The Grow Your Business Expo, supported by the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) and MTN Business will take place on 30 July 2014 in Polokwane at the Jack Botes Hall.

The expo brings together small business owners and corporate role players to communicate a process of helping to run and grow successful entities.   Role players that support Limpopo’s Enterprise Development are provided with a platform to connect business owners with resources and tools needed to start, learn, manage and grow their companies.  This will create employment and contribute positively to families and the community, which will ultimately increase the vitality of the local economy.

The Grow Your Business Expo is the ideal opportunity for corporate role players to share their products and services that will match with small businesses that need access to skills, knowledge, finance and markets.  

Funama Productions are hosting the expo; CEO Masetha Serakoana says “the expo is a vital platform for small businesses to link with institutions offering funding, financial assistance and business related products and services. We will also have representatives from the institutions presenting their company offerings. The Business Lounge area will cater for one-on-one meeting sessions offering free advice and consultations with specialists during the expo. My Success Story corner will share achievement stories; this area will also serve as an opportunity for corporate companies to showcase thriving SMEs that they have empowered.  SARS will also be there offering free tax workshops.”

Entrance to the Grow Your Business Expo is R25.00 per person, doors open at 08h00.

Ends

For further information, please contact: Masetha Serakoana E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Telephone 086 111 1471 - www.funama.co.za

Ornico Publishes 2nd Africa Annual Growth is the dominant theme in this 2014 edition of the yearly magazine brought out by the brand, media and reputation research company.

Sandton, South Africa – Wednesday, July 9, 2014: “Growth – that’s what it is all about. Whatever way we look at it, Africa’s time in the sun has arrived,” said Oresti Patricios, CEO of brand, media and reputation research firm, Ornico, by way of announcing the company’s second annual on Africa.  

Called “The Africa Annual” the Ornico publication looks at economies in Africa that are growing at rates pegged at about 5.5% for this year according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Africa has growth rates that are making western economies green with envy,” Patricios said, adding that this new annual explores growth economies on the continent.  

Patricios said that the big challenge for those economies that fared well in Africa would be to implement beneficiation, and to create sustainable economies focused on long-term development.  “While Africa’s growth rates are exciting, what is important to realise is that part of this growth is being driven by ‘raw’ exports of resources, (mainly to China.) The big step of change for this continent, and one that will help create sustainable growth, is to make the move from being a massive source of raw material to becoming a manufacturer, or adding value to the production process through beneficiation,” he said.  

“The focus in Africa shouldn’t be wealth creation or growth for the sake of growth. Rather what is needed is growth that drives education, job creation and the stimulation of industries that seed development,” Patricios said, adding: “In the resources sector, beneficiation would contribute significantly to adding value to this part of the economy. It would bring employment creation, skills development, and would help uplift regions where metals (and the like) are mined. What is needed here is a long-term view. Businesses and government in Africa need to forgo short term profits for long term gains.”  

Ornico’s The Africa Annual 2014 explores Nigeria’s much-delayed rebasing of its GDP in April 2014 and what this means to South Africa, and looks at the truism that ‘Africa is not a country’. “It has become a cliché that brands wanting expanding into the rest of the continent need to beware of trying to transplant their existing, successful strategies to markets here – or even transplanting strategies from one market in Africa to another,” Patricios explains. “Some SA and global brands have learned the hard way that marketing in each new African territory demands a local approach,” he said.   Other themes in Ornico’s The Africa Annual 2014 include the massive push north by South African retail brands; what’s been behind Nollywood’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth; the ‘peculiar’ radio habits of Kenyans; and much, much more.  

“Growth is happening in Africa, and what we’ve tried to do is to offer a snapshot of where and how this growth is happening, and insights that brands and marketers need to know about growing in Africa,” Patricios said.  

Ornico’s The Africa Annual 2014 is published in collaboration with MarkLives.com and a free copy of the magazine is available through South Africa’s authoritative, independent marketing site. Alternately the marketing magazine is available free to download at www.ornico.co.za 

Download Ornico’s The Africa Annual 2014

ABOUT ORNICO

Ornico makes sense of the tsunami of brand, advertising and media information flooding the marketplace. By collecting and analysing adverts and brand publicity, Ornico helps put marketing decision makers in the know about the most important strategic decisions they’ll ever make regarding their brands.  

