Beyond
1ST QUARTER 2012 ISSUE 14 R29.95
sustainability quarterly
current affairs finance & business development & education travel & TOURISM TRADE & INVESTMENT
INVESTING IN A GREEN ECONOMY WORLDS FIRST RHINO ORPHANAGE
www.beyondpublishing.co.za
Shuaib Chalken Special Rapporteur at the United Nations
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BUILDING WITH PRIDE
CONTENTS 16
20
42
58
06
Editors note Charlene Heyburgh
10
WORLD NEWS
12
SOUTH AFRICA NEWS
14
BY THE NUMBERS
16
ECONOMY Budget speech 2012
20
ECONOMY State of the Nation Address
22
The new South African Weather Bill
24
SUSTAINABILITY National Waste Management Strategy
30
The Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis
32
SUSTAINABILITY Vodafone Innovation Centre
36
FINANCE Fitch reports on South Africa
38
INFRASTRUCTURE South Africa’s bitumen shortage
42
ECO Investing in a green economy
46
FINANCE The lowdown on Retirement Annuities
48
DEBT REVIEW Bad faith or incompetence?
50
Woman of Substance Wasima Fisher
54
FINANCE The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act
56
HEALTH Diabetes, the silent killer
58
HEALTH South Africa’s dying mothers
62
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN Shuaib Chalken
66
Education Adult literacy levels in South Africa
68
Education The value of an MBA
70
SKILLS & TRAINING Institutions to buck up!
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+27 21 943 4000/11
CONTENTS 76
80
94
100
6
76
CAR REVIEWS Honda Jazz Hybrid
78
CAR REVIEWS Nissan Juke
80
ECO World’s first rhino orphanage
88
Water is Life Conserve it, respect it, enjoy it
92
SUSTAINABILITY Water & energy, ingredients for industry
94
TECHNOLOGY Cyber theft a modern plague
98
BOOK REVIEWS
100
Technology REVIEWS
104
TRAVEL & TOURISM Out and about in Cape Town
106
TRAVEL & TOURISM Out and about in Durban
108
TRAVEL & TOURISM Out and about in Gauteng
110
BEYOND THE BEAT Keep the faith!
EDITORS NOTE
CREDITS Managing Director TB Mabecha Editor Charlene Heyburgh PROJECT MANAGER Jerome Dyson
R
hino poaching has been worldwide news lately with all eyes on South Africa where more than 90% of the world’s rhino live. To make matters worse, it was reported that 4 Sanparks officials were arrested for their alleged dealings in rhino poaching (aren’t they supposed to be the good guys?) and shortly after that, the news that our state coffers are filled with an enormous amount of rhino horn came to light. What makes these killings even more senseless is the well-known fact that rhino horn does grow back. There is a way to dehorn the animal without subjecting it to any harm. If you dig a bit deeper on this topic you will realise that the problem lies with bureaucracy. The good news is that the world’s first rhino orphanage has been set up in South Africa and this will be a major step forward in the battle to protect the species. The rhino orphanage has been established as a not-for-profit charity (Section 21 company) with all donations going directly to fund the centre and the care and rehabilitation of the rhino’s. We, at Beyond Publishing, appeal to all of our readers to dig into their pockets and make a donation to this much-needed and long overdue cause (see full story and bank details on page 80 & 81) In this issue we take a closer look at the State of the Nation address as well as at the Budget Speech 2012 which gave us the good news that the domestic environment was slowly but surely improving. In our education and skills and training features, we determine the true value of an MBA and we investigate why South Africa’s literacy levels are dangerously low even though the state invested a massive 18% of total state expenditure in 2009/2010, which amounted to roughly R120 billion, the highest rate of public investment in education in the world. In our car review, all car enthusiasts will enjoy our Nissan Juke review as well as Honda’s 4th and latest offering to the Hybrid market – the Honda Jazz Hybrid which is also the most affordable Hybrid on the South African market to date. Don’t forget to check out our regular book, technology and phone reviews. There is something for everyone. Lastly, in Beyond the Beat (page 110) we give you reasons to be a proud South African again with amazing statistics about our country that seem to get lost in all the doom and gloom that seem to litter our newspapers each day. Enjoy the read.
Sales ExecutiveS Joseph Gumbo Khayalethu Jacobs Anthony Botha Emile Polman Thando Jevu Linda Schady Traffic Controller Laurenda Hagglund Accounts ExecutiveS Laurenda Hagglund, Kelly Cupido Office Administrator Kiara Hagglund DESIGN Aerspacestudios design@aerspacestudios.com
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ADVERTORIAL
The South African National Space Agency
T
he South African National Space Agency (SANSA) was established in 2010. Building on a rich South African space heritage, the agency formally began operations in 2011. In its first year of operation the organisation has made strides in contributing to key national objectives of transforming South Africa into a knowledgebased economy, the development of skills, the sustainable development of the country and the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans. SANSA has set ambitious targets that seek to: • improve organisational efficiency and corporate governance • offer high-quality and relevant geospatial information, services and products for resource and environmental management, disaster management, decision making, planning and performance monitoring, health, safety and security • conduct cutting-edge research and development and the creation of knowledge and its utilisation in the knowledge-based and green economies • develop very much needed and rare skills for the South African economy • stimulate interest and appreciation of science amongst the youth and the general public • develop, nurture and leverage global partnerships that elevate South Africa’s stature amongst the community of nations Earth Observation has globally taken unprecedented importance and there is an increased focus and expenditure on Earth System monitoring activities. These efforts are led by various international bodies including the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) of which South Africa is co-chair, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), and Committee on
Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). The common theme for all these activities is to globally coordinate Earth observation efforts with the primary objective of benefiting humanity in a sustained and Earth-friendly manner as the world strives to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. SANSA, as one of the contributing agencies of the South African Earth Observation Strategy (SAEOS), fulfils this strategic objective through the SANSA Earth Observation directorate. In collaboration with external partners, the directorate will drive six operational themes, as follows: (i) Environmental Management: With an ever increasing global population and the associated increase in demand for natural resources and the consequent degradation of the environment, satellites are central to ensuring better and sustainable livelihoods. Services include environmental monitoring and assessment; global change monitoring; environmental policy formulation and enforcement. (ii) Resource Management: SANSA uses satellites to monitor various resources including water, agricultural produce and livestock, energy, and fish stock, to name a few. For environmental monitoring, examples include monitoring pollution, global change, deforestation and desertification, all of which are crucial for our country. (iii) Planning & Development: Large area and rapid satellite imaging give a bird’s eye view that enables better planning and decision-making. Satellite images are used for rural development, urban planning, informed decision-making and policymaking. Areas of application include human settlement planning, environmental policy formulation and enforcement. (iv) Health, Safety and Security: Satellites provide a very broad elevated view that is useful for cross-border health, safety and
security monitoring. As an example, satellites can be used to monitor mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, monitor fires, flooding as well as cross-border theft, drug trafficking and African peace-keeping missions. Satellites are also used for national security and crime prevention and monitoring. (v) Disaster Management: In an earth that is so prone to disasters, satellites are used for disaster forecasting, monitoring, assessment and mitigation. These ensure huge cost savings and mitigate further severe human catastrophes. Recently, SumbandilaSat was used to monitor the floods in Namibia and the effects of the tsunami in Japan. Space weather changes can also cause adverse effects on communication, electric power distribution and aviation. (vi) Industrial Services: Different services are offered that benefit industry e.g. geospatial data for industry usage. Space Science is an important driver for scientific en¬quiry, knowledge creation, technology development and innovation. It is also an instrument for human capital de¬velopment and has always been a vehicle for stimulating interest, awareness, understanding and appreciation of science amongst the youth and the general public. The long-term sustainability of the South African space pro¬gramme and the increase in our market share of global spacetechnology and competitiveness are strongly de¬pendent on the continued creation of new knowledge as bedrock for space technology development, innovation and services. Without home-grown basic space science research and knowledge capital, South Africa will con¬tinually be an importer of space know-how and will not reach its optimum innovative and competitive capacity and self-reliance towards being a largely selfsustaining nation. www.sansa.org.za
WORLD NEWS
NEW RECORDS NEW TRENDS Forbes’s first annual list of the world’s billionaires, published a quarter-century ago, had 140 names. This year, a record 1 226 billionaires made the list with a combined net worth of $4.6 trillion, also a record and up from $4.5 trillion in 2011. Overall 460 billionaires got richer, 441 got poorer and 180 held steady. This year’s billionaires come from 58 countries. The United States remains home to more billionaires than any other nation, with 452, a gain of 12. But, only 3 of the 10 richest hail from the United States. Carlos Slim of Mexico tops the ranks for the 3rd consecutive year but the gap between him and Bill Gates tightened. Slims fortune, at $69 billion, is down $5 billion from last year. Meanwhile Gates, whose foundation helped wipe out polio in India, was $5 billion richer, at $61 billion, thanks to the rising value of Microsoft shares. Lakshmi Mittal of India, who runs the world’s largest steel company, ArcelorMittal was the year’s biggest loser. His fortune plummeted by $10.4 billion, knocking him out of the top 10 for the first time since 2004.
TANZANIA MUST END HIV RED RIBBON STIGMA The reported decision by several Tanzanian schools to force HIV- positive pupils to wear red ribbons to class has prompted Amnesty International to caution against stigmatization of those suffering from the disease. The headmaster at one of the schools in the Kibaha district says that it was done at the parents’ request to excuse sick children from strenuous activities. “The suggestion that forcing HIVpositive children to wear red ribbons will protect them is ludicrous,” said Michael Bochenek, Amnesty Internationals’ Legal and Policy Director. It is likely to result in further discrimination and mean that people will decide not to get tested for HIV. 12 10
KONY 2012 KONY 2012 is a short film released by Invisible Children Inc. and released on 5 March 2012. The film’s purpose is to promote the charity’s “Stop Kony” movement to make the indicted Ugandan war criminal and International Criminal Court fugitive, Joseph Kony, globally known in order to have him arrested by December 2012, the time when the campaign expires. The film has spread virally with over 86 million views on YouTube and over 16 million views on Vimeo.
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SOUTH AFRICA NEWS A TRIPLE KNOCK FOR CONSUMERS
SKA DECISION DELAYED The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Organisation delayed the announcement of the decision on the proposed site for the SKA. South Africa is leading Africa’s bid to host the SKA radio telescope. Australia is leading an Australian/New Zealand bid. Members of the SKA Organisation agreed to set up a small scientific working group to explore possible implementation options that would maximise the value from the investments made by both candidate host regions. The working group would report back to the organisation in May. Science and Technology Minister, Naledi Pandor, said that she was disappointed at the delay and hoped that the SKA Organisation would make a decision in the first half of 2012 and that the decision will reflect the best scientific outcome. If Africa wins the SKA bid, the core of the telescope will be constructed in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape, with outlying telescope stations throughout South Africa and in Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius. 14 12
OPPOSITION TO URBAN TOLLING ALLIANCE VS GOVERNMENT The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) has filed an application in the North Gauteng High Court that seeks an urgent interim interdict to restrain SANRAL from levying and collecting tolls on specified sections of freeways in Gauteng subject to a review process. OUTA is joined in its application by the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA), the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and the South African National Consumers Union (SANCU) OUTA believes that the e-tolling of the roads around Gauteng is the beginning of a dangerous precedent that could see the same modus operandi applied elsewhere. Assuming that Sanral and the government moves to defend this, it will mean more taxpayers’ money directed towards the e-toll debate. The e-tolling system is scheduled to go ahead at the end of April. The application will be heard on April 24th.
With fuel prices rocketing to the highest level yet, the Department of Energy has acknowledged that the adjustment will have a negative effect on most South Africans but claims that it was out of their hands. South African consumers will face a triple knock within the first quarter of 2012 with increases in the petrol price, electricity as well as Metrorail increases and the dreaded e-tolling levy. The vice-chairman of the Consumer Union, Clif Johnson, said the spate of price increases was very bad news for the consumer, more so because petrol, electricity and tolls were infrastructural in nature and the increases would work their way into everything that we paid for.
TOLLING PLANS FOR WESTERN CAPE SHELVED The government has shelved plans to toll Western Cape highways. Deputy Transport Minister, Jeremy Cronin, said that he saw no priority in tolling the R300, N1 and the N2 in Cape Town. Cronin acknowledged that the national government had been persuaded against the so-called Winelands Toll Road project by massive opposition, especially from the city and provincial government. There is a lack of support from all spheres of government...the city and the province have been the loudest.
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BY THE NUMBERS 53
2
killed in ongoing Syria offensives. Syrian government shelling and offensives against rebel-held towns killed at least 53 civilians across the country
100
soldiers were burried in an avalanche which slammed into a Pakistani military camp near the disputed Kashmir border with rival India
600000 5000
Macs are currently compromised and part of a massive botnet thanks to the Flashback Trojan virus
April 14, 1912 marks the anniversary of the RMS Titanic
39
$55000
100 MILLION
Radio telescopes in Australia and South Korea have linked up for the first time, forming a mega-instrument roughly 5000 miles wide
100 YEARS
rhinos a day are being killed for their lucrative horns
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the value of crushed rhino horn per kilogram
Google+ exceeds 100 million users
people were injured when a bus overturned on the N1 outside Polokwane
out of the 134 buses tested for roadworthiness in the North West 39 have failed
R33 BILLION
Cellular network operator MTN was approached by its Iranian mobile license rival Turkcell Iletism late last year in an attempt to “extort� the US$4.2 billion (R33 billion) the Turkish company is now claiming in a US court
$69 BILLION
Carlos Slim of Mexico tops the ranks of Forbes Billionaire list for the 3rd consecutive year but the gap between him and Bill Gates tightened. Slims fortune amounts to a total of US$69 billion
20
taxi-bike riders were killed at a local breakfast joint in Kaduna when a speeding bomb-laden car exploded while being chased by the police
5
people in southern China have been charged with intentional injury in the case of a Chinese teenager who sold a kidney to buy an iPhone and an iPad
16
600
children fathered by British scientist Bertold Wiesner by donating sperm
93000
Rachel Veitch clocked up 93000 km behind her Mercury Comet Caliente
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ECONOMY
18
Budget speech 2012 Writer Anwar Booley
The increases in the tax on alcohol products are in accordance with a policy decision to increase the tax burdens for beer and spirits to 35% and 48% of the retail price.
T
he fiscal budget for 2012 by Minister Pravin Gordhan has been presented diligently and efficiently. It covers a wide angle of concerns and challenges but however, many of them being addressed by means of fiscal input addressing shortcomings in those sectors. Pertinent sectors, such as education has received a healthy needed injection. Higher Education South Africa (HESA) welcomed the minister’s budget speech on 22 February 2012. There will be some debate in the Higher Education sector but a great few positions will receive broad support. An additional R850 million will be allocated to improve university and student accommodation facilities. With regard to personal income, the minister announced bracket creep adjustments to the income tax tables for individuals, as well as an additional rebate of R2 000 per annum for taxpayers aged 75 or older. A taxpayer’s age for income tax purposes is determined as at the last day in February of the relevant tax year. Thus, a taxpayer aged 75 or older as at 29 February 2012 will qualify for the additional rebate for the 2012 year of assessment. South Africa’s budget deficit will probably be 4.5 percent for the 12-month period that ended. The fiscal gap is narrower than a previous estimate of 4.8 percent of gross domestic product, Gordhan has said. The government collected 742.7 billion rand of revenue, 4 billion rand more than forecast. Government spending was 968.5 billion rand, 4 billion rand less than previously estimated. The “domestic environment is improving,” Gordhan said. “Given the mild optimism about the prospects ahead of us, we can see that revenue performance is following some of those indicators.” Standard & Poor’s cut the outlook on the nation’s credit rating to negative as growth in Africa’s largest economy slows this year, making it harder for the government to reign in the fiscal deficit. The government unexpectedly lowered its target for the budget gap this fiscal year as tax revenue is forecast to rise. Economic growth will slow to 2.7 percent this year from 3.1 percent last year, Gordhan said on Feb. 22. Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus revised the bank’s
forecast higher to 3 percent on March 29, citing an improved global outlook. South Africa’s budget deficit will probably be 4.5 percent for the 12-month period that ended yesterday. The general fuel levy will increase by 20 cents a litre of petrol and diesel from April 4. An increase in the Road Accident Fund levy would add a further eight cents to the price of a litre of fuel. The levy on electricity generated from non-renewable sources would increase by one cent a kilowatt hour on April 4. This levy would replace the current funding mechanism for energyefficient initiatives such as the solar water geyser program. Gordhan said the electricity levy would likely have little overall impact on tariffs. Minister Pravin Gordhan has taken aim at drinkers, with a huge increase in tax on spirits. The increases in the tax on alcohol products are in accordance with a policy decision to increase the tax burdens for beer and spirits to 35% and 48% of the retail price. The increases will be phased in over two years. This means the tax on a bottle of spirits increases from R30 to R36. The budget review says the intention of the increases is to compliment “broader efforts to reduce alcohol abuse”. The tax burden on tobacco products remains at 52% of the retail price, meaning that the increases remain roughly in line with the inflation rate of 5%-6%. Of the tobacco products, only pipe tobacco has a real increase of 2% following a nominal increase in the tax of 8%. Cigarettes and cigars have negative real increases following tax increases of less than the inflation rate. “After broader consultation, a national gambling tax, based on gross gambling revenue, will be introduced. This tax, effective from April 1 2013, will take the form of an additional 1% national levy on a uniform provincial gambling tax base. A similar tax base will be used to tax the national lottery,” the budget review said. Higher so-called “sin taxes” will also affect the very rich or those who splurge on boats and planes. From October, the ad valorem exercise tax on small aeroplanes and helicopters weighing less than 5000 kilograms will be seven percent, while a 10 percent tax would apply to long motorboats and sailboats. 19
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“This work is not for yourselves, kill that spirit of self, and do not live above your people, but with them. If you can rise, bring someone with you� Charlotte Maxeke
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ECONOMY
State of the Nation Address Writer Natasha Braaf
S
were employed in the formal sector during 2011 - reducing unemployment from 25% to 23.9%. The Job Fund started operating in June 2011, with ±2 500 applications. Project allocations of over R1 billion has been committed. Of the IDC’s set aside R10 billion, R1.5 billion was approved for 60 companies. Education An upward matric pass rate and school attendance close to 100%. Concern about the 120 000 children within the compulsory band (7-15 years old) that are still out of school. Government released R200 million to assist 25000 students with study debt. Land reform Only 8% of intended Government must remember that broken 30% target by 2014 promises lead to the destruction of trust, was redistributed. a status quo we can ill-afford. Any unfulfilled The “willing sellerbuyer” promises must be addressed and explained. willing not so successful, hence the new Green Paper on Land Reform. on the road that has brought us where we In the conclusion of this report-back, are – a sort of re-awakening of the values of President Zuma urged South Africans not to our constitution. Include a progress report of lose momentum – that with the progress as the previous year’s promises. Government reported, we will soon begin to write a new must remember that broken promises lead story – a good one. Then comes 2012, with to the destruction of trust – a status quo we the crux: The Infrastructure Development can ill-afford. Any unfulfilled promises must Drive. The five specific focal points were: be addressed and explained. Be bold, gutsy 1.The development and integration of rail, and with no lamentations and apologies but road and water infrastructure centred around rather encouragement to build and instil the Waterberg and Steelpoort, aiming to the oneness that we all know is there – the unlock the mining potential of coal, platinum, “GEES”! palladium, chrome and other minerals. Did President Jacob Zuma deliver? Well, 2.The movement of goods and economic let’s see: A warm and lengthy welcome integration through Durban, Free State and greeting to everybody - compatriots and Gauteng through the “Market Demand and friends – was followed by an Strategy” – a R300 billion investment over 7 acknowledgement of our fallen heroes, years. A significant reduction in port charges presidents and all South Africans in bringing are in negotiation. about a “truly free, non-racial, non-sexist, 3.The development of a South Eastern democratic and prosperous country”. node to boost the industrial and agricultural He reported steady progress in all sectors development and export capacity of the while acknowledging the challenges that Eastern Cape as well as broadening the remain in unemployment, poverty and economical and logistical linkages with inequality. Some of the SONA 2011 report Kwazulu-Natal and the Northern Cape. back included: Job Creation 365 000 people o concluded the 2012 State of the Nation Address (SONA), as delivered by President Jacob Zuma on 9 February 2012. The SONA is undoubtedly one of the most significant speeches of our nation and for all intents and purposes should: Be strong in detail and be specific in terms of plans and solutions. No more “pie in the sky” unrealistic promises. We need to know that our government fully grasps our plight and challenges and have the knowhow and the tools to address those very challenges. Have a component of reflection
4.The upgrade of the North West’s electrical, roads, rail and water infrastructure. 5.Unlock the potential of the West Coast of the country through the expansion of the iron-ore rail line between Sishen and Saldanha Bay. Among other focal areas identified, some undertakings are: The refurbishment of hospitals and nurses homes; R300 million towards new universities in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape; A Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope with eight African countries; Access to home loans – e.g. a subsidy of up to R83 000 from provinces towards the granting of home loans; Electricity - Eskom to explore options on reducing price increments; The increased search for Renewable Energy sources especially solar electricity and biofuels as the Green Economy Accord is implemented; Water expansion; The unveiling and rehabilitation of museums and heritage sites; Labour Broking –elimination of all forms of abuse practices. All in all, one of his better speeches, not too far from my ideal SONA as listed up top. Ideally, more on improving our “Global Competitiveness”, certainly a lot more on “Accountability” on the side of our Ministers, and what about “Corruption”, especially in view of all these marvellous infrastructure projects that is ripe for the picking by the less than honourable parties in our Administration? And as far as “Health” and our dwindling “Life Expectancy” is concerned – a lot more was to be said, while firmer words on Labour Broking would have gone down well – particularly for Cosatu who called for a ban. Many critics remain - as there always will be. The proof is in the pudding, so let the baking begin…
23
The new South African Weather Bill Writer Rishqah Roberts
W
ith the New South African Weather Bill, it will soon become illegal for independent weather forecasters to inform the public of approaching severe weather conditions or pollution related warnings. Without first obtaining the required government permission. Under the bill, even ordinary citizens making any attempts to warn the public of extraordinary weather patterns; without first obtaining the required permission could face either five years imprisonment, or a steep five million rand fine. Thus the Bill has been heavily criticised for its seemingly unjustly harsh and severe sanctions. This new Weather Bill along with the much talked about Secrecy Bill, is the source of South Africans becoming overly sensitive towards any action which either threatens, or compromises freedom of information, speech or expression. Leading opposing political party; the Democratic Alliance’s environmental spokesman, Gareth Morgan, is of the opinion that the Bill would make “South African’s less safe” and believes its cause for concern that the Bill does not even define a “severe weather event”. Surely then as it stands the Bill cannot be one which instils legal certainty in the public; so that they may 24
know whether they are acting within the boundaries of the law, or not. Morgan also criticises the official South African Weather Service Website by stating that it is not userfriendly and claims that the Weather Bill will shut down alternative sources of weather information used by many South Africans. Upon becoming aware of the Bill and its requirements I am left to wonder if such a Bill even makes sense in a country such as ours; which is frequented by unpredictable weather patterns. Making it essential to grant South Africans the freedom to alert the public of what they may consider to be severe weather in relation to their living conditions. Denying them this opportunity would have the equivalent effect of limiting public information as word-of-mouth notifications would in all likelihood reach the affected individuals a lot sooner than if they would have to be notified only after having to work through seemingly unnecessary red tape. According to the FW de Klerk Foundation, the Bill is irreconcilable with section 16 of our Supreme Constitution which affords us all the right to freedom of expression; this includes the rights to freedom of the press and other media; to receive and impart information and ideas. Thus preventing print and electronic and social media from expressing their legitimate views on either severe weather conditions, or pollution related warnings should be disallowed
according to our Constitution and not even a debate. The Bill seems to be part of a trend within government to centralise control. However, government insists that nothing of the sort is going on; and that the Bill does not contain any unusual or unexpected legislation. Deputy Director General of the Department of Environmental Affairs, Isham Abader, says that the Bill is simply an attempt “to prevent the transmission of unreliable information” and that “incorrect weather warnings could lead to the evacuation of an entire town at great expense to the taxpayer.” I understand the need “to prevent the transmission of unreliable information”, but common sense also alludes to the fact that simple wordof-mouth warnings could not alone “lead to the evacuation of an entire town at great expense to the taxpayer” without sufficient research and enough thought to back up such an evacuation. Since the establishment of the South African Weather Service, they have been the official provider of severe weather-related warnings for South Africa in order to ensure a single authoritative voice in this regard. With them in place the Bill seems unnecessary and alludes to government incompetency to properly research the information concerning severe weather conditions or pollution related warnings given by the pubic at large.
