Tradelink first edition

TRADELink GLOBAL EXPO BOTSWANA DTC Botswana FACTS ABOUT DIAMONDS

Serious about AFRICA

Leaders in ENERGY and RESOURCE Management:

BOTSWANA OIL EMPLOYEE FINANCIAL WELLNESS BODY LANGUAGE: Navigate the Corporate World

AFRICA’S WATER CHALLENGES

Editor’s Note Victoria Nish

6.

Global Expo Botswana, Speaker profiles

9.

Diamonds in Botswana

12.

Interesting Facts about Diamonds

14.

Leading the way in Energy Resources

16.

Africa’s Water Challenge

18

Shocking Truth about Water

20.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project

24.

Stanlib on UNIT TRUSTS

26.

Foreign Trade: Understanding Lesotho’s Tax Requirements

28.

Not Just a Buzz Word, Employee Financial Wellness

30.

ESKOM’s Young Scientists

34.

Communication Technology in Lesotho

36.

A Language Never spoken, BODY LANGUAGE, Gilan Gork

38.

Bringing up Great Children

43.

Italian Interior Design

46.

The Millennial MAN

49.

Tapping into AFRICA’s biggest FREE to AIR

51.

Planning a trip - 10 tips

52.

T: + 267 313 3548

Welcome to the very first edition of Tradelink. In this magazine we hope to offer you insightful articles and resources for foreign trade, specifically within AFRICA. There are so many challenges when facing foreign trading and often the answers or resolve is fairly simple but finding the right source of information can be a struggle. We hope to bring you up to date and relevant information to make growing you business across international borders much easier.

We are grateful to be part of the Global Expo Botswana and wish the event every success!!

Lesotho:

South Africa:

Botswana:

GENERAL Information: Finance: finance@milleniapublishing.co.za Enquiries: Publisher: Offices: 33WonderboomAvenue, Offices arealso in Gaborone, Botswana and asales officein Lesotho.

As the Tradelink team we invite government, parastatals and private entities from across the Southern African region and beyond to share their stories with us in order to keep our readers informed on issues of business, trade & investment and tourism.

We will continue to profile different entities and feature business news and significant changes in the economic climate in Africa. The Tradelink cuts across all sectors and thus we aim to be the trade publication of choice for the whole of Africa. A big thank you goes to all the organisations that have joined us in this journey to build a more informed, business and trade savvy continent.

We hope to get more businesses and governments on board subsequent issues as we grow Tradelink beyond Southern Africa to the rest of Africa.

Le kamoso!

Millenia Media & Publishing

Millenia Media & Publishing Magazine Profile

Motsamai Welcome to Motsamai Magazine, the official Business & Leisure Travel magazine for Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland. Southern Africa’s fastest growing Trade & Travel magazine.

Motsamai covers a wide variety of topics; features of events, travel & tourism attractions, African culture, fusion of food and cuisine, local & international business news and industry features (mining, manufacturing, trade, SMEs, and others) and features on local and regional structures that help facilitate business exchanges between Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana & South Africa. Set as both an informative and entertaining tool, Motsamai captures the attention of the business & leisure travel audience and is set to enhance and support a positive travel experience.

The magazine is produced by a versatile team of writers, editors, designers and photographers from across the region who bring with them a wealth of experience in what they do.

OUR AUDIENCE: Motsamai has a broad and diverse readership made up mainly of individual and business travelers from across the countries of Lesotho, SA, Botswana and Swaziland combined with the local community. Through our distribution partners and travel information centers you will reach a wide audience of thousands of readers moving within all corners of the four countries and who are rapidly growing with each issue. Motsamai reaches thousands of: Business Travellers Leisure Travellers Corporate Executives Selected Government Departments Private Sector DISTRIBUTION: Access to information is always a challenge for travelers and so our distribution channels are more extensive than the usual travel magazine. Motsamai is available in a selection of hotels & accommodation establishments, designated government departments, airport lounges and bank lounges and at Border Posts into Lesotho and thus accessible to all international road and air travelers. We are continuously expanding our distribution to bring our clients the best coverage.

INTEGRATED ADVERTISING: Motsamai gives you a chance to engage with thousands of readers and offers a platform to share more information about your company and/or product. In addition, an online version of Motsamai Magazine is available on www.issuu.com and on the Motsamai Facebook page. We would love to help you get a spot in this beautiful and exciting magazine through a feature of your establishment, to spread into a fresh and lucrative consumer market. Each issue of Motsamai Magazine is in circulation for two months thus guaranteeing multiplied readership and value for money.

WHY Travel MAGAZINE: Travel Magazine’s in print remain a powerful force in disseminating information to travelers. Our readers are frequent flyers, business people, tourists and the local community. Share your advertising message and communicate effectively to our readers through Motsamai Magazine and benefit from: A captive audience: travellers both leisure and business have access through our distribution channel Significant decision makers: many of our travellers are influencers and decision makers in the corporate arena Frequent travellers: Through repeated advertising, you create a lasting impression on readers and an opportunity to build your brand Extended distribution: Information is also readily accessible through airport lounges, tourism centres and accommodation establishments including online on ISSUU Exposure: the magazine reaches beyond the boundaries of any one contact point and into the international market through multiple distribution channels

We have kept pricing much lower than the market average to ensure that advertising is accessible to you.

To advertise in Motsamai Magazine contact Millenia Media & Publishing: Lesotho: Itumeleng Maliba • +266 564 80950 itume@milleniapublishing.co.za South Africa: Vicky Nish • +27 81 306 2828 victoria@milleniapublishing.co.za Botswana: Felistus Senwamadi • +267 72 894 444 felistus@milleniapublishing.co.za

info@milleniapublishing.co.za www.milleniapublishing.co.za

Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTC Botswana) is a 50/50 Joint Venture partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers. It is the world’s largest and most sophisticated rough diamond sorting and valuing operation.

DTC Botswana sorts and values Debswana Diamond Company’s rough diamond production. Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Ltd is a 50/50 Joint Venture partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers. The main purpose of the company is to mine and recover diamonds optimally and responsibly.

DTC Botswana aims to facilitate, drive and support the creation of a vibrant, sustainable and profitable downstream diamond industry in Botswana through superior sorting and valuing practices. The downstream activities will add additional value to the local diamond industry through cutting & polishing of diamonds and ultimately manufacturing of jewellery which will develop core competencies for adding higher value.

Interesting FACTS about Diamonds!

With a history going back billions of years, there are so many fascinating facts and stories to tell about the creation, discovery and ongoing world-wide fascination with diamonds which have come to be known as a symbol of love, struggle, rarity and wealth. With our dedication to unravelling the mystery surrounding this scandalous stone, we at the Cape Town Diamond Museum are dedicated to unearthing the intrigue and sharing it with you.

•FACT #1: The word “Diamond” comes from the Greek word “Adamas” and means “unconquerable and indestructible” -a rather suitable name for the hardest natural substance on earth.

•FACT #2: The earth is estimated at round 4.5 billion years old and the oldest diamonds are believed to have been crystallised approximately 3.3 billion years ago – a timelessly beautiful gem.

•FACT #3: Diamonds were originally found and mined in India, Brazil, South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Congo.

•FACT #4: Approximately 80% of diamonds mined go toward industrial uses.

Fact # 10:The Rough Cullinan Diamond.

•FACT #5: To produce a single one-carat diamond, 250 tonnes of earth needs to be mined, which is a testament to just how precious and rare diamonds are.

•FACT #6: The first man to propose was with a diamond ring was Archduke Maximilian of Austria who proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 with a ring encrusted with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M” in the hopes of gaining an advantage over her other suitors.

