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I am a proud mom of a 19-year-old young man. While he and I share a strong bond and know how lucky I am to have a fairly 'easy teen,' there have obviously been some challenges too. Much like my parents were baffled by my generation, Gen Z kids often leave their parents scratching their heads. We can't quite relate to their excessive screen time, messy bedrooms, procrastination, lack of communication, resistance to household rules, constant need for instant gratification, and overreliance on technology. But, just like we turned out okay, even though our parents sometimes doubted we'd cope in the real world, so too will our kids.

One of Gen Z's most positive and recognisable traits is their aversion to stereotypes. They are inclusive and have an intense sense of justice. They challenge gender roles, reject defining people by race or sexual orientation, and preach tolerance. And all parents should encourage their teens to embrace their individuality in a way that builds and supports them.

This brings me back to my son. While his social circle is made up of an eclectic mix of individuals, he sees himself as a strong male whose Gen Z approach is to break the toxic masculinity mold but still maintain a more traditional way of doing things.

Young Lions

So as a single mom, how can I support his path? The male role models from my youth are probably the exact opposite of what I hope for him and how he sees himself.

Teaching your Gen Z child to be an adult involves fostering a sense of identity that doesn't rely on outdated stereotypes. It's about encouraging self-discovery and inspiring them to define themselves in a way that resonates with their worldview and values.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by providing them with strong role models and mentors. Men who embody the values of respect, responsibility, and emotional intelligence can significantly impact your child's understanding of what it means to be a man.

Gone are the days of teaching them to be 'tough' or hide their emotions. It's about being true to themselves, showing respect to others, taking responsibility for their actions, and standing up for what they believe in. It's about making a positive contribution to the world and treating everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background, with kindness and respect.

But how?

Raising a Gen Z boy can sometimes feel like putting together a puzzle with constantly changing pieces. And as much as he benefits from our close, open relationship, I definitely need some support in that department.

When it comes to helping our boys navigate the ups and downs of growing up, having a mentor can be a game-changer. It's like having a guiding light, someone who has been there before and can offer valuable advice and support. I was so lucky to find someone who could do just that.

I recently met Angus Lowe – a dedicated teacher, traveller, outdoorsman, and thought leader.

Angus believes that positive mentors play a crucial role in shaping our children's sense of right and wrong, helping them deal with their feelings, make friends, and set meaningful goals. They create a safe space where adolescents can be themselves, explore their identities, and figure out who they want to become. Angus has developed a series of programs for teen boys to do just this.

What I find particularly exciting about these programs is their focus on learning through adventure. It's not about sitting in a classroom but instead getting out there, experiencing nature, and learning essential life skills. Spending a few weeks in the bush, the kids face challenging situations that teach them resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences push them out of their comfort zones and boost their self-confidence.

But it's not just about the great outdoors. Emotional intelligence is also a top priority for Angus. Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for our children's well-being and success in today's fast-paced digital world. These programs teach them how to handle stress, manage anxiety, and navigate the pressures they face in their daily lives. By developing empathy, emotional control, and a positive mindset, they become better equipped to handle the rollercoaster ride of adolescence and beyond.

These programs also foster a strong bond between parents and their sons, offering the tools and skills necessary to thrive and become well-rounded adults.

So, if you're a parent like me looking for a supportive and engaging program to help your teenage son navigate these crucial years, I highly recommend exploring what the Angus Lowe Programs offer. You won't be disappointed. You can find out more by visiting his website at https://www.anguslowe.co.za/ or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To help make his programme more accessible to all, he offers payment plans, partial scholarships, and guidance on fundraising.

Outdoor lighting is an essential element in the design and functionality of external spaces. It serves multiple purposes – enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a property, providing safety by illuminating dark areas to deter intruders, and offering guidance in navigating pathways and outdoor areas after dark. Outdoor lighting fixtures are diverse and range from pathway lights, floodlights, and spotlights, to wall or post lights. The choice of outdoor lighting often depends on the specific needs of the space, whether it be for landscaping, security, or entertainment purposes. Landscape lighting, for example, highlights the architectural features and foliage, creating an enchanting nighttime aesthetic, while security lights with motion sensors provide added safety around the premises.

Technological advancements have also greatly influenced outdoor lighting. LED technology is now frequently used in outdoor settings due to its energy efficiency, longevity, and brightness versatility. Solar-powered lights, another product of technology, harness the power of the sun to illuminate outdoor spaces, reducing the reliance on electricity and thereby promoting sustainability. Similarly, smart lighting has begun to extend its reach to outdoor environments, allowing homeowners to control lighting through smartphone apps or automated systems. From setting up timers to adjusting colour temperatures, these smart systems allow for customisation, convenience, and energy efficiency. As the evolution of outdoor lighting continues, it presents more opportunities to transform and secure our outdoor spaces in sustainable, visually pleasing, and technologically advanced ways.

