Riverbed is a bold and contemporary through-the-line creative agency. It is a black, female owned company that has throughout its ten plus years, navigated and adapted to industry changes to remain relevant and competitive. And now in this month of new beginnings, Riverbed announces its rebrand, revealing a modern look that’s more closely aligned to its renewed vision. 

Earlier this year, the agency’s founder and CEO Monalisa Sibongile Zwambila refocused the agency to place ‘brand experience’ at the heart of its creative thinking. “In the age of CX, Riverbed is fervent about developing creativity that people want to spend time with and so we’re always thinking about how we can build emotional attachments between the brands we represent and their consumers. Even through our brand assets such as our website refresh, we’re aspiring to build a brand and an agency that our customers will want to spend time with too,” shared Zwambila. 

Riverbed’s new identity is bold, contemporary, striking and simple. The imagery used with the icon is ever-changing, boasting a versatility that never tires. The creative team behind the redesign added that the predominant black and white colour palette is timeless, but through the application of colour, can be expressed differently to suit specific needs, again keeping it current. 

Zwambila commented, “Our team is aligned to our new ambition to become a leading independent agency and we felt that while over time Riverbed had evolved, our brand hadn’t. We wanted a strong, attractive brand statement that supported this ambition.” 

Awarded designer, Catherine Blomkamp developed the new CI, while Muguette Crozier created the website internally, fortifying the agency’s growing digital competency.                                            

The culture of an organisation defines how it engages with its customers Johannesburg, South Africa 05 April 2018:  RubiBlue, intelligent business solutions provider, has redesigned its core values to redefine business growth and enhance its business culture.

The organisation underwent a lengthy process to refine these values that are now embedded within the company and fundamentally influence its mindset. “Our goal is to provide our customers with intelligent business solutions that drive business efficiencies and save them time, money and stress,” says Chris Ogden, Managing Director, RubiBlue.

“When you consider how our business is built around helping our customers achieve their goals and ambitions, we felt it was important that we had a clearly mandated philosophy that ensured we could support our clients and our employees to the best of our abilities.” This commitment saw the 13-year-old company invest in creating the RubiBlue values which would ensure consistent client engagement through measurable actions and targeted service delivery. The four pillars that uphold these values are: Commitment, Lead, Efficiency and Wellbeing.

These enhance the company’s core competencies of strong developmental skills and superior support services.

“When we first started out, we were purely a network support and sales provider, but since then we have evolved as a company and as a service provider,” says Ogden. “We have a range of satisfied clients who have benefitted from our consultancy, solutions development and Microsoft Network skills and we have always had a strong company culture to support these skills and this vision. Now, however, we have further refined this culture and the values that define it to take our business even further.”

The four core values of Commitment, Lead, Efficiency and Wellbeing form the acronym CLEW, which happens to be an integral part of any sailboat – holding the sail in place and ensuring that wind flow is accurately directed. Without it, the boat would have no forward momentum, an accurate representation of how no company can move forward without core values to support it.

“CLEW represents who we are, what we stand for, our integrity in business and our commitment to our customers,” concludes Ogden.

Johannesburg - Digital marketing strategies to improve customer engagement, social media, e-metrics, loyalty and digital sales enablement is just some of the themes to be addressed at the upcoming Digital Customer Engagement & KYC Conference 2018. The event, which will take place on 7 & 8 March 2018 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg, showcases a top speaker panel, all experts in the marketing and financial arenas. 

Targeting financial professionals dealing with customer engagement, the programme will highlight challenges, opportunities and the latest developments regarding digital channels and customer relationship. 

Conference Project Manager, Michandre Malan said banks and financial institutions must engage customers at every stage of their purchase journey. This will make the customer journey for financial institutions a reality, and improve customer on-boarding and retention. The speaker panel consists of representatives of Cornerstone Performance Solutions, Karabina, Avatar SA, Consumer Profile Bureau, 8 Bit Platoon, NXT/Digital Innovation, Genesis Analytics, Prana Business Solutions, Striata Marketing Solutions and many more.

 Malan said the event is aimed at professionals from the financial sector. Improving the customer journey is the top prediction this year for financial institutions.

• Normal Registration fee: R9 100.00 + VAT = R10 374.00
• 12% Discount: Group registration fee for 3 or more delegates: R8 008.00 + VAT = R9 12.12 p.p.
• 20% Discount Group registration fee for 5 or more delegates: R 7 280.00 + VAT = R8 299.20 p.p.

 To register as a delegate email, Project Manager, Michandre Malan on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. enquiries are handled by Jason Joseph This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call both on 011 803 1553. Otherwise visit www.tci-sa.co.za for more information.

