Inner City Gazette

Women of the Future finalists announced

Johannesburg - Finalists of the Santam Women of the Future Awards, in association with Fairlady and Truelove, have been announced.

The awards judges are Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers SA; Thuli Madonsela, chair of Social Justice at Stellenbosch University; Dawn Nathan-Jones, entrepreneur and CEO at Over the Rainbow; Enid Lizamore, executive head of Human Resources at Santam; Suzy Brokensha, Fairlady editor-in-chief and Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa, Truelove editor-in-chief.

Brokensha says: “These finalists make me excited about the future, which these awards are about, showcasing talented, determined women helping to transform the South African landscape, in terms of our economy and society.”

Zwane-Siguqa says: “We are thrilled with the number of quality entries we received this year as we rebuild after the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each of these finalists held it together over the past two years and deserves recognition for keeping their businesses alive through an unprecedented period.”

The Woman of the Future title is awarded to an entrepreneur aged 30 or more, whose business is over 1 000 days old and is on her way to establishing an extensive enterprise.

Matsidiso Kolobe is of Leseli Creative, a digital agency that brings an African narrative to local brands through indigenous languages by creating innovative strategies, animations and web developments.

“If you think you are too small to make an impact, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room,” Kolobe says.

Monalisa Zwambila is of the Riverbed, a woman-owned marketing agency that provides integrated communications services to bluechip and global clients. “As women we have to renegotiate our roles to ensure that we have the support we need to succeed,” she says.

Cheryl Ingram is of The Media Digital Collective, a specialist e-commerce team that partners with brands to help build successful e-commerce presence. “I have invested energy to build something that is not just another agency,” Ingram says.

The Social Entrepreneur award is for an entrepreneur aged 30 or older, who is making a difference in her community; and her business has survived the first 1 000 days.

Kate Brim-Senekal is of Sparrow Society, an empowerment brand that focuses on creating economic opportunities for women to subvert gender-based violence and other social inequalities. “Providing viable economic opportunities for women

affects the power differentials in the home and the community that create a breeding ground for abuse and exploitation,” she says.

Janna Kretzmar is of the Earthchild Project, which offers complementary education to under-resourced schools in Khayelitsha and Lavender Hill in Cape Town, focusing on the environment, health and life skills.

“Children in these communities face a deluge of daily challenges. For them to reach their full potential a balanced education that encompasses social, physical and emotional needs, in addition to academic welfare, is required,” she says.

Cherry Armstrong is of Celebrate Life SA. Through the Ubuntu Breadmaking Oven Project, this organisation has dedicated the past five years to implementing micro bakeries in rural areas. “We create opportunities, feed communities and empower women,” Armstrong says.

The Rising Star title is awarded to an entrepreneur aged between 16 and 30, within her first 1 000 days, but whose business, the judges believe, will flourish way beyond them.

Amahle Ntshinga is of Luntu, an online store that sources products from suppliers in marginalised groups. Today Luntu is doing business in 24 countries across six continents.

“I wanted people like me, who

care about shopping for local, blackowned, women-owned and environmentally friendly products, to buy these items easily,” says Ntshinga.

Amanda Sibiya is of Branding Africa, which helps African entrepreneurs develop strategy-led brands through brand-building programmes, strategy workshops and other services, catering specifically for African entrepreneurs in their local markets and communities.

“The Africa of my dreams is a prosperous Africa where we represent innovation in the global landscape, take advantage of our heritage and where our youth occupy high seats at the tables of people who make policies to benefit African people,” Sibiya says.

Zanele Ngcobo is of BNK Solar, which provides solar solutions and helps with energy management systems and energy efficiency solutions.

“Our first project was installing one solar panel; today we have a dedicated office and a single project sees us installing 200 panels,” she says.

Women of the Future are opening up voting for the Readers’ Choice Award. To cast your vote visit https://womenofthefuture.co.za, or SMS the name of the finalist to 37174, at a cost of R1.50.

Winners will be announced at a VIP luncheon in Joburg on 14 October.

True Love editor

Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa

“Each of these finalists deserves recognition for keeping their businesses alive through an unprecedented period.”

accounting - the career that adds up to personal success

International research shows that the accountancy and finance sector is seen as the third most stable profession, behind health/ pharmaceuticals, and teaching.

