Vol 99 issue 12 2015

DECEMBER 2015 R50. inc

vat

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STATIONERY, HOME AND OFFICE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

My Office Magazine www.facebook.com/shopsa.ZA

ALL ABOUT ADHESIVES STAMPS AND ENGRAVING

OUT TO LUNCH:

BUYING AND PACKING A LUNCH BOX

McCarthy Germiston  Refinery Rd, Germiston  011 878 1800

Stay Connected in Style!

The world’s largest provider of whiteboards and noticeboards helps busy families stay better connected and organised.

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Whiteboards & Noticeboards for home and back-to-school

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Contents My Office Magazine is the official magazine of the Southern African Association for Stationery, Home and Office Products. It is read by over 25 000 buyers and sellers of stationery and office products each month.

Vol 99 | December 2015 www.myofficemagazine.co.za | www.facebook.com/shopsa.za

NEWS

34 | INDUSTRY NEWS Industry-related news and trade business announcements 36 | ECO NEWS A green sustainability update

PUBLISHER Rob Mathews - robm@icon.co.za EDITOR Leigh Richter - leigh@futurewave.co.za ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MARKETING Wendy Dancer - wendy@shop-sa.co.za EXECUTIVE SALES MANAGER Kim Kotze - kim@futurewave.co.za

SALES SAVVY

10 | GET STUCK IN! A look at different types of glue 16 | HOW TO SELL: STAMPS AND ENGRAVING Improve your bottom line with our guide to selling stamps and engravers 30 | ARTS AND CRAFTS Create unique covers for schoolbooks with these cover ideas

NATIONAL OFFICE Design and Layout: Vanessa Bentley New Membership: Wendy Dancer

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Reception: Ruth Montsho Johannesburg Office PO Box 3226, Parklands, 2121 6 Edward Street, Kensington B, Randburg, 2194 Tel: + 27 11 781 0370 Fax: + 27 11 781 2828 Email: info@shop-sa.co.za Website: www.myofficemagazine.co.za

10 SPECIAL FEATURES

08 | HEALTHY HOME NETWORKS 101 Handy tips for keeping your home network in good working order 24 | CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Keep the kids entertained over the holidays with these homemade Christmas ornaments 26 | BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES What’s normal and what isn’t when it comes to back-to-school anxiety 35 | MEET THIS YEAR’S OPSA WINNER We speak to Joanie Nel of Samancor Chrome 47 | THE REAL STUFF – NOT MARKETING FLUFF This month we speak to Peter Townshend of Know More

CONTRIBUTIONS Letters and editorial contributions are welcomed

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and should be addressed to the editor at editor@ shop-sa.co.za. Publication cannot be guaranteed and is subject to space and the editor’s discretion.

RETAIL SAVVY

THE LEGAL BIT Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy the publisher and editor cannot accept responsibility for supplied material. The opinions of contributors

28 | OUT TO LUNCH How to buy and pack a healthy lunchbox 32 | THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Dealing with disengaged staff

are not necessarily those of shop-sa. Copyright is strictly reserved and no part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

Stationery sponsored by

Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

PRINTED BY Colorpress (pty) ltd.

Office paper sponsored by

Published by

BUSINESS SAVVY

03 | LABOUR LAW: Is failure to implement affirmative action discrimination, asks Ivan Israelstam 04 |2015: A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME 2016 will demand our best, says Anton Herbst 06 | CURIOSITY WON’T KILL THE CAT It will grow your business, says Gavin Moffat

IN EVERY ISSUE 02 31 33 37 39 40 48

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EDITOR’S LETTER WEB BUTTONS CRIME ALERT WIN THIS! PRODUCT SHOWCASE BUYERS’ GUIDE PUNCHLINE

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editor’s letter

Back-to-school revisited

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015 has flown by, and we are all already preparing for the end of the year and the festivities that come with it. School holidays are approaching, and many parents may feel daunted by having children at home all day with nothing to occupy their time. If you’re short of ideas, have a look at page 24 where we show you how to craft a range of beautiful (and edible!) Christmas decorations.

In this issue, we continue our focus on back to school. Our feature on glues on page 10 covers a comprehensive range of adhesives for every application, from the classroom to the art room. And if you want to get a head start on all those school books, our arts and crafts feature on page 30 looks at some unique ways to cover them.

And while we’re on the topic of back to school, our feature on choosing and packing a healthy lunch box (page 28) promises to spruce up those dull peanut butter sandwich lunch box staples.

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On a more serious note, we take a look at the problem of back-to-school anxiety and school avoidance. Many children feel some apprehension towards the start of a new school year, but this can escalate into a real issue if left unchecked. We offer a few tips on how to deal this and identify the warning signs of an impending problem on page 26.

As the year winds down, many staff members will feel run down and in need of a break. While this is common at this time of year, staff disengagement is a serious problem and can result in damage to the bottom line. The article on page 32 covers the strategies you can follow to re-engage the people in your workplace.

And finally, the My Office team would like to wish all our readers a joyous festive season and a happy and prosperous new year. If you are going on holiday, please do travel safely.

We look forward to doing business with you in 2016!

Lei g h

Until next year

Vol 99 - December 2015

labour law

Failure to implement affirmative action Is it discrimination?

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espite our increasing unemployment rate, finding new employees with the necessary skills in certain fields is very difficult. This is partly because many skilled people have become fed up with the insecurity of employment in South Africa. They have sought greener pastures overseas or opened their own businesses.

Added to this is the problem posed by the requirement of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) for employers to implement affirmative action (AA).

The EEA was drawn up in order to counteract the effects of historical inequalities in two ways. Firstly, Chapter 2 of the EEA outlaws unfair discrimination in the workplace. This means that employers are not allowed to treat job applicants or existing employees unfairly on arbitrary grounds. These subjective grounds include race, gender, age, disability and many other criteria.

Secondly, Chapter 3 of the EEA requires certain employers to implement affirmative action.

This legal obligation imposes a further limitation on employers looking for suitable people to fill key technical and managerial positions. This is because employers are required, when filling vacancies, to appoint members of designated groups (black, female and disabled people). That is, the EEA requires designated employers to strive to ensure that the demography (population ratios) of their organisations mirrors the demography of the society in which the organisation operates. For www.myofficemagazine.co.za

example, if the population of Gauteng is 80% black then designated employers need to do everything possible to ensure that employees are 80% black at every level of their organisations, including top management.

While the law does not expect employers to fire all their able white males from key positions to make way for designated groups, the EEA does expect employers to fill vacancies with black, female and disabled people until the required demographic levels have been achieved.

For some years the interpretation of the EEA was that, while Chapter 2 (prohibition of unfair discrimination) and Chapter 3 (requirement for AA) had similar goals, the way in which each of the chapters are enforced are very different. That is, where an employee or job applicant felt unfairly discriminated against they could sue the employer in the labour court. However, where employees feel that the employer is failing to implement AA, they could report the employer to the Director General of Labour (DGL).

This apparently clear division of recourse for aggrieved employees has been reinforced by the Labour Court’s decision in the case of Dudley versus City of Cape Town & another (February 2004 Vol. 13 No.7 Contemporary Labour Law page 1). In this case, Dudley had been appointed to the post of interim manager: Health Services.

Later on Dudley applied for a more senior post (director: City Health) advertised by the municipality. The City appointed a white male into the post despite the fact that Dudley was qualified for the job and the City had the obligation, in terms of its own policies, to implement affirmative action.

Dudley, who is a black female, referred an unfair discrimination dispute to the Labour Court on two grounds. The first

ground was that as she was the best qualified candidate, the failure to appoint her constituted unfair discrimination on the grounds of race and gender. It appears that the Court found against her on this ground because of the incorrect way in which her claim was made.

Dudley’s second claim was that the employer’s failure to implement AA constituted unfair discrimination. The Court found against this claim because, in its view: • Failure to implement AA is a matter for the Director General of Labour to deal with and not the Labour Court (unless the DGL refers the matter to the Labour Court, after having implemented their own enforcement mechanisms); • AA is a group-based obligation and not an individual right; and • Both SA’s Constitution and the EEA distinguish between AA and unfair discrimination.

However, in the case of Harmse versus City of Cape Town (February 2004 Vol. 13 No.7 Contemporary Labour Law page 1), the Labour Court found that an individual employee did have the right to AA and did have recourse directly to the Labour Court on the grounds that failure to implement AA constituted unfair discrimination. This is yet another instance where the courts are unable to agree with each other on key legal issues.

In the light of this uncertainty, employers are advised to ensure that they implement AA responsibly; that their AA policies are in line with the EEA; and that these policies are realistically implementable.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT DR IVAN ISRAELSTAM THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN THE STAR

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business savvy

2015: a sign of things to come I

n the movie Back to the Future II, Marty Macfly and Doc Brown leave the year 1985 and travel to 21 October 2015.

The movie was made in 1989, and seeing which gadgets became reality in 2015 generated a lot of interest and debate.

Flying cars, hover boards, self-tying shoes, biometric banking and virtual reality headsets are already in the design or production phase, but the movie missed the mobile phone revolution and the ubiquity of computing completely.

Predicting the future by extrapolating our current state has become fraught with danger of risk and failure, and we are only entering the exponential part of the innovation curve.

As the end of 2015 rushes in, I would be interested in hearing your predictions for 2040 – but I get a sense that people are even more interested in what 2016 will bring.

Yes, we know that life in 2040 will be mind-blowing, and it would have

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to be because another 2-billion people are expected to inhabit the planet. The current economic, social, political, geographical, vocational, educational and financial order will have moved a long way from our current post-industrial era, simply because it cannot and will not cope with the pressure of this increase in the human population and its demands on the productive capacity of our planet.

The possibilities that the advance in technology is opening up are vast, and just because it is difficult and risky to predict and forecast does not mean that we should not use the growing capability of the technology around us to try.

Looking ahead at 2016 fills people with both apprehension and excitement.

Growth in our economy remains out of our reach and it brings great pressure to bear on our social and political dispensation, to say nothing of its influence on our business outlook.

Overlay the rapid change brought about by technology and 2016 could turn into a much tougher year than this year for many.

Productivity, innovation and digital transformation will have to become real and tangible in our businesses if we are

going to survive 2016. This is as true for us as it for our customers, and therein lies the opportunity – and the excitement.

Our customers are on the same journey and are also looking for solutions that will differentiate them, make their people more productive and transform their business by making it more digital.

A recent issue of Harvard Business Review had this headline on its cover: The new rules of competition • Be paranoid • Disrupt yourself • Go to war for talent 2016 will be a year where have to start living by these new rules. If we want to participate in 2040, I have the feeling we will have to make it through 2016 first – without losing sight of what is happening over the long term.

It is exceptionally difficult to manage both but it is no longer optional.

I hope you all have a blessed festive season and rest well. 2016 will demand our best.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ANTON HERBST

Vol 99 - December 2015

The staff at My Office magazine would like to wish all our readers a safe and joyous festive season and a happy and prosperous 2016!

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Curiosity won’t kill the cat … … it will grow your business

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uriosity has a bad rap. It’s the poor cousin of engaged and interested. How often have you heard that it killed the cat? I have never seen a cat killed by curiosity, nor met anyone who has.

Curiosity is a wonderful tool – not only in business, but in your personal life too. In fact, I would suggest that without some degree of curiosity, it would be a stretch to be engaged. Curiosity is, in its simplest form, the desire to know more and to understand more about what’s around us. How does this work? What does that do? How can that person achieve those amazing feats of strength or endurance?

To be curious is to be interested and to want to know more. Wanting to know more leads to asking questions, which very seldom leaves one clueless. By being curious, you learn more and teach those around you.

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Curiosity seems to come from a place of awe and wonder. It is difficult to be curious if you are disengaged. By definition disengaged is disinterested, and that’s definitely not in the realm of curious.

Curiosity also seems to come from a place of humility. It’s difficult to be curious if you have all the answers because you certainly don’t need to ask any questions.

Imagine you worked within an organisation that had curiosity as one of its core ethics. You were tasked to be curious in what you did each day, and were rewarded in some way for your interest in your team, your customer and the ultimate success of your organisation.

What would that look like?

It would be an organisation that never sat still; a company that was always wondering what the customer’s experience was like today and how it could be made better tomorrow. Teams would be on constant lookout for ways of improving and simplifying processes, not only within the organisation but with all stakeholders in mind.

The culture would lead people to be interested in the goings-on in their

industry, and they would want to know where the next disruption or improvement would come from.