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SUSTAINABILITY
National Waste Management Strategy
A
s one of the fastest growing economies in the world, South Africa is faced with tonnage of waste and a not so stellar waste management plan. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), developed legislation to address the general waste management problem the country was faced with and along came the National Waste Management Strategy. This included finding a solution for the piling tyre waste. Tyres are bulky and by its sheer nature, not an easy product to recycle or dispose of. It is hard to cut up, to store and transport and cannot be compressed or folded to reduce the space it takes up in landfills. It takes forever to degrade, while serving as perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos and vermin. 200 000 tons of tyre become waste on a yearly basis while ±11 million are dumped illegally or burnt for its steel wire. Estimates show that this figure is to increase around 9.5% annually. It is clear that plans had to be put into action to tackle this evergrowing problem, hence the “National Waste Management Strategy on Tyre waste” in June 2009. The aim of this strategy is to provide for the cost of waste management at the start of the life cycle of the product. Producers were to register with the Minister and submit an Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management
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Plan (IIWTMP) within stipulated time frames. These producers could register their own plans or register with an existing plan. Two plans passed the initial screening namely the South African Tyre Recycling Process (SATRP) and REDISA (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa). Of the two plans, REDISA won approval by the DEA, taking effect in December 2011, while compliance was set for 31 January 2012. The plan was approved by notice in the Government Gazette published on 28 November 2011. With a R2.30 per kilogram levy charged at source, REDISA aims to subsidise the collection and management of waste tyres with delivery to a collection point, aiming to create approximately 15000 jobs. On 17 January 2012, Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa briefed the Media on the plan and announced that it was to become effective on 1 February 2012. …And then the proverbial paw-paw hit the fan. On 25 January 2012, acting minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mr Collins Chabane withdrew the approval for REDISA with immediate effect. Why? Minister Molewa failed to publish the plan in the Government Gazette for a 30-day period or bring it to the attention of relevant organs of State and interested persons. This withdrawal will allow the department
Writer Natasha Braaf
to attend to the procedural requirements stipulated in the Waste Tyre Regulations (WTR), while the public will get an opportunity to engage on the plan and give input. Albi Modise (spokesperson for DEA) says: “this will be helpful in ensuring that the plan caters to all aspects and requirements of the tyre industry”. Incidentally, concerns were raised by the President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), Mr Stan Jewaskiewitz about the process followed with the approval of REDISA, considering that SATRP also submitted a viable plan. He applauds the withdrawal of the plan’s approval and offers IWMSA’s expert services to the DEA. Mr Gareth Morgan of the Democratic Alliance (DA) also sharply criticises the approval of REDISA saying that the estimation of 15000 jobs was wildly overestimated. Meanwhile, Mr Riaan van Wyk, chairperson of SATRP confirmed in a media statement that they submitted a High Court application to challenge the DEA’s decision. Their hearing was scheduled for 27 January, while the approval of REDISA was officially withdrawn on 26 January. Coincidence? SATRP now has until April 30th to submit a reconfigured plan. And so we wait, while the air gets thicker….
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The Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis Writer Kendal Brown
W
ell the first thing I hear you ask (and it was my first question too) is, what is an aerotropolis? Well according to this definition it is - a type of urban form comprising aviation intense business and related enterprises. It is similar in form and function to a traditional metropolis, where there is a central city core and its commuterlinked suburbs. An aerotropolis has an airport city as its core and is surrounded by clusters of aviation related enterprise. Well how about that! Sounds like an interesting concept but what has lead to this sudden urge to create a city that sounds like it comes from a superman comic? Well the person behind this futuristic endeavour is a certain Professor John Kasarda who has been contracted to develop this aerotropolis strategy by Ekurhuleni. He makes a very strong argument and puts it into perspective when he explains that transportation has always been behind the development of business location and urban development. Airports are the “fifth wave” of transit oriented urban development. Fourth was the highways of the last century, third the railways of the 1800’s, second the rivers and canals of the 18th century and initially the ocean port cities prior to that. Actually when you look at it, it makes a lot of sense. Hats off to those taking the lead in this in Ekurhuleni. Their idea of creating an airport-integrated economic region is fantastic forward thinking, considering that 32
OR Tambo services the African continent and has links to major cities worldwide. Councillor Gungubele is noted as declaring,” Our strategic approach to economic growth and development will be realigned to new realities, challenges and opportunities. At its centre, we will announce definite plans for the reorientation of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality into an aerotropolis, which can be defined in two interrelated ways: one, ‘a new urban form placing airports in the centre with cities growing around them, connecting workers, suppliers, executives, and goods to the global marketplace’. The other defines an aerotropolis in mainly infrastructure terms, thus ‘an aviation-linked urban infrastructure consisting of an airport core, light industrial space, hotel/retail/entertainment complexes, and ocean ports, fully integrated across global supply chain networks. In both cases, we are certain that our business community is bound to locate a role for itself in the Ekurhuleni of the future, which we are hard at work busy constructing.” The next five years will see the optimizing of the existing airport along with other identified industrial development zones in line with Aerotropolis Strategy. A major aim is to turn this metro into a globally competitive ‘smart city’ to benefit not only South Africa but the Southern African region and the whole continent. Making the choice So why does everything have to happen in Gauteng? Well, everything doesn’t happen
in Gauteng. Creating South Africa’s first aerotropolis in this region simply makes sense so don’t get all parochial. Here are a few facts and figures that show why it is a sensible choice to start. It doesn’t mean that other provinces can’t follow suit in due course. Ekurhuleni has an approximate population of 2.7 million people. It contributes approximately 7% to national production and between 6% and 7% to the total economic output of Gauteng province. Its economy grew by an average of 2.7% per annum from 1996 to 2006. Here are some other reasons for going this route: More than 33% of all goods shipped worldwide go by air. There is an ever increasing need to shift high value goods quickly and efficiently. Undoubtedly airports have become nodal points for transportation. Worldwide commercial passenger traffic is expected to increase from 4.6 billion in 2010 to 11 billion by 2029. The new economy and air logistics are inseparably intertwined. More than 33% of world trade value goes by air. Dwell on that for a bit and you will begin to see what the aerotropolis can mean for South Africa as a whole and the region in particular. Jobs, jobs, jobs This aerotropolis and the economy it will create will provide many job opportunities, as it has the potential to impact a 60 km radius, benefiting the whole of Gauteng. The aerotropolis strategy includes an unequivocal determination to engage with original entrepreneurs from surrounding townships, connecting them with the main value chain along with export opportunities. OK, so where does all the money come from? Gungubele frankly admits, “There is no question that millions, which we do not have, will have to be spent to develop the aerotropolis economy. The key, however, is to devise a bankable strategy that involves the public-private sector. We have to create conditions that attract investment and funding of development,” Kasarda says it could take decades for the full aerotropolis to evolve following this model. Fortunately Ekurhuleni will have a great opportunity to demonstrate its goals and opportunities for the astute, when it hosts the Airport Cities World Conference and Exhibition from April 17 to 19, in 2013. The aerotropolis, in my humble opinion, is a great concept with enormous potential to provide opportunities to grow the economy. Please, just don’t forget the little guys!
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SUSTAINABILITY
Vodafone Innovation Centre
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outh Africa’s first 6-star rated green building, the Vodafone Innovation Centre Building, was unveiled this year by Vodacom in Midrand, Johannesburg. The centre, which was built within 6 months and R24-million later, was created with the idea to speed up the development of Vodafone’s sustainability goals: to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% in March 2015; and by 50% by the year 2020. The team of experts housed within the centre will focus on creating energy efficient solutions that are expected to reduce the company’s local and international carbon footprint. The centre’s 6-star rating – the highest rating – as classified by the Green Building Council of South Africa represents “world leadership” in terms of sustainability in its design, construction and operational practices. So what exactly makes this building so ahead of the curve? A few environmentally friendly considerations have made this building top-class. Firstly, the demolition material from the site has been recycled, reducing the amount of concrete used in the foundations by 34%. Having made use of Solyndra photovoltaic panels reduced the wind load, absolute weight and ultimately the total amount of wood and structural material required for the roof all of which contributes to its energy efficiency. Efficient water fixtures and fittings have been installed to facilitate savings in water consumption
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and indoor environmental quality has been enhanced by utilizing mechanical air conditioning, heating and ventilation system – which has been designed to deliver 2 500 litres/second of fresh air to the office during normal operations, and 1 250 litres/ second of fresh air in heating mode. Lastly, the chiller uses Lithium Bromide as the refrigerant, which has both a zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and a zero Greenhouse Warming Potential contributing to a reduction in harmful, environmentally unfriendly emissions. At the official launch of the centre, Vodacom’s CEO Pieter Uys, highlighted the importance of organizations to use their own sector technology and expertise to meet social, environmental and governance challenges. He made reference to the Innovation Centre as a stepping stone in meeting these challenges. He further addressed two core strategic deliverables as part of their objectives – to reduce the company’s carbon footprint as well as to reduce operational costs whilst increasing enterprise value across the company. Uys believes that the Innovation Centre will drive the delivery of these objectives, not only for Vodacom on a local scale, but across the broader global group. In an attempt to explore renewable energy after coming out of COP17 late last year, Vodacom is already implementing solutions which are being devised at the Innovation
centre. Projects such as developing hybrid base stations that use solar power are currently being worked on in Emfihlweni Village (KZN) where excess electricity generated at a nearby base station can be diverted to Emfihlweni Village which previously had no access or intermittent supply to electricity – without compromising the adjacent Vodafone base station’s power. In November last year, they also developed an environmentally focused hybrid cell tower – that uses a combination of solar, wind and fuel cell technology – which was used to connect delegates at COP17 in Durban. Bruce Kerswill, Executive Chairman of the GBCSA is proud to announce that the 6-star certified building puts South Africa firmly in line with best global practice in terms of green building. He states that the GBCSA’s rating system is all about recognising excellence in sustainable design, of which Vodacom and Vodafone has set a new South African benchmark. “We are so proud that this huge international company chose South Africa for the location of their first innovation centre and that they targeted, and achieved, the highest Green Star SA rating possible,” says Kerswill. Building green really is an opportunity to use resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier and more productive environments for people to work and live in.
ADVERTORIAL
Moloko Investment Group
M
oloko Investment Group (MIG) is a diversified investment vehicle whose business strategy is to selectively invest in four main portfolios. These portfolios include hospitality, leisure, lifestyle, telecommunications and resources. MIG is headed by founder and Chairman, Advocate Richard Thabo Moloko, a Harvard trained lawyer turned businessman and a robust management team. These portfolios are carefully considered given their high potential high returns. Through its hospitality and lifestyle portfolios, MIG employs more than 200 employees. Hospitality Since its inception, MIG has boldly grown its portfolio across a broad spectrum of industries. Currently MIG prides itself in its collection of 5 star boutique hotels situated in prime locations managed by Moloko Hotels & Resorts. These hotels include the prestigious Moloko Strathavon Hotel, the acclaimed Athol Place Boutique Hotel also located in Sandton and Moloko Constantia Manor which is set in the exquisite Constantia Kloof overlooking a historic wine farm. In addition to its hospitality portfolio, MIG also owns Akani Hospitality, a management company headed by Lawrence Muzame that focuses on 3-4 star properties. Akani currently manages the Table Mountain Lodge in Cape Town. Included in its collection is 1 on Queens Boutique guesthouse located on the slopes of Signal Hill in Cape Town. Akani recently added Kgaswane Country Lodge to its growing collection which is located on the northern slopes and summit of the western Magaliesberg Mountains in the North West Province and adjacent to the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve. In Johannesburg Akani manages the Akani Suites, which is a mixture of luxurious furnished penthouses and apartments located in the leafy suburb of Greenside, a mere 10 minutes drive form Sandton. Leisure and Lifestyle Restaurants MIG owns the award winning Signature
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restaurant located in Morningside and the Wall Street Restaurant. Included in this portfolio of restaurants are the hip and trendy Café Sofia eateries. These restaurants are swiftly becoming a household name with 7 restaurants operating in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Café Sofia recently opened a new restaurant in Rosebank at the Zone which is aptly located next to the Gautrain Station and in the chic Cavendish mall in Cape Town. Fashion MIG lifestyle portfolio includes fashion which seeks to target the middle to high class market. With its two stores situated in Sandton, these MIG brands have added a touch of flair to the world of fashion in Sandton. 312 Couture which is owned by MIG is located in the new Legacy Corner mall. Another feather to its cap in the lifestyle portfolio is the Moloko fashion store, also located at the Legacy Corner mall, which specialises in bespoke clothing made from premium fabric designed by some of the finest designers in the country. Telecommunication MIG’s investment strategy in the telecommunication sector revolves around using progressive technology employed globally to assert itself as a leader in this field. Currently MIG controls Mobile TV, which was awarded the licence to test broadcasting using mobile television technology. Currently Mobile TV deploys Korea’s digital multimedia broadcasting, which has been successfully deployed in countries such as Norway, France, Italy, Poland, Malaysia, Ghana, Egypt and China. The test network is providing a number of television and radio broadcasts from the SABC, including SABC 1, 2 and 3 and radio stations 5fm and Metro FM. The SABC’s 18 radio stations reach more than 16million adults and its 3 television stations pull in more than 19million viewers a day. It is the ideal launch pad for Mobile TV. Resources MIG is involved in various mining projects
through its investment in Y-IN, MIG owns shares in Exxaro, a diversified South African based resources group. Currently MIG is exploring mining projects in Zimbabwe which include the mining of diamond, gold and possibility of acquiring a gold refinery concern. The Moloko Foundation Our societies continue to be strewn with vestiges of the past which continuously continue to disempower various sections of our populace. Whereas the government has a duty to assist its citizens overcome the various challenges, it cannot achieve this on its own without the assistance of various sections of the community especially the business sector. It is against this backdrop and in support of sustainable community development that MIG has established The Moloko Foundation which focuses on; Sports, Education and Empowering young professionals from previously disadvantaged communities in various activities. Currently MIG through The Moloko Foundation supports 3 projects aimed at contributing towards community development. These projects include sponsoring Moretele United Football club, a soccer team based in Pretoria that draws young players from previously disadvantaged communities. The team is currently campaigning in the Vodacom League. In addition, The Moloko Foundation is the main sponsor for the Educhange Research Foundation (ERF) which is a non-profit organization that was established to respond to the general crisis that has emerged in our public schooling system, and the academic difficulties that learners cope with. Currently the Foundation is in negotiations with various stakeholders to construct a school library and a sports field at Prudens Secondary School in Soweto. In the past the Foundation has also sponsored various AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountants) events.
Moloko Investment Group is a diversified investment vehicle whose business strategy is to selectively invest in four main portfolios. These portfolios include hospitality, leisure, lifestyle, telecommunications and resources. Moloko Investment Group is headed by founder and Chairman, Advocate Richard Thabo Moloko, a Harvard trained lawyer turned businessman and a robust management team. These portfolios are carefully considered given their high potential high returns. Through its hospitality and lifestyle portfolios, Moloko Investment Group employs more than 200 employees.
