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South Africa, October 2024 — Serco, a leader in truck and trailer body building, has delivered six state-of-the-art refrigerated trailers equipped with electric axle-driven systems to two prominent transporters. This initiative reflects Serco's strong commitment to sustainability and reducing reliance on diesel in the transport industry.

AxlePower System

The innovative AxlePower system enables the refrigeration unit to operate without the need for a grid connection, delivering substantial environmental benefits. Each trailer is estimated to save up to 27 tons of CO₂ annually compared to traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems.

These new trailers are equipped with BPW’s ePower axle and Thermo King refrigeration units, integrating cutting-edge power management technology. The system generates energy by recovering it from the trailer’s axle during regular use, which then powers the refrigeration unit.

A Greener Future

Clinton Holcroft, CEO of Serco, commented on the system's environmental impact:

“The ability to generate and reuse energy makes this system an ideal solution for enhancing the sustainability of trailer journeys. This innovation aligns with our dedication to providing eco-friendly and efficient transport solutions.”

Serco's introduction of these electric axle-driven trailers marks a significant step towards a greener future, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and efficiency in the transport sector.

Total Words: 204

Johannesburg, 26 August 2024 — South Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads in its quest for sustainable energy solutions. The country's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy sources is commendable. Wind farms, a key player in this transition, offer the promise of clean energy that can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, as these towering structures begin to dot the horizon, a heated debate has emerged: should wind farms be allowed in or close to South Africa's protected areas and unspoilt natural landscapes?

The Need for Renewable Energy

On one side of the debate, the need for renewable energy is undeniable. South Africa faces significant energy challenges, with a reliance on coal that not only harms the environment but also strains the economy. Wind farms offer a viable part of the solution, harnessing the power of nature to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The benefits are clear: reduced carbon emissions, energy security, and the potential to create jobs in a burgeoning green economy.

Concerns for Natural Beauty and Biodiversity

However, the placement of wind farms in the vicinity of protected areas and unspoilt natural landscapes brings a host of concerns that cannot be ignored. South Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, wildlife, and biodiversity in the world—from the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape to the rugged beauty of the Western Cape's coastline. These areas and many others are not only important for their ecological value but also play a crucial role in the country's thriving eco-tourism industry. The allure of South Africa's untouched wilderness attracts millions of tourists each year, providing much-needed income to local communities and helping to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.

Visual and Environmental Impact

The introduction of wind farms into these areas has sparked fears that the very landscapes that make South Africa so unique could be irrevocably altered. Critics argue that the towering turbines, with their rotating blades and industrial appearance, will spoil the beauty of these regions, deterring tourists and undermining the eco-tourism industry forever. The visual impact of wind farms is a legitimate concern, especially in areas where the natural landscape and sense of place is the primary attraction. Moreover, the construction of these facilities will disrupt surrounding ecosystems and impact wildlife directly, threatening the biodiversity that these protected areas were established to preserve.

Finding a Balance: Potential Solutions

It's a complex issue, but there are reasonable answers and solutions. The challenge lies in finding a balance between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of South Africa's natural heritage. One potential and readily available solution is to carefully evaluate the placement of wind farms, ensuring that they are situated in areas where their impact on the environment and tourism is minimal. South Africa is fortunately blessed with an abundance of such areas and locations perfectly suited for wind farms, with substantially lesser environmental and tourism impacts. This would involve avoiding protected areas and unspoilt natural areas altogether, but with no reduction in the total number or total capacity of wind farms developed.

Exploring Alternative Renewable Energy Sources

Another approach could be to invest in alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which may have a less intrusive footprint on the landscape. Solar farms, for example, can be built in less visually sensitive areas or integrated into existing infrastructure, such as rooftops and urban spaces. By diversifying the types of renewable energy we rely on, we can reduce the pressure to place wind farms in ecologically or aesthetically valuable areas.

A Thoughtful Approach for the Future

Ultimately, the debate over wind farms in the vicinity of South Africa's protected areas and natural landscapes is a reflection of a broader global challenge: how to transition to a sustainable future without sacrificing the natural beauty and biodiversity that makes our planet so special. As we move forward, it is crucial that we take a thoughtful, measured approach, one that considers not only the immediate benefits of renewable energy but also the long-term impact on our environment and our economy. By doing so, we can ensure that South Africa remains both a leader in renewable energy and a guardian of its natural heritage.