One in four employees aged 16-34 is currently considering a new career as the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic bites.

Positions available in the various areas of finance include for bookkeepers, credit controllers, debt collectors and financial managers, as well as assistant accountants and chartered accountants.

The basic nature of these kinds of jobs remains the same despite advancing computer systems: manage and carry out the administration of financial transactions that take place in an organisation.

Bookkeepers keep record of all the financial transactions that take place in an organisation. Public and municipal services, commerce, industry and educational institutions employ bookkeepers; private and part-time owner – managed practices have also become more popular.

Nonhlanhla Dube, Career Consultant at Boston City Campus says that, Bookkeeping is considered a scarce skill (visit www.fasset.org.za) and therefore is a career that should be considered by those that are numerically and detail oriented, as well as committed to finding secure employment.”

She mentions that South Africa has a shortage of people working in Bookkeeping and Accounting positions. These positions are consistently in the top ten scarce skills. Positions exist in corporate and industry, as well as Government and municipalities.

The credit controller (see here: https:// www.boston.ac.za/boston-city-campus/ qualifications/accounting-programmes/ credit-controller-assistant-bookkeeper/) is responsible for opening new client accounts, managing monthly payments and handling all liaison and administrative duties arising from purchase transactions.

With the Boston Diploma in Financial Accounting, career opportunities such as assistant accountant serve as either a job or a good starting point from which to advance if you are ambitious in your accounting! Opportunities for ad-

vancement include financial accountant, financial manager and financial director as you gain more experience and skills.

Career opportunities where skills are considered scarce include: Trainee Accountant, Debt Collector, Finance Manager, Management Consultant, Office Administrator, General Accountant, General Clerk, Accounts Clerk and Payroll Clerk. The Boston Higher Certificate in Accounting Practice has you working in an accounts office within one year, and opens doors to further study in the field.

The Chartered Accountant (CA) is licensed by the state to audit financial information for public companies for accuracy. CAs can also work for themselves completing taxes or accounting for individuals

To start on this pathway, register for the SAICA approved Boston Bachelor of Accounting. SAICA is the South African institute of Chartered Accountants, responsible for accreditation of accountants and auditors, and providing entrance and approval to sit for the accounting board exam. Accountants and auditors help to ensure that firms are run efficiently, its public records kept accurately, and its taxes paid properly and on time. They analyse and communicate financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and government.

Cyber- security centre opens

Tech Reporter

Liquid Cyber Security of Cassava Technologies has launched the first of cyber security fusion centres in Johannesburg.

With this centre Liquid aims to bolster the cyber security industry by managing the growing threat of cyber-attacks to governments and businesses.

The centres will provide intelligence and bring together the existing Liquid Cloud Operations and Liquid Cloud Operation Centres to provide support across cyber-security, cloud and networks.

Fundamental accounting day-to-day tasks include: analysing, and verifying financial documents, offer budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, the design of accounting and data-processing systems, and the selection of controls to safeguard assets.

What can I study? Still at school and considering subject options? “Try and go for the numerate subjects such as maths, science, accounting and business studies”, says Alida Hattingh of Boston Welkom. “We see many people asking if they have to take these subjects in high school, and honestly, your chance of success in tertiary studies is so much higher if you have the background skills and knowledge from school” she says.

Do you want to work in the accounting industry? Alida says that “You need to have an aptitude for maths and or numeracy, be a methodical and organised person, communicate well and be able to be assertive and sensitive at the same time. Maintaining discretion is essential, and you will need to be the kind of person that can integrate information and from that - draw conclusions.” “Finance is a recession-proof career,” says Alida. “No business can function, never-mind succeed, without appropriate accounting systems in place, even your own entrepreneurial business.”

The centre will eliminate silos and enhance threat visibility, leading to deeper collaboration across teams and increased cyber resiliency.

There has been a rapid acceleration in the adoption of digital technologies globally. However, the nature of work and how businesses operate constantly evolves, and so has the scale of cyber threats.

According to an Interpol report, South Africa had 230 million threats detected in 2021. Malicious actors have more avenues for attacking businesses through brute force or human error.