View outdoor lighting options below from The Lighting Warehouse:

• Outdoor Modern Wall Lights
• Outdoor Lanterns
• Solar Lighting
• Solar Motion Sensors
• Outdoor Wall Bulkheads
• Deck/Groundspike Lights
• Led Flood Lights
• Outdoor Pole Lighting
• Outdoor Bollard Lighting
• Outdoor Step Lights
• Baskets & Sphere Lighting

The way we perceive business flourishing is undergoing a paradigm shift as digital identity and consumer consent redefine the dynamics of transactions. Shanaaz Trethewey, Chief Operating Officer for Comcorp South Africa, a leading software innovator and authentication technology specialist, emphasises the pivotal role of individuals' digital identity in unlocking this transformative potential. 

In South Africa, where an estimated 38 million people are above the age of 18, a significant proportion of the population possesses the ability to transact as adults. However, only a fraction of them (one in six) can provide verifiable income through a payslip, leading to increased risk and the need for extensive checks and balances in transactions.  

Astonishingly, the country processes approximately four million credit applications each month, resulting in 48 million applications annually that invariably require proof of identity, often involving multiple verification checks during the transaction process. This number doesn't even account for verifications at healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and insurance claims to name but a few other examples. 

An individual’s identity journey has evolved considerably overtime. In the 1950’s manual registers and handshakes to paper form was all it took, before being replaced with ID books, and smart cards that stored various personal information on a bank card.  

“The advent of fingerprint revolution and biometric technology today has shifted the focus to appreciating the uniqueness of individuals. Digital identity is no longer just a tool; it represents a vision of seamless interaction and integration in all sectors of our economy, but especially finance,” says Trethewey. 

Digital inclusion and the role of digital identity in enabling frictionless transactions is another crucial factor in unlocking an individual's potential for economic engagement. Platforms that facilitate ease of funds exchange, internationally, exemplify the growing union between technology and financial activities. 

“Companies across the globe are already leveraging open banking capabilities to provide digital identity verification services, bypassing traditional waiting periods. In emerging economies, the speed and efficiency of digital payment platforms like WhatsApp Pay in India and Brazil for example have facilitated the flow of money, reducing reliance on cash transactions, and contributing to the formalisation of economies,” she adds. 

As always, the concept of consent within the realm of digital identity holds immense significance. Trethewey emphasises the need for critical analysis of what consent entails and the opportunity it presents to revolutionise how individuals interact with the world and access products and services. 

Exploring how the future may look 

As artificial intelligence proliferates and identity fraud becomes a pressing concern, the need for robust tools to ensure undeniable identity verification will only grow. Trethewey urges businesses to embrace the evolving landscape and adopt sophisticated solutions to combat identity fraud while harnessing the potential of AI. 

Trethewey suggests these three powerful principles to guide businesses in this transformative era: 

1. Returning to first principle:
This is vital, as adding layers to legacy systems may not address the underlying challenges effectively. The business community needs clarity on what they need to achieve. Taking a step back is key to understand what served us well in the past but may not now. 

2. Seeing the bigger picture:
Adopting a holistic approach and viewing organisations beyond silos is crucial for unlocking a broader range of commercial opportunities. Things like eliminating duplication within a singular organisation can only done if we take a step back and take stock. 

3. Competitive collaboration:
This fosters the leveraging of technical skills and business strengths, amplifying market reach, and unlocking true market potential. A culture of working together rather than solely competing against each other encourages the joint pursuit of mutually beneficial opportunities. 

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Media Contact
Nadia Hearn
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074 923 3835 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Should information technology companies seeking to do business with South Africa’s governments and municipalities be compelled by law to place their source code in escrow?

According to the managing director of a leading software escrow provider locally and the author of a recently released green paper exploring why certifications and compliances are essential to ensure operational resilience and protect interests, Andrew Stekhoven, the answer is yes.

“Many well-run governments, both national and regional, the world over already do so. Oklahoma in the United States being the more recent to make willingness to enter an escrow agreement mandatory for any company seeking to do business with Oklahoma’s Office of Management & Enterprise Services,” he said.

“South Africa’s governments and municipalities – already struggling with service delivery – do not need the added complication of contending with business continuity and disaster management should their IT systems be taken offline due to unforeseen circumstances, not when a simple and elegant solution to ensuring operational resilience exists.”

Oklahoma’s IT Related Procurement Statutes states: “No state agency, as defined by Section 250.3 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Purchasing Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services nor the Information Services Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, unless otherwise provided by federal law, shall enter into a contract for the acquisition of customized computer software developed or modified exclusively for the agency or the state, unless the vendor agrees to place into escrow with an independent third party the source code for the software and/or modifications.”

According to Stekhoven, this decision enhances that organisation’s operational resilience, reduces risks, protects customer interests, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards by providing access, availability and integrity when the unplanned for happens.

Aside from service delivery, surely this is what all South Africans want from their governments and municipalities, he asked.

Stekhoven’s green paper particularly addresses the risks associated with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and suggests what corporates should look for in software and SaaS escrow providers to ensure their (the corporates) compliance with the EU DORA Digital Operational Resilience Act, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations.