Chairman Thabo Richard Moloko / Group Corporate Advisor Lawrence Muzame
The Place, No.1 Sandton Drive, Sandton 2146 Tel: (011) 944 9600 / Fax: 086 726 8229 Email: reception@molokoinvestmentgroup.co.za
www.molokoinvestmentgroup.co.za
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FINANCE ECONOMY
Fitch reports on South Africa Writer Zak King
W
hen international credit ratings agency Fitch recently reported on South Africa, it was a bit of a wake up call. Though their other ratings for SA have stayed the same regarding long term foreign as well as local currency credit, they have now changed their outlook for SA from “stable” to “negative”. This negative rating change comes only a year after Fitch had changed its rating for SA from “negative” up to “stable”. You might automatically say: “Well, times are tough for everybody right now”. Totally correct, but companies like Fitch and Moodys (who last year changed their rating of SA in a similar way) take factors like the global economy into consideration - it’s what they do. Yes, stress is being placed on SA because of what’s happening in Europe. After all, Europe is a major trading partner of SA with more than 30% of local manufacturing exports ending up in Europe. So if times are tough there, it is going to affect local markets too. Agencies like Fitch compare SA to other similar economies and analyze average performances. While SA has tried to position itself in the group of countries dubbed “BRIC” (Brazil, Russia, India and China) the man who coined the phrase, Jim O’Neill, says that SA does not really fit the profile. He says SA is, in fact, dragging BRIC down. His reasoning is that SA has too small an economy and too few citizens to compare with these emerging monsters. Fitch have compared similar countries, who closer fit SA’s profile, and have determined that, while things have been tough for
everyone globally, SA is starting to lag behind. They point to factors like limited progress on long term structural issues. For example; half the kids who were just about to start school when Apartheid came to an end, are currently unemployed. SA has a high unemployment figure of 25% but that is an average over all age groups. As you zoom in to analyze what is happening with SA’s youth, then the unemployment figure jumps up to a shocking 1 out of 2. Unemployment figures are often socially linked to crime and increasing crime figures deter foreign investment. Less employed South Africans also means less tax payers. So, where can one start to address these issues? Obviously education plays a huge factor and many point to SA’s trouble in trying to educate its youth. Though different approaches have been tried, results have been less successful than desired. Perhaps this would be the starting point for change, the results of which will probably only be seen in 14 years time. However, it is looking ahead this year that Fitch is really worried. They point to political factors as a major concern. There has been a lot of talk recently by Youth Parties advocating quick fix methods to try and bolster economic reform. The ruling party has a policy of letting these discussions happen in a public forum and this continues to cause concern among foreign investors. At the up-coming policy conference in June, the ANC will be looking at reports on the merits of nationalisation. While it is doubtful that this route would be pursued, the fact that nationalisation is even being considered has foreign investors sitting in suspense until a
decision has been made. With the elective conference coming up in December, there is even a possibility of a political play being made against President Jacob Zuma’s leadership. With growing factionalism and strained relations between the ANC, Cosatu and the Communist party, tensions are high. So for many investors, this whole year is filled with uncertainty. Uncertainty does not do well for the market. Maybe now we can understand why Fitch changed their outlook rating. They have been quick to point out that they do not doubt SA’s banking sector which continues to grow despite half of SA’s credit active consumers being behind on their monthly debt repayments. A recent boom in the short term loans industry has seen the major banks weathering the recent financial crisis. Fitch also points to SA’s “robust” macroeconomic and regulatory framework. They are impressed by SA’s independent judicial system and say that despite service delivery issues, there is confidence in governance. All of these things make for a good business climate, one that has seen the development of the corporate and financial systems. Even when we borrow money, we tend to borrow Rands. 90% of all Government debt is in Rands. A debt to GDP ratio of 40% is described by the Finance Ministry as “sustainable”. Still, with all these positive factors, it seems Fitch are saying: be realistic, investors are unsure, and will continue to be unsure. Underlying all of that they are also saying: Wake up SA, you are starting to lag behind!
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INFRASTRUCTURE
South Africa’s bitumen shortage Writer Reagan C Adams
T
he recent bitumen shortage in South Africa has not only halted road construction across the country, but also led to job losses, closure of small contractors and the shutting down of refineries. Bitumen is a by-product of oil refineries, used to produce asphalt. Asphalt is the term used for a mixture of small stones, sand, filler and bitumen, which is used as a road construction material. The high demand, together with the intended and unintended shutdowns of oil refineries, resulted in an acute bitumen shortage. Constraints to the bitumen supply have been evident for the last two years, since World Cup 2010. The critical shortage of supply started when a fire at the Enref (Engen) refinery in Durban, caused its shutdown in October 2011. More recently the biggest oil refinery and bitumen supplier in the country, Sapref in Durban also underwent a shutdown, for unexpected maintenance. South Africa currently uses approximately 420 000 tons of bitumen annually. According to industry leaders, they consider themselves lucky if 30% of requirements are met. Despite critical bitumen shortage, exports have been recorded. Much Asphalt CEO Phillip Hechter, raised a concerning question, “Why is Engen exporting bitumen, when there is a severe shortage of the product in South Africa?” Apparently Engen exports 4 000 tons of bitumen over a single weekend, while they dribble down one or two loads to
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the local industry. The communications manager, Tania Landsberg responded by stating that Engen’s bitumen is primarily sourced from its refinery in Durban, which means it has to satisfy demand in 18 African countries. “Bitumen that is in excess of our contracted customer requirements is sold on the open market. It is only this excess production that becomes available to local competitors, at market rates, to meet any temporary shortfall,” says Landsberg. “We are so frustrated, we don’t know what to do,” says Hechter. “Some of the smaller guys will close their doors if this continues. The industry is on its knees.” Bitumen production has been assessed during 2006/2007 to ensure sufficient supply in the future, especially post 2010. In March 2007 a discussion paper was published, after the President’s office commissioned an urgent study into the supply of construction materials required to support planned infrastructure development foreseen under the government’s economic ASGISA initiative. In accordance with the medium term, (2008-2010) requirements seem to have been met. The report states that the demand for bitumen will only continue to grow beyond 2010 (2011-2016) if government embarks on a programme of ongoing road maintenance to preserve the asset value of the road network. Unforeseen circumstances, like the planned and unplanned shutdown of refineries has been accounted for. However, the knowledge of such possibilities has not brought about preventative measures or resolutions to the current situation. The situation is grim and the impact on the industry affects not just big construction and asphalt companies but small companies too, and has a ripple effect on other business sectors. South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), the Department of Transport’s roads agency that accounted
for 70% of the road bitumen usage in South Africa during 2010, is severely affected by the shortage of bitumen. To date up to 35 Sanral projects have been affected by the shortage. The Winelands project on the N1 and N2 is one such example. For the 2011/12 financial year, more than R1-billion of work could not be completed by contractors working on Sanral projects, owing to the bitumen shortage in the country. A similar budget to 2011, of approximately R28 million, has been allocated to road maintenance for 2012. Transport minister Sbu Ndebele said this year there will be a stronger focus on repairing and maintaining roads. He was speaking in parliament, at the release of the Road Traffic Management Corporation report, on the road death statistics during the festive season. According to Ndebele various steps have been taken to address the short, medium and long term implications of the shortage of bitumen. The Department of Transport and Sanral have been in talks with the Department of Energy in an attempt to highlight the various problems related to the supply of bitumen from the existing refineries in SA and to find solutions for the medium to long term. To overcome short-term supply constraints, Sanral has also been actively engaging with the road construction industry to directly import bitumen from overseas. For the construction industry to import bitumen, is a costly alternative. Some construction and asphalt companies had banded together to import about 4 500 tons recently. On a more extreme end of the spectrum, the bitumen industry may be forced to ask government to intervene and block all bitumen exports in situations where internal demand far outstrips supply. The industry had expected that bitumen will run out at the beginning of December 2011. However, there is very little new bitumen coming onto the market at the moment.
ASPASA Contact Nico Pienaar on Tel: +27 11 791 3327 Cell: 083 419 0010 email: office@aspasa.co.za or nico@aspasa.co.za Unit 8 Coram Office Park, Ferero Road, Randpark Ridge, Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa, PO Box 1983, Ruimsig, 1732 www.aspasa.co.za
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Nu-Fiberform Plastics SA (PTY) Ltd Tel: 011 902 9200/3 Fax: 011 902 9290/94 marietjie@nu-fiberform.co.za www.nu-fiberform.co.za
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ECO
Investing in a green economy Writer Peter Van Rensburg 44
T
o invest in a green economy is the new buzz word across the world. This will ultimately determine our fate as mankind in our challenge for survival. It is all about sustainable development; are we able to ensure that we use the resources on planet earth, responsibly, efficiently and save the next of the next generations to come from a world not conducive for humanity. Almost every country in the world is faced with this challenge. Some countries are more fretful than others on this topic. Perhaps the world’s poorest countries are better suited and stand a better chance to become role models for sustainable development. These
countries do not necessarily have to copy the evils of the traditional industrialization path. The opportunity to decentralize renewable energy, to create organic farms, to create resource efficient industries, ecotourism, stares most developing countries in the face. The debate on making economies green is perilous The great danger we face is that one day we will wake up to a society with no equitable improvement in living stands without eroding environmental assets; Environmentalists are extremely concerned that the current vision of a green economy gives consent to continued growth without proper focus on environmental limits. E.g. it is possible that success in resource efficiency
Jobs will be created in economic activities such as energy generation, manufacturing of products that reduce carbon emissions, farming activities to provide feedstock for biofuels, soil and environmental management and eco tourism. investment in innovative technologies and strategic alignment of public subsidies, may have to be implemented more vigorously. However, the successful implementation of green economies has to take into account the power relations in the world, the power of globalization. A legitimate fear in developing countries is that richer countries can simply prescribe regulations and conditions for aid, trade, foreign investment and intellectual property rights. In this way the quest for a green economy in the world will be undermined and the burden to succeed will be heavier on developing countries. Therefore, it becomes imperative that an integral part of building a green economy in the world must be to bridge the divide between rich and poor countries.
may simply encourage greater consumption. Bridge the divide between rich and poor countries There is no consensus in the world about how a green economy should look. However the closest one can come in defining this is; “to achieve equitable improvement in living standards without eroding environmental assets”. The general characteristics of a green economy will include low carbon energy production, efficient lifecycle use of materials and more inclusive sharing of economic wealth. To achieve this, tools such as the generation of appropriate price signals which may include resource quotas, environmental tax,
South Africa’s Green Economy Accord – COP 17 This comprehensive social partnership agreement amongst others, promises 300 000 new green jobs by 2020. The accord was signed in November 2011 by the South African government, business representatives, organized labour and community constituency. It includes commitments by stakeholders towards a greener economy in South Africa. At the same time, the parties will work together to ensure that the process of greening the economy promotes employment creation and improves conditions for the poor in particular. Jobs will be created in economic activities such as energy generation, manufacturing of products that reduce carbon emissions, farming activities to
provide feedstock for biofuels, soil and environmental management and eco tourism. This is one of the significant steps the South African government has taken to arrest the challenge of climate change. The South African government also plans to install one million solar water-heating systems in South Africa by 2014. By doing so, the government is not only seeing to the needs of the poor, but also builds a sustainable economy. This is what Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel has to say: “Many South Africans have been able to access hot water through solar water heating systems. The vast majority of new solar water heating systems is installed in houses owned by low-income South Africans. This programme helps to bring the benefits of renewable energy to local communities” The parties are also committed to increased use of renewable energy through generation for the national electricity grid as well as mass installation of solar water heaters; expanded production of clean stoves for South Africa and the continent; support for biofuels through regulatory measures and assistance to small farmers; investment in mass transit and to shift freight from road to rail; establishment of various finance facilities for green projects; a target of 80 percent of new jobs to go to young workers; and support for school programmes on the environment. Make our economy green, it’s the right way to go.
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Rockent Industrial Services cc South Africa’s own superior Hydro-blasting Vacuum Specialists & Construction Reg No. 2005/027476/23 P.O. Box 3740 VANDERBIJLPARK 1900
VAT No.: 4030219002 Tel No. : 016-932 5328 Fax No. : 016-932 5395 Cell. : 082 466 0853
62 GEORGE STREET MANTEVREDE VANDERBIJLPARK E-mail: rockent@mweb.co.za
Industrial High Pressure, De-watering & Vacuum Cleaning. Technical Services, Fabrication, Plastic Engineering Rubber Lining. INDUSTRIAL CLEANING:
MARMAN MOSHOADIBA
Cell: +27 82 048 7444 marmanrockent@vodamail.co.za
TECHNICAL SERVICES:
ANDRIES PIENAAR
Cell: +27 82 466 0853 andriesrockent@vodamail.co.za
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We take this opportunity of introducing our company and would like to be appraised for approval as a contractor. INDUSTRY PROFILE Rockent Industrial Services is a leader in the industrial hydro blasting and vacuum environment, providing services to the steel, chemical, mining, manufacturing, power generation, food and any other industry. Using high-tech equipment supported by technical resources, who is equipped, able and prepared to Successfully complete any industrial hydro-blasting and vacuum operation. As a company we offer a one-stop solution to maintenance management to any industrial industry by providing services through the application of hydro blasting and vacuum technology. OBJECTIVES * To obtain the status of being the market leader in industrial hydro blasting & vacuum cleaning. * To offer the best possible value at fair and realistic market related prices. * To provide our customers with the finest workmanship and customer service in a mot responsible and innovative manner. ACTIVITIES Our services include: Cleaning of power stations*heat exchange and condenser plants*boilers*pipelines and ducts*tanks and confined vessels*surfaces*walls*roofs*work areas*offices*mine pumping*etc. Removal of bulk material from dams*sumps*ash dams*sewerage dams*spillages*oil sumps*sludge, sludge dams, and drain cleaning. Labour hire of cleaners on contract & none contract base. Equipment: vacuums (super suckers), high pressure machines, pumps, TLB, Bobcat and skip loaders. Specialists in: Engineering & Pipelines Systems, Protective Linings & Anti Corrosion * Pvdf * Pvc * Poly*Hdpe Welding * Sandblasting * Painting * Machining * Tanks * Fiberglass * Gaskets * Fans * Fabrication * Fluoropolymer Coatings * Ptfe * Valves * Plumbing * Gearboxes * Electric Motors * General Maintenance. Dry Ice Sandblasting. Demolishing. SPECIALIZING Industrial cleaning - vacuuming, high-pressure hydro jetting. Pipeline systems, fabrication, rubber lining and plant/factory maintenance. UNIQUE SELLING POINTS • • • •
We offer a 24-hour service. We operate nationally. We specialize in the non-standard environment, especially in confined, hot and no space areas. We contribute to the production value chain through tailor made services
VALUES * CUSTOMER SERVICE – providing quality and value to satisfy the requirements of all our internal and external customers. * CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT – being creative and innovative in all we do to ensure continuous learning and improvements. * RESPECT, DIGNITY AND – treating each other with trust and respect, up holding EQUAL OPPORTUNITY human dignity and enhance fair treatment and equal opportunity * PARTICIPATION AND – employee participation in problem solving and decision EMPOWERMENT making processes through effective individual and team empowerment. * SAFE AND HEALTHY - ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all WORK ENVIRONMENT employees. CODE OF CONDUCT * Compliance with OHS Act and regulations * Support for the Safety, Health and Environment programme. (SHEQ) GENERAL INFORMATION Rockent Industrial Services is a Black Economic Empowerment Company and support zero tolerance accident free shifts at all times. Our clients are our most valuable concern.
SUPERIOR QUALITY IN EVERYTHING WE DO 47
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FINANCE ECONOMY
The lowdown on Retirement Annuities Writer Reagan C Adams
I
nvestors who bucket their savings, for retirement or otherwise, into a product which features they do not understand, are a familiar occurrence in the investment and insurance industry. It may have happened to you. You thought you have been investing in a product, with the intention of accessing its funds at any time, only to find your rainy day money “locked” until you reach the age of 55. If this was your experience, you are invested in a Retirement Annuity. A retirement annuity is a voluntary preretirement product designed for the individual who wants to save towards his or her retirement. It is registered under the provisions of the Pension Funds Act, 1956. Unlike a savings policy or investment, the money invested in an RA becomes compulsory money. The RA is usually greeted with much negativity due to its sad history. The conventional annuity, which has a policy structure, has been around for many years. In the past, insurance companies sold very expensive RAs that paid agents huge upfront commissions and delivered very poor growth to investors. The actual investment portfolios were so unclear and the investment reporting was so poor, you had no idea what was really happening to your money. The whole situation was made worse because you could not move your RA to another company or cancel the investment without it being even more costly. With the rise of the unit trust industry however, new product providers have started offering low cost RAs that invest exclusively in unit trusts. Reporting is much
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more transparent and costs have reduced substantially. In addition, the laws around these products have changed which means you can now move your RA (with a bit of difficulty) between product providers. As a result, you can now derive the full tax benefits of RAs without having to pay mammoth costs. There are downsides to RAs. Once commenced, the investment may not be cancelled and cannot be withdrawn in part or whole. You may access the funds at age 55, which will require you to retire from the Fund. At retirement you will be able to withdraw a lump sum of up to one-third and with the remainder of your capital a compulsory Living Annuity has to be purchased. The aim of the living annuity is to provide you an income for life. For many, this ideal falls short of reality. However, you can draw a monthly income from the living annuity until the money is depleted or you can leave it to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. You will never be able to withdraw the capital in a living annuity. Investors usually undertake an RA as an additional savings plan to their Pension and Provident funds, which are also preretirement products. However, while you have access to the latter two funds before retirement, you cannot access an RA before the age of 55 should you be in financial distress. In cases where investors emigrate or become permanently incapable of carrying out their occupation due to a disability, an RA may be withdrawn. But you cannot transfer your retirement annuity to an offshore retirement fund if you emigrate. There is also a downside to consider, in
terms of your family and beneficiaries, for when you pass on. You may appoint beneficiaries on your RA. As it is a Fund owned investment (regulated by the Pensions Fund Act), the Trustees of the Fund have to ensure that the death benefit is paid in accordance with the Rules of the Fund. The deceased’s dependants will first and foremost be considered to receive a portion of the death benefit and not necessarily appointed beneficiaries. They will decide on the fairness of the amount assigned and pay it accordingly. The upside to investing in an RA is that your creditors cannot access this money. It is protected by the Pension Funds Act. Anyone can invest in an RA as it makes provision for investment of their own money, investment amounts can be increased at any time and contributions are tax deductable, as your aim is to be self-reliant at retirement. As it is a voluntary product, contributions may seize at any time. Although saving for retirement is one of the best things you can do for yourself, it is important to know what will benefit you as an individual. I believe any savings product, as well as RAs have an important role to play in any working person’s financial planning. With all the new legislation and transparency offered by unit trust based RAs, its face may change as knowledge of the product increases. Unfortunately, the old fashioned RAs still exist and these are not good investments. It is recommended to invest in products offered by specialist investment companies, who at the same time can offer a low costing platform.
Your partner in the detection, response and prevention of fraud and corruption QHUBEKA has established itself as an influential forensic investigation service dealing with commercial crime and as such has achieved major successes. QHUBEKA has an unrivalled reputation for the integrity, impartiality and accuracy findings. The increasing sophistication of white-collar crime in the Corporate Environment necessitates utilizing new investigative techniques to prevent commercial crime. Through the use of a Project Management approach QHUBEKA investigates fraud and financial irregularities in the Corporate Environment. This new investigative method to address commercial crime is professional and sophisticated investigations can be effectively addressed. QHUBEKA facilitates prevention programs to ensure awareness amongst the employees of the responsibilities with regard to risk and internal audit management and implement a disclosure mechanism for employees to report workplace irregularities, dishonesty and unethical behaviour. We also develop, facilitate and maintain economic crime policies to embed internal control processes into your business and activate preventative measures and pro-active fraud auditing to identify fraud characteristics. We believe that we are in a position to provide you with a total solution, as we are an integral part of investigations in Healthcare Fraud in Southern Africa. Qhubeka collaborates with law enforcement agencies in an endeavour to combat and Investigate Economic Crime in the Corporate Environment. As a result of Qhubeka’s involvement in the gathering of the prima facie evidence, we coordinate the prosecution process and assist the South African Police Services and/or the relevant law enforcement agencies. Qhubeka provides expert witness evidence in disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings. The Qhubeka teams operate countrywide as well as in South Africa’s neighbouring countries. Their focus is both the recovery of funds and the prevention of fraudulent practices.
www.qhubeka.info 0861 111 956
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FINANCE
DEBT REVIEW Bad faith or incompetence? Writer Zak King
S
ince the Supreme Court of Appeal gave FNB permission to send a consumer a notice saying they no longer wanted to be part of the debt review process, and permission to try to take the matter to another court, many of the big banks have been doing just that. If a consumer sticks to the repayment plan that the Debt Counsellor works out for them, then seemingly there should be no reason for a creditor not to want to be part of the process. However this provision (Section 86(10)) in the National Credit Act seems to be in place to protect a creditor in case a consumer stops paying their debt while under debt review. Normally, of course, they would then get kicked out of debt review by the Debt Counsellor, but what if they are not? How would a Credit Provider ever be able to take further legal steps to get the consumer to pay? The view the SCA took is that the
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Act says that if a credit provider issues an 86(10) notice, the consumer can then simply ask a court to make a decision in terms of Section 86(11)- the very next paragraph of the Act- to re-include the debt. This protects the consumer as long as they are actually paying. Going to court however involves time, costs and stress. Debt review goes through the Magistrates Court, which is cheap compared to High Court. Some creditors though, are delaying things in the Magistrates Court and abusing Section 86(10) in order to get at the consumers assets in High Court where the expense stops many consumers from even trying to defend matters. Many of the 86(10) notices received by consumers are only for their bond accounts, not their smaller accounts. This has lead to controversy. If this action is targeted, then it is a planned attack on consumers under debt review. Consumer bodies are actively petitioning against such
behavior. There is a lot of delving deeper into what lies behind bond accounts and the insurance that these carry. Are the banks taking legal action (action they will probably lose and have to pay for) just so they can claim insurance against these accounts? It is unlikely that the SCA Judges knew their judgment would unleash a spate of bad faith terminations, and that thousands of consumers would have to go to High Court to defend against such action. Perhaps they thought that creditors would exercise restraint in this regard, rather than face the possible bills that come from losing at court against a consumer who is sticking to the debt review plan. Courts are granting cost orders against creditors in more and more cases, resulting in extra costs for the banks. Maybe it is not because of greed or secret shadowy financing methods, maybe it is just incompetence. The automated systems of some credit providers are causing major problems as they seem to be spitting these 86(10) notices out left, right and centre. Some Debt Counsellors say that some consumers under debt review are receiving one of these notices each month, despite paying regularly. When the Debt Counsellors contact the creditor, they find helpful staff who are happy to assist and even send apology letters to the consumers. However, the same consumers are receiving another notice the very next month. This is reducing the ability of Debt Counsellors to take on new clients and help the millions of consumers who need debt review. Is it a planned bad faith attack or just incompetence and crazy computers? Either way, dealing with these notices is now an everyday occurrence for debt review consumers and Debt Counsellors
Creditworx offers
credit risk solutions that are tailor-made for the
public sector
www.gpf.org.za EMAIL info@gpf.org.za telephone 011 290 6690
What makes Creditworx the perfect fit for the public sector? We have a proud history and understanding of the South Africa consumer environment; We continually embrace change to adapt to the changes in the credit industry, debtors behavior and legislation; We have a track record in handling public sector debt; We can provide an end-to-end collections solution consisting of soft collections, legal collections and tracing; We aim to protect your company by ensuring effective accounts receivable management and recovery solutions, relieving you from cash flow pressures. Contact us to see why it makes perfect sense to make us your partner in debt collection.