Liquid Cloud and Cyber Security CEO David Behr says when fully operational the pan-African cyber security fusion centres will leverage ability to track and predict threats across the continent, and will be enhanced by international partners like Microsoft, ITC Secure and Xcitium.

“The alarming rate of cyber-attacks led us to launch Liquid Cyber Security in 2020, and we are

elevating the offering by launching the first fusion centre. We will ensure our South African customers have access to world-leading cyber security services, enabling them to mitigate potential threats timeously. Most importantly, customers can focus on their critical business needs while we manage their cyber security requirements,” Behr says. Following a phased approach, enterprises will benefit from new services that leverage Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel. In addition, Liquid Cyber Security has partnered with Xcitium to offer solutions designed for small and medium businesses requiring security operation centre services without investing in highly skilled resources or services they cannot afford.

“One of the most significant advantages of the fusion centre is the improvement in the time it would take for the organisation to detect and respond to threats faster and smarter. As a result, Liquid can now assist its customers and enable them to be proactive rather than reactive, as well as effectively handle the situation, especially in today’s complex threat landscape,” Behr adds.

Liquid Cloud CEO David Behr

Red flag on child pregnancies

Own Correspondent

Amnesty International SA and True Love are shining a light on the early pregnancy crisis this Women’s Month.

There has been a significant increase in the number of adolescent girls falling pregnant, with some giving birth from as young as 10 years old.

In a statement they said between April 2017 and September 2021, the number of births to girls aged between 10 and 14 increased by 48.7%.

City hosts women’s event

Dudu Lushaba

The City of Joburg’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region F hosted a Women’s Month event at the Region F head office in the CJ Cronje building last Thursday.

The event, which was held under the theme Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, commemorated the history and fights that women have waged in achieving equality.

It also brought to attention issues such as gender equality at work, sexual harassment at work, gender based violence, women in leadership and to show appreciation and acknowledge the greater participation of women in their professional and everyday lives.

Region F director Irene Mafune said: “As women we need to build ourselves from within and always remember to be sensitive and kind to other women.”

She added that women must appreciate themselves and appreciate the crucial role they play in their communities. “Women are going through a lot, let us listen more to others and acknowledge the role we play in the society.”

A social worker in the Social Development Department dealing with women empowerment and skills development, Gladys Mabunda informed the women that the City has programmes like the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to assist in genderbased violence issues, sexual harassment, mental health and other issues.

“Women are not sharing because they are afraid of each other. Let us develop a culture of reporting these issues. There is no house that has not been touched by genderbased violence. Let us work on restoring what has been taken away from us as women,” she said.

The speakers agreed that more should be done by institutions to raise awareness and address women issues. “Women should work together and empower each other in the workplace. More could be achieved when women come together and lend a hand to one another.”

The region will visit old age homes to celebrate women’s month with senior citizens and to raise awareness on human rights issues on service delivery and other issues affecting the seniors.

Scammers target digital payments

Johannesburg - According to the Kaspersky Digital Payment survey, 35% of South African respondents faced phishing scams when using online banking or mobile wallet services.

Forty three percent have encountered fake websites, and 59% experienced scams via texts or calls using social engineering. When asked about awareness of threats against digital payment methods, a majority of respondents said they are aware of financial phishing attacks and online scams, and stated that they are informed about banking malware on PCs and mobile. This type of malicious software steals money from users’ bank accounts.

However, 98% think that banks and payment companies should educate users more about the threats online. Security features that consumers would like to see more on

existing banking apps and mobile wallets are the implementation of one-time-passwords (OTPs) via SMS for every transaction, biometric security features like facial or fingerprint recognition, automated detection and intervention for fraudulent transactions, requiring two-factor authentication and point-to-point encryption.

SADC Territory account manager at Kaspersky, James Gumede says: “Whether we talk about the proliferation of phishing scams or mobile malware, it is important to establish some basic cybersecurity standards. Advanced security solutions, which are able to filter out most of the generic attack vectors, supplemented with other preventive measures such as good cybersecurity awareness and regular password changes, can help to keep your financial transactions secure.”

