MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
In the world of entrepreneurship, the most remarkable stories often begin with a personal challenge. For Zanele Matome, Founder and CEO of Welo, that challenge is the lack of affordable access to healthcare services for an overwhelming majority of South Africans. Having spent 15 years in the construction and mining sectors, Matome saw firsthand the …
The story of Credipple is one of innovation meeting a critical need. Founded by Kgololo Lekoma (CEO), Lethabo Sekhu (COO) and Sibusiso Manentsa (Founder) in 2017, Credipple bridges the gap between skilled professionals, and businesses seeking trustworthy digital talent. The inspiration behind the platform came from the founders witnessing their university peers struggling to access …
This is one of five Safe Spaces run by the City of Cape Town
Labour Minister welcomes signing into law of Companies Amendment Act
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has commended the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 on Friday, which promote the ease of doing business and impose greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.
The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill, which were referred to the President for assent, jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome. They also tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including State capture, and addresses disparities in earnings.
The Companies Amendment Act, as signed by the President, streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy, as well as the attraction of foreign investment.
The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand.
According to Meth, this law has a direct linkage to the Employment Equity Amendment Act, 2022, particularly section 27, which refers to the statement of income differentials required from designated employers.
Meth said the requirement of disclosure by companies of the average and median total remuneration of all employees, the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees, and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company, will go a long way in exposing existing inequalities in employment.
“As a result, the work done by the Department of Employment and Labour to transform the labour market will be strengthened, as the two pieces of law are complementing each other and will ensure more transparency from the employers.
“Through our departmental inspectorate, we will promote, strengthen and enforce compliance of our labour laws, as we strive for a labour market that is conducive to economic growth,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:56
Nick Matzukis, co-founder and CEO at Academy of Sound Engineering There is no magic wand to make it in the music industry. A combination of talent, technical knowledge and business acumen is essential if aspiring young artists are to monetise their skills effectively. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Music …
Rush Nutrition has created a proudly African range of Superfoods, snacks and beverages built on a foundation of feminine innovation and ingenuity. · 100% vegan, kosher and Halaal, the Rush stable of premium quality and natural health solutions are 100% healthy and natural · Nutrient-dense, clean, and pure, the range of snacks and juices from …
Introduction Warehouse storage is a crucial aspect of any business operation. In Johannesburg, the need for efficient and well-organised storage solutions is paramount due to the city’s bustling commerce and industry. This article explores the various aspects of warehouse storage in Johannesburg and how businesses can maximise their efficiency. The Importance of Warehouse Storage …
Mzansi’s most preferred noodle brand, MAGGI, as recognised by the Ask Afrika Icon Awards, is set to elevate South African kitchens with its latest campaign, “Cook the Difference!” Unveiled at an exclusive media luncheon on 25 July, VIP media guests experienced the brand’s magic and versatility. MAGGI showcased its potential to be both a complete …
No "secret meetings" held to discuss climate change commitments
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has asserted that it has not conducted any “secret meetings” with business on the review of the country’s climate change commitments.
This comes after the department received a request for access to information related to closed-door meetings and other interactions between government officials and private industry representatives relating to South Africa’s policy and regulatory approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The application also relates to other interactions on South Africa’s energy mix, the Just Transition to a low-carbon economy and any associated infrastructure and resource exploration activities.
The request was received on 25 August 2023 in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000) for information.
“DFFE will respond to the PAIA application from Just Share and the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism in due course. South Africa concluded its process to develop its national climate change commitments on climate mitigation and adaptation in 2021.
“The process involved rigorous public consultation and the Presidential Climate Commission, a constituency based advisory body, provided valuable advisory inputs that led to the finalisation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the department said on Monday.
Through the updated NDC, South Africa has committed to a target range of 420-350 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“This is consistent with the Paris Agreement limit of a temperature increase well below two degrees Celsius. Since then, there has not been any subsequent discussion to review these targets,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 15:06
By Fhulu Badugela, CEO of Multichoice Africa (www.MultiChoice.com)
As MultiChoice published its annual ESG report earlier this month, I was struck by the aptness of the term sometimes used in relation to such documents: integrated reporting. Integration is fundamental to any kind of environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact.