Ornico has the largest and most comprehensive library of TV, radio, outdoor, print and Internet reference material, and offers a tracking service for emerging advertisements or Newcomers™. The company tracks competitive and category advertising spend, and verifies media schedules to ensure the investment that brands make in advertising is fully realised. Editorial services include publicity monitoring, SMS alerts and the analysis or comparison of own and competitive brand images.  

Established in 1984, Ornico has offices in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town as well as Nigeria and Kenya. The largest supplier of advertising visual references in South Africa, Ornico employs a team of over 100 people and has clients that include many of Africa’s top companies.   Ornico – Know how. To grow.  

CONTACTS

Oresti Patricios – CEO   Mobile: 083 326 2250  
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
Francois van Dyk - Operations Manager  
Call: 011 884 5041  
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Ornico Head Office:
Tel: +27 11 884-5041 Fax: +27 11 783-6931  
Twitter: @OrnicoMedia |  Web: www.ornico.co.za 

Joining the theme of the 2014 International Mandela Day, “Living the Legacy”, the Spur Foundation has embarked on a countrywide initiative, “Spur Salutes You” to honour the commendable leaders in the communities they support.

“As these women are the backbone and leaders of the community and often the ones whose efforts go unnoticed, we have decided that it is time to recognise them, like we are able to recognise Nelson Mandela’s leadership, love, forgiveness and work to change the world for the better,” says Chairperson of the Spur Foundation and Chief Financial Officer of Spur Corporation Limited, Ronel van Dijk.

The Foundation was born out of the desire to uplift and improve the lives of South African families, with a special emphasis on nourishing and nurturing children, and aims to put smiles on the faces of those who need it most – the children of South Africa. Without leaders like the ones the Spur Foundation is saluting, Spur will not have been able to achieve the remarkable success in changing lives that it has.

Generous Spur franchisees have joined hands with the Spur Foundation to contribute towards the identified needs of selected charities in the major provinces. This includes basic needs like bedding, mattresses, baby milk, repainting, curtains, slippers, cutlery and crockery, toys, basic furniture and food.

The leaders and servers that will be recognised through various media channels, like the Spur website and social media are:

Gauteng

The Gauteng leaders, all based in Alexandra, form part of the ASHA (African Self Help Association) Trust. The Spur Foundation will be recognising:

Alice Komane – Happy Hours Day Care
Dineo Phala – Mante Day Care
Emily Mahlobo – Owethu Day Care
Faith Ballintulo – Pure Day Care
Fikile Nkambule – Sunshine Day Care
Itumeleng Khumalo – Phila Day Care
Lindiwe Moakale – Enjabulweni Day Care
Nthabiseng Mabaso – Arethabeng Day Care
Smangele Malinga – Siyakhula Day Care
Zanele Mothupi – Dreamers Day Care

Western Cape
Victoria Mangqwengqwe – Umnqophiso Pre-Primary School, Lwandle, Strand, Cape Town
Maria Solomons – Solomon’s Haven, Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town

Eastern Cape
Karen Hermanus - Inn Safe Hands, Port Elizabeth

KwaZulu-Natal
Thina Hlophe – Durban Children’s Home 

The Spur Foundation was founded on Mandela Day in 2012, with an initial R670 000 donation from the Spur Group. This resonates with the ‘67 minute’ theme of Mandela Day and also recognised the founding of the Spur Family in 1967.

“We have recognised leaders who operate with little money, restricted resources and limited manpower, but who make a real difference and personify our Foundation’s slogan Nourish, Nurture, Now! ,” Van Dijk adds.

