South African actress and model, Micharn Pollock, who has featured in international movies and TV programmes, gives aspiring actors and actresses in SA some advice on how to make it one of the toughest industries:

1. Take acting classes – part time workshops are also great if you’re unable to study full time.
2. Sign up to IMDb and keep it updated.
3. Have professional head-shots taken by a reputable head-shots photographer.
4. Audition as often as possible so that you become comfortable with the process.
5. Remember that rejection is part of the process so don’t let it crush your spirit!
6. Build your resume – short films and student films are a great start if you have no experience yet.
7. Practice daily to keep your skills sharp.
8. Make sure you can do both a British and American accent as many international productions filmed in South Africa require this.
9. Once you’re ready, get an agent.
10. Make sure that you feed your agent with new information about projects you’re involved with and new accents/training that you’ve done.

For more info on Micharn and what she is up to you can follow her on:

Facebook - @MicharnPollockActor
Instagram - @MicharnPollock

South Africa offers Permanent Residence to foreigners who have family, have invested and worked in South Africa, have a clear criminal record and can contribute to the economy of the country. According to Leon Isaacson, MD of Global Migration Group, permanent residence offers long term stability to foreigners who wish to work or reside  in South Africa and wish to make it their home. Banks treat permanent residence holders as any other citizens once they have this status, which in practice means that they will have access all of the normal banking facilities like current accounts, housing loans, vehicle loans and business finance. Schools, colleges and universities treat permanent residence holders as South Africans for purposes of fees. 

Direct Residence: Section 26   This category of permit is applicable to:Foreigners who have been residing in South Africa based on their work permits for a minimum period of five years, their spouses and to dependents of South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders. Dependent of a South African Citizen or Permanent Residence older (under the age of 18 years of age);Dependent of a South Africa Citizen;Spouse-married for a minimum of 5 years OR in an exclusive spousal relation for 5 years Holder of a work permit/ visa for a continuous period of 5 years.   

Indirect Residence: Residency on other grounds permits -Section 27This category of permits applies to foreigners who:·Have critical skills and qualifications as prescribed in the critical skills list·Intend to establish a business in the Republic·Qualify as Refugees in terms of Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act·Qualify as retired persons·Are financially independent· are relatives (biologically or judicially adopted) of a South African citizen/permanent residence permit holder.Isaacson says that these applications currently take 3-6 months for Critical Skills based applications and 8-24 months for other categories.

Global Migration Groups offers consultancy services on these applications. Interested parties can contact  Leon Isaacson on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   website www.globalimsa.com or tel 021-419-0934 

Mission (I’m) Possible is a compelling live theatre performance created and performed by Pollsmoor inmates under the auspice of the “Second Chance Theatre Project”, a collaborative arts and social justice initiative.

The project was introduced by NICRO and through a partnership with the Department of the Correctional Services and together with UCT Associate Professor Veronica Baxter from the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies (CTDPS) endeavour to challenge the public’s perception of criminals. The staging of the production is done in partnership with the Cape Town International Convention (CTICC) who came on board as a venue sponsor as part of their corporate social responsibility programme.

This intimate, theatre production provides a unique glimpse into the lives of prison inmates. Mission (I’m) Possible, which highlights the dreams and aspirations of inmates and demonstrates that each is more than the crime that he or she has committed.

“The performers are goal oriented and firm in their belief that they have a real future beyond the prison walls as they commit to returning to their communities as contributing individuals.” - says Venessa Padayachee, Advocacy and Lobbying Manager of NICRO.

The free event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday, 28 September and Saturday, 29 September, 2018, as part of a two-day event which will also feature an art exhibition showcasing art works by inmates and former offenders.

Mission (I’m) Possible follows on the success of The Making of a Criminal Part 1 and Part 2, which took to the stage amidst much acclaim in 2016 and 2017. The 2018 production, devised and directed by Veronica Baxter, Chiedza Chinhanu and the cast, once again uses theatre as a healing tool and a rehabilitation strategy to offer inmates a meaningful life after prison and to facilitate successful reintegration.