Telephone +27 11 248 2000
www.creditworx.co.za
Creditworx is registered with the Council for Debt Collectors in terms of the Debt Collectors Act (114 of 1998).
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Woman of Substance Wasima Fisher Writer Lee-Anne Richards
H
ousing is one of the largest problems facing South Africa at present. Beyond spoke to a very dynamic woman, Wasima Fisher, who is making great strides with her team in the Social Housing Sector. It is clear from Wasima’s outlook that she has an innate passion for community development that was fostered long before she took her first steps. Let us delve deeper into the life and achievements of this Community Development and Special Needs manager. Wasima is the second eldest daughter of a few children. She grew up in a traditionally Muslim family with strong community mindedness. For the first five years of her life, she grew up in Goodwood, where her maternal grandparents and extended family laid down well established roots. The Group Areas Act resulted in them having to uproot and move to Elsies River, where her father built a house. Her father was the first “so-called” coloured postmaster in South Africa in the early 1950’s. She completed her primary schooling at Siddiqi Primary School, which had poor physical resources but excellent teachers. This laid a solid foundation for her in both academic and religious platforms. Wasima’s father played a vital role in community upliftment programmes in her local community and taught her to embrace all cultures. This in turn inculcated strong values of inclusivity in the way she does things. Wasima completed her secondary education at Trafalgar High School in District Six. The school is currently celebrating their centenary. She comes from a strong history of “struggle”. Her mother passed away when she was fifteen years old and her father always played the role of primary parent. Tertiary studies in M.Soc.Sc (Clinical) (social work)
were completed at the University of Cape Town in 1999, with specialisation in both clinical and community development. Wasima currently holds the position of Community Development and Special Needs Manager at Communicare, Social Housing Non-Profit Organisation. Wasima worked in a variety of community settings with a strong clinical focus. She prides herself on delivery of good evidencebased practice, working in multi-disciplinary teams and always looking at innovative ways of service delivery to improve the lives of those she serves. She also worked in Day Hospitals, Family Planning with the Intellectually Disabled, the mentally abused women, youth and children with mental health challenges and emotional problems, vulnerable children and orphans. Travelling has been a great part of Wasima’s agenda, for both work and leisure purposes. She also worked in the United Kingdom for a period of five years in community development in primary mental health services for children and youth. Internship opportunities also reared their heads for her in 1977 in San Francisco and in 2009 in Toronto, Canada. Her current position at Communicare sees her interacting with various institutions involved in housing, The City of Cape Town, Department of Human Settlements and Social Development. Other institutions such as social work services, NSFAS, Universities, Educational Institutions, Kirstenbosch Gardens, etc., plays a role in her interactions to ensure multi-agencies working together to create seamless services for the communities she serves. Community Development plays an important role in promoting social, economic and inter-personal development of people. Of particular value in her role is that she is actively involved in facilitating the development of a new social order in
communities through social housing, which are changing the demographics of the society that was created through Apartheid. Social housing is a mechanism which brings together people of a particular income band regardless of colour, creed or culture and affords them a housing opportunity. Her role is to assist people who may be coming from very cultural backgrounds find each other and live together as well as prosper and move forward out of social housing, eventually. The programmes run by Communicare includes: Tenant Advisory Committees, Community Learning Centre, Urban Food Gardening programmes, Service Centres, Youth Development Programmes, Bursary Schemes, Social Services, Educare Centres, Enterprise Development, Tenant Training programmes and tenant support services. The annual budget for these services runs into R4.5 million per annum. Wasima believes that social housing provides people with low incomes with affordable housing in well-located, good infrastructure, close to amenities, transport and workplaces, with good accommodation to improve their lifestyles. Their projects also provide some of their entrepreneurial tenants with small contracts to earn a living. She also believes that these programmes cannot run on their own without building good relationships with stakeholders and tenants. Wasima sees herself as an independent person, having developed sound relationships with many good people in her life. She also believes that she is well integrated into communities from all walks of life. She would like to be remembered for the value that she added to people’s lives - creating new communities that are more integrated, independent and more prosperous. Ultimately creating an enabling environment, fertile for growth, is what she’s aiming to establish. 53
Responsible tourism at Tau Game Lodge
O
n the far Northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as the Groot Marico and it is in this spectacular setting, in the malariafree Madikwe Game Reserve, that privately owned Tau Game Lodge is situated. Thirty luxury chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the waterhole from the opposite bank. The lodge has a 5 star rating and chalets are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-bars ,tea and coffee facilities. Each chalet has its own wooden deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and open-air shower. Since its inception, the Tau Foundation, driven by Tau’s director, Clifford Green, has implemented a number of impressive projects in the local Supingstad community and we are proud of what the Tau Foundation has achieved so far. The social responsibility programme is delivering tangible results at the various local schools. This includes the fencing and safe keeping of the school properties and upgrading of the school sports fields and play grounds, as well as the renovation of school buildings and facilities, setting up of vegetable gardens, computer rooms, creating 54
a borehole and installing guttering and water tanks and toilets with running water at the high school. Guests visiting the lodge are offered the opportunity to visit the Supingstad schools, some traditional historical sites or they can contribute to the soup kitchen which Tau arranges at the schools. These tours are led by our community officer, Itumeleng Michael Senne. The Tswana traditional singer-dance group, Ditshepe tse di Tshetlhana, was formed in January 2004, in the nearby village of Supingstad, under the leadership of Sacky Suping. The group was formed to add flair to the growing tourism in the area and help existing programmes for community development. Our guests play a critical role in supporting the Tau Foundation by integrating local and international travellers and rural people to their mutual benefit. The Tau Tree Fund The Tau Tree Fund was started to allow visitors to the Tau Game Lodge the opportunity to plant protected tree species and to learn a little about the trees that they are planting, thereby playing an active role in conservation. Information supplied to the guests includes the medicinal purposes, African folklore, natural habitat, ecology, animal and plant relationships, etc. of their
chosen tree. As an alternative project to assist in sustainability of the Mmasebudule community project, the task of supplying trees to lodges in the Madikwe Reserve was initiated. This project was designed to teach the community to collect seeds and germinate indigenous trees for resale both within and outside of the game reserve. They have been supplying trees to a number of lodges in Madikwe, who in turn have either planted them, or in our case, have also sold them to guests who have then planted them, with all profits then going towards the Tau Foundation. We are working closely with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and our supplying nurseries, so that from time to time when the trees seed, they are able to collect seeds for further regeneration During Arbor week this year, Tau pledged to plant a tree each day of the first week of September and staff members of each Lodge department were involved with this on a daily basis For any additional information, please feel free to contact us on +27 11 314 4350 or taugame@mweb.co.za www.taugamelodge.co.za
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FINANCE
The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act Writer Kendal Brown
T
he PPPFA! Is it the devastating right hook, knockout blow following the straight left, brain shuddering straight left of B-BBEE? Or not? Has the bell finally sounded for companies that are fronting? It sure looks like it. It may have taken a while but the National Treasury finally gazetted its revisions to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) thereby bringing it into alignment with B-BBEE codes. In a nutshell it means that all tenders as of December7, 2011 will be evaluated and awarded by government only once bidders BEE scorecards have been considered. The Regulations of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, No. 5 of 2000, have been promulgated in the Government Gazette. These regulations will give substance to the contents of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act which was passed through Parliament at the beginning of last year. The purpose of this act is to enhance the participation of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) and the small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the public sector procurement system. According to the new evaluation system contemplated in the Regulations, preferences will be applicable to all tenders, irrespective of the amount. An 80/20 point system will be applicable for tenders up to R 500 000, while a 90 / 10 point system will be applicable for tenders above R 500 000. For the first system a maximum of 80 points will be allocated to the lowest acceptable tender, while tenderers who tendered higher in price will score a lower number of points. A maximum of
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20 points will be awarded to tenderers for contracting or subcontracting with HDIs and for achieving specified RDP goals. The tender will be awarded to the tenderer who scored the highest number of total points. The goals to be achieved will be clearly specified in the tender documents, must be nquantifiable and measurable and monitored for compliance. For tenders with a value above R 500 000 a similar 90 / 10 point system will be followed during the evaluation process where a maximum of 90 points will be scored by the lowest acceptable tender, and a maximum of 10 points can be scored for contracting or sub-contracting with HDIs and for achieving specified RDP goals. Since 1996 a maximum of 11,1% preference was allowed for HDIs who tendered for building and construction contracts administered by the Department of Public Works, while a maximum of 13,6% preference was allowed for equity ownership by HDIs and women for contracts with a value up to R 2,0 million. No preferences were allowed for contracts above R2,0 million. The regulations were published in draft form for comments in the Government and all Provincial Gazettes. Various comments were received and after refining the draft regulations, it was discussed thoroughly between the Minister of Finance and all the MECs: Finance of the Provinces. The goals to be achieved are detailed in the regulations. Points for achieving these goals must include points for contracting and / or subcontracting with HDIs and may include points for inter alia promotion of South African owned enterprises,
promotion of export orientated production to create jobs, the promotion of SMMEs, promotion of enterprises located in a specific province, region, municipality or rural areas, the empowerment of the work force by standardising the level of skill, the development of human resources and the upliftment of communities. It is envisaged that the implementation of these regulations will enhance the involvement of black businesses in the public tendering system and will contribute to the upliftment of disadvantaged communities. It will further assist in the inclusion of the informal business sector into the main stream of the economy. The implementation process will be closely monitored and the Minister of Finance will report the effect of these measures to Parliament. The Regulations will be applicable to all national and provincial departments as well as all local authorities. The Regulations have been published in the Government Gazette No.22549 dated 10 August 2001. It is also available on the internet on the National Treasury website www.treasury.gov.za B-BBEE revisited The effect these amendments have is to bring the Broad-Based BEE Scorecard requirements into alignment with government tenders. This means that any businesses wanting to tender for government contracts will have to produce a BEE scorecard that meets the requirements of these new regulations. Hopefully this will mean that misrepresentation, corruption and fraud will be a thing of the past if the PPPFA amendments prove effective and we’ll all be playing by the same rules! While the intention is that black South Africans will be better placed to benefit it does not exclude anyone. Companies complying with B-BBEE (Socioeconomic Development, Enterprise Development, Preferential Procurement, Skills Development, Employment Equity, Management and Ownership) will be rewarded with favourable returns on the B-BBEE scorecard. A leveling of the playing fields? Fair enough! We trust the guidelines are clear to all and that tender officials especially will acquaint themselves with them to ensure everyone gets a fair chance. Cue Elvis singing “Love me tender”.
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HEALTH
Diabetes, the silent killer Writer Libby Norton
Y
es it is, exactly that! A silent killer. I was shocked at my neighbour’s vehemence. Back in 2000, Marianne found she had a loss of feeling in her feet and then her hands; it got worse, affecting her legs. Finally she had no feeling in her legs at all having to deliberately lift them up in order to walk, as she does today, living largely confined to her house. Finally doctors pinned it down to diabetes, and treated Marianne; “The doctors say this disease could have been stalking me for five to ten years doing damage before I had symptoms,” she says, “I was not aware of any blood sugar problem but looking back I could see I was desperately thirsty and had no energy.” Nearly 80 percent of people suffering diabetes in Africa are undiagnosed. Could you be one of them? All over the world, thousands of people are showing no symptoms, but this pernicious disease is developing, feeding off our modern diet and lifestyle, to show itself when it’s too late. DAMAGE This disease that sneaks up on you, for most sufferers, is Type 2 diabetes where cells fail to use insulin properly. It may cause irreversible injury such as blindness, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, impotence and the amputation of limbs – or early death. Such incidents are tragedies that devastate not only the individual but also the family and the community. So while the disease is scary, the ‘complications’ are chilling and South Africans are largely diabetes-ignorant. TREATMENT Perhaps like me, the mention of diabetes brings a shudder at the image of a self-inflicted hypodermic jab every day for 58
Type 1, largely suffered by young people, but needle-phobia may be encouraging denial. If you have got diabetes, treatment today is not alarming – there are alarm watches and nifty little ‘pens’ instead of nasty needles, that can monitor and dose medication, and you can easily swallow hypoglycaemic agents, pills and capsules. Diabetes is a lifelong disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood that produces classical symptoms of increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination and great weariness. If you are carrying extra weight around the middle describing you as “apple-shaped”, you would be blessed to check for diabetes now. Couch potatoes and computer clingers take note! The British medical journal, The Lancet, says that since the year 2000, the number of people in the world with diabetes has more than doubled, and in Africa, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) says at least one in 10 adults could have diabetes by 2030. FACE IT What’s important is to face up to it. If we are regular people drowning in deadlines, munching crisps and noshing chocolate bars, phoning for pizza, feasting on pasta and filling up with white bread… we are at risk! Studies show bacon and hot dogs are especially high risk food containing nitrates and nitrites; twice-a-week baconeaters have a 17% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who eat it less than once a week and twice-weekly frankfurter gobblers up their risk by 24%. We can prevent diabetes. Good advice is go back to basics, dump the starch, eat whole seed foods, eat our veggies chopped and raw, cut out trans-fats, increase the good fats,
and beat the sweet cravings. We’re advised to walk briskly for half an hour five times a week to exercise and deal with stress - and hop along to the doc and get tested, just in case. Complications such as kidney failure are extremely expensive to treat and would send medical costs soaring. The only way of reducing national expenditure is to invest in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. The problem is looming so large that in the UK they say it could overwhelm the National Health Service in the future if their government doesn’t respond to the crisis. SA Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is already pulling in the reins. Following the recent approval of the trans-fats regulations reducing the amount of fat in food, he has warned that salt content in products will be regulated too. But that’s not enough. ACTION South Africa needs to identify the millions of high-risk people and diagnose the thousands who have the disease and don’t know it. Government must be urged to act now, floating public awareness campaigns pointing out risks and symptoms and putting in place more effective screening and risk assessment facilities than exist at the moment. As well as prevention and early diagnosis, we need more effective treatment and government needs to be held accountable for measurable targets. When diabetes doesn’t kill, it’s certainly a vicious assailant. If it could scupper the British NHS, what of South Africa’s proposed national health plan? If we listen up and wise up we can ambush it at the pass, but without urgent attention experts say by 2025, this silent killer will overtake HIVAids as the main killer of South Africans.
Building, Road, Plumbing & Electrical Constructions
Mokoto General Construction is a general construction close cooperation which is registered in terms of companies’ act of South Africa by the registrar of companies and close cooperation. Mokoto General Construction has been in operation since 1996 trading as GG Construction; it then changed its name to Mokoto General Construction in 2001 because the previous name was not registered with registrar of companies. SERVICES Construction activities undertaken by Mokoto General Construction are: Equipping of boreholes, Storm water construction, Renovation to buildings, Sewer line construction, Residential buildings BUSINESS OPERATIONS This organization has key role players in ensuring good operations both administratively and technically on all projects undertaken. The staff complement is comprised of experienced technicians for executions of projects and basic managerial skills for management and administration of subordinates and labourers. COMPLIANCE Mokoto general construction is registered in terms of companies’ act of South Africa. We comply with corporate laws governing close corporations. Our registrations includes: National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), South African revenue Services (SARS), Compensation Commission, for Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases.
6 JAN SMUTZ AVENUE, GOLFVIEW, MAFIKENG, 2745 TELEPHONE NUMBER 018-381 7632 FAX NUMBER 018-3817632 EMAIL ADDRESS gmcmokoto@telkomsa.net NHBRC REGISTRATION NUMBER 1-49932687 CIDB REGISTRATION NUMBER 137485
M CONSTRUCTION MOKOTO GENERAL
How is it possible that more than 4,500 mothers die each year in a country where 87% of women give birth in clinics or hospitals? Maternity care is free and the government spends R748 per person, per year on public health?
HEALTH
South Africa’s dying mothers Writer Libby Norton
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ow is it possible that more than 4,500 mothers die each year in a country where 87% of women give birth in clinics or hospitals? Maternity care is free and the government spends R748 per person, per year on public health? This question is posed in the Human Rights Watch report called “Stop Making Excuses: Accountability for Maternal Health Care in South Africa”. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that 75% of all maternal fatalities (women dying during pregnancy and labour) could be prevented, and the “Saving Mothers’ Report” indicates that the causes are mainly Aids, hypertension, haemorrhage, sepsis and preexisting maternal disease and there’s a very strong link to statistics on freely available abortions. One problem is the lack of figures for how many midwives there are in South Africa because they are simply classified as nurses. Bridget Lynch, president of the International Confederation of Midwives, says South Africa was renowned for training some of the best midwives in the world in the 58
1970s, “but they have been “subsumed by nursing regulations”. Dr Nick Taylor, writing on education; “What’s Wrong and How to Fix It”, says South Africa is on the wrong development track because of a failure to prioritise expert knowledge as the key to success. The world leaders agreement, ‘the Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs), of September 2000, include a specific target of reducing the number of women dying during pregnancy and childbirth by threequarters by 2015 but South Africa has not been able to stem the rise. On Parliament’s Health Portfolio Committee is the ACDP’s Cheryllyn Dudley, who says the main problem is a lack of compliance and a lack of responsibility. “It’s one thing to legislate and another thing to implement that legislation; when someone dies, the hospital or clinic takes the blame, but there’s no accountability in which specific staff members were not doing their job.” Human Rights Watch researcher Agnes Odhiambo ‘ says it’s the ‘soldiers’ on the ground who are the problem. “There is no vision at district and provincial level. We found teachers
running health districts and managers who had been appointed for political reasons. No one has a sense of responsibility. A lot of blaming goes on. The lack of management just promotes inequality,’’ she said. Eustace Davie, a director of the Free Market Foundation feels governments everywhere fail in their endeavours to fix services because it is impossible for them to create the incentives and disincentives that encourage and maintain staff enthusiasm and efficiency. “For one thing, merit is not properly rewarded because those administering the system have no way of, and no interest in, measuring the value of above average service. For another, there is the constant ideological pressure to pay everyone the same salary, ignoring what might be huge differences in the quality and quantity of the services different people provide.” He believes government could improve healthcare significantly by increasing the choices of patients and (nursing) students by steadfastly withdrawing from the delivery process so as to allow competitive private providers to supply a rapidly increasing choice of services. Odhiambo has warned that the government’s proposed NHI scheme will backfire unless it is accompanied by a fundamental reorganisation of South Africa’s health service management. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the problem is that all the experts are at the top. “We need to re-engineer things so that we have a seat for a permanent gynaecologist and principal midwife in every district in the country,” he said. “We need health workers that respect the basic rights of patients, and provide competent people who will be responsible and accountable for instances of abuse.” Unicef South Africa says a team of experts has been working feverishly to try to ensure that district specialist teams are put in place. It has been pointed out that an obstetric emergency is not something for which you can tell the mother to come back tomorrow. “It takes serious effort to bring change,” asserts Ms Dudley, “and that change starts with changes to attitudes.”
