Against strong competition, Margaret Hirsch has been confirmed as a finalist in the 15th annual National Business Awards, in the category Top Performing Business Leader of the Year.

She will compete for the winner’s trophy on 16 November, at Emperors Palace, against Elize Joubert - Cancer Association of South Africa, Jacques Grobbelaar – Stadium Management Agency, Linda Botha – Skills Train Distribution, Suzanne Ravenall – The Effectiveness Company and Tshepo Kgobe – Gautrain Management Agency.

Commenting on the achievement (if she wins the award, it will be her 22nd Major Business award over the last 5 years) Margaret said, “I am extremely proud to hear the news, because this is an industry-respected external confirmation of the professionalism, dedication and teamwork of our people. Top Media and Communication, who runs these awards, has a rigorous research and criteria methodology, refined over the last two decades, to identity and accredit top business performance. This qualification signals to my staff, customers and our suppliers that we are indeed on the right track for even bigger things in 2018.”

www.hirschs.co.za

ContactCentreWorld.com, the Global Association for Contact Centre and Customer Engagement Best Practices and Equilibrium Business Lab, a South African BPO & Contact Centre Consultancy recently announced a strategic partnership to help bring the South African and Global Contact Centre World closer together. 

The partnership gives the South African BPO and Contact Centre Industry access to a global network of close to 200,000 industry professionals, unrivaled tools and resources to develop the skills, industry knowledge, experience and recognition programs. The partnership recently launched ContactCentresSA.com and its Top Ranking Performers National Awards. This exclusive award program. gives local industry professional an opportunity to compete against the best in South Africa and the globally through ContactCentreWorld.com.

Raj Wadhwani, President of ContactCentreWorld.com: "We have seen the industry in South Africa grow substantially in skills and sophistication. The passion of the people is infectious and we are delighted to partner with Equilibrium Business Lab to help grow and develop the industry further. We have worked with Naz Salie, founder of Equilibrium Business Lab over the past year and are excited by the plans she and her team bring to the South African industry". 

Naz Salie, Managing Director of Equilibrium Business Lab and previous South Africa Industry Head for BPESA: "We are honored to be part of an alliance that will enable Equilibrium Business Lab to deliver world class solutions to our industry and complement the existing support structures in South Africa. 

About ContactCentreWorld.com
ContactCentreWorld.com is the world's premier on-line resource for the call and contact Centre industry. This article is one of hundreds available on-line to registered members. Our resource is updated every working day and includes content from every corner of the world. If you are not a registered member go to www.ContactCentreWorld.com and register today. 

Raj Wadhwani  President, ContactCentreWorld.com www.contactcenterworld.com  

About Equilibrium Business Lab
Equilibrium Business Lab provides businesses operating in the BPO & Contact Centre Industry with business development, marketing and branding solutions. Working hand in hand with business teams, develop cutting-edge, actionable and sustainable strategies. Equilibrium brings together a complimentary mix of business skills, creative talent and a passion to for developing sustainable relationships. 

Naz SalieDirector – Equilibrium Business Lab
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The Breadtags for Wheelchairs Project celebrated a decade of touching and improving the lives of handicapped recipients with a tea party that was held in honour of the coordinators and collectors in Stellenbosch yesterday. The event was sponsored by SASKO and the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC).

According to Adri Spangenberg, Director of the PSPC, more than 3 000 wheelchairs were donated to recipients who are physically disabled and financially unable to purchase their own wheelchairs over the past ten years.

“The Breadtags for Wheelchairs Project has grown from humble beginnings in somebody’s home in Cape Town, to a volunteer effort involving thousands of volunteers around the country.  Today, we are proud to say that we managed to divert more than 4 tons of polystyrene from our country’s landfills thanks to the 10 buyers of the breadtags made from high density polystyrene, more than 200 collection points and 1 000 coordinators who assist with the breadtag collection,” Adri said.

The Breadtags for Wheelchairs network is made up of volunteer collectors and coordinators on the one side, who diligently accumulate approximately 210 kg of breadtags from schools, churches, businesses and community centres in in their area in order to purchase a standard wheelchair, costing around R1 600.00.

On the other side, is a network of buyers such as Zibo Containers and MFI Mouldings, who pay R8.00 for each kilogram of breadtags that are collected and recycle them into seedling trays, cornices, skirtings, outdoor furniture, coat hangers, poles and decking.  Bringing these two parties together and facilitating the process, is the PSPC who administers the programme by arranging for the breadtags to be collected and receives the payment from the recyclers.  Once enough tags have been collected to cover the cost of the wheelchair selected, this money is then paid over to the pharmacy or wheelchair supplier of their choice.

