Top tips for saving and celebrating a greener Christmas 

Load shedding is a fact of life for the foreseeable future in South Africa and a little planning and creativity can alleviate a lot of the unpleasantness during the holidays. This is according to Evan Schiff, event director of the annual African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa conference and expo in Cape Town.

He says furthermore that higher electricity prices in South Africa have become an increasing strain on consumers’ monthly expenses and that “Christmas is a great time to introduce energy saving habits into a household as many easy and simple changes in the way we live can end up putting extra money into your pocket.”

Practical tips to plan for and cope with load shedding this holiday:
•    Be prepared, keep a regular eye on websites with information on load shedding schedules and print these out.  http://www.loadshedding.eskom.co.za/
•    Create a Whatsapp group for your neighbourhood and keep each other informed.
•    Make sure that there are enough candles, matches, torches, batteries and so forth for load shedding periods after dark.
•    Be ready for it! Make sure all cellphones, tablets, laptops and toys are fully charged before the lights go out. This way you can keep the kids entertained with a movie, or at least be able to use the phone.
•    Have fun activities ready for when the lights are off such as board games and family time around the barbeque.
•    Keep a gas burner as a back-up in the kitchen to be able to heat water and do essential cooking.   

An energy efficient holiday season
“There are a variety of ways we can use a lot less electricity this holiday season”, says Schiff, “such as using LED* Christmas lights which use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights. Consider investing in solar powered outdoor lights which can also be used on the Christmas tree and only come on at night.”

He continues: “up to 40% of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season so try to buy toys and gifts that don't use electricity or batteries. Gifts made of recycled material are also a great environmentally friendly gesture.”

More handy energy saving tips for the holiday season:
•    Don’t use the tumble dryer unnecessarily – it is summer, so take advantage of solar powered drying.
•    Turn off the room lights when the Christmas tree lights are on.
•    Set a timer to Christmas and outdoor lights to limit the time they are on.
•    Create a romantic and intimate atmosphere by using candles instead of lights.
•    Enjoy the weather and celebrate the holidays outside with a braai instead of cooking on a stove!  Or enjoy cold meats and salads during this summer season – it’s healthier and saves on power.
•    If you’re going away, turn off/ the geyser, empty and unplug the refrigerator.Advice for improving energy efficiency in your home during the year:
•    Invest in a geyser blanket. Unless the geyser is properly insulated, switching it off does not save electricity.
•    Insulate the roof to make the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter and thereby saving on seasonal heating and cooling.•    Switch off appliances at the wall plug when not in use.
•    Replace CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) bulbs with LED.
•    Use cold water to do laundry, it saves electricity and is better for the clothes.

Gathering thousands of energy professionals
For the past 14 years, the African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa conference and exhibition has helped to reduce the energy consumption of commercial and industrial large power users and has assisted in African utilities providing electricity and water to all of Africa. The event brings together thousands of utility professionals from across the globe to learn, share knowledge and debate the key topics that will secure the future development of Africa’s power industry. These include energy efficiency, improved service delivery, renewable energy, collaboration across the continent and investment in new power projects. South Africa’s state utility Eskom has been a key partner for many years.

The 15th edition of African Utility Week is expected to again attract more than 5000 attendees and feature 250 exhibitors, 190 speakers, eight conferences, free technical workshops on the expo floor, three high-profile plenary sessions and the coveted industry awards gala dinner. Stakeholders from across the industry and continent are represented, from Ministers of Energy through to power and water utilities, municipalities and regulators to investors and technology and service providers.  

Attending the African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa exhibition is free when registering in advance and it showcases energy saving technologies and services for the industry and features hands-on demonstrations and workshops on the exhibition floor.

*LED=light-emitting diodes

Eskom’s 49M campaign encourages all South Africans to take the 49M pledge to save at least 10% electricity.  http://www.49m.co.za

African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa are organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK.