He notes that software and SaaS solutions have become essential for businesses and other organisations, enabling them to streamline operations and enhance productivity. However, the reliance on these solutions exposes these entities to potential risks such as service interruptions, data breaches, or loss of critical functionalities. These risks can have severe consequences, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

Stekhoven suggests that full certification for ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Annex A.17, and Annex A.18 is a compliance and regulatory imperative delivering the following benefits:

• Enhanced Security and Confidentiality: ISO 27001:2013 certification ensures that software and SaaS escrow providers implement robust security controls to protect corporate data and intellectual property. It guarantees the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
  
  
• Mitigation of Business Interruptions: By complying with Annex A.17 and EU DORA, software and SaaS escrow providers can establish business continuity plans and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of service interruptions. This allows corporates to ensure uninterrupted operations and minimize potential financial losses.
  
  
• Reduced Legal and Financial Risks: ISO 27001:2013 and Annex A.18 compliance help corporates mitigate legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Choosing certified providers ensures adherence to regulatory standards, thereby reducing the likelihood of penalties, fines, and legal disputes.
  
  
• Improved Customer Trust and Reputation: Working with ISO 27001:2013 certified providers demonstrates a commitment to information security and operational resilience. This enhances customer trust, strengthens corporate reputation, and distinguishes corporates as responsible and reliable partners.
  
  
• Ease of Compliance with Regulatory Standards: ISO 27001:2013 certification provides a solid foundation for meeting regulatory requirements such as EU DORA, PRA, and FCA refers. Corporates can leverage the certified providers' compliance frameworks and controls to streamline their own compliance efforts, saving time and resources.

To obtain a copy of Stekhoven’s green paper, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More than half of South African businesses were impacted by ransomware in 2022, according to a CSIR report on cybersecurity. If businesses don't implement adequate cybersecurity strategies, this percentage will increase as the country's reliance on digital technologies and the number of associated threats expand.

Weak passwords, outdated or unpatched software, phishing attacks, and SQL injection attacks are the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to an organization's digital data. 

Even though cyber-attacks cost the South African economy R2.2 billion per year, these vulnerabilities are often not understood or tested, with most business decision makers only acting after an attack has occurred.

Surfsharks’s 2023 Cybersecurity Report showed that South Africa is the 8th most-targeted country in the world for ransomware attacks and it ranks 5th on the global cybercrime density list - with the onslaught of attacks only set to increase. 

“The difference between being one of the most-targeted and one of the worst-affected lies in the preparation for attacks, “ says Kevin Wotshela, Managing Director of Magix, a leading South African based cyber security and compliance service.

“Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, XDR, User Awareness Training, Third-Party Risk Management and Identity & Access Management are crucial components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for corporations – all of which need to be examined in detail, regularly to prevent cyberattacks and minimise the impact in the event that a system is breached”. Wotshela adds.

The VEEAM 2023 Data Protection Trends Report showed that while analysts forecasted growth in overall IT spending for 2023 between 4.5% and 5.4%, respondents expected their preventative cyber security budgets to grow by 5.6% and their data protection (remediation) budgets to grow by 5.5% in 2023. 

Wotshela says that spending needs to outpace the growth of cybersecurity threats by a significantly higher factor. “85% of respondents to the report suffered at least one cyberattack in 2022 – an increase of 76% from the previous year – and the problem is only going to grow exponentially,” he adds.

There are several key interventions companies of all sizes can proactively run to better secure their systems from a cyberattack:

Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the organization's systems, networks, and applications. By conducting regular assessments, organizations can proactively identify and address security flaws before they can be exploited by attackers.

XDR (Threat Detection and Response) solutions enable organizations to detect and respond to advanced threats across multiple security domains, such as endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. By integrating and correlating data from various sources, organizations can gain better visibility into potential security incidents and respond promptly to mitigate risks.

User Awareness Training is vital to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, using strong passwords, and being cautious while handling sensitive data. Well-trained employees are less likely to fall victim to social engineering attacks and can act as an additional layer of defence against cyber threats.

Third-party risk management is essential, because organizations often rely on external vendors, suppliers, or service providers who may have access to their systems or data. By assessing the security practices of third parties, organizations can identify potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them, reducing the likelihood of a security breach originating from third-party relationships.

Identity & Access management (IAM) helps ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the organization's resources. By implementing IAM practices, corporations can enforce strong authentication mechanisms, manage user roles and permissions, and streamline the user lifecycle management process. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and improves overall security posture.

While 87% of organizations surveyed for the VEEAM report said they have a risk management program that drives their security roadmap or strategy, only 35% believe their program is working well, while 52% are seeking to improve their situation and the remaining 13% do not yet even have an established program. 

“The global percentages are too high – and they’re even higher in South Africa” says Wotshela. 

“Data show that we have the highest rate of business email compromise on the African continent. Improving resilience against cyber threats requires significant enhancements in each of these important components, which must then be regularly policed to the highest level.In doing so, businesses of all sizes can enhance their resilience against cyber threats, protect sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance and safeguard their reputation.” 

“Essentially, effective cybersecurity measures demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a strong security posture and helps build trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders.