SFA020/12
SOCIAL FRANCHISING - EVERYONE WINS! Give our youth a sporting chance to help make South Africa successful Sport For All, South Africa’s first registered Development) and Code 700 (Sociosocial franchise, utilises sport as a vehicle Economic Development) B-BBEE for development and social change. It requirements. In other words, it is verifiable provides an entrepreneur (owner/operator) and measured, so a supporting enterprise with a rewarding business; offers youth can stimulate business at grassroots level employment opportunities and whilst doing social good with gives children - who are inactive meaning and real results and or who have limited access to rewards. Get your company quality sport coaching - a involved and chance to participate in over 15 Sport For All CEO Kelli Givens different sport codes and life create social change gives an insight into the quid skills training. pro quo benefits of this social that’s good for franchise: “Everyone wins! This is NOT a charity project, it Companies utilise their BEE business too! is a sustainable business model Codes of Good Prac tice that uses structured curricula to provision to get up to 20 points deliver developmental sports training on their BEE scorecard, the franchisee gets programmes and the latest smartcard the seed funding necessary to set up and technology to track cash flows and monitor kids who can’t otherwise afford to the progress and participation of the participate get the opportunity to be a part children. As such, Sport For All is the of Sport For All. The community benefits by ‘beautiful solution’ for companies who having better-rounded youth growing up would like to fulfill Code 600 (Enterprise and becoming active citizens”
Social Franchising - The Beautiful Solution • • • • •
Uses the structures and management approaches of commercial franchising to achieve social goals Makes profit to plough back into the business to ‘make a difference’ Focuses on sustainability through entrepreneur development, business incubation and youth employment Turnkey Operation includes smartcard technology, storage container, coaching curriculum, kits and sports equipment Hands-on classroom sessions and continuous on-field training for franchisee and coaches
Companies can earn valuable points: 15 (Code 600) Enterprise Development + 5 (Code 700) Socio-Economic Development = 20 POINTS on their BEE scorecard!
SA companies have invested BEE funds to open eight Sport For All franchises plus 10 NEW sites to enable thousands more children to participate daily in over 15 different sport codes creating a foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices.
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VISION
EQUITY & MANAGEMENT
Ntlakohlaza Travel Agency focuses on ensuring a professional,prompt and continuously improving travel and tourism arrangement service that exceeds clients’ expectations due to service perfection and availability.
Ntlakohlaza Travel Agency is a 100% black owned establishment, currently composed of a 100% black female member’s interest. This is quite evident of the HDI progress in meeting our economic goals and realizing the up-liftment of HDI’s and youth in business. Management : 100% HDI Personnel - Male : 33% - Female : 76% BBBEE LEVEL 1
MISSION Our aim is to assist travelling clients to reach their destinations and ensure that their travel and/or tourism experience is expertly arranged thus yielding client satisfaction. OBJECTIVES To provide excellent and professional travel services – End to End Travel Solution To provide a pleasant experience around travelling To provide employment opportunities in the travel industry To operate a sustainable profitable business ACCREDITATION Ntlakohlaza Travel Agency is a registered service provider with the accreditation bodies for operation within the industry: IATA –International Air Transport Association - 2003 ASATA – Association of South African Travel Agents - 2003
SERVICES OFFERINGS We offer an End to End local and international travel service that is modern, complete and competitive thus being the best of services provided by our industry. Air Travel Accommodation Vehicle Rental / Hire GroupTours Meetings, Conference & Events Venues Leisure Arrangements VALUE-ADD OFFERINGS Free Travel Advice Customer Care 24 Hour Availability Service Confidentiality Cost Efficiency Document Delivery Service Management Accounts Maintenance SERVICE STANDARDS Our End to End travel solution differentiate us from our competitors by implementing our service standards. In brief, our Key Service Commitments: Quality Responsiveness Accessibility Service Improvements and Accountability
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Shuaib Chalken, an independent expert, or what we call Special Rapporteur at the United Nations 64
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN Shuaib Chalken Writer Rishqah Roberts
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ell us who you are? Shuaib Chalken, an independent expert, or what we call Special Rapporteur at the United Nations. I was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as the Special Rapporteur on Disability in September 2009. My mandate comes from the Commission for Social Development that I report to on an annual basis during the sessions of the Commission in February, each year Where are you based? I am based at the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa, where I have been working on a number of different research projects. One of my research projects at the moment is that we have taken five African countries and four countries in Europe and reviewed their donor aid to African countries to see if it includes people with disabilities; how that money was spent, was it a quality spend and could it have been spent differently. The job must include quite a bit of travelling, tell us about your travels. In September we have a Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, when I also go to New York; other than that I visit different countries and prepare a country report on the situation of people with disabilities within that particular country. Recently I have been to China as part of my country visits, attended a conference in the Philippines, as well as visited Thailand. Travelling is part of my job and comes up all the time, it is a big world out there and everybody wants you at their meeting. What are you currently busy with? Currently I am busy with two things. I will be addressing the African Union next month, to talk to them about the promotion of human rights and people with disabilities. I will be looking at what they are doing and then sharing some of my ideas with them, as well as finding ways to work together. Simultaneously, I am continuing with my
research. Tell us about your work with the UN? The UN policy framework concerning disability consists of a number of major international agreements, including the World Programme concerning Disabled Persons (1983) and the Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities (1993). During the past decade, Governments around the world, UN system offices and civil society organizations, including organizations of persons with disabilities went through a complex negotiations process to draft an international treaty to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities, leading to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The treaty was adopted by the General Assembly in December 2006, and entered into force after being ratified by 60 Member States of the UN, in 2008. My own work as the Special Rapporteur is guided by this UN policy framework. My task, in addition to monitoring and promoting the implementation of the Standards Rules, also includes working to encourage countries to support this new Convention. If we can get 90% of the UN Member States to ratify it, that would be wonderful! I would work on inclusive development, which basically means that if countries do make development plans, they are fully inclusive of women, children and people with disabilities; that it also takes into consideration sustainable development; climate; the carbon footprint and such matters. At the moment we do not have this as far as disability goes. Few countries really do inclusive development; therefore it is part of my mandate, as well. My mandate also states that I would encourage international cooperation, which obviously includes a lot of travelling. Next year, we will be having a high-level meeting on disability. Such a meeting within the UN system means that during September when the UN General Assembly meets, Heads of States come to the UN to address an item on the agenda that relates to a billion people around the world, living with disabilities. They will discuss what can
be done to encourage inclusive development and ensure that their rights are respected, as well as services implemented to ensure equality for people with disabilities. How many countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities thus far? 60% - 111 countries to date and the European Union as a regional organization; this has been taken up very quickly as it only came into force in 2008. How is South Africa doing with regard to keeping up to the standard to grant South Africans with disabilities equal opportunity as the rest of our population? If more countries implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, then it is wonderful and in this regard, surprisingly, South Africa has done remarkably well when compared to other developing countries and other emerging market countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, India, China. You must understand that South Africa has a social safety net, in that we have a disability grant; where cheap healthcare and wheelchairs are available. So I think that South Africans often believe that they are the worse off in the world and have a very negative perception of themselves, but in reality they are actually doing exceptionally well. South Africa now has the Ministry for Women, Children and People with Disabilities and a Social Development Department. There is also an overflow of non-governmental organizations. So there is a lot of assistance available which makes us extremely fortunate if we look at ourselves critically, in comparison to the rest of the developing world.
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Education Adult literacy levels in South Africa Writer Sara Davids amounts to around 9-million adults in South Africa who are over the age of 15 years and remain illiterate. These statistics clearly reflect the disastrous literacy position that South Africa finds itself in. Why then, do we not see any progress in the literacy rates despite the billions being injected into this sector? One of the most overstated – and with the result – most overlooked reasons can certainly be attributed to the backlogs left from 40 years of apartheid and the effects thereof, regardless of all efforts on behalf of government to rectify educational
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ccording to the constitution, all South Africans have a right to education, whereby the state is obliged to ensure the availability and accessibility of education to each of its citizens. A massive 18% of total state expenditure which amounted to roughly R120-billion was invested in education in 2009/2010 – the highest rate of public investment in education in the world. The UN reported that Chile and Indonesia’s expenditure on education is also roughly around 18%, but the countries attained adult literacy rates of 98.6% and 92% respectively. Despite the government’s attempt to prioritise education through astounding investments, adult literacy remains at a low 89% in comparison to Chile’s 98.6% and Indonesia’s 92% which
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Teachers in township schools are poorly trained, the matric pass-rate is particularly low amongst the coloured and black schools imbalances. In rural areas like Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal, schools are still not as resourced and equipped since during the apartheid era, as opposed to the wealthier and more affluent schools in Gauteng and Western Cape. Also, because teachers in township schools are poorly trained, the matric pass-rate is particularly low amongst the coloured and black schools, which again is a result of the apartheid legacy. During a conference held back in 2010 in Kwazulu-Natal, representatives from adult literacy organisations gathered and exchanged information on the challenges they faced in delivering on and implementing adult literacy programmes in order to combat the literacy problem in Southern Africa. Some of the major challenges facing such organisations were based on the development
of suitable literacy teaching techniques and materials, as well as the preparation and retention of qualified literacy educators. One of the most common challenges that emerged however, was the understanding of and support for programmes for out-ofschool youth for whom such programmes are developed. It is often difficult to convince people who are no longer eligible to be in school but at the same time are not sufficiently educated to hold jobs to make use of adult literacy programmes. The Gauteng Department of Education has tried to manage the adult literacy crisis after discovering that a large amount of the adult population remain illiterate in both English and Mathematics. The GDE responded to the crisis by implementing an accelerated adult learning programme based on Adult Basic Education Training (ABET) in Gauteng. The programme is aimed at providing effective remedial action in the case whereby Gauteng manages to meet the government’s job creation target. Media Works, the company that has been tasked with conducting an accelerated adult basic education training programme will hopefully be able to bridge the literacy gaps left by conventional education, thereby working to raise literacy levels in the workplace. The training programme will make allowances and include people with disabilities by implementing programmes that cater for braille and sign language. Jonathan Snyman, a researcher at the South African Institute of Race Relations, says that the high expenditure is not enough to make a difference on its own. He reckons that together with the proper implementation of policies to ensure teachers’ quality of teaching, we are bound to see improvements in educational outcomes. As a result, the Department of Education is trying to get school principals to sign performance agreements this year, which are aimed at improving pupils’ performance through monitoring teachers’ performance (i.e. quality of teaching). Their performance would most likely be measured against academic performance of schools and be linked to performance in the Annual National Assessments and National Senior Certificate Examinations. The department has had no luck in gaining performance agreement contracts from the schools due to the inability to reach an agreement with the Teacher Unions. Snyman thus emphasises strengthening the quality of teaching at school-level and focusing on the commitment of teachers and principals as a way of progressing to a brighter, more literate future.
on uti s l fo so r n o Africa i t a g i r Ir Africa’s pivot of success
COMPANY PROFILE SENTER 360 is a South African company. We have a simple policy of doing business with the highest standards of integrity. We therefore pride ourselves on not merely selling a product, but building long term relationships. Designed and built in South Africa in 1994, SENTER 360 centre pivots are known for their superior construction quality and strength – above industry standards, and we as a company are renowned for excellent sales and after-sales service. We have been in the irrigation industry for more than 20 years, specialising in surveying, system design, installation and commissioning of irrigation systems. We have growing business interests in South Africa, Africa and internationally and offer a turn-key project development service from feasibility study phase to implementation and project management. One of our recent achievements has been the allocation of an international tender for the supply of more than 50 centre pivots to the South African Government for the Taung irrigation scheme.
KEY ADVANTAGES OF SENTER 360 • The most effective way of irrigating large areas • Ensures constant high yields • More than 96% water distribution accuracy • Manufactured with high quality materials to very high standards of accuracy • Only the best quality heavy-duty drive train components are used to cope with terrain and ensuring years of reliable service • Senter 360 has the strongest centre pivot span structure available today • We carry high levels of stock to be able to supply when you need it
Tel: +27 (18) 469–1331 Email: info@senter360.co.za www.senter360.co.za
Africa’s pivot of success Since 1994
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Education The value of an MBA Writer Anwar Booley
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o, is that Master of Business Administration (MBA) still going to add the value as in a decade ago? This is the question asked by many out there. Research has shown that over 80% of graduates over the past decade have landed employment. Of the 80%, a proportion has not landed jobs which they have intended with the view of being in a much better position than they were before having an MBA. Notwithstanding the latter, a nominal amount of graduates have been better positioned post MBA. However, saying that the degree is worth it is a matter worth investigating. When one considers the cost of an MBA degree, it does vary considerably from one institution to another. This is due to the credibility of such institutions. Then the factor of return on investment (ROI) in view of cost to income after acquisition of the degree is a factor to consider. “The whole package has to work for us,” said Steffen Laick, a top recruiter at Ernst & Young, the global accounting firm. “We are still interested in the essentials.” Reputation plays a crucial role in where employers recruit, noting that of Canada’s big five banks when looking for new recruits. Rankings aside, employers say they look for versatile candidates and the school that trained them is only partially relevant. Dorothy Grandia, part of the M.B.A. career development centre at the Rotterdam School of Management at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, said that even with all those factors taken into account, schools were never the only factor in hiring a particular applicant for a job. Top business schools maintain strong relationships with companies. Similarly, top companies say the
for investment banking, you don’t want to be disappointed when Goldman Sachs won’t touch you [after graduation]. You also have to match your temperament and interests to your postgraduation work. If you don’t have the drive it takes to work extremely long hours, you won’t like --or do well in -- investment banking. Likewise, you need to make sure an MBA is right for helping you reach your career goals. Petersam has counselled MBA wannabes who plan to use their degrees to become financial planners. He tells them they’re going after the wrong degree and refers According to GMAC’s 2008 MBA graduate them instead to a financial planning survey, graduates of full-time MBA certification program. programs expect about a 67 percent According to increase from their pre-MBA salaries. GMAC’s 2008 MBA graduate survey, graduates of full-time MBA programs expect which administers the GMAT that graduate about a 67 percent increase from their preschools use to determine who gets into MBA salaries. The results of GMAC’s 2008 MBA programs, surveys past test takers Corporate Recruiters Survey show that most to see where they end up and what they MBA graduates could expect 2008 salaries earn before and after graduation. GMAC’s “about 35 percent higher than that of other ongoing research has found that these three graduate school students and almost double factors affect MBA salary the most (in order the average starting salary of undergraduate of highest influence): Pre-existing salary, school students Function of employer, Number of people While money is important, there’s more than managed (pre-MBA). one way to judge the cost and benefit of The three factors add up to the following: pursuing an MBA, says Jeff Blum, founder An MBA won’t guarantee you a job on Wall of MBA Depot, an online networking site Street if you have no quantitative skills or for MBA alums. “For someone who wants to experience to back it up. It’s an issue David start his own business, the return is going to Petersam comes across often as president be different than someone who wants to go of Admissions Consultants Inc., a Vienna to a top-tier consulting firm,” says Blum. “If Virginia firm that helps business school you want to work on Wall Street, you don’t applicants gain admission to suitable schools. want to go to a second-tier school “Sometimes people get their hopes up about salaries when they get out of school,” says Petersam. “If you don’t have the background relationship can make it easy for graduates to apply. So, if you’re thinking of heading back to school for a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), you’ve probably wondered how it could change your paycheck. It depends upon many variables, including which school you attend, your prior experience and whether you enroll in a full-time or part-time program, says Rachel Edgington, project manager in information services for the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). GMAC,
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SKILLS & TRAINING Institutions to buck up! Writer Lee- Anne Richards
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ith the advent of the government’s new infrastructure development priority programme, it is expected that tertiary institutions will have to seek to address the level of skills development and scarce skills areas that are pertinent to make this programme successful. It is reported from President Zuma’s office that he will be meeting with the Principals of the Further Education and Training Colleges (FET’s) to look at how they can play an integral role in developing the country’s scarce and critical skills and the levels of skills, in line with the government’s programme. This is a great opportunity for the FET colleges to showcase what they have done thus far and for them to understand the role that they have to play to upskill South Africa. The Department for Higher Education and Training’s National Plan Vision 2030, recommends that colleges be strengthened to deliver on the required programmed, increase the throughput rate and expand their infrastructure to produce at least 30 000 artisans per annum. 72
“Some of the crucial skills produced by FETs include the following: Civil Engineering and Building Construction, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Infrastructure and Construction, Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Geological Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Fabrication, Information Technology and Computer Science, Finance, Economics and Accounting, Wall and Floor Tilers, Electronics, Welding and Tool Designers, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Fitting and Turning, Manufacturing and Industrial Design, Fitting as well as Machining.” On the other hand, the universities are urged to strive for the highest levels of excellence in pursuance of willing students that invest their time, money and effort to get the best possible qualification with high standards. “The objective and responsibility of universities is to provide the very best standard of intellectual engagement and development that is available to people who want to study. Therefore, whatever their background, it is up to the students to comply with the university standards,” says
Professor Powell, University of Stellenbosch. He states that universities should defend their standards for obtaining degrees and that it may be a challenge given the history of unequal opportunities presented to certain communities in South Africa. With the government establishing Vision 2030 and the debates raging on about admissions to tertiary institutions, one wonders if it will only be the responsibility of the Further Education and Training Colleges to get our youth prepared for the next milieu. Whilst Professor Powel might be correct in arguing for standards, he also mentions that they will implement bridging programmes to get students to the appropriate levels to complete their degrees. The Professor further states: “This is a very complex moral, operational and societal issue in South Africa. Students of all backgrounds deserve the right to further their education at intellectually demanding institutions. Nevertheless, this does not mean that universities must lower their standards by allowing admission to applicants who are less prepared than they should be.” The question should be asked, how does our high schools prepare our learners for tertiary
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education and how does the universities contribute towards this preparation so that learners will not be discriminated against. This is in total contrast to what government is trying to achieve and opening the institutions of learning to previously disadvantaged students. South Africa needs to mine its talent and Higher Education plays an important role in assisting the country to churn out students that are ready to make our country a more productive and forward thinking nation. South Africa needs to compete globally. We need to hone our own skills for internal as well as export purposes. We need to be seen as a nation that is proud of the people that we nurture and foster to become consummate professionals that are recognised internationally. Within the education department, attitudes to independent schools are mixed: supportive at the national level and in many provinces but misunderstandings complicate government relations. Because of misperceptions it is also widely thought that subsidies given to private, or independent schools could be better spent on public schools. In fact, independent schools form only 5% of all schools and only a tiny amount of state money is allocated to them through subsidies anyway – and these are often unilaterally cut by provinces or not paid on time which can result in severe financial problems for the affected schools. No high-fee independent school receives a state subsidy at all. They are self-funding and therefore actually save the state money. If private schools were closed, all their pupils would have to be educated by the state, which in the case of KwaZulu-Natal would mean an additional R1.5bn. Since the end of apartheid, despite obstacles, the greatest growth has been in independent schools serving disadvantaged black communities in townships, informal settlements and rural areas, (which clearly indicates a grassroots demand for independent education.) Major obstacles are presented by the regulations which inhibit the growth of new independent schools particularly in poorer communities. For instance, both a nonprofit or for-profit company, as an employer involved in an independent school, is affected by all the legislation pertaining to companies, as well as the education specific legislation and policies. This year alone, ISASA has analysed over 50 pieces of legislation and government policies that have a direct impact on independent schools. “This web of legislation imposes considerable compliance costs on schools,” says Dr Hofmeyr, “and a growing
administrative burden that low-fee schools, in particular, do not have the resources to meet. Often these are gazetted without consideration being given to the impact on independent schools. For instance, the Medicines and Related Substance Control Act of 1997, as amended, stipulates that anyone who dispenses medication must be properly licensed to do so. This means that schools have to employ personnel who are licensed to dispense medication, which in the case of some learners, is essential for their health, for example, insulin injections.” Such qualified personnel are hard to come by and costly. To obtain government subsidies, the National Norms and Standards for School Funding (2006) stipulated that mid and low-fee independent schools had to achieve a 50% matric pass rate to qualify for government subsidies. However, in 2008 this was amended to the achievement of the average matric pass rate in each province. In other words, if the Western Cape had a 76.8% matric pass rate in 2010, then independent schools there would have to meet that pass rate or they would lose their subsidies. However, in the Eastern Cape, independent schools only had to meet the much lower 58.3% average matric pass rate to qualify for a subsidy. Dr Hofmeyr points out that the purpose of the change to raise the quality is unlikely to be achieved. A school that loses its subsidy would lose teachers and would be unable to afford more materials, making the situation worse. In 2008, Government recognised the need to revise the Norms and Standards but despite many submissions from the sector, this has not happened. Another problem is the registration conditions for such schools where some provinces don’t have any registration conditions at all and those of others are out-of-date, unreasonable or actually unlawful. Looking ahead, there is likely to be another muddle in the overlapping of quality assurance roles concerning private schools by two government quality assurance entities, NEEDU and Umalusi which will both have the mandate to quality assure independent schools. Considering the number of world class schools in the country, Umalusi has not yet given a single independent school ‘full accreditation’; all schools pay each year for evaluation, yet in a full decade Umalusi hasn’t managed to evaluate even half of them. The misperceptions appear to have led to a web of ‘solutions’ creating headaches. In the words of ACDP’s Cheryllyn Dudley, “holding private schools to standards of excellence is a good thing but discouraging them altogether is insane.”
