The pet is as important member of our family. It is an integral part of our family circle andhence it’s well-being and care are our responsibilities. We always want the best service for our pets. New South Veterinary Centre is the perfect answer for this. It is the place which offers high -end pet care services with utmost care and affection.

The major services include 24 hour emergency vet service,sterilization and routine surgical procedures, routine vaccinations, digital radiography, kennels with under floor heating, dental clearing and extractions to name a few. The emergency care service includes24 emergency service with the assistance of the best medical professionals who provide timely care and full care in bringing the pets back to normal life. The family members can rest assured that the pets shall receive maximum care in the whole process of their recovery.

The 24 hour vet care also takes pride in their pet care services like digital radiography which offers best in-the-class digital radiography services. It is designed and engineered to produce best image of the pet’s body parts further ensuring accuracy in the treatment imparted. Apart from the common vet care services the clinic also offers stocked pet daily. This includes preservative free freshly made pet foods ensuring pet’s health. These are the ideal food supplies to pamper your pets occasionally or regularly.

All these services have a common point which is nothing less than most expert veterinary services. The company also provides quality all day long biochemistry test services. In brief it is the comprehensive pet care centre with the major treatments and services under the same roof. Each service is a competition for the other for the quality and the perfection of the services provided. The pets can enjoy the best services and feel completely at home during their critical time. The vet care works in collaboration with the family members in ensuring the complete care of the beloved pets. For further details the interested candidates can visit the company website at http://www.newsouthvet.co.za/.

About New South Veterinary Centre:

New South Veterinary Centre is a veterinary clinicsituated in Glenvista, Johannesburg. It is a veterinary care centre with a difference. It is an ultimate vet care centre where the pets feel the peace and tranquility of home. The vet care centre has a wide range of treatments for the pets and also offers a comprehensively stocked deli.

Contact Us:

203 Biggarsberg Street (Corner Losberg), Glenvista,

Johannesburg,

Gauteng, 2058

Phone No: 011 682 3213

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

Event organiser Kinetic has confirmed that industry-giant Performanta has signed on as platinum sponsors for this year’s anticipated 6th edition of their successful flagship event; the IT Leaders Africa Summit.

The event, taking place from 18 - 19 March 2015 at The Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg, is set to go beyond your usual routine business conference, evolving to deliver on a more exciting, topical, trendy and current platform, utilising both the latest technologies coupled with the latest in conference trends internationally.

Together with Performanta, the event aims to deliver an expert-lead agenda that features an educational conference program backed by the latest in technology workshops and demonstrations. 

Performanta’s workshop; Safeguard your organisation now, your wallet will thank you later; focuses on measuring your organisation against the industry on 10 information security and privacy measures, derived from real-world assessments.

Performanta Consulting was established by Anthony Olivier 4 years ago, aligning information security consulting services to the Performanta Technology & Services stable. Performanta Consulting has provided services to primary South African banks, insurance companies, brokers, mining companies, service and retail organisations. Their key differentiator: senior, qualified, experienced consultants, integrated frameworks and fair pricing. Furthermore, the team has assisted in addressing security problems in seventeen African countries and has a thorough understanding of the continental landscape.

As thought-leaders in the industry, they are amongst the most active South African participants in industry conferences, blogs and podcasts.An expert-led advisory panel will lead the summit with industry giants Robert Sussman, co-founder and joint-CEO of Integr8; Hugo Timmerman, Head of IT Southern Africa at British American Tobacco; and Tunde Coker, MD of Rack Centre (A Jagal Group Company).

The event also features over 35 speakers, keynotes, panel discussions and numerous educational workshop sessions hosted by key industry providers, all sessions led by some of today’s most notable individuals who are shaping the IT landscape in South Africa and beyond.

Speakers, just to name a few, include; David Visser, CIO of Coca-Cola Southern Africa; Anthony Hlungwane, Group IT Director of Mr Price Group; Sal Laher, CIO Eskom; Rocky Gwewera, Global Head of Infrastructure Architecture at Sasol; Stephan Ekbergh, CEO and founder of Travelstart; and Sunil Joshi, MD and CEO of Neotel.

Some sponsors and partners include; Telkom Business, HP, Performanta and Blue Coat Systems, SITA, Airwatch, Kofax, Dimension Data, Neotel, Meso Systems, Sage Pastel Accounting and ERP Africa, and Blackberry.

For more information on the event to register to attend or to sponsor, visit www.itleaders.co.za or contact the event organisers Kinetic on +27 21 180 4700.Follow the event and stay up to date on Twitter. @ITLeadersAfrica and join in on the conversation using #ITLAfrica.