Total Words: 739

Johannesburg, 26 August 2024: South Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads in its quest for sustainable energy solutions. The country's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy sources is commendable. Wind farms, a key player in this transition, offer the promise of clean energy that can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, as these towering structures begin to dot the horizon, a heated debate has emerged: should wind farms be allowed in or close to South Africa's protected areas and unspoilt natural landscapes?

The Need for Renewable Energy

On one side of the debate, the need for renewable energy is undeniable. South Africa faces significant energy challenges, with a reliance on coal that not only harms the environment but also strains the economy. Wind farms offer a viable part of the solution, harnessing the power of nature to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The benefits are clear: reduced carbon emissions, energy security, and the potential to create jobs in a burgeoning green economy.

The Case Against Wind Farms in Protected Areas

However, the placement of wind farms in the vicinity of protected areas and unspoilt natural landscapes brings a host of concerns that cannot be ignored. South Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, wildlife, and biodiversity in the world, from the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape to the rugged beauty of the Western Cape's coastline. These areas and many others are not only important for their ecological value but also play a crucial role in the country's thriving eco-tourism industry.

The allure of South Africa's untouched wilderness attracts millions of tourists each year, providing much-needed income to local communities and helping to preserve these natural wonders for future generations. The introduction of wind farms into these areas has sparked fears that the very landscapes that make South Africa so unique could be irrevocably altered. Critics argue that the towering turbines, with their rotating blades and industrial appearance, will spoil the beauty of these regions, deterring tourists and undermining the eco-tourism industry forever.

The visual impact of wind farms is a legitimate concern, especially in areas where the natural landscape and sense of place is the primary attraction. Moreover, the construction of these facilities will disrupt surrounding ecosystems and impact wildlife directly, threatening the biodiversity that these protected areas were established to preserve.

Potential Solutions: Finding the Balance

It's a complex issue, but there are reasonable answers and solutions. The challenge lies in finding a balance between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of South Africa's natural heritage. One potential and readily available solution is to carefully evaluate the placement of wind farms, ensuring that they are situated in areas where their impact on the environment and tourism is minimal.

South Africa is fortunately blessed with an abundance of such areas and locations perfectly suited for wind farms, with substantially lesser environmental and tourism impacts. This would involve avoiding protected areas and unspoilt natural areas altogether, but with no reduction in the total number or total capacity of wind farms developed.

Diversifying Renewable Energy Options

Another approach could be to invest in alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which may have a less intrusive footprint on the landscape. Solar farms, for example, can be built in less visually sensitive areas or integrated into existing infrastructure, such as rooftops and urban spaces. By diversifying the types of renewable energy we rely on, we can reduce the pressure to place wind farms in ecologically or aesthetically valuable areas.

The Global Perspective: A Broader Challenge

Ultimately, the debate over wind farms in the vicinity of South Africa's protected areas and natural landscapes is a reflection of a broader global challenge: how to transition to a sustainable future without sacrificing the natural beauty and biodiversity that makes our planet so special. As we move forward, it is crucial that we take a thoughtful, measured approach, one that considers not only the immediate benefits of renewable energy but also the long-term impact on our environment and our economy.

By doing so, we can ensure that South Africa remains both a leader in renewable energy and a guardian of its natural heritage.

Total Words: 718

As World Entrepreneurs Day is celebrated globally today, a notable trend is emerging among South African entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their quest for financing: an increasing reliance on pawnbrokers to secure much-needed capital.

Amidst the growing challenges of accessing traditional finance, Lamna Financial, a leading asset-based lender, has observed a significant uptick in business owners using their services to unlock the value of their assets.

Charles Meyerowitz, CEO of Lamna Financial, commented on this trend, stating, “Entrepreneurs are often faced with limited access to traditional financing options, especially in the current economic climate. This has led to a growing number of business owners turning to pawnbrokers as a viable alternative for securing quick and flexible funding.”

He continues, “By leveraging high-value assets such as trucks, vehicles, luxury watches, fine art, and high-end vehicles, entrepreneurs can obtain the capital needed to sustain or grow their businesses. Most of our clients are entrepreneurs who often require funding quickly to operate at the level they need to.”