NICRO endeavours to challenge guests to see offenders as members of our society and to acknowledge that society has a vital role to play in the rehabilitation process.

NICRO CEO, Soraya Solomon, underscores the crucial role of both civil society and ordinary members of the community in breaking the cycle of crime and violence in South Africa. “We cannot reduce the high levels of crime and violence in our country without every citizen’s support to ensure that we find solutions to this daunting challenge. Supporting former offenders to turn around their lives, walk away from further crime and return to society as an asset rather than a threat, is a very workable and effective way of doing just this,” she points out.

Hoping to raise R15 000 to assist with the costs of the production, a campaign has been created on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy to appeal to the public to support the cause.

Funds raised by the BackaBuddy campaign will be used for the following:

Healthy meals and refreshments at rehearsal space and performance venue
Promotional film production and editing
Costumes for the performances
Some work material: personal journals / scrapbooks and some stationary for the creative process!

Support the campaign by donating to Nicro here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/mission-im-possible

Tickets to the performance can be booked through Quicket here:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/57945-mission-im-possible/

Visit the event Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/278275886122985/

Contactable References:
Natasha Meyer (Nicro) 021 462 0017 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Zane Groenewald (BackaBuddy)| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Around 2000 children are born with clubfoot in South Africa every year.

Children born with clubfoot are unable to walk, run or play due their feet being rotated inwards or downwards or legs being unequal lengths. Left untreated, the child will live a life of disability, and face further psychological and socio-economic burdens. But it doesn’t have to be this way, clubfoot can be treated with the highly effective and non-invasive Ponseti method.

“A child born with clubfoot needs effective and early treatment. Neglected or untreated clubfoot leads to permanent disability and is a barrier to participating fully in economic and social life.” – says Luke Engel, marketing manager of non-profit organization STEPS.

Founded in 2015 in the Western Cape, STEPS has ensured that thousands of children have access to effective treatment, who would otherwise have lived with a preventable disability.

“As the only organisation working to assist children born with clubfoot in South Africa, STEPS responds to a huge regional need where it is estimated that 2000 children are born every year with clubfoot, but only 8% of those children will have access to health insurance or means to pay for treatment.” says Engel

For the month of September, STEPS, have launched a national “STEPtember” campaign to raise R 50 000 to assist in funding clubfoot operations; training of doctors, parent education, clinic support and clubfoot brace distribution.

With the campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, supporters are encouraged to set up their own campaigns to support the organisation and commit to walking 10 000 steps a day, to stand up for those affected by clubfoot.

“We currently reach about 50% of children born with clubfoot and have a goal to make that 100% by 2022. Accurate diagnosis, early intervention and referral is critical. For every R2500 we raise, we're able to support these initiatives with full treatment support for one child. We hope the public will support our BackaBuddy campaign through a direct donation or by signing up to our STEPtember challenge” - says Engel 

Join the STEPtember Challenge:
Sign up for the STEPtember challenge on BackaBuddy here:
https://form.jotformeu.com/72543433309353 and decide how much you would like to fundraise!

Motivate why you are passionate about this cause by writing a short story or put together a short video to let your friends and family know what you are doing!

For more information on raising funds for this cause please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In times when the South African media is filled with stories of corrupt government officials, increasing crime rates, Dollar/Rand exchange rates that make one’s eyes water and the impending doom of how the amendment of Section 25 of the constitution (expropriation without compensation) is going to pan out it is difficult to think how we can be positive at all about the economy we live in.However, before throwing away plans to start a business in Mzansi and flee to ‘stable’ countries like the UK (cold and wet), America (hurricanes), or Australia (every animal trying to poison you) we need to be logical and brush past the negative headlines.

Remember, big media makes its money on negativity!All it takes is a little bit of research into objective, globally recognised reports and statistics to actually get a better idea of what the South African economy is all about. It is interesting to note that there is indeed plenty to be happy about!We at Funding Connection have had a look at some top 20 facts of the South African economy. Sources ranging from the World Economic Forum, SA Good News, World Bank, Eighty 20, and The Economist have plenty of positive facts about the South African economy.

