diamond mining directors arrested on suspicion of fraudulently obtaining a licence

700

rand the amount Eskom recieved as a loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa

cars Toyota recalled in Japan and Europe to fix a steering problem

R500 000

Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi earns a year

The risk of not having employee benefits in an economic downturn WRITER Taryn Marcus, HR business partner, Liberty Corporate If you have watched or read business news in the last twelve months, you might get the impression that no one overseas has a job anymore especially when the headlines are dominated by bailouts, layoffs and stimulus packages. However, the perception is simply not true. An overwhelming number of people are still employed. Therefore, there is still a great need for companies to implement good employee benefits strategies to help keep their current workforce focused and engaged. This brief article, aims at providing you with some considerations to weigh when deciding if providing employee benefits will also benefit your business. Most employees today, even employees that work for minimum wage expect some form of employee benefits. Whilst it is very easy for employers to take the “You’re lucky you have a job” approach towards employees or even consider to forgo salary increases, cancel bonuses, reduce employee benefits or layoff employees, these approaches should be considered as a last resort. This is because such actions, which may all be valid actions for the survival of the business, could have long term adverse effects on a companies most valued employees. For example, employee benefits can be very personal, highly visible and sometimes emotional. Thus should companies cut or cancel employee benefits, valued employees may stay with the company through the hard times but employees have also been given reasons to be resentful and/ or to start looking elsewhere. Further, the costs associated with the loss of accumulated institutional knowledge, reputational damage and productivity deficits resulting from outgoing and, later, incoming employees may dwarf those savings from cutting employee benefits.

Some of the other benefits for offering or maintaining employee benefits include firstly, the tax advantage that companies get through deducting plan contributions. Secondly, employees often will accept better benefits in lieu of a higher salary, which can be a savings to the company. Third, offering benefits to employees also can be advantages to the business owner, who may be able to get personal benefits for less money than if he/she purchased them privately. Finally, offering health insurance has been shown to decrease absenteeism and improve employee health and morale.

benefit plans can lead to costly lawsuits, or to regulatory fines. Despite the disadvantages, it’s important to recognise that you can be flexible when designing an employee benefit program. Many employers today are offering employee benefits in a most creative way to satisfy the emerging unique interests of their employees. For example, many businesses are now offering onsite child care, reduced fees on cell phone contracts and other luxury items, reduced banking administration fees and concierge desks. Overall, in a time of economic downturns, it is imperative that

It’s important to recognise that you can be flexible when designing an employee benefit program The benefit of offering employee benefits does also come with some disadvantages. These include the reality that providing benefits costs more for small employers than for large ones, both in terms of higher prices because of lesser buying power, and due to relatively higher costs of administration. Secondly, small businesses have less choice in designing a retirement plan because of administrative costs. Third, the more benefits a business offers, the more it must pay for administrative overhead. Fourth, the cost of health insurance has steadily risen, making it less and less affordable to employers and making financial planning difficult from year to year. Fifth, offering benefits creates concerns regarding legal compliance, which in turn causes a company to incur legal fees. Finally, mistakes made in

companies retain their most productive and valuable employees. As even when the economy is sluggish, companies still need to continue operations, maintain business relationships, provide good products and services and find new avenues of business. These goals cannot be accomplished unless companies have their best people in place. So what is the best strategy during down times? Communicate to your employees the value (in Rands) of their total benefits package. Such communication will assist in generating awareness of just how much the company values them. This should in turn create employees that are engaged and committed to the company which leads to better performance and business results- as well as an increasing in the company’s ability to “win the war for talent”. 21

STADIUM Sustainability Usage post World Cup

WRITER Kendal Brown

hile much of the hoo-ha surrounding the stadiums built for the Soccer World Cup has died down to a mutter, the question still remains, either consciously or subconsciously, ‘have we, South Africans been landed with a whole herd of white elephants?’ Space won’t permit having a look at them all so let’s just have a look at Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg’s stadiums briefly. Everything aside, one has to admit they are pretty fine stadiums, so aren’t we all in our heart of hearts hoping they will work and not cost us, long suffering tax payers, yet more of our hard earned Rands. Taking spending on stadiums and infrastructure into account the government estimates that the 2010 FIFA World Cup added a percentage to the country’s growth,. Their initial estimate was that the World Cup would add 0.5 percentage points to annual growth in 2010. Take this from whence it comes. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is on record as saying “When we take account of the spending on stadiums and infrastructure since 2006, we find that the level of GDP is about 1 per cent higher than it would have otherwise been.” He also magnanimously added, “We must also remind ourselves that what government was able to put into this project came from the taxpayers of this country, both in the business sector and as individuals, and it is to them also that the credit must go. Hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup acted as a catalyst for expanding our infrastructure base, skills development, employment creation, and economic growth.” Tax payers take a bow! There are also many murmurs about lack of consultation with sporting bodies that may have been able to use the

stadiums had they been included in early discussions. For instance, Cricket South Africa bemoaned the fact that it was not consulted prior to the stadiums being built, which meant that almost all were not suitable for cricket matches, due to their size. The South African Rugby Union is on record with respect to the problems facing this Union and the cities of Cape Town and Durban. Although letters were written to the Department of Sport and recreation in 2007, nothing was done and as a result these two stadiums don’t meet the requirements for the standard size of a rugby pitch by just a few meters. An opportunity lost? Now let’s look at the three venues under discussion. DURBAN Estimates of the cost of building Moses Mabhida stadium range from approximately 3.1 to R4,8-billion. The initial budget was set at R1.6 billion. Do the maths... Now here’s something that may surprise you. The Ethekhwini Municipality says that it was never intended to be a socceroriented facility. Outlining the ways in which it planned to make the Moses Mabhida Stadium sustainable and cost effective it pointed out it has multiple revenue streams which include tourist attractions, inside the stadium, as well as links to the Big Swing, sports precinct and beach. Suite holders would also be important revenue generators. They have wisely concluded that although the stadiums showed the potential to

raise income, there was a need for a comprehensive management plan! CAPE TOWN In an assesment that was ordered by Helen Zille (then mayor of Cape Town), it was estimated that it would cost R4.18billion to build the stadium, and that even a no-frills version would cost R3,3billion-plus. In the end it took 33 months to complete by joint contractors Murray & Roberts and WBHO at a cost of R4,4billion (It was originally estimated, by the city’s chief operation officer - Rushj Lehutso - that the stadium would have cost at least R1.5 billion to build). Aspokesperson for SAILSTADEFRANCE, who signed a contract to manage the stadium along with the Green Point Park, said that they fully understood the extent of the challenge facing them in managing the Cape Town Stadium. However, the 2010 World Cup proved to be enormously beneficial in providing global exposure for the Cape Town stadium and in demonstrating the efficiency of service provided at the Stadium. During the period of SAIL STADEFRANCE’s management contract they achieved a saving of approximately 25% on the original approved budget for running the stadium. Core revenues will be derived from stadium rental and ticketing at major events as well as from sponsors and the sale of suites. Non-core revenue will be derived from conferences, exhibitions, visitors centre, the rental of offices, 23

parking and so on. SAIL STADEFRANCE’s high level strategy was primarily focused on the hosting of world class sport and entertainment events at the Stadium. In addition they were seeking to drive revenue through a focus on VIP’s and memberships (sky boxes, business memberships, spectator lounges and so on), ordinary spectators and citizens (supporters clubs, loyalty programmes etc.), their business sponsors and concession holders. To ensure that they cover the fixed and variable costs of maintaining the Stadium, events involving the Stadium itself will need to draw a certain minimum number of spectators. At present they are planning on hosting up to 20 events in the year ahead, of which 7 are expected to draw full capacity crowds (40 000 to 55 000 spectators) while 8 are billed as ‘large events’ (20 000 to 40 000 spectators) and 5 as ‘medium events’ (under 20 000). There are plans in the pipeline to host PSL, SAFA (Bafana) and charity matches as well as a Soccer Festival and the Vodacom Challenge. On the rugby front, negotiations for hosting a Rugby Festival, a Varsity Cup match, and Rugby 7’s matches are underway. In addition, a number of entertainment events are planned, including various concerts, promotions and religious events. Will that make the stadium sustainable? Only time will tell. It’s going to be interesting to see how well the stadium will be utilised over the next few years after which I imagine the real picture will start to emerge. Keep in mind that chairman of the operating company, Morné du Plessis says that there is no expectation of return on investment for the cost of building the stadium, and their only concern is the sustainability of the operating costs. As it’s turned out SAIL STADEFRANCE has reviewed the whole project and concluded that thew would suffer “substantial losses” if they took up the project. According to chief executive Morne du Plessis “unresolved matters” affecting the viability of the lease, due to start on November 1, and “severe operating constraints” caused the company to withdraw. “The operating cost was surprising,” he said. “The maintenance costs were way above expectations. In the light of unresolved matters that materially affected the viability of the lease and severe operating constraints, we have advised the city that SSOC would not be in a position to enter the 24

lease on 1 November 2010, as the shareholders were not prepared to enter the lease under circumstances that projected substantial losses.” Make’s you think, doesn’t it? Bear in mind too that Mr. D. Hugo of the City of Cape Town stated that projections on profitability of the stadium showed that it was likely to make a loss over the next two years. A break even point may be achieved by 2012/13 and it could show a profit in 2014/15. However this would only be possible if government subsidized the stadium. JOHANNESBURG The original budget for what became Soccer City started at R1,9-billion in 2007, and eventually reached R3,3billion at completion. It will cost between R25-million and R30-million per year to maintain. But that’s no problem according to Barry Pollen, director of National Stadium Management SA. “Soccer City will more than pay for itself. We have already secured 27 events for the stadium this year -- and that is not counting the matches we staged here during the World Cup. We will have no problem in finding the R2-million plus per month to successfully run this venue.” He added that Soccer City is a multi-purpose venue and is not just for soccer matches. Stadium Management SA(Pty) Ltd (NSSA) is responsible for the full commercial and operational management of the

stadiums, including naming rights, event sales, sponsorship, partner programmes, marketing, suite and hospitality sales, catering, utilities and full maintenance. The role of the stadium manager includes liaison with the private sector, evaluating the naming rights of the stadium, selling of advertising space, securing of a liquor license and organising suite concessions. Additionally the manager had to ensure that the stadium was managed in such a way that it remained open and accessible to the public and local communities. But now here’s a problem for a soccer stadium. What to do when a soccer stadium doesn’t have real appeal for the country’s football association? Mr. Leslie Sedibe, Chief Executive Officer, South African Football Association, says that among the challenges facing the South African Football Association was that SAFA was not consulted in the original planning stages of the stadiums built for the FIFA World cup. Sedibe has pointed out that SAFA is in a difficult position with regard to organising events, due mainly to the fact that it doesn’t own any stadiums. In order for SAFA to host an event, it would typically have to hire a stadium. Due to the tenancy SAFA would then have no legitimate right to the revenue generated by the leasing of suites. Additionally each event SAFA hosts has to involve a separate leasing agreement. Interesting challenge for football!

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Sustainability Guy Lundy WRITER Lee-Anne Richards Guy Lundy is the CEO of Accelerate Cape Town, a business think-tank and catalyst representing forty three major corporations that bring together key stakeholders in the Cape to develop and implement a long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive economic growth. He is also the Director of several organisations, including Wesgro, where he is Deputy Chairman, and Cape Town Tourism. In 2009 Guy was listed by Business Day as one of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Top 100 Thinkers in South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Beyond spoke to him about sustainability in the broader economic context. How do you define sustainability within a broader economic context? Sustainability is about making the decisions of how to do business and make money that will not only satisfy their shareholders, but also satisfy their customers, ensure that the community around them is becoming better off through their actions and that the physical environment is protected and improved, so that it is as healthy into the future. Businesses make up the largest part of the economy, so if all businesses act sustainably, then the economy will be sustainable. In a Cape Town and South African context, we are particularly aware that with the high levels of poverty and income inequality, it means that inclusivity is a core part of sustainability; inequality is a recipe for social unrest, which is unsustainable! Poor people have little incentive to protect the environment over their own need to survive! What sustainability issues are businesses facing and what are the implications? In many cases, acting sustainably, means doing business in different ways. Change of this sort is difficult to implement in businesses, because it can often cost a lot of money up front and the future financial rewards of this investment might be difficult to see at first. It also requires

major change management initiatives to ensure that the people within the organisation behave differently. Some of the sustainability issues facing business in Cape Town particularly include the fact that: our environment is a major attractor of talented people. If we mess up our environment the place will become less attractive and businesses will find it more difficult to attract talent to the Cape, oil is likely to become more expensive over time, and we are very far

Businesses make up the largest part of the economy, so if all businesses act sustainably, then the economy will be sustainable. away from many of our export markets, so those products that have a heavy carbon footprint will become more difficult to justify exporting from here to other parts of the world, if climate change theories are correct and the Cape does become hotter and drier, the sustainability of our agricultural sector will be challenged, we are heavily reliant on coal-based energy, which is transported over power lines from as far away as Mpumalanga. This increases the carbon footprint of our products.

change from the way we were doing business before? We can use more renewable energy. We can grow the dominance of innovationbased sectors that rely on our ability to develop ideas or information systemsbased innovations, which cost virtually nothing to transport over the internet. We can focus on growing sectors that absorb more labour, such as eco-tourism and agro processing, to ensure increased employment and reduced inequality. We can research the development of new crops that will survive a drier and hotter climate in the Cape. What is your Comment on post World Cup sustainability within Cape Town with particular reference to infrastructure? The infrastructure that has been put in place for the World Cup in Cape Town has enabled us to move more freely, at least for now. What we need to ensure, however, is that the growing sprawl of Cape Town, with people building single houses on parcels of land and causing the city to creep further and further out and encroach on agricultural land, is stopped. We need to build more intensely in chosen areas, with much more mixed use areas where people can live, work, shop and play without ever having to get into their cars. Public transport must be significantly improved and its use promoted. There is much being spoken about the sustainability of the stadium, but if we can come up with innovative ways to ensure that it is used on an ongoing basis, such as easier ways to get to it and more reasons to visit, it will be sustainable. We need to give it some time.

What are sustainable opportunities and how does it fundamentally

ESKOMs plans for sustainability Renewable energy WRITER Louis van Zyl For decades we’ve enjoyed the convenience of switching on the light, cooking on our stoves, running the bath and using many electrical driven gadgets while paying a nominal monthly fee. We don’t even think about where the energy comes from or what processes need to be in place to make life so easy. Suddenly the bomb explodes – not enough power, more finance needed, failure of generating systems – we’ve heard it all. Questions arise – Why? How? What happened? Who has done what wrong? Let’s see if we as consumers can put our minds at ease by means of answers to these questions What does ESKOM do for us? Eskom’s numerous setbacks and failures over the last couple of years have been the subject of discussion by many citizens and parties. However they can still tell proud and prosperous stories of success in the history of power generation. Being the leader in the use of low-grade coal for electrical power generation, matched by few countries in expertise in transmitting power at high altitudes and being globally acknowledged for the use of dry-cooling saving vast quantities of scarce water led to Eskom being awarded “Power Company of the Year” at the Global Energy Awards in 2001. With its 26 power stations consisting of thirteen coal fired, six hydro-electric, four gas/liquid fuel turbines, two pumped storage and one nuclear station Eskom has also earned a reputation as being the largest distributor and generator of electricity in Africa. What went wrong? Criticism was raised by an ex-employee regarding poor decision making by Eskom and the government in past years that has many caught in negative thoughts about the way our “suppliers of consumer services” go about ensuring sustainability and growth. He claims that electricity was supplied only 28

to certain communities in the country by cheap coal being provided to government owned power stations. As a result this electricity was cheap which ensured a major “boost” to the economy for years. Yet political changes brought about an increase in consumer numbers entitled to electricity supply. While the increased demand for power was accommodated in time the cost of upgrades and increased power generation rose to the region of 200 to 300 billion Rand. Over a ten year period the population who had access to

Over a ten year period the population who had access to electricity increased from 20% to 65%. electricity increased from 20% to 65%. Eskom and the government apparently neglected to make proper contingency plans for this situation, perhaps hoping for a private entity to subsidise the costs. Next step - emergency solution - install gas turbines and a nuclear station. This should have worked, however various technical problems resulted in failure. Even now the supply is just not sufficient for consumer use and future sustainability. What solutions are Eskom and the government looking at to ensure sustainability and renewable energy? Definitely not permanent load shedding!

More like building more power stations and upgrading the current ones. The good news – Eskom and the government have acknowledged their mistakes and are adamant to set things right. Amongst various projected efforts to “save” the country from this long term power crisis the government has been negotiating with the World Bank for a loan to ensure sufficient funds for a number of carefully thought-out plans to not only accommodate the shortages but also ensure “cleaner” methods of generating electricity. After all, the preservation of our precious world will always be of greatest importance. Although methods for renewable energy like Wind and Solar thermal systems are exciting future solutions for Green energy (energy that is produced in a manner that has less of an impact on the environment), the current coal burning method is still the cheapest. Projects to improve our current coal plants have been prioritised by Eskom and the government and are aimed at creating more efficient supply of energy while complying with predetermined standards for a low emission, pollution free environment. What are we facing and how and who can help? Everybody can help. Although we as consumers will be facing much higher tariffs for electricity until 2015 we should all work together by employing methods for saving through controlling use and considering more effective electricity device options. Solar systems, wind energy and even methods like “clever” premise design to sustain heat in winter and maintain coolness in summer all add to overcoming the energy crisis. South Africa is one of many countries involved in the energy crisis. We, as citizens, can ease our minds that Eskom and the government is aware of the problems and is working to rectify them. Through combined efforts with the global community and the introduction of improved, cleaner methods for generating electricity South Africa will overcome the crisis!

Habitat for Humanity South Africa challenges you to take action against poverty housing today! To restore the dignity and hope of families in South Africa go to www.habitat.org.za

Wind Energy Is it the answer? WRITER Farah Abdurahman The world, faced with a serious lack of resources and fossil fuels, is looking for alternative energy sources. Wind farming has become widely recognized as an energy source that is a cleaner and more affordable form of sustainable energy. How does it work? There are basically four parts to a windelectric turbine: the turbine blades, the shaft, the generator and the transformer. The turbine blades are designed to capture the energy from the wind and this allows for the turbine to start moving. The blades spin a shaft that leads from the centre of the rotor to a generator. The generator then turns the energy supplied by the rotor (rotational energy) and turns it into electricity. There are two major wind farms in South Africa. The first 30

commercial farm is situated near Darling in the Western Cape and the Klipheuwel wind farm (also in the Western Cape). They are the first wind farms in subSaharan Africa. Is this type of energy sustainable? There is a significant amount of potential for large scale wind energy development in Africa. Africa possesses more than 30 000 km of coastline and vast open spaces with suitable conditions to harness wind energy. If such development takes place in Africa, wind energy could become an important form of sustainable energy. The energy infrastructure has to grow to meet the demands of a country. South Africa is Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest economy and the gateway to sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa relies solely on nuclear and coal energy. However, wind energy is significant as it is able to augment the available electricity to the national grid within a shorter period of time than having to build a coal or nuclear plant. The capital required to develop a wind farm is far less than that of a coal plant. The South African government has incorporated plans to alleviate the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dependence on coal and increase the use of cleaner and more affordable energy such as wind energy. The country has all the necessary resources such as abundant wind, to continue to develop a wind energy industry, however, this type of development can only occur with the reduction of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dependence on coal and nuclear energy.

Lowveld College of Agriculture a good starting point for student

he Lowveld College of Agriculture is situated in Mbombela (Nelspruit) Mpumalanga Province and it is one of 11 Agricultural Colleges in South Africa.

Due to the nature of farming in the Lowveld region, the College specializes in Water Management and two production farming enterprise which are Agronomy and Horticulture. In agronomy the college specialises in Tobacco, Cotton, Sugar, Potato and, Maize with Horticulture and Vegetable, Subtropical fruits, crop production as well as Citrus is taught. All crops are grown under irrigation. The College offers an integrated course and inevitably farm management forms important part of the training program. The most important supporting subjects are: Soil Science, Water Management, Basic Plant Propagation, Computer Studies, Plant Protection and Agriculture Engineering. Certificate and Diploma in Plant Production The duration of the training program is three years, of which two years are full time study at the college and one year of practical or experiential training on the farm of your choice, depending on the crop (plant).

After the successful completion of the two-year study a Higher Certificate in Plant Production is awarded and after one year of practical/ experiential training, the student is awarded a Diploma in Plant Production. This diploma entitles a student to later enroll for BTech Degree at any University of Technology and Bsc (Hons) at North West University. Admission Requirements 1. A senior certificate or equivalent qualification 2. Subjects such as Physical Science, Agricultural Science, Life Science, Mathematics, Geography, Business Economics and Economics, will be an added advantage College application form must be filled and submitted via post or hand delivered on or before 31 October each year to: The Principal Lowveld College of Agriculture Private Bag x 11283 Nelspruit 1200 Tel : 013 753 3064 Fax : 013 755 1110

Altronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental journey Over the past five years, Altron has been bringing sustainability issues towards the core of its business. Vision 2010 (now Vision 2012) put broad-based black economic empowerment at the centre of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business strategy. Now, global warming and dwindling planetary resources demand that we place our impact on the environment at the forefront of our strategy to compete as a successful and sustainable business.

Our strategic themes External factors Products and services

Corporate governance Human capital

consistent integrated direction

Income and growth Business partner relationships Costs and cash management

The environment Transformation Business conduct in foreign operations

Customer relationships

Management and policy The Altron board adopted a single group-wide policy for safety, health and the environment during 2009/10.