The dates for next year’s African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa are:  
Exhibition & Conference: 12-14 May 2015
Industry awards: 13 May 2015
Site Visits: 15 May 2015
Location:  CTICC, Cape Town
Website:  www.african-utility-week.com, www.clean-power-africa.com 

Contact for interviews:
Event director: Evan Schiff
Mobile: +27 83 415 3534
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
Mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.african-utility-week.com/pages/detail/15725

FinMark Trust together with the Bank of Lao PDR, and the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) of Lao have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 6 November 2014 for the FinScope Consumer Lao 2014 survey. The FinScope Consumer survey, the first of its kind in Lao, which is a nationally representative study on how individuals source their income and how they manage their financial lives will commence in November 2014 and is due for completion in January 2015.  The survey is a priority in “Making Access Possible (MAP)” and part of the “Making Access to Finance more Inclusive for Poor People (MAFIPP)” programme.   The survey sample entails 255 villages representing rural and urban communities with eight families in each village to be interviewed. The survey will focus on information related to agriculture, income and expenses for rural people, savings, investment in the family business, household construction, loans, money transfers, infrastructure and ICT access.   This survey on financial services accessibility in the country, intends to address the shortage of available information on the demand for financial services among the poor households.. The NSB views the survey as contributing to the review and implementation of the Seventh National Socio- Economic Development Plan as well as planning for the next five years in Lao.

FinScope

FinScope was launched in 2002 by FinMark Trust (www.finmark.org.za).  Its purpose is to establish credible benchmarks on the use of, and access to, financial services in South Africa.  It is designed to highlight opportunities for innovation in products and delivery. The FinScope survey is a comprehensive and national representative study on financial inclusion, looking at how people source their income and manage their financial lives. It has been implemented in 19 countries (11 in SADC, 5 non-SADC Africa and 3 in Asia). The FinScope survey is currently being implemented in 3 more countries in Asia and 4 in the SADC region (1 first cycle and 3 repeat surveys).  

Editorial contact:
FinMark Trust  Nitha Ramnath (Ms) Communication Manager

Tel:  011 315-9197 / 0829214769 Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

About FinMark Trust

FinMark Trust, an independent trust based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was established in 2002, and is funded primarily by UKaid from the Department for International Development (DFID) through its Southern Africa office.  FinMark Trust’s purpose is ‘Making financial markets work for the poor, by promoting financial inclusion and regional financial integration’. FinMark Trust does this by conducting research to identify the systemic constraints that prevent financial markets from reaching out to these consumers and by advocating for change on the basis of research findings. Please visit www.finmark.org.za for more information.

With a little over a month left to reserve your seat for the Trade Finance Conference 2014, diarise 5 & 6 November where you will have the opportunity to network with decision makers in the trade finance field.

Hosted by Trade Conferences International, at Focus Rooms, Sunninghill, Johannesburg; trade finance experts will be sharing their insights and knowledge on the newest developments and advancements in the industry at the Trade Finance Conference 2014.Take advantage of this favorable opportunity to build lasting business connections and be in the know on the latest regarding trade finance.

A look at the expert speaker panel addressing the Trade Finance Conference 2014
• Harry Kaplan – Chief Executive Officer, American Trade & Finance Company
• Paul Masemola – Managing Director, MiSEC Advisory
• Robert Brine – Risk Lead, IQ Business Group
• Michael Shackleton – Senior Legal Executive, Credit Intel
• Francois Visagie – Head: Structured Trade and Commodity Finance, Absa Capital
• Richard Harvey – Seasoned Trade Finance Structurer and Deal Maker in Southern Africa, First National Bank
• Vanessa Miller – Managing Director, VM Consulting
• Yusuf Ali Khan- Trade Head for Africa, CitiBank
• Tsepo Tsotetsi – Documentary Trade Product Manager – Africa division, Standard Bank
• Graham Megaw – Head: International Banking Finance and Operations Support Services, Bidvest Bank
• Meluleki Nzimande – Partner in International Trade, Webber Wentzel
• Lodewyk Meyer – Director, Norton Rose Fulbright

“Attending the conference will be a great opportunity to network and build industry contacts,” says project manager of the conference Jason Joseph, “while getting a global view on trade finance.”

Email Jason to get more inside scoop on the event. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.tci-sa.co.za to receive the registration form which can be electronically completed and submitted. There are group booking discounts available! Call 011 803 1553 to find out more.

Website: www.tci-sa.co.za/unlocking-south-africas-international-trade-finance-potential

Do you want to gain a global perspective on pricing and billing? Do you want to get value from your pricing strategies? Do you want to meet your customers’ expectations and retail them regardless of price changes? Have you acquired enough price negotiation skills? How many pricing models and billing systems have been exposed to? You will be provided with answers on these important questions at the Pricing & Billing Conference on 19 & 20 November at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

The conference does not promise a panacea for all pricing and billing challenges, but it will explore vital aspects that will enable you and your company to maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with your customers. It will provide you with tools to efficiently structure your prices at the same time not upsetting your company/customer relations and ensure growth on profit margins.

