insight for executives on the move
January 2025
2025 awaits
PUBLISHER: Urs Honegger
EDITOR: Bruce Dennill
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SUB-EDITOR: Gina Hartoog
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ISSN 1025-2657
Skyways magazine is published monthly and distributed via Airlink. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission of Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. Copyright © 1994-2024 Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed in Skyways magazine are not necessarily those of Panorama Media Corp or Airlink, and the acceptance and publication of editorial and advertising material in Skyways magazine does not imply any endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described, whether by Skyways magazine or the publishers. Skyways magazine will not be held responsible for the safe return of unsolicited editorial contributions. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted and in appropriate cases to translate into another language. Skyways magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material, which may not suit the standard of the publication, without reason given. Editorial material accepted for publication in Skyways becomes the property of Panorama Media Corp. Executive Briefs, Corporate Briefs, and Knowledge Profiles™ are solicited and paid for advertorial features in this magazine. Skyways magazine is published by Panorama Media Corp on behalf of Airlink.
We all know what a brain looks like. That mushy mass in our heads has been shown hundreds of times in a variety of ways. But you’ve probably never seen it looking like this.
Researchers at Harvard University in the US have imaged these neurons in immense detail, to create a 3D map that covers roughly one millionth of an entire human brain. That means 57,000 cells, 150 million synapses, and a staggering 1,400 terabytes of data.
The tiny fragment of brain you see here came from a 45-year-old woman who underwent surgery to treat epilepsy. It shows the cerebral cortex – an area involved in learning, problem-solving, and sensory signal processing.
The researchers immersed the fragment in preservatives and stained it with heavy metals to make the cells easier to see. They then cut this sample of brain into 5,000 slices, so each piece could be imaged using electron microscopes.
The images were then pieced back together using artificial intelligence to reconstruct the sample as a 3D model, revealing hitherto unknown patterns of connections in the human brain.
This article appears in Very Interesting #80.
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Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) was honoured with the coveted Airport Experience Award at the Airport Honours Award ceremony during the International Airports Summit in Amsterdam.
The award recognises airports that prioritise creating a positive and supportive environment for their employees, with the understanding that a motivated, well-equipped workforce plays a key role in delivering exceptional passenger experiences.
This global accolade celebrates airports that provide their staff with outstanding facilities, growth opportunities, and recognition programmes that foster a culture of excellence.
The accolade comes as ACSA continues to invest in amenities and initiatives that contribute to a positive environment for both staff and travellers, including dedicated employee facilities, comprehensive staff development programmes, and a reward system that recognises exceptional performance.
Source: airports.co.za
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) recently welcomed the official unveiling ceremony of the King Shaka Zulu statue at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) in Durban.
The commissioning and installation of the statue was undertaken by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
The statue stands as a tribute to King Shaka, a formidable leader who played a crucial role in shaping the Zulu nation and its history.
“We believe that the statue will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our airport but also serve as a symbol of pride and heritage for our community,” said Mpumi Mpofu, ACSA CEO. “It is a testament to our commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich culture of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Starting on 28 March 2025, Airlink will offer three weekly flights between Johannesburg and Kinshasa. This service, operated with our Embraer E190 aircraft, will enhance connectivity between South Africa and the DRC.
From 1 April 2025, Airlink will introduce three direct weekly flights between Cape Town and Gaborone, giving customers more convenient travel options between South Africa and Botswana.
Airlink’s Cape Town seasonal service to St Helena returns in December 2024. Customers can now book flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town for a magical holiday in the South Atlantic.
Starting on 3 December 2024, the current Johannesburg–St Helena service will operate on Tuesdays, and from Saturday, 7 December 2024, the seasonal Cape Town–St Helena service will operate on Saturdays until February 2025.
All St Helena flights operate via Walvis Bay in Namibia due to a fuel stop.
In a sleepy village on the fringes of Shanghai, China’s megacity of 25 million people, a hulking green building surrounded by a labyrinth of electric wires and poles stands in contrast with the landscape around it.
This oddly out-of-place building is the Fengxian Converter Station, a hub for receiving electricity that has travelled some 1,900km before it is routed to power Shanghai’s homes, offices, and factories.
At the other end of the transmission line lies the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station in southwest China, which harnesses the energy of the mighty Jinsha River, the upper stretches of the Yangtze River.
The Xiangjiaba–Shanghai transmission link, which went into service in 2010, is one of China’s first ultra-high-voltage (UHV) projects – a technology designed to deliver electricity over long distances.
It spearheaded an era that would see the country build a vast network of UHV infrastructure, dubbed the “bullet trains for power,” to send electricity generated from hydro and coal in remote regions to populous cities.
China now considers these huge power cables key to its rapid buildout of wind and solar power bases, which are concentrated in several far-flung regions.
Source: bbc.com
Ninety-five years after the first visitors travelled to the top of Table Mountain in a wooden cable car, the world-famous Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) is still bustling and providing visitors from near and far with a memory and a lasting experience.
In the years since its official opening (on 4 October 1929), the Cableway has undergone three major upgrades and regular maintenance. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, musician Sting, actor Famke Janssen, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, and singer Kelly Rowland are just some of the famous names who have taken a ride to the top of the mountain.
“A lot has changed since that first trip in 1929, but the Cableway remains one of Cape Town’s biggest tourist attractions, transporting approximately a million visitors annually and counting,” says Selma Hercules, Executive Director for TMACC.
Source: tablemountain.net
Volcanoes were erupting on the mysterious far side of the moon billions of years ago, US and Chinese researchers have found.
Analysis of samples collected by a Chinese mission found basalt (volcanic rock formed after an eruption) fragments dating back more than 4.2 billion years. The findings were published in the Nature and Science journals.
While scientists already knew of volcanic activity on the near side of the moon, which we can see from Earth, the “dark side” is very different in its geology and remains largely unexplored.
The rock and dust samples – the first to be retrieved from the far side of the moon – were collected by the Chang’e-6 spacecraft, following a nearly two-month-long mission that was fraught with risks.
Led by experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, researchers used radiometric dating to determine the age of the volcanic rock. Their analysis also revealed a “surprisingly young” eruption occurred some 2.83 billion years ago, something which has not been found on the near side of the moon.
“This is an incredibly exciting study,” Professor Qiuli Li from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics wrote in a detailed peer review. “It is the first geochronology study to come from the Chang’e-6 samples and will be of immense importance to the lunar and planetary science community.”
Source: bbc.com
It is said that people have not seen an African finfoot until they have seen its feet.
Recently, a boatload of tourists was treated to a special sighting after a cruise in the Blyde River Canyon. We had completed our cruise and were docking when my wife noticed what she thought were a pair of ducks on the opposite side of the river.
I immediately stood and examined them more closely and informed the boat crew that a pair of special birds were swimming along the river’s edge – a special sighting indeed.
Nearest Airlink Airport: Hoedspruit
Source: sacrp.org
Text and photography: Dr Bob Graham
Just 30 minutes down the road from the sleepy town of Hazyview and 5km from the Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger Gate lies one of South Africa’s most lucrative property investment opportunities.
Elephant Point’s upcoming River Suites development broke ground in 2024 and is fast on its way to claiming its title as the Greater Kruger area’s most prestigious hotel.
The reserve will now feature – in addition to its existing villa collection – 60 privately owned hotel suites, each boasting the amenities and luxuries of an exclusive mini-villa experience.
Sized at over 200m² – each comprising two luxurious en-suite rooms, a chef’s prep kitchen, their own living/dining area, firepit, swimming pool, and private rooftop terrace – the suites have been designed with sustainability top of mind. And, with only a few still available to purchase, they are highly desirable lifestyle assets, which come with many investment benefits for their owners.
According to a recent article on BizCommunity, there is a trend among South Africa’s affluent demographic to invest in second homes within eco and wildlife estates. There is also a significant demand for private accommodation, particularly within the Greater Kruger Conservancy, from both local and foreign visitors.
This, coupled with the fact that Elephant Point has been voted one of the top three wildlife estates to invest in for two years in a row, makes for a convincing investment case.
“Starting from R8.3m (excluding VAT), the River Suites are due to open in mid-2025 and are an absolute must investment for bush lovers looking to own a piece of the Greater Kruger area. Not only will investors be acquiring an appreciating asset, but their suite will form part of a managed rental pool, which will in turn earn them consistent monthly returns,” says Sales and Marketing Manager, Ewan Dykes.
Set on 295ha of private reserve, Elephant Point River Suites will be fully managed by the esteemed Legacy Hotel Group, meaning all the administration of owning a remote property is taken care of for you.
The hotel will also feature a clubhouse, gym, day spa, restaurant, padel courts, and kids’ entertainment facilities. Guests can also enjoy private game drives into Kruger, nature walks on the estate, and private chef experiences from the comfort of their own suites.
To secure your stand at Elephant Point, chat to Ewan Dykes on 083 755 8944 or email him at edykes@magicb.co.za. For more information on the Elephant Point reserve, visit www.ElephantPoint.co.za.
Don’t delay. Your slice of Kruger awaits.
Text and Photography | Supplied
Luxury Tented Camp brings together human visitors and the wild beauties of the bush
While old-fashioned camping holds little to no allure for many travellers, glamping is sure to tick all the creature comfort boxes. The Oxford dictionary definition – ‘a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping’ – is an understatement when staying at Machaba Safaris’s Kiri Camp on the western fringes of the Okavango Delta.
Here is the clincher from that definition – ‘glamping is likely to satisfy any city slicker seeking a little refuge in nature – without foregoing any of life’s luxuries’.
At just over two years old, the camp is still in its infancy relative to some of its competition, but it works like a well-oiled machine. Set in a 12,000ha private concession, the camp is an eco-luxe lodge that hosts a maximum of 24 guests in 10 contemporary ‘tents’. The only part of the structure is the exterior, though, as the interiors are dreamy spaces with a large bedroom, several seating places, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a freestanding outdoor bath.
Giant jackalberry trees frame the way to a memorable stay with jaw-dropping vistas over the floodplains and the seasonal Kiri channel.
Playing favourites
Following the spoiling of a delectable high tea, we depart on our afternoon game drive. Guide Nthobatsang, better known as Tops, heads in an easterly direction and almost straightaway, his favourite animals appear, as if on cue.
“Ah, my bush flowers!” he exclaims, pointing to a large herd of impalas in the distance. “I love them. They are such reliable friends. They are always there for me; they raise the alarm to tell me where the cats are, and they are innocent-looking and really pretty.”
Point taken. They are doe-eyed, and those lashes – no mascara needed there.
Much to Tops’s horror, we find two impalas that have become meals for both leopard and wild dogs, and he pauses to “pass my condolences on to the family.”
Whenever he sees something moving in the bush that he cannot quite identify, he will look through his binoculars and when it’s a non-sighting, he calls it “another ALT – animal-looking thing.” His sense of humour is contagious.
Sitting under the shade of a tree, he finds Mosasankegi – translated from Setswana, it means ‘Wonder Girl’. This striking lioness with golden eyes has a fascinating story, which Tops is keen to share.
“She wasn’t behaving like normal lions do,” he says. “She lost her family while she was still young. She hunts at midday, unlike other lions. Alone since she was 18 months old, it’s a year later, and she has grown up enough and is able to fend for herself, hunting baboons, warthogs, and zebras.”
Gathering place
In front of the lodge and between some of the tents, herds of elephants make their way to the watering hole that seems to be a favourite place to quench their thirst.
Pandemonium erupts when different ‘families’ meet, with loud trumpeting and low-frequency rumbles. Moving past the tents, it is a bit of a downward slope to the water, and the majority of them break into a fast trot before either slamming on brakes on the shore or wading into the water with a noisy whooshing sound.
As a female and her tiny calf arrive at the waterhole, the calf gets separated from its mom, but there is no big concern as it gently interacts with other elephants a little larger than itself. Steering clear of the very big ones, it eventually gets reunited with its mother, much to the relief of both.
It is fascinating being privy to the verbal and non-verbal communication between these gentle giants. It turns into a splish-splash kind of affair, and once they have immersed themselves in mud, with some rolling around in it to make the most of the cooling effects of the natural sunscreen, they indulge in a post-bath dust sprinkling.
On the first morning’s game drive, Tops goes in search of lions. Not too far from the lodge, he discovers fresh tracks in the sand. A soft female voice is suddenly audible over the two-way radio. Knowing that there are no female guides at Kiri Camp, interest is immediately piqued.
Tops explains that the female voice is that of Princess, one of the waitrons, and she just saw either a cheetah or a leopard right in front of the lodge, so we’re making our way back to the starting point of our game drive.
Picking up his binoculars, Tops scans the area and gets very excited when he discovers that it is indeed a leopard!
He is beautiful, young, shy, and skittish when we find him on the side of a termite mound. He wants to run away, but his need to drink water overtakes his yearning to make a dash for it.
An elephant is also making strides towards the watering hole and with a scene straight out of David and Goliath, we wonder if one of them will give way. But they make a plan, with both lapping up the water on opposite sides of the waterhole.
David, aka the leopard, is keeping a close eye on Goliath the elephant, and once he has had his fill, the cat hotfoots it out of the area.
Goliath seems rather perturbed by his new friend’s sudden departure, as though he was attempting to teach him the finer etiquette of taking in water without wasting a single drop.