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ABOUT Magix
Magix is a South African company which delivers comprehensive and trusted Cybercrime Defense and Detection services to address, manage, and contain the risks and potential damage posed through the misuse of applications, or other IT information assets, by employees and/or third parties. With over 20 years of experience in cyber security and compliance, Magix is led by industry experts who continue to innovate whilst demystifying cyber security. 

www.magix.co.za

www.pretect24x7.com

MEDIA CONTACT : Sanine Baird | 083 274 4959 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Celesté Snyders | SchoemanLaw Inc  

Category: Technology Law | Technology Law 

Introduction 

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT), are transforming industries and reshaping society. As these technologies advance at an unprecedented pace, examining the legal implications and challenges they present is essential. This article explores the legal perspective on emerging technologies, highlighting the key considerations, regulatory frameworks, and ethical concerns surrounding their adoption. 

Regulatory Challenges and Frameworks 

The rapid development of emerging technologies often outpaces the ability of existing laws and regulations to govern them effectively. Legislators and legal experts face balancing fostering innovation and protecting public interests, including privacy, security, and ethical considerations. As a result, new regulations and frameworks are being developed worldwide to address the legal challenges posed by emerging technologies. 

Privacy and Data Protection: The collection and use of massive amounts of personal data by emerging technologies raise significant privacy concerns. Regulations such as the Protection of Personal Information (POPIA), a South African data protection law that aims to safeguard individuals' personal information, promote the responsible handling of personal data by organizations, and empower individuals with greater control over their personal information.   

Intellectual Property: Emerging technologies often involve novel inventions and creations, necessitating intellectual property protection. Patent laws, copyright laws, and trade secret regulations play a crucial role in fostering innovation and providing legal safeguards for intellectual property rights.   

Liability and Accountability: The autonomous nature of some emerging technologies, such as AI-powered systems, raises questions of liability and accountability in case of errors or harm. Establishing legal frameworks that define responsibility and allocate liability among stakeholders is essential for ensuring fairness and mitigating risks. 

  

Cybersecurity and Data Breaches: With the increasing reliance on interconnected systems, emerging technologies introduce new cybersecurity risks. Laws and regulations addressing data breaches, cybersecurity standards, and incident response protocols are vital in safeguarding against malicious activities and protecting sensitive information. 

Ethical Considerations 

Alongside legal challenges, emerging technologies bring forth ethical considerations that demand careful examination. Ethical guidelines and frameworks are essential to ensure these technologies' responsible development and deployment. Some of the critical ethical concerns include: 

Bias and Fairness: Emerging technologies, particularly AI systems, can perpetuate biases and discrimination in the underlying data or algorithms. Developing ethical guidelines that promote fairness, inclusivity, and accountability is crucial to prevent the amplification of societal prejudices.  

Transparency and Explainability: As AI systems become increasingly complex, ensuring transparency and explain ability become vital. Ethical frameworks should encourage developers and organizations to adopt measures that allow for a clear understanding of how these technologies operate and make decisions.  

Human Dignity and Autonomy: Technologies like VR and IoT may impact human dignity and autonomy, raising ethical questions regarding consent, surveillance, and preserving individual rights. Legal frameworks should address these concerns to balance innovation and human rights. 

Collaboration and Future Outlook 

Addressing emerging technologies' legal and ethical challenges requires collaboration between policymakers, technology developers, legal professionals, and other stakeholders. Multidisciplinary approaches that combine legal expertise, technological knowledge, and ethical considerations are essential to creating comprehensive regulatory frameworks. 

Looking ahead, the legal landscape will continue to evolve to keep pace with the rapid advancement of emerging technologies. Governments and international bodies will likely focus on fostering innovation while implementing regulations that protect individuals' rights, ensure accountability, and mitigate potential risks. Continuous dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders will play a pivotal role in shaping a legal framework that encourages responsible and ethical development and deployment of emerging technologies. 

Conclusion 

Emerging technologies hold immense potential to transform industries and improve society but also present complex legal and ethical challenges. 

Contact an Attorney at SchoemanLaw for assistance and all your contract needs. 

Celesté Snyders| SchoemanLaw Inc 

https://schoemanlaw.co.za/our-services/technology-law-smart-contracts-and-cyber-law/

Load shedding has become a reality for many regions around the world, causing disruptions in daily life and impacting businesses. However, with the advancement of technology, there are loadshedding products available to help mitigate the effects of load shedding. In this blog, we will explore three essential products that can be invaluable during load shedding: inverters, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels. These products provide backup power solutions, ensuring that you can maintain essential services and minimise the inconvenience caused by power outages.

Inverters:

Inverters are devices that convert DC (direct current) power from a battery into AC (alternating current) power, which is used to operate household appliances and electrical devices. During load shedding, an inverter can provide uninterrupted power supply to specific circuits or appliances in your home or business. It acts as a bridge between the main power grid and your backup power source, ensuring a seamless transition when the grid power is cut off. Inverters come in various capacities, allowing you to choose one that suits your power requirements. They can be connected to a battery bank to store energy for use during load shedding.

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised the backup power industry due to their high energy density and longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. These batteries are designed to store electrical energy efficiently, providing reliable power during load shedding. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, require minimal maintenance, and have a higher depth of discharge, allowing for more usable energy. They can be charged using solar panels, grid power, or a combination of both. Lithium-ion batteries are a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for backup power, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply when load shedding occurs.