MultiChoice Group has had three decades to find that particular sweet spot, refining its formula of enriching lives, while transforming African entertainment and broader society.
The beauty of the approach can be seen in the way key business touchpoints dovetail with ESG principles.
By way of illustration, the MultiChoice commitment to hyperlocal storytelling has meant a need to create homegrown, locally relevant content. This in turn has led MultiChoice to create regional MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academies in Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka, training aspiring filmmakers.
Not only has this created a rich pipeline of authentic talent, it has built a vast library of local content. This fuels the ongoing success of MultiChoice as an entertainment platform, where Africa's people can see African creators telling African stories.
Social upliftment
In ESG parlance, this supports the social-development pillar. To date, 467 filmmakers have been trained by the MTF. These young people have gone on to work on hit African shows on regional channels across the continent.
In East Africa, graduates secured story development grants, gained acclaim at international film festivals and showcased their commitment to environmental consciousness by presenting at the Youth and Climate Action meeting.
In West Africa, Azeezah Sama, produced by a student from the class of 2023, was selected for prestigious film festivals such as the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Africa Magic commissioned productions from three MTF alumni companies, generating employment opportunities and amplifying the programme's impact in the region.
Meanwhile, in Southern Africa, MTF alumni feature films have premiered on Zambezi Magic, and interns have contributed to more than 30 professional productions, including hit shows like Idols, Adulting, My Brother's Keeper, Champions, and Gen Zee.
Economic impact
Besides skills development, MultiChoice makes direct investments in job creation and economic empowerment for emerging economic sectors. The MultiChoice Enterprise Development Trust oversees two key initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of startups and small enterprises: the Innovation Fund and the Africa Accelerator programme.
To date, the MultiChoice Innovation Fund has supported 77 black-owned small businesses with at least 50% female-black ownership and disbursed R407 million in loans, grants and business development expenses. This has created 1 400 employment opportunities.
Last year, the MultiChoice Accelerator programme helped 11 entrepreneurs from South Africa to secure more than $17 million in investments from investors in the United Arab Emirates.
Also last year, the Enterprise Development Fund funded four new tech-related companies, including two owned by black women, to the tune of R26.74 million, creating 395 jobs.
Developmental governance
Integrated ESG principles mean that the crucial MultiChoice governance function must also have a developmental role, while still enabling the business generate value for all stakeholders.
That means ethical, developmental governance. The Group inculcates these principles in our people through mandatory training – anti-bribery, ethical conduct; and “better place to work” training on the MultiChoice Academy platform.
Another of the company's biggest governance focus areas is the fight against content piracy, which poses a significant threat to the business and the wider industry. With Partners Against Piracy (PAP), MultiChoice has signed Memorandums of Understanding with governments across Africa to combat broadcasting piracy.
The MOUs establish partnerships for capacity building, benchmarking, and experience sharing, as well as intellectual-property rights protection, training, and skills development. In addition, a multi-governmental workshop in mid-2024 will review piracy policies and actions, with an eye to amending cybercrime legislation.
Environmental awareness
Deeply conscious of how our operations impact the environment, MultiChoice takes direct steps to limit our emissions and energy efficiency – but always in ways that can be integrated into our ways of doing business.
We have taken proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency in our electricity consumption, air-conditioning systems, data centres, heating and ventilation. We have invested in green infrastructure, including installing light motion sensors within buildings, LEDs equipped with daylight harvesting capabilities, solar panels and energy-efficient inverter technology.
These initiatives have seen us reduce total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to 67 675 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 75 060 tonnes in 2023, a tangible move towards sustainability and responsible resource management through more eco-friendly operations.
We have managed to make these sustainability improvements in ways that continue to generate income for the group. The R10,7 billion we pay in taxes in 2024 underlines our integration into the continent's economy.
Ultimately, the proof of our ESG impact will be in our ability to continue operating sustainably, into the future, in a way that enriches lives for all the people we touch.
We are proud to have met this challenge successfully for the past three decades, and we are confident we will continue doing so for decades to come, by integrating our purpose – enriching lives – into our way of doing business.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
SA’s 30 years of democracy presents opportunity for reflection
South Africa’s 30-years of democracy presents a chance to reflect on how far the country has come while also providing the opportunity to create a path that promotes economic growth and nation-building.