Below are our favourite top 21 pickings:

1. Domestic inflation: The highest inflation rate ever recorded in South Africa was in January 1986, at 20.7%. Some of you may remember those bad days where each wag of P.W. Botha’s finger put an extra percentile to the inflation rate. That year the average inflation rate was 18.7%. During the 2008 financial crisis South Africa’s inflation rate was 11.5%. In July 2018, the latest official monthly inflation rate was 5.1%. With inflation this low, production cost increases can be expected to remain low, despite the large hikes in the petrol price. This reduces the perceived risk of starting a business in South Africa. Compared to Venezuela (200 000% inflation rate) we are not doing too badly!

2. Fast growing economy: Harvard’s Centre for International Development (CID) has estimated that the three fastest growing economies until 2026 will be India, Uganda, and Egypt, growing at 7.89%, 7.46%, and 6.63% respectively. South Africa is projected to grow at 4.9% annually until 2026. This is an indication that the socio-political sphere will eventually stabilise and thus there is no reason to fear having to start a new business.

3. National Budget: According to the 2017 Open Budget Index, South Africa was ranked joint first with New Zealand for having the most transparent budget in the world, with both countries scoring 89 out of a possible 100 points. The United States and Brazil are tied 7th with 77 points, while China is near the bottom of the list with 13 points. This level of transparency provides a positive business environment for investors and will attract either local or Foreign Direct Investment into the country to invest in new ventures.

4. Business competition: In the 2017/2018 World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness report, South Africa was ranked 61st out of 137 economies. This is the country’s lowest ranking ever. High levels of competition improves a country’s performance, increases business opportunities and reduces the costs of goods and services. This is the optimum environment for starting a new venture.

5. Wine: South Africa is the seventh largest wine producer in the world, producing 3.9% of the world’s wine. This attracts wine connoisseurs and creates a desirable flow of tourism for start-up hospitality businesses. 

6.  High-Net-Worth Individuals: The Africa Wealth Report includes data on high net worth individuals (HNWIs), defined as individuals with net assets of US$1 million upwards. In 2016, South Africa was home to the most HNWIs in Africa, having an estimated 40,400 individuals. This is followed by Egypt (around 18,100 HNWIs) and Nigeria (around 12,300 HNWIs). Having a large group of HNWIs is an indication of a positive business environment, and, despite what we see in the news, South Africans are making money. So why can’t you?

7. Property Prices: According to the Economist, South Africa ranks 4th on the percentage improvement to property prices 2015 from a year earlier. It was found that there was a 9.7% improvement. Ireland came first at 16%. When 2015 is compared with 2009 South Africa ranks 6th at a 40% improvement, with Brazil being first at 155%. For those wanting to start or increase their property portfolio, South Africa is the right place to be. A R5 million luxury apartment on the KZN North Coast with sea views surely beats a R5 million cupboard in London.

8. Currency value: According to the Economist’s BIG MAC Index of 2016, South Africa ranks 5th in the undervaluation of its currency with a 55% under evaluation against the US$. This is great for those wanting to enter the export market!

9. Easy business conditions: In the World Bank’s 2017 Doing Business Report, South Africa was ranked 74 out of 190 countries. The ease of doing business not only brings investment into the country, but creates a desirable environment in starting a business. It is relatively easier to start a new venture in South Africa than other economies in the world.  

10. Tax revenue: Tax Revenue has increased from R100 billion in 1994 to R1,4 trillion in 2016 in South Africa. Not only does this indicate the efficiency of tax collection, but also a broadening tax base in South Africa. Essentially this means that an accessible target market for start-ups has increased and should continue to increase.