Reducing our carbon footprint Altron’s carbon footprint improved in accuracy and inclusiveness (now including business road travel and commuting in private vehicles). Our total footprint is estimated at 146 219 metric tonnes of CO2e (2009). Altron ranked 17th out of the JSE Top 100 on the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) for companies contributing to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in 2009.

Improving energy efficiency Altron is committed to reducing its energy consumption, both because it is the environmentally responsible thing to do and because it makes good business sense – electricity supply is becoming more expensive, and potentially less reliable. Through Altron’s internal programme, Powersave@Altron and the Envirowatch campaign, the company is introducing wide-reaching power-saving initiatives.

Responsible use of water All of Altron’s operations use water, and although our data-gathering systems still require refinement, we have started to measure and track our water usage. Altron cannot presently describe its water use by quantity and source, but is working towards gaining a full understanding of this important issue.

Reducing pollution and harmful emissions Issues of air, water, ground and noise pollution chiefly affect Altron’s manufacturing operations in Powertech and, to a lesser extent, those in Altech. The relevant operations actively manage all pollutants and harmful emissions. Guidance provided by independent audits conducted during the year are used to identify, track and manage any pollution issues that may arise.

Usage of materials and handling of waste Independent consultants have determined that the Altron group does not have any operations in or adjacent to protected areas or areas of high biodiversity. The manufacturing operations at Powertech and Altech pose the highest environmental impact and a potential risk in terms of materials used and resultant waste. Lead and asbestos, the only hazardous materials used in significant quantities, are closely monitored at all affected sites, while waste is managed in accordance with the new Waste Management Act.

Responsible management of the product life-cycle Altron has a responsibility to understand the full life-cycle of its products to ensure that they do not cause environmental harm. This includes recycling where possible, and ensuring the responsible disposal of waste, products, components and materials used in manufacture.

Committed to providing a safe working environment Altron is committed to providing employees with an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being. In addition to guidance from King III, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHASA) provides a legislative framework outlining an employer’s legal duty to provide healthy and safe conditions in the workplace. A group-wide safety, health and environmental (SHE) policy is in place to guide Altron’s approach to managing all issues relevant to occupational health and safety.

; For detailed information on

these aspects visit www.altron.com

INNOVATION Fiat technologies WRITER Steven Rosenberg Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) 1.4 Turbo engine, the first to incorporate revolutionary Multiair technology, won the prestigious “Engine of the Year” award in the best new engine of the year category. These innovative fourcylinder engines combine Multiair with turbocharger technology, setting new efficiency standards. The heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system which controls the intake of air, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke, without a throttle valve. It reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 10%, while increasing the power output by 10% and improving torque by 15%. All polluting emissions are also reduced by careful monitoring of combustion. In brief, the advantages of MultiAir technology applied to petrol engines are: maximum power boosted by 10% compared with a traditional engine of equal size; 15% more torque at low rpm and during transitions by applying early intake valve closing strategies to maximise the air introduced into the cylinders; less fuel consumption and consequently lower CO2 emissions, equal to 10% by eliminating pumping losses and precise parameter calibration for optimising combustion; lower polluting emissions from the engine by optimising valve control strategies during the intake stroke; prompter response to accelerator commands due to the constant air pressure upstream of the cylinders

combined with extremely fast control of the intake valves. “Lots of power combined with serious inroads made in emissions reduction makes this a very good engine. Then, when you look at the fuel economy, Fiat’s MultiAir turbo powertrain becomes a great engine - it’s easy to see why it has won Best New Engine for 2010”, said Dean Slavnich, Co-Chairman of the Awards, and editor of Engine Technology International. Fiat Automobiles won further kudo’s in the first half of 2010. Fiat vehicles sold this year registered the lowest average CO2 emissions: 123.5 g/km (with respect to 2009, it has recorded a further improvement of 4.3 g/km). The record was corroborated by JATO, a world leader in automotive advisory and research services. The bottom line shows Fiat ahead of Toyota (128.0 g/km), Peugeot (132.3 g/km), Citroen (133.4 g/ km), Renault (134.6 g/km), Ford (137.0 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (141.0 g/km), Volkswagen (142.2 g/km), Audi (154.2 g/km) and BMW (154.5 g/km). No fewer than three Fiat vehicles are ranked in the first positions: the Fiat 500 is ranked first with an exceptional value of 116.0 g/km of CO2, the Fiat Panda comes second (118.9 g/km) and the Fiat Punto is in fourth place (123.5 g/km). This ecological achievement is the result of a long-term strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing

technological solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions and raising the awareness of motorists to encourage a more responsible, ecocompatible use of their cars. Fiat has other innovative eco-tech solutions not strictly related to motor engineering, like the Start & Stop system, introduced on most models of the Euro 5 range, which temporarily stops the engine and starts it up again when the engine is idling and the car is stationary: this reduces average fuel consumption by up to 12% on the urban cycle. From a South African perspective, the eco-friendly Fiat 500 and Panda ranges kitted with petrol engines (1.2 and 1.4 litres) are available locally. Worthy of mention is the fact that the 500 1.2 produces just 119 g/km – this is below the emissions tax threshold of 120 g/km. The new TwinAir engine is likely to make its South African debut in the Fiat 500 during the second half of 2011. On the Alfa Romeo front in SA, the award-winning 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir powerplants are fitted to the MiTo Progression and MiTo Quadrofoglio Verde respectively. The 100 kW Progression produces just 129 g/km whilst the performance-ripping 125 kW Quadrofoglio Verde version isn’t too shabby either with CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. Both these MultiAir models come standard with the Start&Stop system. 35

Never make business decisions from a personal or emotional perspective.

Distinguished Gentelmen Mario Thompson king of smooth WRITER Ryan Jared Ali Business models are commonly compartmentalized with little cohesion between the drivers of the business and the image that the brand is trying to develop. Today, however, we meet someone who is challenging some of the biggest FMCG players in the market. How has he achieved this? Through innovation and a forward thinking business model, Mario Thompson is always searching for opportunity and innovative ways of adding real value to a consumer product. Mario is the birth father of brands which consistently and intelligently push the boundaries in terms of concept, experiential events and innovative above the line media. His greatest successes are Gourmet Burger, which changed the attitude of burger dining from fast food to a legitimate wholesome meal, and Loaded Smoothies, which on launch began redefining what a smoothie is in South Africa. We asked Mario Thompson a few questions to gain an insight in to the journey which he is enjoying. As the person that started Gourmet Burger, what inspired the concept and what did you take out of that experience? I started gourmet burger and grew the concept to 3 stores, basically it was a concept which I brought in from the UK. Originally the concept was from a company in New Zealand called Burger Fuel. The Burger Fuel concept was around for about 7 years in New Zealand. The idea has been well received in New York at places such as Burger Joint and

Pop. I worked for an oil company in London, but when I was about to come home I decided that I would not work for a boss again. At that point I was on the lookout for an interesting concept. I used to live in Hammersmith in London, in Fulham there was a place called Gourmet Burger Kitchen, I approached them to discuss franchising possibilities but they were still young and trying to figure themselves out. I took the concept repackaged it and launched something similar in South Africa. The first store was opened in Vineyard Street in Claremont, Cape Town. We had some issues when the Cavendish building was sold, but in the end we managed to secure another location within the new development. After that we moved on to open another store in Long Street. An investor came forward and we opened another store, did the deal and re-branded it slightly. At that stage I looked to move on to something new. What did you take out of previous ventures into Loaded? Lessons! Never make business decisions from a personal or emotional perspective. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to look at things and think it through rationally but consider your gut feelings as well. Always conduct yourself honourably because in business the only thing you have is your integrity and the wheel does turn! You might get away from something now but it will always come around to meet you again. Always conduct yourself in an ethical manner!

Everyone has the willingness to win but not everyone has the willingness to prepare to win! What are your views on success? There is a big difference between talking the talk and doing good business. Importantly you have to see what your appetite for risk is. Nothing in life that is worth achieving is ever easy. Most of the decisions will be hard. You need to have an inner drive and determination to succeed. Seth Godin, who writes one of my favourite books called The Dip about the curves of success and failure, makes mention that successful people quit and they quit often, but they know when and how to do so. In life you are going to fail! Failures are guaranteed, you have to learn from the situations which you face. Sticking to a marketing plan can often be challenging as its results are not always immediately ascertainable. How do find that balance between being adaptable and remaining focused on a strategy? A lot of businesses think that the marketing plan is the roadmap, right? Wrong. If you are not adaptable that is dangerous. In the niche that I consider ourselves to be a part of, it is even more important to be adaptable and it has proved to be a advantage for us. We had a situation where the market thought that smoothie meant dairy. However in the western markets like the US and Europe that is not the case, people are clear that smoothies are pressed fruit mixes. 37

We needed to differentiate that our product has no diary so I came up with the concept of the “No Diary Cow Logo”. I sent the idea away to my people and later that day it was done. The next day we blogged about this new idea and logo and the following morning I received a text message about the campaign saying “I love the new logo! Great idea,” from someone in Durban. That is how we utilize our advantage, by being adaptable in the market. Many large players in the market have such a big gap between the person that comes up with the idea and having the concept out in the world that the process is stifled. It takes almost 6 months to a year to get something like that done.

That is how we utilize our advantage, by being adaptable in the market.

The relationship with Intaka, How did this come about? What benefit has Loaded derived? There are 2 drivers in FMCG, competitiveness and expense. If I am servicing 20 local stores, that is easy I can do that out of my back yard but when you are stocked in 8000 stores countrywide it becomes a monster. You need financial and operational support. With Loaded I provided all the “know how” with key account experience and the brand as it was my concept. Intaka provided the financial and operational support. What are your goals for Loaded in the near future? In the immediate future I want to see 100 000 units by December. I launched it at 12 000 units and we are currently at 75 000. The numbers indicate a further growth pattern toward a R300 million a year business within the next 3-5 years. If the economy crashed hard and there was no more room for you in the business sector, what would you do with yourself? Well there are two places one is Pick n Pay, I have a great admiration and a good relationship with Suzanne Ackerman who helped Loaded in the beginning. Loaded Smoothies came through the Pick n Pay transformation programme under Suzanne Ackerman, Loaded was provided with a interest free loan and other benefits from the Pick n Pay stores. Now I speak at events for Pick n Pay to encourage other entrepreneurs who are starting out. My ultimate job back in corporate would be International Brand Manager for Hugo Boss.

What was your best idea that just didn’t make it? Well I have a secret! It’s called Thunder Vodka, it’s not available yet but it will be here by December. I spent a year getting the agency for the brand, it was long, hard work and almost never happened. Before I secured the agency I had to put together professional photo shoots with Joelle Kayambe, put it into a presentation and then fly up and down to London over the last year to meet with the brand owners. I am excited now with the having secured the agency. Thunder

is a new, exciting premium brand to rival the popularity of Patron. I am confident that it will be a success. Mr. Thompson has brought a fresh and innovative approach to each of his endeavours. The future holds many exciting prospects for Loaded Smoothies such as collaborations with Disney and Sony Pictures in the near future. We are excited to see what the future holds but we are sure it will be positive.

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Talk to the BosS WRITER Steve Rosenberg

Sean Stegmann Chief Executive Officer, Cash Crusaders

SA seems to be coasting along nicely. The economy is stable, even strengthening for now - do you think the currently perceived upswing is sustainable? It depends on how the American economy shapes. Gold is at an all time high and the Rand is strong to the Dollar. Interest rates are low, which is great for servicing debt but not great for savings growth. In order for South Africa to grow, we need a stronger savings culture as well as more jobs. Sustainability depends also on political stances taken. If mines were nationalized for instance capital would flow out of SA which would impact on growth negatively. In terms of sustainability as a business precept how have you ensured that you meet the challenge? We hedge Rands with forward cover but also ensure that we have the right new goods at a competitive price for our customers. Trading in second-hand also means that we have to be clinical in pricing items according to latest Dollar based price. In your opinion what are the biggest hurdles to sustainable business development? Employment! Entrepreneurship! Bureaucracy! are the most important. Stable, stagnant, dead! How have you embraced innovations in technology and communication to ensure your company stays dynamic and alive? We are implementing a new inventory control system linked to a POS system 40

that gives live real time data of every store which can be shared with the group for best practice. This project has been 2 years in the making and goes into trials on 16 October 2010.

Gold is at an all time high and the Rand is strong to the Dollar. Interest rates are low, which is great for servicing debt but not great for savings growth. In order for South Africa to grow we need a stronger savings culture and more jobs.

Allon Raiz Chief Executive Oficer, Raizcorp

SA seems to be coasting along nicely. The economy is stable, even strengthening for now - do you think the currently perceived upswing is sustainable? I do think it is sustainable provided that the (free market) fundamentals remain in place. From my point-of-view, I believe that sustainability is linked to the continuous building of a culture of entrepreneurship. We need to reduce the barriers that exist to starting new businesses. One of these barriers is the difficulties that employers have in hiring and firing. While I understand the need for fair labour practices, there is little doubt that the unintended consequence of our labour laws is less employment, not more. In terms of sustainability as a business precept how have you ensured that you meet the challenge? One of the things we teach entrepreneurs in our learning programmes is that their business must have an “economic right to exist”. Your business must be adding value to its customers; without the “value-add” dimension you will go out of business! One cannot be making wooden tennis rackets in the age of polymers! In Raizcorp, this translates into ensuring that our offering – which we take to market – is always relevant. In your opinion what are the biggest hurdles to sustainable business development? Mind-sets, technologies and investments which preclude one from adapting to market opportunities as they arise. The

Nkululeko Mvulana Managing Director, Sandulela International

best-known example of adaptability is Nokia, which went from wood-pulp to rubber to telecommunications! They knew how to read the signs, were never afraid to innovate and are now the largest cell phone producer in the world. Businesses need to take risks and find ways to transform when necessary – always asking the simple question: “How can I add value?” What change mechanism have you had to enact in your business in order to meet your SBD goals? Our mission is to continuously create a culture of “world-firsts”. All our teams strive to be pioneers in their relevant fields. Again, this means anticipating market needs and changing accordingly. By encouraging a culture of innovation, we make sure that we remain at the cuttingedge of entrepreneurial development. The trick is to not be at the bleedingedge! Stable, stagnant, dead! How have you embraced innovations in technology and communication to ensure your company stays dynamic and alive? We have embraced the “Cloud”, otherwise known as Internet-based computing, as our application platform. This paradigm shift has allowed us to reduce infrastructure costs and provide our applications to a far-wider audience, distributed across all geographical regions, at lower cost with greater flexibility and availability. Using a mix of best-of-breed available solutions has allowed us to create a unique platform to measure delivery and efficacy.

SA seems to be coasting along nicely. The economy is stable, even strengthening for now - do you think the currently perceived upswing is sustainable? Let’s be cautiously optimistic here. As long a no monetary policies changes are made we can definitely sustain the upswing. South Africa needs to take advantage of the momentum and introduce products to the world. There are some outside concerns about the Reserve Bank manipulating the currency in the near future to protect labour and exports etc... this could have questionable effects if it comes to pass. In terms of sustainability as a business precept how have you ensured that you meet the challenge? There is no substitute for ensuring that you continue to provide a quality product/ service to the right place (market) at an agreeable price and with a suitable audience (segment) in mind that has use for your offering. The grey stuff inbetween is moot. In your opinion what are the biggest hurdles to sustainable business development? Continuing on the foregoing point, we need to keep our finger on the sweet spot. Often when we try to cover up our products/services with the warm and fuzzy, we soon get caught out. It is unsustainable to think you can fool the market all of the time!

to meet your SBD goals? In our market space, we always have to scale up our product offer against critical market movements. We often like to move first, but this is not always necessary as sometimes just matching the opposition is enough where you can. We also ensure that we continue to be more efficient in our daily processes internally and with our customers. Do the internal bits well and the external will take care of itself. Stable, stagnant, dead! How have you embraced innovations in technology and communication to ensure your company stays dynamic and alive? Without innovation we don’t exist!

Our mission is to continuously create a culture of world-firsts. All our teams strive to be pioneers in their relevant fields

What change mechanism have you had to enact in your business in order 41

China has a population of 1.3 billion people, a land mass of 9 596 960 sq km and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest automobile market.

China An economic superpower? WRITER Natasha Braaf “Whether a cat is black or white makes no difference. As long as it catches mice, it is a good cat” Deng Xiaoping. Is China a new superpower or is the Middle Kingdom simply re-claiming the position it once held during the Napoleonic era as the biggest economy in the world? The confidence and the rigour with which Deng Xiaoping and the Communist Party approached the reforms they introduced in the 70’s, is certainly telling of a nation that had once been there. I could have referred to the many opinions of world economists but decided, instead, to take a different angle. I spoke to an expatriate, Johan Thyse – a successful director of a major local oil company, who has been calling Beijing “home” for the last two years. It was like getting the take on China, from inside China. This is what Johan had to say: “Monday, 07:45 - we are driving, through the Shunyi district when the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. My Chinese driver says “Dubichi” (sorry) and from his broken English I deduce that construction is taking place and quick evasive action was called for. They’re building a train line, connecting Shunyi to the airport in the east, to Beijing in the west. Huge concrete structures with supporting beams, crossing a 6 lane road, stretching as far as the eye could see; erected over a weekend. Unbelievable! A far cry from what I’m used to back home!” On the freeway, we travel at about 100kmh (company rules). As most cars past us, I get to drool over some awesome vehicles. Heaven for car aficionados, Beijing sports top-end Mercs, BMWs, Jags and Lexus’, while the Porsche Cayenne seems mundane, as there is just so-o many of them. No-one bats an eye-lid when a Lamborghini or Ferrari passes - and the Maserati’s! Apparently,

as little as five years ago, these cars were a rare sight and some weren’t seen at all. To crown it all buying a vehicle on credit, is not part of the Chinese culture - here cash is king!” Now, looking in from the outside, this smacks of huge changes, be it in policy or perhaps just attitude. Let’s take a look at what we think we know about China today. China has a population of 1.3 billion people; a land mass of 9 596 960 sq km; the world’s largest automobile market. China consumes around half of all cement produced; 40% of the world’s coal and tin and a comparable proportion of all aluminium and steel; electricity at around 3.7 petawatt hours. Its current usage is over three times that of only ten years ago; nearly 30% of all copper finds globally. China is confirmed as being the biggest Energy Consumer; being the 2nd biggest global economy; currently trading in just about 15% of the international coal trade; the largest producer of steel, ships and textiles; the world’s largest exporter, overtaking Germany in 2009. China supplies 15% of all the world’s basic appliances; 14% of the world’s computers and communications electronics; 11% of all machinery and equipment-related value added input;19% of the world’s goods by value are the product of Chinese assembly… and the list goes on. How? Deng Xiaoping declared China open for business when the Communist Party introduced its reforms in December 1978. The “Four Modernizations” of agriculture, industry, national defence and science and technology, transformed China’s stagnant, impoverished economy into a market economy, generating strong growth and increasing the well-being of Chinese citizens. While still centrally

controlled, is China a full blown market economy yet? Between 1976 and 1980’s China entered into the “Reconstruction Stage”- the decollectivisation of agriculture, foreign investment, and the allowing for the establishment of individual businesses. “Privatisation” followed in the 80’s through the 90s, by focussing on State-owned Enterprises and industries. This involved a change in protectionist policies, related regulations, as well as the lifting of some price controls. China correctly believed that foreign investment would help to increase quality, knowledge and standards and promptly reduced tariffs and other trade barriers. They soon joined the WTO, agreeing to considerably harsher conditions than other developing countries. This resulted in an overall fall in rates from 56% to 15%. By 2001, less than 40% of imports were subject to tariffs and only 9% imports subject to licensing and import quotas. The overall result: A strong growth in the private sector, accounting for 70 percent of China’s GDP by 2005 , the total factor productivity, accounting for 40.1% of the GDP increase. The economic growth increased by 9.5% a year and many analysts predict that by 2020, China’s economy will overtake the US to become the largest economy in the world. The future of China as an economic powerhouse is dependent on how it addresses the protection of intellectual property and whether or not it can become more innovative. Whichever road it chooses, rest assured that China will address it with the same vigour and energy that it did 30 years ago. It is therefore no wonder that when doing business in China you get a very clear message, “Go Big or Go Home”. A good cat, indeed! 43

INVEST SOUTH AFRICA Invest North West (INW) is the provincial trade and investment agency of the North West Province. INW is at the cutting edge of international trade and investment promotion with a mandate to develop the economy, focusing on fixed direct investment (FDI) promotion and facilitation, export promotion and development of sector specific programmes in mining, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. INW is a section 21 company established under the auspices of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the North West Province (DEDT). INWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic intent is to provide vision, leadership and direction to key growth sectors in the provincial economy, to increase the level of FDI flow, and assist in the development of trade in the second economy to enhance its capacity to export to various markets. The services offered by Invest North West to potential investors include: Destination Marketing, Facilitating Fixed, Direct Investment (Foreign / Domestic), Facilitating linkages to International markets, Expedite Business Expansions, Populating the value chain of new and existing businesses, Policy advocacy Our strategic focus is to ensure effective and efficient facilitation of economically viable and sustainable projects with high impact (at least 50 jobs) and high value (R10 million). 10 Reasons why to Invest in the North West Province of South Africa 1 Good infrastructure (road network, airports, hospitals, schools), 2 Low cost of electricity, water, land and factory rentals and adequate industrialization, 3 Easy access to markets in the SADC region and Africa, 4 Fastest growing province in SA between 2002 and 2003, 5 Affordable pool of labour (Skilled and Unskilled), 6 Home to more than 20 Trans-National Companies (TNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) and local companies reinvesting in the province, 7 Scoped projects ready for investment, supported

by a solid financial services sector, 8 Good quality of life, 9 Malaria-free game reserves,10. A province that is serious about business. The services offered by Invest North West include: Identifying and packaging viable investment opportunities, facilitating linkages to business markets, facilitating joint ventures, providing information on financing options, giving advice on feasibility studies and business plans, giving advice on financial and investment incentives, assisting with work permits,

exports by providing access to foreign markets for North West products. The North West Province has enormous potential as many locally made products can compete successfully in the global arena. Invest North West has assisted various businesses throughout the Province in accessing these global markets. These companies have now built profitable and sustainable relationships with their foreign trade partners.In our quest to support regional co-operation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Invest North West has compiled country briefs in order to

Invest North West is at the cutting edge of international trade and investment promotion providing assistance in obtaining suitable land or factory space, providing assistance in populating the value chain of new investments and existing businesses. Invest North West also assists investors in accessing project finance and acquiring export/import permits and is knowledgeable about the provincial key competitive advantages. INW can confirm that most determinants for FDI consideration can be addressed. Industry identification and screening processes are used to arrive at target markets for investment promotion. This ensures that Invest North West focuses on the promotion of sectors in the Province that can compete successfully on an international basis. Trade Promotion and Development With the South African economy becoming increasingly integrated into the global economy, there is a growing need for local businesses to diversify and become exporters of goods and services. We aim to ensure growth in the value of

promote intra-regional trade. These will also assist exporters in taking advantage of their preferential access to a wider market. Trade services offered to existing and potential exporters include: Compilation of a database of exporters and potential exporters in the Province, Providing advice on export issues, Facilitation of outward trade missions, Invitations to meet with inward trade missions, Exhibiting products at local and international trade fairs, Capacity building seminars and workshops, Linking of foreign buyers to local exporters, Circulating trade leads and enquiries, Networking opportunities, Facilitating export promotion incentives, Advice on export incentives (EMIA), Researching and identifying suitable markets. INWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successes are based on the tireless efforts of men and women who are committed to both the agency and the mandate bestowed on Invest North West, the support of our partners in economic development and industry itself.