Habitat for Humanity welcomed its International Board of Directors, comprising delegates from over 70 countries, to Cape Town, their chosen venue for the 2015 Annual General Meeting.  

The AGM coincided with Habitat for Humanity’s Desmond Tutu International Build in Pelican Park in Zeekoevlei. Through partnership with The Power Group, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government, Habitat drew teams both locally and from the USA to help build homes and the community of Pelican Park.  

On Wednesday 4 March, the Directors enjoyed a full day out in Pelican Park, guided by John Bailey, chairman of the Pelican Park Owners Association, itself borne out of the support of Habitat and its partners. Specific challenges highlighted on the day included the urgent need for more schooling, the integration of individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds into a cohesive community, and the eradication of crime and drug abuse.  

The Directors met with local families and community leaders. They were able to witness, visit and learn first-hand about some of the solutions and projects Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the community and other stakeholder partners  are rolling out around Pelican Park, such as:  

1. The “Garden of Eden”, a hydroponic food garden project allowing community members to grow fresh vegetables within a minimal space.
2. The Nedbank Foundation EduTainer, a well-stocked ‘instant classroom’ for use as a daycare for 27 children, which came about after Nedbank representatives saw the need for such a facility while participating in a Habitat Team Build, pulled the necessary resources together and made it a reality The collaboration between Habitat for Humanity, the City of Cape Town, and the Pelican Park Owners Association around making the Zeekoevlei Wetlands Nature Reserve into a conservation and recreation destination for local families.
3. The Pelican Park Neighbourhood Watch’s work in reducing crime and assisting addicts enter rehabilitation programmes.
4. A series of workshops operated through Habitat for Humanity’s Social Facilitation Programme, to assist new home owners moving into the area to integrate into the community.  
5. This Social Facilitation Programme allows Habitat to bring about sustainable change in the lives of the new homeowners, instilling a sense of ownership to establishing a cohesive and vibrant new community.  

John Bailey told the group, “Habitat for Humanity is not just a shoulder for us to lean on, but a brother and sister to partner with. We are so grateful for their dedication and input into the community.”   For more information about Habitat for Humanity, or to get involved, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021-657-5640.

Ends.  

Issued on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Contact: Adrienne Burke

Tel: +27.21.657.5640
Cell: +27.79.155.8404
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Limitless Social Club

Mobile: 076 4024 936

 

PRESS RELEASE

5 March 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Save the date! 14 March 2015 is the date worth to save on your diary because you obviously don’t want to miss this empowerment train to your desired success. Due to popular demand, Limitless Social Club (LSC) once again invites you to another exclusive women empowerment talk hosted by Thandi Hlatshwayo, the CEO of LSC. This talk is all about Global Success and you! It will take place at Clico Boutique Hotel, 27 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank.  LSC is a social club that drives empowerment among the South African youth.

It is committed to create an environment for the youth to partake in constructive activities as well as to learn how to sustain themselves through socialising. At this event you will learn:
• How to take your businesses from a local level to a global level
• Effective methods to adopt in order to attain global success
• How to effectively position your brands in a competitive international market
• The importance of innovation and how to efficiently implement innovation in your businesses
• What is global success, and how to consistently achieve it as a woman in business.

The line-up of speakers is made up of experts in global business and personal development fields.

Palesa Makanda is a CEO of Enziafrica (www.enziafrica.co.za), a black women owned organisation that is built on the philosophy that Africa holds great opportunity and has the potential to thrive even further if African solutions are applied to build the continent, particularly through sustainable entrepreneurship. She has extensive experience developing SMMEs which includes both funding entrepreneurs as well as providing non-financial support with multi-national companies.    

Pontsho Manzi is Executive Chairman and CEO of Botlhokwa Group; a holding company for three subsidiary companies called Recrutrain, FabImage and Bonisa Media. She is a qualified HR practitioner by training, an author, a nationally and internationally recognized professional business and inspirational speaker, facilitator, coach and image consultant. She is the founding editor and publisher of Fabulous Woman magazine and author of arguably the first South African black female created and owned annual inspirational diary for women called Diary for Fabulous You.

Colleen Larsen is CE of Business Engage Association NPC, a South African based organisation at the forefront of strategic thinking on gender mainstreaming in the private sector. As a speaker and an author on the subject, Colleen is one of the leading voices for the sustainable advancement of women in the corporate and entrepreneurial space in South Africa today using the business case as a basis for transformation. She was the first chairperson of the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network Ltd., an initiative of the Department of Trade & Industry.

