insight for executives on the move
November 2024
Beloved spirit continues to fund new spaces in popular culture
PUBLISHER: Urs Honegger
EDITOR: Bruce Dennill
SENIOR SUB-EDITOR: Claire Rencken
SUB-EDITOR: Gina Hartoog
OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION MANAGER: Paul Kotze
SENIOR DESIGNER: Annie Fraser
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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.
A groundbreaking initiative, BEAT Tuberculosis, has become the world’s first initiative in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) for all population groups, influencing the World Health Organization’s policy on treating TB internationally.
TB remains a threat to global public health and the second leading cause of death in South Africa. The BEAT Tuberculosis clinical study was conducted at the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal over the past six years, in collaboration with the National Department of Health. It was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by the University of the Witwatersrand.
The study was born from a South African need to find better treatment options for DR-TB and intended to inform local guidelines. However, international guidelines have also been changed as a result.
“The study represents a groundbreaking approach in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly with its inclusive research methodology. By incorporating pregnant women and children into the clinical trials, the study has expanded the understanding of TB treatment’s efficacy and safety across broader demographics. The study’s success in demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the new short oral regimen in these key populations marks a pivotal step towards a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare strategy for tuberculosis management,” says Dr. Francesca Conradie, the principal investigator leading the study.
More, in less time
The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel shortened treatment regimen for DR-TB compared with the established standard of care. The standard treatment comprised a seven-drug regimen administered over a minimum of nine months. This was compared with a streamlined regimen of four to five medications, including newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, administered over only six months.
A second objective of the study aimed to enhance research capacity for DR-TB within the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal by fostering community engagement and providing training to healthcare personnel in clinical research methodologies for TB treatment.
The study began in 2019, and despite the formidable challenges posed by COVID-19, over 400 participants were enrolled across study sites in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Prof. Norbert Ndjeka, Chief Director of TB Control and Management of the National Department of Health, adds, “In South Africa in 2022, an estimated 280,000 people developed TB, and 54,000 died from the disease. With this concerning observation in mind, we acknowledge the BEAT Tuberculosis project as an exemplary and concerted effort to advance TB treatment and research capabilities, poised to bring about transformative changes in RR-TB management worldwide. While the study was originally intended to inform local treatment guidelines, the results are now set to benefit patients everywhere.”
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced that two of its airports, OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (CDSIA), received coveted recognition at the ACI Africa Airport Safety Awards.
ORTIA was recognised as the second runner-up in the category of airports with more than 50,000 aircraft movements, while CDSIA was named the second runner-up in the category of airports with between 20,000 and 50,000 aircraft movements.
The ACI Africa Airport Safety Awards recognise member airports that practise excellence in emergency management and airport resilience, based on an assessment of manuals, procedures, and concrete and functional measures in the context of planning, preparation, intervention, and resilience in airport emergency situations.
Source: airports.co.za
Artists and scientists may seem to speak different languages, but there are similarities. For example, the creative process and environmental science both involve appreciating the natural world. In combination, this appreciation can be amplified.
The emerging field of bioacoustics is an example. By combining biology and acoustics, bioacoustics is the cross-disciplinary investigation of sound production, dispersion, and reception in animals. In the Kruger National Park, this research field is being used as inspiration to ignite creative minds and amplify the work of African specialists in the field.
The Listening for Life project, an initiative of the African Bioacoustics Community (ABC), is a science-art collaboration that promotes active and mindful listening to nature.
The project brought together MAK1ONE and members of the Handcantrol360 Graffiti Crew to co-create murals at Skukuza Primary School. The crew hosted a mural workshop for the children at the school, where they listened to a playlist of Kruger’s wetland wildlife and painted the sounds they could hear.
While the scientists built the ABC sound library, collecting acoustic recordings within Kruger, the artists worked to complete several unique graffiti murals around the school. The paintings are African-made, inspired by the sounds of nature, science-based, and created with participation from the community in which the paintings will remain, continuing to foster a connection to the natural world.
Source: africanbioacoustics.org
Airlink now offers a Wednesday afternoon service between Johannesburg and Richards Bay. This service operates with a 74-seat Embraer E170 E-Jet. There is also now a Wednesday flight to Beira, Mozambique, bringing the service to a daily operation. Additionally, there is now an extra weekly flight from Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam on Saturdays, operated with the modern 98-seat Embraer E190 E-Jet.
From December 2024, Airlink will offer twice-weekly seasonal flights from South Africa to St Helena Island. Flights will still operate between Johannesburg and St Helena, with a new seasonal service from Cape Town starting on 7 December 2024.
Furthermore, Airlink has rescheduled Zambia services to allow for a full business day in Lusaka or Johannesburg. A new daily service between Johannesburg and Maputo has been added, along with improved schedules between these cities to maximise business opportunities.
There will also be a ramp-up of Airlink’s air services between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the launch of Johannesburg to Kinshasa flights from 28 March 2025. This new service will operate three times a week with Airlink’s modern 98-seat Embraer E190 twin-engined aircraft.
Tented camp takes visitors into untouched parts of the Kruger National Park.
Growing up north of Johannesburg before there were suburbs, with a low chain-link fence as the only barrier between the house and the veld that was all around at the time, the occasional Mozambique spitting cobra would pop in for a visit from time to time, alarming the dog and possibly threatening whichever sibling happened to be crawling around in the dust at the time.
So, when one of these snakes slithers across the private access road leading to Satara Plains Camp, a seasonal site set up out of view of regular Kruger National Park (KNP) visitors, a short drive from the park’s Satara Rest Camp, it has the paradoxical effect of feeling like something welcoming.
Watchful guide Marius Renke, a hugely knowledgeable retired KNP section ranger, is dryly dismissive of such a notion. “I don’t mind snakes, but that’s not a very nice one,” he notes. “It likes to come into your house. Keep the zips closed on your tent.”
Demanding attention in a tree above the burrow in which the snake has found refuge, a martial eagle, massive and intimidating despite not yet being fully grown, showers the ground beneath with the feathers of its just-caught prey, a hapless spurfowl. Renke breaks off describing something else to wonder what species of spurfowl it is just as the eagle wrenches the unfortunate small bird around with its talons, offering a flash of the bright red skin on the face of its meal-to-be.
“Ah, a Swainson’s,” says Renke, with the air of someone who has watched nature let its various storylines play out endlessly over the years, tragic or otherwise.
Beneath the branches
The camp is only visible once you get within a few hundred metres, built to fade into the background provided by a copse of trees. It’s surrounded by a low electrified fence that should make passing animals think twice while still preserving the view of the surrounding savannah. The camp comprises 30 safari tents, each including a bed, a dressing area, and a bathroom with a chemical toilet and a zip-open roof hole for a bucket shower. That bucket is filled with hot water once or twice a day or per guest request.
The dining, reception, and bar areas are all under one large tent roof, with bright turquoise and blue accents tying everything together. There is a lower deck under a magnificent spreading tree hung with large lights under wicker shades that give it a fairytale wonder. In that shade—necessary during the hottest parts of the day—are set up a couch, chairs, and two pairs of sunbeds, making it a wonderful spot to rest and read. Below that deck is yet more space to relax, with three adjacent boma areas featuring bonfires in the centre of each. With that sort of choice, pre-dinner drinks and warming up around the fire can be a solo or social activity, depending on how much you want to engage with whatever drama is unfolding next door.
Friendly staff, most of them from local communities, are eager to help and learn and assist you in planning around the generator schedule (5-10 am, 1-2 pm, 5-10 pm).
Quiet time
Heading out for a morning drive in the KNP without needing to get into a queue feels mischievous, but the guilt evaporates a short distance down another private road when we surprise a trio of young hyenas that seem more skittish than their cousins elsewhere in the park. This could be a result of their relative youth or perhaps a function of the lower traffic density: cars are more of a novelty this far off the established roads.
The sun rises over the edge of a distant plain, a pink-orange orb rising as smoothly as the mystery gloop in a stratospheric lava lamp. Because of the morning haze, it’s possible to actually look right at the sun for the first few moments (unless your mom is on the vehicle, obviously).
The area is rich in raptors—bateleur eagles, brown snake eagles, white-backed vultures, another majestic martial eagle, and a couple of African fish eagles hanging around the gorgeous Gudzani Dam—a jewel that every Kruger visitor should make a note to visit. It’s a magnificently picturesque place to stop for coffee—until you notice a rock disengage from the other bank and morph into a crocodile halfway across the channel.
There is plenty of game, with elephant, kudu, giraffe, and other browsers in good supply. Smaller groups of grazers, including zebra harems, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, and a single, massive somnambulant rhino, are also spotted; his rotating radar ears are the only sure sign that he hasn’t expired. Signs of big cats are present—plenty of spoor—but with exactly lion-coloured grass on either side, the animals could be anywhere, having vanished simply by lying down.
Guide Mishak’s style is to not spend all his time on the radio or rush to meet colleagues who have reported something elsewhere. Some guests may not like the potentially reduced guarantee of a sighting, but the “this is what nature offers” approach still reveals plenty and is markedly less stressful for those who came on holiday wanting to escape the pressure to meet targets.
Different drives mean different dynamics as new guests arrive at the camp. A later excursion includes more storytelling, niche sightings like a chameleon in a tree, and sundowners with feeding elephants just a few hundred metres away.
Back at camp, with the safari tents storing up heat in the middle of the day, it is the shade of the giant trees that draws guests during leisure time. With all the seating and reclining options available, there is a real temptation to set up some sort of “nap circuit” that you can aim to complete before leaving.
Text and photography | Bruce Dennill
For more information or to book a stay, visit: krugeruntamed.com
Doing a full circuit of St Helena introduces visitors to history, culture, wild spaces, and extravagant beauty.
There is hardly a part of St Helena that isn’t on a slope, so if you’re going to do a tour of the island, a capable, comfortable car is a must. Tour guide Aaron Legg arriving in a Toyota Fortuner 4×4 is an encouraging start to a day’s adventuring.
Heading uphill (predictably), the first stop is one that underlines the ever-present impact of Napoleon. Stopping at the side of the road above Jamestown, it’s possible to look down on Briars Pavilion where the Frenchman stayed for the first few weeks after he arrived for his imprisonment and note how well treated he was, even if he was indisputably a prisoner.
“Over 1,000 English soldiers and the South African navy were all at one point part of the military detail tasked with keeping him from escaping,” explains Legg.
On the hill behind the building, the Heart Shaped Waterfall fits its name, with symmetrical cliff faces mirroring each other and creating a ready-made background for every committed Instagrammer planning a visit.
The next stop is Flagstaff, a peak approached via a gentle gradient on the island side but with a terrifying drop to the sea on the other. Reaching it means driving across Deadwood Plain, site of one of the two Boer War prisoner-of-war camps, which must have been a nasty place to try and set up a tent, as the prevailing wind howls across the open area much of the time.
Now farmland, there are no obvious remains of the POW camp, with two far more positive markers of the present and future taking centre stage: a healthy population of the rare wirebird, endemic to St Helena, and a number of large wind turbines, which generate around a quarter of the island’s energy.
Houses and history
Driving back through the Leadwood area, there is a nondescript house that, in its original form – you can see one of the old walls, but much of the structure has been updated – housed Charles Darwin (during a stopover on the voyage of The Beagle) and Edmund Halley, among other influential visitors fascinated by the island’s unique offerings from a scientific point of view. Visible from there across a valley is a larger house that was the residence of the explorer Captain James Cook when he stopped over during one of his epic voyages.
What is now Longwood village is situated on what was once an estate around the main, large house – Napoleon’s main residence and the place where he died, and now a fascinating museum in the Emperor’s memory – with the main road passing through the estate’s old gateposts.
Out towards the airport, the Millennium Forest features a number of young trees planted to replace vegetation disrupted by the runway’s construction. The heavily eroded slope below reveals layers of soil that, oxidised by exposure to the air, create a gorgeous rainbow of colour.
Around the corner from that, history re-enters the picture with the imposing Turk’s Cap rock formation marking Turk’s Cap Bay and, on the other side of the headland, Prosperous Bay, named for the British ship that moored there during the attack on the island to take it back from the Dutch in 1673. Pity the poor soldiers who had to scale this brutal slope in full gear…
From this vantage point, it’s possible to see the full extent of the airport runway and the eight million cubic metres of soil filled in on the far side so that the landing area could extend far enough for the aircraft needed to service the destination. It’s an astonishing feat of engineering, quite literally supporting the potential of the airport to bring in new trade and tourism.
Wild variety
Up in the island’s southern hills, the Bellstone is a curious little attraction, a boulder – not particularly large – that rings like a bell when struck with a smaller rock. It’s a charming phenomenon, but a quirky reason to trek across the whole island.
The next stop is rather more dramatic. Sandy Bay (Cape Town residents who’ve visited the nude beach of the same name might chortle), reached via a thrilling, hairpin-bend-riddled descent, feels like it could be on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, with craggy cliffs on either side, a mostly pebble beach (despite the location’s name) and, Legg warns, a dangerous rip tide. It’s not a great place to take a dip, but fortifications built to stave off invasions, black sand, and looping, dipping brown-headed boobies (a gannet-like species of bird; again, Capetonians, stay focused, please) make it a striking place to picnic or ponder an existential crisis.
The western side of the island is very different again. The area around Blue Hill is, ironically, incredibly green and a number of local families are sitting and eating together while enjoying magnificent sunset views over an unruffled Atlantic. High Hill is more accurately (and literally) named, and down below that is an area where the locals camp over the Easter weekend called Thompson’s Valley. Legg relates that the name does not refer to a person who achieved something in the area but is rather a mangling of the old name – Tombstone Valley – so-called because of the shape of the rocks protruding from the ground.
Show ’em your guns
Heading back towards Jamestown, Alarm House, where, until 1692, two cannons were fired when unknown ships entered the harbour far below, was part of a more complicated communication system involving cannons elsewhere on the island that Legg wryly observes “generally only dealt with two topics: either it was tea time or there was an invasion.”
There are four more major buildings to stop at before the circuit of St Helena is completed. St Paul’s Cathedral, while nowhere near as large as that St Paul’s Cathedral, is nevertheless imposing – and poignant – with its Commonwealth war graves.
Just more than a stone’s throw away is Plantation House, home of St Helena governors present and past, as well as 191-year-old giant tortoise Jonathan. And there is no question as to who is the greater celebrity…
Lastly, there are two defensive strongholds. Impressive citadel High Knoll Fort is still mostly in good condition, and you can simply arrive and walk around. It’s a hulking presence on the hilltop above the capital city and the harbour, but not a single shot was fired in anger from its scores of gun slots. Arguably its greatest contemporary value, after all the investment involved in building such a behemoth in such a location before there were roads leading to it, is as a site for a number of radio aerials that are hugely important for regional communication.
Ladder Hill Fort, at the head of the stomach-turningly steep 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, has a more aggressive personality, though its massive ship’s guns, pointing out to sea, remain silent and hopefully always will.
Text and photography | Bruce Dennill
For more information or to book a tour, visit: sthelenatourism.com
Blue-eyed babes are just one of the attractions of a remote wilderness getaway.