“Between April 2020 and March 2021, 934 girls between 10 and 14 years old gave birth in Gauteng alone. Of the 1 764 babies born on 1 January 2022, 65 were born to adolescent girls; the youngest being a 13-year-old from the Eastern Cape.” Amnesty International SA director Shenilla Mohamed said these are the number of births, not of pregnancies, as some pregnancies ended in abortions and miscarriages.

“While this is a societal issue that needs to be tackled by the government and the people together, the State also has a responsibility to create an enabling environment for people to make informed decisions,” Mohamed said.

Often the pregnancies result in the girls being forced to drop out of school or fall behind with their schoolwork. This also results in a cycle of poverty, them requiring public assistance, being stigmatised and sometimes even being forced to marry early.

Other factors such as gender inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, poor access to contraceptives as well as limited education about available options, regulations around termination of pregnancy, as well as healthcare system challenges, negatively influence this further.

In 2020 more than 600 adolescent and young girls aged 10 to 13 were registered to give birth. This figure includes late registrations. In 2020, 33 899 births occurred to children aged 17 years and younger.

Stats SA noted that acquiring information about the fathers remains a challenge, with 64% of births having been registered with no details of the fathers supplied, or on how many cases of statutory rape were opened against men who impregnated underage girls.

Gender-based violence is a contributing factor to early pregnancies, as up to one in three children under the age of 18 experienced sexual abuse. According to the law, children below the age of 12 do not have the capacity to consent to sexual activity.

Sexual intercourse with a child below the age of 12 is considered as rape. Consensual sexual intercourse may occur between two children who are at least 12 years old and under the age of 16. Sixteen to 18-yearolds may only have consensual sex with persons no more than two years younger than them. This means that even though a child between the ages of 12 and 16 can consent, if there is more than a two year age difference, and one is over 16, the latter will be guilty of statutory rape.

If the pregnancy is a result of rape or statutory rape, cases must be reported to the police.

Amnesty International SA has launched an awareness campaign about the crisis of early pregnancy.

“The State needs to ensure the fulfilment of all rights that implicate the broader social determinants of

health, including early pregnancy,” Mohamed said.

Early pregnancy prevents adolescent girls from progressing in the most important years of their lives.

“We hope that the message will reach the people who have the power to influence our laws and policies to protect adolescent girls. We encourage South Africans to help us play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the issue and to take action on the Amnesty International SA website, calling on government to ensure there is real change so our girls are protected and capacitated with information to make informed decisions about their bodies,” Mohamed said.

Part of the gathering during the Region F women event

Amnesty International SA director Shenilla Mohamed

Financier gives tips for first-time entrepreneurs

Johannesburg - Indications are that women are making their mark in South Africa’s competitive small business arena; and subSaharan Africa currently has the highest growth rate in female-run businesses in the world.

Area manager at South African small and medium enterprise (SME) financier, Business Partners Limited, Janeesha Regubeer says: “There are ways to work around lack of funding by consolidating your resources, analysing your skillset and finding a niche market, or a unique challenge you can solve.”

She explores business idea options that aspiring women entrepreneurs can use to kickstart their journey.

According to the SA Social Media Landscape 2022 study by World Wide Worx, just under 50% of adult South Africans accessed a social network in 2021, with the most popular platforms being Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

“There are three major components of social media marketing; content creation, paid advertising and community management. The best part about building a social media management business is that all these

components require little formal training,” Regubeer says.

Many social media networks have content creation suites, so even amateurs can create videos and digital content.

Advertising on social media is intuitive, and there are online tutorials that can guide through the process.

Regubeer adds that e-commerce in South Africa has been on a steady incline over the last decade and experienced a boom during the pandemic years.

“With social media channels introducing native platforms and functions that allow shoppers to buy products and services online, the digital shopping landscape is evolving,” she says.

The social commerce trend has many entrepreneurs selling vintage and second-hand clothing on social media.

“If you have a background in fashion design or an eye for fashion, this is the space to be in. You could set up an online boutique offering a mix of vintage and new fashion, supported by engaging social media content. Promoting and selling sustainable fashion also presents a great opportunity to help shape the fashion industry of the future. If you’re digitally savvy and looking to build a business that will allow you to work from anywhere in the world, affiliate marketing may be the answer. Affiliates are usually online users who own digital real estate in the form of a blog or a social media profile with a following that is of interest to niche brands,” says Regubeer.