ENERGY SECTOR IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE Renewable Energy (RE)

South Africa is currently the 14th largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, a reflection both on the countryʼs heavy reliance on coal and energy inefficiencies. The White Paper on RE (2003) has set a target of 10 000GWh of energy to be produced from RE sources (mainly from biomass, wind, solar and small-scale hydro) by 2013 (5% of total electricity).The target was confirmed to be economically viable with subsidies and carbon financing. Table 1: South Africa Primary Energy Supply (2000) Energy Source Percentage Crude Oil 10% Gas 2% Renewables 6% Nuclear 3% Hydro <1% Coal 79%

ASSESSMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL

The application of domestic solar water heaters (SWH) • The application of concentrated solar power (CSP) and concentrated solar thermal (CST) • The application of photovoltaics (PV) for electricity The greatest potential for solar is in the western parts of the province (more land availability and higher solar insulation).

Wind-power

Wind-power is most applicable for the agriculture and SMEs sectors, and may be combined with PV to increase the capacity factor. Wind-power is feasible for some parts of the province where average wind speeds are >4m/s.

Energy Efficiency

Companies that make smart meters and other home energy efficiency devices, grid management companies, and even software companies that are designing programs to better handle electricity loads are attractive investments to public and private sectors. (Source: Green Chip Stocks Editor Jeff Siegel, featured on CNBC's Green Week)

Mining is the greatest consumer of electricity in the Province using 63% of electricity and RE interventions should occur in this sector. Nearly 20% of the population in the NW does not have access to electricity.

AVAILABLE INVESTMENT INCENTIVES

Municipal waste

A household which buys the solar equipment can claim between 15% and 20% of the total cost of the equipment from Eskom, directly. Equipment must be SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) approved and the installer must be accredited.

Agricultural manure and humanure (sewage) can be used to generate methane-rich biogas with an energy potential of 199 MW. The municipal solid wastes (MSW) have an energy potential of 304 MW and can be used to produce energy either through combustion to electricity, biogas (landfill gas) or using biomass-to-liquid Fischer-Tropsch technology. Energy from biogas is appropriate for households, agriculture, SME, municipalities industry and mining.

Solar Technologies - Off-grid solar strategies for rural areas

Mini-grids or off-grid and hybrid technologies will be the most appropriate. Solar technologies hold the greatest potential for the province since there is a favourable solar insulation (approx. 275 MW/km2) and a suitable area to install solar energy technologies.

Rebate on Solar water heating system for households by Eskom

Renewable Energy Feed In Tariffs (REFIT)

The four identified renewable energy technologies, and the approximate prices that energy suppliers would pay the renewable energy generators are, wind (R1.25/ KWH); small hydro (R0.94/KWH); landfill gas (R0.90/KWH); and concentrated solar (R2.10/KWH). Multinational companies qualify for more incentives using green energy to manufacture their products.

Tax Relief for Electricity Generation

South Africa's Income Tax Act (Section 12B) already provides some tax relief for electricity generation (Conversion rate: 1US$=7.5 South African Rands)

Carbon Credits

A vibrant carbon credit market exists globally where high polluting industries buy carbon credits from green operations. This is also a funding instrument for green industries.

Contact Person:

Refilwe Tlhabanyane Trade and Investment Promotion Manager

Address:

•

South Africa supplies two-thirds of Africa's electricity and is one of the four cheapest electricity producers in the world.

Invest North West South Africa 171 Beyers Naude Drive Rustenburg, 0300 Tel: +2714 594 2570 Cell: +2773 151 3441 Email: refilwe@inw.org.za Fax: +2714 594 2575/6

Why Asia loves Africa and SOUTH Africa WRITER Walter Majosi South Africa as an investment destination The South African economy is one of the most advanced and stable economies on the African continent. This economy is expected to grow by 2.3% in 2010, in excess of the much anticipated and significant injection brought by the FIFA World CupTM. This is well below the original expected rate of 3,9%. According to Bloomberg, the Rand appreciated to as much as 1.4% against the US Dollar, after the finance minister announced budget deficits and ignored demands to scrap inflation targeting. This is good news for investors and markets. The budget is expected to reduce unemployment and poverty and make South Africa an attractive investment destination. With sound monetary and fiscal policies in place, the South African economy is well on its way to recovery. South African imports and exports are heavily dependent on the country’s natural resources and the significant trade incentives offered by the government. South Africa’s primary export commodities include diamonds, gold, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery, equipment and motor vehicles. This export policy is currently a hot potato under discussion. Some sectors of society are of the opinion that our minerals must be beneficiated before being exported. In doing so, we would add more value to our mineral resources 46

and create jobs in the country. According to EconomyWatch.com, South African exports in 2009 were as follows; Japan 11.1%, USA 11.1%, Germany 8.0%, UK 6.8%, China 6.0%, Netherland 5.2%. South Africa’s imports include petroleum products, scientific instruments, machinery and equipment, chemicals and food materials. It should be noted that the South African export declined by US$20 billion from 2008 to 2009. The African Giant The African continent is the world’s second largest continent and has the second largest population after Asia. The per capita Gross Domestic Product of the continent is extremely low. The weakest economies in Africa are Somalia and Malawi. Many of the countries on the continent are also wracked by political instability. This does not mean that all is doom and gloom, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Africa needs an industrial impetus to enhance serious economic growth and development and to make a significant dent in poverty statistics. The continent stores some of the rarest metals and precious stones, if utilized correctly these can provide the much needed impetus. At a glance Africa holds 90% of the world’s cobalt, 50% of gold, 90% of platinum, 70% of tantalite, 98% of chromium, 64% of manganese and 33% of uranium! Congo alone has 30% of the

world’s diamond reserves. Asia AND Africa economic relations One significant feature of globalization is the formation of regional trade blocks and trading partners. Overseas countries and other economic trade zones are constantly in search of new trading blocks or countries that can add value to their respective economies. The first Asia / Africa forum was held in Bandung, Indonesia, in December 1994. This forum enabled Africa to exchange views and experiences with Asian countries which eventually led to the Bandung framework for Asia-Africa Cooperation. The forum recommended an institutional networking between Asian and African countries in the fields of macroeconomics, human resource development, trade and investment, agricultural development and research. This also led to the formation of the Africa-Asia business forum which sought to bring together business representatives from selected countries in Africa with their counterparts from selected countries in Asia. Their purpose was to stimulate enterprise to enterprise deals and exchanges, mainly through the creation of joint ventures and other intercorporate linkages. Following these developments, Asia and Africa are in a state of mutually beneficial relationship building, a “type of love” with mutual interest.

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For more information please call +27 15 295 3025 / +27 15 295 2829 info@africanivoryroute.co.za www.africanivoryroute.co.za

Bank Bail Out Is South Africa in trouble? WRITER Anwar Booley The global banking system has been in the spotlight due to some of the major international banks receiving bail outs over the past 2 years. Trillions of taxpayers dollars have been spent to save banks from liquidation and bankruptcy. USA was one of the first countries where banks were heavily affected by the economic downturn with the UK and Europe following on their heels. International banks have suggested that a new levy should be imposed to soften any future crisis. This suggestion came under fire from banks in parts of the world where they were either not affected by the crisis or the effects were minimal. South Africa has been in tight talks with Australia, Canada and India suggesting that all countries tailor-make their financial regulations to suit their own needs. South Africa does not believe that its banks should have to pay the levy that is now being proposed as protection against bank bail outs. There is also concern regarding the consequences of new proposals on banks’ liquidity ratios in SA and other emerging markets. Britain was the first to implement the levy and countries such as the USA, Germany and France are soon to follow suit. SA’s Finance Minister, Pravin Gordham, said that while the Group 20 (G-20) needed to co-ordinate their efforts, coordination did not mean regulation had to be uniform. He further commented that South Africa’s banking system had proved relatively secure and that its framework 48

had worked well. Thus far no bank bailout packages have been needed. Bank experts have said that common sense has prevailed when the Group 20 (G20) countries agreed a global bank tax was not a good idea. South Africa’s banks have avoided the worst of the international credit crunch, partly due to exchange controls that limited outside exposure, and fairly conservative lending practices. The downturn has caused waves in the broader economy, though, knocking manufacturers and mining companies. While the economy looks fairly stable we may already be in the first recession in 17 years. “Banks have primarily felt the impact of the global financial crisis indirectly through higher funding costs and increased impairments due to retrenchments and the negative impact of lower real economic activity on corporate borrowers,” the Reserve Bank said. Nedbank and HSBC takeover One of SA’s leading banks is also on the brink of changing hands. Nedbank may well be owned by HSBC bank within the next few months. There are still factors pending the finality of the deal. Currently Old Mutual is the biggest stake holder in Nedbank with a share holding of 52%. HSBC on the other hand has bid for a stake of up to 70% in the SA bank. Analysts added that the potential transaction could give Nedbank a parent with a better balance sheet and best

practise globally. “From a shareholder point of view, having an offshore shareholder often brings benefits in that you get access to more expertise and you get access to more transactions. HSBC has got a very big network of clients so they can introduce those clients to Nedbank’s.” said financial expert Kokkie Kooyman. “The flipside is obviously, whether you get interference. Your risk is HSBC will want things done a certain way and slow things down.” Some analysts believe with HSBC planning to infiltrate Africa, Nedbank is a good way to enter the continent. But others are of the view that Nedbank has no experience in Africa and depends on its joint venture with Ecobank. “There’s a big difference between being in South Africa and being in Africa. I can’t really see the benefit they get in buying Nedbank. It won’t help them a lot in terms of doing acquisitions in other African countries. Nedbank hasn’t got lots of expertise in terms of doing acquisitions in other African countries. It has not really built up a network, the only thing it has is with the Ecobank, it does have a network but that is a joint venture basis.” Kooyman added. Faizal Moolla at Avior Research said a tie-up could help Nedbank source funding from international markets at a cheaper rate and give Nedbank access to innovative, best of breed products from HSBC.

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Property markets South Africa WRITER Anwar Booley The South African property market is slowly finding a grip. Provided lending institutions offer loans in a responsible way and interest stays low, the market should show a steady albeit moderate 10% growth from last year. Despite predictions that the local property market would not show growth until post world cup, the figures have been rising, which is certainly a positive sign. Being prepared for a gloomy 2009, markets stabilized in the last sector of the year and prices started to rise. Experts believe that 2009 was nowhere near as was predicted. In fact they (the experts) believe that it was a relatively good market compared to 2008 which was dismal. The overall volume of property sales rose by 47% and turnover by 42%. Residential property prices dropped by 5%, due to poor market conditions in the first two quarters of the year. It is believed that the housing market will maintain this upward momentum as long as interest rates stay low. There is still an excess of housing stock, particularly in certain price categories. This is due to repossessions and houses being dumped by owners who found they’d financially overextended themselves as the recession took hold. Furthermore, stricter lending 50

criteria and the National Credit Act have made it difficult for potential buyers to secure housing loans. To give you an example, this year we saw the notable sales of a property in Bryanston for R50 million and another in Sandhurst for R35 million. The overall sales volumes being logged by our offices are currently 46% ahead of the volumes recorded for this time last year, and turnover is up a whopping 42%. A slack in bank lending criteria would be welcome because it would enable more people to qualify for loans and buy houses. This would certainly help to stimulate movement and growth in the market. More importantly, it would give more people a chance to own their own home. However, lending institutions must lend responsibly to avoid rehashing the mistakes made in the USA. Erwin Rode, of property consultancy Rode & Associates, is less optimistic. “Nobody can predict when the turning point will be, because it partially depends on factors completely out of South Africa’s control, namely when the South African economy will start its cyclical upswing, not to mention the vagaries of the world economy. Estate agents tend to look at the market from a sales-turnover

point of view. I look at it from a pricemovement point of view,” says Rode. “Either way, we must all recognise that the good times of the last eight years won’t be repeated soon. Fundamentally, commercial and industrial properties should boom for many years to come, provided the economy keeps ticking over at, say, 3% per annum,” states Rode. Andrew Golding of Pam Golding Real Estate says that while “there are significant opportunities in commercial”, he cautions against any attempt to draw a parallel between the commercial and residential property sectors, as the two are “fundamentally disconnected from each other.” For any potential investor it is clear that one cannot accurately predict the property market. While the consensus remains that office space is likely to outperform in the near-term, there is still dissension over the outlook for residential prices. With interest rates as low as they are right now one could expect considerable double-figure growth compared to this time last year. Hence it seems that from an investor’s point of view residential property can’t be counted out just yet.

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DEBT REVIEW The Sustainability of the Debt Review Process WRITER Zak King This month will see the 200 000th person in South Africa apply for debt review since debt counselling’s inception in 2007. While this sounds like a lot of people, compare that number with applications made to the largest debt counselling company in the UK during 2009. They received over 30 000 applications monthly, and that was just one company! There is a distinction in the industry between smaller “hands on” Debt Counsellors who know each of their client’s situations intimately, and large debt counselling companies. Large companies have equally large legal resources to look after their clients interests, but may not have a Debt Counsellor consulting personally with each one. Many wonder about the sustainability of these two divergent types of debt counselling firms and the process itself. While things still look bleak in terms of economic turnaround in the immediate future, at some point it is supposed that the recession will come to an end. Salaries will go up, spending will increase and less people will be under financial strain. What does this mean for the debt counselling industry? Even now, many who once qualified to become Debt Counsellors have moved on to other forms of employment due to the complications and challenges faced in the industry. Many of these challenges have recently disappeared and the process is constantly being streamlined and refined. One needs to remember that the industry really only got going in South Africa just months before the global recession hit. The result was that a larger than anticipated number of people streamed to the few Debt Counsellors who were in existence at the time (when the Act was passed, there were only 4 qualified debt counsellors in the country). The industry is an extremely “admin intensive” one and has become increasingly litigious 52

over time, to the point where each debt review matter now has to go to Court. Many of the smaller one-man operations simply cannot cope with the resultant workload of servicing existing clients (who only contribute a small amount monthly – generally less than R300.00) while still taking on new clients (who bring in fresh cash injections into the business in the first month). Not to mention all the new and confusing court applications and hearings Counsellors have to attend. Then too, there is the huge task of convincing the creditors that payments are in fact being made and sending proof of which accounts funds are being paid into and getting funds allocated to the correct accounts etc. As a result, many smaller Debt Counsellors have grown weary and have handed their clients over to other Counsellors and then walked away from the industry to find more lucrative forms of employment. The future may see this happen more regularly until there are only a few large firms. However large firms need larger numbers of new applications each month to keep their cash flow up, whereas a smaller operation might need only one new application a week to keep operating, due to lower overheads. If the economy shifts and less people apply for debt review, this could leave big firms in trouble even if they have less competition from smaller operations. At present, in this country, there are over 8 million people in serious credit trouble, meaning that less than 2.5 % of these people are currently in the debt review process. That leaves a lot of room for growth in the industry for now, and in the foreseeable future. Even in good economic conditions people get retrenched, take maternity leave, face divorce or other unplanned changes in circumstances which results in them not being able to pay what their creditors demand from them each month. There will always be people in need of

debt review and thus a need for Debt Counsellors. What remains to be seen is who is better able to deal with a slower turn around of clientele in such a climate - the larger establishments, who have many clients on their books helping them stay afloat monthly, or smaller companies with lower overheads. Either way it looks like debt counselling is here to stay. Zak King is Editor of Debtfree DIGI, South Africa’s Debt Counselling Magazine, available free online at: http://debtfreedigi. blogspot.com/

Skills Development and apprenticeships in the workplace WRITER Lee-Anne Richards It seems that the old adage, “history repeats itself”, is so true when playing in the skills development arena. Experimentation, borrowing from other countries, and using “best practice”, seems to be the order of the day. It happened in the schools with the advent of OBE – which was mooted as best practice and something that would put our children on par with the best education in the world. Unfortunately the OBE system let us down. The curriculum is currently undergoing re-construction to allow for a more objective set of assessments for learners. The departments of Education and Labour have decided that the qualification in industries should reflect the needs of that industry and be fit for that purpose, i.e. people in occupations need to grow the business and the economy. The new qualifications will be based on three distinct development discourses, viz., the knowledge, occupational and practitioner components and it will establish an occupationally relevant framework of learning. The Skills development Act was amended in 2008 to make provision for a new legislative body called the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This body was launched by the minister of higher education and training on the 23rd February 2010 and was formed to ensure quality in the design and development of occupational qualifications, in the delivery, assessment 54

and certification processes required to develop occupational competence in accordance with labour market skills needs. Central to this curriculum is the reintroduction of apprenticeships in specifically labour intensive sectors that will make on-the-job training more specific and relevant to the occupational needs. The new occupational qualifications will require all learners to have foundational learning credits (FLC’s), as a precursor to establish readiness for a specific occupation. FLC’s are made up of communication in English skills and mathematics literacy skills from levels 1 – 4. The foundational course will bear no credits and can be done online and you will receive your results within 48hours. The scope of the occupational qualification will be made up of: General knowledge and theory; General practical skills; Specialised practical skills; Specialised knowledge and theory and work experience. Once the learner has completed the occupational qualification they will be issued with a National Occupational Award or a National Skills Certificate. All role descriptions (job descriptions) will mirror skills, competencies and qualifications needed for roles within the industry. The reason behind changing the skills development landscape in the workplace is to redress a few problem areas that the current generic Unit Standard based programmes and systems could not

address. Some of the problem areas identified are: The lack of consistent approaches across Sector Education and Training Authorities; Training providers and other stakeholders to hone in and address the link between labour market skills and the qualifications development system; Too many structures trying to address the same issues; The current model does not address occupational learning needs or reflect occupational competence adequately; Implementation support by training providers is poor; Over emphasis on accreditation as a means to address quality assurance; and the lack of portability and progression of skills across the sectors. It is anticipated that the QCTO will be fully operational in 2011, which will surely change the face of learning in workplaces. Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are currently in the process of introducing working groups in industries to consult about their curriculum needs, scarce skills and critical issues affecting the sectors. So what will happen to the existing qualifications you may ask? The existing qualifications will continue until their expiry date and the learners will still get the credits assigned to it. Hopefully, the new skills arena in the workplace will address all outstanding problems as raised and will ensure a more productive and well adjusted workplace.

In life,

you have to be able to join the

dots

to experience the best results.

Whether you are charting a course for an organisation, a team or for yourself, making decisions about what must be done and which people you need on your team or how to increase performance, you need to be able to bring things together in a congruent and meaningful way to get the best effect. When the dots are joined appropriately, the picture emerges, clear and vibrant. It looks and feels right. Finding the right dots and getting the relationships among them right is everything.

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PROCESS CONSULTING AND FACILITATION • Scenarios, strategic and tactical planning and implementation • Individual, team and organisational change / transformation • Wellness audits, design and implementation of wellness programmes • Individual, team and organisational learning, and growth processes • Measuring and improving individual, team and organisational performance

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PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT • Selection, development and placement • Leadership and team coaching • Team functioning, dynamics and effectiveness • Organisational capability analysis • Skills and talent audits

SkILLS DEvELOPMENT PROGRAMMES • The Leadership Experience • Strategy-in-Process: A training course in theory and practice • Wisdom, Judgement and Decision-Making skills • Enhancing Emotional and Social Skills • Proactive Agility: Recognising and adapting to change

EvIDENCE-BASED APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

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JvR Consulting Psychologists is a firm of professionals who deliver evidencebased solutions that help organisations, teams and individuals to navigate complexity and ambiguity, to manage themselves effectively and efficiently, and to foster constructive relationships with others.