Do you have a bucket list? It’s not anywhere near as morbid as it might sound. Described by the Oxford Dictionary, it’s a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. They go on to qualify it with, “making this trip is the first thing on my bucket list.”
One such place is Ker & Downey Botswana’s Kanana, a name that means ‘land of milk and honey’ in the country’s native Tswana language. Spanning an area of 98 km², it offers nature in abundance with prolific wildlife and luxurious accommodation.
Baby’s got blue eyes
Coming back to the ultimate bucket list, for me, it’s been a dream to see tiny cubs with blue eyes – not necessarily at the den site, as that makes them vulnerable to other predators but visible enough to witness them at a safe distance. So what a delight and privilege it was to set eyes on three four-week-old lion cubs, stashed away by their protective mother under the branches of a fallen leadwood tree. We encountered the lioness nursing the cubs twice, with the accompanying sound effects as the little ones tussled for milk.
When finding them on a few different occasions with the mother not present, Field Guide Ona explained that the lioness needs to eat in order to provide nutritiously rich milk for her offspring. Should she have made a kill, she will feed far away from where the cubs are in order not to attract hyenas or jackals that might want to harm her babies. The cubs’ eyes have recently opened (they are born blind) and appear blue, indicating that they are still very young.
Another highlight is discovering two tiny blue-eyed leopard cubs hiding inside the hollow branch of a dead leadwood tree. We see them on our last morning, and shy as they are, the more courageous one ventures briefly outside of his hiding quarters. Passing by the area en route back to the camp, the day has warmed up substantially, and according to Ona, the cubs have probably gone to sleep, as their most active times are early mornings and around sunset.
Dogs on patrol
With only eight tented suites, Kanana ensures privacy and exclusivity for its guests. At the end of a tree-lined path, the family suite is beautifully positioned under an imposing sausage tree, and a wooden walkway leads to an arrival point. A charcoal mosquito net envelops the white percale-linen-covered oversized bed, with a ceiling fan creating a cooling respite from the sweltering summer days. Should you wish to pen a postcard, a writing desk has been provided for that purpose. Behind the bed, a framed black-and-white photograph of a herd of elephants pays homage to the species that inhabit this special region of Botswana.
It’s impossible not to feel at home with the hospitable camp staff, and nothing is too much effort for them. The main camp area is a WiFi-free zone, and striking up a conversation with fellow guests proves to be a lot more meaningful than scrolling through a mobile device. Internet connection is available in the tented suites, however, if you need to let your loved ones know what a wonderful time you are having.
Dining is a communal affair with everyone seated at a long table, either on the outside deck or inside the main area. Don’t be alarmed when the animals that live nearby make their presence known. African wild dogs arrive one morning, only to disappear again without a trace. Re-emerging the same evening while guests are sitting around the firepit enjoying pre-dinner drinks, the dogs take down an impala, providing thrilling but gruesome entertainment.
Dining alone
Different lions take pride of place at Kanana. They vary in age and size, as well as the colour of their manes. On our first game drive, a male with a messily dishevelled head of hair fleetingly wakes up from his afternoon nap. He eyes the female lying a few metres away from him. When she gets up, he follows suit, but she finds a more comfortable spot in the shade to continue her siesta. Once he has marked his territory, he does the same as the female, resuming his slumber.
The last morning at the camp is filled to the brim with sightings. Two male lions have a heated argument, including loud growling, over the remains of a zebra kill. The one with a more pronounced mane is still feeding and clearly doesn’t want to share his prized possession – the zebra’s head. The one with the smaller mane sniffs around the area to see if there might be any scraps left, which makes the other lion both curious and annoyed. Another two male lions from a different coalition are walking across the plains towards the one trying to finish his meal. Will they fight it out? Hyenas are also lying in wait for any morsels left behind. Much to our relief, the incoming pair of lions change direction.
When it comes to food, big cats are known not to share and will fight tooth and nail for what they believe belongs to them. As the gorgeous male with his treasured meal looks up, the sun catches his golden eyes, the perfect conclusion to our final game drive.
Text and photography | Heléne Ramackers
For more information or to book a stay, go to kerdowneybotswana.com. Heléne Ramackers’ Airlink flights between Cape Town and Maun were sponsored by The Luxury Safari Company (theluxurysafaricompany.com).
South African couple turn fishing and beach living into a lifelong adventure.
At the beginning of 2020, before the world had heard of ‘lockdown’, a couple packed up their world in East London, sold everything – lock, stock and barrel – and headed to Nosy Be in Madagascar.
She had never been to Madagascar. He had visited Nosy Be several times on fishing trips and had convinced her that this was the place to live the dream. The couple had purchased two beachfront villas on Sakatia, a little island to the northwest of Nosy Be, and there their idyllic island life began. During the lockdown, they renovated both villas and were ready to open their doors to guests as soon as travel was allowed again.
Griselda and Adrian du Toit now welcome guests to their villas regularly. They have employed a first-class chef, and guests enjoy their meals exclusively prepared for them on vast decks with the sea just metres away.
A whole new world
What made this place so special that it was worth giving up everything they owned?
“It really wasn’t easy at first. But Nosy Be has so much to offer, and I settled into island life quickly. Living, literally, on the beach, the sea is clear and warm, and there are turtles that live just around the corner from us,” replies Griselda.
“We have lemurs visiting our fruit trees in the back garden, and the villagers are so friendly and warm. And there are no roads on the island, which means there really is no hustle and bustle. Living here, we get to choose what we want to do each day – diving, snorkelling, hiking, stand-up paddling, and kayaking are all activities we can do from our doorstep! So, ultimately, it felt like a no-brainer!”
“I am here for the fishing!” says Adrian, joining in the conversation. He bought a 12m sports fisher called Maki 2 and jumps at every opportunity to use it to take guests out fishing.
The Du Toits’ story is just one of the many success stories about South Africans who have relocated to Madagascar.
Text | Harriet Millson
Photography | Supplied
For more information or to book a stay at Sakatia Beachfront Villas, go to madagascat.co.za.
Big adventures don’t necessarily require deep pockets, but knowledge and planning are required to get good value.
Surviving tough economic times usually means putting non-essential spending on hold, but just because you’re feeling the pinch doesn’t mean you have to ignore the call of your wanderlust. With some careful budgeting, pre-planning, and a bit of flexibility, you can pull off that long-awaited international trip.
Travelling on a budget is not impossible, but it does require a bit more legwork than usual. The key is planning. There are many moving parts to consider. Hidden expenses beyond your control can add up quickly. This is why pre-planning how you’re going to meet the upfront expenses that are within your control is important.
When it comes to booking flights to international destinations, the earlier you can book, the better. Flight prices escalate significantly in the months and weeks leading up to the actual travel date, so when travelling on a budget, it’s best to be an early bird. Apart from sidestepping exorbitant flight prices, there are also a number of added benefits – by booking early, you’ll have the chance to book the best seats, whether that’s extra legroom or a window seat. Booking early will also give you a date to work towards and more time to plan all the variables.
Another secret that frequent travellers bank on is inputting a flexible date range when selecting flights. This could work in your favour, as flights leaving on weekdays and during off-peak hours are often cheaper than those on weekends. Even if you’re not willing to budge on your departure date, you could consider choosing a return flight during an off-peak time – or vice versa. By being flexible, you’ll have more choices in terms of times and routes, which may end up being more convenient.
A taste for savings
One of the biggest hidden costs of travelling internationally is the cost of a visa. Depending on the country you choose to visit, applying for a visa could cost up to R3,000, which can make a significant dent in your budget. Thankfully, there are a few countries South Africans can visit without a visa, so considering one of those as a destination is an option.
It’s a misconception that booking everything yourself is always cheaper than working with a travel agent. In fact, the opposite may be true. Travel agents often offer package deals that include your departure and return flights, accommodation options, and even certain activities at a cheaper rate than booking everything separately. If possible, choose a travel agent that offers payment plans on their bookings.
Avoid countries with expensive tourist traps and instead opt for a country that offers a wide range of activities you can do for free or at a nominal fee. Typically, these kinds of countries are those that have beautiful natural scenery and environments that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature walks, and birdwatching.
Everyone loves sampling traditional cuisine when travelling, but dining out can come with a hefty price tag. Although eating at a restaurant – or two – may be part of the travelling experience, you can save money by occasionally eating local street food. Not only does this give you a more authentic taste of the culture, but it can also help stretch your travel budget further.
Street food is readily available almost everywhere and is relatively cheap compared to the food you’ll find at restaurants. If you want to mix up your experience of the local food and culture, you can also visit night markets, where vendors make ready-to-eat dishes as you wait.
Text | Chaiwat Tamthai
Photography | Alessandro Biascioli
Chaiwat Tamthai is Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai for the Middle East and Africa. For more information, go to tourismthailand.org.
Water-bound reserves help keep marine creatures and ecosystems safe.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are the ‘nature reserves’ of the sea, conserving marine biodiversity to protect threatened species and ocean health. South Africa is home to 41 MPAs that play a vital role in ocean conservation. Here are some of the best.
iSimangaliso MPA
Translation: Miracles and wonder.
Location: Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Fast fact: This was South Africa’s first World Heritage Site and is South Africa’s biggest coastal MPA.
Marine life: Coelacanths, leatherback and loggerhead turtles, hard and soft corals, a myriad of reef fish, whale sharks, mantas, marlins, thresher sharks, spider crabs, sea pens, deep-water rock lobsters, and glass sponges.
This MPA, which forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is home to the rediscovered coelacanth, a fish that has existed since the dinosaurs. This is also an important nesting ground for leatherback and loggerhead turtles. The beautiful coral reefs off Sodwana are enjoyed by thousands of local and international scuba divers. The offshore waters are teeming with game fish, which attract many recreational ski-boat anglers every year. Although pelagic game fishing is permitted in zoned areas, no bottom fishing is allowed, which protects reef fish.
Pondoland MPA
Translation: Waterfall wonderland.
Location: Pondoland Coast, Eastern Cape.
Fast fact: This is South Africa’s second-largest coastal MPA.
Marine life: Many threatened and endemic linefish including red steenbras, black musselcracker, seventy-four, Scotsman, and dageraad. A unique giant kingfish aggregation. Gannets, sharks, dolphins, and whales associated with the annual sardine run.
This unique 90km stretch of the Wild Coast is home to many threatened and endemic reef fish located within the 1,237km² protected area, extending from the Mzamba River south of Port Edward to the Umzimvubu River at Port St Johns and about 10km offshore (to the 1,000m depth contour). Some of the country’s healthiest estuaries are protected within this MPA, which is characterised by rocky shores backed by grasslands and forests that form part of the Pondoland Centre of Endemism.
Tsitsikamma MPA
Nickname: The crown jewel of South African MPAs.
Location: Garden Route, on the border between the Eastern and Western Cape.
Fast fact: This is the oldest MPA in Africa.
Animal life: Roman, dageraad, red steenbras, humpback and southern right whales, bottlenose and humpback dolphins, Cape cormorants, terns, kelp gulls, oystercatchers, and Cape clawless otters.
Established in 1964, this 294km² MPA is an invaluable national asset, extending 60km from Groot Rivier East to Groot Rivier West and 5.6km out to sea. This wild coastal stretch is characterised by dramatic cliffs and rugged rocks, with forests home to ancient yellowwood trees and fynbos grasslands, all protecting endemic species of the warm temperate Agulhas Ecoregion.
De Hoop MPA
Nickname: Whale Trail.
Location: Near Cape Agulhas, Western Cape.
Fast fact: Considered to be one of the world’s prime whale-watching destinations.
Animal life: Southern right, Bryde’s, and humpback whales, bottlenose and common dolphins, important linefish including galjoen, blacktail, zebra, white musselcracker, white steenbras, dusky kob, shad, and many species of sharks and rays including great whites, smooth hammerheads, common smoothhounds, spotted gully sharks, eagle rays, and many invertebrate species.
The beautiful beaches and fynbos of this 289km² MPA make this a tourist haven, extending 48km from Witsand to Skipskop on the southern Cape coast and extending 5.6km out to sea. Considered one of the best places in the world for shore-based whale watching from May to June when southern right whales calve, up to 350 southern right whales have been recorded at one time. Migrating hammerhead sharks, mega-pods of dolphins, and flocks of Cape gannets feasting on sardines can also be seen. Intertidal rocky platforms and rocky subtidal reefs are also home to incredible marine life.
Text | Supplied
Photography | Matthieu Gallet
For more information, go to mpaday.org.
New book pays tribute to the work of sometimes overlooked geniuses
An orphan child slave changes the world
Edmond Albius (1829-1880),
Réunion
At the age of 12, Edmond Albius, an orphaned child slave, invented something so wondrous it would change the world of taste and perfume forever. He was born on the remote, lush Indian Ocean island of Isle de Bourbon in 1829 in the tiny town of Sainte Suzanne. Isle de Bourbon, now known as Réunion, is a French island situated between Africa and the subcontinent of India. Its closest neighbour is Madagascar.
Edmond was born without a surname, as slaves were not permitted a last name under French slavery laws. His mother, Melise, died in childbirth. He never met his father. At a young age, Edmond was sent by his first owner to work at the estate of her brother, Féréol Bellier-Beaumont, who was known for his skills in botany and horticulture. The French colonisers used slave labour from Africa to grow food for the European market. One of the many crops that Bellier-Beaumont and his fellow French farmers were tasked to cultivate was vanilla. However, successful vanilla farming to date had proved elusive.
Spanish explorers first introduced vanilla from Mexico to Europe 300 years previously, and European royalty had fallen for its subtle, warm aromatic flavour. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth I added it to her puddings. The courtesans of King Louis of France flavoured their soups with vanilla during their lavish dinner parties. The physician to King Philip II of Spain called it a miracle drug, which could soothe the stomach, reduce flatulence, and cause “the urine to flow admirably.” It was also considered an aphrodisiac. Demand was so great that by the 18th century, vanilla was literally worth its weight in silver. There was just one problem – and it was a big problem – the vanilla pod and not the vanilla orchid is where the heady taste is derived.
Attempts were made to grow the vanilla pod in Europe. However, Europeans discovered that the vanilla pod is very difficult to cultivate. When the plants failed to produce vanilla pods, it was decided to move them to the colonies with similar climates to Mexico. The Spanish attempted to grow crops in the Philippines, the Dutch in Java, and the British in India. The vanilla orchid grew and produced flowers, yet no vanilla pods from which the flavour was extracted grew from the orchid. Try as they might, the greatest European botanists could not reproduce the vanilla bean. In Mexico, a little bee, native exclusively to the area, does the deed.
Fast forward to 1829 and the birth of Edmond Albius. When Edmond was transferred to Bellier-Beaumont’s plantation, he soon became a favourite with the slave owner, who wrote: “This young black boy became my constant companion, a favourite child always at my feet.” Edmond spent most of his days following Bellier-Beaumont around the estate, watching him tend to his plants.