Cranefield College of PROJECT and PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
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Contact us: Tel: +27 (0) 12 807 3990 fax: +27 (0) 82 373 4480 Email: admin@cranefield.ac.za www.cranefield.ac.za “Registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997, Registration Certificate No. 2000/HE 07/010.”
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ITLS (Africa) is responsible for a range of research and related activities within the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management
University of Johannesburg ITLS Africa
T
he Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (Africa) or ITLS (Africa) was created in 2007 in response to an overwhelming need for independent, unbiased, relevant and up-to-date research in the fields of transport, logistics and supply chain management. As industry and users started to recognize that world-class transport and supply chain research is imperative in a developing economy, the researchers in the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg acknowledged the need for an inclusive and comprehensive research unit and ITLS (Africa) was established. ITLS (Africa) is set up as a specific and separate research entity within the Department to provide specialist high-level research services for both the private and public sectors, focusing on the most urgent research priorities in the country. ITLS (Africa) has partnered with the Institute for Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney, as part of a commitment to maximize the research potential of both institutes and ensure a high level of collaboration and the “best of both worlds” in terms of cutting edge research. ITLS (Africa) has, at its core, the skills, experience and network as well as a long and sound history of providing research excellence to both the public and private
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sectors, in topics ranging from policy and government strategy to various customized transport solutions in all modes of transport. In order to maximize the impact of transport and supply chain research on the South African society and economy, ITLS (Africa) has adopted a vision “to conduct world-class research in support of new and innovative knowledge creation and information dissemination for the domestic and international transport and supply chain community”. ITLS (Africa) is responsible for a range of research and related activities within the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management. In addition to commissioned research, it also conducts non-commissioned research, has its own publication, offers customized courses to sector role players and coordinates lunchtime and other information sessions. To date, ITLS (Africa) has created customized courses for a number of key South African role players, amongst which are the Post Office, the South African Police Services and a collaboration with Liege University in Belgium to provide logistics management courses to selected students through TETA. Currently a three tiered course is being presented at Transnet Freight Rail to introduce all levels of management to the various aspects of logistics management. Over one thousand students
have been trained on this programme to date. An additional programme for TFR is currently being developed with the Glasgow Caledonian University. This course will focus on addressing the training gaps in rail operations in the organization. ITLS (Africa) conducts internal research as well as commissioned research for private and public sector industry role-players. Internally, major studies have been conducted on the state of logistics outsourcing in the manufacturing sector, transport scenario planning for the next 20 years, has been done with renowned scenario planners, an industry survey has been done on the skills gap in the sector. Other planned studies include the development of a databank and extension of the logistics outsourcing survey to other economic sectors. Commissioned research ranges from projects for users such as Eskom to providers such as ACSA, ATNS, AASA, RFA and to financiers such as DBSA. ITLS (Africa) has also partnered with the Transport Forum to offer regular information sessions to interested parties from industry. Four sessions are offered each year covering topics ranging from bus rapid transport issues in South Africa to the sustainability of the aviation sector and international logistics trends to the proposed carbon tax. This partnership will continue far into the future, aiming at bringing relevant and topical information and discussions to the industry. ITLS (Africa) has also started its own publication, the Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, and is the first of its kind in South Africa. The journal, which is an electronic or e-journal, was first published in November 2007. Following its huge success the journal is now published annually. The Journal was accredited by the Department of Education in 2009 and can be viewed on http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ ejour_jtscm.html ITLS (Africa), with its excellence, integrity, independence and dynamism in research is already changing the way transport, logistics and supply chain research is viewed in the country and will continue to break new ground for years to come.
TRANSPORT AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES
On track to your skills destination The University of Johannesburg’s Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management offers a variety of specialized training programmes in Transport and Supply Chain Management to enable industry role players to reach their full potential. These programmes include: • Degree and Post Graduate programmes in Transport and Logistics Management • Diploma in Road Transport Management (including the Certificate in Road Transport Management) • The Transportation Management Diploma • National Diploma in Transportation Management • Certificate Programme in Logistics Management • Diploma in Logistics Management • National Diploma in Logistics Management • Road Transport Management Bridging • Transport Management Bridging These qualifications offer you the following benefits: • Industry related focus areas • Enhanced professionalism • Flexible study options Enquiries: Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (cnr Kingsway and University Road) University of Johannesburg Telephone: 011 559 2464 Fax: 011 559 2029 Email: fdangor@uj.ac.za
www.uj.ac.za/transport
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12
11
10
9
8
AM 1 ,2 AM-P1/2, AM 3
OTTC-AMDiploma Qualification AM 1, 2
Design and Tender of NH3 Plant
AM-P1 AM-P2 AM-3
AM-1 AM-2
R - 3/ R-4
Ammonia Diploma Project
To be presented in Cape Town
To be presented in Cape Town
Screw compressor for ammonia plant with liquid ammonia pumps, valve station with hot-gas defrost, surge drum for liquid pumps, problem solving, plotting of ammonia plant in the diagram, determining of cooling capacity Requirements assessments, Calculate refrigeration capacity, Select equipment and components, Make flow diagram, Compile material list, Price material list, Establish all other expenses, Arrive at final selling price, Commencing with small thermosyphon plant, followed by simple pump re-circulation plant, thereafter more complex plants, Course can be extended to last longer or be continued at later date.
4 weeks
10-09 to 05-10-2012
07-05 to 18-05-2012
2 weeks
03-09 to 14-09-2012 12-11 to 23-11-2012
04-06 to 22-06-2012 13-08 to 31-08-2012 26-10 to 09-11-2012
21-05 to 01-06-2012 30-07 to 10-08-2012 08-10 to 19-10-2012
21-05 to 01-06-2012 23-07 to 04-08-2012 08-10 to 19-10-2012
28-05 to 15-06-2012 27-08 to 14-09-2012
26-11 to 07-12-2012
262159,
9246, 9266, 262158
1166705, 116708,
116468, 116704,
116355, 116700
116223, 116334,
116697, 116717, 116418, 116408, 116461, 116389, 116375, 116415, 116397, 116406
116232, 116243, 116244, 116226, 116463, 116466, 116464, 116465
2 weeks
2 week
3 week
2 week
2 weeks (66 Credits)
Advanced study of mechanical refrigeration cycle, heat load calculations, cold room design, capacity calculations, food-load, defrost methods; reversed cycles, pressure regulators, humidity control, frequency inverters, methods of energy saving, pump down Advanced study of system design, h, lg p- diagram, sizing of main components, sizing of pipe-work, oil-problems, fault finding, refrigeration cycle analysis, refrigerant types
Safety Regulation, safety protection on plant, safety valves, safety switches, the dry evaporation system, expansions valve control, oil change and service procedures, cooling tower, evaporative condenser, shell and tube condenser, fault finding Flooded system, ice bank = with HP float valve, LP level control, level switch control, flooded evaporator with hot-gas defrost, liquid pumps, oil filter Flooded system, ice bank = with HP float valve, LP level control, level switch control, flooded evaporator with hot-gas defrost, liquid pumps, oil filter Plant instruction, operating of plant with liquid pump, two air-forced evaporators, hot-gas defrost, evaporator plate heatexchanger with chiller-water cycle, trouble shouting, diagnoses and identification, oil drainage, air-purging V-belt alignment, charging of plant. Servicing of various compressors, remove pistons, remove cylinders, remove shaft seal, check wear and tear, oil filter, suction filter, oil pump,, servicing of shut of valves, repair and overhaul different valves.
3 weeks (60 Credits)
Physical electricity basics in refrigeration, single and three phase systems, single and three phase motors, starters, pressure and temperature controllers, Wiring diagrams for electromechanical controlling, plant protection, motor managements, suction control, defrost control. Electronic motor management, soft starter, frequency converters, electronic cold room controllers
2 weeks (57 Credits)
Mechanical principles of refrigeration cycle and components. connection of service gauges, main components, compression principles, compressor types, refrigeration cycle and components, types of heat exchangers, types of expansion devices, pressure switches and thermostats, reclaiming, recharging, SAFE HANDLING OF REFRIGERANTS
R - 1/ R-2
6
AMELC 1, 2, 3,
07-05 to 18-05-2012 09-07 to 20-07-2012 24-09 to 05-10-2012
116236, 116224, 116239, 116699, 116701, 116702, 116334, 116355, 116700, 116468
7
04-06 to 08-06-2012
116233, 116713, 116715
1 week (18 Credits)
Mechanical servicing of compressors, repair & overhaul skills, fault identification. Belt drives, pulley alignment. Bearing service.
Mech
5
04-06 to 15-06-2012 30-08 to 10-08-2012
9009, 7480, 9008, 12444, 9007, 13202, 9010, 14106, 9013, 7455, 9016 2 weeks (33 Credits)
Mathematics and Physics applied in refrigeration and air-conditioning (Optional for beginners)
18-06 to 13-07-2012 13-08 to 07-09-2012
07-05 to 01-06-2012 02-07 to 27-07-2012
Math/ Phys
116230, 116229, 116712, 116707
116234, 116335, 116241, 116245, 116696
Standards
Dates
Email: ottc@mweb.co.za Includes also Unit
4
4 weeks (27 Credits)
4 weeks (33 Credits)
Duration
Web: www.ottc.co.za
t.b.a.
RPI 1, 2, 3, 4
3
Content / Objective
Fax No.: 011-366-1219
Metal Basic: Practical tool skills, bending, soldering, brazing, welding, arc welding, measuring, manufacturing frames, brackets, support structures etc. - implement all stages from planning, drawing, specifying to produce & manufacture components / parts for installation purposes (Optional for beginners) Plotting & manufacturing of refrigeration components, soldering, brazing, welding, arc welding, pipe bending with different bending methods, full pipe installation on wall, insulation of pipes, components and ducts
Tel. No.: 011-816-2580
Coded Welding
MetB 1, 2, 3, 4
Course
1
Module
OTTC Director: Mrs. Isolde Dรถbelin
Rev. No. Set 008 3-Apr-12
Full OTTC - Ammonia Qualification-2012
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merSETA Accredited Training Provider, Decentralized Trade Test Centre Specialized in Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration-Air-Conditioning – Ammonia
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CAR REVIEWS Writer Jerome Dyson
Honda Jazz Hybrid
Y
ou usually associate hybrids with Toyota and Lexus, but not Honda, Honda makes high revving VTEC engines, right? However the torque, rich nature of electric motors mean they’re ideally suited to a synchronous life with a petrol
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engine that produces power at high revs. And with the Honda Jazz Hybrid, Honda has squeezed an electric powertrain into a sensible supermini. It’s the company’s fourth hybrid, which means Honda offers as many models as Lexus and more than Toyota. So how does the new Honda differ from the Insight? Both utilize the same 1.3 petrol engine, electric motor and CVT gearbox, but thanks to a lower slipperier shape, the Insight is marginally cleaner and greener. However on paper it looks good against other Jazz models. No diesels are available, but the 1.2-litre manages 4.4l/100km based on real world driving and emissions of 105g/km. The Jazz Hybrid arrives just as the range has endured a mid life lift, and thus adopts drag-
reducing bumpers, low rolling resistance rubber and (yes, really) more aerodynamic brake callipers, while blue-tinted lights differentiate this electrified version. The easy to fold magic seats remain, and gain a reclining function, but the 70kg battery pack in the lower section of the boot means the clever double decker load space is lost. Still, the Jazz Hybrid’s 300 litres of space is second-in-class only to the conventional Jazz. The Honda Jazz Hybrid is the cheapest hybrid in the country, but if money, going green or CO2 are your concerns, there are other solutions. If you must have the cleanest Jazz then I recommend it. But even then there is little wrong with the conventional petrol powered Jazz.
/E LEXE139339
Luxury meets exhilaration
With a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100km and a total system output of 220kW, the RX450h proves that one never has to sacrice power for fuel efciency and lower emissions. The world’s rst luxury SUV Hybrid proves that having a car that complements the environment can be luxurious. To book your drive experience visit www.lexus.co.za
RX 450h 79
Nissan Juke
I
’ve learnt a few things in the well over a dozen cars I’ve owned. There is a replacement for displacement...it’s called boost. It’s with this in mind that I say the Juke is just the kind of car many South Africans crave. The styling is what it is and if you like it, it’s for you...and if you don’t, you can certainly go out and buy something more conservative looking, but I’m convinced... the Juke is in a class of its own. What excites me about this car is not the naughty roofline or the amphibian headlights. NO! What really gets me going about this car is the specs.....starting with 1.6 litres of displacement, direct injection turbo, variable valve timing on intake and exhaust cams, six speed manual gearbox and excellent fuel consumption. It seems like it’s 80
been a long time since I’ve been this excited about a new car model. I mean the kind of excitement that makes you grab a calculator and scrutinize the budget to decide whether or not you need a new car. But the thought of buying a RAV4/ CR-V etc, just doesn’t feed the imagination in the same way the juke does...It’s just an interesting, fun, commuter. Nothing earth shattering, but quick to a 100kph with fuel efficiency to match, now that’s a good recipe for a daily commuter.
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8kVA - 3000 kVA / 50Hz 12kVA - 2500 kVA / 60Hz Open sets available on request
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Power Generation 81
ECO
World’s first rhino orphanage Special thanks to The Wildlife & Cultural Centre at Legend Golf & Safari Resort
S
outh Africa is to be home to the first specialist, dedicated, noncommercial centre to care for baby rhinos orphaned by the shocking trade in poached rhino horns. The Wildlife & Cultural Centre at Legend Golf & Safari Resort in Limpopo Province is to be the site for the centre which will take in baby rhinos whose mothers were killed or injured by poaching across the country to feed the illegal trade in horns which has seen record numbers of animals killed and orphaned in the past 14 months. A R4m campaign was launched
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in March to fund the project which has already gained the support of most of the major organisations involved in the war to save the rhino. And the first donation has already been made by agricultural machine specialists, New Holland, who have donated a new tractor to the project after hearing of the plans while conferencing at the resort. More than 400 rhino were butchered in South Africa last year and almost 100 have died in the first two months of 2012. South Africa is home to more than 90 percent of the rhinos on the planet, and the world’s first rhino orphanage will be a major step
forward in the battle to protect the species. Arrie van Deventer runs the Wildlife & Cultural Centre and is confident the orphanage can be opened soon and will be a safe haven for baby rhinos. He said: “This is a war we cannot lose. The treatment of rhinos is something I can stomach no more – especially the little ones. I have stood next to the bleeding carcass of a mother whose baby was killed next to her because the baby refused to leave her after she was hacked to death. “When a mother is killed the baby won’t leave her side so IF they survive the slaughter they are often in a terrible state – traumatised, hungry, often beaten so badly that they can’t stand. It’s pitiful and heart-breaking. “Currently there are limited options for them to be cared for in the way they need – with the ultimate aim of rehabilitating them to the wild. So we have decided to change all that.” Van Deventer said the centre will not be open to the public so the rhinos can be protected by state of the art security and can have the very best chance of survival and ultimately be released back into the wild. “The orphanage will have all the specialist medical facilities to care for these often extremely young and badly injured creatures, from an intensive care unit to, we hope, a special ambulance to transport them under proper medical supervision from the place of the killing. “Security will be extreme and it is vital we give the babies the very best chance of one day returning to the wild where they belong so they will only be cared for by the medical and rehabilitation staff and the public will only be allowed to view them via CCTV.” The Rhino Orphanage has been established as a not-for-profit charity (Section 21 Company in South Africa) with all donations going directly to fund the centre and the care and rehabilitation of the rhinos. It is a massive project needing urgent support. Van Deventer said: “We are committed to starting to build now and we need help. The cost of the milk alone to feed 10 babies is staggering – these little guys drink an awful lot of milk. “The main cost, however, are the buildings and enclosures themselves, the security plus the specialist medical equipment including incubators and supplies of drugs and also powering the centre in the middle of the bush. “But if this world is serious about doing something to help protect and care for orphaned baby rhinos so our grandchildren can still see rhino in the wild then we will do all we can to raise the funds and beg,
steal or borrow the equipment and building materials.” Karen Trendler has been instrumental in co-ordinating the Rhino Response Strategy and will provide the rhino rearing and rehabilitation expertise, working alongside Arrie Van Deventer and his team. The Rhino Orphanage will form a vital part of the Rhino Response Strategy National Rescue and Response network. Trendler started Wildcare from her kitchen in 1986, and has become an internationally recognized expert on rehabilitation and crisis management, including rhinos and sea life affected by oil spills. She said: “Arrie and his dedicated team and I have the same passion and the same commitment about doing something now about this abhorrent situation. “With all the security issues, the care needed and the expense of such a project it was vital we had the right place, the right people and the right philosophy. Arrie and I have spent many hours planning this orphanage and now we need help from others who care as much as we do. “I am delighted but also apprehensive about what lies ahead because what we are really talking about is a major war to save a very special species. “But The Rhino Orphanage will help enormously and is so desperately needed.” Van Deventer’s Wildlife Centre is already home to a range of endangered species and animals being rehabilitated – including the once mythical white lions. He has spent the past eight years building the centre as a conservation haven and is determined that The Rhino Orphanage will be its greatest contribution to rhino conservation given the dire need for urgent action. He said: “Too many people take too much time to act decisively. We cannot stop the slaughter at the moment and demand for rhino horn, no matter how worthless it really is, is rising. So there is the real danger that hundreds more baby rhino will be shot, maimed and left to die - but not on my watch!” Van Deventer is as committed as any man could be and is driven by a passionate desire to save the lives of endangered animals; and has reared and rescued various orphans, giving them the chance of the greatest gift of all – freedom. To help or for more information please contact pete@theazaleagroup.com or you can make a direct donation to The Rhino Orphanage: Van Den Hoven Attorneys Trust, Nedbank Mokopane, Acc:1468100645, Branch: 146805, Ref: H1466. 83
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MOLOIPLUMBERS Moloi Plumbers cc was established 1997 and since then has been providingplumbing services to domestic, industrial and municipal clients. Moloi Plumbers cc has 16 permanent staff including 2 Directors with more than 10 labours which we use on contract. OUR GOALS To be there for our customers by providing quality services to all, To promote loyalty & commitment with our employees, To promote growth & development with all our employees, To ensure that our prices are comparable with the services that we provide, Total customer satisfaction in technical service areas to increase profitability. PROJECTS Water and Sewer maintenance network in Alexandra (1992-2009), Maintenance of communal ablution hostel and houses in Alexandra (1992 – 2010), Water pipe installation and maintenance for Murray & Roberts, Installation of Solar energy geysers with Greencon, Plumbing & Retrofitting in Nobuhle hostel in Alexandra T-ship (Oct 2010 – April 2011), Installation of 160mm UPVC class 16 pipes in Wall Street park central 2011, Installation of 110mm PVC pipe in Tikka place Sunning hill, Installation of 110mm PCV pipe in Glen vista OUR STRENGTH We provide quick, reliable & Professional service to all our clients, Quality workmanship, 15 year of experience in the industry, We provide trust, integrity and values, We protect our assets through correct installation, Understanding of insurance claims
25 Dublin RD, Bramley View, Johannesburg, 2090,Telephone (011) 4431949, Facsimile 086 590 6124
Joy 0828945258 / Clement 0823377874 84
Customised IT Solutions • Consulting • Software • Hardware
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU? • Deliver information technology solutions that are future-proof, robust and intergrated into your business environment; • Promote high availability of systems and solutions in your information technology environment; • Encourage optimization and continuous improvement in your systems, process and solutions; and • Enhance your business operation in a meaningful and measurable way. SISONKE is closely affiliated with businesses in the implementation space and can leverage these relationships to deliver on the implementation: • Customer Relationship Management systems and processes • Data backup and recovery systems and services • Recruitment systems.
