April - May 2014
THINTANA Welcome to the inner workings of
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY 2014 is a momentous year for us as South Africans as we celebrate 20 Years of Democracy. That poignant moment in April 1994 represented not just the end of centuries of subjugation and racial inequality, but, the restoration of dignity to all South Africans. It is therefore fitting that in the very year we celebrate this milestone in the history of our young democracy, our citizens voted in record numbers in South Africa’s fifth national democratic election. We celebrate not only the occasion but more importantly the enormous strides government has made in attempting to reverse apartheid’s legacy of inequality. Working together we have achieved so much! Yet the road ahead remains long and winding as there are huge challenges and backlogs that require unrelenting urgency and effort so that the fruits of freedom can be enjoyed by all. Much of what government seeks to achieve is articulated in the National Development Plan ‘Vision 2030’ which provides a blueprint of South Africa’s aim to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality. The vision identifies the role different sectors of society can play in helping our country achieve these goals. Working together we will take our democracy to even greater heights!
Getting to know KwaZulu-Natal: Ugu District With 112 km’s of glorious coastline lapped by the rolling waves of the warm Indian Ocean it is not surprising that the name Ugu means ‘coast’! A favourite tourist destination for South Africans and foreign visitors alike, thousands flock annually to the well established towns of the Hibiscus Coast. This holiday ‘Mecca’ lies between Hibberdene and Port Edward boasting seven of KwaZuluNatal’s Blue Flag beaches. Large waves and countless bays are the playgrounds of surfers, kayakers, scuba divers and fishermen. Situated in the south eastern region of KwaZulu-Natal, the district also encompasses some of the best unspoiled subtropical bush land in the province, as well as cultivated land and small rural villages. These are contrasted by bustling urban centres and major industrial complexes. During the winter months, “the greatest shoal on earth” takes place as the run or migration of sardines begin off the cool waters of the continent’s east coast. Millions of silvery fish in hundreds of swirling shoals followed by legions of spectacular predators – sharks, dolphins, whales, tuna, barracuda, seals and birds! A dazzling wildlife extravaganza!
Back ashore and 20km inland from Port Shepstone will take you to Oribi Gorge, a 330m high abyss carved by the Umzimkhulwana river. It offers splendid panoramas as well as audacious sporting activities such as the world’s highest swing jump, abseil and cable slide. The nearby Ezemvelo Wildlife Reserve offers slightly less adrenaline but just as thrilling vistas and wildlife sightings on walks and self-guided trails. Apart from the thriving tourism and eco-tourism based economy, the Ugu District is home to thriving manufacturing and agricultural sectors. One fifth of all bananas consumed in South African from this region, as well as an abundance of sugarcane, coffee and macadamia nuts. The district is home to 200 sawmills that process timber from extensive wattle, gum and pine plantations. Other manufacturing contributors include clothing, textiles and metal products. Ugu also has the province’s only marble delta which is mined for cement. The availability of housing, education, health and recreational facilities all contribute to an advantageous lifestyle. Opportunities for investment coupled with the warmth of the climate and its people will ensure that Ugu remains a hotspot for expansion and development in the future.
Rewards and Recognition In line with Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic HR aspiration to create a workplace community where people thrive, partnerships prevail and performance excels, TIKZN is proud to announce the recipients of the 2013/14 recognition awards. They are:
2013 winners Quarter1: • Julia Turner: Professionalism • Lungiswa Mangxangaza: Integrity • Jessica Slater: Passion
Quarter2: • Alain Dalais: Professionalism • Xolile Cele: Integrity • Viwe Ngxulelo: Passion
Quarter3: • No Awards
Quarter4: • Innocent Hlongwana: Professionalism • Virashnee Gobardhan: Integrity • Lester Bouah: Passion • Overall Winner: Zama Mhlongo
Winners for the first quarter of 2014/15: • Analeah Royappen: Integrity • Vinah Nkabinde: Professionalism • Donnee Kruger: Passion
Long Service Awards TIKZN commended long serving staff with a special thank you for their loyalty and dedication.
Long service award recipients for the 2014/15 financial year:
Julia Amaral: 10 year service
David Hodges: 5 year service
Lingiwe Nyamande: 5 year service
Praline Ross: 5 year service
Long service award recipients for the 2013/14 financial year: • Neville Matjie: Ten years • Jessica Slater: Ten years • Dhanesh Rampersad: Five years • Thembelihle Ndlovu: Five years • Hashila Daya: Five years • Zibuyile Dambuza: Five years
Condolences Staff are very saddened to hear of the recent loss of Jessica Slater’s brother. We would like to express our sincere condolences to Jessica and her family. *Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. ~William Wordsworth.
Staff training The human resource department held a training session on the Paterson job grading system and the concept of total cost to company. This session, facilitated by PE Corporate, was aimed at creating and enhancing staff awareness around these systems. The Job Grading System The process of evaluating a job relative to another with the aim of achieving and maintaining equitable distribution of wages/ salaries in accordance to the level of responsibility associated with the position. To achieve transparency and integrity, the process is executed without regard for personality or existing structures. This helps the organisation maintain internal equity with a graded hierarchy of jobs within the organisation and to benchmark against the external rate for equivalent jobs. Total Cost of Employment This is the “cost-to-company” of employing an individual. In other words, the actual amount paid for all employee wages and benefits. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, employer match of taxes such as medical aid and pension deposits, as well as the cost of all other fringe benefits.
Events Calendar 2014 Ugu District Municipal Stakeholder Roadshow
27 June 2014
The Exclusive Durban Investment Roadshow
3-5 July 2014
Vodacom Durban July Handicap
5 July 2014
east3ROUTE Investment Seminar
27 - 31 October 2014
KZN Export Week
28-31 October 2014
Greening the office Let’s help create a brighter and healthier work environment by Going Green. We spend much of our lives in our offices which are our ‘homes away from homes’. Much can be done to improve the environment and in doing so creating a healthier and happier environment. Brighten up your office with plants, which also absorb indoor pollution.
RAISE PASSION, PROFESSIONALISM
THE BAR INTEGRI TY
TIKZN’s raise the bar initiative reminded staff of the three values that the organisation lives by, namely Passion, Professionalism and Integrity. Nicola Tyler the CEO of Business Results Group provided thought provoking ideas on raising the bar in our personal and professional lives. Her session provided tools to think differently as a means to change perceptions, ultimately changing your reality. This just goes to show that the power is ultimately in our own hands.
www.tikzn.co.za
TIKZN staff having fun with Nicola Tyler