Southern Africa’s very own 30% Club is now a reality, following a launch at a special event in Sandton on 11 September.

The launch was held in association with UK Trade & Investment at a private dinner, with Guest of Honour, Baroness Patricia Scotland, the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to South Africa.   The 30% Club - initially a UK initiative - is now an international grouping of chairmen, CEOs and senior partners of private sector organisations that are committed to bringing more women onto the boards of directors. This is done because they believe it is good for the overall effectiveness of the boardroom, which translates into it being good for business.

The 30% Club is present in Hong Kong, Kenya, USA, Ireland and now Southern Africa. Clubs in Australia and Canada are launching this year.    The Club itself takes its name from the fact that 30% is the widely-suggested proportion required for the contributions of a member of a minority group to become valued in their own right, rather than merely as representatives of that group.  

Colleen Larsen, President of the 30% Club Southern Africa commented “The launch of the 30% Club in Southern Africa represents the culmination of two years worth of hard work by Business Engage, the Southern African custodians of this global organisation, to convince enough leaders to follow the ever growing tide of enlightened businesses that are seeing the business case for having increased gender diversity at director and senior management level. It is part of a “quevolution” or a quick evolution in business, initially in South Africa. Those who are coming on board demonstrate their understanding of the change in how we will be doing business in the future, and not just because of any pending legislation.” 

Speaking at the dinner, British High Commissioner, Judith Macgregor said that she was delighted at the launch of Southern Africa's 30% Club.   “This launch comes in the same week when two very high profile women from the UK are visiting SA: namely the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Fiona Woolf and the Prime Minister's Special Trade Envoy for SA, Baroness Patricia Scotland,” says Macgregor.   “Many of their talks and contacts here have been with professional women in senior positions. I believe it is vital that women join together to remove the last vestiges of the glass ceiling and claim their place in the boardroom. The 30% Club will be a great spur to achieving this.” 

In its experiences elsewhere in the world, the 30% Club has found that companies are generally willing to share their experiences in such a collaborative manner, with the aim of collectively improving the retention of high potential women and in so doing, deepening the talent pool for all.   The 30% Club Southern Africa will adopt a collaborative approach, working closely with and obtaining support of leading businessmen and businesswomen in the region. Its partner, Business Engage, will assist in coordinating a range of pipeline development programmes, adding new ideas and encouraging companies to work together in this regard.   The Southern African chapter also plans to work with the relevant government and non-governmental entities. Moreover, it will be targeting both the executive search community and the investment community, driving forward targeted pipeline initiatives where the female attrition rate is identified as being acute.  

Baroness Patricia Scotland added that the launch of the Southern African 30% Club has brought to fruition an aspiration which was first formally expressed earlier this year, in celebration of International Women's Day.   “It is a demonstration of the energy and commitment of the Business Engage team, led so ably by Colleen Larsen, that they have achieved their goal of launching the initiative within six months.”   “I wish them well and I am sure that if the energy and dedication they have so far demonstrated is an indication of what they together will produce in the future, South Africa's private sector will be greatly enhanced,” concludes Baroness Scotland.    

Contact:

Colleen Larsen
President: 30% Club Southern Africa
Cell: 084-353-9865
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

09 September 2014 - The Eco-schools committee, overseen by Elaine Louw-Balie the Principle of the Hendrick Kanise School Alicedale, Eastern Cape, recently identified two learners based on their involvement in environmental activities, their awareness of environmental issues and leadership qualities to see who would be the most suitable to represent not only the school and the Eastern Cape but also South Africa at the upcoming World Youth Rhino Summit held in Durban from 21 – 23 September 2014.

The Group General Manager of Shamwari Group, Joe Cloete, along with General Manager Gunther Strauss of Shamwari Game Reserve   and Shamwari Lodge Manager Brian Mullins,  interviewed Sinethemba Tsamse and Athenkosi Bangela and agreed they were the ideal students to become ‘Rhino Ambassadors’. 

Comments Joe Cloete, “Naturally we are passionate about conserving a vanishing way of life and rhino in particular, as well as lions, need as much support as they can get to ensure their future. As part of our Forever Wild Campaign in conjunction with the Wilderness Foundation, we have raised over R7 million to date and this initiative to educate and empower the youth is ideal in order to ensure that the next generation of wildlife warriors prevent the extinction of the rhino.” 

These young Ambassadors will be flown to KwaZulu-Natal to attend the World Youth Rhino Summit. It will be a hugely educational trip for them where they will rub shoulders with other motivated youths from all over the world. They will be given huge exposure to environmental issues, conservation issues and of course issues pertaining to the conservation of rhino not only in Africa but the world. These young Ambassadors are encouraged to grasp this opportunity to widen their personal horizons and to return empowered to share their experiences with other learners and teachers and to spread the messages and knowledge that they will be exposed to at The World Youth Rhino Summit.