She adds that an affiliate partners with a brand or business and adds links and advertisements to their website or social media profile that advertise a product or service. If a user clicks on the link and makes a purchase on a partner’s website, you will be paid a portion of the proceeds.

“If you are a health fundi, you could collaborate with healthy food brands, supplement vendors and sportswear brands. And if beauty is your thing you could partner with skincare and makeup brands to increase their market share. As marketers claim, affiliate marketing is a great way to make money while you sleep,” Regubeer says.

Telkom launches SME funding programme

Businesses that apply for funding must have been in operation for at

least

six months

with a monthly turnover of at least R30 000 and have a trade history of at least three months

Johannesburg - Telkom Business has launched a funding programme that enables small businesses to apply online for funding and get an answer within 24 hours.

The project called Telkom Lend has a digital process that means no paperwork, no long queues or waiting for a response from a financial institution.

Telkom Financial Services managing executive Sibusiso Ngwenya says business funding from Telkom Lend will ensure that small businesses are able to grow with fast funding without the need to put up any collateral.

“This also means that businesses take control of their payments. With funding offers ranging from R200 000 to R5 million, depending on monthly turnover, funding can be paid back over three to 12 months on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the business cash flow,” Ngwenya explains.

Applications are checked for eligibility with Telkom’s proprietary automated scoring model. This saves time and gives business owners a chance to focus on their businesses instead of filling in forms and standing in queues.

Ngwenya says it is not only the application that is handled quickly. “Money will be paid into the

Telkom Financial Services managing executive Sibusiso Ngwenya

account once approved within 24 hours to use for various needs including expanding a business, purchasing equipment or renovating premises. Another benefit is that a business does not pay a penalty to settle the outstanding balance earlier, as it will instead qualify for a discount,” he says.

Businesses that apply for funding must have been in operation for at least six months with a monthly turnover of at least R30 000 and have a trade history of at least three months. Any business can apply, not only those that have a relationship with Telkom Business.

“Data is used to review the creditworthiness of businesses and speed up the funding process. The combination of technology and data analytics provides funding for businesses and also drives financial inclusion while supporting economic growth,” Ngwenya adds.

Fast funding for businesses is becoming a necessity enabling businesses to get capital and to be responsive to immediate opportunities, instead of waiting for weeks for an old-style bank loan to potentially be approved. For more information visit https://telkombusiness.co.za/ businessloans or call 10217.

Fashion Police contest celebrates local design

Johannesburg - The Local Fashion Police online competition was launched in Johannesburg on 10 August.

Members of the public have until the end of 7 October to post photos or selfies of themselves on social media wearing South African fashion, be it locally made ready-to-wear garments or designer couture, while showing the label of origin in the picture.

Participants are also encouraged to tag the store and/or designer they bought their outfits from.

A submission that catches the eye of one of the fashion designers stands a chance of winning one of four R20 000 fashion vouchers.

Proudly SA marketing officer Happy Ngidi says: “Our clothing sector produces high-quality garments, and South Africans may be surprised to

learn that our designer couture is affordable enough to allow you to step out for that special occasion in style.”

She says Proudly SA encourages people to buy local, support local jobs and celebrate South African design excellence because of the sector’s vast capability for economic growth, innovation and creativity.

“The garment sector holds immense potential to create and sustain jobs. Consider this an invitation to show how you rock that Mzansi style,” Ngidi says.

The Local Fashion Police 2022 online competition will culminate in an awards ceremony and fashion show on 27 October.

For more visit https://proudlysa. co.za/competitions/2022/FASHION_POLICE_COMPETITION/ terms&conditions.php.

Business Partners Limited manager Janeesha Regubeer

“There are ways to work around lack of funding by consolidating your resources, analysing your skillset and finding a niche market, or a unique challenge you can solve.”

Focus on funding female entrepreneurs

Business Correspondent

The Boston Consulting Group recently highlighted that if more women participated equally as entrepreneurs, the global economy would grow somewhere between 3% and 6%.

Research confirms that focus on gender in investment decisions is likely to make companies more competitive and improve human capital.

ESG manager at Norsad Capital Keoleboge Malela says many regions of the world have begun to understand that women-focused investment is crucial.