Is it even possible to have a functioning company with this type of culture? Could you get anything done if everyone was always questioning everything?

We’re not looking to create a space where curiosity is a continuously destructive force, but rather one where it leads to change and improvement. It is a fine line, but one that is well worth treading if the outcome is a culture that leads a company to be more engaged with its surroundings.

Curiosity is not an end unto itself. It is not an outcome. It is a cultural aspect that indicates that a business has a greater propensity toward being interested in its world.

A company with a culture of curiosity is more likely to have employees who never say those famously destructive words: “it’s not my job”.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT GAVIN MOFFAT @GAVINMOFFAT

Vol 99 - December 2015

IT focus Photography: Yolandi Jacobsz

Healthy home networks 101

Handy tips for keeping your home network in good working order

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any homes and small businesses have a basic WiFi network. However, most people aren’t aware of the simple steps that they can take to keep their networks in good working order.

Consider the following tips to improve the performance and security of the wireless home network.

Stay up-to-date Equipment like routers and access points should be kept relatively up-to-date. While WiFi gear can run for many years before failing, you should consider replacing items as new standards emerge. Newer

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equipment runs faster, is more reliable and will offer better compatibility with other electronic gadgets. Items such as wireless print servers, gaming consoles and video cameras can be used in the home with newer equipment. The new WiFi standard, 802.11ac, is extremely fast and has great range, but this will require a new router that is ac-compatible. It is also advisable to keep firmware up to date at all times. A particular version of firmware is installed on the router by the manufacturer, and it is key to the operation of the device. As technology evolves, manufacturers release firmware updates that homeowners can install themselves. Updating firmware results in increased performance, security enhancements and improved reach.

Keep it safe and secure A large part of a healthy home network hinges on how secure it is. When

you buy a router, it often comes with a standard admin user name and password. Make sure you change this when you are setting it up. Passwords should be at least eight characters in length, be alpha-numeric and contain numbers, special characters and capital letters. If you leave this password as is, your network is vulnerable to attack. It is also advisable to disable or change the passwords of the support and user login credentials to your home router.

Be sure to disable remote access to your router to ensure no one can access it via the Internet. An active firewall is also necessary, and you should ensure your WiFi password is WPA-2 encrypted rather than WEP WEP is an old standard and is easily hacked.

Only share your WiFi password with people that you know and trust.

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IT focus

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Quick Connect Wireless was founded in 2012 by James Coetzee and Brandon Muller.

The company provides fast, contract-free and affordable wireless Internet. Visit http:// quickconnectwireless.net or e-mail James on james@quickconnectwireless.net for more information.

Move that router!

People may set up their wireless network only to find that it won’t reach certain areas of the residence, such as an upstairs bedroom or basement, or that their network crashes when a microwave or oven is turned on. One easy way to address these common WiFi networking issues is to move the router to a better location. Test various positions, and avoid placing routers next to large appliances.

Give it a boost Sometimes WiFi signal is just too weak to maintain a good connection. The greater the distance between the device and the router, and the more severe the obstructions (such as brick walls) are, the worse the problem will be. One way to address this is to upgrade the WiFi antenna installed on the router. This www.myofficemagazine.co.za

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is only possible if it has an external connection. If it does not, a device called a repeater can be installed in the home. This literally repeats the WiFi signal, enabling it to go further.

Alternatively, the signal strength of wireless clients (such as a laptop) can be boosted by means of an external antenna.

Change the channel In most countries, WiFi equipment can transmit signals on several different channels, in the same way a radio does. When one channel band is too congested, it can weaken WiFi signal. An easy way to address this is by changing the channel number. Many routers are set to common channels (such as channel 1, 6 and 11). Your router might default to this, so log into the settings and try another channel.

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adhesives

Get stuck in!

How to choose the right adhesive for the job

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Vol 99 - December 2015

adhesives

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n item that everyone recognises in some form or another is glue.

From the glue sticks used in nursery school to the heavy-duty epoxies used in industry, adhesives are a common aspect of everyday life.

Everyday adhesives Glue sticks A classroom staple throughout the world, glue sticks have a number of advantages. They are non-toxic and non-acidic, which means they can be safely used by children and do not yellow over time. They are considered a low bonding adhesive, and are used on various types of paper, such as cardboard, foam board and poster board. The adhesive in a glue stick dries clear, and is used for applications like labelling, art projects and scrapbooking.

Glue sticks are generally made from a range of similar ingredients, although the exact proportions are particular to the manufacturer. This results in the varying quality of each brand. Most ingredients found in glue sticks are fairly safe and act as thickeners, binders and smoothers.

Acrylic polymer is the ingredient which helps the glue stick to dry quickly. It gives the adhesive strength.

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It is non-toxic and non-explosive, and remains colourless.

Polyethylene glycol is a binder. It aids lubrication and prevents the adhesive from drying out.

Sodium stearate is one of the primary ingredients in glue sticks and is responsible for the opaque white colour.

Super glue Super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is able to bond very quickly to a range of substrates. This very strong bond dries clear. This type of adhesive is available in different viscosities, but can be fussy about the types of surfaces to which it bonds and the amount of glue that needs to be used. Super glue works best on surfaces that fit together closely.

In general, super glues are ideal for fixing wood, metal, ceramics, leather, glass and some types of plastic, but it is not good for foamed plastic, unless specified on the bottle.

This type of adhesive works best in tensile applications that have low impact strength requirements. Superglue sets and cures in a matter of minutes. In its uncured state, acetone can be used to clean up spillage. Once the glue has set this no longer works.

Industrial adhesives

Did you know?

The earliest use of adhesives was discovered in central Italy, dating back 200 000 years. Stone flakes were partially covered with birch-bark tar – a simple, one component adhesive.

Epoxy Epoxies are generally very hard, durable adhesives that bond to multiple substrates successfully, even in the most extreme environments. They are two-part systems – meaning that two substances need to be mixed together – designed for highperformance bonding. Epoxy resins are a class of reactive polymers. These coreactants are often called “hardeners” or “curatives”. The reaction between these resins forms a thermosetting polymer which has a strong bond and high temperature- and chemical resistance.

Epoxies have excellent gap-filling properties due to their high cohesive strength.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) or self-stick adhesives form a bond when pressure is applied between the item with the glue on it and the substrate. It does not require any solvent, water or heat to become sticky. They hold properly at room temperature, but tend to lose their tackiness in extremely low or high temperatures. The amount of pressure exerted on the adhesive determines the degree of bond. Factors such as smoothness and cleanliness of the surface are key to proper bonding.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives are available in two forms: permanent and removable. Removable adhesives are designed to form a temporary bond, and can be removed after months or years without leaving residue on the substrate.

They are available in sheets and dots,

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adhesives and can be used in a multitude of craft projects. They stick to substrates such as lightweight paper, plastic, metal and glass. Removable PSAs are found on tapes, labels, decals and post-it notes.

They have low adhesion and generally cannot support much weight.

Permanent applications of PSAs are only moveable after they are initially applied. Thereafter they cure and tend to leave residue behind when peeled off.

An example of permanent application includes safety labels. Some highperformance permanent PSAs exhibit high adhesion values and can support kilograms of weight per square centimetre.

Polyurethane Polyurethane adhesive is a multi-purpose glue that is flexible, resilient and bonds to a variety of surfaces, including textile fibres, metals, plastics, glass, sand, ceramics, rubber and wood. It is ideal for wood with a high water or oil content, where other adhesives would fail to bond.

Often, items bonded with polyurethane are clamped together for a few hours to ensure they cure. Optimal curing time is

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between six to eight hours. Mineral spirits or acetone can be used as a solvent before the adhesive has cured properly, while dried glue can be sanded away.

As an adhesive, polyurethane resists moisture and heat, so it is ideal for use in the sun or underwater.

Did you know?

Polyurethane can be found in just about every room of your house. The material became popular during World War II, and since then this polymer has protected, reinvented, joined or transported countless items. It seals surfaces such as wood, metal and paint to protect them from rot, corrosion or fading. It also insulates walls, temperature-controlled vehicles and cooler boxes. It is found in upholstery, packaging crates and plastic wheels such as those on a dolly. It is considered an elastomer, which means it has elastic properties while maintaining rigidity – otherwise known as structural memory. It is used in the creation of thermoplastics, which are rigid, smooth and durable.

These are difficult to recycle but can be re-used.

Adhesives for arts and crafts Craft glue This is the most common kind of adhesive for crafting, and allows users to glue porous, lightweight materials such as paper, cardboard and cloth together. White craft glue is easy to clean up and has a very low toxicity level, making it ideal for use in classrooms and homes. The glue is water-based, which makes it liquid and easy to apply. However, craft glue is soluble in water and therefore not recommended for applications in a damp or wet environment.

Keep in mind that the glue must dry before it sets completely. Clamping is usually required to hold the items in place until the glue has dried. It takes approximately one hour to set firmly, and 24 hours to cure. White craft glue dries clear and is somewhat flexible.

It can be mixed with fillers such as glitter or paint powder to enhance its decorative effects.

Vol 99 - December 2015

adhesives Mod podge Mod podge was developed over 40 years ago and is an essential adhesive in a crafter’s tool box – especially when it comes to decoupage. It is ideal for gluing, sealing and finishing. It is water-based, which means it is easy to use and easy to clean. It is also non-toxic. Mod podge dries quickly, allowing for multiple coat applications in quick succession. It dries clear, and any spills can be cleaned with soap and water. Classic mod podge comes in gloss and matte finishes. The difference between these two is the finish that results when it’s dry; gloss is shiny while matte is not. Classic mod podge is great for all types of projects and most surfaces. Originally a brand of adhesive, “mod podge” has now come to denote any brand of this type of glue.

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Did you know?

As crafting became more popular as a hobby, the company that created the original Mod Podge adhesive began to expand their range.

Antique Mod Podge gives your projects a vintage, aged look. It uses a slight brown tint in the adhesive and provides a matte finish. It ages and darkens over time.

Brushstroke Mod Podge gives the look of a hand-painted image without the price tag by creating a highly textured finish in gloss or matte.

Dishwasher-safe Mod Podge was released in January 2014. It does the gluing, sealing and finishing of regular Mod Podge, but items can be placed in the dishwasher. This means you can decoupage plates and cups and then wash them. This is available in a gloss finish.

Extreme glitter Mod Podge contains a lot of ultra-fine glitter and is best used on dark surfaces. Avoid using this adhesive on items which have fine detail.

Fabric Mod Podge is ideal for fabric decoupage. This glue allows you to decoupage things to fabric and prepare fabric for decoupaging to surfaces. Brush the Mod Podge onto the fabric and allow to dry before cutting. This eliminates fraying.

Furniture Mod Podge is ideal for furniture restoration and comes in gloss, matte or satin finish.

Glow-in-the-dark Mod Podge is a glossy adhesive ideal for projects and Hallowe’en costumes. This glue glows in the dark and needs exposure to light to recharge.

Hard-coat Mod Podge was specially developed to be tough, providing extra protection for projects that are frequently used and handled. It has a satin finish, which is perfect for furniture.

Kids WashOut Mod Podge the standard Mod Podge formula is not all that easy to get out of clothing or off surfaces. This version is specially formulated to be easy to clean. It results in a typical glossy finish.

Ultra-matte chalk Mod Podge dries very matte, with no shine and no brushstroke marks. It is ideal for finishing furniture.

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adhesives

Wood glue Wood glue comes in two forms: “white glue” or polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which is a general hobby and craft glue and dries clear; and “yellow glue” or aliphatic resin emulsion, which is commonly referred to as “carpenter’s glue”. PVAs exhibit more slip during assembly. Yellow wood glue is water-based and designed to work with all types of wood. It is immediately tacky, for better hold in the uncured state. It is also generally more rigid which makes it easier to sand. PVAs are non-toxic and very easy to use, but hard to repair since most glues (including PVA itself) do not adhere well to hardened PVA glue. White wood glue tends to creep under a constant load. Generally, wood glues set in less than an hour. However, it is better to leave them to cure for 24 hours in order to reach full strength. Wood glues vary in their waterproof properties. Some wood glues exhibit waterproof properties, while others are completely unsuitable for exterior use.

Several wood glues have poor “gapfilling” ability. This means they either soak into the wood and leave the gap empty, or remain to fill the gap but have little structural integrity.

Hot glue Hot glue is essentially melted polymers (plastic). The melting and cooling of these polymers provides an adhesive property.