Network and take advantage of this opportunity to compare notes and interact with your fellow colleagues and professionals working in various sections such as product pricing, transfer pricing, payments processing & pricing, markets pricing & risk, transactional products pricing, actuarial pricing product development, product market research, risk & capital management, commercial billing & support, billing management, business analysis, core banking projects, client value management, value optimisation, customer relationship management, client profitability, sales & marketing, underwriting, auditing, accounts, transaction & forex products, business enablement & wealth, customer service & billing, costing & pricing analysis, billing & IT, procurement & supply chain, revenue management, financial planning, wholesale billing services, billing & production.

Trade Conferences International is well known in the financial industry, with more than 1200 delegates attending our financial events during the past 12 years.

To register, visit our financial conferences website at www.financialconferences.co.za to download the brochure, complete the registration form and fax it to us on 086 582 2981, or email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information please contact Naison Chilenge, Project Manager at TCI on +27 11 803 1553 or alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.tci-sa.co.za/gain-a-global-perspective-on-pricing-billing-strategies

University of Pretoria-  Measuring the impact of trade finance on country trade flows : a South African perspectiveKohler, Marcel; Saville, Adrian- 2011

Trade finance (or short-term credit) plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade yet is particularly vulnerable to financial crises as banks increase the pricing on all trade finance transactions to cover increased funding costs and higher credit risks. Whereas South Africa’s financial institutions largely managed to strengthen their capital positions during the global financial crisis, the country’s trade flows and access to capital (in particular trade finance and its costs) were hard hit by the crisis. Little is known about the extent of shortages or ‘gaps’ in trade finance and the impact of this on South Africa’s recent trade performance. Whilst our research recognises that access to trade finance is not the main cause of South Africa’s trade contraction, our research suggests that all else equal, a one percentage point increase in the interbank lending rate of our trade partner could reduce exports by approximately ten per cent.

With global trade flows shifting, and intra-regional trading becoming ever more prevalent, the world is watching Africa as an emerging global force.

Trade finance in Africa is growing as a force to be reckoned with, and the world’s eyes are fixed on Africa to see what it will present to the global market. Sharing a South African perspective, speakers addressing the Trade Finance Conference taking place on 5-6 November 2014 will discuss who the key-players are in African intra-regional trade; leading African and emerging trade hubs, as well as the still untapped opportunities for intra-regional trade.

“The speaker panel will engage with conference attendees, sharing key trade finance awareness’s and outlooks for the future,” says project manager, Jason Joseph. “Attending the conference will be a great opportunity to network and build industry contacts,” says Joseph, “while getting a global view on trade finance.”

Jason Joseph, project manager can be contacted on 011 803 1553 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details on speaker opportunities. For marketing, sponsorship and exhibitions, email Sian Wirth This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We are thrilled to announce that both the public and private sectors appear to recognize the value of board diversity as BPW SA has been approached in the last month alone, to assist with eleven board vacancies for women on our Register.  Women and men have different interests and perspectives in important areas, and boards are starting to see the importance of utilising these varying experiences to tackle the tremendous challenges. 

BPW SA and the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) want boards of directors to widen the search for talent by looking beyond the traditional pool of executives and bring new potential to light.  It is for this reason that we have joined forces to provide a Women on Boards programme to create a Register of female leaders in South Africa who are excellently trained and, as a result, are highly sought after by Boards.  After all, why on earth would you voluntarily exclude half the smart people?

Our first group of 19 senior women, all thoroughly trained through our 9-month Women on Boards director development programme and certified by the dti, are now available on our register of Board Potential Women Directors and we urge companies to contact us for potential female directors.

Seven of our graduates are in line for board interviews , many have been interviewed by the media – both radio and magazines – and all will be profiled in the KZN Chamber of Commerce Power Book (2015). As an ongoing service to the graduates, BPW SA continues to raise their profile in an effort to access suitable board placements.  We have proven that board diversity is not a supply problem, but rather a demand problem.

BPW SA is proud to announce that we have incorporated an international module into the Women on Boards programme.  Business acumen - incorporating business finance and strategy - a must in today’s complex landscape. Business acumen is a keen understanding of what it takes for an organization to make money.  It combines financial literacy – the ability to interpret numbers on financial statements – with business literacy – recognizing how strategies and decisions impact these numbers.  Call it a sophisticated business simulation. Call it an exercise in experiential learning. Or call it a board game. Whatever you label it, the simple fact is that the training is fun and will gives participants a true competitive edge.