Solar Panels:

Solar panels harness the power of sunlight to generate electricity. They convert solar energy into usable DC power, which can be stored in batteries or used directly to power electrical devices. During load shedding, solar panels coupled with an inverter and battery bank can provide continuous electricity supply. Solar panels are not only environmentally friendly but also offer long-term cost savings by reducing reliance on the grid. Depending on the size of the solar panel system and the amount of sunlight available, you can generate enough electricity to power essential appliances and even offset your energy consumption during non-load shedding periods.

Load shedding can disrupt daily life and pose challenges to businesses. However, with the availability of advanced technologies, there are products that can help you overcome the inconveniences caused by power outages. Inverters, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels offer effective backup power solutions during load shedding. These products provide uninterrupted electricity supply, ensuring that essential services and appliances can still be operated when the main power grid is offline. By investing in these load shedding products, you can increase your resilience, reduce downtime, and maintain a comfortable and functional environment during power outages. Be prepared and empower yourself with these innovative solutions to tackle load shedding head-on.

Understanding Work in Africa

Insights by Shaun Barnes, Executive Director at 21st Century

“Africa has been labelled as “the last remaining frontier for business”, offering a myriad of opportunities for global and regional corporations. With its wealth of natural resources and a large, young, and ambitious population, it is made up of rapidly transforming and growing economies.

“Along with the opportunities comes the complexity that often leads to higher-than-anticipated cost structures. Major impediments to doing business across multiple African countries include poor infrastructure, fragile political stability, unpredictable governance, and difficult environmental conditions. Corruption, high tariffs, red tape, cumbersome bureaucracy, and seemingly arbitrary decisions by officials play a role in hampering business.

“However, companies run into challenges such as a shortage of skilled talent, a lack of reliable information on remuneration and changing workforce dynamics that complicate the effective management of human resources.

“It is apparent from the work that 21st Century does in these markets that South African organisations operating in Africa experience difficulties in three key areas of managing human resources, namely:

Maximising reward returns through developing appropriate pay and benefits packages in widely different jurisdictions; and establishing a balance between the various elements of pay (salary, benefits and allowances, incentives) bearing in mind the differences between these elements compared to other regions in the world.Identifying a regional talent pipeline of skilled professionals and leaders where standards from one country to the next vary significantly; andUsing and maximising workforce planning and deploying staff across locations where there is a high degree of variability in local practices.

“For organisations looking to enter these markets and even for those already established and seeking a broader regional presence, there is a need for knowledge and awareness of possible risk factors. We will examine each issue in greater detail to provide some insights.

Remuneration differences

“Many countries that fall into the developed economy category have moved towards simpler remuneration structures that have cut out a raft of allowances and benefits, mainly due to tax regimes. Remuneration packages in developed economies have also started to move from a high guaranteed component to a greater reliance on variable pay in the form of annual or long-term bonus structures. Allied to this, annual salary increases have tended to be low over the past number of years.

“Africa differs from this approach in a number of ways. There is a larger emphasis on benefits and allowances for reasons that will be explained below. The region tends to still have a pattern of larger salary increases, either due to union/labour regimes, high inflationary increases, talent shortages or a combination of these factors.

“While variable annual incentives have started to become part of the reward landscape over the last decade, there is still a greater emphasis on fixed versus variable pay, the presence of guaranteed annual bonuses and low uptake of long-term incentives.

“It must also be remembered that Africa is not a homogenous region that can easily be classified, with differing reward mixes between North, East, West and Southern Africa as well as numerous differences between countries within regions.

“In terms of benefits and allowances, the so-called “culture of the allowance” has remained in two geographies internationally, namely South America and Africa.

“Many African countries have particularly long lists of benefits and allowances that are offered for a variety of reasons. These include the status that the benefit confers in a social sense (especially at management levels); as a tax-deductible or tax-negative salary tool in allowance-friendly tax regimes; to counteract the negative effects of infrastructure inadequacies and difficult living conditions such as electricity shortages; to address issues such as entertainment, security and transport which have high levels of cost as well as to manage access to services such as medical aid or insurance as staff and employees in many African countries do not have access to services and providers on the same scale that those in more developed countries do.

“Considering the above factors, one of the biggest mistakes a business can make is to attempt to build a “one size fits all” model for all African operations without considering the differences and local customisation that will be more effective. While globally standardised remuneration models and approaches have become the norm for most multinationals over the last decade, there should still be room for some localisation.

Talent Shortages

“Attracting and retaining properly skilled and experienced staff remains one of the greatest challenges facing companies doing business in many African territories.

“This is due to some peculiar challenges that Africa faces in terms of building a stable supply of graduates and skilled staff. According to the World Bank, Africa is at risk of a talent pool deficit, especially the traditional Science, Technology, Mathematics and Technology (STEM) disciplines. The last estimates of the World Bank placed enrollment in STEM programmes as low as 15%. Most countries in Africa lie well below the accepted World Median for an adequate supply of STEM graduates as measured by the World Bank.