Hot glue is most commonly applied using a glue gun. These machines can be wired or battery operated (cordless), and different types will take different diametres (weights) of the polymer glue stick. The guns are available in low (120°C) and high (193°C) melting options. The types of hot glue available vary according to the polymer type. The glue can be used on porous and non-porous surfaces. Because of the high viscosity of hot glue, it can bond uneven surfaces together and is ideal for filling gaps. Hot glue provides a quick-setting option for a variety of

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crafts and substrates, and is the perfect all-purpose craft glue for quick set-up and execution. However, it is not used in highstrength applications and does not do well in temperature extremes. It is also not suitable for use by children.

Tip Use hot glue to trace patterns to form bead designs on surfaces for texture. You can then paint over it for a 3D surface effect. Hot glue is often used to add flower or ribbon embellishment on wreaths, headbands and picture frames where stiffness and strength is not such a concern.

Spray-on adhesives A spray adhesive is a contact adhesive dissolved in a solvent that is applied by means of an aerosol spray. This type of adhesive can be used with paper, foam board, fabrics, photograph paper and felt. Speciality contact adhesives are also available in a can to roll or brush on for larger, more demanding projects that involve wood, plastic or metal.

Apply spray adhesives in a wellventilated area, and allow the solvent to evaporate completely before bonding with the substrate. This is a permanent bond which cannot be repositioned.

Fabric adhesives Fabric adhesives can be liquid white glues like the polyvinyl acetate (PVA) types mentioned above.

A wide range of products cover light- to heavyweight fabric bonding. Choose the right type of adhesive for the fabric you want to glue. Some versions are safe for washing and dry cleaning. Fabric adhesives are ideal for fixing hems, or for adhering items in DIY projects such as making headbands.

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Vol 99 - December 2015

how to sell

Stamps and engraving A simple guide on how to sell stamps and engraving equipment

Stamps Traditional rubber stamps Rubber stamps are images or designs which have been etched or moulded onto a sheet of rubber. They are usually glued onto a cushiony material and then onto a block. The block acts as a handle which you hold when using the stamp. The block gives you leverage and ensures you don’t get ink on your hands. These types of traditional rubber stamps require a stamp pad with ink to make an imprint.

Customers that have a need for a number of stamps that they will use frequently will find rubber stamps ideal.

This type of stamp is also perfect for users who need a variety of colours for their impressions. Recommend that they purchase a range of ink pads with a different coloured ink in each one.

If your customer wants a stamp to last, rubber is ideal. It is made at a very high temperature, and so it is durable and can withstand a range of environmental conditions. This makes them perfect for dirty or extreme environments, such as warehouses or factories.

Advise your customer to choose a

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traditional, handle-mounted rubber stamp if they plan on using their rubber stamp for personal correspondence. While there is additional expense in buying separate ink pads, they are markedly cheaper to have custom-made.

A new type of rubber stamp is available which consists of an image mounted onto a cling material, but that is not glued to a woodblock. This type of stamp can be stuck to an acrylic block when you want to use it, and is removed afterwards.

Self-inking stamps A self-inking stamp is a self-contained unit which includes the stamp and the ink in one tool. It is also known as a “box stamp”. These types of stamps are more convenient for office use as they do not

require stamp pads. The ink is contained in the unit, and can be “re-inked” by injecting more ink (which can be bought separately) into the unit, or by replacing the ink pad when it runs out.

Choosing the right rubber stamps for your business When selling rubber stamps to your customers, ask them the following questions: • How often will you use the stamp in question?

• What is your budget?

• Are you looking for a standard or bespoke stamp? A bespoke stamp will cost more.

• Are you looking for a personalised signature stamp? Traditional stamps are best for this.

• Are you looking for a stamp for general business use? Self-inking stamps are best for this.

• Are you looking for a specialised stamp? It is better to use a custom-made one from a reputable stamp maker, where the right tools and materials are used, and the stamps have accurate fine detail.

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how to sell Self-inking rubber stamps have a long life span and can be used over and over again for thousands of impressions.

Many self-inking rubber stamps come with a lengthy guarantee, which covers any issues there may be with the housing of the stamp.

Your customers can also purchase self-inking stamps that use two or more colours at once. Advise them to invest in a self-inking stamp for business use.

This will save them time when stamping many documents, as the stamp doesn’t need to be re-inked. Pre-inked stamps are also clearer and more accurate, making them ideal for official stamping purposes.

Your customers can also purchase special inks to be used in the ink pad, such as those which can only be seen under a black light. This is to customers that use stamps for security purposes.

Acrylic stamps Acrylic stamps are clear stamps made of polymer. They are transparent, with a sticky or clingy backing that comes affixed to a sheet and can be peeled off and applied to an acrylic block for stamping. There is no need for an adhesive with these stamps. These days, acrylic stamps are made of a photopolymer or vinyl. These kinds of stamps require acrylic blocks with which to stamp from. They’re sold separately from the stamps themselves. Advise your customers to buy an acrylic block that’s slightly larger than your stamp.

If the stamp is too big for the mount, you won’t get a good impression. If the mount is much bigger than the stamp, it’s hard to ink without also inking your acrylic mount, which leads to smudges.

These kinds of stamps have become increasingly popular in crafting circles in the last few years.

Advise your customers of the following advantages of acrylic stamps: The stamps are transparent – this is a real plus point when your client is trying to position the stamp’s image on the page. You can see through both the acrylic block and the stamp itself.

Combining stamps is easy – add different clear stamps on your acrylic block when trying to build up a picture or scene. You can also add words. This is an arduous process with rubber stamps, but is much easier with acrylics.

Acrylic stamps are compact – they take up less storage room when compared to traditional rubber stamps.

This means they are easier to ship and www.myofficemagazine.co.za

order online, which keeps the price point down.

The stamps tend to have a lower price point – this is due to the fact that they can be manufactured for a lot less money than a rubber stamp on a wood block. One can purchase a whole sheet of images for a similar price to that of a medium-sized rubber stamp.

Clean-up is easier – your customers can wash their acrylic stamps and blocks in water. A wooden block will crack if it is soaked. Wooden blocks also become stained over time, whereas acrylic blocks do not.

Despite their numerous advantages, it is wise to advise your customers of the following disadvantages of acrylic stamps: They deteriorate easily – if you store these stamps incorrectly, they become white, dusty, hard and brittle. Exposure to too much light or extreme temperature fluctuations result in the stamps losing their definition.

Inks make a difference – solvent- and oil-based inks can be very harsh and can destroy acrylic stamps over time. Avoid inks such printing inks or any products containing acetone, or paint removers. Do not use bleach either. Rather wash the stamps thoroughly immediately after use to avoid staining.

Image quality varies – when compared to a good quality, deep-etched rubber stamp, the image quality of some acrylic stamps can be poor. The cheaper the stamp, the worse the image will be. It is advisable for your customers not to apply too much pressure when stamping, as the material is too soft and the image spreads. Without the cushioning found on rubber stamps, you can sometimes get patchy images. Ensure your customers apply less pressure when using acrylic stamps.

They lose their stickiness – over time, acrylics tend to lose their stickiness and become difficult to affix to your acrylic block. Advise your customers to wash the stamps gently in water to remove dust and dirt that stops them from sticking, and they will become as good as new.

They can be fiddly to work with – this is in part due to the fact that some of them contain very small images.

However this type of intricate, detailed or small image is not feasibly replicated in traditional rubber stamping.

Acrylic stamps are not very durable – they will not last as long as rubber stamps and have not been

designed to do so. Some are made from better polymers and will last longer than others. These stamps naturally deteriorate over time, no matter how well they are looked after. They become crusty and hard and need to be replaced.

Top tips for using acrylic stamps Your customers may not be used to acrylic stamps. Once they have decided to purchase some, offer them the following advice: • If the ink doesn’t adhere – rub the stamp with fine grade sandpaper or a pink eraser on the end of a pencil.

This removes any oily film or residue and helps ink to stick.

• If the stamp doesn’t come out properly – use a pigment ink to give the stamp a better chance to make an impression. These inks sit on the top of paper rather than sinking in like dye inks. Alternatively, use a sticky transparent ink as a primer before stamping in your chosen colour.

• Prime your stamp – while this is not true of all acrylic stamps, the cheaper ones need conditioning with an eraser.

Storage and maintenance of acrylic stamps When storing acrylic stamps, advise your customers to: • Keep the stamps out of the light and cold.

• Store stamps in a sealed container or in plastic sleeves in a file.

• Don’t use solvent- or oil-based inks, bleach or products containing acetone, as this will destroy the polymer over time.

• Always clean the stamps immediately after use. Stamp them repeatedly onto a scrap piece of paper and then gently wash them.

• Clean acrylic stamps with alcoholfree baby wipes or a solution of mild soap and water. Avoid anti-bacterial soaps, which dry the polymer out and make it brittle. Use manufacturer-endorsed cleaners, or use water and a paper towel to clean them.

• Be sure to clean your mounts as well as your stamps.

• Don’t use permanent ink removers on your acrylics. They affect the image over time, wearing the outline down.

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how to sell

Engraving Traditional engraving Engraving is the practice of cutting a design onto a hard, usually flat surface with the use of tools or a machine. Items made of silver, gold, steel or glass are usually engraved, either with a decoration or a marking of some kind, such as initials. Items commonly decorated include bracelets, pens and trophies.

Traditional engraving can be done by hand, with a burin – a chisel of tempered steel with a sharp point, or with the use of machines. The modern discipline of hand engraving is found on firearms and other metal weaponry, jewellery and musical instruments.

Engraving is practised by goldsmiths, glass engravers and gunsmiths. Most of these artisans will use electric engravers, which are hand-held engraving tools.

The burin is attached to the front of the machine and is moved electronically.

Electric engravers are useful for marking all type of equipment and tools. These machines are ideal for customers who want to work on steel, glass, plastics, metals and ceramics.

Computerised engraving It is commonplace for retail stores such as jewellery, silverware or award stores, to have a small, computerised engraving machine on-site. This is advisable if your customer has a large number of items to engrave and wants to personalise the products.

Retail engraving machines are easy to use operate on a wide variety of items, including flat metal plates, jewellery of different shapes and sizes, and cylindrical items such as mugs and tankards.

They are usually equipped with a computer dedicated to graphic design. Your customer will be able to design a text or picture graphic easily. The software will then translate the design into digital signals which instruct the engraving machine.

Retail machines are smaller than their industrial counterparts and only use one diamond head to engrave. The head is interchangeable so your customer can use differently shaped diamonds for different finishing effects. These retail machines will typically be able to do a variety of metals and plastics. Glass and crystal engraving is possible but time consuming.

Retail engravers mainly use two different processes: the “diamond drag” pushes the diamond cutter through the surface of the material and then pulls it to create marks; and the “spindle cutter” has a flat V-shaped

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engraving head which is quickly rotated as it is pushed into the material and pulled along.

The latter creates a much bolder impression than the diamond drag and is used for brass plaques. These types of machines are ideal for customers who want to turn items around quickly – a simple single item can be completed in under ten minutes.

Rotary engraving machines make a deep mark, which makes for a longer lasting product. These machines cost less than laser machines and are ideal for

customers on a budget.

Laser engraving machines use laser beams to etch marks onto items. Lasers amplify light by absorbing and radiating energy. The laser beam is then used to melt, evaporate or mark material. They are capable of marking a wider variety of surfaces than rotary machines.

Many industrial shops use both methods, choosing rotary as the workhorse and laser for specialised applications.

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how to sell

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Paradiso Canto - Gustave DorĂŠ

Did you know?

Engraving was a historically important method of producing images on paper in printmaking. It was used to engrave printing plates which were instrumental in mapmaking and for creating commercial reproductions and illustrations for books and magazines.

Printing plates were made of copper or another metal. Images made in this way are also called engravings.

An interesting modern application of

www.myofficemagazine.co.za

this is found in the plates for printing modern banknotes, as well as cheques, bonds and other security-sensitive papers.

The high level of microscopic detail that can be achieved acts as a measure against counterfeiting of currency. The engraving is so fine that a normal printer cannot recreate the detail of handengraved images. More than one hand engraver will work on the same plate, making duplication nearly impossible.

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entertainment

Christmas crafts Keep the kids entertained over the holidays with these homemade Christmas ornaments

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hile the children are at home this holiday, spend a little quality time with them creating these homemade Christmas tree decorations.

No-bake salt clay This non-toxic recipe does not require baking and is suitable for all ages.