This International Mandela Day initiative of the Spur Foundation forms part of the Foundation’s support of various initiatives throughout the year. For more information on the Foundation and their beneficiaries, go to www.spurfoundation.co.za.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

NAME:          Ronel van Dijk, Chairperson of the Spur Foundation and Chief Financial Officer of Spur Corporation Limited
TEL:             021-555 5100
E-MAIL:       This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WEBSITE:    http://www.spurfoundation.co.za
TWITTER:    @SpurRestaurant #SpurSalutesYou
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/SpurSteakRanches

Business Results Group and GIBS presents The 10th Progress Conference on Balanced Scorecard Essentials, with Dr David Norton, Live and in Person. Dave Norton will present a one day programme in JHB on the 11th September 2014. In 2012, over 500 executives participated in his colleague, Professor Kaplan’s event in South Africa.

Dr Norton has most recently been honoured by Thinkers 50 in their Hall of Fame sharing this acclaim with Tom Peters, Warren Bennis, Howard Gardner, Charles Handy, Philip Kotler, Henry Mintzberg, Kenichi Omae, Ikujiro Nonaka and his colleague Professor Kaplan, for their mammoth contribution to business management and leadership. Harvard Business Review recognised the Balanced Scorecard as one of the most influential management ideas in the past 75 years.

The 2014 programme includes the latest findings and experience in Strategy measurement, leadership, human capital and cross functional priorities and solutions.  

This is what his clients have to say,

“Our BSC helped us to deliver superior performance, consistently and predictably in all facets of our organisation.” Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO, INFOSYS

“BSC is the strongest tool I have seen in 22 years of my career, to align people in the organisation to the corporate objectives.” Sunil Wahwa, CEO, New Delhi Power

“I am convinced that implementing the Balanced Scorecard has helped us to deliver record-breaking progress over the past 5 years.” Bill Padfield, CEO, Data Dimensions

To acquire access to Dr Dave Norton’s latest thinking, findings and solutions to execute strategy in a new economy, call Angela on 011 463 9898. For further information visit www.theprogressconference.com

Journal of Coaching, Consulting and Coaching Psychology in Africa July 2014

For many years, Coaching has been growing and the debate has been whether or not it is a profession. At the ABCCCP we believe coaching is not only a profession that has come on its own, but is also growing fast. This is why we thought it necessary to establish a platform that will ensure the body of knowledge for coaching is recorded and shared. The Journal of Coaching, Consulting and Coaching Psychology in Africa marks a shift in the position of Africa in the global development of coaching.

Since 2004 Master and PhD programmes have been running in academic institutions- and many of these programmes involved a submission of either a mini-theses or dissertation of sorts. “And as such there is enough research out there to keep the journal running with cutting edge research every year” Said Mongezi Makhalima, Chairperson of the ABCCCP. 

What is important now is to position the journal within Academia and Practice realms to create an interface of useful research across the continent relating to Coaching & Consulting. We know based on our initial research there’s a lot happening within the areas of coaching and consulting, but a lot of it is scattered all over. We feel as the continent we also have something to contribute to the global world of coaching and what this journal does is serve to play an integrating role in the evolution of Coaching and Consulting on the African Continent- and we are looking forward to working jointly with both academia and practitioners to grow Africa’s voice in these domains.  

“It is important for businesses operating across the African continent to understand that a good grasp of the socio-cultural context of their businesses, and of their people, is a critical element for long-term success. We cannot be importing and swallowing whole models and frameworks developed elsewhere. Africa has a wealth of wisdom that directly informs how Africa does business”, said Dr Dumisani Magadlela, Board Member at the ABCCCP & Editor of the Journal).  

The Journal is now available from the Amazon and Kalahari bookstores, as well as national libraries across the country.
Members of the ABCCCP may order their free copies from:

012 751 7608
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.@abcccp.com (Members Only)

Website: www.abcccp.com

With the current recession and reportedly South Africa in billion’s rand of debt including major corporations and banks feeling the pinch it has left our economy in bad state of financial affairs, which business owners and government aren’t willing to admit. The solution XTI Recoveries a debt collection firm with a unique approach to debt collection believes that businesses and government need to use debt collection as a means of recovering debt.