"We must make sure that at least there is some cushion for the poor so that they don't fall even lower than they are now. "That we must do. But we must also see it is important we do certain things that would reduce the dependence of the people on grants," he said. This included encouraging small business and co-operatives." All of these things, so that people don't think it is sufficient merely to hold out their hands and receive a handout, but to understand that all of us, as South Africans, have a shared responsibility to attend to the development of the country"

This is an excerpt of then President Thabo Mbeki’s speech to community development workers at an indaba in 2008. Mbeki certainly wasn’t revered for his theories, including the whole “HIV doesn’t cause AIDS” fiasco, but he may have had a point here…

What make South Africa so different?

The question is, why is it that South Africans have adopted a culture of expecting handouts? Contrary to common belief, handouts are not an inherent African ethos.

As one Nigerian put it in Polity.org.za "... They say once you put two Nigerians together, then you have a market. They're selling something to each other.”

That makes a lot of common sense. It means there’s always someone needing some services or products and willing to pay for them. So, isn’t it a matter of figuring out what people need and then making or buying and reselling these services or products?

As poor as Zimbabwe has become (only from an economic point of view!), “you don’t see beggars on street corners there the way you do in South Africa” says Jane Lyne-Kritzinger from Youth Dynamix. So, what does that mean?

Has the new government created a NEW problem?

Zuma was quoted in a City Press article in October 2014 entitled “South Africans must wakeup!” when he said “due to the extensive roll-out of services after 1994, South Africans had become dependent on the state.” He was making the point that nowhere else in Africa had so much been done to address the plight of the poor, yet you don’t see protests and strikes anywhere else. He went on to say, “Our people are waiting for government. Our people are not used to standing up and doing things.”  

What do South African youth think? 

Interestingly, even though the South African government has ploughed billions into infrastructure development and education, the youth continue to have a strong lack of belief in government. 85% of South African teens, according to YDx research, agree government is not living up to its promises. YDx research also shows that 73% of teens are worried about getting a job. 

This continues to be one of the biggest stress factors for youth in SA. And they often get lured into crime and expect handouts and social grants just to make ends meet. Linked to the high youth unemployment rate, YDx research also shows that 87% of SA teens are worried about South Africa’s economic performance; with 51% of teens saying they would like to leave SA (for a better job / opportunity / or education overseas).

The consequences of being a nation that expects handouts…

Children brought up in a handout environment may naturally grow up thinking this is the norm so they develop an attitude of expectancy. What will the country do for me, what will my employer do for me, what will the richer do for me? And the list goes on.

This level of expectation is also evident in terms of their aspirations and dreams. Research conducted by YDx shows that youth are exceptionally materialistic: Desperate to catapult themselves out of their current situation and directly into a world filled with expensive brands, possessions and fame.

Our research also shows that although it is good to dream, goals without practical steps are just empty dreams that never get realised.  So many young people have no idea HOW to practically realise their dreams and potential.

They have no steps in place to make it work or become successful. Not only do the youth expect handouts, other elements, such as the instantaneous nature of technology; and easy access to media ooze with aspiration value.

You see successful people and celebrities who never talk about the hard work, the effort and time that goes into accomplishing things.  Because the youth only see the seeds of success, they expect wealth and success to come by easily. 

Youth Dynamix is a specialist youth and family marketing and research agency.

Website: www.ydx.co.za

Summary: On the heels of SAA being named “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax for its 12th consecutive year, SAA has also been awarded “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa” by Business Traveler.  

Johannesburg. 15 January 2015 – South African Airways (SAA) is proud to receive, once again, both “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa” awards from top US travel magazine, Business Traveler.  

Readers of the US-based magazine are world-class experts in the business of travel who know quality when they experience it.  South African Airways were selected among a variety of top travel products and services.  The awards were presented to SAA at a ceremony held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, CA on 8 January 2015. This recognition comes on top of Skytrax naming SAA “Best Airline in Africa” for the 12th consecutive year.  

"It is a distinguished honour to receive these awards and we thank all Business Traveler’s readers who chose us as their favourite airline in Africa,” says Nico Bezuidenhout, SAA Acting Chief Executive.  

“This further demonstrates SAA’s commitment to excellence and reinforces our belief, in keeping with our Long-Term Turnaround Strategy, that an outstanding customer experience is what makes a great airline.”  

South African Airways offers the most flights from the U.S. to South Africa with daily non-stop service from New York-JFK Airport and daily direct service from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to Johannesburg, South Africa.  