Pawnbroking as a Short-Term Funding Solution

Meyerowitz explains that often, an entrepreneur is working on projects or contracts worth millions of rands. However, during the interim period while these projects are being realised, they are required to cover costs to bring these projects to fruition. “Pawnbroking provides these types of business owners with short-term solutions to fund these projects,” he said.

According to the World Bank, SMEs represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Formal SMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies.

A Growing Need for Alternative Financing

South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, while vibrant, continues to grapple with significant barriers to accessing traditional forms of finance. According to recent reports, many SMEs struggle to meet the stringent criteria set by banks and other financial institutions, leading to a gap in available funding. This situation has been exacerbated by the economic fallout, which has made securing loans even more challenging.

“Entrepreneurs and small business owners need agility in today’s market,” Meyerowitz continued. “Traditional lending processes are often slow and cumbersome, which doesn’t align with the fast-paced nature of running a business. Pawnbroking offers an efficient solution—business owners can access funds within hours, using assets they already own.”

A Shift in SMME Financing Trends

"It's no surprise to learn that 35 percent of all loans made to SMMEs are in the form of personal loans or asset-backed loans, as these entrepreneurs find it too difficult to access funding as a business,” Meyerowitz explained. “From Lamna’s perspective, almost 95 percent of our clients are successful entrepreneurs, and when they loan against their assets, it is usually for a period of no more than three months, with a 99 percent repayment rate.”

He added, “This is quite telling in terms of the financial landscape for SMMEs, especially as we have seen a 30 percent increase in loan requirements since the start of the year.”

Ongoing Use of Pawnbroking as a Financing Tool

“In our experience, when a small business owner becomes a client of ours, they tend to return regularly to service their short-term funding shortfalls as the need arises,” Meyerowitz noted. “What this means is that they start to use pawnbroking or asset-backed loans as a legitimate source of ongoing funding for their business operations.”

Examples of Assets Used in Business Financing

Entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging personal and business assets to secure funding. High-end items used as collateral include:

• Luxury watches
• Art collections
• Jewellery
• Vehicles
• Trucks

These assets provide the collateral needed to secure short-term loans, allowing entrepreneurs to inject capital into their businesses without the lengthy approval processes typical of traditional loans.

World Entrepreneurs Day: A Focus on Financial Solutions

As World Entrepreneurs Day shines a spotlight on the achievements and challenges faced by entrepreneurs worldwide, Lamna Financial emphasises the importance of innovative financial solutions in supporting business growth and sustainability.

Meyerowitz concludes, “Access to finance is a critical component of entrepreneurship, and in a market like South Africa’s, where 40 percent of our GDP is reliant on these SMMEs, with traditional avenues being limited, alternative financing methods such as pawnbroking are proving essential for many business owners.”

For more information, visit: www.lamna.co.za.

Press Release Submitted By:

Company Name: Lamna Financial
Contact Person: Charles Meyerowitz
Website: www.lamna.co.za

Total Words: 677

The Power of Independent Play

A Guide for Parents

As parents, we all remember those moments from our childhood, lost in a world of make-believe with our toys, following our own lead. Independent play offers that same magical experience for young explorers today, and the benefits go far beyond just keeping them occupied. It's about nurturing their creativity, confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence—all crucial for their development.

Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools, emphasizes the importance of independent play. "Encouraging children to play independently fosters essential life skills and prepares them for future challenges. It's a beautiful way to nurture their creativity and confidence."

Independent play can sound intimidating to parents who worry their children will get bored, frustrated, or lost along the way. However, independent play isn't about leaving your child on their own. Children often thrive with a bit of structured guidance and a safe, stimulating environment that sparks their curiosity and invites them to explore.

Creating the Right Environment

Start by creating a safe and enchanting space that inspires your child's imagination. Fill it with a variety of age-appropriate toys and materials that encourage exploration and creativity. This could be a cozy corner of your home transformed into a mini-adventure land with open-ended toys like blocks, dolls, puzzles, and art supplies. Rotate the toys and objects periodically to keep things fresh and inspiring.

Independent play is when your child dives into their world of activities without needing direct help from adults or peers. It's about them taking the lead, entertaining themselves, making their own play decisions, and exploring their interests solo. This kind of play is vital for their growth, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, self-reliance, and emotional balance.