Twenty-two years before Edmond’s arrival on the farm, Bellier-Beaumont had received vanilla plants from Paris, but only one plant had survived. Like all the others, it never fruited. Bellier-Beaumont instilled a passion for botany in the young Edmond. It is said that Edmond spent time examining different flowers, vegetables, and fruit and how they grew. Bellier-Beaumont had shown Edmond how to hand-pollinate a watermelon by marrying the male and female parts together. The plantation owner had tried the same principle with vanilla but with no success.
One morning, while walking with Edmond, Bellier-Beaumont discovered two vanilla pods hanging on his solitary vanilla orchid vine. “Mon Dieu, it is a miracle.” “Not a miracle,” the young slave child replied shyly, “it is I who produced the fruit.” Edmond had discovered a way to successfully reproduce the vanilla pod.
Naturally, Bellier-Beaumont refused to believe that an island orphan child slave with no formal European education could beat the minds of the greatest European botanists. Bellier-Beaumont ordered Edmond to do it again. And so Edmond did. Two days later, there were more pods.
Historians are not sure how this clever young child invented the technique. The individual lives of slaves are rarely documented. Perhaps out of sheer childhood curiosity, Edmond explored the solitary vanilla vine. Perhaps he was born with a natural talent for botany and all things green. This will remain a mystery, lost in the annals of island time.
What we do know is that Edmond found the anther, which produced the pollen, and the stigma, which needed to be dusted. Then he discovered that the two parts were separated by a little flap. He used a thin toothpick-like stick (some say a blade of grass) to lift the flap, exposing the stigma, which caused the anther to shift upwards. The anther sac touched the stigma, but just to make sure they connected, Edmond pushed them together with his thumb and forefinger. This procedure is known as ‘the marriage.’ If the marriage is successful, the pod is ready to harvest nine months later.
Bellier-Beaumont, excited by this invention, contacted his fellow farmers on the island with the news. The child slave was sent to the various plantations to teach other slaves and their owners how to hand-pollinate the vanilla orchid.
Text | Dr Candice Bailey, Lerato Makate, Sizwe Malinga, Les Owen, and Therese Owen
Photography | Supplied and ChomplearnWe Were Always Here: Stories of Black Inventors Across the African Diaspora by Dr Candice Bailey, Lerato Makate, Sizwe Malinga, Les Owen, and Therese Owen is available now. This extract is published by permission.
With filmmakers constantly needing locations, awareness of trends can be a profitable exercise.
Fashion and interior design have the power to dazzle film sets to dramatic effect, all working together to convey an atmospheric tone or mood.
What’s trending on Europe’s runways is known to influence a film’s narrative structure, set design, how directors and writers bring their characters to life, and even the choice of film locations. How do the latest trends translate into a film location? Because runways also define what’s next in interior design, fashion photographers and production designers are looking for film locations that mirror the style of a season’s collection.
The fashion industry has four seasons, and so the requests are always shifting, which is why there is a constant need for quality locations that are well managed for shoots. It’s predicted that the film season, which usually begins around mid-October and runs until the end of March in Cape Town, is likely to be influenced by nineties minimalism alongside futuristic details. This translates into modern, minimalist homes or stark industrial settings. Outdoor spaces are being transformed into lush retreats, reflecting a growing desire for nature-inspired serenity.
Cape Town is one of the world’s most desirable destinations for film locations, attracting big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Sean Penn. As a country, South Africa enjoys 300 hours of sunshine per month, offers unique locations, diverse topography, and cosmopolitan cities, and can double for almost every part of the world. It’s also up to 40% cheaper to make films and shoot fashion catalogues in South Africa than in Europe and the US.
Into the atmosphere
With so many properties and locations on offer, what makes one film location stand out from another? Atmosphere is an integral part of storytelling that can transform a simple plot into a captivating cinematic experience and can be achieved with the use of light and shadow, colour, scale, and composition – elements found in both a location’s natural setting, interior design, and, of course, fashion.
When finding the ideal location, the most important element to consider is lighting. The general layout of the property is also important, as there needs to be enough space for film crews to move around while they are working. Also, look for interior and exterior aesthetics that offer a variety of textures and colours.
Listing your house as a film location can be profitable. Depending on the size of the house and its wow factor, daily rates can range anywhere from R10,000 to R60,000 per day. Homeowners interested in doing this should:
Text | Julia Finnis-Bedford
Photography | Stock image
Julia Finnis-Bedford is the founder of Amazing Spaces. For more information, go to amazingspaces.co.za.
Young chef looks forward to honing his skills – possibly for Hollywood royalty.
Moreleta Park, Pretoria resident Molefe Matsimela completed his studies last year and was chosen to be one of 12 students to take part in a five-month placement at a leading five-star hotel in Mauritius.
He says the experience of working at the Constance Prince Maurice hotel more than lived up to expectations:
“I had the pleasure of working with Chef Scioli, a culinary master known for his three Michelin stars and, under his guidance, I immersed myself in the remarkable world of gastronomy. A highlight was the opportunity to contribute to major events such as Christmas, Diwali, and New Year celebrations. These events not only allowed me to showcase my skills, but also gave me the experience of working with other Michelin-starred chefs from Norway and Canada. It’s an exciting combination of talent, ideas, and cultures that enriched my culinary journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” he says.
“Beyond the glamorous events, I had the privilege of learning from local chefs who shared their expertise and taught me the ins and outs of Mauritian cuisine. From learning traditional dishes to experimenting with innovative flavours, each day brought new culinary revelations and challenges to conquer.
“However, the experience was not just about honing my culinary craft; it was also about forging meaningful connections and friendships. Interacting with fellow chefs, locals, and trainees, I discovered the universal language of food. Basically, my time in Mauritius was a transformative journey filled with unparalleled experiences, rich learnings, and precious memories.”
Matsimela reveals the most important lesson learnt:
“The importance of patience. The language barrier was a big challenge, so communication and learning new things took longer than expected. At first, I was frustrated by the slow progress and difficulty in understanding the lessons that were being taught and in expressing my ideas effectively. But over time, I realised that patience is not only necessary but extremely valuable. I learnt to give myself the time I needed to understand new concepts and approach every interaction and learning opportunity with a calm and understanding mindset.”
He wants to continue travelling now that he has completed his studies and is exploring the opportunity of working on a cruise ship.
“In five years’ time, if I haven’t embarked on another exhilarating journey around the globe, I envision myself pursuing a master’s degree. This aspiration aligns with my passion for exploring diverse cuisines and honing my culinary skills to a professional level. I have identified Switzerland, Australia, and Italy as potential destinations for these studies.”
Name five things always in your fridge or pantry.
Molefe Matsimela: Ginger or garlic paste, sundried tomato pesto, mozzarella cheese, fish sauce, and honey.
What do you not eat?
I have a fairly adventurous palate and am not particularly picky when it comes to food. If a dish is prepared well and cooked to perfection, I’m more than willing to try it, regardless of its ingredients or origins. I don’t have specific foods that I outright refuse to eat. Rather, I believe in giving everything a fair chance. Whether it’s exotic cuisine or everyday fare, as long as it’s cooked right, I’m open to enjoying it.
If you had to cook dinner for five famous people, who would they be and what would you make them?
I would invite Zendaya, Beyoncé, Viola Davis, Malala Yousafzai, and Leonardo DiCaprio. For the menu, I would craft a culinary journey that reflects both sophistication and comfort, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. To start, a refreshing appetiser like a watermelon and feta salad with balsamic glaze would set the tone. For the main course, I would serve a surf-and-turf dish featuring perfectly grilled lobster tails paired with tender filet mignon, accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. To satisfy any dietary preferences, a vegan alternative like a gourmet mushroom risotto could be offered. For dessert, a decadent chocolate lava cake with a raspberry coulis centre would provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.
Favourite kitchen utensil and why?
My absolute favourite kitchen tool has to be chopsticks! There’s something incredibly versatile and enjoyable about using them. Not only do they add a unique flair to cooking, making the whole process more interactive and fun, but they also double up as eating utensils.
Favourite celebrity cook?
Jamie Oliver.
Text and photography | Supplied
For more information, go to capsicumcooking.com.
Hearing aids reduce the risk of death by almost 25%, study finds.
Not sure whether hearing aids are worth getting? Scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) investigated their benefits, and the results are loud and clear: hearing aids can reduce your risk of death by almost 25%.
Despite there being 40 million adults in the US who suffer from hearing loss, only one in 10 people who need hearing aids actually uses them. In the UK, only three in 10 people who need the devices use them, though 11 million are affected by hearing loss.
The USC scientists hope the findings of their study will encourage people to use hearing aids.
“Personally, as someone who uses a hearing aid, I find this result exciting,” Dr. Janet Choi, lead researcher of the study and otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine of USC, said. “It suggests that there may be a potential protective role of hearing aid use against mortality among those who could benefit from hearing aids.”
The scientists believe that lower levels of depression and dementia are behind the longer lifespans. Improved hearing, according to Choi, goes hand in hand with improvements in mental health and cognition. These improvements promote overall health and therefore longevity.
Published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the study is the largest to date to investigate the effect of hearing aids on mortality, examining 10,000 participants in total. In the group of 10,000, the scientists identified 1,863 people as having hearing loss. Of these, only 237 people regularly wore hearing aids – meaning at least once a week for five hours. The majority, 1,483 people, were ‘never users’ of hearing aids. The researchers described the remaining group as ‘non-regular users’, meaning they wore the devices less than once a month.
The researchers found that the mortality risk was 25% higher in never users compared to regular users. They also found that this was a steady rate: variables such as the degree of hearing loss, age, ethnicity, income, and others didn’t change the benefits of hearing aids.
Interestingly, the study didn’t find a difference between non-regular users and never users. When it comes to hearing aids, this suggests you need to go all-in: occasional use of the devices likely doesn’t boost your lifespan.
“I encourage anyone experiencing hearing difficulties to get their hearing tested and determine the type and severity of their hearing loss,” Choi said. “You’ll likely be amazed by the sounds you’ve been missing, which you won’t realise until you have your hearing tested and, if suitable, try a hearing aid.”
Shorts
Penguins often breed successfully, but some human help will help protect a distinctive species.
Humans can learn a lot from penguins. Not only are these remarkable birds incredibly resilient, but they also endure some of the harshest climates on the planet. What’s most inspiring, however, is how they care for their young.
Penguin parenting is all about teamwork. While the female lays the eggs, both the male and female share the responsibilities that follow – from incubation to chick rearing and feeding. Like human parenting, raising a baby penguin requires constant attention and effort from both parents. In human families, it’s rare that the mother goes out and leaves the father alone to care for a newborn for extended periods. However, in the penguin world, it’s quite the norm. Since the female’s foraging skills aren’t as proficient as her male counterpart’s, she often takes longer when out at sea looking for food to bring back to her chicks. She may even spend several hours resting on the shore before or after a foraging trip. Fortunately, with penguins, no one is watching the clock.
Despite their shared commitment to caring for their young, penguin parents sometimes have to abandon their nests. This usually happens if they’ve bred too late in the season and must focus on replenishing their energy stores for the upcoming moulting season. More worryingly, they may also be forced to leave due to the increasing distance they must travel to find food. Marine scientists at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) believe that food shortages are causing penguins to travel even further, leaving the other parent to abandon the nest as well.
Africa’s own
South Africa is home to the African penguin, a species found only on the southwestern coast of Africa. They live in colonies on 24 islands (and a few mainland sites) between Namibia and Algoa Bay, near Gqeberha. Cape Town’s Boulders Beach is the most famous colony, attracting thousands of tourists daily. Sadly, since the industrial era, the African penguin population has declined by 97%, with scientists predicting extinction by 2035 if nothing is done to protect their food sources – anchovies and sardines.
With just 8,300 breeding pairs left in South Africa, their population is decreasing at an alarming rate of 7.9% per year. SANCCOB is the only organisation in the world that artificially incubates and hatches wild-origin African penguin eggs and hand-rears the chicks for release back into the wild, aiming to bolster the declining wild population. On average, the organisation receives 500-600 abandoned African penguin chicks and 300-400 eggs annually, with these numbers increasing by 256% in the last seven years.
Researchers have been studying the correlation between environmental conditions and higher female mortality rates. In a further effort to halt penguins’ decline towards extinction, BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB took legal action in March 2023 against the Office of the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, pushing for the implementation of no-catch zones for sardines and anchovies around six breeding sites so that the penguins do not have to compete with commercial purse-seine fishing vessels that are fishing in their hunting grounds.
Text | Supplied
Photography | Jean van der Meulen
For more information, go to sanccob.co.za.
Preventing an annoying infection is a question of awareness and taking some simple steps.
Warm weather can be associated with a rise in fungal skin infections. A common skin condition that affects many people is athlete’s foot, an infection that can be easily spread. Fortunately, there are simple measures that can prevent its formation and spread.
Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that impacts people who wear closed shoes for extended periods of time or can otherwise be picked up by going barefoot in public changing rooms, showers, or swimming pools. It thrives in warm, damp conditions, so people who wear closed shoes should ensure that they air out sweaty feet or, if using public areas, make sure they wear shoes or flip-flops to prevent further spread.
The infection usually starts between the toes of someone who has sweaty feet or who has picked up the infection from the floor, shared towels, or clothing. Signs to look out for include:
Stop the spread
Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable skin condition that returns again and again. There are ways to prevent the start of an infection, as well as to prevent it from spreading from person to person.
If you’re required to wear closed shoes for work, try to go barefoot or wear sandals as often as possible outside of these hours. After wearing closed shoes, it’s important to clean your feet thoroughly with warm, soapy water – especially between the toes – before drying them. If you tend to have sweaty feet, buy socks made from natural materials like cotton, as these limit the amount of moisture. It’s important to change your socks every day. Also, alternate your shoes to give them time to dry out before wearing them again.
Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection, which means protecting your feet when you’re in public places is crucial. When using public pools, showers, or locker rooms, always wear waterproof sandals to prevent contracting athlete’s foot. If you live with other people, never share shoes, towels, or linen that hasn’t been washed.
One of the most effective ways to prevent the infection – as well as sweaty and smelly feet in warmer weather – is to use a foot powder. Pick one with antibacterial and antifungal ingredients that help absorb sweat and kill bacteria. This will keep your feet hygienically fresh and odour-free by removing moisture.
Text | Lynsey Hammond
Photography | Hryshchyshen Serhii
Lynsey Hammond is MD for Kroko. For more information, go to kroko.co.za.
Singer-songwriter Jesse Clegg recently returned with a new hit, Hurricane.
You were born Jesse Umpiyezwe Clegg. That middle name is quite a tongue-twister. What is the meaning behind the name?
Jesse Clegg: It’s a Zulu middle name given to me by my late dad, Johnny Clegg. Both my brother and daughter have Zulu middle names, a family tradition we have created. The name means “struggle of the nation” and it’s derived from the year I was born, 1988, when South Africa was going through a complicated political transition and no one knew what the outcome was going to be. The name ties me to South Africa, my birthplace, and the place that I came from. It’s also a reminder to me that life has its challenges, but there’s always hope.
What are your fondest childhood memories?