11. National debt: South Africa’s debt to GDP ratio is 48%. Compared to the USA (100%), Japan (200%), and the UK (90%) South Africa does not do too badly in this department. The World Bank recommends a ratio of 60%. With reasonable debt levels the likelihood that the government is able to repay its debt is high and that its fiscal policy is sustainable. This is conducive for starting a business in South Africa, knowing that the government will still be able to continue spending and thus stimulate the economy.

12. Stock market: The South African stock market is ranked 3rd in terms of regulation in the 2017 Global Competitive Report. Tight regulation prevents poor decisions, such as those that caused the financial crises in 2008. It’s comforting knowing that greed in the JSE will unlikely occur to an extent that the economy plummets and affects your new business.

13. Mining: South Africa is still a big player in mining. It is ranked 1st in Platinum output, 2nd in Palladium output, 5th in Gold output, and 7th in Coal output. Mining is what made South Africa and there is opportunity to start value-adding businesses that can bring huge export potential. Think of diamond cutting, and jewellery manufacturing. This is an untapped market!

14. Credit: South Africa is ranked 2nd out of 183 countries for good practice in protecting both borrowers and lenders when obtaining credit for business, according to the World Bank Doing Business Report. This is essential when applying for loans for your start-up.

15. Gender equality: According to WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2015, South Africa is ranked 17th out of a total of 145 economies, ahead of many developed nations, including, the UK (18th), United States (28), Canada (30), Australia (36) and France (57). For women wanting to start a new venture, South Africa provides a progressive business environment, ensuring that women reach financial success!

16. Stock market II: According to the Economist (2016), the JSE ranks 18th in terms of “largest market capitalisation” out of 140 countries. Even during these difficult economic circumstances it is interesting to note that South African companies are still deemed valuable and are resilient during tough times. This resilience indicates that one can still start-up a dream business in these conditions.

17. Property II: South Africa is ranked 23rd out of 81 countries in the Jones Lang LaSalle’s “World’s most Transparent Real Estate Markets” placing it well ahead of the other BRICS countries. “Robust governance, strong auditing and a developed legal system” were cited as the main reasons for leading the developing markets in this rating. Another indicator that investing in property in South Africa is a smart move.

18. US$ reserves: When it comes to holding the glorified US$, South Africa ranks 32nd out of 165 countries in terms of the size of its US$ reserves. South Africa is ranked ahead of Australia, Sweden and Chile. The USA ranks 17th, the UK 23rd, China is ranked 1. The size of a country’s US$ reserves is a reflection of its export market. South Africa clearly has a favourable export market. Again, a good market to be in for any start-up.

19. Agriculture: South Africa ranks in the top 20 countries for agricultural output. South Africa is one of the most fertile countries in the world and so many doors are open to start an agricultural start-up.

20. Exports: South Africa ranks 37th out of 192 countries in the Economist’s “Biggest Exporters” Index 2016. This is clearly the market aspiring South African business owners need to get into!

21. Exchange Rate: The changes of the exchange rate from US$ to South African Rand will bring challenges to importers but offers a huge opportunity to export South African products with a competitive price. It also encourages South African to source products in South Africa and will increase the production here.

Sources:www.sagoodnews.co.zawww.eighty20.co.zawww3.weforum.orgwww.doingbusiness.orgwww.economist.com

Java Launch: The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi) recently launched the latest of their Tech Skills and Job-Readiness Programmes for previously disadvantaged South African youth interested in a future coding or software development career.

24 August 2018 – Young, unemployed South Africans that are passionate about a career in digital are invited to apply before 10 September 2018 to the Java Launch CapaCiTi training and placement programme set to kick off in Johannesburg and Cape Town late September.

CapaCiTi, a full-time tech career accelerator for ambitious youth, earlier this year significantly scaled up its programme delivery to support even more talented young tech enthusiasts. For those who are crazy about technology and ready to work hard – these programmes are a powerful platform to secure your digital career.

The CapaCiTi programmes are to be run at its brand-new tech student campus in Salt River, Cape Town, and at the CapaCiTi training hub at Resolution Circle in Milpark, Johannesburg. CapaCiTi students have direct access to CiTi’s vibrant technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem to access further opportunities and form valuable connections with other tech professionals and leaders through events and mentorship opportunities.