“This shift in focus is beginning to impact female entrepreneurs in positive ways. Last year female-led startups in Africa attracted $288 million in funding, considerably more than the $52 million achieved in 2019.

Male-led startups still attract a great deal more funding,” she says.

Lack of funding impacts women in ways that include ability to secure good employment and the business world’s ineffectiveness in innovat-

ing to produce quality products for the female market.

Norsad Capital has developed its approach to making funds available to women-owned businesses.

Malela says they have adopted a

gender lens when it comes to assessing potential investment.

“As a result of this approach, between 2019 and 2021 we saw an increase of 61% in women’s jobs in the companies we chose to invest in,” she says.

Malela believes that investment firms and funders should add gender issues to their diligence programmes. “One does not need to focus exclusively on female ownership. A look at the number of women on the executive team of the business, as well as the size of the female staff complement, and whether the products or services it provides have a positive impact on women, provides a good indication as to whether the firm shows an understanding of the issues facing women,” she says.

Norsad Capital has implemented policies geared to further the interests of women on its staff.

The latest Norsad Capital Impact Report indicates that over half the employees are women; a significant number of professional staff are female and there is solid representation of women at board level.

Manufacturing platform to unlock opportunities

Johannesburg - A new manufacturing platform is set to provide opportunities and access to accelerate the industrialisation of the African continent.

Taking place in May 2023 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, Future Manufacturing Africa Trade Fair and Summit will gather local and international companies to showcase new technologies, machinery, and equipment to enable African industries to invest in and enable them to increase manufacturing output.

RX Africa managing director Carol Weaving says experts agree that Africa needs rapid industrialisation to become more competitive globally.

“We have seen how the disrupted supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic forced and inspired many African companies to source locally in order to meet the growing demand for goods and services. This has provided a momentum to take local manufacturing to the next level,” she adds.

Weaving adds that the manufacturing growth in Africa is outpacing the global growth rate.

“The business-to-business spend in manufacturing in Africa is projected to reach $666, 3 billion by 2030; that is over $200 billion more than in 2015. This will be a result of established economies and also the emerging economies entering the manufacturing industry,” she says.

She adds that the event will gather hundreds of experts in manufacturing equipment, machinery, systems and services, as well as decision makers from at least 25 countries from across the continent.

Tech group donates fridges to children’s home

Johannesburg - Technology company LG Electronics recently donated seven fridges to the Johannesburg Children’s Home in Observatory.

LG South Africa president Jinkook Kang said their focus is to provide aid in social welfare, education and cultural activities.

“This is by means of sponsorship, financial aid and volunteer work. At the end of the day, LG products are products that care, and by donating these fridges, we hope to create a better life for all who use them. Our

brand pillar LG Cares initiative allows us to give back, make a difference and prove that we are a brand beyond innovation and technology, we’ve got heart,” Kang said.

The Johannesburg Children’s Home has been operating for 130 years, caring for children who live in the establishment. The fridges will be set up in the furnished cottages, which were installed in 1985.

The children’s home head of operations Fiona Duke said: “We are grateful for this donation and the opportunities this creates for us in

the long run. It really is a brand that cares. We and the children thank the company from the bottom of our hearts.”

Thanks to donations like these, as well as those from other sponsors, the children’s home is embarking on various income-generating projects. They plan to hire out the home’s hall for functions and provide laundry services from the home’s on-site laundry.

They also hope to sell sauces and food platters as well as art and craft goods the children create.

“In particular, there is great interest in agro-processing, textiles and apparel, metallic minerals, non-metallic minerals, chemicals, environmental, energy and water sustainability solutions and financial and investment services to invest and grow the industries to add value to local resources before selling or exporting. Africa is regarded as the next frontier when it comes to investment and growth through industrialisation and creation of employment. The continent will also vastly benefit from the experience of the veritable explosion of intelligent and smart systems we have seen in leading manufacturing countries being used in mass production, such as AI, machine learning and optimisation,” she says.

Future Manufacturing Africa’s

manufacturing machinery, equipment and technology hub will provide specialists in manufacturing technology and services to showcase their offerings, including manufacturing and warehousing technology and services, industrial machinery, equipment, components and support systems, laboratory equipment, technology and analytical instruments, and sustainable technology for the manufacturing industry.