A lot of my childhood was spent on the road with my parents when my dad was touring in Europe and America. I fondly remember exploring France with my dad or going to parts of Africa that I’d never seen before as a young boy and listening to all the new sounds – experiencing the culture, the dance, and the cuisine of all these places at a young age. It gave me such a broad horizon of experience, which I didn’t really understand when I was young. It’s a very stimulating and inspiring way to grow up. It also showed me the power of music; to see music connect with people across language, cultural, and racial barriers. I got to see how music has the special power to bring people together. Also, watching my father perform and seeing how he carried himself – those were really beautiful times for me and my family and very informative for me in my career as a singer-songwriter and my own journey as an artist. I always go back to those memories – they bring me a lot of strength and motivation.
When did you realise that you can sing?
There was never an a-ha moment for me as a singer where I suddenly realised I could sing – music was so present in my household and so present in my life. I just had this sense that I’ve been immersed in it from a very young age, and I remember singing all the way through my childhood and just being surrounded by it. It was never a matter of whether I could sing, we were always singing. I got more serious and focused about how to sing when I started writing my own music and deciding what my music should sound like and what my artistic identity should be.
You play guitar and piano. Do you have a favourite?
Guitar was the first instrument that I learned in a serious way and the first instrument I started writing music on. My first two albums were written entirely on an acoustic guitar. There’s definitely a sense that guitar is my favourite and strongest instrument. I love piano even though I don’t consider myself to be a great pianist. Piano is useful for songwriting in studio because there are so many ways to use it in modern productions – it’s become a part of my musical toolkit.
What is your songwriting process?
There are so many ways to write a song; it’s difficult to define my process. I’ll come into the studio and build music – I’ll either play guitar or I’ll play with some beats or synth sounds, and then the music starts to suggest a melody or an emotional framework that the song wants to bring in. I’ve also done songs where I’ve written lyrics first and then come into the studio and built music around the lyrics.
You have collaborated with artists Shekinah, Walk The Moon, Msaki, Kentphonik, Autumn Rowe, and DJ Kent. How do you decide who to join forces with?
I feel great about all the collaborations – it’s an eclectic group of musicians in different genres. The consistent factor has been whether I like the person’s music – I enjoy joining forces with artists who make very different music to me. Working with an artist who creates in a different genre and space is so exciting, as it takes me out of my comfort zone and expands my horizons creatively.
Take us back to the experience of being the main support act for the likes of Joan Armatrading, Daughtry, and Imagine Dragons.
I’m a fan of all three artists and being able to tour with them and be in their process for a period of time was educational for me, especially the Imagine Dragons shows, because we were playing huge stadiums around South Africa. The crowd was receptive to my set, and the band was respectful to me and my music – a total highlight and a thrill.
Do you ever get starstruck?
Not usually, but I get intimidated if I’m meeting or working with an artist whose music has influenced me over the years or someone whose art I really love and have a deep connection with. It’s important not to be too intimidated because you also want to meet each other as equals.
Your track Hurricane is beautiful and poignant. Tell us more about the song and its inspiration.
I wrote the song in Los Angeles in 2023. It’s a very personal song to me. I wrote it in a dark moment in my life. It’s about overcoming adversity and about the fact that no matter what you’re going through, you always have a choice, and you can trust yourself to make that choice. It’s an exciting song for me because of the gospel influence and choir, which is a first for me.
Text | Heléne Ramackers
Photography | André Badenhorst
For more information, go to jesseclegg.com.
The Kingdom of Lesotho celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. The mountainous country, founded by King Moshoeshoe I, is defined by its stately high peaks and the rivers that plunge over waterfalls and feed a water scheme benefitting the citizens of both Lesotho and South Africa.
There is excellent fishing, hiking, and even – in winter – skiing in the snow on offer here, and history buffs can explore both natural phenomena such as dinosaur footprints and the cultural richness of the Basotho people.
Take steps to ensure your online security when posting photographs.
Posting online is a valuable way to connect with others, and sharing photos helps maintain bonds with family and friends. However, it is essential to strike a balance between staying connected and oversharing. With the increasing rise of social media and photo-sharing platforms, it is easier than ever to overlook the potential risks associated with revealing too much personal information.
Posting without careful consideration can have unintended outcomes, such as identity scams, receiving unwanted attention, or doxing, which is the collection of personal information for the purpose of gaining benefit. Luckily, such risks can be significantly reduced by ensuring that sensitive information is eliminated from pictures before sharing.
To enhance personal safety, it is wise to avoid sharing photos that could reveal locations frequently visited, particularly the home. Pictures containing identifiable landmarks, street signs, or geotags can potentially pinpoint a person’s whereabouts. Even subtle details in the background can inadvertently disclose a location. To minimize risks, it is best to share these types of photos only with friends and family and opt for images without identifiable features when posting to a wider audience.
Sharing real-time information, such as the current location, how long someone will be there, or what they look like, can attract unwanted attention. It is safer to limit such updates to a circle of friends. For a broader audience, consider sharing these updates after plans have concluded, ensuring personal safety while still allowing experiences to be shared.
Check what’s on the screen
Before posting photos, it is important to carefully review them for any visible documents, such as IDs, home addresses, medical records, prescriptions, bank statements, or utility bills. Even when sharing images of mail, parcels, or receipts, ensuring that no sensitive information is visible is crucial. Such details should be kept private, even among close friends, as they could be misused if an account is compromised.
When on vacation, it is safer to share updates and photos only with a close group of friends. Being away from work and focused on relaxation can create opportunities for targeted attacks, such as someone impersonating the vacationer at work to take advantage of their absence. Quick reactions may be challenging while on vacation, so it is best to keep travel plans private until returning home. Later experiences can then be shared with a broader audience without compromising security.
Sharing special moments online is a wonderful way to connect with others, but it’s crucial to use privacy settings wisely. With many platforms now allowing control over who sees the posts, this feature should be thoughtfully used, especially when sharing sensitive content. By conducting a quick security check, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of online sharing while keeping personal data secure.
Text | Anna Larkina
Photography | Kicking Studio
Anna Larkina is a web content analysis expert at Kaspersky. For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.
Popular spirit continues to find new spaces in popular culture.
Drinking trends like fashion change from season to season, and a big trend now is the demand for premium handcrafted cocktails, especially among millennials. Pre-mixed and fresh cocktail recipes are moving away from artificial colourants and flavours, and in this space, gin is valued for its earthy appeal and natural flavour. According to a survey conducted by the Bacardi Cultural Insights Network in 2020, gin was chosen as the top spirit among premium cocktails and other alcoholic drinks by 37% of bartenders worldwide. Gin’s highly adaptable flavour makes the perfect infusion for just about any cocktail. But it wasn’t always like this. Monks during the 1100s used gin to make medicines by distilling sharp, fiery, alcoholic tonics, one of which was distilled from wine infused with juniper berries. As a medicinal herb, juniper had been an essential part of doctors’ kits for centuries. But its vile taste made it unpalatable until the Dutch tinkered with its flavour in the 17th century, contributing to gin’s massive growth in popularity.
Improving the formula
For the next few centuries, as new and faster ways were found to improve the distilling process, the G&T was discovered and gin boomed. But around 1950, vodka had its moment, coinciding with the invention of convenience foods and mechanical solutions like soda guns and syrup dispensers. The first pre-mix cocktail eliminated the need to juice fresh citrus or balance it with sugar. By the 1980s, cocktails and gin were at an all-time low.
Then in 2009, everything changed. The focus on juniper berries for flavour shifted to incorporating more botanicals, leading to the craft gin movement. Fast forward to 2024, and gin is back on top with more than 5,500 gins on the market. A true gin must be made with juniper berries, but thanks to the craft gin trend, each producer is allowed to use their own secret formula. Combinations of botanicals used include orris, angelica and liquorice roots, lemon and orange peels, cassia bark, caraway, coriander, cardamom, anise, and fennel.
Protea & Hibiscus gin and tonic
Ingredients
Method
Primed for constant interruptions, your brain is now distracting itself, says science – but you can break the cycle.
Try martial arts
Mr. Miyagi could focus on his bonsai trees for hours, so could martial arts work for the rest of us to improve our general attention, too? Yes, according to research by Bangor University, which found that people who practised martial arts achieved long-lasting improvements in their focus.
Study author Dr. Ashleigh Johnstone explains that techniques to improve our focus mainly fall into two camps: attention training (AT – think typical ‘brain training’ exercises) and attention state training (AST).
“AT tends to be based on practising the same task repeatedly and developing that specific skill,” says Johnstone. “You’ve improved your attention on that task, but it often doesn’t transfer to other tasks, so your general attention likely isn’t improved. On the flip side is AST, which is more about developing a state of mind that allows for a strong level of focus.” And that’s where martial arts come in.
“Because it’s based on a state of mind rather than practising one specific task, it tends to be more transferable, and so you find those attentional improvements in other areas of your life too,” says Johnstone. “You’re developing a new state of mind that’s getting stronger.”
In her study, some of the martial artists hadn’t trained in the days leading up to the experiments, yet “still showed improved attention, which suggests that it’s not a short-term boost immediately following a training session that will fade away,” says Johnstone.
“We found that martial artists had particularly good vigilance (also known as alertness). This is a specific type of attention, which refers to being able to sustain a level of attention such that you can quickly and efficiently respond to unexpected events. We believe that this is due to attention-state training, with martial artists needing to really focus on the present moment so they’re able to respond appropriately while training.
“I like to explain this by asking people to imagine they’re sparring; nobody wants to get hit in the face, so you need to be able to clear your mind and focus on what’s happening right now!”
Picture your future self
Imagining your future selves at the end of the day – where you are, what you’re doing, who you’re with – can seriously help stop you from getting sidetracked, according to research. All you need to do, says psychologist Dr. Gloria Mark from the University of California, is think about how “at 7 p.m. at night you want to feel rewarded and fulfilled, and you want to visualise yourself being with family and friends or reading and relaxing.”
She says: “Having a strong visualisation like that can help curtail that urge to check social media or do email because you have this goal of where you want to be at the end of the day.” Similar future-self visualisations (including staring at photos of your own digitally aged faces) have been shown to increase the desire to save for retirement and to eat more healthily too. But if you’re simply looking to focus in the present moment, it’s best to start your day by imagining how you want to feel at its end.
Text | Sophie Freeman
Sophie Freeman is a science writer who specialises in psychology.
Remember to factor in taxes that need paying when considering investing in property.
Whether you’re buying property for business or to live in, you’re going to pay taxes at various stages of ownership.
When you buy a property, you will either pay VAT or transfer duty, but never both. VAT is charged when a VAT-registered business sells a property, typically as a new residential development. Transfer duty, on the other hand, is levied when buying an existing residential property from its owner. Importantly, transfer duty cannot usually be financed through a home loan, so you’ll have to come up with the money yourself.
With a new property, VAT is included in the purchase price, so it is already covered by your loan. It’s also important to keep in mind that new properties are cheaper at the same advertised price than their second-hand competitors, due to the impact of the transfer duty.
Once you take ownership of a property, you’ll immediately start paying municipal taxes. Whereas transfer duty and VAT are paid over to SARS, municipal taxes are used to fund city services, infrastructure, and salaries.
If you sell your property, you’ll pay capital gains tax (CGT). This is calculated on the difference between what you paid for a property and what you’re selling it for. Individuals are taxed on 40% of this profit at their marginal tax rate when it comes time to declare their annual income to SARS.
However, if this is your primary residence (for example, your home), the first R2 million of your profit is tax-free.
Trusts and companies, on the other hand, pay tax on 80% of their capital gains and don’t benefit from a primary residence allowance. This seems, on the face, to provide valuable incentives not to own your primary residence through an entity. However, the estate duty implication and the effect on the cost of administering your estate should also play into consideration of the correct structure.
Down the line
When you die, you will have to pay estate duty on the value of your estate above R3.5 million, given to SARS by your estate administrator. Any property disposed of at this time will attract CGT, and the same exclusion allowance is applied to your primary residence.
If your estate cannot cover your debt or tax obligations, your property may be sold to raise the necessary cash. There are several methods to protect your property against such a loss. You could take out extra life insurance to cover the tax liability. Or, you could sell your property to an estate planning vehicle, such as a trust or a company, at the earliest opportunity in order to cap your eventual tax liability.
Although you’ll pay CGT on the profit from that sale, any future property value increases will be on the balance sheet of the entity, not your own, thereby escaping an otherwise increasing estate tax liability. And since trusts and companies don’t die, you can avoid CGT in perpetuity when you do – to the advantage of your beneficiaries, of course.
Text | Renier Kriek
Photography | Pickadook
Renier Kriek is Managing Director at Sentinel Homes.
For more information, go to sentinelhomes.co.za.
Protecting email addresses is a hugely important part of personal and professional cyber security.
With the number of global email users projected to grow to 4.73 billion by 2026, email has become one of the most important platforms for communication in the digital age. For many people, an email address is their main digital identity. Much like your own name, an email address has an enormous amount of information attached to it. Both professional and personal email addresses are among the major assets of interest to a growing community of sophisticated cyber criminals worldwide.
Most online login forms, portals, e-tailers, and mobile apps require an email address. So, even though hackers need passwords to both an individual’s email and online accounts to access them, an email address is an important starting point for them to implement different fraud scenarios.
Cyber criminals can target an individual with phishing emails containing malware attachments or malicious links to fraudulent websites. They can also employ sophisticated social engineering techniques to gain personal details like a person’s bank account number, ID number, physical address, phone number, or passwords, among others.
Spoofing an email address is another risk. This involves creating a fake email address that looks like an individual’s address but has minor and tough-to-spot changes (like swapping a number with a letter or adding a dash). Hackers can then extort information from that person’s friends and family while pretending to be them. This approach is often missed by spam filters on email clients.
What’s more, by using a reverse email search tool, a cyber criminal can discover who owns that specific email address. This can provide them with an important starting point to get as much freely available personal data from a person as possible. With many people’s emails often containing their name and a memorable number, usually a date of birth, these two identifying factors are enough for many cyber criminals to begin gathering more lucrative personal data online, which can be used to steal an identity or commit financial fraud.
Play it safe
It’s important to know how to protect an email address from unauthorized access.
Strong passwords: It is difficult to steal personal information with just an email address and no password. A password manager can become an indispensable tool that works like a private, encrypted vault that only you can unlock.
Spam filters and blocking: It is important to ensure the email provider’s spam filter is always active. This reduces the likelihood of clicking on a malicious email or link.
Two-factor authentication: This has become a business and consumer essential. Most trusted email clients offer this service as standard.
Burner email account: It is also a good idea for a person to use a ‘burner’ email account when signing up to a website or app that looks suspicious.
Stay vigilant: Stay up to date with the latest training available from the business. Home users should also keep their software up to date and never click on anything suspicious.
Text | Brandon Muller
Photography | FAMILY STOCK
Brandon Muller is Technical Expert for the MEA region at Kaspersky.
For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.
Recognising the worth of used electronics can help communities as well as the environment.