Text and photography | Heléne Ramackers
For more information or to book a stay, go to machabasafaris.com.
Heléne Ramackers’ flights between Cape Town and Maun on Airlink were sponsored by Journeys By Design (journeysbydesign.com).
And there she was. The hairiest, oldest and smallest mother of two I had ever encountered. Her name was Gremlin, and she was relaxed despite being completely naked. We were deep in the equatorial forests of Gombe National Park in northwestern Tanzania – and Gremlin was a chimpanzee.
Some of just a few thousand chimps left in the wild, Gremlin and her children were gambolling on the forest floor, all eyes, long arms and fascinatingly flat faces, going about their daily forage.
Gombe is as famous for its chimps as it is for their custodian for nearly 40 years, British primatologist Dr Jane Goodall. Her discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools is still considered one of the greatest achievements of 20th-century scholarship.
To be honest, my friend Hugh and I hadn’t planned on seeing the chimps. I’d been keener to see gorillas, but that proved to be prohibitively expensive at over R20,000 per person for a morning. Then we’d bumped into a dear British couple at the beach lodge we were staying at, and they’d urged us to see the chimps. They had just returned, flushed with excitement at the profundity of gazing into the eyes of our closest living relatives.
We went with gorilla-lite and hired a local motorboat plus driver – at fair expense – to get to Gombe National Park. We passed the busy port of Kigoma, Tanzania’s northernmost town on the lake, and against a backdrop of gorgeous forest-clad mountains, passed a string of lakeshore fishing villages.
Lake Tanganyika – and all the African Great Lakes – is at its highest level in more than 80 years, so there are fewer beaches and places to jetty. But we got to Gombe, paid for our chimp trek and met our guide, Isiah.
Gombe was one of the last places on earth to see chimps in the wild, said Isiah, who has been working here for 14 years. And when we saw them, we would need to be totally quiet and wear masks to prevent any disease transmission.
Moving on up
At Gombe, the only way is up. So we climbed straight up and into the deep forest. It was steep and humid, and, in some parts, we had to cling to vines and clamber over mossy boulders. We saw red and white colobus monkeys, vervets and olive baboons. We saw waterfalls and rivers, amazing views and tropical creepers decorating the ancient trees. But there wasn’t a chimp in sight.
It was late; they were too far away, and we would try again in the morning, said Isiah, bravely managing our expectations. We clambered dismally down the slopes.
“This might be the most expensive hike we’ve ever been on,” said Hugh.
Later, we drank some warm beers and ate the scrawniest chicken meal ever. It was cooked outside under the trees where a snake was also hanging out. Things were not looking good.
We set out again the following morning, my knees audibly creaking as I cursed Hugh, who pranced about like a klipspringer. We headed up into the forests, then sideways into deep jungle, then up again, then sideways, then up. And then all the way back down again at speed. The trackers had radioed to say they had spotted the chimps.
We finally reached the trackers, a team of researchers and a group of Panamanian tour guides we’d met several days earlier in a remote village called Sitaleke.
Then we saw the chimps. Gremlin and her babies came down from the trees and started moving slowly across the forest floor. Here were our closest living relatives, with whom we share 99% of our DNA.
“When man in times of need seeks deeper knowledge concerning himself,” wrote the late South African anthropologist Robert Ardrey, “he must explore those animal horizons from which we have made our quick little march.”
Isiah quietly explained how Gremlin was the oldest mother on chimp record and how she was part of one of several troops on Gombe. Gremlin knew Jane Goodall and still recognised her when she last visited a few months back.
Famous visitor
Goodall first came to Gombe as a 26-year-old.
“Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars and her fascination with wildlife, she braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives.”
So says the Jane Goodall Institute’s website, which continues to raise awareness about the plight of the chimps.
The little more that she was equipped with, however, was bananas. On the walls of the small museum (which was once Goodall’s camp), there is a fascinating explanation of how bananas were used to establish the first relationships with the chimps and how this then had to be managed as the chimps found ever-resourceful ways to steal the bananas.
Much later, with full hearts, we chugged away from Gombe in our small boat back to Jakobsens Beach Lodge. We made quick use of their cold beer delivery service and chatted to two boisterous brothers from Uruguay who had been travelling for a decade around the world on public transport. We also met the resident zebra, who was intent on giving Hugh a love bite.
That night we watched the sun set over the lake.
We were now more than three weeks into our Epic Road Trip, 3,000km from home and blissing out on unfamiliarity. The architecture, the people, the language, the scenery, the currency and even the time zone had changed.
In Kigoma, tuk-tuks and motorbikes were the main form of public transport. And Tanzania has a Muslim woman president!
It was absolutely fabulous; that delicious time in a traveller’s heart where there was no real past or future.
Text and photography | Bridget Hilton-Barber
For more information, go to newsite.kigomabeach.com, janegoodall.org and tanzaniaparks.go.tz.
The Epic Road Trip was sponsored by ClemenGold Gin.
Kenyan game lodge is a dream for both visitors and its owners
“I had a farm in Africa…”
These timeless words, famously penned by Danish writer Isak Denison in 1937, resonate irrefutably with a first glimpse of the intimate Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm.
Nestled on the banks of the Mbagathi River on the southern boundary of Kenya’s Nairobi National Park, new arrivals cross a footbridge over the flowing water and, meandering along the garden path, arrive at the main lodge area.
The homestead, arising phoenix-like after many years of being run down, stands regally elevated from the lawn, swimming pool and umbrella-shaded wooden tables, all of which offer unparalleled views over the landscape of the national park.
The lodge is owned and run by Australian couple Craig and Joanna Chapman. They first visited Kenya on a family holiday in 2007 and promptly fell in love with the country. Craig was back a year later, assigned to find land for a charity, which is how he stumbled across the then dilapidated property. And as it turned out, the charity, unlike Craig, wasn’t keen on the place. Instantly realising its potential, Craig and Joanna put in an offer that was accepted and, for their family, the rest is history.
“To be honest,” Joanna says, “I was dead against it all when Craig first told me about his plans to buy the land. I realised that this was a dramatic decision that would completely change our lives and those of our three sons, who were in boarding school in Queensland. Today, we jokingly refer to that period as ‘Craig’s midlife crisis’!”
Craig had farmed most of his life, but the couple also had extensive involvement in the hospitality business. Shortly after graduating from university, Craig and Joanna opened their own restaurant, called Joanna’s, which proved wildly popular and quickly became the town’s hotspot at which to eat and be seen. Apart from farming, Craig and his brother also opened a butchery, so the restaurant proved to be the final link – and this in the days before ‘paddock to plate’ became a thing.
Joanna’s experience in studying furniture and interior design in Sydney and opening a delicatessen called The Little Deli in 1992 taught her a huge amount about food and menu development, which is evident in Ololo’s beautifully prepared and plated gourmet meals.
Unexpected visitors
It took seven long years to renovate, decorate and repurpose the old homestead into a thriving East African safari lodge. In 2011, the Kenyan Wildlife Service approved plans to build a suspension bridge across the Mbagathi River to allow Ololo direct access to the park and finally, in early 2016, the lodge opened its doors to the public.
With the profusion of wildlife as direct neighbours, there are many stories to tell.
“At dawn one morning, a large hyena walked up the garden path, right past a large group of guests, who we were leaving with our guide to catch an early flight,” Joanna says. “Fortunately, they didn’t see the hyena in that light. Unperturbed, our front-of-house manager, Lemmy, managed to shoo the hyena away just as the animal was about to walk into the open restaurant.
As it backed off, the hyena fell straight into the swimming pool! It swam the length of the pool, then clambered out and disappeared into the bush.
“And just recently, a lioness and three cubs came up the bridge to find the lodge garden full of lunch guests. We were frantically trying to get everyone up onto the terrace, but many guests ignored us and ran down the path to take pictures with their phones! Fortunately, there were no incidents and the Kenya Wildlife Rangers, once called, made sure the lioness and her cubs went back down across the suspension bridge into the park.”
Close to the action
The charming accommodation, with each room individually designed and decorated, ranges from the farm’s old, converted stables and safari-style tented cottages under makuti thatch to two family cottages and two original suites – the Tower and Terrace Suite – in the main house of the lodge.
The Tower Suite, as its name suggests, is reached by climbing a set of stairs to gain access to the room. Opening the door to the private balcony reveals spectacular views over the national park.
Considering its close proximity to the sprawling city of Nairobi, this 117km² national park, with its open rolling savannah plains, valleys, acacia woodland and a series of steep gorges, is home to an astonishing variety of large mammals, including lion, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, black rhino, leopard, jackal, serval cats and cheetah. Over 530 species of birds have been recorded.
The following morning, we enjoy early morning coffee on our little balcony and watch the sun rise over the park. A group of impalas is beautifully illuminated.
Ololo is a wildly secluded and spectacularly tranquil location, only a 45-minute drive through the park from Nairobi and both the city’s main airports.
Text and photography | Fransje Van Riel
For more information or to book a stay, go to ololo.com.
Known as The Kiffness, musician David Scott embraces the persona that has made him a global phenomenon
When and where did your love for music originate?
The Kiffness: My mother played classical music to me in the womb and, as a young boy, some of my earliest memories are those of sitting in my cot, listening to Handel’s Water Music. I would make stories about what was going on as the music would play. I would say the love came pretty early on.
You were born David Scott. How did the stage name The Kiffness come about?
It was around the time that Die Antwoord were taking off internationally in 2010. I had started to play with potential stage names, and I thought it was pretty cool that a local act with a uniquely Afrikaans name had garnered such a big following. I knew I could also come up with a name that is uniquely South African. I had a few other options like ‘Julia’s Dilemma’ and ‘Impala Parlour’, but ‘kiff’ was always a word I used throughout high school, so I felt it would be pretty kiff to call the project The Kiffness.
You’re renowned for doing parodies with cats, politicians and more. What goes into that?
It’s difficult to explain a process that has no formula. Each project is different. All I know is that the process is the prize and anything else that happens after the creative process is a distraction.
The parodies have been something that have always come naturally to me, for better or worse. Apart from singing How Great Thou Fart in chapel, the first parody I made was in high school when I was put in charge of interhouse music. I adapted The Beachboy’s hit Surfing USA to Surfing RSA. I enjoyed the process, but never thought much of this gift I had until COVID struck.
I realised everyone in the world was going through the same thing and, with all that time on my hands, I decided it would be cool to make parodies about COVID and what we were all going through. It received such a great response that I decided to do more. When our government started making crazy decisions during the lockdown, the parodies soon turned into political satire. It was fun for a while, but it got to a point where it wasn’t fun anymore.
I was receiving death threats and the media was reporting lies about me, so I gave it a break and turned to remixing random videos I found on the internet. Those got an even better response, and it was refreshing to make videos where the comments were all united in positivity, as opposed to the parodies, which often divided opinion.
You seem to like cats – do you have any of your own?
Yes, I adopted my booking agent’s cat when she emigrated to Dubai. Funnily enough, it was around the same time that we took her on that I did my first cat remix. I think the feline energy that she brought into the house inspired me.
How often do you collaborate with your wife on songs?
She had no choice during lockdown. She was locked in the same flat as me. Now that we have a baby boy, she’s more of a full-time mom and I have my own studio, which is separate from the rest of the house, so not nearly as often. But if I beg her, she sometimes joins me.
Which instruments do you play, and do you have a favourite?
I play a few: piano, drums, guitar, bass and trumpet. There is no favourite. It’s like asking a parent who their favourite child is. But, if I had to choose, I’d go with my first love – the piano.
Which of your songs has been the biggest hit?
I think It’s A Beautiful Day featuring Rushawn has been the biggest. It made it to number two on the global viral charts on Spotify with over 40 million streams. Ievan Polkka featuring Bilal Göregen was also a big one, with over 65 million hits on YouTube.
You’ve toured globally and we’d love to hear some of the highlights.
There are too many, but one that sticks out is playing at the Troubadour Theatre in California. It’s an iconic venue that has hosted the likes of Elton John, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison and Neil Diamond. It felt great knowing that I’ve played on the same stage as many of my heroes. You can really feel the history in the room.
What did you and Whoopi Goldberg talk about when you met her?
When my manager told me Whoopi was at the show in New York, I thought he was pulling my leg. But after the show, he met me backstage and said, “There’s someone here to meet you,” and it was her. I couldn’t believe it.
I remember she told me how she doesn’t sleep much and so she was up late one night scrolling through YouTube and she happened to come across a remix I did with some Mongolian throat singers. She’s big into Mongolian group The Hu, so the algorithm must have suggested my video as a result. Anyway, she explained how she liked my video and went down The Kiffness rabbit hole and started watching all my animal remixes. She also talked about how she got to become quite close with Mandela during the time she was shooting Sarafina and how much she loves South Africa.
I don’t actually remember much about what I said – I think I was too starstruck.
Text | Heléne Ramackers
Photography | Tyler Walker
Follow The Kiffness on YouTube: @TheKiffness
New beauty trend could potentially change the nature of skin – not just how it is cared for
Epigenetics is the study of how genes can be switched on or off based on external influences. Gene expression is largely shaped by factors like environment, diet, stress levels and skin products. Where skincare is concerned, epigenetics looks at how lifestyle choices, from sun exposure to stress, contribute to the ageing of skin.