“The thirty-year mark of democracy is a crucial turning point for reflection on both how far we have come and, most importantly, where we are going in the immediate future and in the next 30 years as a nation.
“In my considered view, I believe that we can all play a role in creating the country of our dreams. Not only the Government, but all sectors of society, including politicians, public sector, policy specialists, and the academia, must collaborate to create a path for our country that promotes economic growth, overall prosperity, and nation-building," said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Deputy President was speaking at the BBQ Awards ceremony and Gala Dinner in Kempton Park on Friday.
READ | Deputy President to address BBQ Awards ceremony
With South Africa having held elections on 29 May the Deputy President said: “Once again, as in 1994, we have the opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa under the GNU [Government of National Unity]”.
He added that the nation-building process is extensive with government’s vision being to establish a society that is founded on the most superior aspects of human civilisation, including political and human freedoms, socio-economic rights, value systems, and identity.
“Indeed, the 2024 election outcomes present us with an opportunity to return to the task of building a South Africa that will not be defined by race, class, or gender.
“However, we must not ignore the structural and systemic inequality that persists across all sectors of our economy, particularly in business and industry, if we are to build a truly united South Africa. Our dedication to non-racialism and working together does not mean we are unaware that the apartheid legacy still systemically disenfranchises individuals based on race, gender, and class 30 years later. However, we must be positive about our nation's future,”he explained.
He added that government remains committed to investing in people through education, skill development, and high-quality healthcare.
“We aspire to improve our communities' spatial perspectives by constructing inclusive cities and delivering services. We urge all segments of society to work with us to ensure that our democracy is stable, efficient, and effective, bringing all people together.
“The Government remains resolute in its pledge to cultivate an environment conducive to the flourishing of black, youth, and women-led businesses.
Altering SA’s economic growth trajectory
As Government, we are leveraging the black-owned business sector to rebuild after the global economic downturn and COVID-19 pandemic. We are willing to have important conversations about how the informal economy can contribute to building our economy.”
He stressed that increase in the number of unemployed South is a concern.
“The increase in the number of unemployed South Africans, particularly among the youth, necessitates more immediate steps to assist us in fundamentally altering our economic growth trajectory. We must therefore have an open and inclusive conversation about rebuilding, which will result in increased economic activity.
“We must acknowledge that there is a more pressing need to support aggressive means and forms of economic integration for black-owned firms, particularly in the historically untransformed sectors of the economy. We must pay close attention to how governments at all levels can create supportive policies and regulatory environments that support the informal economy.”
Hope and eradicating poverty
He added that amid the current discourse on the country’s economic trajectory, there is room for growth, development, and hope.
“The Government's efforts to restructure the economy through the B-BBEE [Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment] policy, legislative framework, and other interventions have made progress, but further efforts are still required. Despite the obstacles encountered since the passage of the B-BBEE Act two decades ago, our government remains unwavering in its mission to enhance and broaden economic empowerment and inclusion across all sectors.
“This will continue to be the case even under the Government of National Unity.”
The Deputy President also called for collaboration in eradicating poverty.
“If we do not collaborate, the Government alone cannot create stability or fulfil the National Development Plan and Vision 2030 goal of eradicating poverty. We must collaborate to broaden the scope of black-owned businesses beyond the convenience store chain, such as spaza shops.
“Our economy has much to offer, and the informal sector, which is dominated by black-owned businesses, should take advantage of this reality.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 12:27
Introduction In a world where financial transactions are becoming increasingly digital, the physical handling of cash and payment devices remains a cornerstone of many businesses. Cash handling equipment distributors play a vital role in providing the necessary tools to ensure these transactions are conducted smoothly and securely. The Importance of Cash Handling Equipment Cash …
As the digital landscape evolves, voice search is emerging as a critical component of online search behaviour. “With the proliferation of new technologies like smart speakers and virtual assistants, optimising content for voice search is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” says Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Growth Consultant and Director at Ycagel. The Growing Importance …
President assents laws advancing ease of doing business
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 that promotes the ease of doing business and imposes greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.
The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill referred to the President for assent jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome, to tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including state capture and addresses disparities in earnings.