South Africans might not realise it, but there is plenty of value in old electronics. Discarding unwanted technology is part of a silent e-waste crisis affecting this country and the world. E-waste is defined as any kind of old tech with a plug. That includes a broken fridge, that iPhone 4 sitting in your drawer, and every company’s old computers, laptops, and tablets.
Unlike fast fashion pollution, which is now widely recognised as a major environmental issue, e-waste is still hardly known about or discussed. However, it is currently the world’s fastest-growing waste stream. A shocking statistic is that, globally, South Africans produce five times more e-waste than is formally recycled and repurposed, amounting to about 62 million tonnes a year. That’s equivalent to 4,500 Eiffel Towers or a herd of over 10 million African elephants.
There is simply not enough data being collected about the true scope of this issue. It is an untapped opportunity, as repurposing e-waste can hold real economic benefits for local businesses and the public, while also helping the environment.
Why Is Old Tech More Valuable Than We Think?
If it’s traded immediately, cash value is at its peak and can be put towards purchasing a new device. Furthermore, the old device can be put into the hands of someone else, making tech more accessible for those who otherwise struggle to afford it. Most electronics, mobile device retailers, and brands are currently offering great trade-in and buy-back solutions to customers, but there is still a way to go to normalise trade-in programmes, which have economic benefits for brands, retailers, and most of all, consumers.
Re-use and re-invest
Outside of retail, many businesses are writing off the value of their tech without realising that they can trade in their electronics to get some money back. This is capital that can then be reinvested into the business.
In the case of businesses such as banks, which prioritise data security, there’s been the unfortunate practice of mass destroying devices. This is not only expensive but also a major source of e-waste. Again, there is a better way. Reputable recommerce companies can offer certified data-wiping services, which means any information on the device is fully erased.
Looking at other fast-developing countries like China and Vietnam that are facing grave environmental fallout, consumers should be asking themselves what can be done differently in South Africa. It is possible to create a thriving and sustainable economy: a circular one.
For the public, there are many options available, such as taking full advantage of trade-in programmes, considering second-hand tech as a viable option, and encouraging their employers to manage e-waste smartly. There are also municipal recycling collectors that offer e-waste recycling and e-waste drop-off points via local government initiatives. Certain retailers also offer e-waste collections at their stores across the country.
Text | Colin Williamson
Photography | Veja
Colin Williamson is the CEO of Regener8 Group. For more information, go to regener8group.com.
Eradication of asbestos is a global problem; we all need to play our part. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the mining of asbestos in South Africa was banned in 2001, followed by the complete shutdown of all asbestos mining operations in 2002. Since 2008, the use, processing, manufacturing, and selling of any product containing asbestos material has been abolished. Asbestos is a harmful product with adverse health impacts. The Northern Cape is among the provinces in the country with exposure to asbestos (others include Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, and the North West), mainly as a result of the historical mining activities that occurred with this product.
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) plays its part in the global action to eradicate asbestos within its beneficiary communities. Many countries are taking action to rid their environments of asbestos-containing material. South Africa, too, is removing and replacing asbestos-containing material from communities to protect the environment and reduce the prevalence of health problems associated with this harmful product. However, due to the historical use of asbestos-bearing material (e.g., on house and industrial roofing), the challenge will exist in many communities for a long time. This is a legacy that haunts our beneficiary communities as well. One of SIOC-CDT’s Community Development Strategy’s four (4) Key Focus Areas relates to the Health and Wellness of its beneficiary communities. This focus is aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – “healthy lives and well-being.” Replacing asbestos-containing roof materials from our communities will help ensure that people live in healthier, asbestos-free homes.
To contribute towards eradicating asbestos from our communities, the Trust has recently completed a project in the Gamagara Local Municipality in the Northern Cape, benefiting 89 households with a total replacement of their asbestos-roofed houses in Olifantshoek and Dibeng. The Trust is now embarking on a larger project, where 399 families living under asbestos-roofed homes in Tsantsabane Local Municipality will benefit from asbestos material eradication. These houses are in Postdene township. The aging and weathered roofs on these houses, often damaged by hailstorms, increase the risk of asbestos fibre contamination. On completion of this project, more than 22,000 m² of asbestos material will have been removed from houses, carefully disposed of, and replaced with safer and approved roofing materials. All the work done on the removal and disposal of these materials is conducted in very strict adherence to the South African Government’s Asbestos Abatement Regulations.
This initiative aims to involve and upskill local businesses, positioning them for future similar work. Our vision and commitment is to involve local businesses (mostly SMMEs) to ensure that they become sustainable and thrive beyond mining. The project is complex and will entail the repair of 405 building structures (including 399 houses) being repaired in groups of 50, with each of the 50 families temporarily settled at a “decanting site” while their houses are being repaired.
“It is a logistically challenging project that takes into account the day-to-day needs of the vulnerable in the community (especially the elderly, sick, people with disabilities, and school-going children). To deliver the project on time, within budget, and against its scope, all role players and stakeholders have to cooperate and collaborate closely. SIOC-CDT is confident that this will be achieved while maintaining the dignity of the beneficiaries,” says Anita Loots, SIOC-CDT CEO.
The implementation of this asbestos removal project will significantly improve the living conditions and health of Postdene residents. By replacing hazardous asbestos roofs with safer materials, the project aims to reduce the risk of asbestos-related diseases. The initiative will also contribute to the overall well-being of the community by creating a safer environment, free from the health hazards associated with asbestos. As an add-on, the project will also include a solar-powered geyser for each family to reduce the financial burden at a household level, as well as pressure on the municipal grid. It will also involve repainting each house to give them a refreshed look after the project.
We care for the environment; we care for our communities.
Text and Photography | Supplied
Adding more creative disciplines to established curricula gives learners a broader base to operate from.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, education must prepare students not only for the challenges of the present but also for the uncertainties of the future. The traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum has been the cornerstone of scientific and technical education over the past decade.
However, there’s a growing recognition that to thrive in a dynamic global landscape, students need more than just analytical skills – they need creativity, adaptability, and the ability to think divergently. STEAM education is an innovative approach that integrates the arts, represented by the ‘A’ in STEAM, into the STEM framework. Integrating arts into the STEM framework ensures that students are exposed to holistic learning throughout their academic journey.
By combining the sciences with the arts, STEAM education promotes a more holistic understanding of the world, recognizing that creativity, aesthetics, and emotional intelligence are essential components of a well-rounded education. When students engage in artistic expression alongside scientific exploration, they develop a deeper appreciation for both disciplines.
STEM alone tends to focus on ‘finding the right answer’, whereas incorporating art encourages divergent thinking. Divergent exploration ensures the consideration of multiple solutions, embracing ambiguity and thinking outside the box.
When we integrate arts into the traditional STEM curriculum, we create an environment where students can innovate, experiment, and invent. Whether it’s designing a sustainable building, composing a musical piece, or creating a digital animation, the arts inspire novel approaches and imaginative solutions.
Multifaceted preparation
STEAM education fosters problem-solving skills by encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges. Imagine a project where students design a solar-powered sculpture that not only generates energy but also captivates viewers with its aesthetics. Such interdisciplinary projects require collaboration, critical thinking, and an understanding of both technical and artistic principles.
Schools and educators, therefore, play a pivotal role in making STEAM a reality. They can achieve this by assigning projects that require both technical expertise and creative expression, with assessments evaluating both convergent and divergent skills. Assessments shouldn’t merely test knowledge; they should also gauge creativity, collaboration, and originality.
Educators equipping the next generation of leaders have a duty to ensure that they develop the skills that will empower future innovators. The job market is ever-evolving, and future employers will seek individuals who can adapt, communicate, and innovate.
STEAM graduates possess a unique blend of skills – they can code, analyze data, and also communicate their findings through compelling visualizations or persuasive narratives. Whether they become engineers, designers, or entrepreneurs, they’re better equipped to thrive in a world where boundaries between disciplines blur.
Text | Dumi Manganye
Photography | Monkey Business Images
Dumi Manganye is Academic Advisor: Data & EdTech at ADvTECH Schools. For more information, go to advtech.co.za.
Established performance grading tool may be on the way out.
Towards the end of the year, performance reviews are all many businesses can think about. Everyone is jittery, and the tension is high. Employees are looking to their managers for bonuses, while leadership is focused on growth. Understandably, the manager who has to balance these expectations may get stressed.
But why is it so stressful for employees? Surely the past year has seen targets met and support given where there have been challenges? Right? However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that 90% of participants are unhappy with the performance review process. Some even say it is time to do away with it altogether.
Organisations are committed to the practice for a reason, though. Performance management allows for both external and internal stakeholder focus. External focus considers the value added to customers, investors, and communities, all of which are vital for the success of the organisation. Internal focus considers the organisation’s performance in meeting client expectations as well as individual performance and growth.
However, it seems to be a challenge for organisations. Gartner reports that 86% of organisations are not happy with their performance management process, and Mercer found that 44% of organisations have changed their performance management process in the last two years. A better understanding of employees’ experiences with performance management may provide some insights.
Clarity appreciated
Ongoing research on employee experience with performance management shows that satisfaction increases when performance reviews include clear goal setting and alignment with organisational objectives. Employees are motivated when they can see their work contributes to the organisation’s goals.
Regular feedback is preferred over annual reviews. Receiving feedback in real time helps employees adjust as needed and reduces anxiety about the annual review. Constructive, specific, and actionable feedback is crucial. The focus should be on improvement rather than mere criticism.
Emphasis on employee development and career growth rather than solely on rewards leads to higher satisfaction. Employees value knowing they have a future with the organisation. Fair and objective evaluations are critical for employee satisfaction. Perceived bias or subjectivity can significantly decrease satisfaction and destroy trust in the process. Lack of clarity can lead employees to draw negative and often inaccurate conclusions.
Reviewing the above, it seems that much rests on the relationship between the employee and their manager. This places a responsibility on managers to foster positive relationships with their employees. However, no relationship is one-way. The employee also has equal responsibility in the relationship and must actively work to improve their experience with performance management.
Shared feelings
A more balanced approach is needed in performance management. It starts with a clear understanding of the organisational purpose. Employees should seek clarity by asking questions about these expectations. It’s important to agree with the manager on what needs to be achieved. Additionally, employees should express their own aspirations and expectations. A healthy discussion can pave the way for better understanding and alignment.
Text | Lynne Derman
Photography | DC Studio
Dr. Lynne Derman is Head of People and Talent at 21st Century. For more information, go to 21century.co.za.
Employers need to ensure they can support their actions in cases where violent conduct is an issue.
The rights of workers to join trade unions and to participate in their activities is heavily protected by the Constitution and by the Labour Relations Act (LRA). Section 5 of the LRA specifically protects union members, would-be union members, and union activists from being dismissed or otherwise prejudiced due to their legitimate union involvement.
At the same time, the law protects employees from intimidation and violence that might be used to coerce employees to join trade unions. That is, employers have the right to discipline and, where appropriate, dismiss violent employees or employees who threaten violence. However, where an employer suspects such misconduct, it cannot fire the perpetrators without solid evidence of this. Should the employer not be able to provide such proof, it is in grave danger of being found guilty of fabricating the charges and of secretly deciding to fire the employees for their union affiliation.
Backup needed
A case in point is that of AMCU obo Maluleke and four others vs Gold Plat Recovery (Pty) Ltd (Lex Media July 2024, Labour Court case number JS202/21). In that case, the employer fired five employees for intimidating colleagues by threatening to burn their homes and assassinate the employer’s HR Manager. AMCU referred to the Labour Court a case of automatically unfair dismissal of its five members, alleging that the true reason for their dismissals was their union membership and their member recruitment efforts.
In the Labour Court, the employer brought only one witness to prove its allegations of intimidatory behaviour. However, the witness was only able to present hearsay evidence, claiming that he had been informed by the alleged victims of intimidation of the threats allegedly made by the five dismissed union members. This witness further explained that the alleged victims of the misconduct had been too scared to testify in court. However, the employer was unable to explain why it had not subpoenaed the alleged victims or requested a court hearing in camera.
As a result, the Court refused to allow the hearsay evidence. The absence of proof from the employer and the testimonies of several union witnesses convinced the Court that the employer’s true motive for firing the five employees was their union involvement.
The Court therefore ordered the employer to reinstate all five employees with 41 months backpay each. If the employees were earning only R10,000 each, the backpay would have come to over R2 million.
To avoid such costly errors, employers need to train their managers so that they will know how to deal with alleged intimidation and with consequent legal action.
Text | Ivan Israelstam
Photography | Drazen Zigic
Ivan Israelstam is Chief Executive of Labour Law Management Consulting. Contact him on 011 888 7944 or 082 852 2973 or at ivan@labourlawadvice.co.za. For more information, go to labourlawvideos.co.za.
While out of their usual routines and headspace, travellers may be susceptible to fraudsters.
As a business traveller, you carry more than just your laptop and a positive attitude. Between your tech, your corporate credit cards, and that watch you wear to impress clients, you could be toting around R50,000 to R200,000 in value. That’s quite a tempting target for those with less-than-honest intentions.
Business travellers are particularly vulnerable to scams because they often have their guard down. They’re thinking about work, not about potential threats. That’s where a lot of problems can start. Added to that, many business travellers are operating on tight schedules, are often sleep-deprived, and may be unfamiliar with local customs and potential risks. It’s a perfect storm that scammers are all too happy to exploit. So, what are these scams targeting business travellers, and how can you avoid them?
Fair fares
Inflated taxi fares are one of the most prevalent scams, and they occur right as you step off the plane. Unscrupulous taxi drivers may take advantage of a traveller’s unfamiliarity with the local area by taking unnecessarily long routes or using rigged meters. This scam can significantly inflate transportation costs.
Use reputable transportation services. Many travel management companies can arrange reliable airport transfers for their clients. If you have to take a taxi, ask your hotel for a fare estimate beforehand.
Sensible signal
In today’s always-on business world, WiFi is like oxygen. But that free hotel or café WiFi – it might come with a side of data theft. Cyber criminals set up fake WiFi networks with names like ‘Free Airport WiFi’ or ‘Hotel Guest Network’. When you connect, they can see everything you’re doing online.
Rather use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi. It’s like an invisibility cloak for your data. Or better yet, use your phone as a hotspot.
Conditional gift
It starts with a friendly local offering you a bracelet or taking your photo. Next thing you know, they’re demanding payment. Once you accept the ‘gift’, the scammer pressures you to pay for it. Sometimes, it’s just a distraction so that an accomplice can pick your pocket.
Make sure you know what you need to know about local customs and common scams. It’s like getting a cheat sheet for the test of travel.
Go with a pro
With one in five consumers experiencing travel fraud and holiday scams, which is up 7% in the past year according to a Visa survey, bypassing your company’s travel programme is risky business. You might think you’ve found a great deal online, but beware. Scammers create fake listings on websites or social media with stolen photos and fake reviews. You could pay for a non-existent reservation or fall victim to identity theft through a fraudulent booking site.
Rather stick with your corporate travel programme. It uses verified channels, reducing fraud risk while it finds suitable options within your budget, because all accommodation is vetted. When you book outside the system, you lose crucial safeguards against sophisticated scams.