How do we do it? Sisonke is a customer-centric organization that understands your business environment and delivers to your requirements. The key is delivery that exceeds your expectation and is sustained in a trusted after-sales partnership.
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Sisonke has a positive track record of delivering hardware solutions to the public sector on a large-scale basis. Sisonke is an accredited supplier of the Acer, DELL, HP, Mecer, Brother and Lexmark product suites. Sisonke has offices in Pretoria, Gauteng and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.
113 Willet Street, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth Telephone: (041) 365 0222, Fax: (041) 365 0888 E-mail: supportpe@sisonke.net
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Nedbank Building, Office Suite 418, 200 Pretorius Street, Pretoria Telephone: (012) 321 5705, Fax: 086 682 4937 E-mail: support@sisonke.net
www.sisonke.net Sisonke is a fully black economically empowered organization that is committed to a work environment free from racial, gender and disability discrimination.
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ADVERTORIAL
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Responsible tourism at Tau Game Lodge
O
n the far Northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as the Groot Marico and it is in this spectacular setting, in the malariafree Madikwe Game Reserve, that Privately owned Tau Game Lodge is situated. Tau Game lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a natural waterhole, which attracts a large variety of game. The lodge has since been revamped and is offering comfort and luxury while still having a bush feel to it. Thirty luxury chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the waterhole from the opposite bank. The lodge has a 5 star rating and chalets are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-bars, tea and coffee facilities. Each chalet has its own wooden deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and open-air shower. The state-of the art Tau Game Lodge Convention 86
Centre, which is situated at walking distance from the lodge can seat up to 150 delegates. High quality equipment has been installed in the 3 sub-halls and all systems have been integrated and configured to maximise performance. The centre offers specialist equipment designed with simple plug in and play options for all presentation needs. Each of the 3 breakaway rooms are 5.5m x 4m in size and are able to accommodate 15 delegates comfortably. Crowning the 10th year anniversary of the lodge, this exquisite Convention Centre opened its doors for the first time in September 2005 and the venue was inaugurated during President Mbeki’s 5th Presidential International Advisory Council on the Information Society and Development. Corporates and private travellers wanting to contribute to conservation while travelling can purchase an anti-rhino poaching armband at our reception. Alternatively, with a selection of indigenous trees to choose from, through the Tau Tree Fund
initiative, guests can now contribute to the Tau Foundation at the same time. We have had such a positive response to this rangerled initiative that we are almost out of space in which we may plant trees within the park, so now an interested guest may pick a tree and a staff member from the local village of Supingstad will take the tree to the village and it will be planted there. In this way both our guests and the local community learn a little more about the medicinal purposes, African folklore and ecology of the tree. The activity is documented through photographs and a plaque. Tau endeavours to give back to the community and the environment in every aspect of our business, always keeping in mind the success of all involved in the projects which Tau supports. For any additional information, please feel free to contact us on +27 11 314 4350 or taugame@mweb.co.za. www.taugamelodge.co.za
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Located on Durban’s Golden Mile with the beach on its doorstep The Balmoral hotel is a short walk away from the shopping and business district, the International Convention Centre and the uShaka Marine World which features the largest Dolphinarium in Africa. The Balmoral Hotel, 125 OR Tambo Parade, Durban, Tel: +27 031 368 8200
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We are a group of specialist hotels located in South Africa. We believe that a successful hotel is defined beyond merely its location, its décor or its amenities. A successful hotel is a place where you are treated so well, you can hardly wait to return. At Raya Hotels, we offer a combination of heartfelt service and cutting-edge business facilities. The cornerstone of our Management Philosophy lies in the desire to provide unsurpassed customer service, which rests on the three service-pillars of warmth, responsiveness and professionalism. A service style that is warm in its approach, responsive in its delivery and professional in its execution. The Raya Hotels credo is the desire to understand our customer’s unique needs and create an atmosphere of stylish ambience and service quality. We take pride in exceeding our customers’ expectations and share with them the unique magic of the Raya experience. We believe that this distinction separates Raya from the rest.
RAYA HOTELS HEAD OFFICE PO Box 10, Gatesville, Cape Town, 7766 TELEPHONE +27 21 692 1260 FACSIMILE +27 21 691 7079 CENTRAL RESERVATIONS TELEPHONE +27 21 419 1553 / 405 5670 FACSIMILE +27 21 418 0031 E-MAIL raya-hotels@mweb.co.za WEBSITE www.raya-hotels.com 89
Water is Life Conserve it, respect it, enjoy it Writer Timony Siebert, Sustainability Consultant, Talbot & Talbot
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ater is the world’s most critical resource. It sustains life, and thus the global food chain. It powers industrial production, and thus the global economy. Freshwater is perhaps the most important natural resource for human survival. But, it is also highly limited and currently under severe stress. Less than 1% of the world’s water is readily available for direct human use and for the goods and services that sustain us in our daily 90
lives. According to United Nations agencies, one-third of the world’s population live in countries that are experiencing moderate to high water stress. More than one billion of these do not have access to clean freshwater. Three billion do not have adequate sanitation services and the annual death toll from water-borne diseases is estimated at more than three million. Furthermore, pollution and the effects of climate change are creating additional pressures that are rapidly impacting on what little freshwater supplies we have left. We are now witnessing
one of the world’s most significant and underreported public health, development and economic challenges – water insecurity. The situation for South African’s is no less dire. South Africa is a water stressed country, increasingly dependent on water sources outside our borders. We have a legacy of mining and industry driven pollution, combined with ageing water treatment and distribution infrastructure. A conservative estimate tells us that demand for water will exceed available supply by 2025. More recent statistics project that South Africa
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is likely to experience a 17% gap between water demand and supply by 2030, equating to a water shortfall of 2.7 billion m3 . With an emerging economy and a rapidly growing population (and consequent standard of living) that will place tremendous stress on resource needs, critical challenges lie ahead for managing our finite local freshwater resources and ecosystems. Not only do ecosystems rely on water for optimal health, but they offer valuable ecosystem services by enhancing water provision and purification and providing adaptive capacity to climatic changes. In recognition of this, South African’s across the country have been gearing up to celebrate National Water Week (5 – 11 March 2012), ahead of World Water Day on 22 March 2012. Under the theme ‘Water is life- Conserve it, Respect it, Enjoy it’, this annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the role of water in social and economic development and encourage citizens to take ownership of natural water resources by becoming more conscious users. The campaign emphasises the importance of water conservation as a key intervention towards securing future water supplies for the country and hopes to highlight the centrality of water as a resource for the well being and functioning of both the environment and its people. But despite this critical role and its growing scarcity, water continues to be undervalued in society, and is often incorrectly thought of as being ‘free’. South African’s therefore need to stand up and take collective responsibility of our water use and learn to become more water efficient. Through our choices and actions we can significantly impact how water resources are used and allocated, and help to influence whether or not our resources are being sustainably managed. More than that, as a country, we need to invest in technology 92
and behavioural change to either reduce the demands placed on our limited water supplies or implement strategies to recycle and re-use our water. In this way we can help create alternative sources of this precious resource to replenish natural ecosystems and supply local communities. Fortunately, many individuals, groups and businesses are responding to this water challenge and are working together to try and reduce the pressure on water resources, and encourage sustainable water stewardship. Whether water is a core ingredient or plays a supporting role in producing a final product, it is vital to the operation and growth of almost every business. So, when water is scarce, not replenished at the same rate it is used, or otherwise inaccessible due to pollution or quality issues, the effects of local water scarcity have ramifications on a much larger scale. By properly accounting for water use and wastewater discharge, companies can identify obstacles, risk areas and potential solutions for improving water use and even take steps towards replenishing the water used in the production of their products. When seen against a backdrop of a projected national water crisis, the case for urgent action is compelling. Solving the water crisis in its many aspects may be one of the biggest challenges facing humankind in this third millennium, and one that is too large for any one sector to tackle alone. But collaborative efforts and management initiatives between public and private groups (businesses, government regulators, policy makers, NGO’s, local communities) that continue to fuel new investment into water stewardship will go a long way towards delivering change and helping to secure and sustainably manage South Africa’s precious water resource.
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oBjECtivEs ToTobebepart partofofthe thevehicle vehicleforfor the thedelivery deliveryofofinfrastructure infrastructuretotothe thecommunities. communities. oBjECtivEs oBjECtivEs To promote the creation of opportunities for the professional development To promote the creation of opportunities for the professional development of of learners, learners, To promote the creation of opportunities for the professional development of learners, To support the initiative of the government of developing up-coming enterprises, sErviCEs sErviCEs oFFErEd oFFErEd To support the initiative of the government of developing up-coming enterprises, be part of the vehicle for the delivery of infrastructure to the communities. To To support the initiative of the government of developing up-coming enterprises, Project management management To be part of the vehicle Project for the delivery of infrastructure to the communities. To be part of the vehicle for the delivery of infrastructure to the communities. Planning Planningand anddesign designofofrural rural/ urban / urbaninfrastructure infrastructure (roads, (roads,stormwater, stormwater, water waterand andsewer sewer sErviCEs oFFErEd reticulation) reticulation) and and township township services services sErviCEs oFFErEd Project management sErviCEs oFFErEd Compiling Compiling ofofcontract contract documents documents Project management Planning and design of rural / urban infrastructure Project management Monitoring Monitoring of of construction construction Planning and design of rural / urban infrastructure (roads, (roads, stormwater, stormwater, water water and and sewer sewer reticulation) and township services Planning and design of(Reinforced rural / urban infrastructure (roads, stormwater, water and sewer Structural Structural work work (Reinforced concrete, concrete, concrete concrete and andsteel steelstructures) structures) reticulation) and township services Compiling contract documents reticulation) and township services Compiling of of contract documents Monitoring of construction Compiling of contract documents Monitoring of construction Structural work (Reinforced concrete, concrete Monitoring of construction Structural work (Reinforced concrete, concrete and and steel steel structures) structures) Structural work (Reinforced concrete, concrete and steel structures)
Contact: Contact:Diphetogo DiphetogoClement ClementMokoka MokokaPrPr Tech TechEng, Eng,PrPrCPM CPM PP OOBox Box8063, 8063,Halfway HalfwayHouse, House,1685 1685/ /Suite Suite3 3Stellenryk, Stellenryk,Constantia ConstantiaSquare Square526, 526,16th 16thRoad, Road,Midrand, Midrand,1685 1685 Tel: Tel:011 011805 8056664 6664/ /Fax: Fax:011 011805 8058808 8808/ Email: / Email:mokoka@tsholetsoprj.co.za mokoka@tsholetsoprj.co.za Contact: Contact: Diphetogo Diphetogo Clement Clement Mokoka Mokoka Pr Pr Tech Tech Eng, Eng, Pr Pr CPM CPM
SUSTAINABILITY
Water & energy, ingredients for industry Submitted by Talbot & Talbot
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ecovering wastewater for reuse and creating power from organic rich effluent is no longer a concept but a reality and is being increasingly viewed as a lucrative business decision�. Bernard Talbot, Director of Talbot & Talbot is adamant in his statement and encourages the manufacturing sector with the correct effluent character to investigate the potential for generating energy and recovering wastewater. Water and energy are among the major contributors to production costs and therefore becoming more self sufficient in terms of water and energy which has both environmental and financial benefits. The focus of the manufacturing industry, as far as effluent treatment is concerned, has been somewhat limited to reducing their effluent discharge tariffs or at most treating effluent to a quality that meets municipal standards. However, what they have failed to realize, is the true value of the effluent discharging down the drain. Talbot & Talbot suggests a shift in this thinking and that is to motivate industries to select appropriate technologies that will enable them to treat wastewater that is fit for reuse and in the same instance, convert the organic material to methane using anaerobic digestion. Harvesting green energy from wastewater affords a project dual benefit. Firstly, treating the wastewater through the anaerobic digestion process provides the industry with a substantially treated effluent and secondly, the resultant biogas is valuable and can be used for cogeneration purposes. In order to attach some perspective to the value, 1 ton of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) digested produces the equivalent of 350Nm3 of methane and 0.15MW of power. A typical brewery producing 5Mhl of beer per year will produce an approximate 1MW 94
of electricity, equivalent to roughly 8 tons of coal (at 25 GJ/t). A recent project completed in Thailand at a 300t/d starch factory, the energy yield is double that required for the mills production. This renders the factory completely energy self sufficient and they sell the surplus to the grid. Another example is a distillery producing 100kl/d of ethanol. This project has the potential to produce 11.3MW of power and if fed to a gas engine could produce 4.5MW of electricity plus 4.5MW of thermal power. The same distillery in terms of fuel replacement could
Water and energy are among the major contributors to production costs and therefore becoming more self sufficient in terms of water and energy which has both environmental and financial benefits. produce the equivalent of 24.3t/d of HFO or 14.2t/d of Coal. Talbot concedes that potential energy generating projects only become viable at high COD loading rates or in areas where power and fuel is expensive. Talbot Green Energy focuses their efforts on the African market where the correct effluent exists and the cost of fuel and electricity is in the correct ball park. When speaking about technologies suitable for wastewater treatment and biogas production, Talbot suggests partnering with a reliable team from conceptual to implementation stage and beyond into the operation of the plants. A thorough understanding and extensive experience in various technologies is
imperative to a successful project. Within the AD technology for instance there is an entire range of configurations and the ability to select and appropriately apply them to a specific application is a science in itself. It is only the correct selection, design and proactive management of the plant that will provide a total wastewater and power generation solutio When considering on-site wastewater treatment it comes highly recommended that industries approach a resource (water & energy) management programme in an integrated manner. In order for the exercise to be meaningful and sustainable it requires a stepwise holistic approach that should begin with a wastewater & energy management plan (WWEMP). A WWEMP is a comprehensive undertaking that considers all site specific conditions and reduces the risk of effluent plant failure in the long run by establishing water management measures from factory floor to end-of-pipe treatment and beyond. Talbot & Talbot has established relationships with investors, technology specialists and has access to a global base of knowledge, skills, experience and resources made available through our Global Water & Energy Alliance. Reference plants exist and site visits can be arranged, in order for our clients to develop an appreciation of the value of converting waste organics into green energy. Talbot & Talbot’s focus is on how best to derive benefit from industrial wastewater streams and our core business activity is in the management of industrial wastewater. Our multidisciplinary team and holistic approach achieved through our four integrated business divisions provide industries with turnkey solutions to wastewater management and energy recovery.
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TECHNOLOGY
CYBER THEFT A modern plague Writer Mayan Viljoen
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Cyber crime . . . What on earth is it? Well, in the simplest terms it is any fraudulent activity which a perpetrator commits over the Internet. During the earliest days of private and corporate online activity the “baddies” (also sometimes referred to as hackers) were more intent to prove a point, i.e. that they were able to cause major disruptions by flooding the Net with the latest malware of their time. Far from merely trying to prove a point, hackers and crime syndicates (now known as cyber criminals), these days, are mainly after the vast financial resources they know lurks just behind the correct login details (usernames and passwords) of modern online accounts. The thing is, however, that there is no guessing said usernames and, especially, the passwords (which online organizations today, insist should be strong, i.e. consisting of at least 8 characters across the spectrum) which guards the entry to all online accounts. Entering an incorrect username and/or password or both in order to access an online account will result in failure every time. Financial institutions have even gone a step further to protect their customers’ online accounts, i.e. if the latter information is entered incorrectly only once, one will stare at some variation of the following message on one’s computer screen . . . “Your access details have been entered incorrectly. Please note that on your third failed attempt your profile will be blocked.” In stark contrast to what one often sees in the movies, the fact is that even the most 94 96
able hacker cannot manually override this digital security gate to online accounts. Ok, so . . . if strong passwords are such digitally impenetrable safe doors, how on earth do cyber criminals then, at an increasing rate, in our day, manage to breech financial accounts? How do they do it? Well, if there is no way to access these accounts without the correct login details, the logical next step for these criminals is to find ways to get hold of said legitimate login details. This is exactly what they do. A popular method of doing the latter in our day is by making use of proxy technology. A proxy server is a PC which acts as a middleman between one or more PC’s and the Internet. An Internet user sends requests for websites to the proxy server which the latter fetches online and sends back to the former. The proxy servers of a reputable proxy service provider will always be secure, i.e. access to it will be restricted to its legitimate paid subscribers only. Cyber criminals, on the other hand, search for and gain control over “open” (unsecured) proxy servers. When these free proxies are then employed to offer unsuspecting people access to the Internet at popular (so, because it is usually free of charge) hotspots, the criminals who control them are able to “sniff” (steal) their clients personal data on its way through said proxies to or on its way back from its Internet destinations. The reason why potential customers should suspect this kind of free Internet service is simply because it needs lots of bandwidth to deliver unblocked information back to
its numerous customers, all in a reasonable period of time. The thing about bandwidth is that it is expensive and, therefore, large amounts of bandwidth are very expensive. Combined with all the other costs of maintaining such a service it makes no sense, whatsoever, to offer it free of charge. Conclusion: It is offered for the purposes of perpetrating some kind of cyber crime. Using proxy technology is only one of numerous ways in which modern cyber criminals, increasingly, manage to steal peoples’ personal information; there are so many others, which I cannot even begin to mention here. The best way to combat cyber crime today is to realize, first of all, that secure access to the Internet will always cost you something. When it is offered free of charge, something is wrong, somewhere. Secondly, if you use the Internet regularly, learn as much as you can about good and bad online practices; it might just save you a proverbial bundle in the end. Lastly, with regard to Internet security, nothing is bigger than good old biblical trust. If you cannot absolutely trust the people whom you employ to protect your digital data, it is not inconceivable that they might be among the first ones to steal it from you. I completely trust the company I have chosen to protect my digital world. Everything else being equal, this fact, alone, assures me that the thousands of cyber criminals out there will truly have their work cut out for them in order to get anywhere near my personal data, never mind actually getting their hands on it.
“ 24 Years of expertise and innovation.” The C re a t i v e A x i s’ A rchi t e c t s b r i n g s to g e th e r a we a l th o f c r e a ti v e a n d c o m m e r c ial t alent in a uni o n t ha t i s ra re i n t h e a r ch i te c tu r a l d e si g n p r o fe ssi o n , c r e a ti n g a l e a d i n g Af rican de si gn c o nsul t a nc y t ha t i s a m o n g st th e to p fu l l y e m p o we r e d p r a c ti c e s i n So u th Af rica. A t The C r e a ti ve A x i s , we s tr i ve t o creat e con t em p or ar y b u ild in g s t h at s u p p or t b ot h clien t a n d t h e e nvi r o nme nt, me e ti ng c o mme r cial an d f u n ct i on al t arg et s w h ils t con t r ib u t in g t o l o cal qu a l i t y. We ha ve n o pr e c o nc e pti o ns i n te rm s of d es ig n , b u t r es p on d ov erall t o ou r clien t ’s b rief a n d t o t h e so c i a l , phy s i c a l a nd hi s to r i c a l con t ext in or d er t o d et erm in e t h e ap p r op riat e d es ig n s o l u t i o n .” G r e e n bui l di ng pr a c ti c e s a ppl i ed t o cr eat e en v iron m en t ally s ou n d an d res ou r ce- ef f icien t b u i l d i n g s pr o m o ti ng r e s o ur c e c o ns e r va t i on , in clu d in g en erg y ef f icien cy , r en ew ab le en erg y , a n d w a t e r c o ns e r va ti o n; thus c r e a ti ng a h ealt h y an d com f or t ab le en v ir on m en t ; an d r ed u cin g op e r a t i n g a n d ma i nte na nc e c o s ts .