These external stressors cause DNA damage that accelerates the ageing process, resulting in wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity. But you can encourage your skin to behave younger by switching certain genes on or off.
The idea is to create products that go beyond surface-level fixes. Instead of just addressing the symptoms of ageing, epigenetic skincare products target the root cause: the DNA damage itself. Beauty brands are now formulating products with ingredients that can activate or suppress certain genes related to ageing. This could mean fewer wrinkles, better skin texture or even the slowing of pigment production that causes age spots.
Future investment
This isn’t just a niche innovation. Major beauty players are diving into epigenetic skincare. Large companies are investing heavily in research that explores how ingredients like peptides, antioxidants and even plant extracts can influence gene expression and promote youthful skin. These advancements are changing the game, making it possible for skincare products to influence how skin ages at a cellular level.
Here’s the truly exciting part: epigenetic skincare isn’t just about reversing signs of ageing; it’s about preventing them. By using these cutting-edge products, users are not just treating existing wrinkles or dark spots but are actually addressing the underlying causes of these issues and keeping them from happening in the first place. Imagine your skincare routine working not just to hydrate or protect but to literally rewire your skin’s future. Pretty wild, right?
As biohacking continues to rise in popularity, more breakthroughs in epigenetic skincare are expected. What does this mean for users? In the not-too-distant future, you could have access to products that tweak your skin’s DNA in ways that make it more resilient, healthier and, yes, even younger. The possibilities are endless and incredibly exciting.
Text | Nicole Sherwin
Photography | Shutterstock AI
Nicole Sherwin is founder of Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare. For more information, go to ecodiva.co.za.
Mark life-changing decisions with accessories worthy of the moment.
In Ancient Rome, women wore rings of ivory, flint, bone, copper and iron to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience to men. It wasn’t until 850 CE that the engagement ring was given an official meaning, with Pope Nicholas I declaring that this piece of jewellery represented a man’s intent to marry.
The Cape Town Diamond Museum adds that it wasn’t until 1477 that the first diamond appeared on an engagement ring, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a stone setting shaped like the letter ‘M’.
In the 15th Century, engagement rings began to embody the symbolism of intertwined unity that we think of today. This is when gimmel rings, or rings comprised of three connected bands, began to surge in popularity. Each piece would begin as individual bands, one worn by each half of the engaged couple, and then, on the wedding day, the two bands would be connected with a third (the wedding band) and be worn by the new bride as her wedding ring set.
Posy rings – baubles that were intricately engraved and hid inscriptions of love poetry on the inside of the band – quickly followed suit as a popular design, with couples exchanging both silver and gold iterations during their ceremonies. Diamond baubles didn’t become popular until 1947, when De Beers launched an advertising campaign. With the help of Hollywood stars and the slogan ‘A diamond is forever’, diamond engagement rings skyrocketed in popularity.
In recent years, there has been a shift in engagement ring preferences, with people now opting for coloured gemstones and rings made out of unique materials. There has also been a huge rise in lab-grown stones for those searching for an alternative, affordable and eco-conscious option. But even with the recent evolution in aesthetics, engagement rings are likely to remain a symbol of everlasting love.
Stones to seek
There are a number of popular alternatives to diamonds. Moissanite strongly resembles diamond but comes in at a fraction of the price and is almost as durable. Moissanites are versatile and have an amazing sparkle. Light blue aquamarine stones are an elegant, fresh choice. Part of the beryl family, aquamarine has a similar internal makeup as emeralds and morganites. They have a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8, so diamonds and sapphires would scratch them, and the stones may need to be polished over the years.
Emeralds come in at about 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Ultimately, the best emerald colour to seek out is neither too deep nor too light – look for one that’s highly transparent. Morganite is a pink stone that almost resembles the ultra-luxe pink diamond. Rubies are the gemstone of love and come in a range of shades from deep pink to red, making a beautiful contrast when paired with white and yellow metals. Rubies are also durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Sapphires are another elegant option that come in a range of different shades. These gemstones are one of the hardest diamond alternative stones and are ideal for everyday wear. Considerably less expensive than a diamond, you can get a large amethyst for a budget-friendly price. An important thing to keep in mind with an amethyst, though, is that it’s delicate and could get damaged more easily.
Beautiful, milky white opals have an interesting iridescence to them. However, they are soft and porous. With prolonged wear, you will likely experience chips and scratches, and the stone may change colour over time. Topaz is a gemstone that comes in an array of hues, from yellow and orange to blue and green. To the naked eye, it looks similar to a natural diamond. It’s an 8 on the Mohs scale and needs to be properly handled when worn and stored.
Personal taste
Wedding bands predate engagement rings (dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek times) and were founded as a physical representation of love and devotion within a relationship. White gold is by far the most popular metal for wedding bands and engagement rings, but additional hues, such as yellow gold, rose gold, platinum and palladium, have also increased in popularity.
When selecting a metal, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and the other pieces of jewellery you wear. For instance, most brides choose to select the same metal used in their engagement rings for their wedding bands. And if you work with your hands, consider a stronger metal such as tungsten or platinum, which are able to withstand continuous wear and tear.
Many couples utilise the addition of stones and gems to make their wedding bands unique. From vintage art deco designs to stars and florals, there are endless ways to make the metal on your band a work of art. Keep in mind that intricate etching is more likely to trap dirt, and any additional designs (or engraving on the inside) will add to the final price.
Ranging from 1-8mm+, the width of your band is arguably one of the biggest choices you’ll have to make. Men typically prefer a wedding band between 4mm and 7mm, while the choice for women varies, with younger generations preferring skinnier, daintier bands. In general, though, most brides opt to match the width of their wedding bands to that of their engagement rings.
Whether you long for a more textured look found in stone, brush, matte, hammered or sandblast, or you prefer a satin or high polish, a finish is a final touch that will truly make your band your own.
Text | Sean Granger
Photography | Prostock-studio, Aleona
Sean Granger is the General Manager at Granny Mouse.
For more information, go to grannymouse.co.za.
It’s possible to control plant pests with helpful homemade remedies.
Instead of reaching for toxic chemical products to control garden pests, go for the sensible option and use natural remedies to keep plants free of bugs.
Pop a clove of garlic into a blender, add a cup of water and puree until finely blended. Place in a spray bottle and fill up with water. Shake well and spray onto plants. Garlic acts as a deterrent, encouraging insects to move on to more appetising plants.
Next time you plant vegetables, crush a couple of eggshells, not too finely, and add them to the bottom of the hole. The sharp edges will deter cutworms, and crushed shells around the stems of plants will deter slugs and snails.
Snails and slugs also dislike sand, lime and ashes, so the next time you have a wood braai, apply ash to the base of plants that are under threat.
Diatomaceous earth has sharp surfaces that cut through insects’ cuticles. Diatomaceous earth kills slugs, snails and ants and should only be applied to problem areas to avoid killing worms and similar garden-healthy occupants.
There’s nothing like manure for boosting growth and flower production. By adding nutrients to the soil, you increase the strength of the plant, and a healthy plant has a better chance at fighting off disease.
To rid your plants of aphids and whiteflies, fill up a spray bottle with water and a tablespoon of peppermint castile soap. You can also try placing a few dried banana skins just below the surface around your rose bushes. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which is a vital nutrient for gardens. They also attract birds and butterflies, so be sure to hang some on a bird feeder.
Repel and attract
Plants with strongly aromatic leaves generally repel insects and can be interplanted with veggies or flowers. Other plants release chemicals from their roots that suppress or repel pests and protect neighbouring plants. For example, marigolds release thiophene, a nematode repellent.
Then there are plants that provide a beneficial habitat for predators like ladybirds, praying mantis and spiders that help keep pest populations in check. Insect-repelling plants for specific pests include:
To attract beneficial bugs and bees, there are a number of options, too. Basil, in all its forms, produces spikes of flowers that attract bees. They particularly like perennial pink basil. Bergamot bears beautiful pink-red flowers in summer that attract bees. Grow it in rich soil and water it well.
Lemon balm is also known as bee balm because bees love its small white flowers. Coriander that is allowed to flower will attract butterflies and bees, while its strong-tasting leaves are loathed by aphids.
Yarrow flowers attract parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which are beneficial predators. And fennel acts as a trap crop for beetles and aphids but also attracts ladybirds.
Text | Sean Granger
Photography | Lyashenko Egor
Sean Granger is General Manager of Granny Mouse.
For more information, go to grannymouse.co.za.
Billionaire businessman recalls facing his addiction to painkillers in his memoir, Slaying The Dragon.
The Crash
As I lean into the corner at a speed of 150km/h, I realise I am coming in far too hot. The barrier looms large.
A feeling of inevitability engulfs me. I know I am going to crash. I lift my bike, aiming to run off the track, and I squeeze the front brake in a desperate attempt to slow down and wash the bike out. Then my body hits the gravel, but at this stage, it’s too late. I can’t avoid sliding into the barrier. In a freak accident, my 200kg Ducati Panigale roars in behind me and crashes into my back.
In a split second, everything changes. I know I’m not dead, but I am well and truly done for.
The fifth stage of the Battle of the Twins superbike series took place at Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town between 22 and 24 March 2018. On my first practice lap, I already had a sinking feeling – if not quite a premonition. I’d never ridden on this track before, never mind competed on it. It’s renowned for its hairpin bends and super-high-speed straights.
As the only competitor from Johannesburg, I was at a disadvantage competing against all these Capetonian racers who were used to the layout of their home track. But that wasn’t going to discourage – let alone deter – me. In fact, it made me even more determined to compete. I’d always been an adrenaline junkie, a lover of taking risks, so I was up for the challenge.
I’d started racing superbikes seriously only three years earlier, at the ripe ‘old’ age of 38. I loved the feeling of power and freedom that these machines gave me. Years earlier, I’d bought my first superbike at the age of 21 – a Kawasaki ZX-6R that I’d only ever ridden on the road. But as soon as I got married to my wife, Nicole, at the tender age of 23, I traded my bike for a pram. Once our son, Dino, arrived just a month after we’d tied the knot, there was no money for bikes and messing around.
My life had changed a lot since then, and my insurance and property businesses were flourishing. I was the CEO of IUM, the largest independently owned underwriting management agency in southern Africa. For kicks, I’d become serious about bikes again. Over the previous two years, I’d been racing competitively and was doing quite well. I’d won a few races and come second in the championship the year before.
Dino, who was 16 years old back in 2018, had inherited my need for speed – and just like me, he’d also developed a passion for bikes. The weekend in Cape Town was going to be a special bonding time for the two of us, as we were competing in separate races at the notorious Killarney racetrack.
In the back of my mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being slightly worried. I’d only had a couple of practice sessions and was struggling to learn the track in time for the race.
Race day arrived on Saturday, 24 March, and we were allocated one last warm-up session before the main race began. I wasn’t feeling confident that I had mastered the track with my brake markers and turning-in points, and I asked my friend Morne to come out with me. He knew the course like the back of his hand and had raced in the elite GP series. I wanted to ride behind him and follow his lines as he took the corners. (In racing, it’s called a tow.) So, off we went.
After about five corners on the first warm-up lap, Morne was already about 15 to 20 bike lengths ahead of me. I decided to go all out to try to catch up to him before I got to the double right-hand turn onto the high-speed main straight. I made up some of the distance, but I soon realised I had left my braking far too late. As much as I tried, I couldn’t brake hard enough.
As I leaned into the corner at a hell of a speed, I knew I was going to crash. I came off my bike and hit the barrier, and then I felt the weight of my beloved Ducati crashing into me. Seconds later, a burning pain pierced my chest. At first, I thought I’d broken a couple of ribs when I hit the barrier, but almost immediately the pain moved from my chest into my back. It was like something sliced right through me.
In retrospect, what probably saved me from being completely paralysed for life was that I didn’t lose consciousness when I crashed. As the marshals rushed towards me to move me off the track so that the main race could start, I remember saying, “Don’t move me. Call the ambulance and bring a back brace.”
Text | Antonio Iozzo
Photography | Supplied
Slaying the Dragon by Antonio Iozzo is available now. For more information, go to slayingthedragon.co.za
Instilling a love for learning in young children can set them up for a rich, fulfilling life.
As parents consider the best path for their child’s development, early childhood education and care stand out as essential building blocks for future success. Early learning has a profound impact on a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development.
Learning begins at birth, and the experiences children have in their early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Tapping into a child’s natural curiosity through structured learning and social interaction can offer remarkable benefits.
Early childhood care and education provide numerous developmental advantages beyond the classroom. From literacy and numeracy skills to nurturing independence and social interaction, the advantages of early learning experiences are transformative.
Early exposure to a structured curriculum helps children easily grasp fundamental concepts like letters and numbers. A well-designed early education programme ensures that children build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, essential for future academic success. Being introduced to a world outside of their home environment allows children to develop independence. They learn to explore, solve problems and make decisions in a safe and supportive setting.
Connect with community
Early learning centres provide valuable opportunities for children to socialise with their peers. Socialisation is critical for children as they learn the basics of teamwork, co-operation and empathy through interactions with other children of the same age. Encouraging teachers play a significant role in helping children feel seen and heard. When a child’s contribution is valued, their confidence and self-esteem grow. Children should feel empowered to express themselves.