Don’t beat yourself up if you do get scammed. Report it to local authorities promptly, then contact your bank or credit card company. Inform your company directly and document everything for insurance purposes.
Caught out on cash
Need to exchange some money? Be careful – this is a prime hunting ground for scammers. You might get offered great rates by a street vendor, only to end up with counterfeit bills or less money than you should have received. Stick to official exchange bureaus or use ATMs inside banks.
Text | Bonnie Smith Photography | LightField Studios
Bonnie Smith is General Manager of Corporate Traveller. For more information, go to corporatetraveller.co.za.
Developing sector offers a range of new career opportunities
In 2022, South Africa accounted for R4.2 billion of the African video game industry revenue. It is projected that the Middle East and Africa video gaming industry will top the trillion rand revenue mark at the end of this year, an 8.2% growth year on year. The same research shows that the region encompasses 16% of the world’s gamers. It should therefore not come as a surprise that many people think that a career in gaming is potentially lucrative.
The gaming industry as a whole has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. From a niche hobby to a global entertainment powerhouse, gaming is big business. However, how you position yourself and adapt to staying relevant are key factors to consider.
One of the things that makes a career in gaming appealing is the choice of roles available. These include being a developer, sound designer, writer, marketer, or graphic designer. Going beyond the creative side, development houses are businesses. As such, they require day-to-day services such as accounting, business analysts, and management. What’s more, AI has introduced even more freedom in the creative process, expanding opportunities for innovation.
And yet, job stability is still a concern. This is especially the case in a small market like South Africa. Securing long-term employment is not guaranteed. Aspiring game developers are advised to consider going independent or starting their own projects, even if this comes as a side hustle while holding down a nine-to-five job.
On the rise
Even so, there are signs that the market is turning. Research shows that mobile accounted for 91% of gaming revenue in South Africa last year, with the average player spending more than R440 on mostly in-game microtransactions. This means there are significant opportunities for aspiring game developers to tap into this growth segment of the market.
There are international grants available for local developers, and the South African government has also begun offering limited grants in this segment. Additionally, more tertiary institutions in the country are offering specialised courses in game design.
Corporates are also embracing the concept of gamification. This is where game design principles are applied across various industries. Medical aid companies, insurers, travel operators, and others are using gamification to drive customer loyalty. The diverse nature of these sectors highlights the versatility of a gaming career, making it more sustainable in the long run.
For anyone considering a career in gaming, it is important to find a work environment where you feel supported, both professionally and personally. The industry’s demanding nature can take a toll on your mental health. The gaming industry is evolving, and there is a place for new voices and fresh ideas.
Text | Thabo Tsolo
Photography | Frame Stock Footage
Thabo Tsolo is CEO and Game Designer at SpaceSalad Studios. For more information, go to spacesaladstudios.com.
Sometimes leadership is a response to crisis, but it can also be nurtured
The Steinhoff scandal rocked South African society in late 2017 as an international empire unravelled. The CEO, Markus Jooste, was a South African. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, as similar scandals are found across the globe.
In fact, the global need for leadership is evident across various domains, from environmental sustainability to technological governance and social stability. One could say there is a cry for leadership worldwide.
Effective leaders who can navigate the complexities of the modern world in an ethical manner are essential for shaping a better, more sustainable, and more equitable world. Developing such leadership requires early investment in education, training, and the promotion of ethical and inclusive practices at all levels of society.
Good models
While the focus for organisational leaders may not be as wide, many of the same leadership qualities are required, such as the ability to promote social cohesion, foster cooperation, and build trust to ensure sustainability. Ethical leadership is paramount in every context.
A leader is required to navigate change and uncertainty. Continuous adaptation to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting customer expectations is needed. The COVID-19 pandemic was a time when leaders were tested.
A shining example of leadership willing to self-sacrifice for the greater good arose from the Ndlovu Youth Choir, a South African youth choir that composed, performed, and filmed a musical rendition of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) coronavirus safety advice. They demonstrated leadership in a world gripped by uncertainty and fear.
Being faced with numerous challenges requires leaders to be agile and resilient, to encourage innovation, manage new forms of working such as hybrid workplaces, and maintain employee engagement and wellbeing. Leaders must also be acutely aware of governance and ethics.
Preparing the next generation
A key responsibility of current leaders is to build leaders for the future, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals. Organisations that need to recruit managers externally have not only failed their employees but also themselves. This approach leads to a lack of career development opportunities within the organisation and discourages aspiring employees.
Investing in employees builds depth, loyalty, and commitment to the organisation. Leadership development is not just a programme; it’s a strategic investment in the future. The emphasis is not on technical skills but rather on relationships. By cultivating leaders within our organisations, we ensure sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in an ever-changing world.
Developing leadership talent also ensures long-term organisational success by maintaining institutional knowledge. As the organisation grows and learns together, trust evolves, which in turn fosters creativity, contribution, and collective achievement. Modern leadership often involves empowering others rather than exercising authority from the top down.
Take time to grow
Leadership skills can be learnt and honed through education, training, and experience. Taking on small leadership roles, reflecting on those experiences, and learning from both successes and failures are key to developing leadership capabilities. Mentors, coaches, and role models significantly enhance one’s leadership development, providing valuable insights and practical guidance.
Text | Lynne Derman
Photography | Your Hand Please
Dr Lynne Derman is Head of People and Talent at 21st Century. For more information, go to 21century.co.za.
Providing the best scenario for introverts helps both employers and employees
Introverts come in many guises. Actor Emma Watson says she is one. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and former US president Barack Obama have also both been described that way. But they are all so high profile and seemingly so far removed from the archetypal introvert we all think of – someone who hates the limelight.
Of course, being an introvert is not the same as being shy and is not about being antisocial. It is a personality type that has become somewhat misunderstood. Broadly speaking, it’s about needing time alone to have moments of quiet thought. Introverts can find energy in themselves rather than other people, and often, they have quiet confidence rather than the need for constant plaudits and cheerleaders.
Executive leadership coach John Burt believes that introverts have the potential to be great leaders and colleagues because of these qualities. In a LinkedIn essay, he writes, “They dare to be themselves while recognising the value of others and their contributions. People pick up on that, appreciate it and are naturally attracted to the charisma of a self-assured leader.”
Indeed, something is reassuring about people who pause to think before expressing an opinion. Introverts are often more self-aware and observant than their outgoing counterparts. Unfortunately, though, many modern offices are not set up for them. Background noise, large numbers of people, and having to make phone calls while feeling like you’re being overheard can be exhausting and inhibiting.
Find the best fit
However, plenty can be done to help introverts reach their full potential at work, and often, it comes down to enabling the proper set-up. Career coach Patricia Ezechie suggests that people should understand their individual working styles to succeed. “Our working style is how we like to work best,” she says. “It is how we approach our day-to-day tasks and projects, work with others and solve problems to do our best work.”
That could mean that an introvert might need time away from the company headquarters in favour of some concentrated work hours at a workspace closer to home. It could also mean they want to book a quiet workplace or find a desk in a corner where they feel they are unnoticed. As Ezechie adds, “I always suggest one of the first things to do when you join a new organisation, especially as an introvert, is to identify the quiet thinking spaces in the building… Find them and use them.”
We all need some quiet time at some point, though, whatever personality type we think we have. As Dr. Lauren Theresa, a psychology professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, says, “It’s typical for a vast percentage of us to experience both introverted and extroverted qualities.”
Running structured meetings is one of the best ways to empower an introvert. Writing in Psychology Today, Allison Abrams notes that our “culture disproportionately values loudness, often mistaking it for intelligence.” Structure means everyone gets to speak up without shouting the loudest. Whether you are meeting in person or remotely, understanding that people have different communication styles is essential.
Text | Supplied
Photography | pathdoc
For more information, go to iwgplc.com.
Women in positions of power bring a number of facets to the table
From their empathetic nature to their level-headed thinking and unwavering kindness, women are the pillars that hold up our society. They navigate through life with a blend of strength and grace, often multitasking between various roles. In honouring them, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of self-care in maintaining their wellbeing.
Empathy is one of the defining traits of women, allowing them to connect deeply with others. This ability to understand and share the feelings of others is vital in building and nurturing relationships. Whether it’s comforting a friend, supporting a colleague, or guiding their children, women’s empathetic nature creates a ripple effect of compassion and understanding in society.
In challenging situations, women often exhibit a remarkable capacity for level-headed thinking. This ability to stay calm and make rational decisions under pressure is invaluable in both personal and professional settings. Women leaders across various fields have demonstrated time and again how their composed approach can lead to effective problem-solving and innovative solutions. Highlighting this quality underscores the importance of their contributions to stability and progress.
Put yourself first
Kindness is a powerful force that women wield effortlessly. It is evident in their daily interactions and the way they nurture those around them. However, this kindness is often balanced with a firmness that ensures boundaries are respected and goals are achieved. Women manage to be both gentle and assertive, a combination that is essential for effective leadership and personal growth.
Amidst their efforts to support others, women often put their own needs on the back burner. However, self-care is not a luxury; it is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For women who juggle numerous responsibilities, taking time for themselves is essential to recharge and rejuvenate. Self-care routines can range from simple activities like reading a book or taking a walk to more structured practices like a daily skincare routine, yoga, and meditation. It’s important to carve out time in your diary every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes, just for you.
Self-care empowers women to be at their best, both physically and mentally. It helps reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing. By prioritising self-care, women can ensure they have the energy and resilience needed to continue their remarkable contributions to the world.
Text | Nicole Sherwin
Photography | Nuttapong Punna
Nicole Sherwin is the founder of Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare.
For more information, go to ecodiva.co.za.
Working together with AI now requires a change in mindset
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, there is a growing narrative that it threatens human jobs. However, many feel that AI is not a threat but a tremendous opportunity to enhance human potential and become truly indispensable in the workforce.
AI might be able to crunch numbers and analyse data fast, but it lacks the depth, creativity, and human touch people offer. AI isn’t about replacing humans with machines; it’s about unlocking the full potential of people by leveraging the power of technology. Imagine a world where AI takes care of the mundane, the repetitive, and the predictable, freeing you up to tackle the most complex, challenging problems of our time. It’s about creating a future where your unique expertise is more valuable than ever, where the specialist reigns supreme.
In the past, generalists were highly valued in the workplace for their ability to juggle multiple tasks and adapt to various situations. However, with AI becoming increasingly sophisticated, the role of the generalist is changing. AI can process data, identify patterns, and complete tasks with remarkable speed and efficiency. For generalists, this rapid advancement in technology may seem daunting. However, it is important to remember that humans excel at adaptation. Just as we successfully navigated the transitions brought about by the rise of emails and the internet, we can also adapt to the integration of AI. It is essential for generalists to learn new skills, embrace technological advancements, and find ways to collaborate with AI rather than compete against it.
It’s in the specifics
Despite AI’s impressive capabilities, human expertise in specialised knowledge remains irreplaceable. AI can’t match the depth of human knowledge in specific fields. It’s like comparing a microwave dinner to a gourmet meal. Would you trust AI to perform a complex procedure like brain surgery? The answer is most likely no. Certain tasks, especially those requiring a high degree of precision, expertise, judgment, and creativity, remain the exclusive domain of humans. This is the specialist’s superpower.
To ensure relevance in the age of AI, become a ‘human in the loop’ – someone who uses AI tools to their advantage while bringing their unique skills to the table. For instance, a seasoned financial analyst can use AI algorithms to analyse market data and identify trends. However, it’s the human’s deep understanding of financial markets and economic principles that enables them to interpret results and provide valuable insights. Similarly, a skilled data analyst in healthcare can utilise AI to process patient data, but it’s their knowledge of the healthcare system that allows them to make meaningful recommendations.
Leverage unique skills, stay adaptable, be curious and proactive, and never stop learning. The world needs specialised expertise now more than ever. It’s not about beating the machines – it’s about leveraging their power to become the best version of yourself. Humans possess the creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking that machines can’t replicate.
Text | Lyndy van den Barselaar
Photography | Stokkete
Lyndy van den Barselaar is the managing director at ManpowerGroup South Africa.
For more information, go to manpower.co.za.
Many internet users are not properly educated when it comes to keeping their data safe
A new study, Excitement, Superstition And Great Insecurity – How Global Consumers Engage With The Digital World, discloses controversial views among users regarding the protection of their personal information.
For instance, 44% of respondents in South Africa think covering the webcam of their digital devices maintains privacy. At the same time, 42% trust internet ‘incognito’ modes to safeguard their online activities. These numbers reflect that it still can be a challenge to distinguish what is secure and private and what’s not, and that users can be contradictory in their digital habits and attitudes towards digital privacy.
Covering the webcam on devices is not enough of an effective measure to protect privacy, as it only temporarily prevents visual surveillance but does nothing to neutralise the built-in webcam microphone. Nor can it prevent images from being intercepted when users switch on their cameras themselves. Then, more than half of the respondents in South Africa (55%) play online mini-games and take tests for fun, sending their personal details to unreliable sources to access those games, and posting their results on social media, involving their friends in a careless data-sharing pyramid.
Around 39% of all users in South Africa are worried that voice assistants might be constantly listening and gathering personal information. In response, over a third of respondents (40%) resort to switching their devices to flight mode during important private conversations.
Incognito mode doesn’t make people entirely invisible online or guarantee absolute privacy. In this mode, the browser is not saving the history of visiting websites, cookies, download history, and authorisation data, but this is not equal to complete anonymity. And a surprising 30% are willing to click on unfamiliar links in messengers, potentially compromising their security.
Stay aware
To ensure safety and protection, it’s essential to maintain a critical mindset, relying solely on verified sources and facts. This entails disregarding unproven techniques and myths.
Text | Supplied
Photography | i_am_zews
For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.
Women struggling with infertility need the support of their colleagues and employers
For career women, the struggle of balancing work and family responsibilities is well known and widely discussed. However, relatively little attention is given to their counterparts – those women who are struggling to conceive and have to manage tremendous personal demands and trauma while still performing to the best of their ability at work.
Infertility is a deeply personal struggle that many individuals face, often silently. When this battle intertwines with professional responsibilities, it can create unique challenges that significantly impact one’s productivity and emotional well-being at work. For those battling infertility, achieving work objectives becomes more than a task – it serves as a coping mechanism and provides a sense of control amid personal challenges. However, casual conversations centred around family life in the workplace can be particularly challenging for those experiencing infertility. Every day can feel like a battle against both physical and emotional adversity.
The severe effects of fertility medications and the challenges of infertility – waking up early for IVF appointments, enduring the medications’ side effects, grappling with the disappointment of unfulfilled hopes and a sense of despair – can make this journey devastating for many women. In addition, the financial strain of treatments and the emotional toll of repeated setbacks further intensify the severity of the ordeal.
Social support
It is essential for colleagues and company leadership to understand and support individuals navigating infertility while being expected to maintain professional commitments.