Don't miss this opportunity to network with dynamic women; learn effective practical methods on how to achieve your true success and kick start your year with a high level of motivation. Investment is R380 per person. Pre-booking is essential as tickets are very limited. To reserve or purchase your ticket, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 073 963 4369. Follow @LSC_2014 or Thandi_LSC on twitter. 

Notes for editor
CEO Thandi Hlatshwayo is available for interviews about Limitless Social Club. We would like the event to be covered in the media. 

Contact Details:

Nompumelelo Cele
Mobile: 076 402 4936
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your wedding day should be one of the most romantic, exciting and unforgettable days of your life and the Wedding Expo®  taking place on the 14th and 15th March 2015 at the dome in Northgate, is the place to visit to transform your  wedding into that extraordinary experience. Planning a wedding is more than just a dress, a cake and a fabulous reception.  What you’re planning needs to be as special as you wish the rest of your life to be. Your wedding is about love, romance, commitment; it’s about having the people close to you witness your union and your dedication to one another. Witness your ‘Happily Ever After’!

The Wedding Expo® understands this and works tirelessly to bring the most comprehensive and creative bridal exhibitors to showcase their wares and services all under one roof and all with one aim – to assist soon-to-be-newlyweds in making their dream wedding a reality - without all of the stress.

Recognised as the South African Bride’s favourite bridal event, The Wedding Expo® boasts premiere exhibitors showcasing everything from the perfect wedding stationery to beautiful blooms, breath-taking wedding gowns to gorgeous jewellery, tantalising table décor to hedonistic honeymoons. The Wedding Expo® also offers the opportunity to interact with some of South Africa’s top wedding planners, photographers and caterers and get expert advice on financial and legal matters. This hands-on advice is invaluable and usually comes at a premium, but at The Wedding Expo®, this is just part of what is offered to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch.

A new feature to this year’s Expo is aptly named ‘Make Me a Bride’ where lucky volunteers will be transformed into a bride with hair, makeup and a wedding gown! During their makeover, they will receive key advice from the specialists doing the makeover and a leading stylist. There will be 3 opportunities each day and everyone will get the opportunity to see the fabulous change when she appears on the fashion ramp to show off! They will also receive a VIP invitation to the all-new Wedding Inspirations stand where they will get the opportunity to ‘walk into the magazine.’

The inspiring daily fashion shows offer visitors the opportunity to grab a seat in the front row and catch a glimpse of the latest and most beautiful bridal trends in wedding apparel for both brides and grooms.  From couture designers to ready to wear labels, there is sure to be something for every taste. These will include beautiful creations from couture designers Bridal Room, F Wilson Couture, G&B Couture, Gerald C, New Romantics, White Lilly Bridal and bridesmaid dresses from Bloumossie, Gelique and Bride&co! Ready to wear labels will also be on the runway and you will be able to see Olivelli, Maggie Sottero, Bridal Wardrobe, Bride&co and lingerie from The Corsetiere. Menswear will also be featured so don’t let your groom miss out on seeing suits from Eurosuit, Gerald C, F Wilson and Frank Bespoke.

Don’t miss a chance to vote for your favourite table décor at the special display of tables by our creative exhibitors. You could stand a chance to win a fabulous weekend at the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House in Hoedspruit valued at R7 500.00!

There is already more than enough on offer to entice every bride-to-be not to miss this annual celebration of all things wedding, but one more reason not to miss it is the chance to win a R320 000.00 wedding Multiflora wedding at Diamond 4 Estate as well as a honeymoon at Khaya Ndlovu Manor! Entries at the Expo and you must be there to win. Saturday finalists will be back on Sunday for the finals at 3pm!!

“We are always so excited at the beginning of the year when we are looking forward to our beautiful show. We produce the best wedding planning platform for all those bridal couples! It is a dedicated wedding space with beautiful stands to visit and professional service providers to choose from!” says The Wedding Expo® managing director Amanda Cunningham.

So make a date to attend the Wedding Expo® - it will go a long way to ensuring that your wedding day is the extraordinary experience that you always hoped for.  

Event details: Date: 14th and 15th March 2015 Venue:  Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg Cost: R120.00 per person Fashion shows: 11h30, 12h30 and 14h30 daily Competition draws: 11h30, 12h30 and 14h30 daily.

It’s party time in the new Summer edition of Wedding Inspirations magazine. You’ll find all the need-to-know details about planning an outdoor wedding, a destination do and the most beautiful, sparking wedding themes.  

On sale from December 9th, the new issue looks set to delight brides with its glossy mix of current information and on-trend inspiration. The pages are packed with more than 280 style hits for your big day and a must-read six-month countdown to gorgeous – fabulous beauty tips to have you looking your best on the most important day of your life.  