•FACT #7: Diamonds form approximately 200km beneath the surface of the earth and are pushed to the surface in a matter of moments by volcanic eruptions.

•FACT #8: Romans believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds, which is possibly the earliest link between diamonds and love.

•FACT #9: Ancient Romans and Greeks believed that diamonds were precious tears cried by the gods or splinters from falling stars.

•FACT #10: The largest diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan diamond, which weighed in at 3106 carats before cutting and polishing.

•FACT #11: Diamonds have been valued and coveted by people for thousands of years. There is evidence that diamonds were being collected and traded in India as early as the 400 BC, and in the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny is quoted as saying, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.”

•FACT #12: During the Middle Ages diamonds were believed to have healing properties able to cure ailments ranging from fatigue to mental illness.

•FACT #13: The notorious architects of the “Diamond Heist of the Century” – the Antwerp Diamond Heist of 2003- managed to get past 10 layers of security, including infrared heat detectors, Doppler radar, a magnetic field, a seismic sensor and a lock with 100 million possible combinations. To this very day no one knows how they managed to break in.

•FACT #14: The diamond is a birthstone for people born in the month of April.

Fact #6: The very first diamond engagement ring.

A LEADER IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND FACILITATING INVESTMENT UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH Botswana Oil Limited (BOL), a company wholly owned by the Government started its operations in July 2013. It was officially Launched by His Excellency the President Lt. General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama in October 2014.

BOL was established to support the Botswana Government achieve broader economic objectives of ensuring security and efficiency of petroleum products supply to Botswana as well as facilitating active citizen involvement in the petroleum industry. In addition to providing customers with petroleum products in bulk, BOL creates opportunities for supplying/importing petroleum products into Botswana. BOL also leases storage facilities to citizen owned companies to store petroleum products for sale to their customers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions What is the mandate of Botswana Oil Limited?

Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) was formed to address challenges experienced by the country in ensuring continuous supply of petroleum products. To this end, government found it fit to establish an entity that will ensure security of fuel supplies to the nation at all times. a) Botswana Oil Limited serves as the Government of Botswana’s transformation agent in the oil industry and is mandated to ensure security and efficiency of supply and distribution of petroleum products in Botswana. This means that the company works to make sure that petroleum products such as diesel and petrol are consistently available in Botswana. b) The company also manages government owned strategic fuel reserve facilities including strategic stocks. This means that BOL manages the depots that have been developed by Government which are the Gaborone and Francistown depots as well as the stock that has been sourced on behalf of the Government. Construction of the facilities is carried out by Government, and then handed over to BOL for management. c) BOL is also required to facilitate citizen participation in the petroleum sector. What this means is that BOL will work with local companies which are active in the petroleum sector to ensure that they are meaningfully contributing to the industry.

For example this could be through CECs (Citizen Emerging Companies) sourcing product on behalf of Botswana Oil Limited or providing the companies with storage space on rental.

BOL will also encourage citizens to take part in the industry by providing an opportunity for locals to own BOL shares when the company lists on the stock exchange. In addition, following the piloting of the Mobile Filling Station (MFS) project, citizens will be given the opportunity to manage mobile filling stations.

How does BOL plan to achieve its mandate?

BOL aims to achieve its strategic objectives by ensuring: • Optimal management of Government’s strategic fuel stock.

• Procurement and securing of fuel supplies on behalf of the Government of Botswana.

• Development of opportunities to leverage fuel storage facilities to generate income.

• Provision of product to the market to ensure continuous supply.

• Alternative supply routes to mitigate risk associated with single source supply.

• Development of strategic partnerships with international and regional stakeholders in the oil industry.

Won’t BOL push local companies and IOCs out of the local oil industry?

Botswana Oil Limited serves as a primary distribution channel to the wholesale market. This includes provision of product to International Oil Companies (IOCs) and citizen companies in the petroleum sector. BOL will also service other countries (bulk sales) that may require product. BOL will not be a player in the retail space currently being serviced by the IOCs.

What services does BOL offer?

The services that BOL offers are: • Wholesale distribution of petroleum products to ensure secure and efficient supply of petroleum products for Botswana; • Managing state owned strategic fuel reserves facilities on behalf of Government.

• Renting out fuel storage space.

What products are currently included in the BOL product portfolio?

Currently, BOL offers diesel, petrol and paraffin.

Bearing in mind the points covered above, BOL’s response to the question above is: ● BOL prices its products on the basis of the Botswana Unit Rates / Industry Slate. ● Where the actual cost of purchasing petroleum product tends to be higher than unit rates stipulated by the industry slate, BOL will recover the actual cost of goods sold + taxes + margin to the selling price. ● Although BOL is owned by government, it remains a private company that operates within all regulations of the oil industry with the aim of making profit and ensuring sustainability.

Assumption: Subsidised price means a Selling Price that is equal to or less than Cost of goods sold.

How does the reduction in crude oil prices impact the pricing of fuel locally?

Pricing of petroleum products in Botswana is controlled by the Government of Botswana and it has not been changed in over two years. Botswana Oil Limited doesn’t control pricing of fuel, this responsibility lies with the Department of Energy (DoE) which makes a recommendation to Cabinet for consideration. When the price of crude oil reduces the buying price /import price becomes competitive which benefits the businesses active in the petroleum sector as they are able to receive favourable prices from the markers and enjoy favourable supply margins.

Where does BOL source its product or what is the BOL supply strategy?

Currently BOL sources fuel from South Africa. The BOL supply strategy focuses on diversifying the sources of fuel, with plans to source some of the fuel from an array of countries including Mozambique and Namibia. BOL is currently testing these alternative sources. Diversification of supply routes will mitigate the risks associated with having a single source of

supply of product and lead to a more stable and secure supply base for the country.

Why is the Tshele Hills depot being constructed and why is this important to BOL? Tshele Hills Depot is being constructed mainly as a petroleum strategic reserve to guard against fuel supply disruptions. This is vital for a landlocked country especially one that is a net importer of fuel. The depot is situated on the southern part of the country (Rasesa village) to service the southern part of Botswana. In the current set-up fuel is mainly imported and supplied by Multinational companies who are primarily profit driven and who could divest from Botswana at any point (free market economy). It is therefore critical that Botswana maintains strategic fuel reserves that can support the economy during market changes. Construction of the Tshele Hills depot is important to BOL as it will enable the company to achieve its strategic objective of ensuring security and efficiency of supply of petroleum products to Botswana.

What are the BOL SBUs? (Strategic Business Units) Botswana Oil Limited has several Business Units. The core divisions are, Operations and Supply & Manufacturing. In addition, there is a Corporate Services Division as well as Strategy & Business Planning. Support functions include the following: Legal, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), Marketing & Communications as well as Internal Audit.

CONTACT: Plot 54373, Petroleum House Matante Mews, Gaborone CBD, Botswana Tel : +267 3981 700 Fax: +267 3181 705 EMAIL: enquiries@botswanaoil.co.bw Procurement Email : procurement@botswanaoil.co.bw

AFRICA’S WATER CHALLENGES

by Lehlohonolo Manamolela, CEO of WASCO.

In his Greek adapted classic play, Oedipus Rex, Ola Rotimi brings to fore the main character, Odewale to tell the people that he has crossed before arriving at the strange land of Kutije. Like many African writings, be they fictional or nonfictional water remains the central factor used in defining the many features of the African culture after animals.

Today’s economic development in Africa is visualized within the context of reliable clean water supply across the many projects of the continent. As I flew over the Lake Victoria last month I marveled spread of water into at least three countries.

As the flight journey progressed towards Kigali down to South, I felt a need to write a profile feature on the African Water Resources and the challenge faced by governments in their endeavor to optimally manage them.