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There has been an increase in the number of jobs in the formal mining and manufacturing sectors

Job Creation or Job Loss Reality of South Africa’s workplace WRITER Rishqah Roberts What has become of all the talk of job opportunities that were meant to accompany the World Cup? As a nation we knew that the event would last only a month and disappear thereafter, as though it had never happened, leaving us with only fond memories of the beautiful game. The job opportunities, however, were viewed in a different light, they were meant to better our economy for an extended period, unlike the brief stint which was to be expected from the World Cup. Post 2010, Unionists possess a different opinion to that which they originally held. They now see the World Cup as an opportunity lost. Unions have brought to our attention that the stats given prior to and during the World Cup may have been incorrectly interpreted, in that the fortune spent on infrastructure leading up to the big event caused a spike in economic growth. What is not mentioned however, is that this came at a time when roughly 900 000 jobs were lost in the formal sector. The majority of these were the construction workers, whose hard labour went into building the world class stadiums. However, all is not lost for the construction sector! Minister of Transport, Mr Sibusiso Joel Ndebele, stated that R700 billion has been budgeted for the development 56

of roads, bridges and dams over the next three years. This plan should stabilise the sector’s employment level. Others in the field believe that this is not enough and that more should be done to retain jobs and stimulate growth in the construction industry. Between 2009 and the second quarter of 2010, an astronomical 1 102 000 jobs have been lost, making South Africa, according to the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa), unfortunate enough to have one of the highest unemployment rates world wide. To remedy this situation Fedusa general secretary, Dennis George, suggested “that in order to stimulate the economy to create more jobs there should be a devaluation of South Africa’s Rand to bolster export volumes.” Others, namely, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, are believed to be in support of this approach. There has been an increase in the number of job opportunities in the formal mining and manufacturing sectors, each recorded roughly 3000 more jobs in the first quarter of 2010 than in the final quarter of 2009. But those retrenched, due to the recession, have not, as yet, been reoffered their previous positions. South Africa’s infamous mining industry

has diminished in importance and today is only responsible for five percent of the economy. Of which gold mining operations represent a mere 2% of the total employment rate. Delivery of services is vital to South Africa’s economy with an impressive 62% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) springing from the tertiary sector. Services, in general sees itself as responsible for a large chunk of South Africa’s employment, as it can account for 60% of the county’s total employment. Naturally we would have expected the tourism industry to have received a major boost in job opportunities and employment. However, analysts have predicted that the boost will come much later than originally anticipated. The budget review states “the most urgent focus of policy change must be interventions to create jobs for young people”, this indicates government’s awareness of the problematic situation of the country’s unemployment rates. Government has allocated a generous R52 billion towards an initiative to create jobs over the next three years. Their plan is to expand the public works programme and launch a wage subsidy scheme in an effort to motivate youth toward employment.

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What if Free post-basic education based on merit - not entitlement WRITER Prof Ruben Richards There is no doubt that the challenges facing higher education and training in South Africa require a variety of extraordinary (indeed out-of-the-box) solutions. In this spirit of allow me to invite you to image a different educational landscape by asking a “what if” question. What if, as a country, we decided that all post-basic (i.e. university and college) education in South Africa were to be free and that the entry-level requirements were based on merit / performance and not racial quotas or racial entitlement backed up by legislation? This would certainly create a different energy and attitude towards the acquisition of education, training and skills. I would 58

imagine that consequently, the parents of “almost” university or college going age children will put pressure on the schooling system to enable their kids to perform at the required levels. After all, we already have a built in standardization platform called “matric”. The denial of access to good quality education has been the most effective weapon used by oppressive regimes to maintain power and privilege through the ignorance and lack of skills of the masses. Apartheid was no different. Dare I say that the current democratic dispensation is running a close second to Apartheid? If there was one thing that should have

been a top priority in the immediate postapartheid period, it should have been education and training. For those who argue that this is or was in fact the case I simply need to point to the pathetic literacy and numeracy levels of South African children 15 years after our 1994 freedom and liberation. Without getting into a blaming or justification of poor performance argument, let’s face the reality as it stands and fix the problem rather than find ways to rationalize or justify pathetic leadership and performance within the educational arena. History will not be kind to us, the first generation of post-Apartheid educators – if we are found to have colluded with mediocrity when it comes to education, skills and training for the masses of our children. If post-basic education were to be made free, based on merit, would whites, for example, still dominate the numbers of people being trained at post-basic educational institutions? Would they (i.e. whites) be better equipped, given their privileged head-start? Would whites forever perform better than black students? It is heretical to talk this way and the risk is being accused of being racist. In a context of predictable demographic changes resulting from organic population growth over the next ten years, is a quota system and structural redress facilitating the admission of otherwise excluded blacks still required? If the current education system continues to produce a generation of educationally dysfunctional and skills-deficient students, where do we locate the responsibility for this mess? And for how long will there need to be structural redress? We need to ask if we are redressing the incompetence of the education leaders and their chosen system, or whether we are entrenching a view that blacks are intellectually inferior and will forever need to be compensated for their inadequacies and therefore “preferentially” accommodated within the realms of higher education and training. It is only a matter of time before race is no longer a factor, given the racial demographics and profile of the South African population. Why then the obsession to ensure that quotas are fulfilled? I can live with the quotas in the short term but I can’t and refuse to live with compensating for incompetence, especially when this is structurally caused by an educational leadership that is out of tune with managing the nation’s education system.

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE Rhoda Kadalie

WRITER Wafaa Abdurahman

ynamite comes in small packages! That statement is true about a woman, mother, activist, writer and change driver who is passionate about women and their place in society. Rhoda Kadalie epitomises the quote: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do.” – Helen Keller. Who is Rhoda Kadalie and where does she come from? I was born in District 6 in 1953, to parents who started out as Christian missionaries in working among the poor and the gangsters. I was the only girl with 7 brothers until my sister came along later – she and I are 16 years apart! Because of the Group Areas Act I went to 5 different schools, every time I settled down, the school would be declared white under the ACT. We were forcibly removed from Mowbray in the 1960’s when a National Party Minister saw my brothers playing soccer with the white kids in the area. The next day he issued an eviction order. I matriculated from Harold Cressy in 1971, applied to UCT to do Physiotherapy, but was requested to submit a full length photograph of myself so I declined, protested and went to UWC under protest. I studied B. Library Science, most coloured girls at that time studied social work, nursing, and teaching and I refused to be part of the troop. As a four year degree I could major in English and Anthropology, with Library Science as well. Upon graduation I was given a job as a teaching assistant in the Department of Anthropology at UWC; then enrolled for BA Honours in Anthropology which I received in 1976. In 1982 I married a German academic colleague of mine in

Namibia, as it was forbidden to marry here. We were in violation of the Mixed Marriages Act, Immorality Act, and the Group Areas Act. We returned and defied the government. Being involved in politics at UWC and the UDF, particularly with Dr Allan Boesak at the height of his political career, we were called into the police headquarters in Wynberg to be interrogated about our marriage. Three years later the government began talking about scrapping the apartheid laws, nevertheless they still hounded people like us who were perceived as breaking the law. In 1985 I went on Sabbatical to Germany and Holland. I was awarded a scholarship to go to the Institute for Security Studies in The Hague to do a Masters in Development Studies, specialising in Women’s Studies. In 1986 I fell pregnant in Holland and returned in 1987 to have my baby in SA. My daughter, Julia, is now 23, graduated at Harvard last year in Economics and Maths, married in December 2009, and lives in Chicago with her husband, Joel. When I returned in 1987, SA was ripe for a feminist movement. I gave a series of lectures at the UCT Summer School on the theories and thoughts about feminism. This was ground breaking stuff, sparking debates about equality, reproductive rights, sexuality, masculinity, femininity,

sexual orientation, gay and lesbian studies, etc, within the national liberation which at the time argued: “that women’s liberation was divisive of the national liberation movement.” The Liberation movement was extremely patriarchal and chauvinistic in those days and we feminists confronted the ANC Women’s League internally and internationally to “get with the programme”. I pioneered the women’s movement at UWC, and in the late 1980’s set up the Women’s Commission consisting of a representative of every constituency on the campus. We fought for policies on sexual harassment and sexual violence, maternity benefits and parental leave, housing subsidy for women, child-care facilities, safety measures for women and the advancement of women in academia. In the early 90’s the first Women’s Studies Programme was institutionalised at UWC. I also introduced the first Women Studies Winter School, catering for all kinds of women in SA. In 1995 at the height of my career I left UWC and was appointed by President Nelson Mandela to our first Human Rights Commission. 86 people were nominated and 11 were appointed. I served on the Commission for three years, investigating prisons in the Western and Northern Cape; abuses of children in Children’s homes; abuses 61

I am passionate about seeing democracy work and will expose every attempt to dilute our hardwon democracy. I fervently believe in free media, strong opposition, the independence of Parliament and the Judiciary.

of farm workers on farms in the Northern Cape; the use of shock batons against students at UWC, etc. I started the Rights of Senior Citizens campaign with Helen Suzman, who was also a Commissioner at the time. Helen Suzman became a firm friend, mentor, and political muse. What are you currently doing and what does it mean to you as a woman? In 1999 I founded the Impumelelo Innovations Award Trust, which rewards excellence and innovation in the public sector. We have published annual magazines for the past 10 years featuring the award-winners; we have also published case studies on the Environment, HIV/AIDS, Water Delivery, Sanitation and Waste Management, Housing, Public Works, and Criminal Justice. Currently we are working on Food Security, Education, and Rural Development. Since 2005, Impumelelo has switched gears, creating platforms of best practice workshops where awardwinners demonstrate their models to those in similar sectors. As a woman I have led a strong organisation of empowered young people whom I have promoted to travel abroad, embark on training courses in their respective fields, and who can compete with the best in the country. What are you passionate about and what makes you tick? I am passionate about seeing democracy work and will expose every attempt to dilute our hard-won democracy. I fervently believe in free media, strong opposition, the independence of Parliament and the Judiciary. I get fired up about human rights abuses and hypocrisies and will fight for the empowerment of women, regardless. I am a news junkie and write columns for Business day, Die Burger, and Beeld. With memberships on several boards including the Baxter Theatre and the Cape Philharmonic Board, I keep in touch with the worlds of the Performing Arts and Classical Music, which I am very fond of. A symphony concert keeps me going from week to week. I love opera, reading, and walking on the beach. I am besotted with my daughter Julia who is also my most favourite person and friend. She is bright, funny, superintelligent, humble and beautiful and extremely entertaining. She represents the next generation par excellence, grabs opportunities with both hands, is fearless,

loves life and is part of the post-modern information technology age, making me feel like an unreconstructed dinosaur! What are you views on the economics and politics in South Africa? The ANC government needs to join the modern world of global economics and politics. Instead of encouraging economic growth and creating an enabling environment for job creation, it focuses on economic redistribution with an unsustainable social welfare system, a rigid labour regime, and an inability to create wealth and jobs. While the ANC enjoys all the modern trappings of conspicuous consumption and supra-capitalist cronyism and black economic enrichment, it dabbles with the language of communism, a national democratic revolution, viewing all those who dare to challenge it as â&#x20AC;&#x153;counterrevolutionaries.â&#x20AC;? Its agricultural, land reform, manufacturing, trade and mining policies are antiquated and geared to serve the narrow needs of the ruling elite and not the people who voted the ANC into power. For South Africa to succeed, we need strong opposition, a fearless and independent judiciary, independent democratic institutions, free media, structures of accountability and a myriad of checks and balances to keep the ANC accountable to the people. What legacies would you like to leave behind? Create a SA where our young women enjoy public spaces day and night, where they feel free to walk, to shop, to entertain and be entertained, have fun with their friends and enjoy being young women. I want to work towards an environment that encourages freedom, innovation, creativity, and fun. That SA is being depopulated of its young women because of HIV/AIDS is the greatest indictment against a black democratic government that has betrayed the young women of SA; a democratic government with one of the highest numbers of women MPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the world; a country with one of the best Constitutions in the world. Unless we invest in our children and young people, we shall remain uncompetitive with the best democracies in the world. That Julius Malema is a youth leader, is the greatest demonstration of what is wrong with our education system.

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BBBEE Stepping stone WRITER Heidi Felix Since its inception, the implementation of BBBEE has been regarded as impractical. Amongst business owners BBBEE created uneasiness and was difficult to accept due to a misconception. BBBEE was viewed as ‘chasing after the wind’. However this view only prolonged what was certain. Change! In the last two years black economic empowerment mushroomed, and this fundamental self-expressing conduit has finally been realized. The enormity of BBBEE and the awareness thereof suddenly ignited! Now, willing transformation is visible and increasing with enthusiasm and warrant recognition earned. It was believed that BBBEE was simply a moral initiative and not a pragmatic growth strategy to intensify and develop our trade and industry prospects. Democracy wholly renovated our costcutting measure. The entrance of black South Africans into the mainstream caused competitiveness, which in turn led to economic growth, job creation and breaching the global market gap. “Our country requires an economy that can meet the needs of all our economic citizens - our people and their enterprises - in a sustainable manner. This will only be possible if our economy builds on the full potential of all persons and communities across the length and breadth of this country.” (dti) Despite South Africa economic spurt since 1994 – growth has stagnated at 4% and the racial divide between rich and poor remains. Such inequalities can have a profound effect on political stability. “Societies characterised by entrenched gender inequality or racially or ethnically defined wealth disparities are not likely to be socially and politically stable, particularly as economic growth can easily exacerbate these inequalities.” (dti) Black economic empowerment is not affirmative action, nor does it aim to take wealth from white people and give it to the black population. It is essentially a growth 64

strategy, targeting the South African economy’s weakest point: inequality. “No economy can grow by excluding any part of its people, and an economy that is not growing cannot integrate all of its citizens in a meaningful way.” (dti) Black economic empowerment is driven by legislation and regulation. An integral part of the BBBEE Act is a broad-based generic scorecard. The codes of good practice govern how companies do business in South Africa and furthermore assist with how global and multinational empowerment deals are structured. All South Africans, regardless of race or gender, have a unique opportunity to form a podium of innovative leaders. Research reveals that the increase of black middle class South African families moved from rural to suburban areas and a significant boost in job creation was recorded. Unemployment was reduced to 41.9%. 66.6% more jobs were created in the formal sector, 16.9% in the informal sector, and 7.4% in domestic sector. The South African government aims to create up to 10 000 job opportunities in rural areas through the National Rural Youth Service Corps. Affordable housing initiatives, which do not compromise on quality, are also being developed. Better homes lay the very foundation to better lifestyles. Even multi-nationals recognise the need for supporting BBBEE. US-based

engineering and construction firm Kellogg Brown and Root has unveiled a black economic empowerment deal through which an empowered consortium, including company employees, will acquire a stake of just over 25% in its South African subsidiary. Needless to say, BBBEE is aimed at raising economic growth in a stable economic environment and initiatives to reduce unemployment and improve social conditions. Our financial and industrial sector is recognised as a ‘first world economy’, our infrastructure and economic base holds growth and development prospects; however our informal sector suffers from developmental difficulty. South Africa is in the process of finalising a new policy framework for labourintensive growth, as well as identifying the policy tools available to support job creation across the economy. In line with this, South Africa has launched a new charter to facilitate the sustainable transformation and development of its mining industry, with emphasis on a target of 26% black ownership of the country’s mining assets by 2014. Although development is evident within South Africa, the creation of an investment environment is imperative, the ultimate goal being inclusive, hence sustainable, economic growth. (Finance Minister – Pravin Gordhan)

POLITCAL SATIRE Jail is not for Jackie Selebi! Finish and Klaar! WRITER Walter Majosi With watery eyes and no sign of regret, Mr. Selebi stares at the judge in his watershed trial. Virtually the only support he has is from his wife. The ANC distanced itself from his trial. He so much desires to be surrounded by the masses that shielded Zuma during his trial, but oh, he forgets that he was appointed by Mbeki, another lonely man. He stares at the judge, wishing the case to be over, only he believes that he is innocent. He scraped the little pieces of courage together to testify in his trial, defying the advice from his own legal team, what a disaster! His wife is always on his side. I wonder what she thinks of her husband. Does she have any doubt or disappointment in him or is it just a case of defending him because he is her husband? After all the fifteen years jail 66

sentence could also be a death sentence for Selebi. This is where Mr. Selebi gets a heart attack in the court room. The pressure is too much and age is catching up with him. The paramedics rush to his aid and try everything to save him from dying... Selebi battles with death, he does not want to die, at least not now. Many things flash through his mind whilst the paramedics are trying their best to save South Africa’s top cop, who refuses to admit that he severely embarrassed the nation. He cannot die now! He has so much unfinished business here on earth. The most important one on his mind is his one time best friend, Glenn Agliotti, who has turned his back on him. He relied so much on this man, that he wittingly placed his job on the line for him. He

ponders the saying; ‘Is money really the route of all evil?’ After half an hour, the paramedics give up. Selebi has no pulse; it appears that he is dead. Selebi prays to God. “Please Lord just give me this one last opportunity, to go back to earth. I need an opportunity to clear my name. I have a family that I want to see to. The whole nation wants to hear my appeal. I need to speak to Glenn and so on... Please Lord!” God says to him, “Jacob (Jackie) Sello Selebi, you have this one time opportunity to be honest. Just tell me the real reason you want to go back.” “Ok!” says Selebi, “I would like to find out why the criminal justice system was so efficient in my case.” “Thanks for your honesty Jackie but fifteen years is a good sentence, finish and klaar!”

Hout Bay A microcosm and example of the massive divide between the haves and have nots in South Africa WRITER Barry James Mitchell Behind the beautiful scenery, bohemian shops, coffee bars and smiling faces of Hout Bay lies a social problem of immense proportions. Hout Bay developed from a small fishing village into a modern suburb, however while private development increased rapidly over the years the two informal settlements in Hout Bay (Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg) still suffer from a lack of basic services and amenities. Although a multi racial settlement, Imizamo Yethu (IY) is comprised mainly of Xhosa speaking residents. Although some progress has been made with regards to low cost housing the basic amenities and services that many take for granted are non-existent. Families

and drafted a memorandum containing the critical issues that needed to be resolved and addressed regarding the provision of basic services and amenities. Once compiled the memorandum was submitted in a collective meeting to the Mayoral Office of the City of Cape Town. By July of 2010, no response being forthcoming, the concerned parties as well as distressed residents of IY and Hangberg set forth on a Service Delivery March to the Provincial Legislature Buildings in Cape Town. There petitioners handed over a newly drafted, collective memorandum as well as a signed petition to an official representative of the Premier’s office. A written response compiled by the Mayoral

After 16 years of democracy we must grasp the ideal that South Africa belongs to all that live in it. have to utilize archaic and unhealthy toilet facilities. The sewerage systems are outdated resulting in a constant flow of effluent. Lighting and electricity services are few and far between, severely affecting families residing in IY. Across the valley, situated above the historic Hout Bay harbour is Hangberg. As in IY, the provision of services and amenities in Hangberg has been neglected. Lack of housing, adequate sewerage facilities, roads and schooling are a short list of the challenges facing Hangberg’s residents. In November 2009 civic, community and political organizations in IY and Hangberg decided to take up the task of addressing these concerns. The Ray Alexander Branch of the SACP along with the Hout Bay Civic Association (based in Hangberg) met several times 68

Office was eventually delivered, albeit somewhat later than expected. Although the response was comprehensive and detailed it lacked the desired action and did not sit well with the communities. It was collectively decided that a further petition would be gathered and sent to the South African Human Rights Commission. As efforts were being made to gather signatures tragedy struck. On the 21st of September Cape Town Metropolitan Police as well as SAPS members approached Hangberg to evict dwellers and demolish homes that were built on a SAN Parks National Heritage Site. The Premier had previously met with Hangberg residents to discuss voluntary relocation, yet many families felt that they had not been given an alternative site to

live on and that demolishing their homes would result in them being homeless. In the early hours of the 21st of September 2010, armed officers and police vehicles were deployed. Fearing that they might lose their homes, many residents blockaded the streets and began to protest the police presence. As tensions grew I was asked to address the community. I appealed to the community to peacefully request that the police withdraw from Hangberg until the tensions had subsided. In an instant chaos ensued, police opened fire with rubber bullets and residents hailed police with stones. The conflict escalated and injuries were inflicted on both sides. 60 people were arrested for alleged acts of public violence, later that morning I was also arrested after forming a peaceful human chain with residents with the intention of demanding the police’s withdrawal. Although media representation tended towards sensationalism, I am of the opinion that the Hangberg incident was avoidable. The people of Hout Bay showed their collective solidarity and opposition to violence in a “Peace March” to the local police station in Hout Bay on the 3rd of October 2010. Recent announcements that the Western Province government aims to demolish further homes in both IY and Hangberg has spread fear and resentment in the communities. In closing a final appeal must be made: For all South African’s who enjoy the basic necessities, services and amenities we often take for granted, take a minute to think how our fellow countrymen and women dwell in dire poverty. Let us not judge a person based on their material or social standing. After 16 years of democracy we must grasp the ideal that South Africa belongs to all that live in it.