Building Problem-Solving Skills

As they navigate their play world independently, children learn to trust their abilities and problem-solving skills. During independent play, they engage in critical thinking, build a sense of autonomy, and grow more confident in their abilities. For example, when children build a block tower, they learn to think creatively about preventing it from falling, control their emotions, and regulate their behavior.

Independent play is a training ground for problem-solving. Playing alone requires children to entertain themselves and think creatively, fostering innovative thinking. Imagine a child trying to fix a toy that isn't working as expected—this critical thinking is essential for tackling challenges now and in the future.

Emotional Growth and Creativity

Playing independently also allows children to explore their emotions and experiment with different ways of expressing themselves in a safe space. Acting out a story with toys can help them process feelings of frustration or sadness, teaching them valuable emotional regulation skills.

One of the most delightful benefits of independent play is that it taps into children's creativity and imagination. They can be superheroes, doctors, or even astronauts within their play space, seeing the world from different perspectives and thinking creatively about solving problems.

Confidence and Independence

Independent play is essential for building self-confidence. As children navigate their play world on their own, they discover their talents and interests. Imagine the pride on a child's face when they complete a puzzle all by themselves or create a masterpiece with their crayons.

In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever for children to learn how to entertain themselves. Independent play reduces their reliance on screens for entertainment, encouraging them to read a book, draw, or invent their own games.

Independent play also prepares children for school, where they may have to engage socially but spend time playing alone. It helps with emotional development and self-regulation and enhances their attention span. Additionally, they learn to manage their time, share resources, and navigate social interactions.

Encouraging Independent Play

While your child takes center stage during independent play, you're not completely out of the picture. It's important to offer encouragement with a simple "Have fun!" or "Wow, that's a cool tower!" to show your interest. Let your child know you're nearby in case they need help, but resist the urge to jump in and solve problems for them.

By fostering a child's ability to play independently, parents and caregivers can support their growth and development meaningfully. Encouraging independent play helps children build essential life skills and prepares them for future challenges and successes," Assis concludes.

Crowdfunding Jobs for Unemployed Moms on the Weskus

It is generally agreed that the fastest way to stop the continued and almost methodical decimation of our youth is to get them employed. But all the data proves that not enough has been done, and things are getting worse. The woman-run nonprofit company, Goedverwacht Awakens, has noted the drastic lack of jobs for those raising our next generation and, in response, launched a project that will create almost 60 jobs in six months.

Project Seven Gen

The job creation project is called Project Seven Gen, based on the Seven Generations Principle that asks us to consider how our actions will affect our relatives in 150 years—and also how our ancestors 150 years ago would have acted. The project will incubate six startups in Phase One that have been grouped into two clusters.

The first three are a coffee shop, farm stall, and catering service that will operate from Raaswater Resort, near Piketberg. The coffee shop and farm stall will operate with the theme of “Embracing the past and future to create a now that is relevant and meaningful.” The second three are a marketing agency, tour operator, and event management company. These will also be based at Raaswater but will operate remotely as needed.

To get started, funds are needed to kit out the coffee shop and farm stall, get the tools to run a small marketing agency, and cover the wages, operating costs, and stock for the first six months. The fundraising target is R445,300, but they have already started doing what they can. Your backing will be invested in projects that are expected to make a profit—the money will keep working.

Community and Tourism Initiatives

Goedverwacht Awakens runs an international award-winning homestay and cultural experience. This experience will help the tour operating business work closely with local communities to develop and market tours with a special focus on the small towns. As the Cradle of Human Culture, tourists will be invited to experience and explore the places where humans created art for the first time, alongside the descendants of those humans.

Goedverwacht Awakens is also the host of the annual Snoek en Patat Fees, which will celebrate its 25th year in 2025. Large events have a measurable impact on the local economy. The Fees was launched in 2000 to bring much-needed tourism spending into the area and is now undergoing an upgrade to become a major economic stimulant and a flagship event of the West Coast.

Future Plans and Impact

The current team has volunteered their time to get the project started and has committed to at least 12 months of their time to deliver this project. In Phase Two, the plan is to add more social enterprises. In the pipeline are plans for a laundry and cleaning service, a last-mile delivery service, and a brick-making factory.

There is a large working-age population that is reliant on social grants. This project is a pathway to economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for them. The target beneficiaries are unemployed youth, with a focus on unemployed mothers. Project Seven Gen will also run outreach programs and has already started working with local creches, on a swimming safety program, and on arts and culture projects, among others.