Women going through this challenging season in their lives can prioritise self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or taking breaks when needed to maintain emotional and physical well-being. They can also foster understanding among colleagues by sharing information about infertility and its impact, encouraging sensitivity in conversations, and avoiding assumptions about family planning to create a more supportive environment.
The more people discuss infertility in social spaces, the more it will naturally infiltrate the workspace, raising awareness and understanding. When there is a culture of understanding and support, workplaces can become more inclusive and nurturing spaces for everyone, regardless of personal challenges. This includes sensitively navigating conversations around family and children, ensuring that individuals experiencing infertility do not feel pressured or excluded.
Text | Alucia Mabunda
Photography | Yuri A
Alucia Mabunda is Campus Head at IIE Rosebank College Nelson Mandela Bay and the author of The Quest For A Child.
For more information, go to rosebankcollege.co.za.
Figuring out what employees should be paid should involve taking a number of factors into account
If you asked a group what ‘fair pay’ means, you’d have a collection of views. If you then asked a group what ‘fair parenting’ means, you’d have another collection of views. The concept of fairness seems to rest partly in personal experience of the matter under consideration, which is tainted by comparison of the application in our context.
Fairness itself does not inherently have a bias.
The concept of fairness revolves around treating all individuals or groups impartially and without favouritism or discrimination. It aims to ensure that decisions, processes or outcomes are reasonable, justifiable, and consistent. Fairness often focuses on the process or procedure by which decisions are made rather than the outcomes themselves. For example, in a decision-making context, fairness might mean giving everyone an equal opportunity to voice their opinions or ensuring that rules are applied consistently to all individuals.
Managing pay practices with a focus on fairness, justice, equity, and equality involves understanding each concept distinctly and designing a pay structure that balances these principles.
Fairness in pay practices ensures that decisions regarding pay are justifiable and reasonable. Fair pay practices take into consideration factors such as job responsibilities and content, job grade, skills required, and market rates for similar roles. Managers ensure fairness by applying consistent criteria across all employees and being transparent about how pay decisions are made – again, it is the process or procedure that matters, including measures to mitigate the influence of conscious and unconscious bias.
Justice is broader and often carries a moral or ethical dimension. It encompasses the concept of what is right, moral, or just. Justice seeks to ensure that individuals receive what they deserve or are entitled to, based on ethical or legal principles. In a pay context, justice refers to the moral or ethical dimension of pay practices. It involves ensuring that employees receive what they deserve based on their contributions, efforts, and performance. Just pay practices strive to reward employees proportionately to their impact on organisational goals and outcomes. Managers promote justice by aligning pay with performance metrics and recognising employees for their achievements fairly. Consideration of a living wage for a company’s lowest-paid employees is also relevant in this context.
Equity in pay practices involves ensuring that employees receive fair remuneration relative to their contributions and responsibilities, regardless of demographic factors such as gender, race, or age. Equity acknowledges that different roles may have different value contributions to the organisation and seeks to reward accordingly. Managers promote equity by conducting regular remuneration audits to identify and rectify any pay gaps based on unjustifiable factors. An equity audit would be testing whether fairness has been applied.
Equality relates to providing the same opportunities and treatment to all employees, regardless of differences. In the context of pay, equality would mean paying equal wages for substantially similar work performed by employees. This concept is enshrined in laws and regulations to prevent discrimination based on protected characteristics. Managers uphold equality by ensuring that pay differentials are based on legitimate factors related to job performance and responsibilities, rather than personal characteristics.
Find the balance
Which factor should be considered the most important? Pursuit of one element may mean we don’t achieve the other. In this example, we could say there is fairness, but not justice: imagine a scenario where a company needs to downsize due to financial difficulties. The company decides to retrench employees based solely on tenure, meaning those who have been with the company the shortest amount of time are let go first. This decision might be considered fair because it applies the same criteria (tenure) to all employees without discrimination. However, it may not be just if some employees who are newer have made significant contributions or have higher performance ratings compared to longer-tenured employees who are retained. In this case, fairness in terms of consistent application of criteria (tenure) is maintained, but justice may be lacking because deserving employees are being retrenched based on a criterion that does not necessarily reflect their value or contributions to the organisation.
This demonstrates that fairness and justice are distinct concepts that can sometimes conflict with each other, depending on context and specific criteria or principles being applied. Achieving both fairness and justice often requires careful consideration of both the processes used to arrive at decisions and the outcomes that result from those decisions.
Points to ponder
To design a pay structure that integrates fairness, justice, equity, and equality involves various strategies and tools:
Conduct systematic job evaluations to assess the relative worth of different roles within the organisation, using a formal unbiased system. Implement a robust performance management system that objectively evaluates employee contributions and ties rewards to individual and team achievements. This creates defensibility for just decision making.
Consider your internal pay patterns and any discrepancies that indicate equity issues.
Regularly benchmark salaries against industry standards to ensure that pay rates are competitive and aligned with market trends, to inform your own unique pay structure. Maintain transparency in pay practices by clearly communicating the criteria for determining salaries, pay increases, and bonuses to employees. Conduct regular reviews of pay practices to identify and address any discrepancies or biases that may exist, ensuring that pay differentials are based on legitimate factors. Provide training to managers and employees on pay equity principles and practices to promote understanding and adherence to fair and just pay standards.
Text | Morag Phillips and Martin Hopkins
Photography | emojoez
Morag Phillips and Martin Hopkins are Master Reward Specialists. For more information, go to sara.co.za.
Informal conference idea helps to put both speakers and delegates at ease
One contemporary alternative to traditional conference setups is the fireside chat. These chats, a modern take on President Roosevelt’s informal national radio addresses, involve a structured yet informal interview between a moderator and a guest. Fireside chats have replaced solo keynotes at many conferences, offering a more relaxed and engaging format.
This way of doing things has some attractive benefits. It’s easier to secure business leaders, as they won’t need to prepare lengthy speeches or presentations, and the Q&A format naturally prompts audience engagement. The conversational format makes speakers feel more at ease, as they are not the sole focus, and an informal setting fosters a stronger bond between speaker and audience. In this sort of scenario, speakers are more likely to share personal stories and insights, as they’ll feel comfortable.
A space for creativity
When organising such a fireside chat, consider a few useful tips. Set up a cosy lounge atmosphere with comfortable seating and appropriate lighting to help guests feel relaxed. Ensure that the moderator has prepared open-ended, specific questions in advance to encourage the interviewee to open up. Some examples of such questions could be: What is the biggest challenge your industry faces today? How did you get to where you are today? Or what has been your greatest accomplishment?
Determine key points and organise them logically. Announce the structure at the start and track milestones throughout the session. Use polls to involve attendees, understand their background, introduce new topics, and gather insights.
Collect and incorporate questions from the audience during the session. Use interaction tools to give everyone an equal chance to participate and identify the most relevant topics. Ensure the session is a dialogue rather than a monologue, and focus on what the participants want to hear while encouraging the moderator to engage with the audience’s questions and lead the conversation.
Text | Supplied
Photography | bbernard
For more information, go to grannymouse.co.za.
Shopping behaviour is ever-changing and retail outlets need to adapt accordingly
Current concerns for store owners include:
Retail sales are estimated to represent close to 20% of South Africa’s GDP. Facing a barrage of ever-changing micro and megatrends, it remains crucial that our local retail industry moves with shifting shopping patterns. Seamless service and user experiences, considered design, and a high-value shopping experience can draw customers from their hermit states.
With the age of the ‘hermit consumer’ heralded by publications such as The Economist, consumers continue to turn inwards post-COVID, spending more time at home and acting accordingly – shopping online, ordering groceries for delivery, and turning to social media for inspiration. What they are shopping for is also affected by the hermit behaviour – it’s not just how they shop, but also what they are now buying, such as products geared towards making the home environment more of a cocoon.
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has noticed a slight drop in the frequency of shopping visitors, which is likely due to these general shifts in shopping habits and increased uptake of online grocery sales, which has reduced the daily or weekly shop in favour of monthly shopping visits. However, when shoppers do visit, their spend per head has increased materially, which more than offsets the drop in frequency.
Elevating the everyday can keep consumers coming back in person. Service excellence, while a perennial concern for business owners, is necessary for drawing out hermit consumers. Brand loyalty is earned through exceptional service that raises the consumer experience, personalised rewards incentives, and classic convenience.
Considering recent visitor statistics, the V&A Waterfront still records a long visitor duration or ‘dwell time’ in the precinct – which is credited to the holistic nature of the space, to do with the neighbourhood as a pleasant, safe, and enjoyable place beyond shopping, as well as the significant amount of leisure attractions and activities on offer.
Generational shifts are showing up heavily in the retail sphere. Tech-savvy shoppers are taking centre stage, and demand is high for retail that seamlessly straddles online and offline spaces. This form of ‘phygital’ integration sees the physical store meet the online in a way that caters to the unique needs and expectations of different generations.
In 2024, successful retailers are those that provide integrated experiences, such as buy-online-pickup-in-store and real-time inventory visibility across channels. Enhanced loyalty programmes and personalised marketing across these platforms further strengthen customer engagement.
Livestreaming e-commerce is gaining traction in the retail landscape, merging entertainment with shopping in a dynamic, interactive format on social media platforms like TikTok. This trend, popularised in markets like China, is now gaining traction globally, allowing brands to showcase products in real time while engaging directly with users.
Buy it again
Brands are also moving more into the resale and rental space in what is being called the ‘recommerce boom’. While recommerce is not a new trend as such, trend forecasters are seeing an accelerated industry-wide shift to second marketplaces and luxury goods rentals.
Major brands are implementing their own business-to-consumer recommerce initiatives, and third-party customer-to-customer marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Yaga, and Depop continue to draw users.
This recommerce trend also ties into general sustainability trends that continue to be a mainstream concern for consumers. By promoting circular economy principles, recommerce not only reduces waste but also offers consumers access to high-quality products at lower prices, fostering a more sustainable and economically inclusive retail ecosystem.
This demand for more affordable retail emerges as a direct result of worldwide cost-of-living crises, which have been affecting consumer behaviours both locally and globally. Pragmatism appears to be the overarching theme in retail at present. With the global economy taking major hits and geopolitical instability leaving consumers cautious and selective, consumers are considering the price tag of products more than ever. Tight budgets are a hard-hitting reality, shifting the retail landscape accordingly: cost is king. Price consciousness may force some consumers to opt for less expensive products regardless of whether they are sustainably produced.
Text | Dion Chang and Alex Kabalin
Photography | PeopleImages.com – Yuri A
Dion Chang is a trends analyst with Flux Trends, and Alex Kabalin is Retail Executive at the V&A Waterfront.
For more information, go to fluxtrends.com or waterfront.co.za.
Women still need more representation in a number of allied fields
Women are increasingly assuming leadership roles, driving innovation, and spearheading groundbreaking research. This is thanks to a seismic shift in recent years in attitudes and perceptions surrounding gender roles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
This shift is not just about achieving parity; it is about recognising the unique perspectives, talents, and insights that women bring to the table. It is about harnessing the full potential of their collective intellect to confront the formidable challenges facing the planet – chief among them, the imperative of sustainability.
According to the World Economic Forum 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, women’s representation in both STEM and non-STEM workforces has increased since 2016. Yet, women remain underrepresented in these roles, comprising only 28.2% of the STEM workforce compared to 47.3% in non-STEM sectors.
The ‘drop to the top’ from entry-level to C-suite positions is more pronounced in STEM occupations than in non-STEM roles. Women make up over half of the workforce base in non-STEM roles, compared to only a third in STEM. In turn, they make up a fourth of non-STEM leaders and only over one-tenth in STEM. This gives women a double disadvantage with regard to technological and workforce transitions, as they continue to occupy the lower-growth, lower-paying jobs that are likely to be negatively affected in the short term.
The challenge of empowering women in science leadership for sustainability is further exacerbated by the digital divide and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). While technology has the potential to be a powerful equaliser, providing access to information and opportunities regardless of geographic location or socio-economic status, the reality is often far from equitable.
Making the difference
The digital divide, characterised by disparities in access to and proficiency with technology, disproportionately affects women in many parts of the world. This limits their ability to fully participate in the digital economy and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the shared vision for a better world – a world where economic prosperity is inextricably linked with environmental stewardship and social equity – and underpinned by equal access to opportunities and tools to tap into the internet of things. This interconnectedness emphasises the importance of inclusive technological advancement. It ensures that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more sustainable future.
In this endeavour, women are at the vanguard, catalysing transformative change through pioneering research, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating a more just and sustainable future for all. In the pursuit of sustainability, women’s leadership encompasses various dimensions, including economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. These pillars are fundamental to achieving gender equality and fostering sustainable development.
When women are empowered in these areas, they not only contribute to the advancement of society but also play a critical role in shaping policies and practices that promote sustainability at local, national, and global levels. By prioritising the empowerment of women across these domains, the groundwork is laid for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for generations to come.
There are countless trailblazers who paved the way and whose valiant efforts will always be remembered when it comes to female leadership in science. This includes the late Didi Lekganyane, who was listed as one of the 50 most inspiring women in South Africa before tragically passing away as a victim of gender-based violence. This legacy inspires striving for excellence, defying convention, and breaking barriers with a resolve to challenge the status quo and champion inclusivity across all platforms.
Text | Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl
Photography | Yuri A
Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl is Head of Research and Development at the University of Pretoria.
Businesses need to work intelligently to minimise the risk of falling prey to cyber attacks
These are times of unprecedented change and disruption. New technological innovations and geopolitical events are just two of the major catalysts of change in the landscape of risk. In times of volatility, businesses are often faced with increased risk exposure, with opportunistic cyber criminals ready to exploit vulnerabilities and take advantage of loopholes. For insurers and their clients, now is the time for constant vigilance and proactiveness in mitigating these risks.
Despite the many opportunities and efficiencies that artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced into the world of business, its emergence also represents a substantial risk. Cyber criminals can use AI to better disguise their attacks and manipulate their victims into falling prey to social engineering attacks. Additionally, more and more corporates are becoming reliant on AI to streamline their operations. However, with the technology being relatively new, the risks are yet to be fully understood, making businesses more susceptible to cyber attacks.
With the emergence of AI, the threat of fake news and misinformation has also become more pronounced. The increasing use of data, video, voice, and biometric technology represents a growing threat of data leaks and theft. Companies now have an even greater responsibility to protect themselves from the financial and reputational risks related to misinformation and data breaches.
Bigger picture impact
Further afield, geopolitics also poses a substantial risk to businesses on both the global and local fronts. More than 60 countries this year will be running presidential elections. This creates an opportunity for cyber syndicates, who have vertical connections and monetary incentives, to support threat actors in their planned cyber incidents aimed at stealing confidential information and executing cyber sabotage.
In addition, ongoing tensions throughout Europe and the Middle East are likely to intensify the impact on businesses in terms of risk. The economic status and accessibility to resources within nation states such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran have global influence. Any developments in these countries will have a ripple effect on the rest of the world – particularly the developing world.
For South African businesses, these events should signal an all-important call to action to tighten up cyber-security measures and invest in adequate insurance cover as a much-needed failsafe.