The runner up of the selection process Ayanda Mpahla won herself a behind the scenes trip to Shamwari Game Reserve to learn more about wildlife and the protection of rhino in particular.  

www.youthrhinosummit.com
www.shamwarigroup.com

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Shamwari Group.
For further media information please contact:

The P.R Team
Cape Town,
South Africa
T: + 27 (0) 21 419 2390/1
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The transport sector has been highlighted by the government as a key contributor to South Africa's competitiveness in global markets and government has unveiled plans to tremendously increase its spend on improving the country's roads, railways and ports. As part of the solution it’s important to promote collaboration and coalition building among women entrepreneurs as a way to develop women in the industry as well as to advocate policy actions that support this.

As transport month draws closer, Mercatique Consulting in association with Women Economic Forum will be hosting The Women in Transport Forum, a one day medium where ideas and views on creating opportunities and addressing skills gap for woman in Transport sector will be addressed.

“Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) has partnered with Mercatique Consulting on this event. CfE welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to its full development and successful implementation.” Chimene Chetty, Director, Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Women in Transport Forum is a platform for all leading organizations and government to discuss possible implementation strategies and provide solutions to the challenges currently faced by women in the sector. If you’d like to RSVP or find out about the forum, Please contact Calvin Ncube on 011 027 5842 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forum Details:

Date: Thursday 16 October 2014
Time: 08:00 - 17:00
Venue: Donald Gordon Auditorium, 2 St. David’s Place, Parktown, Gauteng

Contact Person

Calvin Ncube
Tel: 011 027 5842
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The ABCCCP Woman-to-Woman Seminar The Africa Board for Coaching Consulting and Coaching Psychology (ABCCCP) recognizes that the strength and courage that drove women to protest against pass laws in 1956 is the same that exists in our women today. As leaders, business owners, professionals and homemakers, women tap into their natural ability to become extraordinary human beings each day! Join the ABCCCCP this Women’s Month as we celebrate this and all else that defines womanhood.  

Our first Guest Speaker for the day will be Sharon Stobbia, a life coach who will be taking us through the process of discovering our innate talents, and how these can be best leveraged to help us succeed in our work, business and overall lives.  Thereafter, the internationally acclaimed author, speaker, change & leadership expert, Tumi Frazier, will take us through the attributes we need to stay ahead in the 21st century!  Tumi, who is passionate about developing and empowering women was chosen as one of the top 3 most influential Women in Business and Government (MIW Awards 2010/2011) and will be motivating us to become our greatest selves!

When: 31 August 2014
Where: The Private Room
Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre
Shop F17
Cnr Main Rd (Pitts Ave) & Kyalmi BlvdKyalami
Time: 12:00 – 16:00
Cost: R285.00 (includes snacks, lunch and drinks)
On Sale: Tumi Frazier’s autographed motivational books Your Moment and Stepping Stones to Success

To RSVP, please send proof of payment to Khumi on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. make payment and RSVP by 21 August 2014.

Payment Details:

Bank Name: FNBAccount
Name: SOUTH AFRICAN BOARD FOR COACHING PSCHOLOGY, COACH PTY LTD
Branch Name & Code: THE REDS 250130
Account Number: 62381870205

For more information, visit www.abcccp.com or contact us on +27 12 752 874

It’s going to be a day to remember, we’ll see you there!

Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.

Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping.  Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.

More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.

“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives.  In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers. 

12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.  

For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome)  Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website:  www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s    For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel:   +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

As a Director or Shareholder, it’s important that you are familiar with the changes that the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), National Credit Act, Companies Act, 2008 and King III has on your business. Get to grips with what is required of you as a director in your business. The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW) in partnership with the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) invite you to attend their Empowerment seminar that will educate and inform you about how to comply with these regulations.  Delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the dti and BPW confirming their participation of the event.

The seminar will take place in Johannesburg from 1-3 October from 09h30 to 17h00. Attendance at the seminar will cost R12 000 for the 3 days excluding VAT, transport and accommodation.  Please note that cancellation fees will be incurred once you have confirmed your booking.   

In keeping with its core aims, and due to popular demand, BPW has garnered the support of top legal experts to assist you in gaining valuable insight into a rapidly changing branch of corporate law. Both men and women are encouraged to attend.  

BPW is an international businesswomen’s organisation founded 81 years ago in Geneva, Switzerland. BPW is recognised as the largest and most influential international network of business and professional women, with affiliates in 100+ countries on five continents. We have over 500 000 members internationally which include women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young career women.  BPW has had Consultative Status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947 and participatory status with the Council of Europe and works in partnership with the Commonwealth Business Council.  BPW South Africa has partnered with the dti in South Africa.  

BPW has the ambition to make the equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles a reality through capacity- and confidence-building. Through hosting this seminar together with the dti, BPW is leading the way by enriching the knowledge base of directors and stakeholders when it comes to taking responsibility in a corporate setting.

For more information on topics or to make your booking
visit: http://www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za/index.php/events/30-future-events/98-business-training-courses
or

Contact:
Toni Gomes
Tel: (011) 794-4991
Cell: 083 212 9134
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za

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

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

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

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

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

Gauteng

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

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

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

Eastern Cape
Karen Hermanus - Inn Safe Hands, Port Elizabeth

KwaZulu-Natal
Thina Hlophe – Durban Children’s Home 

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

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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