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Education for All At what level? WRITER Kendal Brown Who Are the ‘All’? Education for all is not going to be as easily achieved as it has been said, and then by 2015! And if it is to be accomplished at what level will it be done? Will it compare favourably with the world’s best standards or will it just be an attempt at a panacea for an increasingly disillusioned learning class? A five year action plan is ambitious to say the least, given the size of the project. It’s difficult to imagine just who needs this opportunity but let’s just go with the obvious. South Africa has 12.3-million learners, some 386 600 teachers and 26,292 schools, including 1 098 registered independent or private schools. Of all schools, roughly 6 000 are high schools (grade 7 to grade 12) and

the rest primary (grade 0 to grade 6). In government-funded public schools, the average ratio of “learners” to “educators” is 32.6 to one, while private schools generally have one teacher for every 17.5 scholars. The higher education sector has more than a million students enrolled in 24 state-funded tertiary institutions: 11 universities, 5 universities of technology, and 6 comprehensive institutions. We don’t have any idea of how many adults still need education or are engaged in one form of it or another. At What Level? South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) recognises three broad bands of education: General Education and Training, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education and

Training. According to the Department of Education, “School-life spans 13 years or grades, from grade 0, otherwise known as grade R or “reception year”, through to grade 12 or “matric”. General Education and Training runs from grade 0 to grade 9. Under the South African Schools Act of 1996, education is compulsory for all South Africans from age 7 (grade 1) to age 15, or the completion of grade 9. General Education and Training also includes Adult Basic Education and Training.“ “Further Education and Training takes place from grades 10 to 12, and also includes career-oriented education and training offered in other Further Education and Training institutions - technical

colleges, community colleges and private colleges. Diplomas and certificates are qualifications recognised at this level.” No doubt it’s within these three bands education is going to be made equal. But how? Illiteracy rates are high at around 24% of adults and over 15 year olds (6to 8-million adults are not functionally literate), teachers in township schools are poorly trained, and the matric pass rate remains low. About 20% of total government expenditure is devoted to education, which is commendable and higher than most government budgets anywhere in the world but what is it going to cost to level the playing fields for all? Levels of education in South Africa

Steps Toward Equalisation The apartheid regime had different universities for different race groups, a needless duplication and one which always left the black institutions with the short end of the capacity and quality stick. The new government, rightly one thinks, reevaluated the system and after much investigation and consultation restructured higher education. By January 2005 the new look structure included creatied 22 institutions out of an existing 36 universities and technikons. Outcomes based education was instituted at schools and let’s face it has not been a roaring success. The DoE says in its ‘Media statement from the Department

of Basic Education calling for public comment on the Action Plan to 2014: Towards Schooling 2025’: ”While the draft Action Plan will not completely reinvent the schooling system or destroy what has gone before, it will provide a framework for organising national debates on how to improve schooling and to mobilise stakeholders. It will not be cast in stone but instead it provides a framework through which all education inputs can be organised and articulated, and therefore debated. At the same time, it aims to promote more rigorous monitoring of the schooling system and promote better research into the challenges faced by the sector.” Without too much interpretation being put on it, it tells me outcomes based education is not working and needs to be re-evaluated. I’m not knocking it and it would take a whole lot more space to discuss why it has not been the roaring success it was expected to be - which is why there is this call for a revamp - but could there not be a whole lot simpler, better, faster way of improving the way our children, and others, learn instead of trying to reinvent the wheel? Keep in mind that no education system is perfect or will suit each individual and is in effect an outside influence trying to impose itself on an individual. What if we turned that around and trained an individual to impose themselves on the education system, whatever that system may be? How? I hear you say. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode! Working from Within Learners, pupils, scholars, whatever, are usually told what to learn when to learn and how to learn it. All of this usually comes from without. Granted we all need guidance but where does guidance end and (undue) influence begin to impose itself on the mind of those eager to learn. Before I go into that aspect too deeply, let me get straight to the point. What if we first taught people to think? Yes think! Taught them to think critically and creatively? If a child entering the institutionalized learning environment spent the first year simply learning to think critically and creatively, then, when confronted with a learning methodology (e.g. outcomes based education), that child could use those skills to engage with that or any other learning methodology! Simply because they are equipped to think about it critically and creatively! This is the classic ‘teach a man to fish’

situation. Tell a child what to think and he will never be able to think for himself. Teach him to think and you educate him for life! Why not have a look at starting that right from entry level. First year spent teaching children how to think critically and creatively. During the rest of their school career make it part of their curriculum. For those already at school, take a year to train them whatever grade they may be in, credit them with the grade they should have been taking and be confident that they will cope going into the next grade. They lose nothing, they gain the ability to think, to think critically and creatively, the ability to reason logically and gain understanding and insight. We are faced with new and unusual challenges. Isn’t it time to take new and unusual courses of action? The cost? Can you put a price on equal education for all?

I believe that education is the fundamental method of social progress and reform ~ John Dewey, 1897

Ammonia refrigeration No longer a man’s world

Ana-Marie Lyn Penniston and Johan van den Berg At the February 2010 Diploma ceremony, Ana-Marie Lyn Penniston became South Africa’s first lady to ever receive the coveted, OTTC (Open Trade Training Centre) Diploma in ammonia refrigeration. Ana-Marie, who is already qualified in electrics and instrumentation is currently employed at Commercial Cold Storage in Durban. After being presented with her Diploma, the proud twenty eight year old Ana-Marie admitted, “the course is very stressful and provokes the need for determination and perseverance. It was not easy, but well worth the many hours of hard work”. Her hard work gained her a 100% pass mark in both the practical and theoretical sections of the five weeks course. Isolde Dobelin,OTTC director, was as excited, “We are extremely proud of Ana-Marie and of this very extraordinary occasion to present our ammonia refrigeration diploma to our first lady student. to qualify in a very specialized high-tech trade that is very much male dominated.”

Ana-Marie is very much aware that “it is a man’s world,” but has her own goals,“I was not going out there to be politically correct, but rather because I am a technically minded person and wanted a new technical challenge in an area that I knew nothing about. The OTTC course appealed to me because of their knowledge, their trade test, accredited ammonia plant facilities and reputation in the industry.” As Ana-Marie humbly puts it, “I said to myself that I can do this, and took it from there.” Ana-Marie did exactly that and completed, with flying colours, the OTTC Ammonia Diploma which includes safety procedures, flooded systems, ice banks, plant instruction, system servicing and problem solving to name a few subjects. This young lady reaches out to the youth that are technical inclined saying that “if this is your passion, say to yourself ‘this is what I want to do’, and have the right attitude towards learning new things.” With a big smile on her glowing face, at her graduation on 18 February 2010, she admitted to a passion for being technical and stated that it requires discipline and self-esteem. She also stated that when she first walked into OTTC, it was love at first site for Isolde and it was almost as if she became her daughter over the past few weeks. Her “Boss”, Johan van den Berg (Commercial Cold Store), who was in attendance at her graduation, was proclaimed by Ana-Marie to be exceptionally motivating and always illing to share his expert knowledge with her. She now hopes to share the knowledge gained in her diploma training with him. “The use of ammonia as a refrigerant is gaining momentum and all hands on staff should acquire at least the basic training. HCFC’s are being phased out and ammonia has a great future potential. A better understanding of why ammonia is one of the most promising refrigerants has to be communicated to decision-makers, users, signatories of the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols and to

the public in general. Since the 1980,s the so-called “environmentally friendly” refrigerants have emerged to combat ozonedepletion and global warming within the framework of the mentioned protocols. However, these new generation refrigerants still have an effect on ozone depletion or/ and global warming, while ammonia has neither ozone-depleting nor global warming effects, but knowledge on its use has declined over years. In the refrigeration trade there is a huge shortage of qualified people trained in installing, maintaining and operating ammonia plants and this retards ammonia achieving the status it deserves. From a thermo dynamic and economic point of view, ammonia is definitely the best refrigerant. However, myths and misunderstanding has convinced a lot of people to recognize ammonia as a dangerous refrigerant. That is not the fact! Ammonia is a very handsome refrigerant, because it has a characteristic warning smell, which signals even the smallest leaks at concentrations far lower than any dangerous level. The fact is that the number of fatal accidents involving fluorinated refrigerants is many times greater than the remarkably few fatal accidents encountered with ammonia. Education and training in ammonia refrigeration is essential to dispel any fears and myths, for now and in the future. Highly educated people in the field will be able to reduce operating and maintenance costs of ammonia plants dramatically”, Isolde Dobelin, who recently received OTTC’s Black Economic Empowerment Company award. Even before leaving with her diploma, Ana-Maria Penniston, started to indicate her return to OTTC for their new course in the design and tendering of ammonia refrigeration plants to be presented by ammonia lecturer, Kurt Johansen (Mech Eng).

FOOTBALL Strengthening rural communities WRITER Libby Norton The FIFA Soccer World Cup offered an unprecedented opportunity to experience the power of sport. The whole world and indeed our own nation, was taken by surprise at the superb smooth flow of events and world class standards all round. While the most remembered feature will surely be the displays of Africa’s exuberance seen in dance and song, it is hoped that ‘sport power’ will manifest in football in the development of well structured and stable sports organisations that will breed champions. We now look to see if soccer in South Africa will be boosted nationally through better organised clubs, well trained coaches and the production of higher calibre players for an improvement in national rankings. Already underway is a project to use football to bring together communities while raising the football standards of the future. Part of the legacy project of the organising committee of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ involves the construction of artificial pitches and state of the art development centres in poor communities countrywide. Fifty two Football Turfs are planned 74

in 27 regions for the next three years. These will give children and adults an opportunity to develop their football skills on a decent football surface with modern facilities. Most of the sites identified to date are in the most rural areas of South Africa’s provinces and will lay the basis of transforming football across the country. At the first sod turning ceremony in the Mogwase Region just outside Sun City near Rustenburg in the North West Province, Dr Danny Jordaan, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer was excited at the prospect of the football pitches becoming a reality; “For the first time in their lives, thousands of footballers across our country will be able to play the game they love on a decent football surface,” he said “This can only bode well for the quality of football and footballers that will be produced from this project.” To date the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund has committed R170m to build 27 of these new football turfs. This is the biggest project that the National Lottery has funded in sport since its inception. The commitment has allowed for the

selection of the first 9 sites - one in each province. Following this, and contingent on additional funding, the remaining sites will be identified until all 52 sites have been developed. It is planned that each of the clubhouses will be equipped with a small education centre with computers where education, life-skills, leadership and health programmes will be conducted as part of a youth or community development programme. Jordan called on communities to take pride and ownership of the facilities, to look after them and to ensure that they are utilized to their benefit. Jordaan said the project will also help communities like Mogwase by empowering them in their struggle against poverty. “Every day in South Africa thousands of young boys and girls are forced to play their favourite game on the dusty streets of our townships. They have very little prospect of leaving those streets to pursue a career – of any sort – whether it be in football or business. I am confident that this project will make a difference and that many young stars will emerge from these facilities.”

Poor Show What’s happened to sportsmanship? WRITER Kendal Brown “All’s fair in love and war”, as the saying goes but it seems we need to add “sport” to that saying, if the current state of affairs in sport is to be taken into account. And while I say ’current’, it seems to me that this lack of sportsmanship so prevalent in sport has been around for decades now – and that’s decades too long! In fact the term sportsmanship has clearly been replaced by gamesmanship, which simply means looking to exploit any little loophole in the interpretation of the rules of any sport you care to name, to one’s advantage, or even simpler, breaking the rules if you think you can get away with it. We can skip all the little niggles, infringements, jersey tugging (We won’t even think about match fixing!) et al and get down to some of the more blatant and infamous examples to illustrate what we all know is happening in sport today. Zidan head butts Materazzi in the now infamous 2006 Soccer World Cup. Bakkies Botha head butts an opponent he’s just flattened in a tackle. Thierry Henry handles the ball to keep it in play and helps score a winning goal. John McEnroe… well at least he was entertaining. Enough already! My question is why? Sport is great entertainment. We all have our preferences when it comes to sport but the love of sport per se is universal. All the cheating that goes on around it sullies, not only the game, but all involved. Yes, all involved! That includes players, officials, fans and … sponsors! Why? For the reason that we tolerate it and have come to accept it as part of the game. But it is not. When rules were formulated for games they were done so in the interest of creating fair play. Their aim would be to allow participants to enjoy an even contest allowing the better man (or woman) or 76

team, on the day, to have the momentary pleasure of winning. The loser would hopefully at least have the satisfaction of knowing that they had competed well. Fans of course would have the pleasure of watching a fair contest of skill and athleticism over which they could later enthuse while engaging in some friendly banter and a pint or two. So why do we (athletes, officials, fans, sponsors) tolerate it? Is it because it’s no longer just a sport but a business? And businesses, as we all know, are profit driven! Maybe, then, what motivates players to cheat is that success will bring better salaries, bonuses, prize money, recognition and even more sponsorship. Today, a win at all costs attitude seems to be the prevailing mindset. If we examine the cost though, who is it that’s paying? Here are a few examples. France scraped into the 2010 Soccer World Cup at the expense of Ireland. Did they get there because on the day they had the beating of their less illustrious opponents? No, they got there because Thierry Henry (a player whom I much admired) handled the ball (twice!) before passing it across the goal mouth for a team mate to score the winning goal. France came to South Africa and was sent packing after the first round and many would say “serves them right!” The cost to the Irish players is that they never got their chance to perform on the greatest soccer stage in the world and given the short lifespan of a sportsman, will probably never have again. They were not only cheated they were robbed of the opportunity of a lifetime. Thierry Henry, a great player, will now more likely be remembered for his hand ball and not the electrifying runs down the left flank that turned defenders weak at the knees.

What a shame! French fans may have rejoiced at their team qualifying but what a hollow victory it turned out to be and deep down one must question whether they could really be proud and supportive of a team that cheats? The Irish fans lost the opportunity to cheer their favourite players on at the World Cup and the players lost the opportunity to impress the ever vigilant talent scouts with their ability. We have to see that cheating affects livelihoods, careers. It outrages fans and spoils what should be the pure enjoyment of sport for sports sake (and not profit’s). At the World Cup itself Ghana were blatantly denied entry into the next round when what was a certain goal was struck away deliberately by a Uruguayan player(whose name I will not mention simply to deny him even more unwarranted publicity). What should have happened besides the red card was that the goal should simply have been awarded. There was no doubt it would have been a goal so why not give it? And justice would have been served. Sadly another South American player claims it was the “hand of God” that took his team into the next round. I ask - which God? Everyone needs to stop paying lip service to “fair play”! Officials need to stop thinking of the buck first, passing the buck, second, and take firm action against players who deliberately break the rules. FIFA, and other sports bodies not already doing so, need to use modern technology to assist referees and ensure fair decisions. Sponsors need to withdraw sponsorships from players and teams who cheat and fans can show their disapproval by staying away. That should solve the problem! I think not!

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What is Social Franchising?

Social Franchising applies the concepts of commercial franchising to businesses aimed at achieving social benefits. Sport For All is a community business based on a world class multi-sport programme that creates jobs for youth who provide coaching and life skills training to children who live inactive lifestyles or have limited access to sport. The sustainable business model uses structured curricula to deliver developmental coaching programmes and the latest technology to track cash flows and monitor the progress and participation of children.

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AUDI A8 The art of progress WRITER Brent Smith In 1994, Audi’s A8 debuted in Europe to the applause of the motoring world, impressing even die-hard fans of its German rivals with a host of technological innovations and outstanding driving performance. Sixteen years on, the marque’s premium full-size luxury saloon makes its third-generation appearance (D4) as the sportiest sedan of the luxury class. And it continues to impress in all respects. Measuring 5137mm in length, 1949mm in width and 1460mm in height, the new A8 is a somewhat imposing vehicle. Its masterfully crafted body and coupe-like roof line, together with newly designed full LED headlights and bold chromeedged grille, convey a stunning fusion of power and elegance. The 4.2 litre petrol FSI Quattro Tiptronic V8 is the only D4 model currently available in SA. Calm, unassuming and perhaps lazy at low revs, it transforms into a beast when provoked. Uprated by 16 kW from the previous model, the engine produces 273 kW and 445 Nm of torque at 3 500 rpm, enough to launch the 1 835kg vehicle from standstill to 100km/h in an impressive 5.7 seconds. Power delivery through the new eightspeed automatic transmission is almost seamless and maintains the vehicle’s air of grace and sophistication throughout the rev range, regardless of driving style. Despite the added power, fuel economy has actually improved by 13 percent. Unleashing the A8 along the twists and turns of a country road is a sheer pleasure, to say the least. The adaptive air suspension (which can be set in comfort, auto and dynamic modes) and steering system have been completely reworked to improve responsiveness, and the newer Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which splits torque 40 percentfront / 60 percent-rear, adds to the sportier driving experience. Awesome agility and maneuverability are provided with the utmost comfort at all times, Feature brought to you by Michelangelo Towers Mall 79

the new Audi A8 is the bang-foryour-buck best buy! quietly reminding you that you’re driving one of the safest cars in the world. The ergonomic interior quality and attention to detail is of workmanship on the craftsman level, incorporating a combination of meticulously implemented top grade materials. The centre console forms a clearly organised touch-and-feel arrangement, allowing the driver’s wrist to rest on the tiptronic selector lever, asymmetrically located on the centre tunnel, while pressing buttons and turning switches. Further sophisticated interior features include strategically placed white LED strips which add to the ambient light package, a start-stop button which allows the driver to start the engine while leaving

the key in his or her pocket, an automatic air conditioning system which regulates the interior climate in two zones, 12-way electric adjustability in the front seats and 510 litres of luggage space... enough room to accommodate up to four golf bags fitted crosswise! Audi’s tech gurus have revolutionised the concept of driving assistance. The new systems used in the A8 are networked using high-speed FlexRay technology. This has made Predictive Route possible, a world-first GPS navigation system that provides guidance input to several systems - adaptive headlights, automatic transmission, adaptive cruise control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This enables the A8 to ‘think’ for you in a number of situations. For example, longer-range highway mode for the headlights automatically activates while approaching the highway. Another automotive world first is the Multi Media Interface (MMI) which uses a system called MMI Touch. It operates like the touchpad cursor on a laptop and can recognise handwriting inputs for

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the phone and navigation system and provide 3D navigation with Google Earth. A 20-centimetre monitor slides upwards in an elegant curve at system start and all topics are presented in three-dimensional graphics. One could rave on almost endlessly about the big saloon’s stunning features, including the attractive lines, the alluminium monocoque which provides high stiffness and minimises vibrations for an incredibly smooth drive, the highly advanced safety and drive assistance systems, the masterfully crafted interior, the elegant orchestration of interior and exterior light and the revolutionary infotainment system, among others. The A8 has set new standards in dynamics, convenience, prestige and intelligence. Yet, at R1 105 905 including VAT and CO2 emissions tax, it’ll make slightly less impact on your bank balance than either of its closest rivals would. If you’re in the market for a premium fullsize luxury sedan, the new Audi A8 is the “bang-for-your-buck” best buy!