Some of the most noticeable developments in cyber crime include an increase in ransomware threats. Over the past year, threat actors have evolved with diversified extortion methods, thus increasing the number of attacks significantly.
Business email compromise has become increasingly concerning within the corporate landscape. Through sophisticated social engineering methods, the use of AI, and honest human error, threat actors have been highly successful in gaining access to corporate networks using business email compromise. Unfortunately, identifying fraudulent interactions baited in this way is extremely difficult.
Beware the chain
Big corporations with operations whose functionality and networks are interconnected are also regarded as high risk. Within these environments, cyber attacks can take the form of criminals gaining access through the vulnerabilities of service providers or vendors’ networks that are connected to a client’s network. Once they have gained access to the corporate network, the exposure to loss is imminent.
The second type of supply chain attack can occur in organisations that have not segregated their networks between various divisions. Should a criminal gain access to a division where a vulnerability lies, they will be able to access the rest of the organisation’s network through that exposure point.
Despite an increase in claims experiences globally, the local market remains stable. One of the positive trends from an underwriting and risk management perspective is seeing clients adapt to AI technology as a defence mechanism against cyber threats. In the long run, this can contribute to an improvement of a client’s risk profile and, ultimately, the sustainability of the cyber insurance market.
Insurance firms are continuously embracing technology to enhance data analysis, risk assessment, and to automate underwriting processes.
Text | Nikita Naicker
Photography | Alfredo Maiquez
Nikita Naicker is PI Tech & Cyber Underwriter at SHA Risk Specialists. For more information, go to sha.co.za.
The impact of the pandemic will still be felt by young learners for some time.
Four years after the most frightening pandemic in recent global history, the coronavirus sometimes feels like a distant memory. Or a nightmare. The fact is, it’s neither, yet so many are still suffering long-lasting effects from it. While continued health issues plague some, others grapple with emotional traumas, relationship struggles, and the loss of income that the pandemic brought.
Where are we as a society four years later? Most schools and workplaces are still dealing with the latest viruses or flu while trying to limp along and balance their workload. But who was most affected by COVID-19?
Learners in early childhood development (ECD) centres and foundation phase education missed the opportunity to create vital connections for further learning and development. The United States National Library of Medicine reported that children born during the pandemic (from July 2020 onward) had reduced verbal, motor, and overall cognitive skills compared to children born pre-pandemic, between 2011 and 2019. Research from that same report also showcases that children from lower-income families were the most affected.
The saying “We’re in the same sea but in different boats” rings true when you consider the devastating effects the pandemic had on learners from underprivileged areas. One of the most upsetting considerations is how many children spent months hungry because their school also serves as their primary source of nutrition. When such schools reopened, it became obvious that their students suffered from lacking their basic needs: running water and sanitation, very little or no food, and limited stimulation that would allow them to learn through play.
Most individuals’ visual perceptual skills become consolidated by the ages of five and six. If you can cement developmental processes in the brain from a young age, they are more easily built upon. So, while older students may have battled boredom or discipline issues, younger students could not gain vital connections in their brains that allow for the learning to follow later in their school career.
Lost years
In Daily Maverick’s article on the effects of COVID-19 on children at the end of 2021, Dr Fouzia Munir’s analysis revealed that measures taken to control the spread of the virus contravened children’s rights, resulting in an education crisis. Upon return to school, the Grade 000s’ (ages three to four years) results from their annual screening assessment were dismal. This clearly indicates that they were not being stimulated enough without attending school.
Grades 1 and 2 are critical years for learners, where they learn the foundation rules for languages and numeracy. Concepts are embedded into their thinking and are then able to be applied across numerous subjects. When you consider that the language being taught in school is quite often a learner’s third or fourth language in South Africa, the reality dawns on what a catastrophe it is to lack exposure to the language at school through simple “storytime” rituals.
Outside of the 2020 classroom setup with rigorous social distancing space and individualised play boxes, sand pits and jungle gyms had to remain closed to many learners when they returned. Ruled as unsafe, these were “no-go” zones, and learners missed out on the sensory joy of sand and water play and the benefits of crossing their midline on the jungle gym.
Crossing the midline is the ability to reach across your middle to the opposite side of your body, which is an important growth milestone as it involves the use of both sides of the brain to result in smooth and coordinated movements. Fine and gross motor skills were both affected by the lack of free play and organised activities. The expectation for learners to all be able to pick up where they left off was unrealistic and unfair to them and their teachers.
Help at home
With time often comes healing, and as the inflamed panic around the pandemic faded, so too did the anxiety and the restrictions stopping educational facilities from being as effective as they would have hoped.
The building blocks of learning are harder to go back and re-lay at a later stage. Language and speech development are vital when preparing for Grade 1, and many educational milestones are now having to play catch up. There are a number of ways carers can help learners in the absence of outside assistance.
Remember, children learn through play. You can create your own home version of “Snap!” or dominoes. Language exposure is key. Visit a local library for storybooks and try to listen to radio or TV shows in their learning language. Stimulate all the senses. Encourage your child to get involved in cooking and other chores at home. You can involve a rhyming game or song to keep it fun. Create a routine during school holidays that still promotes learning. Whether it be counting the potatoes out for supper or creating art out of old grocery boxes, almost every activity can provide learning in some form.
Despite the significant challenges posed by the pandemic, many children have demonstrated remarkable resilience. With the steadfast support of dedicated educators, therapists, and their communities, these youngsters are developing robust coping mechanisms that will serve them well throughout their lives.
While the pandemic undoubtedly set back many learners’ developmental progress, the collective efforts to address these delays are fostering a generation that is not only resilient but also equipped with the tools to overcome adversity.
Text | Penny Clark
Photography | Prostock-studio
Penny Clark is an occupational therapist at The Love Trust’s Nokuphila School. For more information, go to lovetrust.co.za.
Property markets enjoy positive effects of political and economic advances.
There was an improvement in the rate of sales in the local property market in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the same period last year. Interestingly, this positive phenomenon has been driven on optimistic market sentiment alone, as the country had not had any interest rate cuts in that time. Therefore, even higher sales activity can be expected the moment the interest rate cutting cycle begins.
Some potential buyers and investors were waiting to commit until after the general elections. So is the government of national unity (GNU) going to be good for the property market? Although ideological differences do have a bearing on policy decision-making in a GNU and then inevitably make it less stable than a majority government, managed correctly, it is the best outcome most could have wished for in the current South African political environment and diverse desires of the local electorate.
The positive remarks and comments made after the president’s cabinet announcement by the individual party leaders who form the GNU installed a sense of unity and hope for South Africans. Provided some tangible outcomes are realised sooner rather than later, this all bodes well for the property market. As the weeks and months go by, positive sentiment will return fairly quickly, creating a bullish property market that has been somewhat protracted in the last two years or so.
Most economists are still united in their belief that interest rates will start dropping on the back of reduced inflation pressures, and the only debate still on the table is the timing. Some believe that we will see interest rates start dropping at the end of 2024, while others believe this will only start in the first half of 2025.
The peaceful election and an inclusive and smooth formation of a GNU help to stabilise the value of the rand, and this in turn helps with stabilising and even reducing inflationary pressures. Interest rates are the single largest contributor to property sales activity, so a reduction in those rates will set the stage for a great recovery in property sales in the near to medium future.
Growth industry
There are already signs of improvement following the positive effects of the end of the interest rate hiking cycle, peaceful elections, the general acceptance of the results, and the formation of the GNU. This is unlike the USA market for the year ending December 2023, in which they experienced a 15% decline in volume and values. And there are many areas spread throughout South Africa where growth occurs, well beyond just the Western Cape, as popularly believed.
Most people love where they live, wherever it may be, as a result of it being associated with their birthplace, childhood upbringing, familiarity, family and friends, schooling, and importantly, work. So there are many provinces, cities, and towns experiencing growth. Specific growth nodes in each of these territories are determined by the type of property, value, convenience, security issues, and the state of the local municipal service delivery and infrastructure.
Buyers prefer purchasing in secure estates or suburbs where security is monitored and controlled. The reason for this is obvious. More affordable sectional title units are also in favour, especially for new entrants into the property cycle where affordability is a factor.
There is always a misconception among analysts who love to rate South Africa’s top suburbs. Is it the most desirable suburb? The most exclusive? The one reflecting the most price growth? A top suburb may not be because of any of these factors but may be because of its affordability, position, and desirability, and these factors drive market demand and a good rate of sales. In real estate terms, a top suburb is one where there are more purchasers than sellers at any one time.
Make cost effective
No doubt the affordable and entry-level market has the most growth – this trend has been around for years. South Africa is unique due to our sad history, which has created a situation in which there are still millions of people aspiring to own their own homes, and even the low price ceiling is only affordable in the formal sector of the population. Additionally, it seems that millennials and Gen Z-ers prefer smaller lock-up-and-go units to fulfil their desire to explore and travel.
The best advice for sellers, no matter their location or price category, is to ensure that their property is always presentable and orderly and then to price it correctly. They need to remember that neither they nor their agent will be buying the property and that prospective buyers do compare their property to whatever else is available. So, if a selling price for what the buyers are seeing makes sense, the likelihood of a successful sale is good.
Text | Harry Nicolaides
Photography | fizkes
Harry Nicolaides is CEO of Century 21 South Africa. For more information, go to century21.co.za.
Concerted effort to build new energy supply can change sustainability profile of entire industry.
The mining industry faces a dual challenge: ensuring a reliable power supply and minimising its environmental impact. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, solar power emerges as a compelling solution. However, to fully harness its potential, mining companies must develop a skilled workforce capable of building and maintaining solar power plants.
Mining operations are renowned for their energy-intensive nature, demanding consistent power for a myriad of processes. From powering heavy machinery like excavators and crushers to operating ventilation systems and pumps in underground mines, electricity is the lifeblood of these operations. Historically, the industry has relied heavily on the national grid, often facing challenges related to power outages, loadshedding, and fluctuating electricity costs.
While recent economic headwinds have temporarily reduced industrial activity, including mining, easing the pressure on the national grid, this is a short-term reprieve. As the global economy rebounds and the demand for minerals increases, so too will the mining sector’s energy consumption, which is roughly 30% of Eskom’s annual power supply, according to Minerals Council South Africa.
To ensure uninterrupted operations and mitigate risks associated with grid instability, mining companies are increasingly turning to on-site power generation. Solar energy is a compelling solution to power challenges due to its sustainability and growing cost-competitiveness. By installing large-scale solar panel farms on mine sites, companies can generate clean electricity directly where it is needed, reducing their dependence on the grid. This not only helps to stabilise energy costs but also provides a hedge against future tariff increases. Solar power generation also aligns with the global shift towards renewable energy sources, enabling mining companies to improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint.
Beyond cost savings and environmental benefits, solar power can enhance operational efficiency. For remote mine sites with limited grid access, solar energy can provide a reliable and cost-effective power source. Additionally, by generating electricity on-site, mining companies can reduce transmission losses, further optimising energy utilisation.
Changing the landscape
The successful integration of solar power into mining operations hinges on a skilled workforce capable of handling every stage of the solar energy lifecycle, which necessitates a significant investment in human capital development. A critical component of building a skilled solar workforce is the establishment of formal qualifications. Here, the introduction of a general technician qualification for solar installation is a vital step in ensuring that individuals possess the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely and efficiently.
By standardising training and certification, the industry can enhance quality, safety, and professionalism. A qualified workforce not only benefits the employees themselves but also instils confidence in clients and stakeholders. It demonstrates a commitment to quality and adherence to industry best practices.
To address the specific needs of the mining sector, targeted upskilling and reskilling programmes are essential. By leveraging existing mine technician skills and combining them with solar technology training, the industry can create a highly competent workforce.
Additionally, the integration of solar technician training into social labour plans by mining houses provides an opportunity to empower local communities. By training community members as solar technicians, mining companies can contribute to local economic development and create sustainable employment opportunities.
As an example, the Exxaro project in Limpopo, which involves the development of a 60ha solar plant, offers a model for community engagement. By training local residents as solar technicians, the project not only supports the mine’s renewable energy goals but also uplifts the community. Targeted training programmes in partnership with the Energy & Water SETA provide the necessary skills and qualifications for individuals to excel in the solar industry. By creating a clear career path, these programmes foster a skilled workforce capable of designing, installing, and maintaining solar power plants.
As South Africa works towards a low-carbon economy, the mining industry has an opportunity to lead the way in renewable energy adoption. By investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes, the sector can secure its energy needs, create jobs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The transition to solar power presents both challenges and opportunities, but with the right skills and support, the mining industry can successfully harness the power of the sun.
Text | Jacques Farmer
Photography | CandyRetriever
Jacques Farmer is MD at PRISMA Training Solutions. For more information, go to prisma.co.za.
‘Solutions’ can sometimes land us flat on our faces
Rumours that I sustained an injury while cage fighting might be greatly exaggerated. By me. The truth is worse. I’ve often found myself on the front lines in media. I’ve always been a big ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ kind of a guy, which is why, ‘armed’ with my words and information, I enter the fray when there’s anything I believe in strongly.
Recently, this came at a cost. The threats, bullying, and what appeared to be a campaign to silence me became intense at times, though truthfully didn’t really bother me. Being called a racist doesn’t make me one. Being told that I support genocide doesn’t make it true, nor does the allegation that I’m paid by any organisation to do its bidding – though it would be nice if it were true.
But it makes those around me a bit nervous. Which is why, for no good reason at all, I decided to take up Krav Maga. To be clear, I’ve never been worried about my safety in South Africa, and although I’ve been called a litany of names, had my face Photoshopped into all sorts of strange places, and been insulted for the baldness of my head and the size of my nose, I remain convinced that South Africans, for the most part, aren’t committed enough to their own hatred of others to get them out of bed.
I’m also no athlete. I’ve never been an athlete. When parents tell their children that they can be whoever they choose to be, they clearly haven’t considered the reality of being a short, overweight Jewish guy with two flat feet and childhood asthma. I could have been many things, but an athlete isn’t one of them. Even my late mother, who thought I could walk on water – maybe because of my flat feet – would have agreed.
Which is why I should never have found myself in a Krav Maga class. If you haven’t heard of it, Krav Maga is an Israeli self-defence system. Developed for the Israel Defense Forces, it uses techniques derived from Aikido, boxing, judo, karate, and wrestling. It’s known for its focus on real-world situations.
Although I would love to have everyone believe that it was in a particularly aggressive sparring session when an opponent rushed at me with a knife that I fell in my attempt to disarm him, the real story is a lot less exciting. Truthfully, I tripped over my shoelaces during the warm-up run. I fell ungraciously over my own two feet and hit my knee on the yoga mat. And so, x-rays, an MRI, and a leg brace later, I’ve had to make peace with the fact that my ‘cage fighting’ days are over. Pretty much even before they began.
I learnt to stick to my knitting, so to speak; that I’m not born to run, and that, sometimes, our anxiety about something can result in more harm than the ‘something’ itself.
Text | Howard Feldman
Photography | guruXOX
Follow Howard Feldman on X: @HowardFeldman.
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