The goal is to equip 3000 talented young South Africans with industry-demanded technology and business skills, placing graduates into internships and permanent jobs in South Africa's leading companies. The Java Launch programme is the most recent high impact programme available to youth in Cape Town and Joburg. The programme is open to previously disadvantaged, unemployed youth.

The Java Launch Programme

Young South African that are interested in solving problems, curious about how things work, are interested in and passionate about mathematics and science, and excited about the applications and growth of tech, will succeed on the Java Launch programme.

The Java Launch CapaCiTi programme teaches students to code with Java, but also the broader technical and business knowledge you’ll need to succeed in today’s workplace. During the programme students will learn the fundamentals of Java, one of the most in-demand and foundational programming languages both within South Africa and internationally.

Participants in the programme will learn:

Java fundamentals (Intro to Java/Variables, Expressions and Statements/Control/Loops)

Java Data Structures and Error Handling (1D arrays, 2D arrays/Types of errors/Exception handling)

Java OOP and Advanced Programming (Classes and Objects/Classes and Methods/OOP principles/Complex topics.

This programme will prepare participants for careers as Junior Software Developers, Software Testers, Software Analysts and Software Engineers; but also as a great foundation for many other digital career avenues.

Application Criteria

All candidates must be 18-35 years old, previously disadvantaged, South African citizens and currently unemployed. The Java Launch programme requires applicants to be in possession of a Matric certificate. Applicants for the Java Launch programme are asked to complete an assessment to qualify for an application interview – this interview tests for problem solving and logic so those with an aptitude for STEM subjects (science, mathematics, engineering, technology) are most likely to succeed.

Pay it forward

While there are no training costs for students on the programmes, graduates will be required to pay forward their training costs only when they are settled into their new permanent job post programme. This pay-back then goes directly towards training of further young South Africans in the programme, thereby contributing to further SA youths’ digital career opportunities.

The pay-it-forward cost for the Java Launch programme is R16 000 for the skills training and coaching and an additional R9 000 travel allowance. Once a participant in the programme is settled in their first job, they will need to pay back the training costs in affordable installments every month, relative to their earnings.

In the years following graduation, CapaCiTi continues to support its alumni to support their career progression.

What to expect?

Individuals are mentored by a network of skilled coaches and receive training in important business skills such as collaboration, critical and creative thinking, presentation and personal branding. Each programme, including the Java Launch, is coupled with a 6-month internship so that candidates have an immediate chance to apply and grow their skills. On completion of the internship, candidate interviews are facilitated by CapaCiTi to ensure graduates are placed in permanent jobs.

Over the past seven years, CapaCiTi has trained over 1000 young South Africans, placing 82% of candidates, 40% being female, in technology positions at 130 partner host companies such as Media24, Woolworths, Shoprite, BCX and Absa.

“I’ve been totally blown away by CapaCiTi. The programme helped me achieve my goal, get my dream job, and start my career in Tech. I had graduated in 2012 with a Diploma in Programming from another institution and struggled to get a job in IT for over 4 years prior to joining CapaCiTi,” states Xavier Mehl who completed the CapaCiTi Software Development Programme in 2016.

CapaCiTi programmes not only provide meaningful opportunity for young South Africans to participate in the digital economy but allow companies to access job-ready young talent to diversify their teams and reduce recruitment and retention challenges. In today's industry, smart and extensive digital technology is no longer an addition but a requisite and data-driven companies who adopt and adapt tech will survive the surge in digital disruption across all sectors.

Are you a young, unemployed South African that fits the criteria and is passionate about a future career in technology?

Then APPLY ONLINE NOW for the Java Launch Programme.

Candidates need to be 18 – 35 years old, previously disadvantaged, a South African citizen and in possession of a Matric certificate.

Start #yourdigitalfuture by applying at: www.citi.org.za/capaciti-apply for the September Java Launch programme.