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Telkom and Neotel Infrastructure Sustainability WRITER Louis van Zyl We, as a nation, are proud to know that we keep up with Global breakthroughs in technology. In some fields of communication technology we even “prove ourselves to be the best”. Yet with the recent Fifa World CupTM event and various other economic issues, many corporations and businesses have been exposed to great challenges in technology operations. The two giants in communications service providers, Telkom and Neotel, now stare at the biggest challenge of the century – to sustain a healthy infrastructure in the future since communication in all fields affects the quality of all of our lifestyles. What are they doing to ensure this? In the year 1500 a letter was left in a shoe under a tree in Mosselbay – to be picked up by the collector in March 1501, who sailed from Portugal. That was the first post office act in SA history. Since that historical event, communication boomed 82

in our country with major role-players proudly looking back at what has been achieved over the years. The first use of telecommunication in SA was a single line telegraph connecting Cape Town to Simonstown. In the 1960’s, South Africa was connected to 72 nations. In the 1990’s, Telkom in partnership with Vodaphone, launched SA’s first mobile operations. This was the initiating point for Vodacom, which was sold by Telkom in 2008 in preference of its own 3G network. In 2004, after the Department of Communication redefined the Electronic Communications Act and issued another Fixed Network Operator License to Neotel, Telkom no longer held the monopoly in South Africa. In 2009 Telkom restructured their company into three businesses: Telkom SA, Telkom International and Telkom’s DCO operations. On a very proud note this current market leader in broadband space, has earned

itself a reputation as a telecommunication giant with the best developed and most modern infrastructure in Africa. Long hours and hard work, involving endless development hours by thousands of dedicated individuals has lead to great achievements. Yet it never stops, these goals need to be sustained. A very high level of consumer dependability does not allow party players in the technology world to ever say “We’re there!” Strategy planning for future sustainability and growth Telkom. The global economy recently suffered a blow causing both corporate and public consumers to rethink their investment and/or spend. Telkom, just like any business, has felt the effects, but they face an even greater challenge, namely the increase in market competition because of the large number of separate licenses being issued to

modern communication services by the Electronic Communications Act. Yet Telkom tends towards positive sustainability and even further growth through specific and market relevant planning, concentrating on launching new products, services and tariffs. Other concerns like improved quality, customer service and dependability are also high on their agenda. Continued increasing competition from providers like MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Sentech, VANS operators, iBurst and many other fixed line and mobile providers seem to create a trend of engagement between competitors leading to mergers, acquisitions and alliances. In the competitive world these “sudden surprises” do not make things easier. Telkom has to be continuously pro-active in careful strategic engagements. Telkom continuously ensures that ongoing activities exist to keep up scope in the communication world. Neotel The company was licensed in December 2005 as SA’s second network operator. New scopes in this “world of technology” were placed on the map. Many corporate clients and consumers finally saw the light to reduced prices on call rates and bandwidth in SA and also business opportunities when the second national operator in fixed line telecommunications announced its business services in November 2007 and eventually consumer services in May 2008. Everyone expected the newcomer to compete with Telkom to such an extent that prices would drop rapidly. Unfortunately many were disappointed, perhaps because they simply did not understand the huge challenge facing Neotel. While prices did drop few were satisfied with Neotel’s performance and service. Today, however, the consumer benefits from the competitive industry market entrant, especially if looking at the current service charges compared to prices for these services only three years ago. Strategy planning for future sustainability and growth Neotel is a company with a positive outlook towards future growth via strategic planning and market research. The next phase of their consumer strategy is to roll out more base stations in smaller towns thus extending their footprint. Partnership agreements with Vodacom and MTN to co-locate sites are also adding to

advancement in this field. Furthermore this growing provider strives for independent needs for services and product sourcing from other players in the market. After their recent launch of prepaid services, another major competitive market, they plan to prioritize capital investment into this intensive market thus opening more doors and creating future sustainability. The launch of Wi-MAX based consumer services is also under close eye by Neotel and is part of their expansion plan. It is not an easy task, even for great expertise within huge institutions, to ensure sustainability. Only a combination of hard work and dedication by inspired

members, innovation and a dynamic business approach will contribute to continued growth and success. What can we, as consumers, look forward to? Well, we have experienced more affordable access to communication services during a challenging worldwide financial and economic period. But we are far from being out of the woods. We cannot foresee whether things will get better or worse! One thing, though, is for sure… so long as the corporate giants like Neotel and Telkom go head to head in some healthy competition the consumer can only benefit! 83

MOTOROLA DROID 2 WRITER Mark Rosenberg

Highs

Bright, colourful, glossy 3.7 LCD screen, Slide-out horizontal QWERTY keyboard, Google Android OS v2.2, 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, 3G mobile hot spot, 8Gb built-in memory, Much long battery life

Lows

Sluggish physical keyboard, VGA video recording, Fewer features than Droid X but same price

The Motorola Droid 2 is hitting all the right keys! As expected it is a featurepacked device that helps manage work and social life with an enhanced QWERTY keyboard, ultra high-speed Web browsing, 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, full push corporate e-mail, intuitive social messaging and Adobe Flash Player for access to the full web all built on the Google Android operating system. Droid 2’s slim design helps users e-mail, text and tweet with ease. Droid 2 has redesigned the symmetrical keyboard with raised keys which results in more responsive typing, to push out notes and status updates. Speech-to-text input is a new feature that’s worth mentioning and I think the first of its kind to hit the mobile phone, a very simple concept which allows you to speak your message without typing, allowing for quick and hands free messaging and note taking. In addition, full push corporate e-mail, like we have seen on the Blackberry, delivers enhanced features such as remote wipe and password enforcement so that information remains secure. The screen features a full multi-touch 3.7-inch brilliant display, 5-megapixel camera with enhanced functionality and DVD-quality video capture with DLNA connectivity to share on compatible devices. The phone features 8Gb of preloaded on-board memory and a 8Gb microSD card, which can be upgraded to a 32Gb SD card for a total cargo capacity of 40Gb. “It’s great to see amazing new smartphones like the DROID 2 come pre-installed with Flash Player 10.1,” said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Creative and Interactive Solution Business Unit at Adobe. “With the completely redesigned and hardware accelerated Flash Player 10.1, DROID 2 users will be able to experience the full Web on the go.” Adobe Flash Player 10.1 lets mobile users experience millions of websites the way they were meant to be seen – with rich Internet applications (RIAs), content inside the browser, including games, animations, data presentations and visualizations, e-commerce, music, video, audio and more. In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, Verizon Wireless in the USA will offer a limitededition R2-D2.

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BEYOND TECHNOLOGY WRITER Steve Rosenberg

Masango Solar

If you’re planning an overland trip or just love the great outdoors but can’t do without your electronic devices you may want to invest in a Masango Solar Portable Thin Film Solar Panel. The 1.8m x 0.8m panel folds to the size of a briefcase and weighs about 5kg’s. It’s tough, durable and virtually unbreakable. Check out www.masangosolar.co.za for more information.

Neato XV-11 Robotic AllFloor Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming really sucks! If you’re tired of bending over to get under the bed or into the corners then the Neato XV-11 Robotic All-Floor Vacuum Cleaner could be your next best friend. The little vac-bot intelligently maps the entire floor space to choose the most effective path to clean the whole room, avoiding most obstacles other robots can only detect by impact. 86

SteriShoe sanitizer. While it looks like yet another weird Star Trek device it’s actually an innovative foot care product that provides a healthier environment for your feet by sanitizing the inside of your shoes. It’s clinically proven to be effective in killing up to 99.9% of problematic microorganisms! Check out www.sterishoe.com for more.

LiveView

Sony Ericsson innovate again with LiveViewTM, an android phone accessory that allows you to control your phone without having to take it out. LiveView is wearable and wireless and supports most Android phones.

Motorola Droid R2-D2 Get your geek on with the highly anticipated Motorola Droid R2-D2. Good luck finding it in South Africa though – we’ve been struggling

for a month just to get our hands on the regular Motorola Droid 2, but at US$200 we’ll probably just get one State side. www.droiddoes.com

Trunket covers You may have an iPhone 4 – but is it wooded? Trunket have released a beautiful range of protective covers using only the highest quality woods.

The snail

Escargot! Peter Alwin’s Snail is a portable heating and cooking device which can be stuck directly on to a pot, pan, mug etc. to heat the contents using magnetic induction. We hope it sees production in early 2011, although Electrolux have not made any announcements yet.

Healthy Living Eating for sustained health WRITER Sara Booley People spend years trying to figure out the secret to feeling fantastic, looking younger and adding years to their life. Quite frankly, healthy eating is the key to success. It is often misinterpreted that eating healthily is associated solely with losing weight and looking good – but it’s about feeling good too. The body is a machine – it transforms inputs (foods) into outputs (performance/ energy; sustenance; nutrients). Your body’s ability to function at optimal levels is a direct reflection of the quality of its input. It is therefore essential to incorporate natural, quality foods of nutritional value so that the body is able to transform those nutrients into usable energy in order to perform its functions, such as strengthening the immune system, increasing the recovery rate from sickness and/or injury. Healthy eating also helps replenish depleted energy 88

levels, improves physical endurance and provides for sharper mental abilities. Opting for the healthier alternative in terms of what to eat, is a definite “MUST DO!”. Although convenience foods may look tasty and just as healthy as unprocessed foods, chances are that they are produced in a laboratory and packed with several chemicals that are not even intended for human consumption. Evil as it sounds, it remains the harsh reality – processed foods are a no-no. They are often saturated in “bad” fats and may leave you feeling sluggish, following a sudden surge of energy. Replace processed foods with whole foods, whole grain and fibre which help the body digest foods properly and easily. Similarly, “bad fats” should also replaced by “good fats”. Bad fats can lead to heartrelated disease and increased cholesterol levels. Incorporate good fats into your

diet, such as olive oil, and natural oils found in food sources such as avocados, fish and even nuts. Eating moderate-sized, regular meals should become an established habit in your diet, as opposed to pecking on nonnutritional snacks throughout the day or staying hungry because you’re ‘on your way out to a meeting’. Whether it be a whole-wheat chicken panini with salads or a bowl of fruit and yoghurt, the aim is to curb your hunger so that you are less likely to indulge in binge-eating later on in the day. Lastly, water is vital to the proper functioning of the body! It keeps the body hydrated for the regular functioning of all the body’s cells – from head to toe. It is plays an important role in ridding the body of toxins. Need we say more?

Healthy Living Destress, gaming for adults WRITER Alexander Grey American writer, director and producer, Jane Wagner once said “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those in touch with it.” Most of us can testify to the truthfulness of that statement. Stress is the preeminent factor leading to reduced concentration, poor productivity and sickness. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to chronic stress which disrupts nearly every system in your body. The effects range from raised blood pressure, suppression of the immune system, increased risk of heart attack and stroke and an increased rate of aging. Long-term chronic stress essentially rewires the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Simply put “Stress is a killer!” Personally when I feel the old stress levels rising I like to take it to the gym, run up the mountain or spend some time out in nature. However that’s not everyone’s cuppa tea, especially not for office junkies or couch potatoes (its ok 5FM says you can be proud of your couch potato status)! If you fall into the latter group you might find it interesting that computer games, whether they be PC, X-Box, Wii, Nintendo or Playstation, can have a cathartic effect on stress. The traditional (old folks) view of computer games is that they are a total waste of time. “There’s still a tendency to think of video games as a big wad of timewasting content,’’ said Cheryl Olson, codirector of the Center for Mental Health and Media at Massachusetts General Hospital. “You would never hear a parent say we don’t allow books in our home,

but you’ll still hear parents say we don’t allow video games in our home… Games are a medium. They’re not inherently good or bad.’’ After years of focusing on the negative effects of overly violent or anti-social games, scientists are now increasingly examining the potential benefits of computer games. Their studies are revealing that some games can boost mental function, improving everything from hand-eye co-ordination to memory. It seems that certain games are actually good for you. Pediatric neurologist and professor emeritus Richard Haier (School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine) has revealed in a pair of studies that the game Tetris actually alters the brain. In a recently published paper, Haier and his colleagues showed that after three months of playing Tetris, teenage girls not only played better but their brains became more efficient. Jamie Madigan, (psychologist and author of Psychology of Games), recently commented on an associate of his, lets call him Andrew, who spends his life in an office cubicle working a high pressure job. By the end of the week Andrew feels like most of us – ready to explode. Jamie writes: “Every weekend he goes on raids, rushes capture points, slays ogres, and battles to keep his place on the StarCraft II ladders. And you know what? Come Monday morning he’s a better employee because he played video games.” “Science proves this beyond any argument. Well …science suggests it. I mean, a few psychologists have data

Playing games online is the best way to relax and escape from everything for a time. ~ Kellee Bielec

saying it’s probably true. And they’re German psychologists, so it gets a little more awesome if you imagine them saying it with an accent.” In 2008 Carmen Binnewies, Sabine Sonnentag, and Eva Mojza began a study to examine the factors which contribute to employees’ successful recovery during the weekend and the effects on job performance. They conducted a week-level study with 133 employees over four working weeks. Participants

responded to weekly web-based surveys at the beginning and at the end of the working week. The results showed that three recovery experiences, namely psychological detachment, relaxation, and mastery experiences during the weekend contributed to recovery. The state of being recovered in turn predicted fluctuations in weekly task performance, personal initiative, organizational citizenship behaviour, and low perceived effort.

The first of the three recovery experiences, psychological detachment, is easily achieved – don’t go to work! You just need to do and think about something else. Relaxation involves doing the things you find most relaxing – reading a book, chilling in the winelands, running up the mountain, blasting away at enemy space ships… The third and final experience, mastery, relates to building or honing existing skills, or developing new skills to achieve a sense of accomplishment. In

Jamie’s own words, “Dude, video games. Playing video games could lead to any and all of those recovery experiences.” Computer games offer a temporary escape from reality, including our jobs or school. Jamie Madigan is not the only one interested in the effects of games on stress levels. Last year Leonard Reinecke published a study entitled “Games and Recovery: The Use of Video and Computer Games to Recuperate from Stress and Strain.” Building on Binnewies, Sonnentag and Mojza’s research, Reinecke hypothesized that video games could provide an excellent medium to achieve psychological detachment, relaxation, and mastery experiences. In an online survey of 1614 participants, the use of video and computer games for recovery purposes was investigated. The results indicate that computer games can assist in achieving the recovery experience. Persons who associated stronger recovery experiences with game play used video and computer games more often after stressful and exhausting situations. Of course it means choosing the game carefully. What should be a “recovery experience” can soon turn into a nightmare of annoyance and frustration, especially if your fingers just won’t do the controller kung-fu that gets your character to double-jump into a back-flip summersault needed to reach the next level. When you get home tonight tell the kids, no more computer games! Take their controllers, load up their favorite game and spend a little time racing through the streets in a souped-up caddy or blasting through levels of minions and bad guys. You may be surprised at how good you feel when you beat a level or pw0n some n00bs.

End of year Gift Guide What we all want WRITER Sara Booley

For the kid

For the bookworm Kindle 2 Global Wireless Reading Device. Say goodbye to trips to the book store and say hello to your very own Kindle library! The paper-thin device uses 3G or EDGE connectivity allowing users to download newspapers, magazines, blogs and books in less than 60 seconds each. Its 6” diagonal E Ink® display gives the screen the appearance of a physical book instead of a computerised screen display. Kindle allows you to download and store up to 1500 electronic paperbacks, literally like holding a library in one hand! Still not convinced? Kindle has the option of reading aloud to you! Yes, its “text-tospeech” feature allows you to listen whilst you drive or cook, and gives you the option of setting the reading pace faster or slower according to your preference, in a male or female voice! (Price about R1400.00 from amazon.com)

For the workaholic co-worker

What better way to surprise a workaholic than with a device that would allow them to sit by their desktop for longer than they already do? Plug in, and enjoy! (Price about R65-R70 from amazon.com)

Combining traditional toys with a mix of innovation, Meccano has brought back the fun and excitement of model construction toys to the 21st century in a rather unique way! The Meccano tuning radio control car must be built up from the given metal strips, nuts and bolts and once completed, transforms into a radio-controlled car! What makes this multi-functionary toy perfect as a gift, is the fact that it moves slightly away from technological games and instead requires children to think logically and creatively. Suitable for children of 8 years and older. (Prices range from R199 and are available from Reggies toy stores)

For the teenager

Band Hero” (for Playstation2, Playstation3, Xbox360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS) Band Hero takes console gaming to another level! It allows players to perform several songs by a range of international artists of different genres, with controls which take the shape of actual instruments – guitars, drum sets, bass keyboards, and even vocals, all adding to the fun. Entertaining for the entire family, Band Hero will keep you moving and singing in your seats all night long! (Available from Musica, CNA, Incredible Connection. Price ranges between R2000-R2500)

For the technologically advanced Apple iPad. Designed for audio and visual media such as books, emails, social networking, movies, music, games and net-surfing the Apple iPad is the perfect gift for the person on-the-go. Available at wantitall.co.za for R6799.

For dad

Garmin Nuvi 215W. With its host of features, like making hands-free phone calls for you from phone, Dad will enjoy

this easy to use GPS system. Available at iwarehouse.co.za for only R1799 (excl shipping costs)

For the moms

For the animal lover

A luxurious spa treatment. Summer is on its way and the holidays are just around the corner, now could be the perfect time to book her in for a full day of pampering and relaxation. Visit www. southafricanspas.co.za to locate spa’s all around South Africa, especially one closest to you.

Pet’s eye view Camera. Want to keep track of your pet’s every move? This digital camera allows pet-owners to capture what their pet sees, including strange visitors or criminals, thereby using it as a security measure to protect the home. Available from amazon.com for approximately R170. 93

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Tourism Forecast Who’s coming to South Africa WRITER Rishqah Roberts The newly formed Department of Tourism South Africa aims to fulfil the ANC’s goal to create favourable conditions for tourism growth and development. This is expected to increase employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities. It is also anticipated to encourage meaningful participation by previously disadvantaged individuals. The focus is to facilitate the growth of the tourism industry by providing support to the public and private sectors, not forgetting the broader community. The department is headed by the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk. Following the success of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World CupTM there are exciting developments in this sector and many new opportunities have been born for South Africa. The huge accomplishment of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM left South Africans who had immigrated with a mixture of overwhelming pride for the nation of their birth, together with the bitter aftertaste of regret that they left the vibrant nation in the first place. Many of these individuals were of the negative opinion that South Africa could not pull off an event of such magnitude! Slowly but surely, as the countdown to the 96

big event drew to a close, their opinions were transformed. This unleashed a snowball effect around the excitement toward South Africa, thanks to the overflow of documentaries showcasing our vivacious country with it’s adventure, sport, wildlife, safari, culture, heritage, nature, entertainment and leisure. Many foreigners, including South Africans living abroad, who could not make it for the big event began planning vacations down to see Africa’s big five as soon as possible. Visitors to South Africa, between January and July 2010, increased by 18.1% over the same period last year. We can expect that to increase exponentially with 92% of 2010 FIFA World CupTM visitors saying that they would recommend South Africa as a holiday destination to their loved ones. Most visitors said that they, themselves would return. This is according to Response’s World Cup Visitor Survey. The survey asked for the perceptions of the various elements of their experiences in South Africa. These questions included their opinions regarding our roads, accommodation, policing and security as well as the experience at the various stadiums on

the whole. The international press has been positive, leaving South Africa with a post World Cup glow of a nation whose hard work put into showcasing the biggest football event as an impressive success planted the seeds for a positive future. The majority of South Africa’s employment sector would agree that this positive word of mouth by visitors during the World Cup is a vital component in maintaining the tourism boost post 2010. The Cape office of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa have noted that roughly 16% of the visitors to the Western Cape during the period of the World Cup, have already made bookings allowing them to return to the mother city with other holiday makers. These figures prove correct the age old saying that word of mouth advertising is truly the best. The South African tourism sector together with our economy should be eternally grateful for the kind words of foreigners, who so selflessly and generously advertised us as a world class holiday destination on an international scale.

Richtersveld photo by Thomas Wagner

Tourism Why do South Africans not travel in their own country? WRITER Natasha Braaf We don’t? Apparently not! I have explored the issue and thought it best to hear from the proverbial horses’ mouth. This is what Joe Public and his neighbour had to say: It’s a glamour thing or as some would say: “The Jones factor” (no disrespect intended Mr and Mrs Jones) where it’s cooler to say: “I’ve been to Paris!” than to say: “I’ve been to Parys!” Ignorance is a huge factor. We South Africans just don’t know all the great things our country has to offer. Television and movies make other countries so much more exciting and enticing than the places within our own shores. Who doesn’t want to see where James Bond roamed, or explore Beverley Hills to see where big celebrities walk and eat? Cost is another factor. People maintain they can simply not afford to travel in this 100

economic climate. I could not list all the responses I received, but what comes through clearly from all the feedback I got, is this: SA has to somehow inject more vigour into their marketing strategies, making Mzansi more alluring to us locals. After all, a robust domestic tourism economy is the backbone of the industry. Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism, said: “By traveling locally, South Africans could boost the country’s tourism sector, it’s competitiveness, as well as local economic growth and job creation”. Not for want of trying, as of August 2009 the Department of Tourism and SA Tourism revitalized the Sho’t Left campaign with the launch of September as Tourism month. Sho’t Left is taxi lingo and means a quick getaway or a short trip. The campaign showcases SA as a

fun, affordable and easy to do destination, through television adverts and a weekly television show. This campaign is primarily aimed at young people, be it in spirit or in body, and offers attractive packages making local travel affordable and possible. Through initiatives like these, the efforts of South African Tourism and the partnerships forged with private sector companies like Premier Classe, Shosholoza Meyl, Thompson Holidays, Flight Centre, Computicket Travel, Kulula.com and GoTravel 24, it is clear that brazen efforts are made to make us citizens wake up and smell the Namaquadaisy, roll with the Fynbos and roam with the Big 5 (or is it 6?). www.shotleft.co.za What are we waiting for? Let’s just get in our vehicles, fill up and go! See you there!

The Haven Hotel, Hole in the wall by Graeme Williams

Tourism Summer hotspots WRITER Natasha Braaf Summer approaches. The holiday season is upon us! Bookings need to be made for that sorely needed breakaway. Decisions, decisions! Do we want to let loose or use this precious time for some serious R&R, get in touch with nature and explore the ‘unbeaten’ track? Fortunately we are spoilt for choice in South Africa. There are destinations to suit every palate, from the thrill seekers to those who wish to escape the rat-race and just kick back, albeit for a short while. We chose four “spots” that are quite off the beaten track, but no less desirable. 102

The Haven Nestled on a hill in the Cwebe Dwesa coastal reserve lies The Haven, paradise of the Wild Coast. Outside Mtatha, at the end of a dirt road, best negotiated by 4x4 vehicle, looms the hotel. A majestic view of unpopulated Wild Coast stretches for miles in both directions. As a family adventure, there are many activities available, like fishing at the “Hole in the Wall”, horse-riding, golf, bird-watching, snorkelling, 4x4ing and much more. As Leon de Kock (IOL Travel) so eloquently puts it “there you sit, with an elevated view

We are spoilt for choice. There are destinations to suit every palate, from the thrill seekers to those who wish to just kick back. world. 42.5 kilometres and 4½ days long, the trail hugs the rugged coast line of the Tsitsikama Coastal National Park in the Eastern Cape. Graced with breathtaking sights like the Guano caves and spectacular waterfalls, your journey ends in Nature’s Valley, a small village situated at the mouth of the Groot River. Marooned between a beautiful lagoon and mountainous forest with rich fauna and flora, the valley is the perfect end to a soul rejuvenating experience. The trail affords plenty of bird watching opportunities. If you are really lucky you may see bottle-nosed dolphins frolicking in the waves and whales popping in every now and then. An experience second to none! Dare to be different and lace up that hiking boots! (and don’t forget the aqua)

Above Otter Trail and Natures Valley

of the storm-tossed, white-wine seas, and the lush coastal bush, forgetting that you ever had ambitions.” Sounds like just the place! www.havenhotel.co.za The Limpopo Golf & Safari Route This golfer’s paradise offers 4 top Bushveld golf courses in close proximity, where the best of Golf and Game can be relished in one affordable trip. The route includes the following: Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro, Course designed by Annika Soerenstam the top female

golfer; Legend Golf & Safari Resort, with its renowned extreme19th hole; Zebula Golf Estate & Spa offers encounters with cheetahs and elephants; Elements Private Golf Reserve ranks amongst the top 10. Almost sounds too good to be true! Unfettered fairways for him and Hot Rock-massages for her! When do we leave? www.limpopogolfandsafari.com Otter Trail to Nature’s Valley Not for the faint-hearted, nor for the couch potato, the Otter Hiking Trail ranks amongst the best trails in the

The Maputaland Coral Reef For an alternative holiday experience, head to the KZN Elephant coast, Sodwana Bay and learn to dive. Explore the vast array of unspoilt coral reefs of Maputaland, populated with a huge variety of Indo-Pacific fish and invertebrates. “Coral Divers” offers courses at different levels and will soon turn you into a dive fundi of note, while your family can indulge in quad-biking, horse-riding, kite-boarding and paintball. Day trips to Makhaza Game for Rhino and Buffalo tracking on foot! Maputaland offers a comfortable diving holiday experience, with the rustic appeal of an out-of-way bush camp. There’s even a night club where you can dance the night away! Maybe now’s your chance to go dive for that treasure you know you are destined to find! www.coraldivers.co.za These venues certainly offer the perfect get-aways! 103

MOVIES & THEATRE WRITER Farah Abdurahman Inception Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Duration: 148 mins Genre: Action / Sci-Fi Rating: **** Imagine being able to delve into the dreams of others and extract any information at will. Inception, explores the concept of dream invasion. Leonardo DiCaprio is Dom Cobb, specialist in the art of extracting information from sleeping subjects. This movie is a definite must-see!