The year 2000 which marked the turn into this current millennium has undoubtedly brought a big shift to the way the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is perceived by the Global village. In consideration of means of development, water remains the most strategic resource that can propel economic growth provided they are managed.

This feature will review the three distinct Sub-Saharan Africa geographic positions; South of; West of; and East, to highlight the three features of water resources and its availability, access challenges and the stress of water supply in those regions.

SUBMISSIONS FOR DISCUSSION WELCOME: TRADELink will unpack the water challenges of AFRICA in more depth in the FEB 2018 issue. We invite all comments and submissions.

Shocking!

WATER TRUTH ABOUT SA’S

The December period offered South Africans some beautiful relief in the form of significant downpour throughout the country – which has subsequently allowed for a rise in the Vaal Dam to approximately 53%; in that very same breath – we’ve been advised that our droughtrelated woes are still an area of concern.

If you still believe it’s a lie to the masses, to make everyone conserve water without their being a need to – read on…

37% of our drinkable water is being lost, needlessly South Africa is losing the equivalent of 4.3 million swimming pools of water a year because of leaky pipes and theft, The Sunday Times reported.

The water loss reportedly cost South Africa around R7.2bn a year.

It is predicted that South Africa’s water demand will outstrip its supply by 2030 The 2030 Water Resources Group, of which the Water Affairs department is a member, has calculated that, by 2030, the demand for water will exceed supply by 17%.

Water-shedding is a reality This measure was introduced in late 2016 – before we saw any of the recent rainfall. South Africans would now need to learn to adapt to having limited supplies of water throughout the day, until the minimum saving of 15% per metropolitan was achieved. Ekurhuleni was off the target badly – having only saved close on 5% in the first month of implementation. We are no seeing reduced water pressure and a complete shut-off of water between (usually) 9pm-5am on a rotational basis between area’s.

Prices of basic food items are inflating We have seen a close on 20% rise in the price of maize between May 2016 to where we are now; “Researchers working on the SPII Basic Needs Basket Project, which monitors the prices or cost of 39 goods and services each month countrywide, have found that the price of maize

It is predicted that South Africa’s water demand will outstrip its supply by 2030 The price of samp, SPII researchers found, increased by 41% and 38% in the Free State and North West’s urban areas, respectively.”

“A report released by the UN’s food and nutrition working group last month found this drought – the country’s worst since 1992 – had caused a decline in maize production that had already led to an increase in food prices of 6.4%.

“South Africa’s first maize production forecast estimates the 2015 harvest to be the worst in eight years,” it found.

The Crop Estimates Committee predicts this season’s harvest will be 9.84 million metric tons, the smallest since 2007.”

Less local equates to more imports which again equates to far, far higher prices.

The worst drought in over two decades In May 2014, it was predicted that 2014 was set to be the biggest harvest since 1981. It was predicted that 13.5 million tons of maize would be harvested by end of the season. Well, 10 months later and the worst drought since 1992 we end up in a situation where we have to import maize due to the volatile climate we are experiencing now

FULL WATER RESOURCE FEATURE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN OUR FEB 2018 EDITION

The effects are far-reaching, disastrous and frightening.

Ready to shorten that shower and not fill the pool?

Don’t miss it!

Lesotho Highlands Water Project May 2017 saw the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, embark on a campaign to share information about Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project with contractors and suppliers who may be interested in securing business opportunities.

The authority arranged one-day information sharing sessions that were held in venues in Lesotho and South Africa. With the imminent advertisement of Phase II related construction tenders, the Project’s Authorities saw it prudent to hold these sessions, following the successful roll out of the same for consulting firms in 2014. The sessions precede the advertisement of tenders, and thereby prepare interested parties for the bidding process.

In accordance with Article 10 of the Phase II Agreement, Consultants and Contractors registered in Lesotho and South Africa shall equally share the value of all advance infrastructure works. The governments of Lesotho and South Africa are committed to the objective that consultants and contractors registered in Lesotho and in South Africa should share the value of all infrastructure works on an equal monetary basis, taking into account, amongst other things, their shareholding and operational experience.

The overall objective of rolling out the roadshows was to mainly sensitize potential contractors to fully maximise on opportunities and benefits to be presented by the upcoming construction of the advance infrastructure works, main works (Polihali Dam & Tunnel) and future Hydropower related works.

Furthermore, it was to share the general tender rules with the prospective bidders so that they know what to anticipate.

Three fora were planned for the months of May and June, with the first held at the Avani Maseru Hotel, in Maseru on the 29th May 2017, followed by two; at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg and the Garden Court Marine Parade, Durban on the 12th and the 26th June 2017 respectively. The roadshows were well subscribed with a turnout of more than 600 participants for Maseru, 500 for Johannesburg and more than 200 for Durban.

The information sharing sessions focused on amongst others; the scope of work under Phase II, the Project schedule, critical procurement rules and regulations, and the unpacking of the procurement framework. The latter covered, inter alia, contract packaging that will be designed to maximize participation of Lesotho and RSA contractors (especially Black-owned entities), the evaluation criteria that include quality evaluation, price evaluation and preference scoring, and how the LHDA will actually implement the procurement and evaluation guidelines.

The LHDA also shared with the participants the lessons learnt under Phase I in the Procurement Process and administration of contracts. The LHDA highlighted some of the typical shortcomings that the SMMEs and other contractors exhibited in the tendering process and also during the actual execution of the works. Based on these lessons and experiences the LHDA underscored the paramount need for contractors to familiarise themselves with the contractual obligations and adhere to the Instructions To Tenderers (ITT) and to the terms in the signed contracts.

The positive response from the industry signals a welcome move towards realising the objective of creating a networking platform for contractors and suppliers and furthering opportunities for formation of Joint Ventures, which would ensure creation of capacity for competitive bidding.

The successful conclusion of the roadshows, has since ignited an interest in Industry players to be listed on the LHDA Online Suppliers Database, an additional networking platform where contractors and other suppliers can register and list their services. The online database is a vital information resource aimed at creating the necessary pool of skill and expertise, and a one-stop avenue for local, regional and international suppliers.

Interested construction companies and suppliers are urged to visit the LHDA website for a step-by-step self-registration guide under the link; http://www.lhda.org.ls/phase2/tenderbulletin/register

How do they work?

Article supplied by STANLIB

What are unit trusts?

Unit trusts are pooled investment funds which enables an investor to invest with other investors who have similar investment objectives.

A unit trust fund is set-up and run through a Trust deed and the investors become beneficiaries under the trust deed. A Trustee, Custodian and the Fund Manager are appointed to the unit trust to run the affairs of the fund within the stipulated parameters of the Trust Deed. Owners of unit trusts are commonly referred to as unit holders. The Trustees are appointed to ensure that the Fund Manager operates within the agreed the Fund’s investment objectives and goals.

It is also the Trustees fiduciary duty to ensure that the unit holders’ interests are protected. The Custodian, which is normally a bank, provides safe custody of the funds while the Fund Manager is tasked with maximising investment return for the unit holders in line with the trust deed.