Connect with CapaCiTi on Facebook (@capacitiza) and Twitter (@capacitiza). 

ENDS 

For media enquiries please contact:

Mika Stanvliet | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 081 534 6237 

ABOUT CAPACITI AND THE CAPE INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE (CITI)

CapaCiTi is a programme of the Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi), Africa's oldest tech incubator set up to develop initiatives that support and stimulate growth in the South African digital economy. The programme provides unemployed youth with coding and tech skills, psychological and mentoring support, job readiness training, as well as internship and permanent placement in our partner companies. For the past seven years, CapaCiTi has trained young people in the Western Cape, which was then scaled to 4 cities in January 2018, to further scale over the next three years. The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi) as an organisation (NPO) has been instrumental in developing South Africa’s vibrant technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Its highly successful technology business incubation programmes have supported thousands of entrepreneurs in growing their businesses and contributing towards the local economy, alongside supporting key technology innovation clusters – currently Edtech, Fintech, Traveltech and Data Science. CiTi’s Bandwidth Barns are based in Woodstock and Khayelitsha, and are vibrant digital ecosystems for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills delivery. 

South African commercial property firm Rosh Pinah Properties is delighted to announce that it has opened a satellite office in London, United Kingdom. The office, to be overseen by South African entrepreneur Dan Greenberg, will assist South African buyers, in particular, who want to invest in commercial properties both in the UK and Europe.

In addition, the firm has enlisted the support of close associate Joseph Schiff from OEH International, who will oversee investments in Central and Eastern Europe.

Commenting on the decision, Rosh Pinah director Patricia Potgieter said: “While South Africa continues to yield opportunities, current market uncertainties mean investors are looking elsewhere in the world to balance their property portfolios.”

“Even despite volatility surrounding the Brexit negotiations, commercial property Investments have hardly fluctuated in the United Kingdom, and provide buyers with stability and limited risk exposure,” added Rosh Pinah Director René Styber.

Demand for housing close to city nodal hubs, for example, remains high throughout the United Kingdom. According to Greenberg, office conversions to apartments offer higher yields than new builds and in most cases funding is immediately available on completion of purchase.

“Investors in the UK property market can generally count on a seven per cent annual yield on a property, while borrowing at three per cent. This makes commercial investments extremely attractive."

Access to Europe

While Europe may have appeared out of reach for local buyers, according to Rosh Pinah there are a number of cherry picked investments on the market at significant yields, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.

To this end, the company has established a number of associations with European property groups, which can provide access to commercial property deals within specific countries.

The increasing affluence among former Eastern bloc countries and the emergence of aspirational citizens, who want to see their cities model facilities that are available in the West, have contributed to a boom in retail shopping centres. According to Rosh Pinah, a number of large-scale multipurpose commercial property developments in downtown Warsaw, Poland for example, as well as large cities in Bulgaria and Romania, may be of particular interest to South Africans, who have an impressive track record in local retail investments.

“Rosh Pinah is eager to present these ground breaking developments to both local funders and developers,” Potgieter said.

-- ENDS --

About Rosh Pinah Properties

Established in early 2015, Rosh Pinah Properties (Pty) Ltd is a niche player in South Africa’s commercial property market. Combining the unique strengths of two remarkable women – Patricia Potgieter and René Styber – each having made their mark on the growth and development of major property investments in Gauteng and beyond, Rosh Pinah Properties provides a real force in the market for property investments. Having secured and brokered such prominent projects such as Nelson Mandela Square, in Sandton’s golden square mile, Rosh Pinah prides itself in identifying prime investment opportunities within the retail, commercial and industrial sectors, and securing the right partners for sale and future development.

Rosh Pinah is a Hebrew word for foundation - or cornerstone. As its name suggests the team is committed to deals that are fused with integrity, and building partnerships that are true to their word.