A recent Women on Board graduate, Tebogo Maziya, who holds a Masters degree in Science, a postgraduate diploma in finance and a B Comm degree says the nine-month journey has been fulfilling. “I learnt there’s a risk and that that risk is manageable. So it’s important for the board to be transparent and accountable and for a board member to be aware of decisions made because they will be held accountable.”  Another graduate, Amantha Maharaj, a BSc electrical engineering graduate with an MBA, who works a top management level at an engineering consultancy says of the programme: “It teaches one to know how a board is structured, what to do, and questions one needs to ask when sitting on a board. It also teaches business risk and how one should view business from a higher level. It was certainly value for money.”

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

Johannesburg, South Africa- This article aims to notify you about Trade Conferences International (TCI)’s upcoming conference so that you can diarise it. The Pricing & Billing Conference 2014 will be held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Johannesburg on the 19 & 20 November 2014.A carefully selected panel of industry experts will share their research based presentations and impart vital information with delegates. Pricing and billing challenges, solutions and strategies will be discussed. Great networking opportunities will be afforded and new contacts established. You will also be treated to insightful case studies to give a practical perspective to the whole conference.

Topics are designed to cover a wide scope of all the vital and pertinent areas of the pricing and billing space. Some of the topics to be discussed include; evolution of pricing models, global pricing and billing trends, value-based pricing strategies, product pricing management strategies, pricing and billing strategies to improve profitability, pricing and customer dynamics, product and pricing life-cycle management, exploring relationship pricing models, negotiations of new prices, pricing and billing standardisations, transfer pricing regulations, managing transfer pricing risks and compliance in cross-border transfer pricing.

Besides learning and gaining new insights on current trends and strategies on pricing and billing, the conference will provide you with a great opportunity to compare notes and interact with your fellow colleagues and professionals working in various sections such as product pricing, transfer pricing, payments processing & pricing, markets pricing & risk, transactional products pricing, actuarial pricing product development, product market research, risk & capital management, commercial billing & support, billing management, business analysis, core banking projects, client value management, value optimisation, customer relationship management, client profitability, sales & marketing, underwriting, auditing, accounts, transaction & forex products, business enablement & wealth, customer Service & billing, costing & pricing analysis, billing & IT, procurement & supply chain, revenue management, financial planning, wholesale billing services, billing & Production.

Trade Conferences International is well known by the financial industry, with more than 1200 delegates attending our financial events during the past 2 years.To register, complete the registration form on the brochure and fax it to us on 086 582 2981, or email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information please contact Naison Chilenge, Project Manager at TCI on +27 11 803 1553 or alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.MORE ABOUT THE ORGANISER - www.tci-sa.co.za REQUEST A BROCHURE - Email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES - Email Sian Wirth, Marketing Manager- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

http://www.financialconferences.co.za/Pages/Event6.html

Clem Sunter, the now legendary futurist and strategist, is the keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual project and Construction Project Management Professions conference on the 20- 22 October 2014. Sunter will provide unique insights into the latest global economic scenarios and the possibilities they hold for the South African construction industry.  

This event is the industry’s only Project and Construction Project Management event endorsed by the department of Public Works where you will hear from industry thought leaders about the latest construction and project management trends, the role of built environment professionals in Infrastructure development and the 2014 construction regulations.  

The 2014 conference will address growth , development, and transformation of the Project and Construction Management Professions in South Africa and the continent.   Clem will offer the delegates his view on the world & South Africa beyond 2014 and the implications for the construction industry, how a fox sees it!  

For conference registration and information visit www.events.sacpcmp.org.za     

Event Information:

Date: 20 – 22 October 2014

Venue: Gallagher convention Centre, Midrand  

Contact

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 011 318 3402   Book your seat to the conference!

The second development phase at Somerset Lakes, a 42-hectare residential estate in Somerset West, will be released to the market in mid September. The first phase sold out rapidly, with 114 sales being recorded within just six weeks of the launch. Construction of the first phase is well under way and occupation is expected to take place in mid 2015.

The new phase, Waterford Green, comprises 48 freestanding double-storey houses, selling from R1,3 million including VAT, no transfer duty. These two and three bedroom homes offer spacious, contemporary, open-plan living areas and private gardens. All homes include at least two bathrooms, one being en suite, and the three-bedroom design offers a garage and an optional guest toilet.

According to Dave Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager of Somerset Lakes, the new product has been specifically designed to help meet the growing demand for affordable, quality housing in the popular Somerset West area.

“We’ve been inundated with requests from buyers looking for houses,” Harris said. “People want freestanding homes with gardens, views and security, in close proximity to the centre of Somerset West, and that’s exactly what our latest product at Somerset Lakes has to offer.”