Regulation, Governance and Structure of unit trusts Globally unit trusts have a stringent regulatory framework. In Botswana units trust are regulated by the Non-Bank Financial Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) under the CIU Act CAP 56:09. The stringent legal framework around unit trusts ensures that operations of the Fund are off the balance sheet of the Fund Manager. This

empowers the Trustee to change Fund Manager if the incumbent manager were to be liquidated. The act empowers the regulator to put some maximum limits on the securities that unit trust fund can invest in. The deliberate goal is to reduce and control investment risk that the fund can be exposed to any given time. All unit trusts fund managers have to report to the regulator on a quarterly basis and once a year the regulator performs a Due Diligence on the Manager. The Botswana domiciled funds are those which have primary registration in Botswana and are fully regulated by NBFIRA. In addition, there could be a distribution of offshore funds in Botswana and such funds also have to be regulated by the NBFIRA. There are different types of unit trusts in the local market and the type of unit trust depends on the underlying investment securities. In general unit trusts provide access to various range of investment securities but the most common types of unit trusts in Botswana are;

cash and cash equivalents (otherwise known as money market funds)

cash, bonds and equities fund (commonly known as prudential funds)

pure equities fund Most unit trusts provide income distribution to all unit holders once the Fund Manager has declared a dividend. The distribution can be paid out or reinvested depending on the choice made by each individual unit holder.

What to look into when choosing a unit trust fund A thorough “needs analysis” with a qualified and experienced financial advisor is required. The analysis will determine the risk/ reward expectations of the potential investor. Depending on the outcome of the “needs analysis” questionnaire, the need will be linked to a specific product that can help the client achieve their investment objective. While choosing the right type of unit trust, it is imperative to also confirm the expertise and experience of the Fund Manager.

It is also important though to also note that past performance is not indicative of future performance. In addition, when reviewing past performance, it is important that unit holders subtract all associated fees of running the fund in order to arrive at net performance. The ultimate goal of investment is to beat inflation in the long run.

Other important considerations should be around:

Whether the fund allows for monthly contribution or lump sum contribution

Check if the fund’s Portfolio Manager is invested within the fund to align interest with unit holders

Confirm growth of the fund’s Assets Under Management (AUM) since inception and try understand what led to the growth or lack of it

Investment universe which will confirm whether the fund invests only locally, globally or both

Check and confirm if the Fund Manager had in the past had experienced any regulatory issues In the end, it is prudent to have an investment plan and to stick to it regardless of developments in the market in the short term.

Setshwano Ngope

Not Just a BUZZ Word… Financial wellness The tide is turning in favor of comprehensive financial wellness programs offered to employees, in a quest to both attract and retain the best talent, and in a quest to reduce employee financial-related stress – thus improving employee productivity and engagement. The pertinent questions in local and global HR circles now are: What is employee financial wellness?, and how can we as 21st century employers offer this benefit, in the most cost effective and efficient manner?

– Not Just a buzz word, but the future of employee benefits Employees the world over, not only spend their most productive hours at work, they also make their most important financial decisions at work…how much to save for retirement, how much to invest in various instruments such as shares and bonds, and how much credit to take – be it in the form of mortgages, credit cards or short-term loans. Given the lack of financial education in most education systems, employees are expressing an increased need to be supported by their employers to make more informed financial decisions. Employees are also confessing that they spend a lot of their working hours dealing with personal financial issues, so it is in employers’ best interests to offer some sort of assistance to reduce this evident down-time

Why Must Employers Bother? What Would the Potential Benefits be to Employers?

One of the number 1 stressors for employees now, is their ability to make current financial ends meet, and their ability to have a comfortable lifestyle at and post retirement. Increasingly, employees are also realizing that the financial decisions they make today, are a determining factor of the quality of their future lives. As a result, the contemporary employee is considering employee financial well support from their employer in current roles, and when they seek alternative employment.

Having employee financial wellness as a benefit, no different from share options, gym membership, tuition reimbursement, employee recognition, pension & medical aid benefits, can increase the attractiveness of remuneration and benefit packages.

Employers must therefore consider implementing employee financial wellness programs and support for the following reasons: • • • •

Increased employer satisfaction with current benefits Reduced financial related stress, leading to Increased staff productivity Reduced fraud incidents that are perpetuated by staff financial distress

So, What Exactly Do Employees Need?

The vast majority of employees just need information, guidance and support through their financial journeys. Most wellness programs will have elaborate physical and psycho-social components; subsidized gym membership to encourage physical fitness, medical aid benefits and access to clinical psychologists for social issues. Very often the financial wellbeing of the employee is neglected…financial benefits will most often be just salary, bonuses, group-life cover and some employee recognition incentives in the form of vouchers for performance and company sponsored excursions.

The truth is that an employee’s financial life is more complex; employees have families to support, children to educate, investment portfolios to build and a comfortable retirement to plan for. While all these are not the employer’s responsibility, a forward-thinking employer would do well to provide some sort of program to help their employee to plan their lives in totality.

Such a program would take the form of training & broad financial education in the areas of budgeting, debt management, investments , retirement & estate planning. And in this advanced age of technology, certain tools such as online budgeting toolkits and retirement savings calculators could be availed. These services should be outsourced, as financial education and advisory are not the core business of most companies. The same way as clinical psychologists are outsourced for the core wellness program, so can an employee financial wellness service. More progressive employers also offer one-on –one financial advisory services to their employees and their families.

– Not Just a buzz word, but the future of employee benefits”

MérlotWEALTH™

™

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For The Progressive Employer, Setting Up a Financial Wellness Program is Key When considering setting up an employee financial wellness program, executives need their HR functions to demonstrate the VALUE that such a program would bring to the organization, without affecting the bottom line adversely. The number 1 key is to seamless execution is to integrate the program into existing employee benefit structures – to make financial wellness a component of any existing wellness initiative or programs. The second most important key for success, is to make the program a part of the organisaton’s culture, and not make it just a once-off conversation that happens during ‘wellness week’.

In selecting a provider for the service, employers and procurement managers must look for quality of content, and for accessibility of the program across multiple platforms, for ease of usability by employees. The program must also make provision for interaction by the employee’s family, especially their spouse and children – this is necessary if employers want to change the narrative for the next generation of their employees, and if they want to support governments in their efforts to create financially capable citizens.

A Note to Governments – on the Continent and Globally There’s no doubt that changing the narrative of financial education and security for the next generation is going to require a concerted effort from both governments and the private sector. Governments must support this quest by having the conversation at the public sector table; by formulating National Financial Literacy Strategies, and by implementing financial wellness programs for public servants. Financial education must be made part of the culture of nations, by having the dialogue early in the lives of the population, and by taking advantage of teachable moments throughout their lifetime. It is going to take time, maybe decades, and an investment of time, resources and dialogue. Success will be in the form of more financially empowered nations, more financial inclusion, better savings cultures, and controlled indebtedness at both individual and household levels. ™ – an independent pan-African advisory practice that This article was written by Ms Setshwano Sharey Ngope. She is the MD of Merlot specializes in financial advisory and wealth management. Ms Ngope is a financial services professional with vast experience in private banking, wealth management and retail investment solutions. She is also the founder of the – a personal finance foundation that conducts research, does policy advocacy and designs financial literacy programs for the youth and women. Ms Ngope holds a Financial Planning & Investments degree from Griffith University – Brisbane, Australia, as well as a Debt Counselling Certificate from University of Pretoriaa – South Africa. Her previous corporate roles include Wealth Manager for FNB Botswana Private Clients and Head of Retail for BIFM Unit Trusts.

Young Scientists “SA’s prosperity lies in the hands of young scientists” says Deputy Minister of basic Education, Mr Enver Surty.

Young scientists from around the continent and other parts of the world will be displaying their keen interest in their surroundings by coming up with solutions for today’s problems. In response to some of the challenges faced by their local communities, these youngsters will be showing off their science research projects at the three-day Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg until Friday, October 6.

The Eskom Expo ISF, which is South Africa’s biggest school-level science fair, is an ideal platform for the 611 finalists to show off their science projects across 24 different categories including energy efficiency, innovation and technology, physics, astronomy and space science as well as social and psychological sciences. Now in its 37th year, the prestigious science fair has attracted participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Brazil.