Joe Barber 5, School Cuts Written by: Heinrich Reisenhofer Rating: ***1/2

Womb Tide Written by: Lara Foot Rating: *** An unconventional love story told through the memory of a child. The play is at once moving, humorous, dark, heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive. Womb Tide is set in South Africa in the mid twentieth century. It follows a dysfunctional family through a story of love, loss and hope. It paints a generalized portrait of the complexities of family life. Truly inspiring! 106

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time again. Time to take out your old school uniforms and pull up your socks as comedy legends David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen return with the famous Joe Barber 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; School Cuts. Barber shop owners Boeta Joe and Boeta Gamat are offering their own school-cut specials. They attempt to host a school reunion in the barber shop along with the tattle-tale Washiela who provides the catering. The mix of characters is definitely a recipe for comical disaster! The show is very interactive as the audience is able to get involved with the action on stage and are encouraged to come dressed in their old school uniforms. There are prizes available for the best dressed audience member. The show is hysterically funny and explores the familiar school experience stories. Non stop laughter!

Long Street Starring: Sannie Fox, Roberta Fox, Busi Mhlongo Genre: Drama Rating: *** Set in Cape Town, Long Street is a profound depiction of the fragile relationship between a recovering drug addict and her mother. The relationship is filled with anger and disappointment which stems from the distrust between them. When a Zulu singer enters their lives, there is a dynamic change within in the relationship.

BOOKS & MUSIC WRITER Farah Abdurahman

Wake Up Artist: John Legend & The Roots Rating: ***1/2

Committed

Black Diamond

Author: Elizabeth Gilbert

Author: Zakes Mda

Rating: ***

At the end of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with a Brazilian born Australian citizen, Felipe. The pair resettled in America and vowed fidelity to each other. However, they swore never to get married. Fate intervened in the form of the US government and the two were obligated to get married or Felipe could never return to the US again. Gilbert delves into marriage, unthreads fears, shatters myths and celebrates love. This book allows for the word “marriage” to be looked at in a new light and rediscovers the romance associated with marriage.

This book tells the story of one of the most extraordinary companies of our time. Approximately 64 million people use Google in more than one hundred languages to search for anything and everything. Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the 32 year old founders of this empire, have taken Google from being just another internet startup company to an internet powerhouse with a market value of over US$ 80 billion. Vise takes the reader on a journey of the duo’s creation and growth of the company. He also looks at the difficulties and challenges of Google.

108

John Legend and The Roots offer listeners a sweltering new album featuring music from the 60’s and 70’s. The underlying theme of awareness, engagement and consciousness basically tells the listener to Wake Up!

Jekyll & Hyde Artist: Prime: Prime Circle Rating: **** The latest offering from Prime Circle is softer and features a more melodic edge. Tracks like ‘Breathing’ and ‘Everything You Want’ showcase the bands ability to deliver powerful songs. ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the band’s fourth studio album and it was produced by Theo Crous and Kevin Shirley.

Whistletree

Lodge Whistletree Lodge is delightfully different and combines an atmosphere of old world charm with a unique modern style. Being situated in Queenswood, close to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s embassies, University of Pretoria, shops and restaurants, make it the perfect base for visitors to South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city. The fourteen en-suite bedrooms include a luxurious Presidential Suite with a private lounge and study area. All rooms are beautifully decorated in lavish, period style, with fine attention to detail. Each bedroom has its own balcony, telephone, satellite television and facilities for making tea and coffee. In addition to breakfast, we offer light snacks throughout the day and dinner on request. Business people can make use of the boardroom and a range of office facilities, while leisure facilities include a swimming pool and sauna. Its tranquil environment makes Whistletree Lodge the ideal, luxurious home-from home and excellent stop over en route to the Kruger Park and many more destinations in South Africa. 1267 Whistletree Drive, Queenswood, Pretoria PO Box 11156, Queenswood, 0121 Tel: +27 (0)12 333 9915 Fax: +27 (0)12 333 9917 Email: wtree@icon.co.za

www.whistletree.co.za

For the love of ArT Get art WRITER Gary M Petersen For most people, venturing into buying art can be a nerve wrecking exercise. The art world is often seen as in-accessible, pompous and exclusive. Yet in our daily lives we are all surrounded by art in some form – our choice of home, our furniture, our kitchen appliance, the car we drive... the list goes on. How often have you been surprised when viewing a painting or advertisement, how the views of a person you think you know very well, differ significantly to yours. In many cases we leave the conversation having formed a judgment about said individuals “taste”. In the world of art we find ourselves enjoying and appreciating different art styles, periods, forms and designs. It can be intimidating, complex and seemingly in-accessible. The snobbery alone is enough to make any potential buyer flee. But it does not have to be that way. Let us take the purchase of a painting. When deciding to buy a painting, start by asking yourself a few questions. Where do I want to put it, how much would I like to spend, what do I want the piece to do for me and how do I want it to make me feel. The decision for each of those questions may lead you to a very different piece of art. The piece you choose for your bedroom, lounge, hallway, reception area, office, kitchen, restaurant, etc will determine the style and often the size of the painting. Next is the stage that most people fear – sourcing the painting. Whether the motivation to buy is purely decorative or purely investment related it is recommended that you start with a reputable art dealer. The two motivations do not have to be mutually exclusive. One could buy to satisfy both the investment and the decorative criteria. I always encourage potential buyers to explore widely, ask questions about 110

the artist, don’t be intimidated by the perceived sanctity of the gallery, go with your heart, compare pieces and if possible hang it in the area you wish to display it. The light in different parts of your house and at different times of the day may differ significantly. While there are step by step guidelines to purchasing art, in most instances the purchase may be entirely impulsive. Provided that you are not staking your pension fund on it, the impulsive buys can sometimes turn out to be the most satisfying and even the most valuable pieces of your collection. While art is very personal and subjective it can make for an excellent gift to someone special. A birthday present, a gift to a business partner, client, friend or even grandchild. In South Africa, today, we are faced with a myriad of choices of great South African artists. My personal favourite art is that which reflects South African life and depicts local landscapes and the lives of everyday people. Artists who reflect these styles are widely spread. Some of the more notable are Sandy Esau, Pieter

Uitlander, Solomon Siko, Kerwin Cupido to name but a few. All the best advice in the world aside, the appreciation and love of art is what really counts. The way it makes you feel, the way it reflects your personal style and the joy it give you, or mood it puts you in is what matters. Do not be overwhelmed by the “taste” element or what other people may think. Enjoy it first, take it in, play with it and over a period of time you will settle on a preferred style. The joy of looking at your collection over a period and the way it reflects your mood when you bought it, the stage of your life and the precious moments and time of purchase will all make you smile with satisfaction. That is the best investment. Gary Petersen is the Owner of Get Art. He has collected South African art for 22 years. His mission is to make art more accessible to all South Africans. He can be contacted via email on: gmpetersen@ mweb.co.za or on cell 082 823 1526

“Your furniture in your home reflects your taste, your art reflects your soul” Anonymous

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RESTAURANT REVIEW Savoy Cabbage WRITER Mark & Roxy Rosenberg This issue your dicerning dining duo visit the Savoy Cabbage in Cape Town. While the restaurant has been around for years and carries a good name in the dining faternity it was our very first time. We made our booking for seven and arrived promptly on time. On entering through large iron gates you enter into a multi levelled restaurant with equisite chandeliers shaped in glass leaves of cabbages. Deciding to sit upstairs we were led to our table by a friendly staff member. We were the very first guests for the evening. While this sometimes raises concerns the restaurant quickly filled up with what seemed like the regulars. Once seated I tucked straight into the fresh bread and butter on offer, always a favourite for me and I was not dissapointed. After a few minutes we were presented with butternut tartlets to get our tastebuds going, compliments of the chef, delicious. The Savoy Cabbage has an interesting policy of no music in the restaurant, much to my wifes dissapointment as she is a music lover. While I have come accross this policy before, I never quite understood it. But with good conversation, excellent food and ambient surrounds one hardly notices the lack of music. 112

We were presented with the menus a single sheet of paper and first thing I noticed was there was no desserts listed. I was suprised, my wife more so. Upon enquiring to our waitress she explained there was a seperate menu for dessert, now that got me impressed sounds verry promising. The other thing i noticed about the menu was the single sheet of paper not quite what one expects from a restarant of this callibre. Again on enquiring from the waitress, who by now was getting a little suspicious, she explained that the menu is changed daily, and therefore needs to be reprinted on a daily basis, wow now that is impressive. After about ten minutes we decided on our mains we skipped starters to make way for the dessert. My wife chose the chicken breast with spinach and feta served with creamed polenta with chives. Her words, delicious with a strong chive flavour. I went with the beef sirloin with mushrooms all cooked in red wine and I was not dissapointed. Tender, tasty and cooked to perfection served up in small slices. My only comment was the mushrooms were overpowered by a slight sour taste I can only imagine was from the red wine. All the food is beatifully presented which only adds more to the

enjoyment of the food. To accompany our food we each had a glass of Hartenberg Riessling. At this point in the evening after finishing up our mains I was getting excited for the desserts, again I have to mention they have a seperate menu for desserts. The soft centred chocolate pudding with vanilla ice cream and the white chocolate bread pudding with vanilla creme anglaise were both too obvious choices we decided for the sake of the readers we would try the not so obvious choices. My wife chose the coconut tart served with vanilla ice cream. Moist sweet tart offset perfectly with the ice cream, a delightfull combination. I went for the strawberry crumble with ginger ice cream. It was served in a shallow piping hot dish. I was worried about the ginger ice cream but was pleasantly suprised, it was delicious, not too overpowering, a slight hint of ginger. The Savoy Cabbage is a great restaurant. It deserves to be explored a little more. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for our next visit.

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Events November to January WRITER Sara Booley

Evita Tthe Musical, Cape Town Catch the unforgettable story about the life of Argentine political leader Evita – starting from her young, ambitious days and leading up to her days of wealth, power and eventual death. A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the performance promises to get you singing along to the memorable “Don’t cry for me Argentina”. The musical will be showcased from 08 November 2010 until 15 January 2011 in Cape Town at Camps Bay’s Theatre on the Bay. Tickets will be available at R12500 each. Five: 20 - Operas Made in South Africa, Cape Town Five:20 premiers at the Baxter Theatre from the 21 to 27 November. Presented by Cape Town Opera, the University of Cape Town Opera School and the Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts these five 20-minute long operas have been written by South African composers and writers to celebrate the South African College of Music’s Centenary year. If you’d like to get a good intro to South African opera. Tickets start at R100 and are available through Cape Town Opera and Computicket. The Black Tie Ensemble’s Annual Christmas Concert, Pretoria Start your Christmas season with the Black Tie Ensemble who take the opportunity to raise funds for various children’s charities. Audience members are invited to bring small gifts to the show and contribute towards the BTE fundraising. The BTE brings you great entertainment to set the mood for Christmas, including traditional Christmas carols sang in a mix of solo performances and ensembles. The concert will take place at the ZK Matthews Hall, Unisa in Pretoria. Tickets cost R110. Be sure not to miss this one on 05 December between 15h00 to 17h00. 114

South Coast Christmas Market, Margate The Hibiscus Coast welcomes you to come and enjoy a delightful Christmas shopping experience with a wonderful festive atmosphere. The market offers several innovative and creative gifts of high quality and value for money. If you’re thinking of visiting the overcrowded malls in Margate think again. Try the Christmas Market for refreshingly different ideas this Christmas! The market runs from 10 - 30 December 2010. Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival, Franschhoek This year Franschhoek brings you the “Magic of Bubbles” Cap Classique & Champagne Festival for the fifth year running. Visitors will enjoy a taste of French heritage mixed with South African winelands, hosted under a marquee on the surrounds of the Huguenot Monument. Samples include Cap Classique wines as well as champagne, paired with delicacies prepared by local restaurants. Takes place on the weekend of 03 December 2010. Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City For the more “serious” sport-inclined, the

annual Nedbank golf challenge is the place to be this year! The tournament, not for the faint-hearted, will be held from 02 - 05 December 2010 at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City. Be sure to book your tickets at Computicket! R80 per adult, R40 per child (between ages 12 and 18). Durban Good Food and Wine Show, Durban An exciting twist of different tastes and flavours hosted by the Durban Exhibition Centre, the Good Food and Wine Show is more of an experience than an expo. The show takes place between 25 - 28 November 2010, and invites you to sample a variety of different cuisines and wines. The show also hosts culinary workshops and Lindt Chocolate Master Classes! Be sure to catch BBC celebrity chefs in the “Chefs in Action Theatre”, whilst the kids are entertained by CBeeBies presenters Sid and Katy Ashworth. For more information on the show’s programme, visit http://www. gourmetsa.com/buy-tickets. Tickets are available from Computicket, at R60 per adult and R30 per child (between ages 3 and 12).

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FASHION Season trends WRITER Stacey Metcalfe In a world where almost anything goes, the hard and fast rules for corporate dressing have blurred, with the emphasis shifting from conservative to an interpretation of professional styling. Fortunately for us this season, major trending has focused on men’s wear inspired tailoring, bringing in a mix of masculinity vs femininity, further intertwining gender equality in the work place. It’s boardroom elegance with a mannish twist. New season trends are office-friendly without ever looking staid or boring. This season most definitely focuses on combining classic lines and cuts with edgy tailoring and prints to bring a bold new elegance to the office. To get this look for women, basic wardrobe must-haves are needed - a trouser suit, pencil skirt and simple white blouse are key. You want to keep these key items very wearable and luxurious, and they are pieces you want to keep timeless. For men, from the simple golf polo shirts to T-shirts and jerseys, jackets to jeans and suiting, all these are every man’s key wardrobe. The only changes in latest trends include a few new interest colours and statement pieces. The trends change, but the basics always remain. For office wear, many men tend to choose black and white outfits, because these colors are simple, classic and “safe”. But life is not about black and white this season. Add textured garments or other colors like navy blue, light gray or even purple. Besides wearing a suit or blazer, you can also opt for light-weight button-down cardigans, which have been popular for a few seasons. Pair a retro-style cardigan over a button-down textured shirt and tailored pants. Ladies Trousers have two shapes this season - tailored and straight, or tailored and wide. In fact, the wider and more flowing the better, so long as the waistline is high. The pockets provide detail, and the overall look gives off an elegant elongated shape. A dark washed 116

ladies tailored pants

ladies wide pants

left ~ boyfriend jacket right ~ retro-style cardigan over a button-down textured shirt and tailored pants

pencil skirts skinny denim is also now acceptable in the workplace, but remember to keep shape and fit in mind. Pencil skirts should fit to the knee or just above, and be worn with one of the seasons key flowing blouses as a contrast, to stay on trend. Light and flowing are the two key words to remember when picking out your shirts and blouses for this season. Lace and silk are everywhere, keeping ones look fresh and clean. Tuxedo and boyfriend jackets are another item that are a must have this season. They are great items to take your workwear look into the evening. If this look is just not your style, dresses have always been a key work-wear staple and have taken the runway by storm – they’re so easy to wear and usually give more than a hint of smart glamour. Shift

dresses are super fashionable for the Spring 2010 work-wear wardrobe. Forget about blending into the background in a plain grey, pick out something with a splash of colour, and accentuate it with some well-placed accessories to stand out from the crowd. Update dresses by teaming them with boots for Spring. Knee-highs are probably a bit risqué for the office, so it’s time to discover the trendy world of ankle and shoe boots. Working feet can relax – the comfortable mid-heel is the height to strut around in this season. Mid-heel boots or shoes with city shorts, a new work-wear staple, are also making a return for Spring and Summer 2010. Team these looks with slightly understated accessories. When thinking leather shoes, bags and belts, opt for

the tans and browns verses the black. Clutch handbags are making a return in corporate dressing for women, leaving the slouch, oversized bag for the weekend. Even the simplest garment can work magic on you so long as it reflects the artistic eye of the designer in regard to the perfect fit as well as showing the happiness of choice in its colors. Colour-wise, flesh and putty tones are popular for Spring. Think pink but not quite. These colours are great for work because of their muted hue, which says “feminine” as well as “professional.” For a really on-trend look, mix these colours with black and grey hues. Green is also definitely a colour trend for 2010/2011, for both men and women, as long as it is a natural green - think khaki and olive.

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FASHION PROFILE Errol Arendz WRITER Farah Abdurahman Blessed with an eye for detail, Errol Arendz, the artist, designer and creator of beautiful garments and shoes, has ingrained his name on the society pages. From our shores to the America’s and beyond, his creations adorn many a beautiful women – a testament to Errol’s talent and a further feather in the cap of our country and what it has to offer the world. Errol is very humble of his achievements and sees it as a stepping stone towards the next fabulous creation. Beyond spoke to him to find out more.

I feel the industry has lost its creativity and once one style is put out there, you find many duplicates.

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Who is Errol Arendz? The list is way too long. As an artist, you are conditioned to take on many characteristics and at times you just have to slot in and make people feel comfortable. I am a very simple person in my mind but find when speaking to others, I am more complex than I thought. I am a perfectionist who constantly pursues perfection with a gentle nature. However, I can become a little aggressive when others do not “tow” the line. Who or what inspires you when designing? Every designer is influenced by another designer. I don’t have a particular designer that influences me as the fashion industry is fickle; I may give you a name and then read this article a month later and think, “What on earth was I thinking?” [Laugh] Though, I am inspired by what the people need. I design according to what the customer wants and also try to always improve on my current designs from season to season.

What are your plans for the Errol Arendz brand? I’m not entirely sure. As it is, I only make daily plans, there is no time to stop and think about the future. Fashion is all about the “now” and forces me to take it as it comes. I feel as if though I’m in this process of change, I’m just too busy to notice. I am launching my free to wear range in stores soon. However, there are new opportunities where my collection will be moved into Europe and Australia. What are your thoughts on the fashion industry at the moment? Repetitiveness is the order of the day. I feel the industry has lost its creativity and once one style is put out there, you find many duplicates. How do you feel about your significant contribution to the industry? Well, I don’t feel like I have made a difference and that is why I’m still pursuing this idea of perfection. When I see my clothes being worn, I feel good only for that moment and thereafter the moment passes. Any words of wisdom for up and coming local designers? If you want to pursue a career as a designer, you have to be prepared for sacrifice, hard work and sleepless nights! You need to be enthusiastic, passionate and feel like you were born to design! Your work needs to define you! www.errolarendz.co.za

THE Drakenstein Municipality Drakenstein Local Municipal area is 1538km² in size and stretches from Simondium in the South all along the Klein Drakenstein, Limiet and Saron mountain ranges in the East, the R45 and the Berg River in the West, up to and including Saron in the North. Population is close to 200 000, the 5 cluster towns range from Paarl with 126000 inhabitants, 55 000 in Wellington, to 8000 – 9000 in the 3 rural towns of Hermon, Gouda and Saron. 64% of the Population of Drakenstein is Coloured, 21% African and 15% White. Each of the towns has its own distinct place in the early Cape settlements history, ranging from Paarl as thriving settlement of the early Dutch and Huguenot Vrijburgers to Saron as one of the Moravian mission settlements spread around the Cape. PAARL Paarl occupies the overall third position in the ranking with reference to the Development index. Its high development status is driven in particular by the Composite Human Resources, Institutional Services, Economic Sector, Commercial Services and Market Potential factors. This is also in accordance with the town’s balanced and diverse economic basis. The poor performance of Regional Vitality and Economic Change are related to the relative decline of the manufacturing sector at the expense of stronger growth in finances, trade and agriculture. The alarming level of Human Needs (rank 109) is the result of incoming migrants trying to link with the town’s high development potential. Next to George, Paarl is the largest town outside of the City of Cape Town in terms of population numbers. It has an extensive resource base. The head office of Drakenstein Municipality is located here, while it also provides services to towns outside of the municipality, like Wolseley and Franschhoek, and the town has some of the best known secondary education institutions in South Africa.