A structured daily routine helps children feel secure and in control of their environment. Knowing what to expect throughout the day supports emotional wellbeing and helps children manage transitions more smoothly.
Early childhood education cultivates a positive relationship with learning by making learning enjoyable and stimulating. When children develop a love for learning early on, they become eager to explore new ideas and challenges throughout their lives.
Such education introduces children to a diverse world. They meet peers and educators from various cultural, religious and social backgrounds, helping them appreciate diversity and fostering a sense of unity in difference. Exposure to diversity from a young age allows children to develop a global mindset, which is invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
The holistic benefits of early childhood education cannot be overstated. Children develop crucial life skills, improve their academic readiness and build strong social connections, all within an environment that encourages play-based learning.
Text | Ursula Assis
Photography | Business Images
Ursula Assis is Country Director of Dibber International Preschools.
For more information, go to dibber.co.za
Consider a footcare regime along with your other regular rituals.
Hot weather and open shoes mean it’s a good time to focus on foot health. Start by giving your feet a good exfoliation to get rid of all the dead skin cells. Before exfoliating, soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes to counter any dryness and damage.
Then, lightly scrub your heels with a pumice soak, cleaning and drying your feet thoroughly afterwards – especially between the toes. An alternative to the pumice stone is combining the Epsom salts with some olive oil to make a paste that can be rubbed over the feet.
In the evenings, before going to bed, it’s a good idea to apply moisturiser or petroleum jelly to your feet to help lock in natural moisture. Once the moisturiser has been applied, slip some socks on if it’s a cool evening; otherwise, bare feet are fine. This should help prevent cracked heels and toes.
Toe the line
Treat yourself to an at-home pedicure to get your toes ready for open footwear. Cutting toenails is important, but you need to ensure that you’re cutting them properly or you could risk painful ingrown toenails and other footcare concerns. Use good-quality clippers and cut your nails straight across, leaving them long enough for the corners to lie loosely against the skin on the sides. Don’t cut them too short, round the edges or cut them into a V-shape.
While you’re busy with your at-home pedicure, take some time to check that your toenails haven’t thickened or changed in colour. If they have, this could be an indication of a fungal infection that needs to be treated by a medical professional. A good way to prevent such fungal infections is by keeping your feet clean and dry. Add foot powder to your feet and shoes, as this absorbs the sweat and kills the microorganisms that result in fungal infections, leaving you fresh, dry and odour-free.
Shoes must be comfortable, but this doesn’t mean they must be completely worn and tattered. If they are, it may be time to treat yourself to some new shoes that pamper your feet. Remember, they mustn’t squash your toes, as this can cause corns and calluses.
Text | Lynsey Hammond
Photography | Pixel-Shot
Lynsey Hammond is MD of Kroko. For more information, visit kroko.co.za.
South African-born Nick Honeyman has earned a Michelin star for his seasonal restaurant in the South of France.
You were born and raised in South Africa and left to pursue your culinary career at the age of 18. What are your fondest childhood memories?
Nick Honeyman: One of my first ever food memories was going to the butcher in Hout Bay every week with my grandfather. I am a sucker for dried and cured meats and already, at age two, had a strong addiction to droëwors. This continued through my childhood, and fortunately, my neighbours and also my best friend’s father were avid hunters and had a garage stocked year-round with wors, biltong and that almost-too-salty but ever-addictive dried fish, bokkoms.
What smell or taste immediately takes you back to your childhood?
The smell of puff pastry takes me back instantly to a Shoprite Checkers pie. South Africa was definitely ahead of the game 30 years ago with these little beauties.
Your culinary journey started in Sydney. What was that experience like?
Moving to a new country alone was daunting and part of the reason why I was so motivated at work. It was my workplace and new social life all rolled into one. I walked straight into 60-hour-plus weeks, so there was not much down time and little time to be homesick, but I loved it and slowly fell in love with Sydney at the same time.
Then on to Tokyo?
I have been fortunate enough to work for kind and motivated chefs – all of whom gave me contacts to further my career. My chef in Sydney was Japanese and gave me a contact to go to Tokyo for a short stage, and from there the next step was France. Tokyo was incredible. I was humbled by the Japanese work ethic. I was used to long gruelling hours, but I was out of my depth compared to their dedication. It was lonely at times, as I did not speak any Japanese, and back then there was no Google Translate. This left me a lot of time to think and reflect and hone my future ambitions.
And finally, the food capital of the world, Paris. Why?
Paris was a connection with a former chef. Any place that I could get my foot in the door overseas – I was there. Terrified but eager and ready to go. It had always been my dream to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant in France. L’astrance was a 20-seat, 3-Michelin-star restaurant tucked away behind the Eiffel Tower, producing food well ahead of the game. Every day was equally nerve-racking and inspiring, so I knew I was in the right place.
How long did it take you to become a world-class chef – in your words – “a burning passion for cooking”?
Those are kind words – I don’t think I would ever use them myself. I still view myself as a passionate cook trying to learn and progress each day. I have been cooking for more than 20 years now, and in the last few years, I’ve found real peace in the kitchen. The first years are tough. They rush past you as you’re being beaten into shape. My only advice is to choose people you admire and keep your head down and your mouth shut. These years are essential building blocks for you later on to manage stress and command a team. After 10 years in the kitchen, you start to develop your own food philosophy and ideas. You then need to start surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and will follow your vision.
Congratulations on your Michelin star for your restaurant in France, Le Petit Léon. Talk us through that amazing accolade.
It was a lifelong dream, but it came when it was not our main focus. We wanted to build a sustainable business that could provide for our family and focused on our locals and return customers. Maybe there is a lesson in here somewhere, but we were thrilled to receive it and underestimated how many people in France regard the Michelin guide as the bible of food.
What has been the biggest adjustment, owning a restaurant in France?
The language barrier has been difficult, but at the same time, you pay more attention to everything, as you can’t just half-listen to things and brush them off. In the beginning, it was hard to be foreigners in a small village, but I think a lot changed when they realised how much we love and embrace the French food culture and way of life.
If you dine out, what is your go-to dish to order?
I always ask what the chef’s favourite dish is and take that. Menus are just words. Only the chef truly understands the food before you’ve seen it.
What type of patron are you when dining out?
Humble, respectful and grateful. Hospitality is hard; almost everyone is trying their best, and you should be able to easily see the places that are not trying before you dine there.
How has the culinary scene evolved since you started your journey as a chef?
We’re in a strange bubble of fame and glamour. The industry’s as hard as ever, but with social media, it now looks glamorous. There is a generation of young chefs who’ve climbed the ladder quickly due to a lack of cooks and are now exposed to stress without having the experience to deal with it. Social media has also meant that we’re all comparing ourselves to the top 1% of the world in every field, which makes the pressure to succeed higher than ever.
Exciting projects on the horizon?
We just opened a new restaurant called Ro. Bo. It’s very exciting, and it’s on my goal list to cook in South Africa for the first time in 2025 if anyone will have me.
Text | Heléne Ramackers
Photography | Emelie Soler
For more information, go to nickhoneyman.com.
While ultra-processed food is bad for your health, a decades-long study suggests it may not be as harmful as previously thought.
Everywhere you look, there are either constant warnings about the health risks associated with eating too many ultra-processed foods (UPFs) or constant temptations to eat them anyway. But while condemned by those promoting a healthy lifestyle, UPFs may be less important to your lifespan than the quality of your diet overall, according to a Harvard University study three decades in the making.
Published in the British Medical Journal, the research claims that consuming a large amount of UPF is linked to a 4% higher risk of death from all causes. UPFs often include additives like colouring and flavours, and are typically high in energy, sugar, fat and salt, without the benefits of vitamins or fibre. Certain foods can negatively impact your health more than others, with the worst being ready-to-eat meat, poultry and seafood products, along with fizzy drinks, dairy-based desserts and highly processed breakfast foods such as sugary cereals.
Over 34 years, researchers tracked the health of nearly 75,000 women and nearly 40,000 men in the US. Every two years these people reported on their health, and every four years they completed a detailed diet questionnaire.
The research team split the participants into quarters depending on their consumption of UPFs: the lowest quarter consumed about three UPF servings per day while the highest quarter ate seven UPFs per day. They discovered that those in the top quarter had a 4% higher risk of all deaths. There was also a 9% higher risk of death by specific causes, such as neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Crucially, the study found that the link between UPF consumption and death was weakened when they factored in overall diet. This means a higher quality of diet (for example, one containing lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes and wholegrain items) may be more important than the quantity of UPFs you eat.
The researchers say that you don’t need to restrict all UPFs, just those that most affect your long-term health.
“It might not be as simple as those who ate more ultra-processed foods were more likely to die earlier,” says dietitian Dr Duane Mellor, who wasn’t involved in the study. “It’s quite possible that these foods might displace healthier foods from the diet.”
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As travel habits change, long stay strategies are becoming more popular.
The extended stay segment is witnessing significant growth, with an increasing focus on design and community-oriented brands and those committed to sustainability.
According to the latest trends, apartment hotels (aparthotels) are becoming increasingly popular for bleisure travellers as their business trips are being converted into a family stay by adding a few days at the end and having the rest of the family join.
On average, travel stays are slightly longer now when compared to previous years, and having an apartment allows you to stay with added convenience. Having a fully fitted kitchen with high-end appliances and easy access to hotel facilities in great locations makes it easy to stay longer.
The trend that followed post-COVID is that extended stays of blended work and leisure are now a constant and not a passing trend.
According to statistics released by local property management company Propr and hotel management software company RoomRaccoon, the data reveals that aparthotels within its portfolio are outperforming the long-term rental rate, on a net basis, by over 50%. The research reveals that travellers are in search of accommodation that provides great work areas and also offers recreational spaces. Some are looking for a short-term stay, while others need a place for an extended period, and aparthotels cater to both groups. Guests can enjoy hotel amenities, such as seamless check-ins, daily housekeeping, crisp fresh linen and well-stocked fridges, without hotel formality. Additionally, aparthotels typically offer great communal areas like pools, co-working spaces, gyms, coffee shops or rooftop decks where guests can meet other travellers.
Work in motion
The research also suggests that aparthotels seem to be the accommodation of choice for digital nomads, as they are often more affordable than alternative accommodations. The trend of working from anywhere has resulted in there being 35 million known digital nomads worldwide, a number expected to grow through to 2030.
Modern extended-stay properties are shedding the corporate tag and embracing lively, design-focused environments. Modern designs have practical features like meeting spaces, trendy 24-hour dining options suited for business and leisure, and fitness centres that boast state-of-the-art equipment.
The sense of community is a key feature in the extended stay segment, with properties designed to combat the loneliness often associated with business travel. Open-plan public spaces, co-working areas and community events are common, enhancing guest interactions and creating a homely atmosphere.
Text | Supplied
Photography | fizkes
For more information, go to marriott.com.
Journeys during hotter months require that temperatures be properly planned for.
Planning and preparing for travel, especially to unfamiliar regions, is crucial for organisations. Risks to business travellers can range from petty crimes to carjacking, implementation of movement restrictions, floods or political and social unrest. Being in an unknown location, especially in the event of an emergency, can pose a serious risk to wellbeing and safety if you are not appropriately prepared.
Normalising the practice of completing a thorough risk assessment prior to travelling is essential, as this can be the difference between having a successful trip or not. An assessment of the country’s risk profile, including political climate, health concerns and weather-related hazards, should be among the risks monitored.
Adopting a pre-trip checklist can help ease anxiety before employees travel to unfamiliar locations. This also ensures their safety during the trip. Preparing employees not only makes them aware of the relevant risks but also provides the tools available to help them manage these risks should they pose a threat.
Many businesses still do not consider whether their workforce has the correct support during travel, which should include vetting transportation and accommodation options and ensuring there are reliable communications. Ensuring travellers know who to contact in the event of an emergency is vital, which means clearly communicating roles and responsibilities.
Do your homework
The shift in global weather patterns is adding to the growing list of risks travellers must navigate, compounding the usual safety concerns. These risks include heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. Warm climates lead to food and water spoiling more quickly, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Warmer months can also bring more intense cyclones and monsoons, and in some areas, the risk of wildfires also increases significantly.
Encourage employees to schedule a pre-travel consultation with a healthcare professional. This allows for necessary vaccinations, a review of existing health conditions and guidance on travel-specific health risks.
Advise employees to research their destination thoroughly. This includes understanding local weather patterns, potential health risks, cultural norms and security concerns.
When selecting a place to stay, use credible booking sites, pick the location carefully and consider checking reviews from other travellers. Opt for reputable accommodation where possible and consider the safety features of the hotel (such as lockable doors and windows). International visitors are often targets for pickpocketing and scams.
Provide basic travel safety training to travelling employees.
Promote sun protection practices and remind travellers of the importance of hydration and note that food poisoning peaks during the summer months. Advise travellers to exercise caution with unfamiliar food and water sources. Bottled water and thoroughly cooked meals are generally safer options.
Text | Salome Odhiambo and Chris van Straten
Photography | TeddyGraphics
Salome Odhiambo is Lead Security Analyst, East and Southern Africa at International SOS and Dr Chris van Straten is Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance at International SOS.
For more information, go to internationalsos.com.
Facial recognition biometrics mean increased security but also creates opportunities for criminals.