ISF is a culmination of a series of exciting and competitive regional science expos held countrywide. The young scientists competing at ISF were selected amongst the thousands of participants who attended the regional expos. At the ISF the learners not only display their talents and passion for the world of science, but also get a chance to increase their knowledge and broaden their scientific horizons. They will be vying for medals as well as special awards and prizes including bursaries, cash rewards, scientific equipment and visits to other international science fairs.

In attendance and to officially open this year’s Eskom Expo ISF were the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mr Enver Surty, Eskom Group Executive: Transmission / Acting Group Executive: Risk and Sustainability, Mr Thava Govender as well as the Chairman of the Eskom Expo Board of Directors, Mr Pieter Pretorius.

Now in its 37th year, the prestigious science fair has attracted participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Brazil

ABOUT: YOUNG SCIENTISTS EXPO

The Eskom Expo provides a platform for the learners to increase their awareness and knowledge of the wonders of science and hopes to broaden their scientific horizons and encourage them to pursue careers in the sciences by igniting a passion for innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

By the very nature of its activities, it is contributing to improving the scientific, technical and research skills of young people, and providing an excellent opportunity for teachers to engage in the type of activity promoted within the education curriculum. The Expo provides an ideal opportunity for both teachers and learners to develop skills in scientific project work.

Now in its 37th year, the Expo is endorsed by the Department of Public Enterprises, Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Basic Education and has also received recognition from the Presidency. It sees learners presenting their scientific research work to judges, professionals from the private sector, academics, scientists, educators, learners from other schools, parents as well as other interested members from the general community.

Deputy Minister Surty noted the significance of this year’s fair as it coincides with the celebration of the life of the late struggle stalwart, Oliver Reginald Tambo, who was an avid scholar and teacher of mathematics and science at one point in his life. “Had he been here today, OR would’ve been proud of all of you for taking an interest in these subjects. The world is changing at a rapid pace due to technology and because of the fields you have decided to pursue, the destiny of this country lies squarely in your hands. We need you to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills so that you can help our country to prosper.”

The Eskom Expo ISF is supported by the national Departments of Public Enterprises, Science and Technology and Basic Education.

The finalists present their work to judges, professionals from the private sector, academics, scientists, educators, learners from other schools, parents as well as members of the public.

Mr Govender says Eskom’s involvement in the Expo is largely driven by the need to develop engineers in the country. “For years now, the grave shortage of engineers, not just locally but around the globe, has been a major threat to meaningful advancement, particularly within the context of contributing to sustainable human, social and economic development. The competition is Eskom’s way of addressing the mismatch between supply and demand in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).”

Over and above the medals and other special prizes, the learners will also be competing for the coveted Eskom special awards that are given to learners who show outstanding ability. These include the best energy project, best energy efficiency project, best female and best development project.

Eskom Expo International Science Fair is open to the public on Thursday, 5 October from 13h30 to 17h00. Entrance is free and the public is encouraged to attend and get exposed to some of the most inspiring and well-researched ideas that South Africa’s young scientists have come up with.

Eight high school children have jetted off to the US to represent South Africa at the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

The delegation,who performed excellently at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, will be accompanied by the International Science Fair Director, Priscilla Moodley and Delegation Leader,Marguerite de Bruin.

UNLOCKING Potential in Lesotho through NEW TECHNOLOGIES In the streets of the capital city of Maseru and in most towns, in the Kingdom of Lesotho, it is easy to spot almost all people with a mobile handset or talking with one. Mobile telephones are everywhere in Lesotho even in the remote, mountainous and rural corners of the country. For a country estimated to have 2 million inhabitants, there are over 2.3 million mobile subscribers.

The feat in the growth of telecommunications seemed impossible 17 years ago in the year 2000, when the Government of Lesotho established the national regulatory authority, Lesotho Communications Authority, amongst many public policies of the time.

Through the Lesotho Telecommunications Policy of 1999, Lesotho adopted three pronged policy for unlocking the economy of Lesotho using information and communications technologies. This

policy was informed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology which was adopted in Maseru, Lesotho, on the 24th August 1996. The SADC protocol recognized that “effective transport, communications, and meteorology systems are prerequisites for economic growth and improved quality of life – the primary goals of SADC. The Protocol was about all aspects of transport, communications, and meteorology throughout Southern Africa and its intent was to establish systems for these sectors so that they could function efficiently and productively, thereby promoting economic and social development.

Through the Protocol, Member States agreed to strategic goals and policies for an integrated network of transport, communications, and meteorology, with specific funding sources,

The Lesotho Telecommunications policy of 1999 provided for the following: ● Establishment of an independent regulatory authority, the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), to be in control of all operations and service pertaining to communications services; ● Introduction of competition in the sector by attracting more service providers and introduction of new services; and

● Expansion of network penetration and improvement of quality of service.

The policy also set out the basis for privatisation of the incumbent telecommunications company, Lesotho Telecommunications Corporation (LTC), and liberalisation of the telecommunications sector.

Subsequent to that, Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) was established in 2000 through an Act of Parliament. The Act gave LCA the mandate to regulate the sector and licence the service providers, a role that was, until then, played by LTC, which acted as a regulator as well as a service provider. The Act was amended in 2001 to include broadcasting as one other area for regulation by the Authority. The Act was further amended in 2006 and

2007 to change the founding name from the then Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) in order to extend its regulatory mandate over the entire communications sector, including postal and courier services.

Following further liberalisation of the sector in 2007 and convergence of communication services, a new Communications Policy was adopted in 2008. To support this policy, a new Communications Act No. 4 of 2012 was promulgated, repealing the LTA Act of 2000 and its related amendments.

Rollback 17 years later. Lesotho has two major network operators, Econet Telecom Lesotho and Vodacom Lesotho with combined phone subscribers of over 2.5 million. There are twenty-two licensed radio stations and four (4) television stations and nine postal and courier operators.

There are several communications retail service providers which do not need licensing from LCA and all these entities provide essential service to consumers, provide smallmedium enterprises businesses and provide employment in the sector.

More importantly, the sector offers the services which eases the processes of conducting business.

Lesotho is now a full participant in the digital economy. Progressively some government services are provided through e-government platforms such as civil registration.

Government has also embarked on a project to rapidly develop egovernment services. The objective of the Lesotho eGovernment Infrastructure project is the enhancement of good governance by the deployment of a modern and secure e-government broadband infrastructure. The project focuses on the utilization of ICT on governance frameworks that underpin the effectiveness of public sector institutions. The project further aims to develop institutions and processes that allow inclusive private sector participation and citizens to benefits from the use of new technologies.

The private sector now offer their services on digital platforms more

than ever before and Lesotho is comparable with many countries in areas such as financial service, education, tourism and health. Over half of the population of Lesotho now use mobile money services, popularly now as EcoCash and Mpesa, to transact variety of services such as paying school fees, insurances, utilities and remittances. M-health is also catching up especially in remote health centres where health issues are referred to specialist doctors.

Competitive and open communications markets have created opportunities in countries that previously lagged behind.

Competitively priced and technologically varied service offerings have allowed businesses to compete and thrive globally. This is no different in Lesotho. Competition in variety of services and products has seen the growth of the sector and improvement in the quality of services being offered to communications consumers.

However, there are still market gaps on providing widespread high speed broadband services at affordable prices and connectivity to remote areas. LCA through the Universal Service Fund (USF), is working together with network operators to extend services to remote, unserved and underserved areas of Lesotho.

To-date, the USF has developed 48 projects throughout the country which provide mobile phone services to over 80,000 inhabitants. These are the people who for the first time in the lives used phone services.