About South African Airways (SAA) South African Airways[Link to http://www.flysaa.com] (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, SA Airlink and its low cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and ten intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa’ Award in the regional category for twelve consecutive years and the winner of ‘Service Excellence Africa’ for three years. Mango and SAA hold the number one and number two successive spots as South Africa’s most on - time airlines.  

For more information contact:

SAA Group Tlali Tlali, Spokesperson (Manager: Media Relations)

Tel: +27 11 978 2298 082 333 3880

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

Great news for the South African National Culinary Team is that the City Lodge Hotel Group will be taking care of their accommodation needs as they prepare for next year’s IKA Culinary Olympics taking place in Erfurt, Germany!

This means that the eight member team – three from Johannesburg and five from Cape Town – will be able to get together for practices as they build up to the big event which takes place from October 22-26 in 2016.

If the Joburgers go down to Cape Town, they will be able to stay at any City Lodge Group Hotel – if the Capetonians come up to Joburg, they will be able to stay at any City Lodge Group Hotel.

As Heinz Brunner, manager of the SA National Culinary Team, says: “Travel is necessary to ensure that the team can practise together and then go back to their restaurants and perfect their dishes through including them on their own menus.” The team will practise at different venues every two months.

“We are training hard, developing an exceptional menu and working as a team to produce world-class food that represents South Africa’s culinary scene with excellence. We couldn’t do this without our fantastic sponsors and partners. A huge thank you goes to the City Lodge Hotel Group for their support as our accommodation partner and to Imperial LSC as our headline sponsor.”

Commenting on behalf of the City Lodge Hotel Group, Peter Schoeman, Divisional Director, Sales and Marketing, said: “It is a privilege for us to assist our Springboks of the food world as they prepare to represent our country in the world’s ultimate culinary challenge.”

The competition will see national teams from across the globe compete in categories such as Hot Kitchen, Cold Table and Pastry.

SA Airways, along with Finnair, has been awarded IEnvA stage two recognition as a result of its environmental sustainability standards and practices.

Johannesburg, South Africa – This week,South AfricanAirways (SAA) became one of only two global carriers (alongside Finnair) to achieve Stage 2 status of the IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA); a comprehensive airline environmental management programme.

IEnvA seeks to introduce sustainability standards that cover all areas of an airline’s operations including air quality and emissions, noise, fuel consumption and efficient operations, recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, biofuels, and many more. SAA was also one of six airlines to participate in the initial phase (Stage 1) of the programme in June 2013.  

IEnvA is a stringent environmental assessment programme that is based on recognised international environmental management systems such as ISO 14001. It was jointly developed by leading airlines and environmental consultants. SAA has been part of the process from the programme’s genesis and currently chairs the IEnvA Oversight Working Group.   

SAA conducted its Stage 2 assessment in record time, six months prior to the two year deadline. “Participation in the programme and this achievement affirms SAA’s commitment to answering its dual mandate and as a leading African and global airline,” says SAA Acting CEO Mr Nico Bezuidenhout. The IEnvA standards will serve as guidelines for 240 other airlines around the world.   

SAA’s participation in the programme forms part of the <i>Long-Term Turnaround Strategy</i> with a dual mandate focus. Last year, the airline launched the first African biofuels project, which focused on the transformation of tobacco oil into jet fuel, with sector role players. “Responsible environmental management has the potential to deliver commercially beyond the clear social and environmental benefit. Projects such as the tobacco biofuels venture could provide several future commercial impetus ranging from input cost benefits through to the value of technology,” adds Mr Bezuidenhout.  

The initiative was followed by the introduction of new fuel efficient navigation approaches (RNP-AR: Required Navigational Performance, Authorisation Required). “The enhanced aircraft approaches’ fuel savings provide immediate bankable fuel savings.” Inside the organisation there is also an on-going drive to embed a culture of environmental sustainability with policy directing the airline toward ultimate emission reduction leadership in both continental and global aviation industries.  

SA Airways plans to continue demonstrating its commitment to its mandate concomitant to the carrier’s environmental programme. “IEnvA is a robust programme that effectively cuts through the complexities of the aviation sector. It is inspiring to our staff, a positive step for the industry and attractive to travellers. The initiative will ultimately be good for business and is a step toward ensuring future-proofing of aviation,” says Mr Bezuidenhout.   