The Companies Amendment Act as signed by the President streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy as well as the attraction of foreign investment.
The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand and shareholders and workers on the other hand.
“In addition, the law addresses public concerns regarding high levels of inequalities in society by introducing better disclosure of senior executive remuneration and the reasonableness of the remuneration.The law requires the preparation of a remuneration report by all public and State-owned companies in respect of the previous financial year,” said the Presidency in a statement.
This remuneration report must be accompanied by the company’s remuneration policy and an implementation report that must set out detail on the total remuneration received by each director and prescribed officer as well as the total remuneration for the employee with the highest and lowest total remuneration.
Among other indicators, companies must report the average and median total remuneration of all employees, and disclose the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company.
Public and State-owned companies are now required to prepare and present a remuneration policy for shareholder approval.
Other provisions include the empowerment of a court to validate the creation, allotment or issue of shares, which would otherwise be invalid, upon application before the court by a company or any person who holds an interest in the company.
The law also requires paid shares to be transferred to a stakeholder and held in terms of stakeholder agreement, until fully paid.
These measures are directed at preventing unethical, reckless and criminal conduct in businesses that will impact negatively on shareholders, workers, clients and customers and the economy as a whole.
Companies Second Amendment Act
The Companies Second Amendment Act signed by President Ramaphosa contains a response by Government to one of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (State Capture Commission).
This law amends the Companies Act to extend the period during which proceedings may be launched to recover any loss, damages or costs for which a person may be held liable under the law.
The State Capture Commission recommended that Section 162 of the Companies Act be amended so as to ensure that an application for a declaration of delinquency may be brought even after two years on good cause shown.
While the recommendations applied to specific cases, the new law extends the time bar for declaring a director of a company a delinquent director, from 24 months to 60 months. It also gives the court the power to extend the period on good cause shown.
This provision ensures that directors and prescribed officers in companies can be held accountable for a significant period after they have committed alleged offences. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:29
Johannesburg, 28 July 2024: “It’s not every day that I get to surround myself with the best of the best in the world of business, it is a privilege that I am here, and it was amazing, humbling and edifying all at once,” says BBQ Businessman of the Year, Richard Manzini. Manzini, the catalyst for …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 that promote the ease of doing business and impose greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.
The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill referred to the President for assent jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome, to tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including state capture and address disparities in earnings.
The Companies Amendment Act as signed by the President streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy as well as the attraction of foreign investment.
The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand.
In addition, the law addresses public concerns regarding high levels of inequalities in society by introducing better disclosure of senior executive remuneration and the reasonableness of the remuneration.
The law requires the preparation of a remuneration report by all public and State-owned companies in respect of the previous financial year.
This remuneration report must be accompanied by the company's remuneration policy and an implementation report that must set out detail on the total remuneration received by each director and prescribed officer as well as the total remuneration for the employee with the highest and lowest total remuneration.
Among other indicators, companies must report the average and median total remuneration of all employees, and disclose the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees, and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company.
Public and State-owned companies are now required to prepare and present a remuneration policy for shareholder approval.
Other provisions include the empowerment of a court to validate the creation, allotment or issue of shares, which would otherwise be invalid, upon application before the court by a company or any person who holds an interest in the company.
The law also requires paid shares to be transferred to a stakeholder and held in terms of stakeholder agreement, until fully paid.
These measures are directed at preventing unethical, reckless and criminal conduct in businesses that will impact negatively on shareholders, workers, clients and customers and the economy as a whole.
The Companies Second Amendment Act signed by President Ramaphosa contains a response by Government to one of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (State Capture Commission).
This law amends the Companies Act to extend the period during which proceedings may be launched to recover any loss, damages or costs for which a person may be held liable under the law.
The State Capture Commission recommended that Section 162 of the Companies Act be amended so as to ensure that an application for a declaration of delinquency may be brought even after two years on good cause shown.
While the recommendations applied to specific cases, the new law extends the time bar for declaring a director of a company a delinquent director, from 24 months to 60 months. It also gives the court the power to extend the period on good cause shown.
This provision ensures that directors and prescribed officers in companies can be held accountable for a significant period after they have committed alleged offences.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Infrastructure support for Eastern Cape emerging farmers
The Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Department (DRDAR) continues to provide wool improvement infrastructure, equipment and training to communal and emerging farmers in the villages.