For the first six months, they expect to rely on external funding, aiming to reduce that reliance fully within two years. All supporters will be recognized as patrons and receive quarterly updates, special offers, and special invitations. Back us here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/project-seven-gen

About the Seven Generations Principle

When making a life-changing decision, have you ever stopped to think what your relatives would have done 150 years ago? Or how it will affect your relatives in 150 years? This is called the Seventh Generation Principle, our guiding principle and where we got our name—Project Seven Gen. An initiative of Goedverwacht Awakens, Project Seven Gen is a pathway to intergenerational equity.

Though the Seven Generations Principle doesn’t solve the challenges of intergenerational equity, it can serve as a tool or even a conceptual framework for how to tease apart the challenges of this topic. It encourages us to think of the connections between and among us and our environment, and to tread lightly and in solidarity.

Press Release Submitted By:

• Company Name: Goedverwacht Awakens

The expansion will add 1000 racks of white space or the space available for customers to lease

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 25, 2024/ -- Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has announced it is expanding its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.

This expansion shows the data centre giant adding three new state-of-the-art halls in new areas on the campus and adds another 6MW of IT load, effectively doubling its current capacity. The new expansion was implemented with support from the United States through an up to $300 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to Africa Data Centres.

According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava, “This expansion by Africa Data Centres is in response to the increasing demand for co-location capacity in South Africa. Not only is Cape Town the second largest economy in South Africa, but it is also the de facto software and technology hub in Southern Africa.”

The company is seeing tremendous growth in the data centre market in South Africa generally, as both national and international cloud and IT service providers seek to expand their footprints in the region.

In terms of size, the expansion adds 1000 racks of white space or the space available for customers to lease, although the physical site is significantly larger than that. It is made up of two more colocation data halls and one hyperscale hall.

The additional halls are built in the cutting-edge modular design pioneered by Africa Data Centres, which enables rapid scalability and a modern design that allows the facility to be populated as and when required to suit the needs of the customer.

Pemhiwa says this would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of ICT, Western Cape Provincial Government and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development. “I would like to acknowledge their ongoing support, as we expand our data centre facilities in South Africa.”

The new halls feature the same cutting-edge security standards and focus on the elements that matter most to clients, including scalability, flexibility, and energy efficiency, to bring world-class, affordable solutions to all its clients in the area. This data centre is highly flexible and designed to accommodate different and evolving customer demands.

Additionally, this data centre boasts hybrid cooling technology capable of handling both air cooling and liquid cooling. Despite its versatility, no compromises were made on efficiency. It is one of the most efficient and sustainable data centres ever built in South Africa. It is powered by renewable energy, boasts a Water Usage Effectiveness of 0 due to no water consumption for the IT infrastructure, and has an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness rating as well.

The Africa Data Centres' CPT1 facility is at the forefront of pioneering the use of wheeled solar power in the market. This innovation is enabled through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in March last year with Distributed Power Africa, part of the Cassava Technologies group. Africa Data Centres is the first company to successfully implement this groundbreaking technology in Africa, marking it the continent's first project of its kind.

“The introduction of wheeled solar power at the CPT1 facility offers significant benefits to our' customers, providing a truly sustainable data centre solution. As the demand for data continues to skyrocket across Africa, a continent where power supply is often intermittent, the need for reliable, cost-effective, and green power has never been more critical,” said Finhai Munzara, Interim CEO of Africa Data Centres.

By harnessing renewable energy, he says the CPT1 facility not only ensures consistent power supply but also supports sustainable operations, helping customers achieve their environmental goals. “Our state-of-the-art facility reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, setting a new standard for sustainability in the data centre industry.”

Munzara adds that Cape Town is an excellent location for colocation facilities as it is a stone’s throw away from all the submarine cable landing stations. In addition, the Cape Town facility houses the Cape Town Internet Exchange (CINX), which makes multi-region peering more accessible, efficient, and easy to manage. This also facilitates direct connections between networks, enabling data to flow more efficiently and reducing latency, giving our users a faster, more responsive online experience.