Note to journalists:

IEnvA has been developed in conjunction with airlines so that it addresses industry needs and specific concerns. IEnvA assesses environmental performance against sustainability standards across a broad range of disciplines including (but not limited to) the management of air quality and emissions, noise, fuel consumption and operational efficiency, recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and biofuel utilisation. As a result, IEnvA helps airlines to simplify regulatory compliance, demonstrate good governance and achieve financial savings by ensuring the better use of resources. IEnvA implementation followed a phased approach due to the complexity and global presence of airlines as well as the number of role players and touch points. There are two implementation phases:  

Stage 1: 

Stage 1 ensures that an airline has developed the foundation and framework for its environmental management system. Stage 1 also certifies that an airline has identified and complied with its environmental legal requirements.   

Stage 2:

IEnvA Stage 2 assessment, the highest level of IEnvA achievement, ensures that an airline has implemented all of the IEnvA Programme Standards, has identified and mitigated its significant environmental impacts and has set performance targets. Stage 2 also certifies that an airline has developed processes for monitoring and reviewing its performance against its targets and objectives, thus driving environmental efficiency.   

About South African Airways (SAA) 

South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, SA Airlink and its low cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and ten intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa’ Award in the regional category for twelve consecutive years and the winner of ‘Service Excellence Africa’ for three years. Mango and SAA hold the number one and number two successive spots as South Africa’s most on-time airlines.    

Issued by SAA Communications  

For more information, contact:

Tlali Tlali This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: +27 82 333 3880

South African Airways in North America launches “Go See Southern Africa” campaign in collaboration with tour operators, hotels and safari lodges in an effort to encourage and increase tourism to SA.

Johannesburg, South Africa – SA Airways in North America has launched a special campaign that focuses on the great experience and value travel that is on offer when travelling to Southern Africa.

Cape Town and the Kruger National Park can ready themselves as these are very popular South African destinations for tourists from North America.

The “Go See Southern Africa” is a collaborative campaign with participation from leading tour operators, destination tourism organisations, hotels and safari lodges that aim to generate increased awareness about travel to Southern Africa.  All parties are working together to offer tourists an attractive, value-added programme.

The campaign follows recent misinformation concerning travel to the entire continent, which has created a hesitation for future travel planning.  

SA Airways, as the predominant airline from the U.S. to Southern Africa, has taken a leading role in developing the “Go See Southern Africa” campaign in an effort to emphasise the great experiences and the great value that abounds for travel throughout the region. 

South African Airways offers the most flights between the U.S. and South Africa, with daily nonstop service from New York-JFK Airport and daily direct service from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to Johannesburg.  From its Johannesburg hub, SAA, and its regional airline partners, offers convenient flights to over 55 business and leisure destinations throughout the African continent. In conjunction with the campaign, numerous SAA tour operators and travel service providers are promoting very affordable packages and unique value-added offers to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and other destinations within the region.  

Travellers are invited to visit Southern Africa as “now is a great time to explore Southern Africa with the extremely favourable exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar and the very affordable offers that are being promoted by SAA and our participating tourism partners in North America,” says Nico Bezuidenhout, SAA Acting Chief Executive.

“Cape Town is the most popular onward destination in SA for North American tourists.  A large majority of the travellers from North America visiting South Africa come to Cape Town, with many more travelling to the Cape from points other than North America – Johannesburg.

“In addition to Cape Town, other very popular spots for American visitors are the Kruger National Park, the Western Cape (including wine country) and the Garden Route.  South Africa is a multi-destination vacation for most Americans.  They don’t just visit one destination.  They visit several, particularly Cape Town and the Kruger National Park, or Cape Town, the Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls.

” The “Go See Southern Africa” campaign will be featured during 2015 with various offers by SAA and the participating travel partners being promoted throughout the year.  

For a list of participating tour operators that are offering special air-inclusive packages to Southern Africa, visit: www.flysaa.com/cms/US/GoSeeSouthernAfrica.html. The campaign will also be prominently featured in SAA’s advertising, marketing promotional programmes and social media throughout 2015.  Consumers and travel agents will be encouraged to follow the campaign through SAA’s social media channels using the hashtag:  #GOSEESOUTHERNAFRICA  

About South African Airways (SAA)  South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.                                               

Issued by SAA Communications

For more information, contact:

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

+27 82 333 3880  

SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal that are aspiring to boost productivity and growth have a new resource in local businessman Frans Van Rooyen. Small and medium sized companies can access professional business support provided by Frans, who recently joined the prestigious Business Doctors team.

Business Doctors, an award-winning support network that is based in the UK, now has two representatives in South Africa as a result of the growing demand for high-calibre, proactive business support services.

Originally Frans was researching the network to see what Business Doctors could do for his existing company, he was so impressed and was inspired to join them.