You will need: 2 cups flour ¼ cup salt 2 dessert spoons of cream of tartar 2 dessert spoons of oil 1 ½ cups boiling water Mix the flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil in a bowl with a fork. Add the water and mix until a stiff dough forms. Knead until soft. If the dough remains sticky, add more flour. Keep in an airtight container to prevent the clay from drying out.

When you’re ready to make ornaments, put the dough on a non-stick surface. Pat or roll the dough until it is 0,5cm thick, and cut shapes out with cookie cutters. Use festive shapes such as a Christmas tree or star. Once you’ve cut the dough into shapes, pierce the top with a wooden skewer to create a hole for hanging. Set the shapes out to dry for a day. Once the shapes are dry, paint them with acrylic paint and decorate with glitter glue. Thread string, fishing gut or ribbon through the hole and hang on your Christmas tree or in the window.

Popcorn garland Create a festive popcorn and cranberry garland to thread on your Christmas tree. For this edible tinsel, you will need: Popcorn Dried cranberries Thread A large needle Measure out a long piece of string and then thread the string into the needle. Push the needle through the centre of the popcorn. Do the same with a cranberry. Alternate popcorn and cranberries until the string is finished. Decorate the Christmas tree with these garlands.

Stained glass biscuits Decorate your Christmas tree or table with these beautiful stained glass biscuits. They require baking so ensure adequate supervision is provided.

You will need: 125g unsalted butter, softened 150g caster sugar Pinch of salt Few drops of vanilla extract 1 medium egg 250g plain flour Different coloured hard boiled sweets, such as Sparkles You will also need: 2 cookie cutters of the same shape, one smaller than the other Thread, ribbon or string for hanging Cream the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and then the flour until the mixture comes together to form a firm dough. Leave it in the fridge to cool.

Roll out your dough on a floured surface. Cut a shape with the larger of the two cookie cutters. Place the smaller cutter in the centre and carefully remove a section of biscuit – making sure there are no gaps in the edges of the biscuits (to avoid the sweets spilling over).

Cut four biscuits and overlay the edges on a piece of greaseproof paper, again making sure there are no gaps in the areas you intend to fill with sweets. Pierce a hole in the dough with a skewer or a cocktail stick.

Pick your chosen coloured sweets and place them in the desired spaces.

Bake for eight to 10 minutes at 160°C. Keep a close eye on the oven as you want the biscuits to be firm but still be a nice, light golden brown.

Ensure the sweets are fully melted before removing from the oven.

Allow to cool and peel away from the greaseproof paper.

Once cool, thread with a piece of ribbon and hang from your tree, ensuring a few fairy lights are well placed to shine through the “stained glass”.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WWW.GOODTOKNOW.CO.UK

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Vol 99 - December 2015

Eagle Imaging (Pty) Ltd Cor. Lanston and Jasper Roads Robertsham, Johannesburg

P.O. Box 310, Bergvlei, 2012 Tel: 011 433 0231/0235 Web: www.eagleimaging.co.za

back to school

Back-to-school blues What’s normal and what isn’t when it comes to back-to-school anxiety

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Vol 99 - December 2015

back to school

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any children experience some degree of “backto-school anxiety” as the school year begins. Typical stressors may include worries about making new friends, managing new or difficult teachers, increased academic workload, being away from parents or transitional issues, such as starting at a new school or moving into middle or high school. Whereas some school-related anxiety is normal, excessive anxiety and worry can negatively affect a child’s functioning at school, as well as with peers and at home.

For some children, anxiety about attending school may become so severe that they may begin to refuse to go altogether. School refusal is defined as children’s refusal to regularly attend school, owing to significant emotional distress (often anxiety and fear) related to going to school.

Sources of school-related anxiety vary on the basis of the age and developmental level of a child. Younger children often experience anxiety about being separated from parents or being away from home.

A common worry might be, “what if something bad happens to me while I am at school and away from my parents?”

Some children and adolescents may struggle with schoolwork owing to undiagnosed learning disabilities, and develop anxiety regarding academic performance.

Adolescents transitioning to middle or high school may worry about being in a new school environment and coping with increased school and homework demands.

A common worry might be “what if I can’t understand the new schoolwork?”.

Adolescents may also worry about social acceptance and making friends, Does your child exhibit school-refusal behaviours?

Children or adolescents may be exhibiting school-refusal behaviours if they demonstrate any of the following: • Lengthy absences from school; • Chronic tardiness at school; • Severe misbehaviour in the morning in an attempt to miss school; • Skipping certain classes or periods during the school day; • Attending school but then attempting to leave during the day; or • Displaying unusual distress at school and begging to go home or not return to school. www.myofficemagazine.co.za

such as “who will I sit with at lunch?”.

Overall, the most common diagnoses for youth with school-avoidance behaviours include separation anxiety disorder (22,4%), generalised anxiety disorder (10,5%), oppositional defiant disorder (8,4%), depression (4,9%), specific phobia (4,2%), social anxiety disorder (3,5%) and conduct disorder (2,8%).

This is not to be confused with truant children, who generally have no feelings of fear toward school, but instead often feel angry or bored with it. Children and adolescents exhibiting school-refusal behaviour do so to help them avoid a highly anxiety-provoking situation.

Children exhibiting school-refusal behaviour may be absent from school for weeks or even months. Some children may demonstrate consistent school avoidance, whereas others exhibit “intermittent” avoidance, such as missing two or three days per week.

Children perform these behaviours to: • Avoid anxiety caused by schoolrelated situations; • Avoid negative social evaluation associated with going to school; • Obtain increased attention elicited from parents or other individuals; or • Receive tangible rewards when avoiding school, such as extra sleep, watching TV, playing video games and spending time with friends.

Children may initially avoid school owing to anxiety, but then realise the attractiveness of staying home and thus refuse school because staying out of school is reinforcing.

Approximately 5% to 28% of children will exhibit some degree of school-refusal behaviour. School refusal commonly Tell-tale signs of back-to-school anxiety • Constant questioning regarding having to go to school; • Younger children wanting their parents to stay with them during school; • Daily complaints about school; • Greater than usual resistance to getting up for school and getting ready; • Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches and vomiting; • Excessive clinginess with parents; • Excessive fear of going to school; and • Disturbed sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, or fear of sleeping alone.

occurs at times of transition, such as when entering middle and high school.

School-refusal behaviour may not only cause significant educational, social and developmental problems for the child, but can also significantly affect the family.

Short-term consequences of school refusal include incomplete schoolwork and academic failure, alienation from peers, legal and financial difficulty, missed time from work, and substantial family and parent/school conflict. Long-term consequences of school refusal include potential school dropout, delinquency, economic deprivation, later occupational and marital problems, and need for further psychiatric assistance in adulthood.

Children and adolescents who avoid school miss valuable opportunities to develop and practice social skills, foster close friendships with classmates, experience feelings of accomplishment and mastery, and receive recognition for their skills and talent.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SAMANTHA MORRISON, PHD; ANTHONY C. PULIAFICO, PHD FOR WWW.MEDSCAPE.COM

Tips for parents with children exhibiting school-refusal Parents should: Be supportive yet firm, and not reward the child’s protests, crying or tantrums by allowing them to avoid going to school.

• Limit a child’s access to any reinforcers (such as television, video games or extracurricular activities) when they are refusing to attend school.

• Establish proper, organised routines.

Make “getting-ready time” a positive experience by planning ahead and helping the child to find clothes, do homework and pack their bag the night before. Ensure a proper bedtime is set and adhered to.

• Emphasise the positive aspects of being at school, such as seeing oldfriends, making new ones, learning new things and going on special trips.

• Allow the child to develop problemsolving skills to boost their confidence.

• Avoid giving reassurance, but instead problem-solve and plan.

This gives the opportunity to coach the child on how to cope with (and interpret) both real and imagined scary situations.

• Consider taking them to visit a mental health professional.

•

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jan/san

Out to lunch

A simple guide to buying and packing a well-rounded lunchbox for work or school

Buying a lunchbox Every weekday throughout the world, children and adults rely on lunchboxes to keep their food fresh and protected from contamination and damage.

The choice of lunchboxes of varying design, size, and material can be overwhelming. However, one thing is for sure: eating warm sandwiches in high summer does not really make for an enjoyable meal, so it is advisable to check on the thermal properties of the lunchbox you want.

Did you know?

After the Industrial Revolution, workers used heavy-duty metal boxes, pails and bags of various descriptions to protect the lunches that they took with them to the workplace. The design and construction of those containers would gradually evolve to become the dizzying array of lunchboxes of all shapes, sizes and materials with which we are familiar today.

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Types of lunchboxes Due to the fact that millions of people use lunchboxes on a daily basis, the market for them is very large and quite lucrative, and many varieties are available.

Plastic lunchboxes are made of rigid, coloured polymer. They protect the food properly, ensuring it doesn’t get squashed or bruised. They are also relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and hygienic.

Plastic lunchboxes are available in every colour imaginable. They may also come with images on them. They range in size from tiny to large, and there is a plastic lunch container to suit every appetite.

Exercise some caution when selecting a plastic lunchbox: unless clearly stated, they are not thermally insulated. This means food will not stay chilled. Choose a lunchbox that is BPA-free, and avoid vinyl PVC, which contains traces of lead.

Look for kitchen-safe plastics that can be put in the microwave and the dishwasher.

Fabric lunchboxes have increased in popularity. They are made from materials

capable of thermally insulating the food inside. This is ideal for school children, as perishable items can then be packed for lunch.

Fabric lunchboxes range from the small and compact to the large and elaborate, and even come in the form of backpacks.

They are usually free of harmful chemicals.

Metal lunchboxes are made of aluminium or stainless steel. They are often well decorated but they tend to be limited in terms of size. They also protect soft food and they do not contain harmful chemicals. They are easy to keep clean, but they are not thermally regulated. Metal lunchboxes will need to have an ice brick placed in them to keep food cool on a hot day.

Styles Retro lunchboxes have become very popular among the youth. They are usually constructed from tin plate and are fitted with old-style, chromium-plated flip catches. They can be decorated, usually Vol 99 - December 2015

jan/san with cultural icons such as cartoon or TV programme characters.

Novelty lunch boxes are available.

Some designers have really gone to town creating quirky versions of a simple lunchbox.

Buying a water bottle Water bottles are used to store water or juice. They are made of different materials, are available in a range of sizes and come in a wide variety of colours.

The average water bottle holds about 300ml of liquid, but larger and smaller volumes are available. Remember to check the size of the bottle and ensure it will easily fit into a school bag pouch. It is more environmentally friendly to buy a water bottle which can be washed and reused, rather than using disposable bottles every day. It is also more cost effective.

Types of water bottles Plastic water bottles are light and durable, but they have a greater likelihood of cracking when compared to their metal counterparts. When exposed to hot temperatures, plastic bottles can leach a plastic flavour into the liquid within.

There are a number of different types of plastics used to make water bottles: high density polyethylene (HDPE); low density polyethylene (LDPE); polypropylene; and copolyester. LDPE has the least rigidity and is used to make squeezable water bottles. Copolyester and polypropylene have the greatest rigidity. Copolyester is transparent and can be coloured to create a pretty, yet translucent, bottle.

Metal water bottles can be made from stainless steel or aluminium. Stainless steel bottles are well suited to acidic beverages, such as orange juice, as they retain few tastes or smells. Aluminium is lighter than stainless but retains odours. Heat transfer from the beverage contained within it also affects metal bottles. If you are carrying a hot beverage in a metal bottle, the exterior of the bottle may become warm and sweat. Metal bottles are also a lot heavier than their plastic counterparts. This is an important consideration for school children who must carry their bottles around with them all day.

Other considerations Water bottle caps differ across bottles, which them better suited to different forms of activities. Screw-on lids are usually found on retail bottles of water.

Dedicated water bottles will have a seal to prevent leaks. www.myofficemagazine.co.za

Packing a healthy lunch box Growing children and hard-working adults need a healthy, nutritious lunch in order to help them concentrate and be productive.

When packing lunch boxes, try to include the following: • A variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Kids like freshly cut fruit. Fruit salad is the ideal lunch box solution; it’s colourful, easy to eat and bursting with vitamins.

The design of the water bottle should also be considered. Bottles for different uses, such as sports, will have different features.

The size of the mouth on the bottle will determine the speed of the flow of liquid.

Wide-mouthed bottles are easier to refill, but the liquid will flow faster. A narrowmouthed bottle will pour more slowly but is better against accidental spills.

A valve is used in the design of most sports bottles to dispense the liquid.