In ending, Munzara says the expansion increases the capacity of the company’s data centres in South Africa and it is an integral part of its investment plans to deliver several additional data facilities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

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About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa’s small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper scale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/

SOURCE: Africa Data Centres

South Africa’s water crisis is well-documented, with surface water resources under immense pressure from overuse, pollution and climate change. There is another critical water source that often goes unnoticed, however: groundwater. This underground reservoir, accessed through boreholes and springs, serves as a vital backup to the country's primary water supply and is increasingly becoming a lifeline, especially for rural communities and agricultural operations.

Despite its depth and presumed natural protection, groundwater is not immune to contamination, says Charlotte Metcalf, CEO of the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA): "One might think that groundwater is naturally protected, seeing as it resides deep underground. But the influence of human activities is not sparing these underground reservoirs.”

GCS Water and Environment CEO Andrew Johnstone agrees: “Because groundwater is an invisible resource, management is more difficult. Where groundwater is located close to human activities it may become contaminated by anthropogenic sources such as sewerage leaks and chemicals (for example pesticides used in neighbouring gardens), making it unfit for human consumption.” A 2021 study published in ScienceDirect titled "Groundwater Contamination in Sub-Saharan Africa" revealed alarming levels of harmful bacteria, such as E.coli, in groundwater sources close to human activity.

Households and business premises that utilise boreholes for drinking water must be vigilant; it is crucial for borehole users to not assume the safety of their water, especially if they are near human and/or industrial activities. Regular testing and monitoring of borehole water are essential practices to ensure it remains safe for consumption.

Groundwater supplies the majority of small urban and rural communities in South Africa and is critical in agriculture where it is used for livestock and irrigation – the vast majority of famers in Southern Africa rely on groundwater for both domestic consumption and livestock watering. Drilling a borehole seems to be a solution during times of water crisis when taps are dry, but any borehole that is drilled must take into account nearby sources of contamination - septic tanks, cattle kraals, cemeteries – this list is long.

Protecting this precious resource is paramount, and the bottled water industry, particularly SANBWA members, are leading the way with stringent requirements for source protection: "The source and borehole are the very foundation of the business. It is critical to start off with a correctly drilled borehole, the correctly installed pump and the source protected from subsequent contamination, whether accidental or deliberate.”

SANBWA stands out with its advanced hydrogeological study requirements, ensuring that the abstraction of groundwater is done responsibly and sustainably. Their guidelines stipulate that water from subterranean sources should be bottled in its natural state, free from any contact with air or contaminants. This includes a proper borehole sanitary seal to prevent contamination from surface water, animals and insects. SANBWA requires all members to commission a proper hydrogenolytic report prepared by a professional hydrogeologist and reviewed by a second hydrogeologist. In this report the hydrogeologist must identify any and all potential sources of groundwater contamination and comment on the potential impact on the aquifer.

Environmental conservation is integral to SANBWA’s philosophy, drawing from historical practices in Europe where bottlers have protected catchment areas since the 19th century. Metcalf highlights that SANBWA members engage in comprehensive protection efforts, including limiting human activity, banning pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices around recharge areas - education regarding the protection of groundwater is the most important method of protecting groundwater, followed by legislation.

"A source vulnerability assessment must be performed for the recharge area or zone of influence of the source," she adds, underscoring the meticulous approach required to safeguard groundwater.

South Africa’s reliance on groundwater is growing, paralleling global trends where nearly half of the world's population and three-quarters of its irrigation needs depend on this invisible resource. Due to climate change and human impact, surface water resources have become increasingly variable and the importance of maintaining clean and sustainable groundwater sources cannot be overstated - it is a strategic imperative for South Africa’s water security.

Embracing Change: 5 Steps for HR Professionals to Adopt New HR Technology

Insights by Jaen Beelders and Mandisi Dube

“Technology has been pivotal in transforming the HR field and will continue to be so. With the advent of Industry 4.0 and the forthcoming Industry 5.0, we anticipate even more substantial advancements that will enable us to redefine the future of HR and its contribution to organisations. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement, innovative HR technologies offer countless opportunities to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and elevate the employee experience. With the constant evolution of technology, it is important for HR professionals to keep themselves informed about the latest trends and innovations to remain competitive in the dynamic field of HR management. In remote and hybrid work environments, technology plays an increasingly direct role in employees' daily tasks and collaborative efforts," notes David Cearley, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. "However, HR leaders are now faced with the growing necessity to approach their technology investments more cautiously than before, considering factors like privacy and ethical considerations stemming from the heightened reliance on technology.