Since the establishment of LCA and introduction of regulation in the communications sector in Lesotho, the following benefits have been gained: core telecommunications services – broadband, landlines and mobile – have fallen to levels which compare well with anywhere in the world; variety of communication services have been introduced into the market including new radio and television stations, as well as variety of retail services.

For more information: www.lca.org.ls.

GILAN GORK

Gilan has presented for Fortune500 companies in 20 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and America, and is the author of the bestselling book Persuasion Games. With two decades' experience as a professional mentalist, Gilan creates unique learning experiences that help people unleash their influence. He teaches how to apply a working knowledge of influence and persuasion to real-life practical situations, to be able to lead, sell, negotiate, market and inspire on a new level.

A Language Never Spoken!

It may sound like an absurd question, but it really isn’t. In fact, I mention this question at the start of every session I give on the subject. Over the past twenty years, I must have asked this question to literally thousands of students in dozens of different countries.

Here’s the answer: paint is only useful when it’s to something. For me, the same is true of body language and the study of non-verbal communication. I never teach these subjects in isolation. What I teach is how to a working knowledge of body language to real-life practical situations, especially to do with selling, negotiation, leadership, and so on.

This is a crucial distinction. Anyone can flick through a book on body language. What’s far more useful is knowing how to the principles of non-verbal communication to real life.

This is what I emphasise in my talks to sales professionals, executives and VIP guests all around the world.

To see what I mean, consider this example.

You are pitching for a substantial, high-level contract. You have submitted your bid and are now meeting the client. He says, “Your bid was certainly competitive. However, the fact is that another company has submitted a comparable bid that’s significantly lower. If you could match their bid, or get close to it, we’d be happy to award you the contract.”

There are two possibilities here. The client may be telling the truth, in which case you’ll have to see if you can modify your bid — which could mean significantly reducing your price and your profit margin. Alternatively, this rival bid could be imaginary. The client might just be bluffing in an attempt to save some money.

Although I’ve simplified the details, this scenario is drawn from real life. As it happens, the salesman in this case was one of my former students. Here’s the crucial part: he was 90% sure the client was bluffing, so he felt no need to lower his asking price (I’ll tell you how he knew in just a moment.) He stuck to his guns and was able to close the deal having to trim his margin.

This is just one example of how a working knowledge of body language, and how to it to real-life situations, can be tremendously useful. It’s why many leading professionals in direct sales, network marketing and multi-level marketing are studying this subject in such depth. When you’re selling, you want to know as much as you can about what your customer is thinking and feeling — and knowing how to read subtle non-verbal signals can make all the difference.

One of the great joys of studying body language is the subtlety involved. For example, it’s rarely possible to make deductions based on a single action or gesture viewed in isolation. Context almost always matters, and we generally look for a coherent of signals rather than

Let’s get back to the story of the client bluffing about a fictitious ‘rival’ bid. In this case, the salesman based his deduction on a pattern of ‘tells’ (involuntary revelations) that suggested an attempt to deceive.

There were actually several signals involved, but the most significant one was this: the client had started to blink much more rapidly than usual he mentioned the (imagijust nary) rival bid. In most contexts, when corroborated by other indicators, this increased frequency of blinking (compared to an established base rate) is a fairly clear sign that someone isn’t being entirely honest.

and said, “It’s always a pleasure to meet someone with musical talent.

Tell me, what sort of guitar do you play?”

Here’s a neat example of good observation skills in action. A student of mine works for a major telecommunications company. She was once pitching to a buyer from a multi-national retail chain. She had been warned that this particular buyer was rather ‘cold’ towards sales people and that it was difficult to build rapport with him. My student walked confidently into the meeting, shook hands

You may have seen some of my ‘mindreading’ demonstrations on national television. To be honest, and without giving too much away, I don’t think it’s possible to actually read some. However, micro-expresone’s sions and other barely perceptible clues often give away what someone is thinking.

The buyer was clearly startled, but also pleasantly intrigued. “How did you know I play the guitar?” he asked. The meeting was off to a flying start and my student had established good rapport within seconds.

I’ll let you in on the secret. My student noticed that the buyer had long nails on his right hand and short nails on his left hand — an almost certain sign that someone plays classical guitar!

The material I teach on body language is based on over of practical study and experience. In this time, I’ve developed a highly systematic approach to both reading and influencing people. This isn’t just because I think influence is a fascito develop this nating subject. I knowledge to survive professionally!

For example, I present my persuasion and influence seminars to companies all over the world. This involves knowing not just how to read subconscious from signals but also how these one culture to another. These variations can be highly significant. A gesture that is seen as ‘aggressive’ in one country can mean ‘peace’ in another.

Sharpening your observational skills, and developing your body language expertise, enables you to build rapport with just about anyone. It’s also a good way to develop greater command and presence in any meeting. want to Ask yourself why you learn these subtle yet effective techniques?

Bringing up Great Children

Less screen time more play‌

By Nelly Ndimande

When I was a child there were so many outdoor activities for me to take part in. I have to note here that I am not that old, I am still in my twenties- the better part thereof, but twenties nonetheless. It is amazing how things have changed in the last 20 years. In fact, I distinctly remember when as a child, my mother and every grown up around me would chase me out of the house so that they could get on with the cleaning and other household chores without me and my siblings being in the way.

My favourite outdoor activities included playing Hopscotch, Jump-Rope, Double Dutch, Broken Telephone, Musical Chairs and generally exploring my neighbourhood. On days when I wasn’t outside, I made up all sorts of games with my toys. I had plenty of toys; big ones, small ones; girl toys and boy toys. I was entertained.

Every day was a colossal adventure with new places to explore, new friends to make and an endless amount of fun to be had. The more I discovered, the more I wanted to learn. I learned a lot when I was playing.

Fast forward to 2017 and technology is everywhere we look. News spreads in real time.

These days you have to think twice before you do a silly thing in public, because people are ever ready to capture those embarrassing moments and quickly upload them onto social media at the click of a button. We are inundated with technological options - whether you’re watching reality television, playing video games, or whether you’re on your tablet, iPad or your latest Smartphone.

The reality is that technology has arrived. It is bigger, better, faster than ever before and it is a huge part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, children are exposed to the same pressures regarding technology. We haven’t experienced the outcome and impact of technology on the younger generation. We need to understand how advances in technology affect our children’s development in comparison to development based on how we used to play, before technology became an all-consuming extra limb in our lives. Will our children be better developed than we are or are we making a mistake by giving them free reign on technology?

It is a well-known point that free play and toys open up a whole world of learning opportunities for our kids. Playing with toys equips children with skills that foster their development beyond imaginary battles between the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their enemies or playing house with the yummy smelling Num Noms. Toys help kids develop fine motor skills and think creatively along with much other valuable dexterity. The more children engage in free play and play with toys the more equipped they become for progression to other stages of their lives.

There are many advantages to advances in technology including easier access to information and quicker communication that it is almost a misnomer to mention its deficits; however it is almost impossible for there not to be disadvantages when we are looking at level of access that our children have to various gadgets.

One of the biggest parenting trends for 2017 and 2018 is to limit screen time for children. Kids are watching way too much stuff on screen, whether it’s YouTube videos or video games that are easily accessible from your App Store. This is an alarming precedent which has spread to the point that it is causing harm in children, including lack of muscle tone, childhood obesity and lack of social skills. I am sure you have seen a child with a cellphone or tablet in his hand and they cannot pay attention to what is happening in their immediate surroundings.

These are some of the reasons why as parents we need to encourage our children to spend time outside in the garden, have fun playing with toys and communicating with their families and friends without being distracted by tablets, laptops and cellphones.

Children learn a number of skills they will need and use as adults as they play. When children use toys such as Poppit – where they create things using clay and moulds - , they are able to build and make and refine their fine motor skills while doing so. They also learn about different colours and using different colours.