As facial recognition technology becomes more widespread, many people are embracing it as a secure and convenient means of authentication. With tech giants like Apple popularising Face ID, which not only encrypts facial data and only stores it on the device in Secure Enclave but also uses sophisticated 3D scanning that can’t be easily fooled or compromised, financial institutions have also integrated facial recognition into their security protocols.
However, the latest ESET Threat Report H1 2024 reveals that cyber criminals are adapting quickly to the use of less sophisticated biometric technology.
Using advanced techniques, attackers are now exploiting AI-driven face-swapping services to bypass security measures and gain unauthorised access to victims’ accounts via fake mobile applications. Simply relying on camera-based biometrics can provide a false sense of security. Cyber criminals are continuously innovating.
Biometric authentication methods, including facial and fingerprint recognition, are increasingly popular. According to research in 2023, more than 50% of consumers used biometric authentication for online transactions, while fingerprint and facial recognition emerged as the top biometric methods, used by nearly 30% and 50% of consumers, respectively. Additionally, the adoption of biometric authentication is gaining significant traction among IT and cyber-security professionals.
Be vigilant
This growing reliance on biometrics reflects a global trend. The biometric market, valued at approximately R85 billion in 2022, is expected to reach R330 billion by 2032. Biometric technology provides ease of use and a level of security that many people find reassuring.
As biometric systems become more sophisticated, so do the tactics used by cyber criminals. GoldPickaxe malware, for instance, has been observed targeting both Android and iOS users by impersonating legitimate applications. In one case, it posed as a Thai government app, collecting sensitive information such as identification documents, SMS messages and facial recognition data.
Victims are tricked into installing a mobile device management (MDM) profile, which allows attackers to control the victim’s iOS device. On Android, it is typically distributed through websites masquerading as the Google Play Store. The ultimate aim is to gain access to users’ banking applications and other high-value targets.
While biometric security is a powerful tool, it is not infallible. Users should remain vigilant and take additional steps to protect their personal information.
Always use official app stores, such as Google Play or the Apple App Store, to reduce the risk of downloading malicious applications. Always try to verify claims about eligibility for prizes, discounts or refunds and bonuses.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of identification before granting access. Scrutinise any app that requests biometric data, particularly financial applications. Look for reviews and official endorsements before proceeding.
Suspicious activity on your smartphone? Run a security scan with a reputable security app. If you discover a malicious app, delete it and restart your phone. Resetting your Android device to factory settings may be necessary.
Text | Adrian Stanford
Photography | rogistok
Adrian Stanford is Group CTO at ESET Southern Africa.
For more information, go to eset.com/za.
Amplifying your company’s message and reach can involve bringing in creative collaborators.
Disruption and increased efficiency, at an almost exponential scale, are changing the very foundations of economies. Technology businesses face as much opportunity as they do competition. As a consequence, technology companies need a strong public relations (PR) strategy that boosts awareness, differentiates them and amplifies their credibility.
Start by asking why you are looking at PR. Businesses leverage PR for brand awareness, credibility in the market, to establish relationships with their audiences, to cultivate a thought leadership profile, to launch products and more. It doesn’t help to say broadly: “I want to do PR.” It is important not to confuse PR with lead generation, for instance. Look for agencies that have industry experience and a strong presence in the markets you are targeting. This needs to be done alongside ensuring that your target agencies have proven experience in your sector, which has a unique set of dynamics and challenges.
Case studies paint a useful picture of an agency’s past work and efficacy. Browse through the agency’s client roster: do they fit your brand’s profile? Do they represent direct competitors to your brand? Interrogate the agency’s non-compete, AI and data protection policies.
Make sure the agency offers a full range of PR services that will help you achieve your objectives. Seek out an agency that has credible, senior writers with a proven track record. Look for reviews from past clients and current clients. Then, research the agency’s reputation within the industry.
Define your partnership
Seek out partners who don’t presuppose your objectives and challenges or make assumptions about the right strategy until they have deeply immersed themselves in your business. Ensure that they are able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the culture, language, business practice and social landscape of your target market. Then, seek out an agency that is transparent about their processes and communicates regularly, and clearly. Successful business relationships are built on trust and dependability. Make sure you like who you will be working with. You want a genuine partner in the business who is prepared to immerse themselves in your organisation and is prepared to say, “No, that’s not the right approach,” as opposed to being a proverbial ‘yes man’.
Set up meetings with your shortlisted agencies to discuss your objectives. Send a detailed request for proposal (RFP). Detail your requirements and objectives, as well as your budget. Don’t cut corners here: set a reasonable deadline and wait for the magic.
Look at the agency’s proposed plan of action, consider how they’ll put together a strategic programme that’s relevant to your business and context and pay attention to how they propose working, measuring, iterating, reporting and counselling on an ongoing basis.
Understand exactly what the PR agency needs from you to get the most out of the strategy and partnership. By this stage, you will have ascertained whether the agency’s fees are within your budget, so the next step is to define how you will measure return on investment (ROI). Metrics for reporting are critical to agree on upfront.
Text | Judith Middleton
Photography | Master1305
Judith Middleton is CEO of DUO Marketing + Communications.
For more information, go to duomarketing.co.za.
Contracts need to be clear so that confusion can be avoided.
Labour law places the onus of proving that he or she was dismissed on the employee. If the employee cannot prove the existence of an alleged dismissal, their claim of unfair dismissal will fail.
In some cases, the question as to whether the employer’s actions constitute dismissal is not easily answered. This is particularly so in a case where an employer claims that the employee’s employment was terminated by the operation of law. That is, the employer could claim that the employment was terminated because an existing law prohibited the continuation of the employment, so imposing a termination out of the hands of the employer.
In the case of Bithrey vs the Department of Health, Gauteng (Lex Info, 7 October 2024, case number JR1478/22, Labour Court), Bithrey was appointed as a registrar at the beginning of 2017 on the basis that she would do clinical work at one of the employer’s hospitals and would, for a period of five years, be enrolled at Pretoria University. Her contract contained no end date, but the employer claimed that Bithrey, by operation of law (Health Professions Council regulations) had only been appointed for a four-year period.
After four years, the employer notified the employee that her post was coming to an end on 31 December 2021, on the basis that the Health Professions Act prohibited the continuation of employment of employees after four years unless an extension of employment had been approved.
Get the timing right
The employee lodged an unfair dismissal dispute with the public health bargaining council. The arbitrator found that the post of registrar was temporal and to be occupied by a registrar in training. The arbitrator ruled that the employee had not proved that she had been dismissed because she had not been appointed permanently and because a registrar has to vacate the post if she has not passed her academic study course after four years; and Bithrey had not, by 31 December 2021, completed her five-year course.
On review, the Labour Court found that the employer’s claim that Bithrey’s employment had been terminated by operation of law was invalid and that the employer had created the problem by its failure to ensure that the employment contract was clearly worded. The Court found the dismissal to have been procedurally and substantively unfair and ordered the employer to pay the employee eight months’ compensation.
This case highlights the need for employers to understand the importance of drafting clear and unambiguous employment contracts as well as the limitations of reliance on legal technicalities such as terminations on the basis of operation of law.
Text | Ivan Israelstam
Photography | Jacob Lund
Ivan Israelstam is Chief Executive of Labour Law Management Consulting.
To watch the video series Walking The New Labour Law Tightrope, go to labourlawvideos.co.za.
Companies have a suite of challenges to face to both sustain and grow operations.
The business landscape has faced unprecedented challenges, specifically intensifying in the past five years with the rapid rise of hybrid working, artificial intelligence (AI) and the integration of innovative tools like virtual reality (VR).
These transformative forces fundamentally reshape how companies operate, pushing them to adapt to new technologies while balancing elements like productivity, employee engagement and ever-evolving customer expectations.
As South African businesses navigate this complex environment, they are confronted with both the opportunities and the challenges of a rapidly changing digital world. The pressure is on to not only conform to new ways of working but also innovate and develop strategies taking advantage of burgeoning technologies.
As more large organisations mandate a return to the office, tensions are rising between employees and employers. Providing a hybrid work environment not only enhances employee retention but can also serve as a powerful recruitment tool for attracting top talent. On the flip side, employers have struggled to cultivate a strong culture and promote collaboration among employees when they are not working together in person.
The use of generative AI has significantly increased, reflecting a broader global trend driven by technological advancements and the growing accessibility of AI tools. While AI cannot replicate the deep knowledge and understanding that experienced workers bring to a business, overlooking the opportunities that AI might offer businesses could be short-sighted.
AI relies on historical data, which may not always reflect current business realities, so there are significant risks associated with its use. AI-generated insights can sometimes be inaccurate, misleading, or unethical, potentially leading to poor or harmful decisions if not carefully managed by skilled professionals.
Skills shortage
In the latest CSIR survey, 47% of organisations reported encountering one to five cyber security incidents over the past year, highlighting the increasing threat of cyber attacks that businesses of all sizes face. To safeguard their valuable data and systems against these evolving threats, especially AI-driven phishing and social engineering attacks, companies must invest in robust cyber security measures. As these cyber threats continue to rise, so does the demand for skilled cyber security professionals capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated attacks. The survey also revealed a significant skills gap, with 63% of cyber security positions remaining partially or fully unfilled.
The shortage of IT skills is growing, and organisations need to find new ways to recruit, train, retain and upskill employees. The IDC (International Data Corporation) predicts that by 2026, more than 90% of organisations worldwide will experience a shortage of IT skills, amounting to some R100 trillion in losses caused by product delays, impaired competitiveness and loss of business.
The rapid emergence of new technologies and tools is resulting in a gap between employee skills and technologies as individuals struggle to keep up. In addition, STEM curricula need to be updated to allow for the changing technologies.
Text | Anne-Marié Pretorius
Photography | Rawpixel.com
Anne-Marié Pretorius is Director at Bizmod. For more information, go to bizmod.co.za.
Determining which party is awarded property after a marriage ends depends on a number of factors.
Love springs eternal, but all marriages end – often in divorce but definitely in death. It’s a sobering thought, especially if you’ve recently been down on one knee or held out your ring finger.
If you own or intend to buy property for habitation, business or investment, you need to consider the implications before tying the knot. There are different types of marriage and different things that you might need to know to protect your assets once the fairytale ends.
By law, without an antenuptial agreement, South Africans are automatically considered to be married in community of property. Any properties you owned before marriage or acquired afterwards belong equally to you and your spouse.
They can also be attached to pay off your spouse’s debt, and you can’t sell them or buy more without your partner’s consent.
At divorce, any properties and other assets are divided equally, and on death, the surviving spouse may inherit them if they are bequeathed in the deceased spouse’s will. It also doesn’t matter who paid the bond – this form of marriage determines who gets what in the end. Who paid for the home or other asset is irrelevant. Not many attorneys would recommend this model of marriage to their clients. It’s impractical to have the parties joined at the hip, as neither can act commercially without the other’s consent. In addition, it’s poor risk management because all the assets are exposed to either party’s actions.
Historically, the growth of antenuptial contracts threatened to leave financially inactive spouses with nothing at divorce. Therefore, by default, South African law imposes an accrual system on marriages out of community of property. For total financial independence, your antenuptial must explicitly state that accrual is excluded. This is called the ‘cold exclusion’.
If married by the cold exclusion, all the assets you acquired before and during marriage remain yours and cannot be attached to your spouse’s debts. You can also buy and sell property without their consent and engage in commercial activity unfettered by the bonds of matrimony. At divorce, you leave with all your assets and only have to worry about disposing of jointly purchased property. On death, the surviving partner gets only what was bequeathed to them.
This model is ideal for couples who want to retain their financial freedom, grow their wealth independently and protect their assets from each other’s creditors. Just remember that maintenance claims are potentially open to all spouses on the dissolution of the marriage, even if the parties chose the cold exclusion.
For entrepreneurs and investors, it protects their business portfolio while sparing their partners the financial risks they willingly take on.
Add it up
Without an accrual exclusion clause in your antenuptial agreement, the accrual system automatically applies. Assets you owned before and those acquired after marrying remain yours alone; they cannot be attached to pay creditors and you are free to buy and sell property at will.
However, at divorce or death, a person can claim half of the difference between their estate and their spouse’s higher-valued estate. In effect, it’s ‘in community of property’ at the end without all the restrictions during the marriage.
This ensures both parties come away equal and allows for one spouse to take time off to rear the children, or for one to work to put the other one through school or university, even though they are married out of community of property. This is because, in the end, there will be a divvying up of assets. However, it could still mean losing the property you owned separately, because assets may be sold to cover the accrual payment due on the dissolution of the marriage.
Never assume there’s no such thing as a common-law spouse in South Africa. Even a life partner may gain ownership of your assets without any formal ceremony or registration. If you are buying a property with a life partner or other romantic interest, be sure to have a partnership agreement drawn up by an attorney.
Do the smart thing and get advice from an attorney on the best way to proceed. A contract may seem unromantic when wedding bells are ringing, but it will protect you both in the long run.
Text | Renier Kriek
Photography | Andrey_Popov
Renier Kriek is Managing Director at Sentinel Homes. For more information, go to sentinelhomes.co.za.
New types of fuel could help make Africa a market powerhouse.