This can be either a push and pull or a bite valve. Push and pull allows the user to use their lips or hands to pull the valve to drink, while bite valves have a tube inserted into the bottle and biting onto the tube dispenses the liquid. Often these bottles have a safety feature to close the valve after use. This limits spillage.

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When packing a lunchbox, be sure to consider what food will be the least susceptible to temperature fluctuations.

Most school children will not have access to a fridge, and the lunch box needs to stay cool to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Avoid foods that will melt, and stick to cured meats to prevent potential food poisoning.

Office workers can usually put their lunchboxes in a communal fridge, and they also have access to a microwave to reheat food adequately.

•

Include whole-grain products in the lunch box, rather than refined carbohydrates.

• Include some fats, such as cheese and yoghurt.

• A serving of protein at lunchtime improves satiety. Include a lean meat, egg, peanut butter or tuna.

It is important to vary the selection of foods to keep it interesting.

Top tips for fruit and veg • Try to keep fruits and vegetables seasonal for the best nutrient value.

• Fruit can be frozen in a plastic bag for a cool snack in summer.

• Place tomato between fillings rather than directly on the bread.

This prevents the bread from going soggy.

• Mild-tasting, crunchy lettuce varieties like iceberg and butter lettuce are ideal for kids.

• Make salads or salad sandwich fillings interesting by using a range of vegetables like grated carrot; lettuce, rocket or baby spinach; sliced celery; and cucumber.

• Use a vegetable peeler to slice cucumber into thin ribbons for sandwich fillings. my office magazine

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arts & crafts

From cover to cover Sick of the same old brown-paper-and-plastic look?

Try these funky covers ideas

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hether covering new school books, old textbooks or even your personal notebook, making new book covers is a fun way to bring a little of your personality into the classroom or office.

Tape it up No longer only available in the dull colours of old, tapes now come in a range of sizes and colours. Washi tape is similar in texture and weight to masking tape and comes in hundreds of bright patterns and hues. It originated in Japan and is made of paper – usually natural fibres such as bamboo and hemp. Washi tape is relatively strong and is ideal for covering books in unique patterns. Cover your book in plain brown paper and then stick colourful washi tape all over the book cover in neat strips. Mix and match colours and patterns. Tape is relatively durable, and creates a bright, tear-proof and semi-waterproof finish.

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Re-invent the brown paper cover The original brown paper book cover can be revitalised with a little bit of imagination. Use a folding technique called an Iris fold to create a beautiful and unique book cover.

You will need: • Brown paper; • Several sheets of different colour paper; • Glue stick; • Tacky glue; and • Scissors.

Cover the book in brown paper, but do not stick it down with tape just yet.

To make an Iris fold, print out a pattern available online. Choose a colour to start with and cut a strip of paper that is wider than your numbered section when folded.

Fold it lengthwise and place over the section, starting with section number one.

Be sure the fold is towards the centre and is facing up.

Cut another colour strip and fold lengthwise, placing it over section number two, tacking the two strips together with glue stick.

Repeat this process going around.

Ensure you do the sections in numerical

order and glue each strip in place.

The final piece is a simple square glued to cover the centre. Now flip the craft over. Remove the brown paper from the book and cut out a shape, such as a heart, from the front cover.

Glue the Iris fold onto the inside of the cover using tacky glue. Ensure that the smooth front side of the fold is facing outwards, while the rough back side is hidden by the book.

Linen covers Wrap plain notebooks in pieces of old fabric for a bohemian look. Recovered notebooks are a nice gift idea that’s both easy to make and easy to personalise.

You’ll need: • A notebook (preferably with a neutral-coloured cover); • Thin fabric (enough to cover the notebook and have a few centimetres to spare around the edges for gluing); • White glue, like wood glue; • A paintbrush; • A ruler and pencil; and • Scissors.

Trace the outline of the notebook on Vol 99 - December 2015

arts & crafts

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the back side of the fabric. If you have a thick binding, make sure you leave enough length to cover the spine when the notebook is closed.

Use the ruler to measure an allowance around the entire notebook that will give you room to glue the fabric inside the cover. For a small notebook, that should be about 2,5cm, while a large one should have about 5cm of fabric as a border.

Create a new outline that you’ll use to cut out the fabric. Cut out the fabric around the bigger of the two outlines.

Spread a thin layer of glue over the notebook and carefully affix the fabric.

While the glue is still wet, make sure you can close the notebook easily.

Cut a slit in the fabric at the book’s spine so you can fold it around where the pages are attached.

Spread a thin layer of glue over the inside edge and fold the slit piece. Fold it over and glue it to the cover.

Cleanly trim any pieces of fabric that are left around the binding and seal any raw edges with a dab of glue.

Let the glue dry completely. Press the covered notebook with a heavy item, such as large book, to ensure it stays flat.

Decoupage design Decoupage book covers are pretty and unique.

You will need: • Pretty paper to cover your book; • A book to cover; • Mod Podge glue; • A ruler; • Scissors; • Sponge brush; and • A pencil.

Trace an outline of the front cover of the book onto the back of your pretty paper. Trace a second outline of the book, making it about 2,5cm bigger on all four sides. This will allow paper to fold over into the inside of the book for extra support and durability. Cut along the larger outline. If you want to cover the back of the book too, duplicate the piece of paper just cut out.

You should now have two pieces of pretty paper slightly larger than the front and back covers of your book.

Line up your first sheet of paper on the front of your notebook. Once you are satisfied with its placement, spread a thin layer of Mod Podge with the foam brush and glue the sheet to the notebook.

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Mod Podge the three flaps to the notebook. You may need to cut off some excess paper at this point. Do so little by little, as cutting off too much will result in an uncovered corner.

Once the glue layer has dried, add a thin coat (or two) of Mod Podge to the front, edges and inside flaps of the notebook.

Repeat this process for the back cover of the book.

Once the glue has dried, you can now cut out shapes from the pretty paper and glue them in layers on the matching shapes of the book cover. Dry completely before use.

Printable notebook covers If you are not the arty sort but still want school books that stand out, why not download some of the free, printable book covers available on the Internet?

There are many different types available, from vintage to polka dot. Print them out and use to them to cover your book as usual.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WWW.SUZYSSITCOM.COM; KATE THORN FOR WWW.BRIT.CO/DIY-BOOK-COVERS

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people management

The rules of engagement Research indicates that disengaged workers make up 87% of the global workforce

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he workplace is suffering from a new affliction – one that is worse than absenteeism: presenteeism.

Businesses need to be aware that disengaged staff members are physically present at work and do what it takes to get by, but they quietly drain energy and profits from the company.

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control and flexibility in their work.

“Employee engagement is about communicating expectations, establishing trust, and allowing staff to take ownership,” says Ramos.

But the question remains: how exactly can management provide employees with more control and flexibility in their jobs while learning to let go and trust in their talent?

“Engagement is not entirely based on happiness, but rather how invested an employee feels in the larger company goals,” says Osorio Ramos, MD of workspace specialist firm, Giant Leap.

There are a number of tell-tale signs that employees are disengaged. Complaining, gossiping and lying are just a few of these which, rather than fostering a healthy workplace ethos and contributing to the overall company culture, break it down.

On the opposite end of the scale, engaged employees are loyal and more productive, and increase customer satisfaction. They are invested in the larger company goals. In order to gain this kind of investment, companies should provide a workplace that allows for and fosters collaboration, communicates the company’s vision and encourages employees to shape it from the start.

Another way is to provide staff with more

Here are a few tips to increase engagement levels among staff: • Start with a well-designed workplace – Steelcase research shows that 69% of people who are not fully engaged at work are also the most dissatisfied with their work environment. Give employees a choice over how and where they want to work, including where they sit, stand, walk, recline, relax and eat.

• Know the rules – allowing staff to work where and when they want also requires clear boundaries, or it could result in volumes of staff choosing to work in one area, negatively affecting collaboration and unity.

• Let staff experiment – ensure employees feel comfortable with new ways of working – even a five minute walk in the afternoon can be a way for staff to recover and find a sense

my office magazine

Know More SA, Giant Leap’s research and intelligence arm, reports that only 9% of South African employees are actively engaged.

of control while increasing their motivation.

• Independence is key – focusing on ways to give people more independence and discretion over their work day is a good step towards helping them feel like mature, empowered adults.

• Think about your future workforce – this is particularly pertinent when it comes to Millennials and Generation Z. Although very similar, these generations have unique requirements and engagement needs which must be met.

Ramos says that companies need to focus on closing the gap between micromanaging and allowing for flexibility.

“Internationally we have seen companies that have eradicated managers altogether.

Employees pick what they want to do, who they do it with, and when they do it. One company created four job categories that every employee can fit into to be a leader.

Another approach is to eliminate the annual leave policy, which allows staff to make decisions and purchases without approval.”

As businesses compete not only for market-share but for skilled professionals who deliver, employee engagement is one of the most powerful driving forces behind a company’s growth and success.

Boost engagement by challenging and confronting employee disengagement with creative and flexible workplace designs and empowering solutions.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OSARIO RAMOS Vol 99 - December 2015

crime alert

Business identity theft on the rise

S

outh African businesses have noted an increase in corporate identity theft incidents over the past year, according to the 2015 Metrofile Information and Records Management Index.

The annual survey of 200 local executive managers revealed that 7% of respondents stated their company had been a victim of corporate identity theft over the past 12 months, up from the previous year.

Gianmarco Lorenzi, MD of Cleardata, says he is not surprised by the results of the survey. “It is more lucrative for criminals to target businesses, rather than individuals, when it comes to perpetrating identity theft scams.”

South African businesses of all sizes

must be more vigilant when it comes to storing and destroying documents containing personal information.

Thirty-one percent of respondents say they or someone they know has been a victim of identity theft.

These figures are in line with global statistics and point to the fact that South African businesses are just as susceptible to identify theft as the rest of the world.

The most common form of corporate identity theft involves customers receiving letters with official company letterheads stating that account details have changed and instructing the customer to make payments using these new details.

Corporate identity theft scams can result in reputational, legal or financial damage for the business.

“Under the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, businesses

have a legal requirement to ensure the personal information of all stakeholders remains secure and once the regulator is appointed, the business could face fines of up to R10-million or jail time.”

One of the easiest ways for criminals to conduct corporate identity theft is by going through a company’s rubbish.

Business records of any kind should never be put into a general waste or recycling bin; instead they should be shredded.

Eighty-five percent of surveyed respondents shred unwanted business documents containing personal or confidential information, which shows that the majority of businesses do understand the importance of confidential document destruction.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WWW.FIN24.COM

Eight key reasons why identity thieves target businesses Larger bank account balances Businesses routinely maintain larger bank account balances than the average consumer, making them more tempting and lucrative targets for identity thieves.

Easy credit and account opening Most service providers are eager to open a new account for a business because they spend more. In some cases, opening a new business account can be even easier than opening a new consumer account.

Higher credit limits It is expected that a business will both have and spend more than the average consumer. Credit limits are much higher for businesses, and therefore all transactions require careful review and reconciliation.

GOLD SPONSORS:

Invoicing and payment terms Businesses frequently enjoy flexible payment terms allowing business identity thieves a clear window of opportunity to order and receive products or services in a business’ name, while avoiding the risk of early detection.

Less scrutiny on larger purchases Automated fraud screening systems are designed to detect unusual spending patterns and purchase locations. These systems tend to concentrate on consumer payment card transactions. An order for 50 laptop computers or 100 smartphones would be unusual for a consumer, but not for a business.

Minimal security Small businesses typically do not have the

layers of security that larger businesses have, and most businesses remain completely oblivious to the risks of business identity theft.

Information is easily available Business identity thieves don’t even need to steal much information – more often than not it is publicly available for free, or can be legally purchased. Businesses may be required by law to have their key identifiers on documents, such as a tax number or registration number.

Difficult to investigate and prosecute Sophisticated identity thieves are able to hide behind technology and cover their tracks. Identity crimes routinely cross international borders and are difficult to investigate and prosecute.

SILVER SPONSORS:

Keeping shop-sa members abreast of criminal and fraudulent activity in the stationery and office products industry.

To sponsor the Crime Alert page contact (011) 781 0370.

REPORT CRIME TO wendy@shop-sa.co.za Renew your Crime Alert sponsorship today! Call Wendy Dancer on (011) 781 0370 to book your logo placement on the Crime Alert page as an industry leader in transparency, information sharing and anti-crime business ethics. www.myofficemagazine.co.za

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33

industry news

Bostik rebrands One of South Africa’s most well-known adhesive brands, Bostik, recently unveiled a new look for its product range, which includes household staples such as Prestik, Glue Stick and Clear Adhesive.