Nedbank launches The Disruption Agenda to connect the best technology startups to major corporations and business leaders

South Africa, 13 August 2018 – Nedbank announced today the expansion of their US partnership with Plug and Play, the world’s largest innovation platform, to include South Africa for the first time.Together, the entities will connect 10 visionary entrepreneurs from around the world to business leaders at The Disruption Agenda to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in September.These startups are at the leading edge of digital transformation. They have been accelerated via the Plug and Play platform and identified as relevant disruptors to solving cross-sector business challenges at a corporate level within the local market.

“Nedbank recognises that building an innovation strategy at a corporate level can present a number of significant challenges. To help corporate leaders, we have structured The Disruption Agenda, a first of its kind event on the continent, to simplify how corporates connect to world-class startups,” shares Stuart van der Veen, Head of Disruption and Innovation at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB). “The problem is that innovative thinking is too often limited to finding new ways of doing old things, when what businesses really need to set themselves apart is to find completely new things to do. And that’s where the successful integration of disruptive technology can be an unparalleled source of comprehensive transformation for any business.”

Nedbank’s participation in Plug and Play's FinTech accelerator program abroad supports its commitment to source innovative digital enhancements to meet the changing needs of its clients. Nedbank has sponsored Play and Play’s Fintech initiative for close on two years and for each of the four batches that Nedbank has been involved in, the bank’s teams actively engaged with the startups to source new ideas and partnerships with the aim of delivering delightful client experiences and disruptive client value propositions.

“Our partnership with Nedbank has given our startups a successful route to expand their business to South Africa,” said Max Koenig, Director of Plug and Play FinTech, Silicon Valley. “The CIB group, responsible for innovation within Nedbank, has been instrumental in sourcing startups to digitally transform their company.” 

The Disruption Agenda is a closed event structured for Nedbank’s clients, while a public event for broader access to Plug and Play is envisioned to take place later in the year. The success of these engagements will form the basis of Plug and Play’s decision to accelerate plans to establish a permanent presence in Africa.

“The opportunity in Africa as a whole is endless and we view this event in September as an integral first step for opening and developing an Innovation Hub in South Africa in 2019” noted Saeed Amidi, Founder & CEO of Plug and Play.

“We believe that successful disruptors are those organisations that are able to see through their traditional functions and create new realities for their clients and businesses. In the process of transforming innovation thinkers to disruption leaders, these organisations have real potential to transform the economic reality of entire communities,” shares Van der Veen. 

-- ENDS --

For more information about this press release please contact:

Mika Stanvliet - The This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 081 534 6237 

About Nedbank Group

Nedbank Group is a bank holding company listed on JSE Limited (JSE) with a market capitalisation of R125 billion as at 30 June 2018. Nedbank Group is one of Africa’s largest banking groups.Its principal banking subsidiary is Nedbank Limited, and the group is 54% majority owned by Old Mutual Limited (OML), which has a primary listing on the JSE with secondary listings in London, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Namibia. Nedbank Group owns subsidiaries and banks in Namibia, Swaziland, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and offshore in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. It also has representative offices in other Southern Africa countries, including Angola and Kenya, and has key global financial centres to provide international banking services for SA-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in London, Toronto and Dubai (UAE).We are a diversified financial services provider, offering a wide range of wholesale and retail banking services, as well as insurance, asset management and wealth management solutions.

For more information, visit https://www.nedbank.co.za/ 

About Plug and Play:

Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 20 locations globally giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 6,000 startups and 220 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries.We provide active investments with 200 leading Silicon Valley VCs, and host more than 700 networking events per year. Companies in our community have raised over $7 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club, PayPal, SoundHound, and Zoosk.

For more information, visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com

On 01 September 2018, the 20th Moretele Park Tribute Concert invites the public to chart a personal voyage through the offerings of a particularly rich lineup. Steeped in the history of jazz, the programme for this year’s much loved music festivity features jazz heavyweights, delicate soul, new R&B, hip-hop and dance music sensations. 