Africa is at a turning point, with the potential to shift from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the growing green hydrogen market. Collaboration is key to this vision. African nations need to focus on developing the full value chain, from research to manufacturing, to unlock new opportunities in the energy sector.
The continent is blessed with abundant solar, wind and hydro resources, making it an ideal location to produce green hydrogen and renewable fuels. Instead of competing for leadership in green fuel production, African nations should align their strengths and resources to develop a comprehensive energy strategy. For example, southern Africa’s superior solar resources can be harnessed for large-scale solar farms, while coastal regions with high wind potential can provide the energy required for electrolysers in Namibia, Egypt and East Africa. Through shared infrastructure and distribution channels, African countries can supply green hydrogen to Europe and the US.
The goal is not only to produce green hydrogen for export but also to drive local demand and consumption. There is a need to localise the entire value chain – processing mined platinum group metals (PGMs) locally, developing technologies for electrolyser and fuel cell manufacturing and expanding green hydrogen applications across the continent.
Grow the market
Africa’s potential to dominate the global green hydrogen market is significant, but there are challenges to be addressed. Currently, Africa’s demand for green hydrogen is limited and there is a risk that an over-reliance on exports could make the continent vulnerable to global market fluctuations. To mitigate these risks, African countries should diversify their energy mix, develop capabilities in related technologies like fuel cells and electrolysis and encourage domestic green hydrogen consumption in sectors such as transportation and power generation.
At the same time, collaboration among African countries will allow for the aggregation of demand and a larger internal market for green hydrogen, increasing scalability. By fostering local industries and workforce development programmes, African nations can ensure that they maintain control over the value chain, creating jobs and bolstering their economies.
The numbers speak volumes about the urgency of Africa’s need to collaborate. With an estimated GDP of R55 trillion in 2023, Africa must leverage its collective economic power to compete with larger markets like the EU, US and China. The economies of South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco alone account for nearly half of Africa’s GDP.
With platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and initiatives within the African Union, Africa already has the foundation for this collaboration. Now is the time to build on these efforts and turn Africa into the world’s powerhouse for green energy.
Text | Viren Sookhun
Photography | Audio und werbung
Viren Sookhun is Managing Director at Oxyon People Solutions. For more information, go to oxyon.co.za.
Major Namibian industry aims to keep skills and materials within the country’s borders.
Namibia’s mining sector, a cornerstone of the country’s economy, is undergoing a significant resurgence, particularly around uranium and gold mining. However, while the potential for growth is significant, the sector faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustained progress and stability.
The price of key minerals such as uranium, iron ore, cobalt and lithium have fluctuated considerably in recent years, creating uncertainty for mining operations. This volatility often leads to halts in production and delays in new projects, affecting both operational efficiency and financial planning. Mining companies need to develop strategies that account for these fluctuations, ensuring resilience in the face of market instability.
A major hurdle for the industry is Namibia’s lack of railway infrastructure. The efficient and cost-effective transport of minerals is crucial for maintaining profitability, but the current reliance on trucks as a result of underdeveloped rail networks drives up logistics costs. Investing in and upgrading Namibia’s railway system would allow mining companies to reduce transportation expenses and streamline their supply chains.
Develop and grow
In recent years, the Namibian government has introduced policies aimed at promoting local job creation and adding value within the country by limiting the export of raw minerals. While the long-term goal of this policy is to stimulate economic growth and retain more benefits within Namibia, it has led to short-term disruptions. Mines are currently stockpiling raw materials, awaiting the completion of processing plants that will enable the export of processed minerals.
The cyclical nature of commodity markets means that mining projects often experience fluctuating demands. Mining companies must adopt flexible workforce strategies that allow them to scale operations up or down according to market conditions. By anticipating changes in demand, companies can optimise their resource allocation and avoid the high costs associated with maintaining a permanent workforce during downturns.
In addition, to achieve sustainable growth, it is crucial to focus on developing local skills and creating employment opportunities. With a growing number of projects coming online, there is a pressing need for trained professionals in various aspects of mining operations. Mining companies can invest in local training initiatives and collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills required to meet industry demands. This aligns with government objectives and reduces the sector’s reliance on foreign labour. In addition, they should focus on compliance with local laws, including employment regulations and workplace safety standards. By adhering to these requirements, companies not only avoid legal penalties but also build stronger relationships with the government and local communities, fostering a more stable operational environment.
As Namibia works to develop a sustainable mining sector, the transfer of skills from expatriates to local workers is essential. It is important for mining companies to focus on structured and measurable skills transfer programs, ensuring that local employees receive the necessary training to take on more specialised roles over time.
Text | Julien Karambua
Photography | Cara Kate
Julien Karambua is MD at Workforce Staffing Namibia. For more information, go to workforcestaffing.africa.
Making smart choices on the road will mean your data is safer.
Business travellers are constantly up against threats to their data security. As cybercriminals get craftier, protecting personal and company info on the go isn’t just a good idea – it’s a must.
In the digital age, the volume of personal information shared for various activities has exponentially increased. You may be online shopping, ordering food delivery, downloading mobile applications, playing an online game, or simply browsing the web: your personal data is at play. In a world where such information commands high value, it’s vital to secure it, particularly when travelling.
Before embarking on your journey, ensure all your devices – including smartphones, laptops and tablets – are adequately secured. Set up complex passwords and PIN codes, or even better, biometric authentication methods to prevent unauthorised access. Turn on the encryption features, such as device encryption and encrypted messaging apps, to protect your data from prying eyes.
Use a unique password for different accounts. This way, if one is compromised, the rest are less likely to be affected, limiting the impact of a data breach. Where possible, biometric authentication methods can also prevent password or PIN theft from shoulder surfing. Treat your password like your toothbrush and keep it private. Do not share it and change it often.
Be discreet
Avoid connecting to public WiFi, such as that in airports, cafés and hotels, especially so when conducting banking activities, such as checking account balances, making transfers or entering sensitive financial information. Instead, use a secure and trusted network, such as a personal mobile data connection or a virtual private network (VPN).
Ensure that the websites you use for banking or payment purposes use HTTPS encryption, indicated by a padlock icon and https:// in the uniform resource locator (URL). Always log out of your sessions when not in use to prevent session hijacking and only provide passwords and PINs at trusted locations – be aware of social engineering.
Exercise discretion and limit the personal details you disclose when sharing photos and updates on social media platforms during your travels. Avoid posting real-time updates about your location and itinerary, as this information could be used by cybercriminals to target you for theft or surveillance. Wait until you have returned home to share your travel experience to minimise the risk of becoming a target.
Keep it to yourself
When it comes to safe social media use, review your privacy settings to ensure your social media profiles are private. This makes it easy to directly control who has access to your accounts and posts. This is how you can make sure no strangers can view your content.
Remember that stories and Snapchat do not disappear. Many travellers assume that their stories are only available for 24 hours, which is not the case. Even with privacy settings turned on, photos contain information cybercriminals are looking for. For example, if a cybercriminal gets access to a photo’s metadata, it can contain your location information, which can let the criminal know that your home is vacant. To avoid this, share your photos once you return home.
It is common for travellers to update their social media accounts when they are travelling. The problem with this type of excessive sharing is that it creates a security threat at home. By sharing your every location, it allows criminals to determine that you are not in your hotel room or home, leaving both your home and personal property vulnerable.
Similar to your phone’s automatic WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity can present problems as signals can come from anywhere. If your Bluetooth is left on, nearby assailants can connect to your phone and potentially hack into your device; hence, it is wise to keep Bluetooth disabled as much as possible.
Text | Bonnie Smith
Photography | Marina April
Bonnie Smith is General Manager of FCM. For more information, go to fcmtravel.co.za.
It’s tempting to manipulate travel expenses to fit your agenda, but there are a number of dangers involved.
A per diem (from the Latin for ‘per day’) is a daily stipend given to business travellers to cover food and incidental expenses while they’re on the road.
It’s not a perk to make up for the inconvenience of being away from home or a little extra spending money to splurge on spoils and souvenirs. Per diems can have unforeseen tax implications if travellers (and employers) don’t tow the line when it comes to their travel and expense policy.
SARS updated both their local and international subsistence allowances in February 2024. While foreign subsistence allowances differ country by country, travel within the Republic of South Africa is pegged at either R522 per day (for all meals and incidentals) or R161 per day (for incidental costs only).
Many people don’t realise that SARS has these guidelines in place – or that per diems are regulated by the Income Tax Act of 1962. According to the act, per diems are not subject to personal income tax if they fall within the limits set by SARS. But things become tricky if they do not appear on your payslip, are not reported to SARS, are not used for their intended purpose or exceed legislated limits.
Luckily, you don’t need to keep receipts from a business trip if your per diem allowance is within the limit set. But if you’ve been given more than the deemed amount (for local or international travel), you need to keep your receipts for five years. SARS can look at your travel spend if you are ever audited, and if you are found non-compliant, the interest and penalties can put both you and your company at risk.
When you file your tax return, SARS has the right to check where you have travelled and even ask you to prove it was for business. They may look at how you’ve spent your per diem allowance and flag non-compliance. A clearly worded travel policy is invaluable.
With SARS cracking down, make sure your travellers know exactly how much they have to spend on food or incidentals per day and what they can spend it on. For example, if their hotel accommodation is on a B&B basis, employees may be allowed to expense a certain amount for lunch and dinner but not breakfast or alcoholic beverages. Also, make it clear if unspent funds should be returned to the company.
It’s also important to agree on what the term ‘incidental’ might cover. For example, parking fees or laundry costs might be acceptable, while gifts for the team back home might not.
Manage your spending
Business travellers should avoid:
If you’re updating your travel policy, make sure employees know when and how to log their expenses and what purchases might be considered non-compliant.
Text | Arlette Manyi and Bonnie Smith
Photography | pathdoc
Arlette Manyi is Tax Risk Manager at FirstRand Bank Limited.
Bonnie Smith is GM at Corporate Traveller. For more information, go to corporatetraveller.co.za.
Having appropriate measures in place to curb workplace harassment is incredibly important.
Workplace bullying has long been a distressing feature of office life for its victims, who suffer both personally and professionally if the problem is not addressed.
However, the historic face of bullying has changed over the past decade, extending its reach beyond traditional office settings to online platforms, particularly social media. This shift has prompted a renewed focus on addressing both conventional and digital forms of harassment in the workplace.
Workplace bullying, defined as repeated patterns of harmful behaviour towards fellow employees, traditionally included verbal abuse, social isolation, intimidation, work interference and character assassination. With the rise in social media, this behaviour has expanded to include digital harassment, involving the use of online platforms to intimidate, humiliate or demean colleagues.
Recognising the signs of online bullying is crucial for effective intervention. In the digital realm, signs of harassment include online humiliation, cyberstalking, unauthorised sharing of private information, trolling and the creation of fake profiles.
The consequences of workplace bullying are far-reaching. For individuals, it can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, including stress, anxiety and depression. Organisations also suffer, experiencing a decline in morale and productivity, high turnover rates and potential legal repercussions.
While most, if not all, workplaces have policies against traditional workplace bullying, many have not updated these policies to include online bullying. This is to the detriment of both the company and the individual.
To combat all facets of workplace bullying, employers must implement additional strategies, which include developing inclusive policies, providing digital etiquette training and developing appropriate investigative and support mechanisms.
Companies need to develop clear policies that cover both traditional bullying and social media harassment, with defined consequences. Additionally, employees should be educated on responsible social media use and the implications of digital harassment.
In on the Acts
Companies should develop employee assistance programmes, with leaders modelling respectful behaviour offline and online, setting the tone of zero tolerance for harassment. It is also important for companies to create safe reporting channels that ensure confidentiality and prompt, effective, fair investigations and corrective action.
South Africa’s legal framework includes key legislation that can address the complexities of digital harassment in the workplace. This includes:
As digital spaces continue to become an extension of our real-world spaces and real-world behaviours become intertwined with online behaviours, it is incumbent on employers to ensure that their policies are reviewed and updated to reflect this evolution.
Text | Linda Meyer
Photography | Roman Samborskyi
Dr Linda Meyer is a leadership expert and the MD of IIE Rosebank College. For more information, go to rosebankcollege.co.za.
Corporates need to care for those whose stake in a business is about more than just money.
For commercial entities in modern-day South Africa, the delicate dance between financial sustainability and ethical integrity often feels like navigating a paradox. On one side, there is the unyielding pressure to secure a company’s financial health (every shareholder’s stake) through increased profits and lowered costs.
On the other, there is the growing moral imperative to uphold ethical responsibilities towards employees and society at large (the stakeholder’s perspective).
As defined by Investopedia, a shareholder is someone who owns part of a public or private company through shares of stock, while a stakeholder has an interest in the performance of a company for reasons other than stock performance or appreciation. Stakeholders are those who either affect or are affected by a company.
Stakeholders might be shareholders or owners. In general, stakeholders can be divided into two types:
Internal stakeholders are employed by a company or have a direct relationship with it (employees, shareholders, executives and partners).
External stakeholders are impacted by a company but do not have a direct relationship with it (customers, suppliers and community members).
Key to the emergence of ‘stakeholderism’ is understanding the differences in effects on the two. Shareholders can sell their stock and purchase different shares, but stakeholders cannot easily steer their way out of the organisation’s influence, as they have a longer-term relationship with the company.