“Although, HR Technology adoption may be a daunting task. Here are five essential steps for HR Professionals to Adopt New HR Technology:

“Identify the Needs and Objectives of your Organisation: It's important to fully comprehend the organisation's unique needs and objectives before implementing new HR technologies. Determine the intended results from introducing new technology, pinpoint pain points, and conduct a thorough audit of the current HR procedures. Whether the objective is to optimise performance management, increase employee engagement, or improve recruitment efficiency, knowing what the exact goals are will help you make decisions and carry them out.

“Research and Select the Correct Technology: HR specialists should do in-depth study to examine the various HR technology options after having a firm grasp of the needs of the organization. The market is flooded with possibilities, ranging from employee engagement platforms and performance management software to applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human resource information systems (HRIS). Consider features, cost-effectiveness, scalability, ease of use, and integration potential while comparing various options. Involve important parties, such as IT specialists and end users, to obtain feedback and guarantee conformity with corporate objectives.

“Provide Comprehensive Training and Support: Adequate training and support are necessary to guarantee the seamless adoption and user competency of new HR technology during the transition. Create a thorough training program that meets the various needs of staff members from various departments and skill levels. Provide interactive training sessions, workshops, online guides, and other materials to acquaint users with the new technology's features and capabilities. Create a support system as well, with an IT helpdesk and assigned HR technology advocates who can answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and offer continuous aid to users.

“Encourage Continuous Feedback: The adoption of new HR technology should be viewed as an iterative process rather than a one-time implementation. Encourage open communication and feedback from employees regarding their experience with the new technology. Regularly solicit feedback through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one discussions to identify areas for improvement and address any challenges or concerns that may arise. Leverage feedback to make necessary adjustments, refine processes, and enhance user experience over time. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, HR professionals can ensure that the technology remains aligned with evolving organisational needs and delivers maximum value.

“Monitor Performance and Measure ROI: To gauge the effectiveness of new HR technology and justify the investment, HR professionals must establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track progress and measure return on investment (ROI). Monitor key metrics such as time-to-fill for recruitment, employee satisfaction scores, turnover rates, productivity levels, and cost savings attributable to the new technology. Analyse data regularly to assess the impact of the technology on HR processes, employee engagement, and overall organisational performance. Use insights gained from performance metrics to make data-driven decisions, optimise processes, and demonstrate the value of HR technology initiatives to stakeholders.

“In conclusion, adopting new HR technology is a journey that requires careful planning, strategic implementation, and ongoing adaptation. Ultimately, while there is existing excitement around the top technology trends, HR leaders must strive to understand their own technology needs and capabilities. This involves making decisions in collaboration with different functions of their organisation, rather than in isolation. By following these five steps, HR professionals can effectively navigate the challenges of adopting new technology and leverage its full potential to drive organisational success, enhance employee experiences, and stay ahead in a competitive business environment. Embrace change, empower employees, and harness the transformative power of technology to shape the future of HR.”

This article is based on research conducted by 21st Century, one of the largest remuneration and HR consultancies in Africa. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any further information

-- ENDS --

Written by: Mandisi Dube, B. Comm Financial Management Honours, Reward Administrator (Sara), Client Executive at 21st Century, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Jaén Beelders, MComm Industrial Psychology, Executive Director of 21st Century Analytics, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About 21^st Century:

21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Business and People Solutions consultancies in Africa, specialising in sustainable business solutions and underpinned by exceptional Analytics and Research capabilities, with a team of more than 60 skilled specialists, servicing over 1700 clients – including non-profit organisations, unlisted companies, government, parastatals and over two-thirds of the companies listed on the JSE. 21st Century offers bespoke business and strategy planning services, operating model and organisational design, creative reward practice modelling and market data, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence. 

21st Century has 5 business areas, focussing on: Remuneration and Reward; Organisational Design; Change Management; People & Talent and Analytics.

21st Century has both national and international capabilities. We offer full-spectrum Human Capital services to sub-Saharan Africa & Middle East clients, and as the African representative of the GECN group (www.gecn.com)  have access to expertise on every continent around the world.