The striking new dark blue packaging, which is being rolled out across the brand’s entire product range, features a distinctive new brand hero: Gary the Gecko.

Geckos are renowned for their remarkable ability to cling to just about every surface, run up polished glass and even support their entire body weight on a single toe.

Bostik has also added a new tagline, “Smart Adhesives” to the well-known “Don’t just stick it.

Bostik it.”

Bostik has been synonymous with great quality adhesives for more than 50 years. The company produces more than 60 products that are used in the education, art and craft, automotive and DIY sectors.

Look out for Bostik’s new packaging in stores now.

FM hosts another successful breakfast FM Expo hosted their last breakfast for 2015 on Wednesday 4 November at the Protea Hotel Balalaika in Sandton. A guest panel consisting of Andrew Mason from Drake & Scull, Fana Sibayoni from Growthpoint Properties and Francois Viljoen from BMW discussed the perception of facilities management in the current marketplace. FM Expo is celebrating its 6th year, next year, and will be hosting the FM Expo in June 2016.

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my office magazine

Vol 99 - December 2015

OPSA winner

Meet this year’s OPSA winner National Secretaries Month was celebrated across South Africa in September, and it was during this time that Association for Office Professionals of South Africa (OPSA) and Rexel announced their national winners of the country’s most coveted award for executive assistants, PAs and secretaries across South Africa.

This year’s winner, Joanie Nel, took some time to answer a few questions: What initiatives would you like to drive going forward?

I salute the office professionals that stepped forward, did not accept mediocrity and continue to ignite flames within others to drive the role of the office professional forward to a level still unimaginable to most. It is because of this flame that burns within me that I am proud to call myself an office professional. It is my passion to put actions into motion that will (long after I have gone) cause ripple effects in the industry.

I cannot drive my profession forward if I am not willing to learn, to grow and be the change I would like to see in others.

Bringing together teams with common objectives and shared passions creates strength to support the company, uplift the profession and encourage individuals.

I strongly believe in the power contained within a team, especially when office professionals who exude excellence come together with a common purpose.

I look forward to contributing to the success and elevation of OPSA. This is an organisation that encompasses excellence, the promotion and development of office professionals, mentorship opportunities, recognition of achievements as well as the continuance of personal and professional growth. It assists office professionals to step forward and create a culture of change.

What advice would you give aspiring young office professionals?

Every person has the right to be valued, to be unique and to be recognised.

Stretch every boundary and overcome www.myofficemagazine.co.za

every obstacle by not giving up. When you make mistakes, don’t let them define you but rather learn from it and move forward. Be brave, be curious and never compromise on your personal values. Learn from every person, no matter how good or bad.

Search for likeminded individuals and connect with mentors so that growth, learning and development is a continual process. Look inside others and see their potential and their right to be different. Continue to drive change by first looking inside yourself.

What drives you every day?

I strive to be a good communicator and networker – both of which require skill.

Facilitating the effective, positive exchange of information is something not everyone can do. Yet it is an attainable skill and, with the importance of networking, mentoring and continuous learning, it can turn an ordinary executive assistant into an extraordinary one.

I strive to have a clear vision of myself, to be organised and detail-orientated with a keen sense of responsibility. I aim to be both technologically and emotionally adept. The world is evolving at a fast pace, and I can stay where I am with or evolve into something greater.

I try to exude excellence and be the example and the change I want to see in others. Mediocrity is not acceptable.

I have a growth mind-set, developing my abilities through dedication and hard work.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

I was thrilled! The moment was unreal and it took me several seconds to realise that the door to a network of fabulous office professionals just opened and I was invited to join them. One does not enter a competition without a mind-set

of winning, yet as I was competing with incredible finalists for the award it was extremely difficult to imagine winning.

Thanks to OPSA, a platform exists for all of us to work together to excel.

This is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to make a positive difference in our profession.

Did you enjoy the award process and would you recommend it to your peers?

This has been an incredible journey, and to think this is only the beginning is almost surreal. It is a journey where I realise on a daily basis that I am capable of achieving the unimaginable. I am privileged to meet amazing office professionals – peers that share the same passion for the profession and link up with incredible mentors. It is inspiring to see that there is an excitement within OPSA to take the organisation to greater heights. I value that I have been given a voice, my opinion and suggestions matter and I am encouraged to assist others of our profession to grow and develop just as I am encouraged to grow and develop myself. I look forward to working with other great professionals as we encourage our peers, colleagues and each other to stretch, step out of comfort zones and share unique abilities with the world. It is a journey to be taken with enthusiasm, (an exciting road to travel), a growth opportunity and to unimaginable places.

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35

eco news

South Africa faces water crisis

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he reality of the water crisis in the country hit home recently when children were sent home from schools in Gauteng because numerous southern and southwestern suburbs had no water.

Municipalities have urged residents to use water sparingly, as many suburbs in and around Germiston experienced water shortages.

In KwaZulu-Natal, large parts of the North Coast and Zululand are under severe water restrictions, with many residents relying on supply from water tankers, while parts of the Ugu District Municipality on the South Coast are being serviced with salty water, as the main reservoir has run dry and a key river has been flooded with seawater.

As authorities grapple with the problem, it has emerged that a lack of strategic planning, the loss of skills to transformation and poorly-functioning waste-water treatment plants which are spewing some 4-billion litres of untreated or partially-treated sewage into rivers every day, have contributed to the looming water disaster.

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my office magazine

And this disaster is one that that could easily have been avoided, according to water expert Dr Anthony Turton, in an analysis published this week in @Liberty – the policy bulletin of the Institute of Race Relations.

In a damning article, Turton said South Africa’s water shortage is not simply the result of the current drought.

The sewage spills are the most serious of the many problems in the water sector.

“Just as a small volume of oil destroys the quality of a large volume of water, so too does a small source of persistent sewage have the same effect,” he says.

Sewage discharges are also driving the eutrophication of most major dams.

Eutrophic water is characterised by the presence of high levels of nutrients, which, in turn promote, the growth of cyanobacteria, commonly known as bluegreen algae.

One very common species of cyanobacteria produces a potent toxin known as microcystin. This is chemically similar to cobra venom. It is also carcinogenic (cancer-producing) and damages the liver and central nervous system.

“The microcystin levels found in a number of major dams – including the Hartbeespoort, Hazelmere, Midmar and Vaal dams – are amongst the highest ever measured in the world. Microcystin toxin levels become a concern in

developed countries at far below the levels commonly found in South Africa.

Moreover, nothing is being done here to remove the toxin,” says Turton.

There are only two known technologies capable of neutralising microcystin, and neither is in mainstream use in any of the country’s bulk potable water treatment plants.

“Worse still, no one knows whether these technologies can, in fact, neutralise microcystin at the concentrations found in South Africa. In this regard, we are truly flying blind.”

Instead of dealing with these difficult issues, the government is underreporting the extent of eutrophication.

Official reports suggest that only a small percent of the national water resource is at risk, but a recent study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has found that at least twothirds of South Africa’s largest dams are already eutrophic, he says.

The more eutrophication proceeds, the more the 38-billion cubic metres of water in our dams are likely to become unusable.

“This looming disaster could have been avoided if a rigid concept of transformation had not been allowed to trump the imperative to safeguard public health,” says Turton.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ANNA COX FOR THE STAR Vol 99 - December 2015

eco news

What can you do to save water?

My Office magazine spoke to Tim Truluck, ward councillor at Johannesburg City Council, about his for saving-water tips.

• Log every single water leak you see on sidewalks, roads, water meters, water hydrants, burst pipes and blocked sewers with your local water provider.

• Don’t use a hose to wash down paths, roads and driveways.

• Put in an irrigation system with a timer. Use it at night. Keep it maintained, especially the sections out of sight and on verges.

• Mulch your beds to keep moisture in.

• Don’t water your garden when it rains or if it is windy, as evaporation is at its worst at this time.

• Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets immediately.

• Check for leaks. Turn off the taps in your house and have a look at the water meter on the sidewalk. If

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•

•

•

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it’s still turning, then you probably have a leak on your property. Call in a leak detector to find the leak and then fix it as soon as possible.

Install a stopcock where the water pipe from the meter enters your property. It could save both money and water if a pipe bursts.

Keep an eye on your water bill.

It will give you a clue if you have a leak, and help you determine whether your water-saving efforts are worthwhile.

If you are filling your pool more than once a week, you probably have a leak.

Take a short shower rather than a bath. Re-route your grey water onto the garden if possible.

Wait until you have a full load before using your dishwasher or washing machine. Top loader washing machines use more water than front loaders.

Win this!

Write in and stand a chance to win a hamper from McCarthy Germiston. Send your contact details to competitions@ shop-sa.co.za with McCarthy in the subject line.

This festive hamper contains: • • • •

www.myofficemagazine.co.za

One ice bucket; One bottle of champagne; Two champagne glasses; and An assortment of snacks, including chips and chocolate.

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37

competition

shop-sa is marking its centenary in 2016.

To celebrate this milestone, we will be including a number of birthday features on both our Web site and in the upcoming editions of the My Office magazine.

Show your support and voice your congratulations by displaying your brand and message, and you could stand a chance to win one of three sets of double tickets for a hot air balloon ride over the scenic Magaliesburg mountains.

Pricing Magazine ¼ page – R 3 500.00 ex VAT ½ page – R 6 500.00 ex VAT A4 page – R11 000.00 ex VAT

(1 entry into draw) (2 entries into draw) (3 entries into draw)

Web site Product showcase – R 850.00 ex VAT (1 entry into draw) Press office – R1 000.00 ex VAT (1 entry into draw) Sub-ears – R3 000.00 ex VAT (2 entries into draw) News ad – R4 000.00 ex VAT (3 entries into draw)

act e cont 370. s a e l p 10 aw, our dr on (011) 78 r e t n e Kotze k and To boo ncer or Kim Da Wendy

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my office magazine

Vol 99 - December 2015

product showcase

ANTI-GLARE & PRIVACY FILTERS Whether you are battling with glossy LCD screen glare of worrying about prying eyes staring at your confidential financial data, 3M screen filters have the solution for you. Both the Anti-Glare and Privacy filters come in a variety of screen sizes for any type of notebook or desktop display. the filters are very eassy to apply with bubble free application, can be reapplied multiple times and it doubles as a screen protector, protecting your display from dirt and scratches. the filter adhesive is optically clear, which means it will not affect your display clarity, and it comes with a convenient storage folder. To clean the product, simply use the enclosed cloth with water.

Tel: 011 467 0227 E-mail: helpdesk@techexpress.co.za Web: www.techexpress.co.za

TEST DRIVE Everything you thought you knew about owning a small sedan is about to change. No longer will smaller sedans stand in the shadow of their larger relatives. No longer will you have to compromise style for space, form for function, technology for affordability. Never again will you have to choose between performance and practicality, or pay a premium to transport your family around in the style, safety and comfort they deserve. Now you can have it all. Introducing the new Nissan ALMERA. Book your test drive for the Nissan Almera today.

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This is Datsun GO. From its distinctive front grille to its athletic rear shoulders.

Datsun GO looks modern and robust at the same time. Get ready to stand out, for all the right reasons.

Book your test drive for the Datsun Go today.

Tel: 011 818 1800 E-mail: brandonj@mdmotor.co.za Web: www.mccarthynissan.co.za

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needs DICTATION - TRANSCRIPTION Olympus Audio S.A - Digital Voice Recorders, Transcription Kits and Accessories.

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Pentel S.A (PTY) LTD - Hi-Polymer and Ain eraser, correction tape and pens Power Stationery - Powerstar

FILES AND FILING African Filing Systems - Top retrieval filing and arching products BSC Stationery - Treeline, Mobifile CTP Stationery - Full range of quality DONAU brand Flip File - Executive display files, expanding files, Document folders, dividers Freedom Stationery - Edo / Unifile Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Lever arch, Ringbinder files, Manilla flat folders Grafton/Star Kolok - Geha (Binding machines) Palm Stationery Manufacturers - leaver arch, ring binder files, manilla flat folders.

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LABELLING MACHINES Kemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of Brother P-Touch Labelling System

INDEX TABBING AND DIVIDERS CTP Stationery - DONAU Brand board and P.P Flip File - Index Tabs, Flip tabs Freedom Stationery - Marlin Grip Binders Palm Stationery Manufacturers Rexel Office Products - Rexel, Mylar and Prima board

LAMINATING MACHINES AZ Trading - DSB, Speedlam, Lamiace D.O.S - Tofo, DSB Kolok - GEHA and Galaxy Parrot Products - Parrot A4 and A3 Laminators Press Products - GMP Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges

INKS KMP - for computer consumables.