In this issue, brides-to-be have the chance to win a spectacular Enzoani wedding dress worth R25 000. If you love denim, but have assumed that is has no place at a wedding, think again – our Denim Love theme shows you just how to do it and still look like a goddess. Always dreamed of looking like a princess on your wedding day? The modern Frozen-inspired fairytale theme is a must, with its sumptuous red and white detailing. Shimmering sparkle takes centre stage in our glamorous, romantic party theme and why not play around with paper in our look at the hot new trend of paper flowers for everything from cake toppers to head wreaths.

Another must-read is our definitive 2015 honeymoon hotlist – award-winning locations for every taste on this very special holiday. And who can forget our breathtaking fashion, relationship advice for staying calm during the planning madness and the inspirational real weddings just bursting with love (and amazing décor!).  

Available nationwide at Pick ‘n Pay stores, CNA, Exclusive Books, PNA and Dis-Chem, as well as selected SPAR supermarkets and independent retailers. Alternatively, subscribe and never miss an issue. Details are at weddinginspirations.co.za.

What has Talent Management and Organisational Energy have in common?

Well, Service delivery for one thing! And Service Delivery is a Hot Topic because it impacts all of us! Organisations worldwide are currently experiencing a complex and dynamic environment in which most businesses must compete to remain sustainable. Most of these organisations realise that their competitive advantage lies within their intangible assets, namely employees (Chabault, Hulin & Soparnot, 2012; Collings & Mellahi, 2009; Kaye &Smith, 2012). Talent and brainpower are thus becoming the predominant currency in the new era of globalisation (Cheese, Thomas and Graig, 2008; Tymon, Stumpf & Doh, 2010; Sahai & Srivastava, 20

‘Act Local but think Global’ was Professor Nicolene Barkhuizens' crisp reply to my question ‘What makes this Year's Talent Blueprint Conference organised by Northwest University, Mafeking Campus so special?’

'We all aspire to Global Best Practice on Sustainable Talent Management, but each industry and organisation and even Country has its own unique challenges. We invited internationally acclaimed thought Leaders to speak at this conference like Professor Lidewey van der Linde as well as Local Experts, like Dr Lynne Derman, who is a renowned expert in the field of organisational energy and whose Doctoral Study was the first to investigate organizational energy in the South African context.’

‘In her study Lynne also found that Organisational energy can enhance the well-being of employees in South African organisations. Since completing her PhD Lynne has done a lot of consulting in organizational energy and has also validated a measure thereof for the South African context. Her research as well as her expertise in organisational energy makes an important contribution towards creating new knowledge in field as well as important practical contributions for organisations.’

The Talent Blueprint Conference is being held on 16-17 October at the Sunnyside Hotel in Parklands, Gauteng. Nicolene has about 100 scientific publications which include books, chapters in textbooks, journal articles and peer reviewed conference proceedings. Nicolene regularly participate as keynote speaker at various business conferences. She is a registered industrial psychologist and global remuneration practitioner.

Darren August takes us through a few of the experiences and relationships with his own teachers, growing up, which changed his life. He retells the stories of others too, and will surely awaken your school memories. As an experienced motivator, the book leaves not only teachers encouraged to inspire others, but everyone else will feel inspired to reach their potential and live their calling too. 

This book offers a few giggles as we see things from the perspective of a child, but is mostly introspective of the role we play in the way in which children perceive themselves. Teachers and parents will find it particularly motivating – with practical ways you could change young lives, for good. 

This book is a great resource. It’s a celebration of teachers, as instrumental parts of society – it will definitely have you thinking of the teachers that have impacted your life. Scheduled for release in October 2014 – this book is set to motivate every South African reader to once again restore the dignity of ‘The Noblest Profession”. 

About the Author 

Darren August is the Founder and CEO of Dazz Consulting – A dynamic training organisation committed to seeing people thrive and succeed.He is a Corporate Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Radio Host & former Lecturer.He is passionate about Life; People and Education and together with his wife – Arlene, they believe in maximizing every opportunity to impact the lives of others. 

To order, for interview requests and other queries, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{pp}Most corporate training and team-building is a total waste of time, and money, if you are looking for long-term results says Tony Dovale – Chief Coach and Alchemist at Life Masters International Team Building.

In order to resolve this dilemma, says Dovale, based upon our past experiences and extensive research, we have launched an innovative corporate Ai team building adventure and staff resilience improvement process that impacts people's head, heart and Soul - "Building a Transformed Team with Soul".