The event will have planned B2B, B2G and G2G business matchmaking meetings and networking opportunities between exhibitors and decision makers, including an invitation-only business connect programme. There are live and online technical workshops and demonstrations, conference sessions, as well as a finance and investment roundtable that will provide financial solutions in planning, investment and acquisition.

In addition, visitors and delegates will learn how to improve efficiencies and produce higher quality products, while experts will demonstrate alternative energy and water solutions to the manufacturing industry supporting environmental needs. Success stories will be shared about the creation of a circular economy through circular manufacturing to increase profits in a more sustainable way of doing business.

In the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area, cross-border trade of quality raw materials within the African continent will be promoted to expand the economic integration of Africa.

The event will be the 12th edition that has been running for 25 years.

RX Africa works with government, stakeholders and industry experts to connect trade, consumers, investors and business and bring together the best on the African continent.

Norsad ESG manager Keoleboge Malela

Research confirms that focus on gender in investment decisions is likely to make companies more competitive and improve human capital

RX Africa managing director Carol Weaving

Winners of the previous AWIEF awards display their medals

Theatre hosts tribute to SAs jazz legends

Bongani Maseko

Musician Hendrick Monyeki will pay tribute to jazz legends at Joburg Theatre on 2 September.

Monyeki will feature legendary jazz artist Stompie Manana and a band; paying tribute to legends such as Caiphus Semenya, African Jazz Pioneers, Dr Johnny Mekoa, Dorothy Masuka, Miriam Makeba, Abigail Kubheka and Sibongile Khumalo.

New movie channel launches

Johannesburg - A new movie channel called Movie Room will go live on the DStv channel 113 from 27 August.

The channel is the brainchild of Ngwato Nkosi Group, founders of the Newzroom Afrika news and information service.

With the launch of the Movie Room channel, the company, a partnership between television entrepreneurs Thabile Ngwato and Thokozani Nkosi, said it is building on the platform created by Newzroom Afrika to expand its entertainment business.

Nkosi says the channel will offer entertaining local and international

movies 24/7, from big blockbuster hits to cinema classics.

“We will be curating the line-up to cater for every mood, whether it is edge-of-your-seat action you are after or the comfort of an old favourite. We will also apply the unique perspective that we have become known for,” Nkosi says.

Ngwato says the company had an ambition to build an African news and entertainment platform for the future.

“Newzroom Afrika has been successful beyond all expectations, and we will use the experience of setting up the channel from scratch to make smart decisions in our ap-

proach with Movie Room. This is an exciting next step in our journey. Our team is entrepreneurial by nature and we have a core group of seasoned and creative talent that sets us apart,” Ngwato says. Head of content strategy and 3rd party channels at MultiChoice, Georginah Machiridza says Movie Room would give viewers more options in their selection of entertainment for every viewing occasion.

“We are excited to bring the widest choice of fine movies that are set to satisfy all tastes and seasons,” she adds.

Artists’ platform secures VC funding

Johannesburg - Africa’s first and only metaverse venue, SodaWorld has secured venture capital funding from Switzerland-based CV VC and has been selected as one of only two projects to be featured as a special project at the Venice Biennale, Venice VR programme.

Soda Studio, situated at Nugget Square in Albert Street, provides a platform for African artists to launch their careers.

On 2 September SodaWorld will stream a curated music experience. The event will be live streamed via the SodaWorld immersive VR technology and VRChat functionality, enabling guests in Venice to experience a twin VR version of the event.

Guests in Venice will experience a range of African flavours from traditional instruments and linguistics specialist rappers to future, facing Afrotech DJs.

Venice VR, Venice International Film Festival curator Liz Rothenthal says featuring Soda is a strong point of their overall selection.

“It is a vibrant hub of creativity in South Africa, both IRL and online. Leading in exploring hybrid events, breaking grounds in what the metaverse is becoming, Soda is a brilliant initiative that we are proud of bringing to our worldwide audience,” Rothenthal says.

SodaWorld’s functionality was recently launched via a beta version of the Sodaworld. tv platform, a Twitch and Netflix-style portal that enables artists to engage an online audience, and is basis for the CV VC investment.