After a recent survey XTI Recoveries has found speaking to accountants and ex directors how businesses are dealing with losses and the shocking response? They either write off debts or hand over matters to attorneys which take months to recover adding on thousands of rand’s to have the debt recovered which is leading to liquidations and insolvency indicators of unpaid debt. The number of voluntary business liquidations increased by 71 % in 2014‚ while compulsory liquidations increased by 20 % over this period. This left XTI Recoveries puzzled why, would a business that currently has debt, create more debt, and the answer?

Business owners aren’t educated about the benefits of debt collectors nor do they trust them with their “bad books”.In the USA the leading economy President Obama has included in legislation the grave need and financial benefits of debt collectors towards the economy. “U.S. debt collection agencies were estimated to directly create $495 million of federal tax, $289 million of state tax and $221 million of local tax, for a combined tax impact of more than $1 billion.”XTI Recoveries believe that their unique business model and approach to debt collection is the future to minimize debts for the economy.

South Africans especially SME’s and start ups need to be educated about the benefits of debt collection. As SME’s and start ups are crucial future economic contributors to the economy. SME’s currently contribute 70% towards job creation, XTI recoveries feels strongly about assisting SME’s in minimising debt. 

For queries contact XTI Recoveries on:
Notes for editor Christi will be available for interview or any further queries upon scheduling

Contact details:
Christi Du-Plooy (owner)
Tel: 011 794 9877
Mobile 082 073 0594
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Business Results Group and GIBS presents The 10th Progress Conference on Balanced Scorecard Essentials, with Dr David Norton, Live and in Person. Dave Norton will present a one day programme in JHB on the 11th September 2014. In 2012, over 500 executives participated in his colleague, Professor Kaplan’s event in South Africa.

Dr Norton has most recently been honoured by Thinkers 50 in their Hall of Fame sharing this acclaim with Tom Peters, Warren Bennis, Howard Gardner, Charles Handy, Philip Kotler, Henry Mintzberg, Kenichi Omae, Ikujiro Nonaka and his colleague Professor Kaplan, for their mammoth contribution to business management and leadership. Harvard Business Review recognised the Balanced Scorecard as one of the most influential management ideas in the past 75 years.

The 2014 programme includes the latest findings and experience in Strategy measurement, leadership, human capital and cross functional priorities and solutions.  

This is what his clients have to say,

“Our BSC helped us to deliver superior performance, consistently and predictably in all facets of our organisation.” Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO, INFOSYS

“BSC is the strongest tool I have seen in 22 years of my career, to align people in the organisation to the corporate objectives.” Sunil Wahwa, CEO, New Delhi Power

“I am convinced that implementing the Balanced Scorecard has helped us to deliver record-breaking progress over the past 5 years.” Bill Padfield, CEO, Data Dimensions  

To acquire access to Dr Dave Norton’s latest thinking, findings and solutions to execute strategy in a new economy, call Angela on 011 463 9898.
For further information visit www.theprogressconference.com

They are in South African companies and industries right now, although they may not be part of traditional networks and are unlikely to be present at the higher levels of management in the same numbers as men.  It is for this reason that BPW SA and the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) have partnered in an unrivalled “Women on Boards” director development programme to create a pool of female leaders in SA who are excellently trained and are therefore highly sought after by Boards.  

Most people today have no knowledge about the makeup of corporate boards, even in the companies they work for. These people would be surprised to learn how little diversity of thought and experience exists in the corporate boardrooms and executive suites of South African businesses. Why should you care about board composition? Boards of directors make decisions that can impact you, your community, and the country.  That’s why it’s important that membership on corporate boards be representative of a company's constituents.

Boards of directors choose CEOs. They make decisions about executive compensation, whether to buy, sell, or merge with other companies, where corporate offices close and relocate, and how much priority a company gives to issues other than profits, such as social responsibility.  