P O B o x 2 1 2 8 , Le n a si a , 18 2 0 | Te l : +27 1 1 8 5 4 5 9 2 2 | Fa x: +27 1 1 8 5 4 174 3 | Web si te: www. creati vea xi s.co.z a International
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The Courier Freight Group The Courier Freight Group is a subsidiary of the Post Office and is made up of the following companies: XPS Courier Services XPS reaches 3 200 destinations daily with parcel tracking at every stage ensuring total control of freight. Options include: Collection and delivery of abnormal or incompatible consignments on the same day; After-hours service with 8:00 delivery; Optional coverage against loss, damage or pilferage; verbal proof of delivery supplied on request or the proof- of -delivery/ imaging system. All delivery documents are electronically captured and are available as images on the web site. Clients can receive images of PODs either as hard copy or on CD, as well as on the XPS web site at www.xps.co.za; XPS delivers to all remote areas throughout Southern Africa. Speed Services Couriers Speed Services Couriers provides the most extensive domestic overnight express courier network in Southern Africa. Their dedicated air carriage network meshes seamlessly with the Post Office’s road network. This ensures minimised handling, flexible route and timing management, effective cost management and end-to-end control. In 1997, Speed Services Couriers received SABS 96 98
ISO 9002 certification, which guarantees consistent quality performance throughout all their services. Service options start with counter-to-counter delivery – the most costeffective option. At the other end of the scale is door-to-door delivery, where the items are collected from the sender’s door for overnight delivery to the receiver’s door by 10:30 the following morning. Same-day delivery is available at extra cost. Speed Services Couriers also has an international service, consisting of door delivery (only) to over 200 international destinations. Documents and parcels (nondocuments) up to 30 kg per item may be sent. Additional Speed Services Couriers options include Track and Trace. All items are computer-coded and tracked to their destinations. A unique bar code number is all that is required to trace an item through our system. Insurance and liability cover is available at very low rates. Proof of delivery is available through help line consultants, who will provide telephonic or hard copy confirmation of time, date and receiver’s details. No proof of delivery is available for PO Box or private bag deliveries. PX Courier Services PX focuses on moving consolidated loads of up to three tons between larger centres in southern Africa. This unique concept is updated by ongoing innovations focused on
client needs and keeping pace with modern freight trends. PX provides a reliable doorto-door standard and guaranteed service for unit loads in tailor-made containers to destinations in South Africa and crossborder countries. The minicontainer is a lightweight, versatile means of transporting consignments. Made from reinforced fibreglass and stainless steel, it can carry loads of 1 400 to 3 000 kg. It is delivered right on your doorstep. Service options include specialised containers for goods of a hazardous nature and insulated containers developed to distribute frozen goods with limited temperature loss during transit. PX also offers priority transit where goods have to be delivered within a specified period, as for perishable and frozen commodities. The ‘low line’ container is half the size of the minicontainer for consolidation of parcels to reduce handling. The Courier and Freight Group delivers and collects consignments to over 3 200 locations locally and internationally. Plus our hi-tech security systems - such as Track & Trace and our 1 700 dedicated professionals ensure that your parcels or documents get to their destination securely and on-time. Whatever your courier or freight requirements are, call us on 0860 000 977 and we’ll get it there.
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Tel: +27 (0)11 971 1600 • web: www.robor.co.za • e-mail: info@robor.co.za
Book reviewS
Writer Charlene Heyburgh
Roots and Routes Author Professor Michael de Jongh Publisher Unisa Press Price R275 The lives of a previously ‘invisible’ and forgotten ‘first people’ of South Africa come to the fore in this carefully researched study. ‘Karretjie People’ (Donkey Cart People) of the Great Karoo are direct descendants of the / Xam (San/Bushmen), who were the earliest inhabitants of much of the Karoo interior. Today, as itinerant sheepshearers, the ‘Karretjie People’ roam the arid expanses of the Karoo in their donkey carts in search of a possible shearing opportunity, sleeping over on the roadside in their make-shift overnight shelters. This unique study is the result of several decades of original research into the lives and community of these gypsy-like wanderers, and highlights the plight of this marginalised South African community. Mike de Jongh offers a deeper insight into the early history and environment of the Great Karoo.
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Durban’s Climate Gamble Author Patrick Bond Publisher Unisa Press Price R320 Durban, South Africa – a city of immense beauty but also a city with deep environmental scars caused by industrial giants and insensitive government. This book takes the reader on a journey from Durban’s apartheid roots to its somewhat jaded present, passing cultural icons and political battles narrating socio-economic and environmental conflict and the reinvention of the city’s tradition of social protest. All this creates a context from which the reader can interpret the city’s hosting of COP 17, combined with the reflections of critical political ecologists, socialists, political economists, geographers and environmental activists on Durban’s political ecology, global climate policy and COP politics.
Challenging beliefs Author Tim Noakes & Micheal Vlismas Publisher Random House Struik & Zebra Press Price R220 Tim Noakes is one of the world’s leading authorities on the science behind sport and a successful sportsman in his own right. Through a lifetime of research, he has developed key scientific concepts in sport that have not only redefined the way elite athletes and teams approach their professions, but challenged conventional global thinking in these areas. In Challenging Beliefs, Noakes gives his views on everything from the myths perpetuated by the sports-drink industry and the dangers of overtraining and overdrinking to the prevalence of banned substances and the need to make rugby a safer sport.
Climate Change A Guide For Corporates Author Hennie Stoffberg & Paul Prinsloo Publisher Unisa Press Price R230 Hennie Stoffberg and Dr. Paul Prinsloo have delivered a very usable book for conceptualizing and planning corporate climate change strategy and the realities of prospering in a low carbon society. The book is free of jargon, identifies the most relevant experts in the field and defines in the simplest terms the key elements that should constitute a credible corporate response to climate change. It provides the much needed kick start that we all need to evolve strategies capable of arresting climate change!
The Business of Sustainable Development in Africa Author Ralph Hamann, Stu Woolman & Courtenay Sprague Publisher Unisa Press Price Unavailable The strategies pursued by business managers often have far-reaching effects on local communities and the environment. In countries with severe poverty and weak governance, a company’s ability to navigate between the bottom line and the needs of the communities within which it exists often poses serious ethical dilemmas. This book argues that a strategic, values-based approach, coupled with a willingness to innovate and collaborate, can not only help a company deal with such challenges, but may even turn such challenges into new opportunities.
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Technology REVIEWS Writer Charlene Heyburgh
PARROT MINIKIT SMART
Multisync P702 Public Display This model is a solid 70-inch display equipped with a rich and unparalleled feature set, completed by an abundance of interfaces no other product on the market can match. The premium -grade panel, industrial strength design and powerful new connectivity and OSD features all make this display ideal for heavy-duty operation. Designed for a wide array of mission critical applications, control room applications and also conference rooms, reception areas and integration in totems and furniture, the Multisync P702 offers flexible installation combined with industry leading performance. www.nec-display-solutions.com 100 102
CRUZER FIT USB FLASH DRIVE With its low-profile design, the Cruzer Fit USB flash drive easily fits USB ports and blends in with your notebooks, tablets, TV’s and car audio systems. Whether it’s your favourite music, pictures, music collection, video collection or your work documents, the Cruzer Fit USB flash drive gives you the ever-present storage you need in a compact and portable device. Protect access to your private data with the included Sandisk Secure Access software and get the added protection of secure online backup (up to 2GB optionally available) offered by YuuWaa. It comes in 4GB, 8GB & 16GB capacities and is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and MAC OS X v10.5+ (MAC software requires download) USB port 2.0 required for high-speed transfer www.sandisk.com
The Parrot Minikit Smart holds and charges a smartphone or mobile device with its cradle and powered USB connection. Bluetooth connectivity supports hands-free calling and audio streaming. Phone book synching allows for easy initiation of calls, manually or with voice commands. The cradle and smartphone combo is fairly heavy though which requires the user to double or triple check the suction cup mount lest the whole kit comes tumbling down while driving. The bottom line is that the Parrot Minikit Smart combines an easy to use Bluetooth speakerphone with a sturdy smartphone windshield mount and charger, making it useful for both handsfree calling and turn-by-turn navigation when paired with an app. Product Specifications and Compatibility Compatible with all Bluetooth mobile Smartphones, Software upgradeable, Pairing : up to 10 Smartphones, Number of contacts : 2000 per Smartphone, Vocal Menus, Smartphone Holder, Have access to navigation and cellphone features whilst driving, Can easily switch from portrait to landscape mode to suit any configuration.
L50W MOBILE PROJECTOR
Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
The new L50W LED projector is the perfect design for mobile use, with its small form factor and light weight of 1.2 kg, internal 1GB storage and playback via SD card, USB stick or USB connection. The L50W makes an instant impression in any meeting room with its minimalist control buttons and designer styling. The DLP technology with LED light source provides a 500 ANSI lumen WXGA accurate and colourful image that is perfect for instant projection in normal office lighting conditions. Advanced functionality also includes an HDMI in and Office viewer function that means you can simply copy and play your Microsoft Office files without a computer connection. Other features include lens shutter, auto keystone correction, quick start operation and direct power off. A 2W speaker and video playback functionality make the L50W an ideal mobile multimedia solution, whilst you can take an SD card straight from your camera and instantly playback your photos in outstanding large size. At the same time, the L50W follows NEC Green Vision Initiative with mercuryfree manufacturing and the use of LED technology that draws less power. www.nec-display-solutions.com
The Xperia pro combines an optimized slide-out keyboard with smart functions to create a fast messaging experience. Featuring an ergonomically crafted keyboard, Sony Ericsson has focused on integrating the hardware with clever messaging functions for a perfect user experience. Xperia pro introduces the subtle but fast type and send functionality eliminating the need to open a dedicated app for each type of message and Smart Keyboard that triggers predictive messaging actions automatically when the user slides out the keyboard. Xperia pro is also the ideal business phone for Android fans coming complete with a set of professional functions such as synching your e-mail, calendar and contacts in a secure way and the preloaded Office Suite Pro lets consumers view and edit office documents directly on the phone. Sony Xperia pro Key features Touch phone with perfect slideout keyboard and smart functions for fast messaging, Synch your e-mail and edit office documents on the go, Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine and Exmor for mobile, HDMI. Connect to an HD TV or a projector, Google services and more than 100,000apps on Android Market. www.sonyericsson.com
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R350.00
Phones make out calls to any number in South Africa incl. ALL Cell Networks at cost of 60c per minute at ANY time, Day or nighT CHEAPEST TELEPHONE CALL COSTS IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Full System 3.0 Ghz Pentium Four machines, ex lease 18,5’ LCD Screens wholesale pricing Whole range of other machines available
TRAVEL & TOURISM Out and about in Cape Town Cape Town Marimba Festival 11 May 2012
A concert that allows the listener to travel on a journey driven by the vibrant energy of the African Marimba, this is one festival that should not be missed. The concert will host some of Cape Town’s finest marimba bands with an epic finale which sees over 120 marimba players on stage.
Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 6-7 April 2012
Good Food and Wine Show 24-27 May 2012
This marathon takes place along a breathtakingly scenic route which stretches by 56km along the Cape Peninsula. As its name suggests, runners will pass both oceans – the Indian and the Atlantic. The marathon has global appeal and attracts around 20 000 participants annually.
One of the most famous and exquisite food and beverage exhibitions in South Africa will have all Cape Town’s gourmets, gourmands and good-life devotees in awe and delight. Amongst the attendees will be South Africa’s finest chefs as well as international BBC celebrity chefs.This exhibition offers hands-on workshops with the world-renowned chefs as well as book signings.
Decorex 26th April 2012
Marketing Indaba 9-10 May 2012
An annual décor exhibition that sees interior designers, architects and the designers of Cape Town flock under one roof at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Cape Town was recently named the design capital of the world and this event unravels the reason this award was bestowed on the city. 2012 marks the 19th year in the décor and design industry and this will be celebrated with the theme of Imagine. Innovate. Realise. This is definitely an event worth marking off on your calendar. 104 106
The 2nd annual Marketing Indaba returns to the CTICC to INSPIRE, INFORM, FOCUS & CONNECT the marketing and advertising fraternity. This 2 day event consists of a conference and exhibition. Visit the exhibition and view the latest offerings in advertising and marketing. Attend the conference and learn from over 16 expert speakers and network and connect with like-minded marketing professionals.
Hostex 2012 15-17 May 2012
This is the largest and longest-running exhibition of its kind on the African continent. The exhibition invites a huge boom in the tourism industry. It brings about boundless opportunities to service providers in the hospitality industry. Hostex promises to bring with it old favourites as well as exciting new additions. It takes place in the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Encounters International Documentary Festival 7-24 June 2012 South Africa’s only film festival devoted to documentaries. It features screenings, panel discussions and workshops for aspiring filmmakers. This is a major event for the film fraternity.
TRAVEL & TOURISM Out and about in Durban 18TH WORLD CONFERENCE ON NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING 6-10 APRIL 2012
For the first time in history, the World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing will be hosted in Africa. The 18th WCNDT will be a “once in a working lifetime” opportunity for many of us to take part in a major NDT event in Africa. The World Conference is organised every 4 years and moves around the globe with ICNDT members from Europe, AsiaPacific, Pan-Africa and Africa bidding for the privilege so arguably Africa’s next turn will not come before 2028. The conference theme “NDT in service of society” reminds us why our discipline is so important and why we need to share our knowledge, technology and experience for the benefit of all. For details contact: +2731303 9852
EAST COAST COMEDY FESTIVAL 11-12 APRIL
JEFF DUNHAM 7 JUNE
Audiences will be treated to Jeff Dunham’s hilarious antics as he returns to SA. He will be bringing his hilarity to the ICC so be sure to get your tickets for the guy who brought us Achmed the Dead Terrorist at Computicket. Ticket prices range from R250-R500.
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COMRADES MARATHON 3 JUNE 2012
Arguably the greatest ultra marathon in the world where athletes come from all over the world to combine muscle, sinew and mental strength to conquer approximately 90 kms between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
This comedy show will star 8 of our very own comedians. Prepare for hilarity with John Vlismas, Mark Banks, Kevin Perkins and more. There will be food on sale as well as a cash bar. The shows will be held on the 11th & 12th of April at the Durban ICC and ticket prices range from R140-R250 at Computicket.
INDABA 2012 12-15 MAY
INDABA at Durban ICC is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top 3 “must visit” events of its kind on the global calendar. It showcases a variety of Southern Africa’s best tourism products.
YIZANI TOURZ www.yizani.com Yizani Tourz is an inbound tour operation based in Cape Town, South Africa. We’ve been in operation since 1994 and have been providing the tour and corporate industry with a full spectrum of tourism and travel related services, from flights, car hire & accommodation at competitive prices. Call us on +27 (0)21 424 3520
A NEW JOURNEY STARTS HERE, ANY WHERE, ANY TIME !!!
INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC BOOKINGS EASTERN CAPE Tel: 043 709-8400 Fax: 043 743-6629
GAUTENG Tel: 012 323-7778 Fax: 012 323-1357
WESTERN CAPE Tel: 021 422-2524 Fax: 021 422-2599
AFTER HOURS / EMERGENCY: 072 670 0066 OR 079 890 2740 E-MAIL: ADMIN@NTLAKOHLAZA.CO.ZA www.ntlakohlaza.co.za
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TRAVEL & TOURISM Out and about in Gauteng FINE BRANDY FUSION 23-25 MAY 2012
This brandy event is for everyone! From those that just like the taste to the connoisseurs, this event is everything about brandy! Check out the FHM cocktail of the year and just relax in the Fusion lounge while the MC keeps the vibe going with some background beats. Tickets cost R195.00 which includes a brandy glass, drink vouchers and a Nespresso voucher. Get your tickets from Computicket or at the door.
THE PARLOTONES CARBON FREE CONCERT 21-22 APRIL 2012 Check out The Parlotones at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena on the 21 of April at 20:00 and 22 April at 16:00. Catchy rock and streaky eyeliner are the order of the day, so be sure to pencil this one in! The band is known for their global warming support and this event is in support of SABC3’s carbon-reducing initiative by reforesting our country. Show your support and get your ticket, they cost between R161.00 and R212.00 from Computicket.
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RAND SHOW 6-15 APRIL
Party and shop until you drop this Easter holiday at Jozi’s biggest annual shopping and entertainment extravaganza. Every man and his posh boat, dog, sheep, horse or caravan will be there. The country’s largest entertainment, product and service event draws over 500 000 visitors and around 700 exhibitors from all over Africa. A gigantic purpose-built showground has exhibition halls, arenas, an amusement park, kid’s zone, food market and a monorail. An abundance of live music and entertainment will keep the crowds going until late into the evening. A major feature of the Rand show is a full spectrum of entertainment. From aerobatic displays, the South African Lipizzaners, MITalent competition, the country’s best chefs in action, a comedy festival, wine routes, a daily show parade with clowns, acrobats and other amazing people, the Rand Show 2012 will dazzle you.
OLD MUTUAL TROPHY WINE SHOW 30 MAY
Taste around 90 of South Africa’s top wines as judged at this year’s Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in an informal showcase environment. Wines on show are all silver, gold or trophy medal winning wines. Trophy winners include Discovery of the show (Best Value). Refreshments are available at the public tasting.
TOPCAR GAUTENG MOTOR SHOW 2-3 JUNE
The TopCar Gauteng Motor Show is more than just a motor show. This action packed motoring experience offers an entertainment line-up unlike any other motoring event in South Africa. Be thrilled by knuckle biting aerobatic displays, bike stunts, drifting, advance driving experiences, track experiences, go-kart rides and more. Organizers pride themselves in being a family show, offering something for men, women and children of all ages. Tickets are available at the gate and expect to pay R80 for adults and R40 for children.
Conference Transport =
ENQUIRIES and BOOKINGS 021 511 1784
fax 021 511 2401 info@hyltonross.co.za
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BEYOND THE BEAT Keep the faith! Writer Brow Beat
W
ho can believe that we are already approaching midyear! So many things on the go! Events of all sorts, scandals, corruption matters, crime and all things that can stress you if you think too much about them. I heard a comment the other day questioning the reason people still purchase newspapers due to all the bad news contained in it. I thought that it is time for us to get some positive facts about South Africa to lift our spirits once again. On the political forefront: South Africa is mooted as having the most transparent budget in the world; South Africa is ranked 31st out of 184 countries in terms of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Survey of Democratic Freedom; South Africa is the only African country that is a member of the G20; We are ranked 34th most efficient government out of 139 countries according to the Global Competiveness Report 2010/11. This is just a few of the facts, there are many more to mention. On the economic forefront: South Africa’s tax revenue increased from R100 billion in 1994 to R742.7 billion in 2011/12; Our debt to GDP ratio is 32% as opposed to the USA’s 112
100% and the UK’s 90%. The recommended ratio is 60%; We sold $1.8 billion worth of cars to the US in 2010 and projected growth of a further 10% in car sales are expected, that puts us ahead of Sweden and Italy; The South African Stock Market rose to 16.09% in 2010, ranking 8th out of the G20 nations and ahead of all the G7 countries; We are ranked 1st in respect of auditing and reporting as ranked by the Global Competitiveness Report; South Africa’s banks rank 2nd in the world for soundness; We are ranked 2nd out of 183 countries in the world for good practice in protecting both borrowers and lenders when obtaining credit for business; South Africa is ranked 1st in Platinum output and 3rd in Gold output in the world; The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2010, places South Africa 12th out of 134 economies, ahead of many developed nations such as UK – 15th place, US – 19th place; Our Johannesburg Stock Exchange is ranked 16th in terms of largest market capitalisation and ranked 19th in terms of largest gains; We also rank 28th in terms of the number of cars produced and 18th in terms of the number of cars sold; South Africa is also ranked 34th out of 183 countries for ease of doing business; We also
rank in the top 20 for agricultural output. On the Tourism forefront: our visiting tourist figures have increased from 3,9 million in 1994 to 11,3 million in 2010 – this puts us among the top 5 countries in respect of tourism growth; Cape Town was named the top tourist destination in the world in 2011 and received a Traveller’s Choice award in this regard; OR Tambo airport is regarded as the best airport in Africa and ranks 3rd as the most improved airport in the world; Many of our beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status in terms of our environmental standard for recreational beaches. On the Sports forefront: We were the 1st African country to host the FIFA World Cup and we have also hosted the Cricket, Rugby and Soccer World Cups; South Africa is home to the world’s largest individually timed race – The Cape Argus Cycle Race and the world’s largest ultra-marathon race – The Comrades Marathon. So as you can see, it’s not all doom and gloom in South Africa. Some of these statistics prove that there is good news that’s not very often shared with the citizens to instil hope of a great South Africa with many possibilities. Keep the Faith! Till next time
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Each day TCTA strives to FAST-TRACK water security for the nation and to TRANSFORM the livelihoods of South Africans The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) prides itself on having sustained solid relationships with citizens and communities where we implement projects. Since 1986, we have played a pivotal role in bringing water to the economic nerve-centre of our country. The special role of TCTA can be seen in the water that flows from the dams in the mountains of Lesotho, through tunnels to South Africa, giving birth to new enterprises and meeting the critical needs of households and communities. We continue to raise funding off-budget to build bulk raw water infrastructure, at the same time increasingly supporting Government’s transformation initiatives. The TCTA footprint spans the borders of South Africa and Lesotho, and extends across our country.
E X PA N D I N G O U R H O R I Z O N S