DRDAR MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe will on Friday hand over a shearing shed and equipment at an event held at Mgwalana Shearing Shed in Engcobo.
The department said the supplying of the infrastructure forms part of the wool improvement production programme, which has seen the value of wool exported from the province reaching 28 million tons in 2022.
This generated R3.9 billion, with the formerly underdeveloped communal sector exceeding R250 million in annual income.
“To ensure the increased quality and quantity of wool produced by emerging farmers, the department provided 73 new shearing sheds, 81 multipurpose sheds, 72 new dipping tanks, renovation of 248 dipping tanks, and seen shearing sheds,” the department said.
The fenced shearing shed structure with a built-in office and two male and female toilets, includes a 7 425 litre dip plunge, portable small stock handling facilities, wool presser, sorting table, classing bins, and provision of two water harvesting tanks, which will be handed over to the Magwalana Wool Growers’ Association.
The enterprise, which was started in 2010, has 29 members... On top of the R1.1 million investment in the structure, DRDAR also provided training that included understanding of contracts and their sources, managerial expertise and administrative capabilities, business environments and select business opportunities, as well as marketing.
“The farmers have 2 223 sheep that produced 3 778 kg of wool in the previous production season after being sold through BKB in Gqeberha - earning them revenue of R10 95 7500. These returns are expected to rise, since they will be utilising quality equipment and proper structure,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:45
10 Questions answered around the differences between traditional mechanical prepaid water meters and ultrasonic prepaid water meters. Straton Prepaid have been installing prepaid meters since 2012 and receive many different questions around water meters. Below are the 10 most common questions received: What is the difference between mechanical meter and ultrasonic meter? Are ultrasonic water …
The Black Business Council (BBC) congratulates Chief Justice Mandisa Maya on her appointment as the first female Chief Justice of South Africa. The Presidency announced yesterday that Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya would succeed Raymond Zondo, who is set to retire at the end of the month after being the head of judiciary since 2022. …
Deputy President to address BBQ Awards ceremony
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to attend the BBQ Awards ceremony and Gala Dinner in Kempton Park this evening.
The awards ceremony recognises and promotes sustainable black business and transformation by honouring exemplary corporate governance, leadership and achievement in South Africa.
“Over the past two decades, the BBQ Awards have continued to encourage the growth and success of black-owned and black-empowered companies, providing a platform to celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations across 10 categories,” said the Presidency in a statement ahead of Friday’s ceremony.
These categories include the community builder award and the digital transformation award.
Guests at this year's ceremony include Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi; Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commissioner, Tshediso Matona; and Black Business Council (BBC) President, Elias Monage, who will be hosted by the Editor of BBQ Magazine, Professor JJ Tabane.
“Among other things, Deputy President Mashatile leads initiatives to foster partnerships and cooperation amongst a wide spectrum of the South African population to build the economy, empower women and youth, as well as create the necessary atmosphere conducive for the business community to thrive," said the Presidency.
Partners for the BBQ Awards 2024 include Mercedes Benz South Africa, Siyanda Resources, Industrial Development Corporation of SA, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), The Reclamation Group, HER Wine Collection, Sentech, Nedbank, the University of Mpumalanga, and Bonitas Medical Fund, among others.
The ceremony will take place at Emperors Palace. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 12:31
Providing a guaranteed minimum level of income frees people from vicious cycle of poverty, says Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
The Black Business Council (BBC) welcomes the signing into law, by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act. The National Small Enterprise Amendment Act, which amends the National Small Enterprise Act of 1996, establishes the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) through the incorporation of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), …
Johannesburg, South Africa – JR Activate, a 100% black female-owned enterprise, has established itself as a leading force in the event management industry, showcasing an impressive ability to execute events of all scales with precision and creativity. The company’s growing portfolio of high-profile clients and successful events has positioned it as a go-to partner for …
Johannesburg, South Africa – JR Promotions, a leading name in the marketing and promotional industry, has demonstrated significant progress and innovation during the first quarter of 2024. The company’s recent newsletter highlights several key achievements and developments that underscore its commitment to excellence and growth. Job Creation Amidst Economic Challenges In the face of South …