Max Frank - Shachihata, Artline Rexel Office Products - Numbering machine ink Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat, Noris fastdry, security, numbering, franking.

Laundry.

LAMINATING POUCHES AND MATERIALS AZ Trading - A0 to ID card size Kolok - GEHA, Penguin laminating pouches and rolls Parrot Products Press Products - GMP Rexel Office Products - GBC

J JANITORIAL Kolok - Goldenmarc (Cleaning products), Brooms, Mops and equipment.

MARKERS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Permanent Markers, Highlighters, whiteboard Freedom Stationery - Marlin Interstat Agencies - Edding Max Frank - Artline , Maxi, Uni Parrot Products - White board, permanent and OHP markers. Wide range of highlighters Penflex - White board, flipchart, permanent markers, highlighters Pentel (Pty) Ltd. - Maxiflo, white board marker and paint marker Power Stationery - Powerstar MATHEMATICAL GEOMETRY SETS & ACCESSORIES Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar MINUTE AND GUARD BOOKS Hortors Stationery - Company registers, minute books and other legal registers

N NUMBERING MACHINES Rexel Office Products Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Reiner Dater/Numberer (manual/electronic), Trodat

LEGAL STATIONERY Hortors Stationery - All legal registers, forms, diaries etc

O

LETTER TRAYS Krost Office Products

OFFICE ERGONOMICS Rexel Office Products - Kensington copyholders, risers, footrests, Rexel range of electric staplers and punches which reduces chances of RSI (repetitive strain injury)

M MAILING TUBES CTP Stationery

OVERHEAD PROJECTION AND ACCESSORIES Kolok - Penguin Transparencies Max Frank - Artline Parrot Products - Data Projectors, OHPs, screens and rear projection film

Excellence Accelerated Get it right first time, in less time.

Fusion 1000L

Fusion 1100L

Fusion 3000L

buyers’ guide

See page 46 for contact details

PENCIL LEADS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Criterium 0.5mm leads Freedom Stationery - Marlin Max Frank - Uni Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Ain lead, standard lead - various grades

Penflex - Penflex Overhead projector pens Rexel Office Products - NOBO

P PACKAGING Merpak Envelopes - Postsafe packaging range PAPER AND BOARD Antalis South Africa - Office paper and packaging solutions CTP Stationery - DONAU A4 poster boards Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper Freedom Stationery Grafton/Star Kolok - Geha (paper media), EPSON, HP, CANON, Nor Paper Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Cubes and board Paper World Handmade Paper, Embossed Paper, Specialty Papers, Scented Paper Board, Paper Products Peters Papers - Rotatrim, Typek and Smart Copy Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE - Papersmart Rexel Office Products - Prima Paper & Board TRIBE - TRIBE Inkjet Paper and Film PAPER FOLDING MACHINES Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL Shredders & Guillotines – SA Distributors PENCILS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Evolution Graphite, BIC Matic Clutch ,Velocity Clutch, Atlantis Clutch, BU4 Clutch Freedom Stationery - Marlin / Edo Max Frank - Uni Palm Stationery Manufacturers Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Hotshot, Mechanical Pencil, Techniclick Pencil.

Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - Rexel HB & Derwent Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Tradition, Wopex, Technical, Clutch Pencils and lead

PENCIL SHARPENERS Freedom Stationery Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar PENS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Clic, Crystal, Orange and Prismo Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni Palm Stationery Manufacturers Penflex - Penflex ballpoints and rollerballs Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Superb Ballpoint, Energel Pen Power Stationery - Powerstar Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Ball point, Fineliner, Gel and Pigment liner pens PEN CARBON BOOKS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE - NCR Business Books PERSONAL STATIONERY CTP Stationery - Home office and personal filing system, diaries Grafton/Star PLANNING BOARDS AND ACCESSORIES Parrot Products - Range of year planners, term planners, maps and in/out boards. custom printed boards designed to specification.

Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners

Olivetti Imports - Distributors of Multifunctional Printers / Copiers Star Stationers and Printers Unicopy & Stationers CC - for all your printing & stationery requirements PRINTER CONSUMABLES Impression Management - Prinart, Logic, Q-Ink, Sanchi, Oliser and ATI KMP - For computer consumables.

Ink Spot Suppliers - Suppliers of all brands of inkjet and LaserJet cartridges Kolok - EPSON (inkjet, large format etc), LEXMARK, HP, Brother (Toners and Inks), Oki (Toners, inks and Ribbons), Tally Genicom (Ribbons), Seikosha (Ribbons), Panasonic (Toners and Ribbons), Kyocera (Toners), Printronix (Ribbons), IBM (Ribbons), Ricoh (Toners), Fujitsu (Ribbons) Nor Paper PaperGeni Royce Imaging Industries - Remanufacturers and suppliers of inkjet and laser cartridges Technical Systems Engineering - Suppliers of quality compatible cartridges and bulk inks for Epson, Canon, Lexmark, HP and Samsung

43

PUNCHES AND PERFORATORS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Krost Office Products Parrot Products - Parrot range of punches Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - Rexel

R RUBBER STAMPS Max Frank - Schachihata X Stampers Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co. - Trodat

POINT OF SALE PRINTER ROLLS PaperGeni Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. PRINTING Kolok - Epson, Lexmark (Hardware), Hp Printers, Oki (Hardware)

RUBBER STAMP MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - AZ Liquid polymer, TROTEC laser engraver, flash system

Working for you

Fusion 3100L

Fusion 5000L

Fusion 5100L

www.rexelsa.co.za

SOURCE PRODUCTS HERE RULERS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar Penflex - PENFLEX rulers

S

44

SCHOLASTIC SUPPLIES BSC Stationery Sales - Treeline CTP Stationery Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly Flip File - Flip File display books A5, A4, A2, A3 Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo Gordon’s Productions - contact paper woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic cover back to school clear and coloured self adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever arch). Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and pre-cut polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni Palm Stationery Manufacturers Parrot Products - chalk boards/slates Power Stationery - Powerstar Pyrotec - Tower Adhesive Book Cover 45cm x 2m SCISSORS AND CUTTERS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products SCRAPBOOKING Rexel Office Products - Trimmers and guillotines Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Making memories, Clearsnap, Marvy, Ranger, Bazzill, Carl SHREDDERS AND ACCESSORIES AZ Trading - DSB, Kobra, Roto, Repairs to all makes D.O.S - Kobra Kolok - GEHA entry level and high-end shredders

Nikki Distributors - Nikki shredders Parrot Products - Parrot range of value shredders Rexel Office Products - Rexel range Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL Shredders & Guillotines – SA Distributors SLATES Freedom Stationery - Marlin Parrot Products - Whiteboard and chalk board

SPIKE FILES Grip Binders

Rexel Office Products - Storage boxes Specialised Filing Systems - Filing Tidy Files - Filing solutions

T TAPES Freedom Stationery Palm Stationery Manufacturers TELECOMMUNICATIONS Nikki Distributors - Siemens office phones

STAMPS, STAMP PADS AND INKS Kemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of Brother Stampcreator PRO Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat, pre-inked stamps, stamp and fingerprint pads

STAPLING MACHINES AND STAPLES Freedom Stationery - Marlin Interstat Agencies - Genmes Krost Office Products Parrot Products - Parrot range of staplers Rexel Office Products - Rexel range

STATIONERY SUNDRIES - SCHOLASTIC CTP Stationery - DONAU Scissors and cutting knives Freedom Stationery - Marlin, Edo and Unifile Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Power Stationery - Powerstar

TELEX ROLLS AND TELETEX PAPER Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. THERMAL ROLLS Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. TONERS AND CARTRIDGES KMP - Computer consumables Kolok - PENGUIN (Inkjets and Laser toners), EPSON, LEXMARK, HP. PaperGeni TOP RETRIEVAL FILING Optiplan a div of Waltons - Paper based top retrieval filing systems Specialised Filing Systems - Total Solution and more Tidy Files - Complete onsite and offsite filing solutions TOYS, HOBBIES AND GAMES Freedom Stationery Pyrotec - Toby Tower Stickers and Activities TRANSFER LETTERING AND SIGNS Parrot Products - Vinyl lettering

STENCILS Freedom Stationery

STORAGE SYSTEMS CTP Stationery - Archiving Systems Suspension Files Kolok - VERBATIM (hard drives, USB sticks etc), HP

TRANSPARENCIES Kolok - Penguin transparencies for inkjet and laser OEM, Penguin and HP Transparencies Rexel Office Products - NOBO range

Spend 98% less time shredding*

UPGRADE TO

AUTOFEED *Max saving when using an Auto+ 500X compared to a traditional feed shredder in a similar price level.

Auto+ 60X

Auto+ 80X

Auto+ 100X | 100M

buyers’ guide

See page 46 for contact details

45

DID YOU KNOW? • The Buyers’ Guide is an affordable way to highlight your brands while simultaneously introducing up-and-coming stockists to the trade.

• The Buyers’ Guide is a valuable sourcing tool to market your business and the brands that you carry.

• To book space, contact Wendy on wendy@shop-sa.co.za or (011) 781 0370.

Working for you

Auto+ 200X

Auto+ 300X | 300M

Auto+ 500X | 500M

Auto+ 750X | 750M

www.rexelsa.co.za

CONTACT DETAILS HERE African Filing Systems

Kemtek Imaging Systems - Cape

011 614 9445

www.africanfiling.co.za

(

021 521 9600

Box 181, Cape Town, 8000

(

011 474 1427/8

Box 202, Crown Mines, 2025

7

086 540 6892

info@africanfiling.co.za

7

021 551 5032

brenth@kemtek.co.za

7

011 474 5563

www.pentel.co.za

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Kemtek Imaging Systems - KZN

Peters Papers

(

011 688 6000

Box 6893, Johannesburg, 2000

(

031 700 9363

Box 15685, Westmead, 3608

(

011 677 9000

sadlerly@peterspapers.co.za

7

011 688 6162

marketing.office@antalis.co.za

7

031 700 9369

Sandim@kemtek.co.za

7

011 622 6646

www.peterspapers.co.za

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Cape Town (

021 959 9600

7

021 959 9640

Box 19231, Tygerberg, 7505

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Durban (

031 714 4000

7

031 700 9253

Box 284, Umhlanga, 4320

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Pretoria (

012 379 0060

7

012 379 0052

Box 4013, Pretoria, 0001

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Bloemfontein (

051 447 8681

7

051 447 6765

Box 1795, Bloemfontein, 9300

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Port Elizabeth (

041 486 2020

7

041 486 2219

Box 9088, Estadeal, 6012

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Pietermaritzburg (

033 386 2078

7

033 386 2078

Box 1425, Pietermaritzburg, 3200

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Botswana (

00267 391 2139

7

00267 397 5459

Box 1705, Gaborone

AZ Trading

Kemtek Imaging Systems - PE

Powerhouse Dictation

(

041 582 5222

Box 15685, Westmead, 3608

(

011 887 1056

info@speech.co.za

7

041 582 5224

clinth@kemtek.co.za

7

086 555 3833

www.speech.co.za

Kemtek Imaging Systems - PTA

Power Stationery

(

012 804 1410

PO Box 816, Silverton, 0127

(

032 533 4003

Box 1305, Verulam, 4340

7

012 804 4286

johlettat@kemtek.co.za

7

032 533 3254

powersta@netactive.co.za

(

021 709 0190

Box 183, Steenberg, 7947

(

011 493 6332

marketing@pressproducts.co.za

7

021 709 0199

kmppty@iafrica.com

7

011 499 1019

www.pressproducts.co.za

Press Products

KMP

Pyrotec

Kolok - Head Office (

011 248 0300

Box 4151, Johannesburg, 2000

(

021 787 9600

PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948

7

011 248 0381

infojhb@koloksa.co.za

7

021 787 9791

tower@pyrotec.co.za

RBE Stationery Manufacturers (Pty) Limited

Kolok - Cape Town (

021 597 2700

Box 6385, Roggebaai, 8012

(

011 793 7321

sales@rbe.co.za

7

021 297 2799

infoctn@koloksa.co.za

7

011 793 7348

www.rbe.co.za

Reboni Furniture Group

Kolok - Durban (

031 570 4900

Box 4206, Riverhorse Valley East, 4017

(

086 173 2664

7

031 569 6880

infodbn@koloksa.co.za

7

086 627 7737

www.reboni.co.za sales@reboni.co.za

Redfern Print Services - Cape Town

Kolok Polokwane (

015 298 8795

Box 862, Ladanna, 0704

(

021 552 9680

Box 403, Milnerton, 7435

7

015 298 8315

infopol@koloksa.co.za

7

021 552 9681

sales@redfern.co.za

Redfern Print Services - Durban

Kolok - Port Elizabeth

(

086 111 4407

www.aztradingcc.co.za

(

041 406 9900

Box 3163, North End, 6056

(

031 205 9598

dbnoffice@redfern.co.za

7

011 792 9732

sales@aztradingcc.co.za

7

041 406 9920

infope@koloksa.co.za

7

031 205 7092

www.redfern.co.za

BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Redfern Print Services - Johannesburg

Kolok - Namibia

(

011 474 0181

PO BOX 43144, Industria, 2042

(

00264 (61)370500

Box 40797, Ausspannplatz, Namibia

(

011 837 4119

Box 1445, Crown Mines, 2025

7

011 474 6068

16 Maraisburg Road, Industria, 2042

7

00264 (61)370525

valne@kolok.com.na

7

011 837 8917

jhboffice@redfern.co.za

BSC Stationery Sales

Kolok - Nelspruit

Rexel Office Products

(

011 086 2900

Box 278, Brakpan, 1540

(

013 758 2233

Box 4338, White River, 1240

(

011 226 3300

www.rexelsa.co.za

7

011 420 3322

sales@treeline.co.za

7

013 758 2235

infonel@koloksa.co.za

7

011 837 2781

sales@rexelsa.co.za

CTP Stationery

Kolok - Bloemfontein

Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.