For example, if a company performs poorly financially, the vendors, employees and customers or clients will be impacted. But a shareholder can sell their stocks and leave before the impact affects them too severely. In this scenario, it is the stakeholders who don’t have many options to leave. But even if they leave or are forced to leave (such as employees losing their jobs), they are still impacted and cannot negate the effects the organisation has on them.
While stakeholders have an interest in an organisation’s decisions, plans and financial stability, shareholders may often only care for the latter. Shareholders do not hold the same power over a business as stakeholders do.
Changing responsibilities
Companies will be held to higher standards in future than those imposed only by short-term financial gain or value.
The British Academy published a paper in November 2018, titled Reforming Business for the 21st Century. This paper highlighted the three most important principles for modern corporations to address:
The first is well-defined and aligned purposes. Corporate purpose is the reason why a corporation exists, what it seeks to do and what it aspires to become. Profit is only a product of the corporate purpose. In some – but by no means all – cases, corporate purposes should include public purposes that relate to the firm’s wider contribution to public interests and societal goals.
The second principle is a commitment to trustworthiness. When corporations commit to purposes, they commit to the various parties that are involved in the delivery of those purposes, and vice-versa. This creates reciprocal benefits for the firm, its stakeholders and society. These arrangements rely on relations of trust.
The third principle is embedding an enabling culture. The trustworthiness of an organisation is reliant on clearly articulated values that are adopted consistently in the culture of the corporation.
This has led to the emergence and measurement of what the British Academy refers to as the ‘purposeful corporation’. South Africans are clearly part of an ever-increasing move towards responsible rather than just financial capitalism. This leads to some tough questions for local organisations:
This paradox becomes particularly pronounced in the context of ‘moral restructuring’, an approach that embodies the dichotomy of pursuing organisational changes like retrenchments, while steadfastly honouring the socio-economic realities of environments such as South Africa’s.
Focus on people, not profits
Traditional restructuring is most often seen as negative, involving drastic cost-cutting – attained most often through retrenchments – and advocating for a smaller, leaner organisation all with a view solely on revenue, profits and margins.
Optimal restructuring focuses on a positive intent to improve and optimise the organisation, not only cut costs. It is understood that this will be achieved through the optimisation of resources, upskilling, training and development of staff and a commitment to allowing the current structure to become faster and more agile in its ability to respond to market circumstances. This ensures that people and stakeholders are taken into account, not just revenue, profits and margins.
Optimal restructuring challenges leaders to exhaust all other avenues before considering downsizing, promoting creative and innovative thinking in the face of financial distress. This approach demands a shift in perspective, where the immediate financial gains of retrenchment are weighed against the long-term societal costs and the potential erosion of trust and reputation.
In situations where financial distress necessitates tough decisions, moral restructuring offers a framework for navigating these challenges with integrity. It emphasises the importance of transparency, dialogue and empathy, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process and that the human dimension of retrenchment is never lost. This approach fosters a culture of trust.
Text | Shaun Barnes
Photography | metamorworks
Shaun Barnes is Executive Director at 21st Century. For more information, go to 21century.co.za.
Generative AI can help online shoppers streamline their experience
The South African retail landscape is contending with a range of challenges, such as high unemployment, severe inflation, shrinkflation and the lingering effects of COVID-19. These pressures have transformed consumer expectations and added layers of complexity to their shopping decisions. Retailers must now make faster and more efficient decisions to meet these evolving demands. How can Generative AI ease the decision-making process for consumers?
The unemployment rate in South Africa has reached concerning levels, standing at approximately 33%, reported by Stats SA as of Q1 2024. This widespread unemployment has led to reduced financial freedom for many households, resulting in diminished disposable income.
Additionally, inflation has eroded consumers’ spending power. Consumer spending in South Africa is said to have declined from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 as a result of significant constraints on disposable income and overall household finances.
An added issue is shrinkflation – the practice of manufacturers, and therefore retailers, reducing the mass or weight of products but maintaining the same or a higher price point. This forces consumers to pay increasing prices for diminishing returns. According to the annual Accenture Life Trends Report, the tightening cost of living has resulted in the consumer’s heightened attention to value, resulting in lower susceptibility to settle for less.
COVID-19 had a profound impact on trading activity and the overall financial wellbeing of consumers, affecting how and what they buy. The pandemic fundamentally reshaped consumer engagement, while also driving a hybrid shopping model where South Africans research products online, but still explore and purchase in-store. This emphasises the need for tools that shape the customer experience from an omni-channel perspective. This calls for strategy adaptations to accommodate changing consumer needs.
The overwhelming decision-making tasks of what to buy, when to buy it and where to buy it are being dealt with by consumers as they seek to accommodate their needs with limited resources. Rising prices have forced many to consider alternative options to the products they were previously accustomed to, seeking the right balance between quality and cost. Consumers now prioritise value for money, requiring them to evaluate product information to determine if these alternatives still meet their needs.
The hybrid nature of modern shopping introduces more layers, as they must now navigate multiple channels – both online and in-store – throughout their shopping journey. The volume of choices can make shopping an exhausting task, rather than an enjoyable one.
Included in the plan
A recent Accenture study reflected that 75% of retail executives view Generative AI as core to their business revenue growth. As South Africans pay more attention to value, decision-making across a range of products with added cost-consciousness places a heavy burden on consumers, solidifying the need for more effective tools and strategies that can simplify and optimise this process for them.
With South Africa’s diverse demographic, the challenges faced require dedicated capabilities to address these issues, and Generative AI can provide a huge competitive advantage. Some 72% of retailers are planning to leverage Generative AI for operation reinvention. Capitalising on these opportunities can offer great rewards for both consumers and retailers.
Generative AI can be used to augment existing capabilities and enhance the value-add for both the consumer and retailer. Examples of this include conversational AI capabilities such as chatbots and virtual shopping assistants for advice and recommendations. With Generative AI’s power of creation through prompts, this can generate customised product baskets based on consumer preferences and budget constraints.
This is crucial for shoppers seeking smaller yet value-packed baskets that don’t deviate too much from what they would typically buy, assisting consumers with budget constraints in decision-making for product selection.
The development of tools that can create product descriptions offers consumers quick, relevant insights into the best product options based on their needs. This makes it easier to identify the most cost-effective products and eliminates the added responsibility of having to sift through copious amounts of information on products.
Personalised deals
Classical AI, when combined with Generative AI, can play a key role by developing models and algorithms for dynamic promotion planning, allowing retailers to adjust promotions based on real-time data, inventory levels and consumer behaviour patterns.
To prevent marketing fatigue, introducing solutions like contact frequency models that predict optimal frequency and the preferred customer contact platform, with discounted price alerts based on data from customer interactions, purchase history, segmentation and product affinity, can aid in ensuring that customers are not overwhelmed, while maintaining a positive brand relationship.
There is immense power to be unlocked here. Shopify, for example, has incorporated multiple such solutions into their products. Since 2023, the commerce platform has introduced an AI-generated product description capability to send emails at optimal times and to tailor communications for timelier promotions and email correspondence.
Generative AI offers promising capabilities to retailers to increase their competitive edge and stay ahead of evolving demands. For consumers, it offers to decrease the load on decision-making, while accommodating nuances that exist in different communities and creating a better consumer experience.
Text | Junaid Kleinschmidt
Photography | RSplaneta
Junaid Kleinschmidt is digital marketing strategy and intelligence lead for Accenture, Africa. For more information, go to accenture.com.
Proper rest in the midst of an ‘always on’ work life is a necessity
The idea of FOMO is something most of us are now familiar with. We’ve always had a propensity to worry about missing exciting events or experiences, but social media has exacerbated these feelings. To this point, FOMO has only really related to one’s personal life. However, experts believe this thinking is now playing a role in the workplace, with disastrous effects on mental health.
According to research conducted by the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine, FOMO in the context of the workplace is defined as anxiety about missing out on important information, updates, meetings, as well as relationships with co-workers and clients.
Many people are fielding countless work WhatsApp groups and checking emails, so they can respond immediately.
The pandemic made the digital workplace non-negotiable. For two years or more, much of the world worked from home. Thereafter, hybrid arrangements came into play, after which many went back to the office, while others chose a permanent remote working life.
Digital technologies have fundamentally reshaped the way work happens and have given us greater flexibility and autonomy, but with this has come an inability to switch off. And with taking on more work comes overloading and high levels of anxiety.
The digital workplace has helped to fuel the fast-paced world of modern work culture encountered every day. Connectivity is constant, information is everywhere, and it seems like we’ve never had so many meetings in our diaries, ever.
Turn off properly
Holidays or time off used to be a welcome reprieve from the stresses of the workplace, but now, with a computer in your pocket, it is increasingly hard for people to unplug, even when they are lying on a beach.
Whether it is self-imposed or as a result of co-workers getting in touch, many people today find themselves unable to ignore their email inbox or mute work WhatsApp groups while on leave.
All this does is foster a greater sense of exhaustion – a surefire way to find yourself burnt out.
This kind of thinking cannot be switched off overnight. Employees and businesses need to work together to change it. Employers must be stronger in their position on crucial things like confining work to working hours, limiting the amount of communication products used, promoting lunch breaks, reducing the number of meetings held, and stressing the importance of unplugging on evenings, weekends and holidays.
If it isn’t already a fixture, businesses should institute wellbeing programmes that not only educate employees on the importance of mental and physical wellbeing in the workplace but also incentivise them to get involved and take action for their own sake.
The inclusion of mental health days can work wonders. These, which can be taken whenever is necessary, give a team the freedom to switch off for a day.
Text | Emma-Jane Truter
Photography | PeopleImages.com – Yuri A
Emma-Jane Truter is Founder and Head Social Media Strategist at Emma Is Social. For more information, go to emmaissocial.com.
Agile leadership seeks to include all parties in an endeavour’s success
Change and disruption are constants, rendering the ability to lead with agility while thinking out of the box a critical asset for organisations striving to stay ahead. Agile leadership, characterised by flexibility, responsiveness and focus on team empowerment, is at the forefront of this evolution.
These leaders are not just managers but catalysts for collaboration, driving their teams to achieve more through collective effort and innovation.
Such leaders understand that, despite the pace and complexity of a corporate environment, no single leader or department can possess all the answers. They harness the collective intelligence of their teams, creating an environment where collaboration thrives.
By breaking down silos and encouraging cross-functional teamwork, diverse perspectives contribute to problem solving and innovation.
Collaboration is the lifeblood of agile environments. It fuels innovation by bringing diverse perspectives together, enhances efficiency through shared knowledge and resources, and instils adaptability by enabling teams to respond swiftly to changes. For instance, Google’s use of cross-functional teams for product development ensures that diverse skill sets are harnessed, leading to innovative solutions.
The benefits of collaboration extend beyond innovation. A collaborative approach also enhances team morale and engagement. When team members feel that their contributions are valued and that they are part of a cohesive unit, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work.
Hear each other
Open communication is a cornerstone of effective collaboration. Agile leaders prioritise transparency and regular dialogue, creating environments where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback.
Techniques such as regular check-ins, feedback loops and the use of digital communication tools are essential in promoting open dialogue. Effective leaders model open communication by actively listening, providing constructive feedback and facilitating discussions that include all team members. By doing so, they ensure that communication barriers are minimised and that everyone has a voice in the decision-making process.
This inclusivity improves decision quality and embeds a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Traditional communication methods must be supported by leveraging digital tools. Platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom facilitate real-time communication, file sharing and virtual meetings, making it easier for teams to stay connected and collaborate effectively.
Trust is foundational to collaboration and team performance, making it imperative to build trust by empowering team members, recognising their contributions and maintaining consistency in their actions.
Empowering team members involves actively delegating authority, providing opportunities for professional growth and supporting their decisions. To overcome common trust barriers, especially in diverse and distributed teams, a proactive approach is the most effective. This includes creating inclusive environments where every team member feels valued, instilling a culture of mutual respect and ensuring that communication is clear and frequent.
Building trust also involves transparency and accountability through openly sharing information about organisational goals, challenges and progress. Those in leadership roles hold themselves and their teams accountable for meeting commitments. This level of transparency and accountability builds credibility, reinforcing trust as a core value within the team.
In it together
A sense of shared purpose and collective ownership is achieved by aligning team goals with organisational objectives and encouraging collaborative problem solving.
Creating a culture of collective ownership also involves recognising and celebrating team achievements, ensuring that successes are shared and that every team member’s contribution is acknowledged.
Geographically dispersed and culturally diverse teams present unique challenges when it comes to cohesive teamwork. These challenges can be addressed by using technology, promoting inclusivity and facilitating regular team-building activities, in person where possible.
Tools like video conferencing, collaborative software and digital whiteboards bridge the physical distance, enabling real-time collaboration.
By encouraging ongoing skill development, knowledge sharing and the integration of new collaboration techniques, teams remain engaged and effective. These tactics also emphasise the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, resulting in all team members feeling respected and valued.
The concept of collaboration is not limited to the corporate world. The recent establishment of the Government of National Unity in South Africa serves as a powerful example of collaboration in action.
This approach facilitates open dialogue, mutual respect and a shared vision for the country’s future, demonstrating how collaboration can overcome significant challenges and drive progress. The potential success of South Africa’s current Government of National Unity highlights the importance of inclusive leadership, transparent communication and a commitment to shared goals – principles that are equally applicable in business contexts.