Paarl also accommodates several wellknown international companies (British American Tobacco, Pioneer Foods, Del Monte Fresh Produce and Capespan International), cultural historical attractions of world renown, and it is also the headquarters of the Western Cape wine industry (KWV). The manufacturing industry includes the clothing and textile sector. The commercial sector is well developed and is complemented by well developed financial and professional services. The town thus has a diversified economic base which is still expanding. The diversity of the natural environment and the rural and cultural historical character add to the high potential of the town as a tourist destination. There is a lack of land for lateral expansion of the town which can be attributed to the highpotential agricultural soil surrounding the town and its configuration between Paarlberg and the Berg River. This is why a possible merger with Wellington is so important and why further cooperation between these two towns is essential. Protecting the unique character of the town has to be a priority and development has to be selective in order to preserve the historical and semi-rural character of the town. The natural environment, which includes the Berg River, Paarlberg and the Drakenstein Mountains, complements the historic architecture of the town. Given its optimal setting in relation to metropolitan markets and services, as well as its agricultural, industrial and commercial economic basis, Paarl still has further growth potential to be realised. WELLINGTON The town scored ‘High’ on both the quantitative and qualitative Development ranking scales. The components mainly supporting the composite Development Potential index at rank eight in the province are Human Resources, Institutional and Commercial Services, the Economic Sector structure and Market Potential. The change indicators (Economic Change, Regional Vitality and Human Resource Change) score relatively low values.

This, however, is the situation in most of the bigger towns, because percentages calculated on smaller absolute numbers give the smaller towns an advantage in this regard. The Human Needs factor reveals a ‘Low’ position (rank 61) with quality of life not a pronounced problem in general. Wellington is a well-known educational centre (Huguenot College, Cape Peninsula Technikon satellite campus, schools, etc.), an agricultural service centre for the surrounding intensive farming communities, as well as a residential area for people working in Paarl and in the Cape Town Metropole. The economic base of Wellington is still embedded in agriculture, with growth in agro-related industries (wine, fruit juice, bottling, wine-tank production, dried fruit processing, etc.) The beautiful surroundings, rural lifestyle as well as relatively affordable plots attract urbanites. Growth occurs specifically in the residential market, given the beautiful surroundings and the short distance to Paarl (± 8 km) and the metropole (± 60 km). The close proximity of Wellington and Paarl creates opportunities for interaction, but this can also be negative in terms of competition between the towns. Closer co-operation between the two towns is necessary for continued growth. A good resource base supports the economy of Wellington (fertile agricultural land, as well as accessible industrial location in terms of marketing and available labour). The scenic natural environment and a rich cultural-historical heritage not only attract permanent inhabitants from Cape Town, but also offer a base for further tourism development. The town has an optimal setting in terms of markets and good connections via road and railway transport. Given the town’s strengths in terms of agriculture, tourism, education and industrial sectors, a positive growth potential is predicted for Wellington.

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Enjoy true South African game lodge hospitality on the Garden Route KIDS & FAMILIES ARE especially WELCOME at Buffalo Hills - an unusual and interesting game lodge near Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s Garden Route coast. “We founded Buffalo Hills - and we still run regular Kids Go Free specials because the experience of nature should always be a family one,” said owner Tony Kinahan. “We also realised from the start that it’s important that wilderness experiences should be interactive, and, because we don’t have any of the ‘dangerous’ animals, kids (and their parents) can run pretty much free on the Reserve - which allows them a rare opportunity to discover things for themselves,” he said. Organised facilities and attractions are important, too, of course, and Buffalo Hills offers guided safari game drives and game walks, whilst local cycling company, Mountain Biking Africa, arranges bike tours in and around the Reserve. Guests who have their own bikes may also ride without guides, and unguided trail running, walking, and birding are also allowed. “Mountain Biking Africa’s tours are designed according to the guest’s ability, and range in length from half a day 126

upwards, with overnight and multi-day trails also available,” said Tony. He said, though, that the Buffalo Hills has one totally unique attraction - its own mampoer distillery. “Mampoer is the traditional drink of many South Africans, and our distillery will probably remind you of the wild days of gold rushes and transport riders. “Of course, our product is a lot tamer than the firewater those guys used to make, and today we distil it, and then steep it in fruit for months on end to create a wonderfully diverse selection of liqueurs - from the citrusy van der Hum to the strong-as-a-buffalo Chili Strawberry. “And everyone who takes a game drive or game walk at Buffalo Hills enjoys a mampoer tasting and tour of our Nyati jjj Distillery,” said Tony. Buffalo Hills offers accommodation in luxury, en-suite safari tents and luxury rooms, and rates include boma-style dinner, bed (with a complimentary shot of Nyati Mampoer), and breakfast - and most also include an afternoon game drive and a guided morning game walk. It’s also a favourite wedding venue (which bride could resist arriving at her reception by horse and carriage, and with an audience of giraffe, impala, wildebeest,

zebra, bontebok and eland?), and it can accommodate small conferences and corporate break-aways. But above all, Buffalo Hills’ most important asset is the laid-back friendliness of its owners and their staff and their unbeatable, South African-style hospitality. “Everyone who’s ever been to Buffalo Hills has become a friend for life,” said Tony. Buffalo Hills is an African Adventure but more importantly, it’s an investment in the future. If you want to be a part of this exciting project, please call Tony Kinahan: +27(0)82 771 9370. Buffalo Hills and the Nyati jjj Mampoer Liqueurs Distillery are open to both overnight guests and day visitors - every day of the year. Telephone +27(0)44 535 9739, buffalohills@mweb.co.za, www. buffalohills.co.za Directions: From the N2, take the Wittedrif / Prince Alfred’s Pass turnoff (5 km east of Plettenberg Bay); take the first left - to Wittedrif - and the first right (the Stofpad Road - which ends at the reserve’s gate). GPS Coordinates 33° 59’ 44.22” South 23° 17’ 37.83” East

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BONGI-M CONSTRUCTION BONGI-M CONSTRUCTION (BMC) brings a fresh and innovative approach to Civil Engineering and Construction services enabling the organisation to be highly effective and flexible as a service provider. The company achieves this through its distinguished functional and technical expertise combined with a hands-on approach, thereby ensuring that clients receive the most effective and professional service. The success of BMC has enabled it to grow into a profitable entity which oversees the delivery of multi-million rand projects and programmes ranging from refurbishments, maintenance and developments. Over its operational life it has adopted labour intensive methods with the consent of communities. As a result of the company’s strong and motivational leadership, Part of the BMC vision is to encourage and provide employment opportunities for those with a strong interest in construction, in particular those from underprivileged communities. This vision has cultivated an innovative way of thinking, accountability and empowerment in the work place which has encouraged career development and progression within its staff. BMC’s main goal is to exceed the expectations of every client by offering outstanding customer service, increasing flexibility, and greater value thus optimising the development of communities’ infrastructure and education. Its tremendous track record in skills transfer and the development of emerging engineers and professionals in career development through the provision of university and college bursaries has enabled it to be continuously innovative. The company’s clientele base includes Johannesburg Water, City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Public Works, Gauteng Department of Education, South Africa Social Security Agency BMC VALUES Empowerment of staff with conduct and integrity rendered by the management team, Build strategic long term relationships with clients, Practice and encourage social responsibility, Give due recognition to the respect of human rights, Respect the well-being of employees treating them fairly ARCHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY Managing Member was appointed as a member of CIDB stakeholder forum in 2009, CIDB Women in Construction Award 2009, Nominated as the “Best Managed-black and female owned company by Black Business Quarterly Magazine (BONGI-M CONSTRUCTION was in the top three finalists), Managing Member was part of the seminar that endorsed the publishing of JBCC Agreements, Nominated for Best Established SMME Award in 2009 & 2010 by Black Business Quarterly (South Africa’s top black business publication), Nominated as an Excellent Women in Engineering and Technology by Group Five and University of Johannesburg Physical Address 76 Main Reef Road. Lindhaven, Roodepoort Postal Address 386 Cabot Avenue, Lindhaven, Roodepoort, 1724 Tel 011 760 3445 Fax 011 760 3994 Cell 082 334 3272 Email info@bongim.com

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Alfred Nzo District Municipality The Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) covers the north Eastern Cape, bordering Lesotho and Kwa-Zulu Natal and incorporates towns such as Matatiele, Maluti, Mount. Ayliff and Mount Frere. These towns fall within two of the local municipalities of ANDM, Matatiele Local Municipality (MLM) and Umzimvubu Local Municipality (ULM). Xhosa is the predominantly spoken language in most areas within the district municipality however Sesotho is the most spoken language in the town of Matatiele and its surrounding areas. ANDM has remote, mountainous areas which have become popular as tourist attractions. The Mehloding Adventure Hiking Trail, located in the relatively unexplored southern Drakensberg, takes you on a path of rich, diverse, cultural heritage. The picturesque and welcoming town of Matatiele forms the perfect gateway to the trail. The route traverses spectacular mountainous foothills and rural villages, taking in visits to ancient rock art sites, sparkling streams, indigenous trees, medicinal plants, crafts projects and top of the world views. Guests can also explore the mountainous foothills of the Maluti Drakensberg on a fully supported, guided mountain bike and horseback trail. It is a delight experiencing the downhill thrills of organic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sleigh-trailsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, contoured cattle paths and high-plateau riding. Guests can also stay overnight in comfortable mountain chalets with hot showers, stunning views and a friendly host to provide delicious traditional homecooked meals. For those looking for a quite getaway one can relax at friendly rural Masakala guesthouse, close to Matatiele. Masaka marks the beginning of the Mehloding Adventure Hiking Training. For first time visitors and tourists to the area, tours such as meeting local sangomas and enjoying traditional entertainment can be arranged. Within ULM there is currently under implementation a tunnel and hydroponics tomato production initiative. The project is currently at the establishment phase where the focus is on the provision of sufficient infrastructure, operational, technical and administrative support; to ensure commercial sustainability of the initiative. The project comprises of two hydroponics proj-

ects, the Ubunye Youth Primary Co-operative and the KwaKheta Hydroponics Co-operative, who have been identified as having shown great personal ambition in their endeavours of empowering themselves in the pursuit of economic success. These entities, amongst others, have been supported by the Thina Sinako Provincial Local Economic Development Programme, Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Alfred Nzo District Municipality. Once all the necessary infrastructure has been established for the project, the two cooperatives will function as tomatoe producing enterprises. In order to strengthen Local Economic Development (LED) support, Alfred Nzo District is in addition focusing on improving available capacity for LED within the District. The District has secured grant funding that will finance an initiative specifically designed to improve upon LED processes within the municipality. The overall objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity and systems of the ANDM to facilitate, support and manage LED in an efficient and effective manner. Initially the project will consider the available capacity within the district for LED in terms of the human resource component, internal systems of the municipality for effective LED operations and availability and functionality of institutional arrangements for LED within the district. This process has been initiated through a situational analysis phase, which entails needs specification and documentation of outcomes of this research phase. The final outcome for this project will be an Institutional Capacity Building Plan where components of the plan will be rolled out within the scope of the current project. The project will enable the improvement of the internal institutional environment for LED and create the necessary capacity required for effective and efficient LED planning and implementation. The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA), the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (DLGTA), together with District Municipalities in the Province, have since 2008 been leading an effort to consolidate an integrated, better-coordinated and

more effective local economic development support system in the Province. While started by the aforementioned institutional partners, the initiative has also involved ECDC, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Social Development, as well as other public sector institutions gradually coming on board, inclusive of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). Towards the goal stated above, discussion among these institutional partners has, among other outcomes, conceived of a multi-layered LED planning and support system that will function at various levels of the public system, in line with key development support and facilitation policy as well as frameworks mandating intergovernmental collaboration. In order to achieve regional functionality of these collaborative efforts to consolidate an integrated, better synchronized and more successful LED support system, through the Thina Sinako Local Economic Development Support Programme Alfred Nzo District Municipalities has established a District Support Team (DST) for its region. Defined, the District Support Team is a critical agency lever within the LED facilitation, support and management system. It is where a deeper skill for coordination and technical facilitation should lie, to provide technical support to prevailing inter-governmental relations (IGR), strengthen the technical robustness of regional and local LED fora and structures, as well as guidance and mentoring to development agents at the local municipality and community levels. Members of the DST are skilled in both generic technical facilitation and support skills, as well as skills specific to their departmental mandates, all integrated to provide a comprehensive technical response to local development needs. The DST for ANDM has been established and is fully functional, aiming at improving regional economic development for the district, through strengthened institutional arrangements. This structure is particularly important for LED within the region as it has been envisaged to take the lead in regional and local economic development for the District. As highlighted the DST brings together a range of technical expertise and finan-

cial and non-financial support for collaborative LED planning and implementation support. It is envisaged that through this structure sustainable implementation of high impact initiatives for LED will be achieved.

SIYATHEMBA MUNICIPALITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Proposal to design, development and source investment for tourism site. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to invite responses from suitably qualified firms or consortia capable of undertaking the Project and providing the design, construction and finance as required by the Project. The Siyathemba Municipality invites you to participate through making written and electronic proposals submissions. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT The main objective of the proposed services is to engage a competent and qualified firm to design and implement the intended tourism Development. The following developments are planned for in this area: • Up-market Residential (Golf) Estate • Proposed New Holiday Resort • Improve Camping sites; Infrastructure already exist on part of the Bos area called Leibrand Eiland • A Shopping Centre with Waterfront Apartments (Restaurant) on river bank • Golf Course Development • Landscaped Recreational Parks with Sport Facilities(Academy), Gymnasium, Swimming Pool and Show grounds (Host yearly event) • Develop water sports, Exploit drift stories and re-institute a Pont over river • Improve Hiking and Mountain Bike trails • Establish Bird viewing points next to river and sewer ponds with a Sanctuary to encourage birding clubs for NC bird counts and viewing • Improve and integrate the Ria Huysamen 132

Aloe Garden • Put up a night-star viewing point SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT The scope of work will include but not restricted to the following: • Review the existing information, feasibility study, strategies and agreements; • Propose innovative suggestion; • Recommend ways to fund and implement the proposal. PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF BIDS All bids should be presented in the following format:• Cover Letter: A one page cover letter signed by a responsible official of the consulting agency/consortium containing the name, postal and email addresses, telephone number and other relevant contact information of the bidder; • Introduction: A brief overview of the assignment as understood by the bidder and an overview of the bidder’s technical approach; • Detailed Technical Proposal: A detailed plan for accomplishing the tasks lay out in the scope of work, including a timetable for completion of main activities. The information submitted should include completion dates for each activity and the schedule of delivery. • Capacity Statement: Background and other relevant information that qualifies the bidder to undertake such an assignment must be included. This should include but not limited to the company profile outlining some of the project that the consultant(s) have been in involved in; estimated costs and duration of the projects; and curriculum vitae of all team

members including details of relevant technical qualification and experience. • References: A list of three former or current clients for who similar work has been done. This information should include their contact details. • Cost Proposal: A detailed budget and propose funding structure under the technical proposal. Interested parties are required to attend a COMPULSORY briefing session and a copy of the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project. The briefing session shall commence at 10:30 am on the 17th November 2010 at the Municipal Building, Victoria Street, Prieska in the Northern Cape. Attending parties must ensure that they obtain an Attendance Certificate as proof of attendance of the briefing session. Any party failing to attend the briefing session shall be disqualified from participating in this tender process DRAFT RFP ADVERTISEMENT Completed Responses must reach the Municipality on or before 12:00 am on the 10th December 2010. Only parties who submit valid responses for the Project shall be considered for pre-qualification and entry to the Request for Proposal process. The Municipality reserves the right to reject all Responses or amend, modify, postpone, withdraw or terminate the Request for Proposal or at any time. For more information contact Mr. J. Basson at 053 353 5304 Jakob@siyathemba.gov.za. Notice No. 21 /2010, Municipal Offices Victoria Street, PO Box 16, Prieska 8940 Mr. G.J. Bessies Municipal Manager

Klein Paradys GAME LODGE Enjoy quality time out! Sunrises and Sunsets at Klein Paradys come free, and are unparalleled food for the soul. Come and enjoy our unforgettable game drives. Facing the Lodge is bubbling river and a natural water feature creating an unequalled tranquillity. The Lodge is home to most of the big 5 as well as Giraffes, Sables, Eland, Golden Wildebeest, Antelope and many more. Klein Paradys Game Lodge, is family-run and offers its visitors a comfortable stay in the bush. Besides five bedrooms which can sleep 9 people ie 3 couples and 3 singles, it also has a 2 bedroom lodge to sleep 4/5 people. The Lodge is self-catering and a cleaning service is available. Klein Paradys Game Lodge is situated in Derby, North West Province, a mere 130Kms from Johannesburg and Pretoria â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the drive takes approximately 1 hour.

Please Contact: Bert Groenewald +27(0)82 453 8301

Greening and the million trees programme The Million Trees Programme was initiated in the year 2007 as part of the bigger initiative of greening the country. The objective is to ensure the planting of at least one million trees annually by various stake holders which primarily include municipalities. The programme is aimed at addressing poverty alleviation by dealing with issues of environment, food security and malnutrition. This programme is part of the many initiatives that are trying to address the imbalances created by the previous dispensation, where previously disadvantaged areas (villages and townships) were not included in the planning and implementation of greening programmes. The main focus of the programme is in the most under resourced areas of the country and it is implemented in line with Section 32 of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998) which provides for assistance for community forestry. Community forestry includes the planting of trees by any person or organ of State for aesthetic reasons or to improve the quality of life. This provision supports the implementation of the Million Trees Programme as a component of the bigger greening strategy of the Department. Greening of our landscapes and the planting of trees for beautification, aesthetic value and nutrition form part of community forestry services.

Central to the greening function and the Million Trees Programme is the creation and the strengthening of our society’s awareness on the value and benefits of trees in our lives. Trees benefit our lives in a number of ways;, we may consider a number of products that we derive from trees such as building materials, paper, fibre, oils, gums, syrups, pharmaceutical products, fruit and nuts. We also recognize the visual benefits we reap from trees as leaves change colour from season to season, and small trees grow into larger trees. Trees provide more than just products and ornamental beauty; they offer an almost endless list of environmental and economic benefits, some of which are crucial to our wellbeing. Trees produce oxygen while using up carbon dioxide. Scientists contend that the over- abundance of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere will lead to the “greenhouse effect” a process that ultimately lead to the general warming of our earth. Tree foliage can filter smog, ash and pollen as well as trapping dust. Soil is conserved by trees; falling leaves and needles decompose providing rich nutrients for the soil. The roots of trees prevent soil erosion and tree canopies reduce flooding and rainfall run-off. A tree’s various parts absorb sound waves, deflect the waves in different

directions, and thereby reduce the sound’s intensity. Properly placed evergreen trees act as a windbreak and an insulator. In the winter, this can translate into lower home heating. Deciduous trees will if strategically placed provide shade to a home’s roof and outside walls, and can help reduce air conditioning costs in the summer. Property values are enhanced by the beauty and charm of the landscape offered by trees. They break up the monotony of masonry, cement, metal and glass along city streets and sidewalks. Areas with trees often attract more people (e.g. tourists, customers). Recreational places benefit from the presence of trees. Trees are a valuable resource providing both environmental and economic benefits. By planting even a single tree, eventually making a contribution to the million trees, the country can make a big difference. Each tree will help to contribute to cleaner air, lower energy costs, greater protection of our soil and water supplies, reduced noise levels, contribute to food security and a more ambient environment in which to live. Working together we can do more in greening our country! Ms Phindiwe Dingile 012 336 8750

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Beyond the Beat Here and there and everywhere WRITER Brow Beat What is writer’s block, you may ask, as I’m slowly picking up my pen and trying to squeeze out little bits of ink, painstakingly trying to find that next word that is forever eluding me? Is this what it is like when great writers go “underground” in search of their next story – or is this the great writer’s drought that people sometimes talk about? I hate to think that I have lost the plot or that I have lost some of my marbles in the search for that one storyline that will bring it all together. This makes me question how one keeps on creating great pieces of work that may become gems in later years. The question begs, how do the film producers/ writers come up with the next film and the storylines which accompanies it? How do prolific writers keep on churning out books in short succession? Is it just me and my soggy brain that has given up and lost the words, somewhere amongst the myriads of cells in my brain? Or is it that one’s brain sometimes goes into overdrive and decides by itself what it wants to focus on and where it wants to take you! I remember some advice given to me not so long ago – “mental gymnastics” for those nearing the abyss! Train your brain and sustain it with healthy eating. “I am doing that,” I say to myself silently and not so confidently. Playing mental agility games and doing the odd crossword, should serve as some consolation towards building the ever dissipating brain cells that threaten to leave. My right brain needs to come up with the creative juices that makes for great writing and the left side needs to organize my thoughts. This brings me to the understanding that it is important for one to be observant of 136

everyday life, the extra-ordinary, the not so “kosher” and everything else that may inspire you or make for a great story. Walking down the street should become an exercise in building fabulous stories out of everyday occurrences. I guess I need to join some inspirational or motivational group that can make the words flow and open my mind to the endless possibilities out there. I wonder if there is a medical cure for this condition or whether you can dial 911 and have someone on the other end of the line hold your hand or jog your memory. In this age of modern technology, I would not put it past the scientists to install little microchips in our brains that could wake it up as soon as it starts lapsing. At my age, I need to find a cure soon, before it is too late to salvage the few cells that are left. While reading this you may say, I am glad that I am not alone – there is someone out there that knows what I am going through. Wishful thinking, I guess – I am hoping to find some sympathy or maybe someone who is prepared to start a support group, where people like me can open up and say: “Hi, I’m Brow Beat, and I have writer’s block, can you help me?” This is starting to sound like the next movie script, maybe I am not so bad after all! I need to stop myself from bombarding you with my new ideas that are threatening to take over these pages. There seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Till later!

It is important for one to be observant of everyday life, the extraordinary, the not so kosher and everything else that may inspire you or make for a great story.

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