Because it is important to ensure that the correct wheelchair is purchased when seating quadriplegics, the PSPC also works closely with CE Mobility and the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) in assessing the requirements of the recipient and ensuring they get the right wheelchair for their needs.

“Our hands and our work have been significantly strengthened thanks to corporates such as SASKO, CE Mobility, QASA and Dischem who have come alongside us by providing additional funding, infrastructure, expertise and advice. Without their help, we would never have been able to grow the project to where it stands today,” Adri said.

“SASKO is proud to be associated with the Breadtags for Wheelchairs Project, because it resonates with our core values of caring for others and looking after the environment,” said Lungie Mnyamana, Brand Manager Essential Foods: Bakeries at Pioneer Foods.  “It is easy for everybody to get involved in the collection of breadtags, and makes a huge difference in the lives of many,” she added.

Various coordinators and collectors received certificates of recognition for their efforts, and a wheelchair was also handed over to Theresa Ellis, a grateful recipient of the Alta Du Toit Care Centre.

“Not only has the small act of collecting breadtags touched the lives of the recipients, but it has changed and impacted the lives of each and every one of us that is involved in the project.  Our sincere thanks to the thousands of collectors and coordinators who are involved in the project, as well as the companies who have come alongside us to help administer and grow the project. We look forward to growing the project even further during the next ten years,” Adri concluded.

For more information on how to get involved in the Breadtags for Wheelchair project, visit www.polystyrenepackaging.co.za or visit their Facebook page on www.facebook.com/#!/groups/btagsforwchairs.

#zajazzawards01 Today we are excited to announce the kick off of the first Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJAs) season which will culminate with awarding the deserving South African jazz artists.

If you are fan of Jazz, you will know that South African jazz has grown in leaps and bounds and we also know that the jazz music even in its richness doesn’t enjoy the same publicity as its contemporaries within the South African music industry. The purpose of the awards is an effort to remedy the aforementioned situation.

The MJAs will be an annual event that recognises and appreciates Jazz music in the country. Artists and recording companies are invited to submit work produced during 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 for an award. Nominations may be submitted online by completing a nomination form on www.zajazzawards.co.za or download nomination form and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Nominations are open from 19 May 2017 to 7nd of June 2017.
An official announcement of nominees will be made through direct communication with the artist, recording labels, producers and also announcement through media and website publishing by 27 of June 2017.

The AWARDS are scheduled to take place on the 11th of August 2017. All nomination process enquiries can be directed to Douglas Maximus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 012 751 7608.

The Lilizela Tourism Awards crowned the cream of the crop in the Tourism sector during the annual awards function during October at the Sandton Convention Centre. ATKV-Resort Buffelspoort walked away as National and Provincial winner in the category 4-star Caravan and Camping as well as the Provincial winner in the category Self Catering Exclusive.  

But this Resort was not the only one to boast with its accolades and saw its sister Resort’s rake in another seven Provincial Awards. ATKV Eiland Spa and Natalia were crowned Provincial winners in the category Caravan and Camping. Goudini Spa and Eiland Spa are hanging their great achievement of Provincial winners for the category Self-Catering Shared Vacation, in their foyers. The remaining two accolades were awarded to ATKV Klein-Kariba for Self-Catering Exclusive and to Drakensville in the Adventure category.  

Launched in May 2013, these awards are an initiative of the National Department of Tourism (NDT); spearheaded by South African Tourism and delivered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.   

The Lilizela Tourism Awards aim to recognise and celebrate tourism excellence and encourages key players to strive for excellence in order to grow global competitiveness in tourism. The Awards also strive to give the public a voice that counts in terms of the feedback and reviews they give.  

“We would like to extend our gratitude to our loyal guests and brand ambassadors who continue to consistently show their support by voting for the resorts and contributing to them receiving such prestigious awards,” said Schalk Cilliers, MD of ATKV Resorts.  

This fully audited Tourism Awards programme does not only ensure that organisations and businesses strive to achieve the highest standards but also actively promotes Tourism in South Africa.

 

City Lodge Hotel Group has announced that two of its General Managers (GMs) were recently announced as being among the 55 finalists in South Africa’s 2014 Rising Star Awards within the Tourism and Hospitality category! Abia Rakoma, GM at Road Lodge Carnival City, and Marvin Theron, GM at Road Lodge Rustenburg, will now undergo a vigorous judging process before winners are announced at an awards ceremony to take place on Monday, 28 July.

The Rising Star Awards

 The Rising Star Awards are held every year and were established in order to recognise and celebrate young business people under the age of 40 who have great talent and deliver above and beyond expectations. In the words of CEB’s SHL Talent Measurement Solutions, “A Rising Star is an individual who displays promising potential and pursues every opportunity to achieve great heights.”