“I have a real passion in assisting businesses to improve their turnover, and working with people to help them overcome their barriers towards success,” he said. “Once I learned about what Business Doctors could do, I realised they could assist me in helping other businesses.”

Frans is also a licensee owner and he manages other licensees in South Africa for Brain Gain, a company that supports people to improve their cognitive ability with neurofeedback training.  

Looking forward to working with all kinds of businesses in a variety of sectors, he has previous experience in the motor trade and business brokering, and also brings skills from his experience as a teacher. “The first step for an SME is to get in touch with me and arrange a free Business Doctors health check,” he said. “This will identify strengths and shortcomings, and help design a plan of how Business Doctors can be of assistance.”

Rod Davies, co-founder of Business Doctors, said: “It’s exciting for us that our services are in demand, and that we have people like Frans coming aboard – he brings solid skills to the table and he is genuinely passionate about helping other business people achieve.”

When he’s not at work Frans likes to spend time with his family, especially on camping trips, watching rugby and reading.

Business Doctors’ advice is geared to drive business growth and include strategies for boosting profits, and advice for effective people management, accessing finance, and acquiring other companies.

Frans can be contacted on 079 494 5237. For more information about Business Doctors consultants, visit www.businessdoctors.co.uk.

NOTES TO NEWS DESK

• Image: New Business Doctor Frans van Rooyen Contact Frans on 079 494 5237, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Contact Business Doctors head office in the UK on 0845 219 7077
• Press release distributed for Business Doctors by every1 marketing agency

The pet is as important member of our family. It is an integral part of our family circle and hence it’s well-being and care are our responsibilities. We always want the best service for our pets. New South Veterinary Centre is the perfect answer for this. It is the place which offers high -end pet care services with utmost care and affection. 

The major services include 24 hour emergency vet service ,sterilization and routine surgical procedures, routine vaccinations, digital radiography, kennels with under floor heating, dental clearing and extractions to name a few. The emergency care service includes 24 emergency service with the assistance of the best medical professionals who provide timely care and full care in bringing the pets back to normal life. The family members can rest assured that the pets shall receive maximum care in the whole process of their recovery. 

The http://www.newsouthvet.co.za/index-2.html 24 hour vet care also takes pride in their pet care services like digital radiography which offers best in-the-class digital radiography services. It is designed and engineered to produce best image of the pet’s body parts further ensuring accuracy in the treatment imparted.Apart from the common vet care services the clinic also offers stocked pet daily. This includes preservative free freshly made pet foods ensuring pet’s health. These are the ideal food supplies to pamper your pets occasionally or regularly.

All these services have a common point which is nothing less than most expert veterinary services. The company also provides quality all day long biochemistry test services. In brief it is the comprehensive pet care centre with the major treatments and services under the same roof. Each service is a competition for the other for the quality and the perfection of the services provided. The pets can enjoy the best services and feel completely at home during their critical time. The vet care works in collaboration with the family members in ensuring the complete care of the beloved pets.

For further details the interested candidates can visit the company website at http://www.newsouthvet.co.za.

About New South Veterinary Centre:
New South Veterinary Centre is a veterinary clinic situated in Glenvista, Johannesburg. It is a veterinary care centre with a difference. It is an ultimate vet care centre where the pets feel the peace and tranquility of home. The vet care centre has a wide range of treatments for the pets and also offers a comprehensively stocked deli.

Contact Us:
203 Biggarsberg Street (Corner Losberg), Glenvista,
Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2058
Phone: 011 682 3213
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our ongoing efforts to grow out footprint in South Africa and selected countries are bearing fruit.

At our interim results announcement on February 18, we updated the market on the progress we are making.

Here’s a rundown of what’s in the development works.

In South Africa:

• We fully opened the 149-room City lodge Hotel Waterfall City Hotel at Midrand in February
• The 148-room City Lodge Hotel Newtown (downtown Johannesburg) is well underway and will open before the end of 2015
• The 90-room Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg will commence in February and is scheduled to open in November

Elsewhere in Africa:

• Earthworks are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2015 for the 169-room City Lodge Hotel Two Rivers in Nairobi, Kenya, and for the 147-room City Lodge Hotel Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
• A financial feasibility study is being conducted into the possible development of a 150-room City Lodge Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
• A memorandum of understanding (subject to conditions) has been entered into for the possible development of a 140 to 150-room Town Lodge in Windhoek, Namibia
• Negotiations are at an advanced stage for the development of 150 to 160-room City Lodge Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique.

The bottom line is that we will soon have more great locations to meet your business and leisure accommodation needs – both in SA and elsewhere on the continent!