Our Women on Boards programme will give you the expertise and exposure needed to be part of the right networks.  It is an eight-part program — strategically placed over the course of 8 months, due to the complexity of the material — equips women with the knowledge and tools needed to elevate themselves to the C-suite and beyond.  In a supportive and highly interactive atmosphere, an impressive roster of top government and corporate experts will guide skilled female executives through a rigorous program of intensive classroom instruction, case studies and simulations. Every element of the program is focused on strengthening and broadening the leadership talents of the participants and delivering positive results for their companies and organizations.  They will improve their understanding of the responsibilities of board membership and develop the skills and strategic insight needed to become a more effective director.     They will improve their understanding of board governance while heightening their financial literacy and increasing their understanding of relevant legislation.  Amongst others, specialist training is also provided by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) with regard to corporate governance and understanding of JSE terminology and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) (London) who will impart their expertise on personal and reputational risk.  The dti will convey their expectations of board members and corporate experts will present, and execute simulations, on media and presentation skills to enhance leadership effectiveness. The programme is certified by the dti.  

For more information, please visit our website at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za  .or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 011 794-4991.

Business & Professional Women (BPW SA), and the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) are hosting a business breakfast on 7th August 2014 to launch a unique 3-day Women’s Empowerment Programme in South Africa to provide registered SME’s with the legislative knowledge required to effectively run their business within the parameters of South African law.  

The breakfast is hosted by DDG Mr Mojalefa Mohoto and DDG Mrs Pumla Ncapayi from the DTI and BPW South Africa as well as senior representatives from the JSE and UN-Women and the Commonwealth Business Council.  Various international Ambassadors and High Commissioners will host tables at the event.  A sponsorship fund will be launched at the breakfast for qualifying enterprises.  

Organisations of all sizes in South Africa need to develop and apply sound governance, risk and compliance principles and institute high ethical values. Failure to do so will have devastating consequences for the organisation, including penalties.   For SMEs, the biggest challenge is a lack of understanding around the difficulties associated with becoming compliant.   Understanding the ever-changing regulations makes the difference between a small business thriving – growing the economy and creating jobs – or closing its doors, and thus closing the door on job creation.  

Simply put, you need to know your laws. Know your rights and obligations. In this way you mitigate risk to yourself, your business, your employees and your customers. If done well, it helps to improve business performance and ensure financial success.   If you would like to be part of this Women’s Empowerment Programme, we invite you to join us at this Business Breakfast – tickets are R500 per person or R5000 per table of 10.   

For more information, or to attend the Business Breakfast,
please visit our website at http://www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za/index.php/events/30-future-events/98-business-training-courses.
Website: www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za

A season of optimism and growth, such as what Africa enjoys at the moment, is at the same time a season for ethical leadership and wise stewardship.  The Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) speaks to this imperative by strengthening the commitment and competence of Africans to do business with moral integrity.  This is done through robust dialogue and collaboration amongst Africans sharing a commitment to sustainable development through ethical and responsible business practices.

The dialogue takes the shape of many engagement initiatives such as the annual conference hosted by the Business Ethics Network Africa (BEN-Africa).  

As BEN-Africa convenes in Stellenbosch South Africa this year (2014) the conference theme will be Equal in an Unequal World.  The aim of the meeting will be to pursue answers to the question on how to guide business in eliminating unjust inequalities, and promoting sustainable development and an economy based on fundamental ethical values. The conference programme is planned around the following activities:  

• Keynote addresses that will focus on Quality Education in an Unequal Society; Bridging Inequality through Philanthropy and Global Responses to Inequality from a Business Ethics Perspective.
• Panel discussions on Inequality Challenges in the African Context and Business and Business Education:  Stretching or Bridging inequality?
• Learning journeys to sites where conference participants will engage with the manifestations of inequality in the South African society
• Papers based on the conference theme presented by scholars from various countries.
• A gala dinner where thought and practice leaders in business ethics will be honoured.  

The 14th annual BEN-Africa conference will take place at the STIAS Wallenberg Centre, Stellenbosch Cape Town, South Africa from 1-3 October 2014. Registrations are currently open online via http://www.benafrica.org/join-us/ben-africa-conference-registration-2014.  

Conference costs applicable are in accordance with the following registration categories:

Full Conference – R2 400.00

Full Conference for students & NGO’s – R1 800.00

Day visitor – R800.00 Gala Dinner only – R500.00  

All information regarding registration and the conference programme is available on www.benafrica.org.  For any enquiries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Released by: Gecko Connect Stacy De Villiers | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 061 448 6433 On behalf of: BEN-Africa www.benafrica.org