“A large contributor to this state of affairs is the relatively low number of post-graduate student numbers across the continent combined with the increases in student enrolment in universities in undergraduate degree programmes mostly linked to non-STEM courses.

“Coupled with the STEM shortage, there is also a shortage of experienced and qualified management staff across the continent.

“This leads to a constant merry-go-round of talent in many markets as companies poach staff from each other. This in turn causes ever-increasing premiums for certain staff and also interferes with internal development and succession as critical positions often become vacant before internal development candidates are ready.

“It is vital that companies obtain a clear and objective view of which staff job families are running at premiums due to talent shortages as well as what those premiums are. One way of obtaining this data is by running a customised survey that invites the participation of other companies in the same sector or competing for the same talent. The survey will indicate what premiums are applied for relevant staff which will help add some reality to the cycle of constant remuneration increases that many scarce job types experience.

“This can be complemented by an Integrated Talent Management approach, which does not only require a focus on remuneration but the total employee experience.

“It is vital to build employment branding and the Employee Value Proposition around the attributes that matter most to the talent segments that a company wants to attract & retain by delivering a compelling mission, agility, interesting work, exciting career choices, skill advancement opportunities as well as appropriate rewards.

Workforce Planning

“The use of analytics in assisting businesses to ensure that workforce composition is properly planned, resourced and allocated, has become an ever-increasing theme over the last five years. This proper use of the vast reams of staff data that most companies possess has assumed an even greater importance post-Covid in helping to determine how many staff are required in light of new working models.

“New working models that have evolved go beyond the traditional full-time employment (FTE) status approach used over the last century. Contract workers, including seasonal, fixed-term and fixed-project (the so-called gigabyte workers), project teams and work-from-home staff have all become a greater part of the staffing mix.

“While the talent shortages experienced across the continent have been highlighted in more detail above, many low-discretion level jobs across a number of industries experience far less staff attrition than in developed economies with workers electing to stay with one employer as long as they can. As a result, tenure periods of 20 to 30 years are far more common in Africa than in other parts of the world. This adds to the need to gain a more accurate view of talent pipelines that could be influenced by long-tenure retirements.

“The use of contract staff is widespread in Africa. Employers hiring casual workers do not have to offer permanently fixed working hours – or workload – to their staff. This results in cost efficiency gains because staff costs (wages and wage-related ancillary costs like social protection) only arise when the workload requires staff. The theory would state that these cost savings can result in productivity gains if the same or higher output can be produced at the same or higher quality for less expense.

“Our experience has shown that in many instances, companies that operate in industries that require large contract worker elements, either due to seasonal or project requirements, are often over-resourced in terms of FTE versus contract staff. This is often a result of inadequate central resource planning, disparate HR systems and a silo approach to contract staff needs. The benefits which the model should bring are not realised with the reverse often happening – higher costs and lower productivity.

“A more integrated approach to Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) promises a data-driven approach towards people planning, attrition and flight risk, talent and pipeline management, recruitment analytics, under-performance risks, remuneration and benefits and real-time employee engagement and sentiment analysis.

“Companies making proper use of their analytical staff data can more accurately determine key capacity planning questions such as what productivity targets are required on various segments of the workforce, how should staffing levels within every job function and level, be decided and how many staff need to be hired and/or promoted over time in order to achieve these staffing levels, while carefully managing for loss of employees through resignations that cannot be controlled.

Conclusion

“With so many differentials and issues at play across the continent, it’s easy to see how companies and multinationals end up with ill-informed pay and talent strategies that do not accomplish their stated intentions.

Following a “one-size-fits-all approach” will also not suffice, as has been discussed. Africa remains an attractive and often underexplored market that promises rich returns to companies that can adapt and get it right. By utilising the latest good-practice methodologies coupled with knowledge of local and regional practices, companies will be in a better position to attract and retain the correct talent required and make a success of their operations in Africa.”

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Written by: Shaun Barnes, Executive Director at 21st Century, BA(Wits)BBA(Hons)(US)

About 21st Century:

21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Remuneration, Reward, HR, Organisation Development and Change Management consultancies in Africa, specialising in sustainable business solutions, 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, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. These are all underpinned by our analytic and survey capability tailored to the African environment. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence. 

21st Century has expanded its services to offer a full turnkey sustainable business and remuneration service. Beyond remuneration and reward consulting, 21st Century offers local analytics for business advantage; remuneration and HR training; change management services; talent and people solutions; and end-to-end organisational design and development.

21st Century is the Africa representative for the GECN group of companies, specialists in global executive remuneration and governance.

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South African local tyre manufacturers are playing their part in driving towards a greener future and building a more sustainable future for all. Combining cutting-edge technology with capital investment and innovative practices, all four local manufacturers have committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in line with global targets.

Bridgestone South Africa, Continental Tyre South Africa, Goodyear South Africa, and Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, as members of the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC), are taking a collective effort to play a key role in mitigating climate change in their industry.