Chief investment officer and co-founder of CV VC, Olaf Hannemann says CV VC is a blockchain tech early-stage VC headquartered in the world’s most mature blockchain hub, Crypto Valley in Switzerland.

“We invest in startups who demonstrate capability to transform the way the world interacts and transacts using blockchain technology. The SodaWorld team has shown the energy, determination and industry expertise to do that for artists and creators. The entertainment and performance sector needs to rebuild trust, especially from the creator’s perspective. The SodaWorld platform can achieve this and more, new revenue streams for creators,” Hannemann adds.

SodaWorld is an African-created and developed technology platform that enables artists to earn revenue from within the metaverse.

Founded by technology and creative industry innovator Mic Balkind during lockdown in 2020, Soda World has produced over 60 virtual events in the Metaverse with top artists including Moonchild, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sun El Musician and Msaki; reaching over 6 000 people on the beta platform.

SodaWorld streams live from its studio in downtown Joburg, an offline to metaverse high-tech studio that serves as a connection point for creators to reach the metaverse. Producers, artists, story-tellers, content creators and new age broadcasters are encouraged to utilise the space and create their own content, all assisted through to broadcast.

Monyeki is a graduate of Dr Johny Mekoa’s Music Academy of Gauteng with versatility that spreads across the jazz, ballad and gospel genres. He studied performing arts while he also acquired grades with the Royal School of Music in London. Since then he has worked with seasoned musicians such as Ernest Manana, Khaya Mahlangu, Prince Lengoasa, Jonas Gwangwa, Sibongile Khumalo, Johnny Mekoa Big Band and Selaelo Selota.

The tribute to legends honours South Africa’s jazz music icons, alive and departed. The show seeks to pay tribute to jazz artists who brightened up spirits during the darkest days of the oppressive past. The death of Dr Johnny Mekoa, Hendrick Monyeki’s mentor in 2017 inspired the idea of a tribute

which he organised at the school in 2018.

Monyeki says: “During my childhood days I listened to jazz music with relatives and neighbours. I marvelled at how they sang and danced to their tunes, and realised that the music had a significant meaning to the older people around me at the time, and today I’m glad I appreciate why. This is what made me fall in love with music so that I can also entertain, soothe, heal and inspire as they did. I thank these jazz legends for crying with us and wiping our tears during the country’s days of turmoil. I say thank you for remaining a part of our lives in democratic South Africa.”

For more information send email to sbuketwa@gabisomedia.co.za.

TV entrepreneurs Thabile Ngwato and Thokozani Nkosi

Musician Hendrick Monyeki

Women’s Under-17 coach to lead Banyana in COSAFA tournament

South Africa has been drawn into Group A of the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship alongside Angola, Mauritius and Mozambique. Group B has Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia, while Group C consists of reigning champions Tanzania, Comoros, Botswana and Malawi

Banyana Banyana will be led by Under-17 National Women’s coach Simphiwe Dludlu as they prepare for the COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Dludlu will however not have the players who won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month.

Coach Desiree Ellis and her regulars have other commitments, and Dludlu has been appointed to guide a fringe Banyana side at this year’s

COSAFA Women’s Championship scheduled for Port Elizabeth from 31 August to 11 September.

Dludlu has called up a 23-member squad from players who came through the development ranks.

Some of the players have donned the Banyana jersey before, while some have Under-20 and Under-17 international caps, and a few have excelled in the National Women’s League.

Dludlu said this is a big opportunity for her.

“I am glad to get a platform to

learn more while continuing to do the work I have done at under-17 and under-20 level, where we ensure that we have a big pool of players. I will be assisting coach Desiree Ellis in expanding the pool of players for Banyana Banyana as they continue preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Dludlu said.

She added that the selected players will play against quality players within the COSAFA region.

“At the moment our region is excelling, with two countries going

to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. We have two clubs representing the region at the CAF Champions League, and this is a right time for us to start introducing more players into Banyana Banyana,” she said.

South Africa has been drawn into Group A of the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship alongside Angola, Mauritius and Mozambique. Group B has Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia, while Group C consists of the COSAFA reigning champions Tanzania, Comoros, Botswana and Malawi.

Coach Simphiwe Dludlu

Sports Reporter