Hundreds of entries are received every year – 310 were received this year alone – but only five finalists are selected for each of the 11 business sector categories. Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions (organiser of the Rising Star programme), says that the Rising Star programme is far more than just an awards ceremony; "The programme will establish a living community of young South African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with necessary platforms for development and communication. This will enable them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future South African talent.” 

Marvin Theron

Marvin first gained experience in the hospitality industry when he joined the City Lodge Hotel Group in July 2009 as a Front Office Coordinator at the Courtyard Hotel in Sandton, after graduating with a higher diploma in Hospitality Management from The International Hotel School. In February 2010 he was promoted to Junior Assistant GM. Last year his name was put forward for the Management Development Programme offered by City Lodge Hotel Group and while engaged in the programme Marvin went on to complete his training at Senior Assistant General Manager Level. He then progressed to General Manager Level. This year Marvin successfully completed both management programmes and in doing so was appointed to the position of GM of Road Lodge Rustenburg, effective from July.

Abia Rakoma

Abia currently holds three formal qualifications, which include a National Diploma in Hospitality Management, a B-Tech Degree in Hospitality Management, and a Certificate in Labour Relations Management. Abia first joined the City Lodge Hotel Group in 2007 as a Junior Assistant Manager and worked his way up to being the current GM of Road Lodge Carnival City. At the 2012 City Lodge Hotel Group Leadership Conference in Turkey, Abia was awarded the Chairman’s Award for being a Rising Star. Abia has always been very passionate about mentorship and personnel career development as it was the very same guidance and mentorship that led him to where he is today.

City Lodge Hotel Group is proud to have such talent in their team, and wish Marvin and Abia all the best during the next couple of weeks! For more info check out the City Lodge Hotel Group blog here: blog.clhg.com

Further recognition of the City Lodge Hotel Group’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility

Johannesburg, June 27, 2014

The City Lodge Hotel brand within the City Lodge Hotel Group has been certified  by the Green Leaf™ Eco  Standard, acknowledging the significant improvements that have been made in the important areas of energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, responsible procurement and staff and guest awareness of environmental responsibility issues.

While the certification  initially applies only to the City Lodge Hotel brand, the group has largely implemented the same technology and procedures in its Courtyard Hotel, Town Lodge and Road Lodge brands.  Green Leaf™ Eco Standard is an initiative of the Wilderness Foundation, aimed at enabling and certifying the balance between business and nature.

Over the past three years, the City Lodge Hotel Group has rolled out a group-wide energy efficiency initiative across all four of its brands with the emphasis focused on the installation of LED lighting (around 40,000 bulbs) and heat pumps and the monitoring and reduction of energy consumption. The group is also a member of Eskom’s 49M energy efficiency campaign which commits partners to a 15% reduction in electricity usage.

Concerted efforts also focused on water efficiency and responsible waste management 

More recently, the group has embarked on a water efficiency programme across the City Lodge Hotel brand, focusing on efficient flow technology on shower heads and taps, dual-flush toilets and the re-using of towels.  The intention is to roll this out across the other three brands.

Attention has also gone into improving waste management as part of the certification  for the City Lodge Hotel brand. This has included the separation of different types of waste on site, the transport of waste to recycling centres and the transport of non-recyclable waste to landfill sites

.According to Clifford Ross, the group’s CEO, “We’re proud of achieving this latest certification  as it recognises the serious attention we have paid to reducing our carbon footprint and maximizing our effective use of electricity and water and responsible disposal of recyclable and non-recyclable waste,” said Ross. 

“Standards for responsible tourism have also been incorporated into the certification  we have received, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in our operations,” he added.Andrew Phillips, CEO of Green Leaf™ Eco Standard said: “I have had the pleasure of witnessing the leadership group of City Lodge initiate a responsible tourism mind-set change throughout its hotel brands and to now formally sign-off on core certification under the Green Leaf™ Eco Standard certification programme is recognition well deserved.”    

Significantly, City Lodge’s Green Leaf certification  ideally complements the City Lodge Earth Day initiative, which was launched on social media platforms at the beginning of June.The core message of this campaign is that every day is Earth Day. The pay-off line is “no planet no you; no you, no us.”Marketing collateral is being developed to communicate this messaging to guests within hotels enabling them to participate in the campaign in a practical way.

{pp}Gearhouse South Africa supplied technical equipment - rigging, sound, lighting, video, media, power, backline - for The 31st Annual Loerie Awards. This is the major element of the Loeries Festival, anecdotally considered the coolest, best and most anticipated party weekend for media professionals in the southern hemisphere!

After a hotly contested pitch between Margate, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Sun City, the Loeries Committee this year decided to move the awards to the Mother City and to give the event a high glamour, red carpet feel. Themed 'Feed your Ego', the 2009 Loeries poked fun at the sometimes egocentric aspects of the ad industry.