Nduduzo Chala, Managing Executive of the SATMC, said, “The role of emissions in climate change cuts to the heart of the industry we operate in. As a united body of local manufacturers, we aim to be responsive to the needs of our customers and partners. Climate change impacts us all, and we are all demanding real action from each other. We are proud that the SATMC, and its member companies, have responded to this call to take action with a range of measures aimed at reducing their emissions, responsibly using energy, and cementing a circular economy to reduce and eliminate waste.”

Taking action

Bridgestone has announced the launch of “Bridgestone E8 commitment” that includes a corporate commitment to the realisation of a carbon neutral mobility society.  Setting focused targets, Bridgestone has committed to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (when compared to base year 2011).  Toward this goal, Bridgestone will contribute to CO2 emissions reduction during customers’ use, raw material procurement, distribution, reuse/recycle phases of the product life cycle, and from manufacturing where its local Brits plant has its own targets in line with the company's global objective of attaining carbon neutrality by 2050.

Continental Tyre South Africa, in line with its international mandate, is striving for 100% emission-free driving, industrial products and factories. The company has committed to a three-step process towards achieving 100% climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, along its entire value chain of products, operational processes, and supply chain. Phase one looks at the direct emissions from its operations, phase two will focus on the indirect emissions from purchased energy and the final phase will take into account all emissions associated with the company’s activities.

Goodyear’s Better Future framework outlines the company’s high-priority environmental, social and governance topics globally under four pillars – Sustainable Sourcing, Responsible Operations, Advanced Mobility and Inspiring Culture. In December 2021, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced its goal to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and its new Net-Zero Standard. The company also announced its commitment to achieve near-term science-based targets by 2030, including reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% and Scope 3 emissions by 28%, as compared to a 2019 baseline. In December 2022, Goodyear submitted its science-based targets to SBTi for validation.

Finally, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa’s journey to net zero is aligned with its parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), headquartered in Japan, and is based on the GENKI Sustainability Activity Guidelines of Governance, Ecology, Next-Generation Products & Solutions, Kindness, and Integrity. The company has declared a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon net zero by 2050.

Renewable and efficient energy

All four SATMC members are taking steps to invest in renewable energy, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Bridgestone South Africa has had a successful renewable energy process, saving 7,4MWH between 2020 and 2022.

This entailed implementing the ISO50001 Energy Management System, introducing energy saving initiatives relating to compressed air efficiency, and installing variable speed drives and smart LED lighting. The company has also implemented a green energy wheeling facility – which is a decentralisation of power supply – that uses renewable energy for all electrical energy requirements. This method has reduced emissions by 70% from a 2017 baseline.

In addition to the energy saving initiatives employed at its manufacturing facility, since 2020, Continental Tyre purchases EAC certificates for every MWh electricity purchased from the grid, to offset the carbon emissions from the electricity generation process following their commitment to greener energy.

Goodyear’s target is to have transformed all its manufacturing operations and processes to 100% renewable energy by 2040, and – so far – all its manufacturing facilities in Europe and Turkey are using renewable electricity.

In the past five years, Sumitomo Rubber SA has generated 1MW of solar energy, with a further 6MW in the pipeline. To further change its energy usage, the company has installed LED lights across all sites and electricity usage is closely monitored.

Manufacturing processes and value chain

Identifying processes that have a higher impact on emissions is key to achieving carbon neutrality. This analysis also opens the path to finding innovative ways of doing things differently.

Bridgestone South Africa has collaborated with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Clean Production Centre (NCPC) to accelerate its transition towards carbon neutrality. The company has implemented the use of recycled carbon black, recycled steel and friction, and began the sustainable sourcing of natural rubber.

The Continental group aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its production by 2040, representing the second step on its three-step journey. As the third and final step, the company is committed to ensuring that its entire value chain, from the responsible sourcing of raw materials and partnerships with suppliers, to the utilisation of products by consumers and the recycling of products at the end of their life cycle, will attain carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

Goodyear has integrated sustainability throughout its organisation, looking at both inward and outward impacts across its business units and functions to achieve sustainable business outcomes. Within its four sustainability pillars, Goodyear is addressing Climate Decarbonisation and Resiliency, Circularity, Human and Labour Rights, and Supply Chain Governance and Transparency. Goodyear tyres already contain certain recycled materials, and the company is exploring additional opportunities and looking to work with customers to support beneficial reuses of its tyres.

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa has assessed its manufacturing process and plant facilities to identify environmentally friendly changes to the present systems and processes. As a result, 4% of natural rubber is currently sourced from the Ivory Coast, which not only supports intra-African trade, but has minimised supplier costs and further reduced carbon footprint. Other initiatives to support a carbon neutral space include tree planting at its Ladysmith plant, changing company cars to hybrid cars and water recycling and roof water harvesting in the Gqeberha warehouse.