For more information visit: www.21century.co.za or contact us at (011) 447 0306

Or contact Craig Raath Executive Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Issued By: The Lime Envelope

On Behalf Of: 21^st Century

For Media Information:
Bronwyn Levy
Telephone: 076 078 1723
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Financial technology, or “FinTech,” is the term used to describe any technology or software that tries to improve and automate the delivery and use of financial services. Everyday examples include online banking, invoicing, mobile payment apps and more.

We are probably preaching to the choir here, but keeping track of every last cent that moves through your business is the only way to guarantee long-term growth and success. If you don't know where the financial river (or trickle) is going, how can you control and manage the flow?

Enter FinTech – a game-changer when it comes to cost management and staying on top of your finances. With innovative cloud-based solutions and automation, FinTech is reshaping how companies handle their finances, offering efficiencies like never before. Let’s see how finance meets technology, and how FinTech can be your cost-saving best friend.

FinTech Automation

FinTech has revolutionised cost management in financial operations by streamlining processes and reducing the reliance on manual, people-centric input. This has several advantages:

1. Automation of Financial Processes: The best modern financial software packages automate recurring financial processes such as account reconciliation, invoicing, and expense management. By eliminating manual data entry and repetitive tasks, you save significant time and valuable resources, leading to overall cost reductions as you deploy your workforce more effectively.

2. Efficient Transaction Processing: Cloud-based FinTech platforms offer faster and more efficient transaction processing compared to traditional banking or financial systems. Through technologies like real-time payment systems, transactions can be completed swiftly and securely, reducing processing costs and enhancing overall efficiency.

3. Lower Transaction Fees: By leveraging digital platforms and cutting-edge technologies, FinTech providers can offer cost-effective solutions for payments, transfers, and currency exchange, resulting in savings for businesses and consumers alike.

4. Reduced Overhead Costs: FinTech solutions minimize the need for physical infrastructure, such as bank branches and administrative offices.

5. Scalable Solutions: FinTech solutions are highly scalable, allowing you to adapt to your business's changing demand without having to invest upfront in infrastructure or extra manpower. Whether it's processing a few transactions or managing large volumes of data, FinTech platforms can efficiently scale up or down as needed, optimizing costs according to business requirements. The versatility of plug-and-play options with readily available updates should also not be underestimated.

Overall, FinTech can play a pivotal role in the cost management aspect of your business by allowing you to automate financial processes while minimizing overhead costs associated with manual operations and physical infrastructure. As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, FinTech will continue to drive efficiency and innovation in cost management across various departments - not least of which is budgeting and financial forecasting. Let's dive in.

How automatic  Budgeting and Financial Forecasting can save you money

Cloud-based FinTech tools are all about streamlining transactions, automating processes and giving you actionable access to real-time access to live data. This makes all the difference when it comes to big-picture budgeting and financial forecasting. By harnessing the power of real-time data and predictive analytics, these tools provide you with unparalleled insights that enhance budgeting accuracy and empower you and your finance team to plan more effectively for the future. With the increased sophistication of Artificial Intelligence, budgeting and forecasting will become even more advanced when paired with Fintech platforms - an exciting new development in this field. Knowing that you have access to up-to-the-minute financial information with sophisticated algorithms working in your favor, allows you to make data-driven decisions that rely on real numbers, not a hunch. Your software system should also be able to identify trends and anticipate future outcomes based on historical data.  With great precision, as the saying goes, comes great power. 

But wait - there's more! Automated forecasting tools play a pivotal role in adjusting budgets dynamically in response to any changes in cash flowing on or out so that you can adapt quickly to evolving circumstances, optimize your available resource allocation, and mitigate risk in the long run. In essence, FinTech tools not only revolutionise how budgets are created and managed but also empower you to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities that might just give you the edge that you need.

About Outsourced CFO (OCFO)

The rise of the FinTech Industry and cloud technology has changed the way in which we do business. Gone are the days of disjointed and disconnected technology platforms that are unable to talk to each other and lack real-time reporting capabilities. Ensuring organisations utilise the latest cloud technology in an integrated environment results in automated systems, faster client delivery and improved data transparency and accuracy.

Don’t get stuck at your desk using server-based, legacy technology to run your business. With Outsourced CFO experts by your side, you can automate and streamline your financial and operational processes for cost savings and efficiency. Are you ready to make the move? Talk to our team today.