Designed by Schabort Associates Architects, the new development phase is located alongside the six-hectare lake that gives the estate its name.

“This unique feature is a huge attraction,” Harris commented. “It’s ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing, and home to a rich variety of water birds. A magnificent community clubhouse on the shores of the lake, The Summer Club, will enhance the appeal of this fantastic recreational asset, providing residents with play areas, boat sheds, a sandy white beach, and a swimming pool and deck area with stunning views of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains.”

The developers, Omwieco (Pty) Ltd, a consortium of highly experienced development professionals backed by financial giant Investec, have devoted no less than 40% of the estate’s total area to green, open space for the recreation of residents. This includes the lakes and other water features, a mature forest of stone pine trees, landscaped parks and gardens, and kilometres of walking trails and mountain biking tracks.

An indigenous fynbos nursery has been established on the estate, which was recently awarded the prized 2014 SALI Gold Award for landscape design by the South African Landscapers Institute.“No expense has been spared to implement the most technically advanced security system at Somerset Lakes,” said Harris. "These measures include electrified perimeter fencing with 70 high-definition surveillance cameras, which are monitored around the clock from the hi-tech guardhouse, 24-hour guarding and patrols, and an on-site rapid response team. Other advanced features include biometric fingerprint access control."

All homes in the estate will be hardwired with fibre-optic cabling for superfast internet access, DStv and VOIP telephone connectivity, which will allow free telephone calls within the estate.

A Curro Castle School is being constructed on the estate and is due to open its doors in 2015.

Convenient access to the Somerset West village has been provided by the developers through the R16 million construction of Reunion Drive, which links the main entrance of Somerset Lakes to Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road under a specially constructed railway bridge. Just a few hundred metres from this entrance, an upmarket new shopping centre is now under construction, where Checkers, Woolworths Foods and Clicks will be the anchor tenants.The Vergelegen Mediclinic and the Somerset West CBD are less than two kilometres away, while popular Somerset Mall shopping centre is just 3,5 kilometres from the estate.

“When you consider the amazing lifestyle advantages Somerset Lakes offers, the security, the convenience of the surrounding amenities, and the incredible natural beauty of the estate, I have no doubt our second phase will sell as fast as the first one,” said Harris.“I strongly advise anyone interested to register online for an invitation to a pre-launch sales opportunity, ahead of our public launch in mid September, to avoid disappointment.”

For further information visit www.somersetlakes.co.za or phone 021 202 2200.

On the 7th August, 2014, BPW South Africa and the Department of Trade & Industry launched South Africa’s first database of “Board Potential Women” at a Business Breakfast held with over 200 CEO’s and high level government officials.  Acting Director General, Mrs Pumla Ncapayi of the Department of Small Business Development (The Department of Trade & Industry) handed over certificates to 19 senior businesswomen who have completed the intensive BPW SA “Women on Boards” director development programme and have now been profiled on the “Board Potential Women” database.  

The first 19 women on this database all fulfil stringent criteria for corporate governance and legislation and are well trained through our “Women on Boards” director development programme.  This list of "Board Potential Women" makes it clear that there are more than enough eminently qualified women to help lead South Africa’s corporations into the 21st century and that it is now time to shatter the glass ceiling that keeps these women from ascending to board positions.  Furthermore, it’s time we provide opportunities to more women than just the “high flyers” who currently occupy most board seats.  

We need to use all of our society’s talents to ensure that South Africa’s economy thrives. We often hear the argument that there are insufficient qualified women to occupy positions in the boardroom. Today BPW SA and the Department of Trade & Industry are shattering those myths as well as glass ceilings! The database shows that the qualified women are there – it’s just a matter of finding them and we’ve made it easy through our database.  There is no longer any excuse for recruiting unqualified non-executive female directors onto a board.  

The programme and database is administered by BPW SA in consultation with the Department of Trade & Industry. All women listed in the database are suitable to be considered for company board-level positions and meet a clear set of criteria.  Every application to be part of our “Women on Boards” programme and database is formally assessed and reviewed and only those women who meet the criteria are accepted. Notably, all women on the database have extensive formal qualifications and at least five years senior management experience.  

Companies should now make use of this untapped pool of talent, and businesswomen interested in potential board posts, should be joining the “Women on Boards” programme and ultimately our national database, in order to promote their profile amongst a larger audience.

For more information, give us a call on (011) 794-4991 or 083 212 9134 or visit our website at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za.