Tyre design

Responding to consumer needs’ for more environmentally friendly products, manufacturers are reimagining their products to cater for the demand. Tyres with low rolling resistance and vehicles with less weight consume less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The ENLITEN tyre technology platform is Bridgestone’s innovative approach to tyre development. ENLITEN enables a lower environmental impact through CO2 emissions reduction, resource efficiency and material circularity (use of recycled/renewable material) without any compromise on performance or safety. Additionally, ENLITEN provides super low rolling resistance for excellent fuel efficiency and makes Bridgestone’s tyre portfolio more adaptable to the latest mobility evolution by making all Bridgestone ENLITEN tyres fully Electric-Vehicle-ready.  Locally, Bridgestone has a focus on design to modularity, and improving tread compounds for lower rolling resistance and reduced impact on the environment.

Continental Tyre South Africa is working on solutions for automated driving, new transport concepts, and tyres optimised for rolling resistance which reduce a vehicle’s carbon emissions. This is in addition to a number of other projects underway.

By 2025, Goodyear aims to reduce rolling resistance by 40% and reduce tire weight by 9% in its global consumer tyre portfolio from a 2005 baseline. Earlier this year, the company revealed a demonstration tyre which is made of 90 percent sustainable materials and has passed all applicable regulatory testing as well as Goodyear’s internal testing.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries has set a target to manufacture tyres with 40% recycled material by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Since 2013, when it released ENASAVE 100, the world’s first 100% fossil resource-free tyre made from all-natural materials, the company has continued to advance and expand the technologies acquired for the development of ENASAVE 100, with the aim of increasing the sustainable content of its tyres. Locally, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa has also reduced its Truck, Bus and Radial (TBR) tyre weights to light weight tyres without compromising tyre safety. 

Waste tyre management

Globally, an estimated one billion tyres reach the end of their useful life every year. Thus, reducing the negative environmental impacts of waste tyres is high on the agenda for the SATMC. The industry body is collaborating with the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA) and the government to ensure that steps are taken to drive improvements and sustainability in both collection and processing of tyre waste.

The SATMC wants to see that end-of-life tyres (ELT) are properly disposed of, or reused in a circular economy, where they can be seen as a useful resource. Its Environmental Committee meets monthly and has identified four key focus areas - Waste Tyre Road Infrastructure, Municipal Infrastructure Engagement, Renewable Energy Solutions and Community Projects Using Waste Tyres.

Nduduzo Chala, Managing Executive of the SATMC, said: “As we inch closer to 2050, we know that only a collective and collaborative spirit will enable us to see a healthy future for us all. The four local tyre manufacturers in South Africa will continue working on reducing the impact of their operations on the environment.”

Effective waste management is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and public health. In South Africa, a country grappling with significant waste management challenges, the need for efficient waste management practices has never been more pressing. This blog will delve into the importance of waste management, the role of waste management companies, and specific services like rubble removal and skip hire that contribute to a cleaner and greener South Africa.

The Importance of Waste Management

Waste management plays a vital role in preserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and mitigating the impact of waste on the environment. In South Africa, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have led to a surge in waste generation, making proper waste management essential for sustainable development.

Waste Management Companies: Leading the Way

Waste management companies in South Africa play a crucial role in addressing the country’s waste management challenges. These companies specialise in the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of various types of waste. They work closely with municipalities, businesses, and communities to develop innovative and sustainable waste management solutions.

Rubble Removal: Clearing the Path to Progress

Construction and demolition activities generate substantial amounts of rubble, which can pose environmental hazards if not properly managed. Rubble removal services provided by waste management companies help clear construction sites efficiently and responsibly. These services involve the collection, transportation, and disposal of construction debris, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Skip Hire: A Convenient Waste Disposal Solution

Skip hire services offer a convenient waste disposal solution for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Waste management companies provide skip bins of various sizes to accommodate different waste volumes. This service allows individuals and businesses to efficiently dispose of waste, ensuring that it is properly sorted and disposed of at licensed waste facilities.

Promoting Recycling and Resource Recovery

Waste management companies in South Africa prioritise recycling and resource recovery as crucial components of sustainable waste management. Through partnerships with recycling facilities and the implementation of separation-at-source programs, these companies aim to divert recyclable materials from landfill sites. By transforming waste into valuable resources, recycling efforts contribute to the circular economy and reduce the burden on landfills.

Waste-to-Energy Initiatives

In line with global trends, waste management companies in South Africa are exploring waste-to-energy initiatives. These projects involve converting waste into renewable energy sources, such as biogas or electricity. By harnessing the energy potential of waste, these initiatives contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Community Engagement and Education

Effective waste management requires community engagement and education. Waste management companies actively collaborate with local communities to raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and responsible waste disposal practices. Educational initiatives, workshops, and awareness campaigns empower individuals to make informed choices and actively participate in waste management efforts.

Government Regulations and Policies

The South African government plays a critical role in waste management through the implementation of regulations and policies. These guidelines aim to enforce proper waste disposal practices, promote recycling, and encourage waste reduction initiatives. Collaboration between government bodies, waste management companies, and the public is crucial for achieving national waste management goals.

Waste management is a pressing issue in South Africa, requiring concerted efforts from waste management companies, government bodies, and individuals alike. By prioritising sustainable practices, such as rubble removal, skip hire, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives, South Africa can build a cleaner and greener future. With a collective commitment to responsible waste management, the nation can preserve its natural resources, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life for all its citizens. Visit Bekabee for more info.