Headlined by songstress and producer Zonke Dikana, who’s recently released album ‘L.O.V.E’ is a much awaited offering for her fans, the bill will also see five time Grammy isicathamiya vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mafikizolo performing alongside veteran South African jazz luminary, the Oscar and Grammy nominated Dr Jonas Gwangwa. The BET award winning rapper Sjava adds to the show with Vusi Nova, Tsepo Tshola, Don Laka, Ringo, Amanda Black and Drs Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya.

Also honouring and paying homage to Dr Nelson Mandela who would have celebrated his centenary birthday this year, Sam Mangwane of Drakensberg Promotions, organisers of the concert says; “We are excited to be celebrating such a milestone as the concert and also take this time to reflect on and celebrate Madiba’s legacy through an exceptional line up of musicians. What’s also special is that one of his favourite music groups, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be on stage.

The internationally acclaimed five-time Grammy Award-winning group travelled with him to Oslo in Norway when he received the Nobel Peace Prize. They also sang when he was inaugurated as president, and enjoyed many special appearances with him.”And it is also with that spirit, that the programming of the 20th edition of the concert characterizes the many facets of South African music. Curating a rich tapestry of diverse music, the line up truly reflects the many cultures and genres of music that we have come to love and embrace as South Africans.

As a head up to the concert, Drakensberg Promotions will host a music business workshop that is an invaluable tutorial for the independent music industry and its stakeholders wanting to know more about the business of music.‘We look forward to providing access to some of the best musicians in South Africa through our specially curated programme and line-up while also contributing to the development of our cultural economy in the capital city, Tshwane, South Africa” ends Mangwane. 

The show starts at 12:00 and tickets cost R300. All ticket queries can be directed to the www.computicket.co.za  website and Checkers and Shoprite outlets. For media queries and interview requests please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact 011 7887632.

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Drakensberg Promotions 

It’s never been more important, and perhaps more difficult, for people to be engaged in their work. Things move fast. People have the flexibility to work when they want, often outside 9 to 5. And they’re working everywhere: in the office (where it can be noisy and filled with distractions) and out of the office (where it’s often even harder to focus). But when people are engaged, it usually means they’re happier. Plus, engaged employees outperform their peers in terms of productivity, sales, energy levels, healthcare savings, and lower turnover rates.

SMARTER WORKING HELPS PEOPLE BE AT THEIR BEST

The Smarter Working approach can help an organization enhance some of the factors that contribute to employee engagement and happiness.

First, it’s essential that people have a choice of workspaces within their workday such as places to collaborate, unassigned desks, quiet spaces, or touchdown areas. Second, they need the right communication tools—those designed for them—to use seamlessly throughout their day. This has a wonderful effect. People can embrace their own work style, the way they work best. They feel like the company is listening to them, they’re more satisfied with their job, and they are more likely to stay. So, there is a greater sense of belonging, which promotes a culture of trust. This means they enjoy more independence and have more control over their day. This kind of supported autonomy breeds engagement for employees and creates a company others will want to join.

WITH SMARTER WORKING, THE TALENT POOL WIDENS

When companies adopt a Smarter Working approach and provide an array of workspaces and communication tools, there is an additional (and big) advantage: the opportunity to recruit the best people, wherever they may be in the world. Because just like a great idea can come from anyone, great talent can come from anywhere.

A MORE SATISFIED WORKFORCE CONTRIBUTES TO BOTTOM-LINE PERFORMANCE

With Smarter Working, people have the tools and freedom to contribute to the company’s success in their own unique ways. This is gratifying and provides a real sense of fulfilment. And that matters because employee satisfaction and productivity are closely tied to financial success.1

In South Africa, Plantronics promotes Smarter Working concepts through its team members, authorized distributors and partners. Read more about Smarter Working https://www.plantronics.com/za/en/smarter-working  

About Plantronics
Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth? headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit  www.plantronics.com/za

1 ”When the walls come down,” Oxford Economics, page 9. 2 ”The Engaged Workplace,” http://www.gallup.com/services/190118/engaged-workplace.aspx.