Once the building project is complete, this stirs up feelings of achievement. “I win! I’m good at that!” In the same way that adults feel a sense of accomplishment when they’ve seen a project through from planning to completion phase, children feel the same way after building their Poppit kingdom from scratch; these feelings build and reinforce self-esteem and self-confidence in a child.

Playing with dolls like Baba Tasha and Baby Born encourages role play where kids are able to pretend to be mom and dad for a while and change a nappy, feed the baby, put it to sleep and so on. Role play has the ability to lengthen attention span through making up games and stories with multiple storylines, characters and endings. This enables children to develop better judgement, reasoning and problem solving skills.

When playing with friends or siblings these skills can go even further to include taking turns, working together in a team, listening to each other, playing fair and helping each other.

According to Chiquita Patrizi, spokesperson for Prima Toys, the benefits of play when it comes to developing certain skills, are endless. “Play encourages and fosters many invaluable skills that we as human beings use our whole lives. Beyond the development of social skills, play allows children to make sense of the world around them. To make sense of situations and learn coping skills. As much as technology plays a role in our lives, the demand for toys is still high. Children still want to play,” she says.

Creativity is not an innate ability that is exclusive to certain people. Creativity can be taught and practiced just like any other skill. Research shows that creativity is essential for the development of scientific, mathematic, social and emotional intelligence in children. Creativity allows people to be better a solving problems and adapting to change. When our children are role playing with their latest toys or in free play, they use their imaginations to create and act out different stories.

Children can play dress up, they can save the world from the bad guys or they can pretend to be mom at work or driving them to school, the possibilities are endless. What matters here is that as parents we need to understand the importance of play for early childhood development and we need to schedule this time for our children.

Toys have been there for as long as anyone can remember, but they are more than simply special occasion gifts that offer a temporary distraction for our children, or objects that entertain our offspring while we busy ourselves with other grown up duties. They are necessary for our children’s development.

Research shows that sales of traditional toys and games in the UK grew 5% in 2015 to £2.93bn. This looks like a step in the right direction. Hopefully in the next few years this number will grow as we try to teach our kids to be more active and limit time spent staring at a screen.

According to Dr Bob Myers, a licensed child and adolescent psychologist, play strengthens and refines small and large motor skills, and it builds stamina and strength. Sensory learning develops mostly through play. Play is significant to physical development in that without it the body could not grow and develop normally. He goes on to add that children explore, learn and make sense out of their environment by playing.

Parents and educators alike can support this learning activity by ensuring age-appropriate toys, materials, and environments are available to children.

Play enables children to know things about the world and to discover information essential to learning. Through play, children learn basic concepts such as colours, counting, how to build things, and how to solve problems. Thinking and reasoning skills are at work every time a child engages in some type of play. Children learn to relate to one another, negotiate roles, share, and obey rules through play. They also learn how to belong to a group and how to be part of a team. A child obtains and retains friends through play.

The next time you consider making a big purchase for your child, remember that toys play a big part in advancing your child’s development beyond what they are learning at school or on the latest video game. Think about the stage of growth they are in and match your toy selection to the skills you would like them to practice and learn. Yes, they all want the latest cell phone or tablet, but as parents we shouldn’t allow ourselves to succumb to these demands, but to rather focus on what is best for our children’s development in the long term.

It is no secret that most Italians have an inherent eye for good design, and Italians love for home is second to none.

Take these two and combine them, and what you get is the essence of Italian interior design. If you are looking for a way to meet all that you require from your home and make it the cynosure of all eyes at the same time, look no further than interior design from Italy.

History of Interior Design in Italy

The history of Italian interior design is pretty long and elaborate, interior designing was a hobby of the Italian nobility from the Roman times. Not only did the Romans create architectural marvels, they designed the interiors of their structures for maximum comfort, functionality and aesthetic appeal. With the centuries, the Roman villas with their ornate architectural details gave way to relatively simple structures, built for durability.

But as is apparent in the distinguished Tuscan villas and the luminous Mediterranean beach houses standing till this day and inspiring a million other homes, Italians did not sacrifice the beauty of a building for its long life.

Modern Italian interior design in its stark lines might be somewhat different from the houses of the 18th and 19th

centuries, but it has a few things in common with its historical counterpart.

The love of open, well-lighted, airy spaces, for one. Most Italian interior designers today, whether fans of classic designs or followers of edgy chic, design living spaces with lots of light and air in mind.

And the second rule they adhere to to try and bring as much of the exterior into the interior of the house as possible. This could be in the form of big glass windows that open into the garden, or floating ceilings.

Italian Interior Design

A few things changed,however.

have

radically

The first is the interior designer's preoccupation with clever and aesthetic space utilization. Some urban homes in Italy tend to be small, and interior designers try their best to allocate space, doors, and windows to give as much a semblance of open space as possible. The tricks designers use to enhance space include the strategic placement of furniture and lighting. Italian designers tend to excel in both of these areas.

Secondly, the average Italian home is now a self-contained modular affair, and this calls for creative solutions to spatial and aesthetic issues. Italian interior designers have responded with bold, individualistic, intelligent and often quirky suggestions to make the home an interesting living area.

Thirdly, modern kitchens have evolved into living spaces, where people entertain guests or spend their spare time, and this has also affected interior design. Kitchens are now more open, and the ventilation

from the living room and other areas has improved.

Italian Interior Design Last, but not the least, designers also have to keep in mind that most Italians now prefer the clean, uncluttered look. This has brought a lot of concealed storage solutions into the realm of Italian interior design. Another feature is the use of furniture for dual purposes: a sofa by day often converts into a bed by night.

But along with the challenges, Italian interior designers have a great asset. They can draw upon a sizeable pool of traditional artisans who can help customize a house to the specific beauty and functionality requirements of a homeowner.

In order to help readers understand Italian interior design in depth and detail, Life in Italy brings together a collection of articles that address many aspects of interior design in Italy.

The has become synonymous with style because of its wonderful colors and textures. If you are looking to bring a touch of the into your home try following these simple guidelines.

is the first consideration when looking at Tuscan style. The basic color palette comes from the landscape and agriculture. The main colors used in are earthy tones as well as like which call to mind bright sunny days under clear skies.

These colors reflect the beauty of the countryside. In many or are muted instances these colors are made to in some way to create an atmosphere of timeless beauty, like the feeling of comfort and familiarity that an old Tuscan villa might evoke. Instead of the brightest pinks, you will often see subtle apricot. Instead of electric blues, it will be the soft blues of the Mediterranean and the muted purples of springtime lavender.

Most often these colors are combined with textures that beg to be are hand plastered and have a look and touched. feel that is unique to this part of the world. Many artisans are reviving these classic plaster techniques , but for those on a tighter budget, this effect can be achieved through various faux finishing techniques.

In the interior of you will find exquisite masonry in the form of marble floors and countertops in kitchens and baths. Stone work also accentuates fireplaces and foyers bringing the earthy feeling indoors. is simple and functional. Kitchen counters may be lined with an array of the most used herbs.

Furniture is often of a classic wood and leather design, and tables may also have tile or stone tops further adding to the strong connection to the land.

Outdoors the patio is the heart of the home. Wrought iron patio benches and chairs along with tile topped tables are surrounded by unpolished metal urns and terracotta pots brimming with greenery.