Text | Rowen Govender
Photography | Face Stock
Dr Rowen Govender is Academic Head of the School of Healthcare Management at Regent Business School. For more information, go to regent.ac.za.
Hosting tourists is a booming business again – and it can improve still further
South Africa’s hospitality sector is improving, driven by a post-pandemic recovery in tourism and increasing domestic travel. According to Stats SA, the country recorded 8.5 million international tourists in 2023, marking a 48.9% increase from 2022. This growth presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to enter the hospitality industry but also highlights the competitive nature of the market.
A deeper understanding of the market is critical to establishing and growing a successful hospitality business. Before opening a guest house or any hospitality business, comprehensive research into your local environment and target market is essential. You need to understand not only the tourist attractions situated around you but also the strengths, weaknesses and offerings of your competitors.
Knowing your visitors and their specific needs is equally important. You need to identify and continuously invest in understanding your target demographic – whether it’s international tourists, business travellers or local holidaymakers – and tailor your services to meet their expectations. Developing a unique selling proposition (USP) can help distinguish your business and attract the right clientele.
Networking within the industry is hugely important. Building relationships with other local businesses and attending industry events can provide you with helpful insights and open the door for potential collaborations.
Focus on the guests
The guests’ experience is the core of any hospitality business. From the moment a guest makes a booking to the time they check out, they should feel that their needs are the highest priority. Exceptional customer service will not only encourage repeat visits but also generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Hiring and retaining staff who possess strong interpersonal skills is key, and ongoing training is crucial to keeping service standards high. Training your team to deliver top-tier service and rewarding them for excellence will create a motivated and guest-focused workforce.
Another service-related area that remains a top concern for many travellers is cleanliness and hygiene. Recent studies show that over 70% of guests check online reviews for cleanliness ratings before booking. A clean, well-maintained environment is essential to ensuring positive feedback, which will in turn drive future bookings. Collecting feedback from guests directly and addressing any concerns before they escalate to social media is also vital to sustaining your online reputation.
Effective financial management is critical in the hospitality sector, especially given its seasonal fluctuations. A solid business plan that includes detailed financial projections and risk management strategies will set you up for long-term success. Monitoring cash flow, controlling expenses and reviewing budgets regularly are key to maintaining profitability.
The hospitality industry can experience significant peaks and valleys throughout the year, so you need to plan for those quieter periods. Offering off-season promotions or partnering with local businesses to create package deals can help maintain steady income during slower months. Building an emergency fund is another recommendation to prepare for unexpected events, such as economic downturns or natural disasters.
For instance, you should have learnt valuable lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and now have a financial buffer in place, which can help your business weather future crises.
Stay on trend
To maintain a competitive edge, hospitality entrepreneurs must keep up with the latest industry developments. Digital transformation is revolutionising hospitality, with businesses increasingly adopting AI tools and automation to improve operations and enhance the guest experience. From streamlined online bookings to personalised services, embracing technology can boost both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Sustainability is another trend that’s gaining momentum. Today’s guests are more environmentally conscious, so incorporating eco-friendly practices like energy-efficient technology, water-saving measures and waste reduction can appeal to this growing demographic. Not only will sustainability practices lower operational costs, but they also enhance your business’s marketability.
In an increasingly eco-aware world, environmental responsibility is no longer optional – it’s expected. Staying up to date with regulatory changes is essential for remaining compliant. The hospitality sector has its own set of regulations, and keeping informed about any shifts will ensure you operate within the law.
The South African hospitality sector is projected to grow by over 4% annually, with revenues expected to reach R30 billion by 2029. For entrepreneurs looking to either establish or maintain a foothold in this lucrative industry, thorough planning and attention to market demands are key.
By understanding your market, prioritising customer service, managing your finances wisely and staying ahead of industry trends, you can build a successful and sustainable business in the hospitality sector.
Text | Kevan Govender
Photography | Ground Picture
Kevan Govender is Regional Investment Manager at Business Partners Limited. For more information, go to businesspartners.co.za.
High productivity means being aware of workplace psychology and scheduling
It’s said that the constant flow of emails, meetings and instant messages – or ‘busywork’, as it’s been called – can often prevent us from engaging in what we might call ‘actual work’. These are the tasks that move projects forward, deliver value to clients or contribute to our professional growth. But there are some steps that can be taken to help boost a team’s output.
Happy workers are productive workers – it’s a well-documented fact. But it can be hard to keep sight of as the deadlines loom and the pressure builds. In a study titled Happiness and Productivity, researchers from the University of Warwick conducted a series of experiments involving over 700 participants.
They gave one group mood-boosting stimuli like watching clips from a comedy movie or eating chocolate, while another group were left to get on with their work without any treats. The results were clear: the group with mood boosters demonstrated a remarkable 10–12% increase in productivity.
IWG research backs this up and highlights the many benefits of hybrid working. By cutting back on the daily commute and giving employees the opportunity to work closer to home or in an office that fits with their personal preferences, you can give people back time and control of their lifestyle. According to the same research, hybrid workers exercise more, sleep longer and eat better – and they spend more time with friends and family. As a result, 79% said they have been more productive post-lockdown.
Work smarter
Microsoft Teams data shows that our collective focus is generally on communicating rather than creating.
In the same report, 68% of people said they don’t have enough uninterrupted focus time during the workday.
Giving people the time and space for focused work is essential for productivity. That could mean allocating specific times during the week, setting out rules for scheduling meetings or giving team members access to a workspace that works for them. This often means getting out of the busy company headquarters or away from home and the lure of the couch. In truth, it is probably all of these things combined.
As AI develops and improves, it will inevitably take on a bigger role in the workplace. The author of Microsoft’s Work Trend Index describes it as a “co-pilot” that can help us to manage our busy work.
“This new generation of AI will remove the drudgery of work and unleash creativity,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “There’s an enormous opportunity for AI-powered tools to help alleviate digital debt, build AI aptitude and empower employees.”
People like to know that their employers are invested in them, and offering training and development opportunities is a good way to show that you’re a manager who cares. Personal growth and breadth of experience are very much the career motivators of the moment, and Gen Z employees who are just entering the workforce cite both of these as among their key wants when looking for a job.
On a small scale, you can embrace new skills by helping people within your team share their knowledge and expertise and bringing in outside experts when possible.
Change the focus
Hybrid-era meetings are different from before, but many people are conducting them in the same tired format, and meeting fatigue is a common complaint.
One solution is curated meetings, which help generate ideas, foster team bonds and nurture a strong company culture.
A curated meeting is the antithesis of things happening by accident and worlds apart from the sort of ‘quick catch-up’ that, in many pre-pandemic workplaces, could easily turn into meandering, time-wasting conversations with no discernible outcome.
Start by setting clear goals as a group to curate meetings effectively. Encourage active participation, allowing everyone to have a say. A designated facilitator can guide the discussion while ensuring a balanced conversation. Importantly, curated meetings should also be enjoyable and social.
After each meeting, assess whether the goals were achieved and define the next steps. By following these steps, you can unlock a team’s full potential and foster a culture of productivity.
Being productive doesn’t happen by accident, and people who are bogged down by busy work or held up in overly long meetings don’t have extra hours to go then and get the important work done. Hybrid working can help because it gives employees the space, energy and extra time (those valuable hours not commuting, for example) to produce great work, and that keeps everyone happy.
Text | Fatima Koning and Joanne Bushell
Photography | Meeko Media
Fatima Koning is IWG’s Chief Commercial Officer. Joanne Bushell is MD, IWG, South Africa. For more information, go to iwgplc.com.
Your culture is eating your strategy: How influence and clarity can tip the scale
Imagine if you gathered your team, counted to three, and asked them to shout out the organisation’s biggest priority for the upcoming year. Now imagine everyone’s shouting different answers. Awkward? Yes. But it’s more common than you think. Leaders and teams spend countless hours in meetings strategising, and yet, somehow, they end up aligned on goals in theory but not in practice.
This disconnect raises key questions for any leader who wants their team to deliver with unity and focus:
Firstly, let’s get clear
Recent cognitive science research shows that our brain’s capacity to manage, retain and recall priorities is limited to only four key items at a time. Overloading this “cognitive muscle” leads to fatigue and diminishes strategic thinking, causing individuals to react based on what is latest and loudest instead of what’s most important.
This is why having a clear, shared vision is crucial. If priorities aren’t clear and concise, your team’s cognitive load will exceed its limit, resulting in disjointed actions and poor alignment.
Why influence matters
That last question, about influence, might seem like an afterthought. But if your team isn’t aligned, then influence is exactly what’s missing. You’re at a crucial moment that calls for honest conversations and change.
The calibre of leadership is often determined by how a leader tackles this problem. Leadership is about intentional influence: it’s not enough to have a strategy; you need to get everyone actively working towards the same end goal to achieve it.
In moments of misalignment, where teams see things differently, a strong leader doesn’t just “out-think” the problem; they seek to influence effectively. Clarity helps simplify and focus this influence. It’s about reducing the noise and setting clear, shared metrics and language around what success looks like.
Consider Confucius’s perspective: he argued that language shapes behaviour, and in organisations, the language of success is measurement. To foster a culture of alignment, you need shared metrics and language around what success looks like.
This is where Crucial Conversations and Crucial Accountability skills come in, equipping teams with the dialogue tools they need to reach common ground. However, if confusion is widespread, then more than conversation is required.
You need an integrated framework that allows you to think and work systemically towards achieving your end goals. Such a framework has been developed by the authors of the book Influence: The New Science of Leading Change, in which they present the international award-winning Influence methodology.
To foster a culture of alignment, you need both clarity and a robust framework like the Influence methodology, which aligns your team around strategic, financial, and cultural goals. This framework ensures that your influence is not just intentional but also effective, leveraging six sources of influence to build the right behaviours and support structures.
Ready to lead with influence?
By approaching these crucial moments with intentional influence, you’ll see the difference in your team’s focus and alignment.
Interested in learning more about leadership influence? Reach out to us at hello@humanedge.co.za or join one of our training sessions to see the Influence methodology in action.
Text | Heléne Vermaak
Photography | Supplied
For more details, contact The Human Edge at hello@humanedge.co.za or call 012 345 6281.
Focus on the right ingredients, and a dish can have positive effects all over the body
Nourishing the gut with wholefoods and superfoods is important to support the immune system, maintain digestive health and provide essential nutrients that can combat seasonal illnesses and promote overall wellbeing, including keeping your skin healthy and glowing. A nourishing superfood soup is not only delicious but also great for promoting glowing skin and a balanced gut.
Ingredients
Method
Text | Nicole Sherwin
Photography | Supplied
Nicole Sherwin is founder Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare. For more information, go to ecodiva.co.za.
Heritage foods help keep us connected with our communities and our past
It started with glacé cherries. Or more accurately, when our hosts thanked us for the cake that we didn’t send them. It was an old-fashioned chocolate number, neatly iced and punctuated by four red buttons. Confusion followed when it was determined that the gift might have been received in error on Friday afternoon at the chaotic time when the doorbell is known to ring, when there’s little opportunity to chat and when gifts are delivered.
With ownership not fully determined, it seemed a pity to let something fresh go to waste. So, I bit into the sickly sweet cherry prize that I would have fought for as a child. As the squish of the texture burst to full flavour, I was transported back to birthday parties, cupcakes, trifles and a time long past.
The concept of heritage foods has become increasingly important. It refers to traditional foods and recipes that have been passed down through generations within a culture, region or family. These dishes are deeply tied to cultural identity, history and customs, often reflecting local ingredients, preparation methods and the influence of specific historical events or social practices. For example, South African heritage foods might include dishes like bobotie, biltong, and chakalaka, and Jewish heritage foods include challah, gefilte fish and matzo ball soup, with variations depending on Ashkenazi or Sephardic backgrounds.
Heritage foods are important because they keep culinary traditions alive and help maintain cultural connections and family history. “Granny’s jam biscuits,” although probably lifted directly from a recipe book, still take on a heavenly quality long after Granny has baked her last tray.
The graveyard of dated foods is significant. For some, it might be Koo stewed peaches, teiglach, glacé cherries, cola tonic and lemonade, and chopped herring, while for others it might be p’tcha, which is a stomach-churning, nausea-inducing traditional Eastern European Jewish dish made from simmering calf’s feet with onions, garlic and spices until the broth becomes rich and gelatinous and then allowing it to set into a jelly.
South Africans living abroad will attest to the power of nostalgic food. Mrs Ball’s Chutney, South African Cadbury chocolates, biltong and rooibos tea are sought-out items for those who want a taste of back-in-the-day, and many will agree that no matter how long they live in a country, they still can’t get used to the taste of a specific item there.
Whereas foods like p’tcha are unlikely to make a revival, trifle and ‘hundreds and thousands’ sprinkles might. I’m unlikely to find out who sent the chocolate cake to our hosts. But I do want to thank them for providing me with memories of my parents, my grandparents and of a childhood past. It might or might not be true that nostalgia is heroin for adults, but it’s unequivocal that the cherry on top isn’t what it used to be.
Text | Howard Feldman
Photography | Photo_Olivia
Follow Howard Feldman on X: @HowardFeldman.
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