(

011 226 5600

Box 43501, Industria, 2042

(

051 433 1876

PvtBag X01, Brandhof, Bloemfontein

(

021 552 5135

Box 189, Maitland, 7404

7

011 474 9242

sales@versafile.co.za

7

051 433 2451

infobfn@koloksa.co.za

7

021 551 3070

rotunda@iafrca.com

D.O.S (Denton Office Solutions)

Royce Imaging Industries

Kolok - Botswana

(

086 000 7468

info@dosptyltd.biz

(

00267 393 2669

PvtBag B0226, Bontleng, Gaborone

(

011 792 9530

www.royceimaging.co.za

7

086 237 4614

www.dosptyltd.biz

7

00267 317 0762

clemencem@vbn.co.bw

7

011 792 9480

sales@royceimaging.co.za

Empire Toy & Stationery

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Head Office

Krost Office Products

(

011 614 2243

Box 261524, Excom, 2023

(

011 626 2067

Box 75401, Gardenview, 2047

(

011 262 1400

Box 931, Wendywood, 2144

7

011 614 3075

empire@netactive.co.za

7

011 626 2912

sales@krost.co.za

7

011 262 1414

trodat@rse.co.za

Flip File

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Cape Town

KZN ENVELOPES

(

021 638 3105

Box 2190, Clareinch, 7740

(

031 465 3992

P O Box 41259, Rossburgh, 4072

(

021 448 7008

Box 931, Wendywood, 2144

7

021 633 6942

ashly@flipfile.co.za

7

031 465 1669

info@kznenvelopes.co.za

7

021 448 7014

cpt@trodat.co.za

Freedom Stationery - Johannesburg

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Durban

Max Frank

(

011 314 0953/4

Box 6459, Halfway House, 1685

(

011 921 1811

Box 200, Isando, 1600

(

083 377 4109

Box 931, Wendywood, 2144

7

011 314 0957

gpsales@freedomstationery.co.za

7

011 921 1569

sarah.schoeman@tigerbrands.com

7

031 266 1082

dbn@rse.co.za

Freedom Stationery - Cape Town (

021 557 9152/3

36-38 Silverstone Rd Killarney Gardens

7

021 557 9155

cptsales@freedomstationery.co.za

Freedom Stationery KZN (Head Office)

Maynards - Olympus Audio S.A / Olivetti Distributors (

0860 00 1922

South African Diaries

sales@maynards.co.za

(

021 442 2340

Box 4862, Cape Town, 8000

www.maynards.co.za

7

021 442 2341

phoneyman@sadiaries.co.za

Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd

Merpak Envelopes

(

032 459 2820

Box 478, Mandini, 4490

(

011 719 7700

sales@merpak.co.za

(

011 579 1600

www.staedtler.co.za

7

032 459 3255

sales@freedomstationery.co.za

7

011 885 3174

www.merpak.co.za

7

011 608 3497

admin@staedtler.co.za

Freedom Stationery - East London

Specialised Filing Systems

Narayan Wholesaler

(

043 731 2422

Box 14111 West Bank 5218

(

083 444 0959

7

043 731 2421

elsales@freedomstationery.co.za

7

011 869 7243

Global Bag And Sportswear Manufactures

narayantextiles@gmail.com

(

011 477 0640

7

011 477 3528

www.specfiling.co.za

Star Stationers and Printers

New Era Office cc

(

031 305 6507

P.O Box 18586, Dalbridge, 4014

(

011 334 2013

Box 10383, Lenasia, 1821

(

031 569 1061

luke@starstat.co.za

7

031 301 6553

www.globalbags.co.za

7

011 334 7358

kuban@neweraoffice.co.za

7

031 569 1094

www.starstat.co.za

Global Envelopes

Technical Systems Engineering

Nikki - Cape Town

(

031 465 5544

info@envelopes.co.za

(

0860 006731

cpt@nikki.co.za

(

011 708 2304

Box 1532, Northriding, 2162

7

031 465 5634

www.envelopes.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

7

011 708 1799

sales@tse.co.za

Gordon’s Productions

Tidy Files

Nikki - Durban

011 943 4210

(

031 705 8713

Suite 69, PvtBag X4, Kloof, 3640

(

0860 006731

dbn@nikki.co.za

(

7

031 705 8714

jacquie@gordons.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Topmark

Grafton/Star Paper Products

Nikki - Johannesburg

www.tidyfiles.co.za

(

011 837 8045

(

011 262 0777

Box 550, Bergvlei, 2012

(

0860 006731

jhb@nikki.co.za

7

011 837 7442

7

011 262 0780

sales@graftonpaper.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Cape Town

Grip Binders (

011 421 1300

Nikki - Pretoria orders@tigerpaper.co.za

Hortors Stationery

info@topmarksa.com

(

021 787 9600

(

0860 006731

pta@nikki.co.za

7

021 787 9791

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Johannesburg

(

011 620 4800

Box 1020, Johannesburg, 2000

Nor Paper

7

086 612 4663

orders@hortors.co.za

(

011 011 3900

7

011 011 4099

Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers

sales@nor.co.za

PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948

(

011 611 1820

59 Lepus Rd, Crown Mines, 2025

7

011 611 1834

tower@pyrotec.co.za

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) Durban

(

036 634 1535

Box 389, Ladysmith, 3370

Optiplan a division of Waltons

(

031 701 0192

Box 594, Pinetown, 3600

7

036 634 1890

impalastat@mweb.co.za

(

011 620 4000

Pencil Park, Croxley Close, Herriotdale

7

031 701 1285

tower@pyrotec.co.za

7

086 681 8256

rcurrin@gp.waltons.co.za

Tribe

Ink Spot Suppliers (

011 854 3013

7

011 852 3013

Palm Stationery info@inkspotsuppliers.co.za

Interstat Agencies - Durban

(

011 314 4746 (Jhb)

Box 6280, Halfway House, 1685

(

031 507 7051

viran@palmstat.co.za

7

021 386 4261 (Cpt)

tribe@global.co.za

7

031 507 7053

www.palmstat.co.za

Unicopy & Stationers CC

(

031 569 6550

Box 201707, Durban North, 4016

PaperGeni

7

031 569 6559

interstat@mweb.co.za

(

011 011 3900

7

011 011 4099

Interstat Agencies - Cape Town

(

031 201 8415

122 Che Guevara Road, Glenwood, 4001

info@papergeni.co.za

7

031 201 8672

sales@unicopy.co.za

www.papergeni.co.za

Versafile

(

021 551 9555

Box 36696, Chempet, 7442

Paper World

7

021 557 5456

Capetown@interstat.co.za

(

012 250 1477/8

info@paperworldsa.com.

7

012 250 0322

www.paperworldsa.com

Interstat Agencies - Port Elizabeth (

041 453 2558

Box 27693, Greenacres, 6057

Parrot Products

7

041 453 8504

pe@interstat.co.za

(

011 607 7600

debbie@parrot.co.za

7

011 615 2502

www.parrotproducts.biz

Kemtek Imaging Systems

46

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd

(

(

011 624 8000

Box 86173, City Deep, 2049

Penflex

7

0866 101 185

labelling@kemtek.co.za

(

021 521 2400

Box 36964, Chempet, 7442

7

021 521 2402/3

info@penflex.co.za

my office magazine

(

011 226 5600

Box 43501, Industria, 2042

7

011 474 9242

sales@versafile.co.za

Vol 99 - December 2015

the real stuff

The real Not stuff marketing fluff Peter Townshend, MD of Know More What’s the highlight of your career?

Pay day? On a serious note, for a serious article: I think that Know More is a definite highlight. In just under three years we have developed the company to be a leader in the office space knowledge industry. We have worked with fantastic clients, including big names such as Standard Bank, Barclays, Old Mutual and Dimension Data. In addition to this, we have just launched the Know More Workplace Indicator, an online survey that will gauge how satisfied South Africans are with their workspace. We strongly believe that we are contributing to the betterment of office workers’ lives in South Africa If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?

I would like to encourage more, motivate more, and drag us all into the space where we see the benefits of risk, progression and insight.

The industry is far too conservative and unprepared to look at data What do you like best about the office products industry?

The innovation. I love the fact that people dedicate their time to improving how we spend our days. Every year something comes out that changes the way we define work What’s your greatest personal achievement?

Love: feeling it and giving it Describe yourself in three words.

Earth, sun, moon

the Smiths. However, the first CD I owned was Earth, Wind & Fire … not that I actually wanted this. My father went to the UK (believe it or not, I grew up in a time when only the UK had CDs!) and I asked him to bring me back Love and Rockets’ Earth, Sun, Moon. Apparently, something got lost in translation What’s your favourite gadget?

How embarrassing … I don’t have a favourite gadget! I think I need help! The only gadgets I have are necessities What’s your favourite movie?

Farewell My Concubine. What can you not love about the love, the tragedy and the beauty … all set in the Chinese cultural revolution. Sheer joy What’s your favourite meal?

Well, as a vegan, my choices are strictly vegetable-related. It’s a tough call – my taste buds are temperamental little buggers. I think I’m going to go with chana masala Do you have a hobby?

Who doesn’t?

What music did you listen to in the car this morning?

I ride a motorcycle. This is my thinking time, so I listened to my long-winded thoughts

Where did you grow up?

I will let you know when it happens

Do you have any pets?

Hmmm, do I? Six dogs, seven cats, two rats, and whatever else my wife decides to bring home next week

What was your first CD? The first CD I bought was Strangeways Here We Come by

What was your first car?

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.8. I am now an Alfa fan

www.myofficemagazine.co.za

my office magazine

47

punchline

Caption this!

Send us your funniest caption for the photograph below and you stand a chance to win a Rexel Laminator GBC Fusion 1100 A4 valued at R2 000. Send your Punchline and contact details to competitions@ shop-sa.co.za with Punchline in the subject line

Win

The Rexel Laminator is 33% faster than competitor machines, taking just 45 seconds to laminate a standard A4 pouch or 80 pouches per hour, with an additional cold setting for heat sensitive documents. Other features include: • Automatic switch off after 30 minutes of inactivity.

• Exit tray keeps pouches straight as they come through the heated rollers for a perfect, warp-free finish • Incorporates SureFlow™ Technology that reduces jamming significantly for stress-free laminating and maximum productivity • Laminates up to A4 size including ID cards, notices and certificates • Modern, compact design is easy to move around and suits most office and home environments • Single touch button interface: simple to use, no previous experience required • Three heat settings • Accepts 2 x 75 micron (150 in total) pouches, 2 x 100 micron (200 in total) and 2 x 125 micron (250 in total).

WIN ME WINNING CAPTION NOVEMBER ISSUE Winning Caption: “Seriously guys..... It’s gravity!!!” – Shelley Le Roux

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my office magazine

Vol 99 - December 2015

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