Plants, such as one or more of the varieties of Tuscan roses; geraniums; and hydrangea are all native to the Mediterranean micro-climates and will give the patio an authentic feel. Climbing vines such as clematis and jasmine add a lush look and feel to stairs when they are trained up railings. Potted herbs like sweet basil, lavender, and rosemary will not only look beautiful but they add fragrance and function as well. Potted lemon trees also lend a bit of shade and a wisp of fragrance to the patio atmosphere, and as you extend out in to the yard, other fruit and olive trees can often be found. These trees are not only beautiful but they also provide a bounty for the Tuscan table. is a region that is deeply connected to the land. This can be seen in its earthy colors and textures and its strong, simple decor.

The beauty of the land travels all the way from the rolling countryside into the patios and homes of the . Why not invite a touch of Tuscany into your home?

Bring some of italy into your home through Diva Luce Lighting and Diva Cucini’s Italian Kitchens and bedrooms collection. Call Brett Nish 072 263 4009 or email him sales@divagrroup.co.za

Tuscan Style

His Hair and His Beard

By Ben David Gone are the days when taking care of yourself as a man and staying clean and well groomed made you feel like less of a man or feel guilty of being too particular about how you look and feel.

perceive you, grooming is personal and it improves your confidence levels, giving you feeling of well-being and elevated pleasantness around other people.

The word has found life in the modern day man, for grooming and fashion has become a pivotal aspect in how you present yourself to the world. It also plays an important role on how the world perceives you.

The metaphor, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” usually goes without saying but realistically in today’s world it is almost exactly the opposite. In today’s world, “first impressions last” is fast taking over the former metaphor. Apart from how other people look at you and

I am always amused at my peers who are losing hair and still want to hold on to the little hair that is left before they go for the inevitable bald look. As much as the bald look is a cover-up for men that are losing hair, it is a very clean and professional look that has become acceptable even in the highest offices. Some men who have a full head of hair still go for the bald look because it is now one of the most preferred look for men, thanks to

Hollywood stars that are proudly rocking this look.

For men that decide to go bald, there are factors that you really need to consider to keep your scalp safe and healthy. Firstly, you must be aware that whether it is hot or cold your scalp is exposed to the harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays from the sun. This exposure to UV rays poses a threat of developing skin cancer and accelerated aging of the scalp and facial skin and so for men that spend a lot of time outdoors, it is very important to consider investing in a moisturizing crème with a sun protection factor of 20SPF or above. These creams have Ultra Violet

But for those who might be forced to go bald because they are going to lose the hair for hereditary or any other reasons, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

This is because if you diagnose hair loss at an early stage, there are new products that have been designed to significantly stunt the loss of hair and resuscitate the follicles that are weak and dormant. These products contain activating ingredients that rejuvenate your hair follicles, increasing the blood circulation on the scalp, and creating an environment for optimum growth of hair. A healthy scalp is a ground for healthy hair.

Many professional hair products manufactures have a line of products dedicated for hair loss these days. Even so, there are lots of products on the market that are not authentic yet they claim to restore hair. Always seek professional advice and opinion from your stylist or appoint with a recommended trichologist in your area for a proper and informed hair and scalp analysis. This analysis will determine the appropriate course of action and highlight what products to invest in.

For Caucasian men, there is a new product called Hair Fibre that can be sprinkled on the thinning areas to give a fuller and healthier effect. This is a temporary solution that has to be used every day, but the above solution for seeking professional help also applies to stop the progression of the thinning hair.

The irony is that though it seems that men are losing hair where they want it, it starts sprouting in areas we do not want like the nose, ears, and eyebrows. This means a grooming plan is necessary because these hairs can be very unsightly and can give away your age at one glance. Waxing them gives a better lasting solution whilst using the nose trimmer needs more frequency. Many barbers have increased their offerings and are now including all of these services because the modern man demands them.

Even though the beard vogue has taken over, proper trimming and grooming is also very important. Beard oils, beard softeners and beard combs and brushes are now available to help you manage the unruly stubble.

Getting a professional to manage your beard can help to keep your beard looking neat and professional. There are so many ways that your beard can be shaped and trimmed but it is difficult to do it yourself. Of course a clean shave is straight forward but if you intend to keep a full set of manicured beard you definitely need intervention of a pro.

Kwese FREE SPORTS Tapping into Africa’s biggest free to air Kwesé is the newest kid on the block that is redefining TV in Africa. The pan African broadcaster is part of the Econet Media stable which aims to change the face of African Media. Built on the concept of TV everywhere, Kwesé is revolutionizing the TV landscape across the continent.

Sports is a universal unifier, cutting across demographics and boundaries. Kwesé Free Sports is a channel that has come to change the way Africans across the continent watch sports, providing premium and exclusive sports content on Kwesé’s free to air platform. As the biggest pan – African free to air network in Africa, Kwesé Free Sports has over 17 million captive viewers spread across over 20 territories such as Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria. This feat is achieved by providing compelling and premium sports content 24 hours a day to all Africans where Kwesé Free Sports is available.

The main sports properties on the channel are the Premier League, FIFA, NBA, IAAF and Formula 1 to name a few. This means that every single weekend, millions of people are watching Kwesé Free

Sports, taking in the big Premier League game on Saturday afternoon as well as those watching the latest NBA teams go head to head for the coveted Championship. Kwese Free Sports also secures rights to world title boxing fights such as the Canelo vs Golovkin and Joshua vs Takam bouts. To capture audiences such as this is a gold mine, giving you access to millions of consumers across all demographics in the continent. The audiences are growing as Kwesé Free Sports launches in more markets, which means the people you will be reaching will increase. This truly is a marketer’s dream, ensuring your television advert is beamed across several countries and helping you to break into new markets.

Kwese’s dedicated Sales team can tailor packages that suit your company and budget, allowing you to target specific audiences at specific times. Kwese Free Sports has bespoke packages for some of the larger sports properties such as the Premier League, NBA and the FIFA World Cup 2018. To take advantage of this contact the sales team on www.kwese.com and we will get in touch with you.

Planning a Trip?

10 Tips for your next road trip Planning a trip or travelling can be quite stressful and daunting. The key to making it less so it be prepared. A quick check list to make sure that all your travel basics are covered will give you invaluable peace of mind when preparing for your next adventure.

6.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: This is essential and is often overlooked. Consider travel insurance as it will protect you incase you want to cancel your trip or you are unable to travel. You will be sure to get the money you spent on your tickets back should your travel plans change. Travel insurance will also cover any medical emergencies, lost luggage or any other losses incurred on your trip.

7.

SAY YOUR GOODBYES: when you are taking a trip, always notify your family and or friends. Give them the address and contact details of where you are going in case anything happens on both ends, all will be covered.

8.

TRIP LOGISTICS: when planning to travel, it is important to budget and save. Note that it is better to always over estimate than underestimate. Also carry some cash in the currency of the place you are going to for those unexpected expenses such as taxi fare or snacks, but do not take too much cash.

BUY ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS: You need to buy all your necessities before traveling, such as any special medication. People with allergies will have to get their preferred brand of antihistamines, soaps and deodorant. Also be sure to buy a guide book/map , extra batteries, power bank etc.

9.

RESERVATIONS: Make your transport and accommodation reservations as early as you can. For flights it’s cheaper to get tickets 2 months before the departure.

PACK LIGHT: Leave space for shopping and buying trinkets and souvenirs from your travels. Only pack what you really need.

10. HIT THE ROAD AND ENJOY!!

1.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Check validity of your passport, and make sure it is valid for at least 3 months.

2.

DESTINATION RESEARCH: It is advisable to always know where you are going, the weather, political stability, exchange rates.

3.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: One needs to research the requirements for reaching their desired destination.

For example, what are the visa requirements, are there any health requirements e.g. malaria, yellow fever injections, and motor vehicle requirements e.g. permits, toll gate payments. Always be adequately prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises.

4.

5.

ACCOMMODATION

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

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