By Devan Moonsamy CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute

LGBTQI people face exclusion and discrimination in the workplace. People who are less advantaged socioeconomically are most at risk of poor treatment and marginalisation, and a different sexual and/or gender orientation to the majority exacerbates this.

At the level of individual companies in South Africa, there is insufficient, if any, formal and specialised workplace support for LGBTQI people. Informally, some co-workers and employers do provide support and show acceptance in the workplace and don’t show favouritism according to sexual orientation and gender. However, overall, there is little effective support, and it is too easy for a recruiter or employer to simply ignore certain candidates who apply for work or promotion on the basis of demographic factors.

There are at least two organisations making headway, however. The Shambhala Organisation promotes and supports LGBT business leaders specifically. Shambhala invests in LGBT owned and managed high-potential businesses. These investments are combined with mentorship and support towards meeting business objectives.

We need dedicated business chambers for and active in the LGBTQI community. We need several focusing on each group because the issues faced by the various members in the community are not the same. Transgender people face a different fight in the workplace compared to people who are homo- or bisexual, for example.

Nevertheless, it is great news that Africa’s first business network for LGBTI+ people was launched in 2016. The network has offices in Johannesburg and is called PLUS the LGBTI+ Business Network. It is an ‘African trust that advances equality and freedom in southern Africa, with a particular focus on sexual orientation and gender identity.’ PLUS champions, promotes, supports and empowers South African LGBTI+ business owners and entrepreneurs with opportunities for learning, networking and conducting business for prosperity. PLUS aims to redress structural and economic injustices of the past. ‘PLUS intends to address scarce employment opportunities, and discrimination in the workplace of LGBTI people in South Africa, which are harmful to their wellbeing.’

We are a long way from providing sufficient support and effective legal and other forms of protection for the whole queer community in South Africa in and outside the workplace. People most at risk in the LGBTQI community are among groups struggling financially. A focus on business owners and entrepreneurs is too narrow. The possibility of pitching a winning business idea to an investor may feel out of reach for many. It is thus critical that LGBTQI people be supported at all levels. Entrepreneurship is great, but many people have a pressing need for a stable job and an opportunity to learn and grow in that space.

One organisation which is championing the rights of LGBTQI people in all contexts is the South African Human Rights Commission. In any case of discrimination, which thus equates to an infringement on human rights, the Commission can be contacted for assistance and advice on how to take the matter further.

The Commission takes its directive from our Constitution and Bill of Rights and has displayed commitment to achieving justice for LGBTQI people as far as taking matters to court. For example, this year, the Commission ensured that a South Africa pastor was brought to book for hate speech against gay people, and it made a strong argument that one cannot rely on religious views as a defence for such discrimination.

The recent book Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us delves into the issues described above and offers practical solutions to problems surrounding sexuality diversity, as well as other diversity issues which can hamper organisational progress and cause deep hurt to individuals if not handled with care.

The book looks at overcoming instant separation magnets (ISMs) in the South African context, and how to manage diversity so that everybody wins. The aspects of diversity are considered in detail with real examples and practical information on dealing with and preventing diversity-related problems.

Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us helps readers bring about transformation in their everyday dealings and in their organisations. It is useful for managers, HR departments, corporate trainers, strategists, students, and anyone facing situations of diversity which require strategic and prudent interventions. It helps in inspiring positive change, changing mindsets, and transforming the status quo for the better of all.

Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us (ISBN: 978-0-620-80807-1) by Devan Moonsamy is available from the ICHAF Training Institute or from Amazon.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Website: ichaftraining.co.za

 The NFB Great Zuurberg Trail Run(GZTRun) is excited to announce that Merrellis on board for a second year as a support sponsor.  

Adventure seekers taking part in the 2019 NFB Great Zuurberg Trail Run will be able to do so in a pair of Merrell trail running shoes. Merrell is partnering with GZTRun and product-sponsoring its trail-running footwear to each participant. 

David Palmer from Medicus Shoes, the authorised distributor of Merrell brand footwear remarks on the partnership, saying, “We would like to offer participants the opportunity to hit the trail and live the real moments and experiences, in Merrell trail-running footwear. 

“We are true believers in the brand's product features and technical specifications, with its out-of-the-box comfort. Partnering with GZTRun provides the opportunity to express our passion for the brand by putting Merrell trail-running footwear onto participant's feet. This opens channels to explore, express, and do, what these enthusiasts adore in the outdoors, and allows us the opportunity to identify true brand influencers.”

Siska van der Bijl, NFB GZTRun race director is excited for the second race saying: “The NFB Great Zuurberg Trail Run embraces trail running’s pioneering and adventurous spirit. So the partnership with Merrell sings to both brand values.

“Our passion for the region drives us. Runners pass a cycad, estimated to be around a 1,000 years old, run through a beautiful alley of yellowwood trees, and navigate some technical trails. The route is diverse. And our races are unique. We believe our differentiators are our prestigious trails, high-end partners and discerning athletes. Plus our unashamedly luxurious twist.” 

About the NFB Great Zuurberg Trail Run

Taking place May 31stto June 2nd2019, the NFB GZTRun is a boutique event taking participants through South Africa’s most majestic trails. The route includes exclusive tracks in the untamed wild of Addo, traverses the Zuurberg mountains, and crosses remote sections of SANParks’ Addo Elephant National Park. 

Limited to 70 teams of two, the exclusive three-day trail run bases itself at the Zuurberg Mountain Villagewhere participants benefit from luxury hotel or tented accommodation, and fine dining at the race village.

There are three options for teams entering the trail run; both include access to exclusive trails that traverse the Addo/Zuurberg region, three stages and three nights accommodation, three delicious meals a day (excluding the bronze package, see below), race apparel, on course nutrition and all park and conservation fees.

The platinum packagecosts R14,000 for a team of two staying in luxury hotel accommodation at the Zuurberg Mountain Village. The gold package costs R10,000 per team for accommodation at the race village in luxury tents, and for those with their own accommodation the bronze package is R7,000 per team and includes three lunches.  

Entries are allocated on a first come, first served basis and will close once the limit of 70 teams is reached. Find out more, and enter online at www.gztrun.co.za.

From South African winner to new brand identity – Kandua is an online marketplace that makes it simple for the South African homeowner to transform their home and make urgent repairs using reputable and reliable contractors.

Originally known as IDWork, Kandua won the South African Seedstars competition in 2016 for the most promising startup, and today it has a thriving database of vetted, reviewed and tested independent professionals. As part of its drive to keep things simple, the company has rebranded and redesigned its online platform so users have a seamless experience from start to finish.

“We have designed Kandua as an easy to use platform that helps people to simplify their lives,”,” says Kandua co-founder Arjun Khoosal.

“Broken geyser? We can connect you to a reliable plumber in your area. Broken door? We’ve got the expert for you. Unexpected weather damage? We have contractors ready to step in and get your home ready for the next weather warning. Say goodbye to horror stories and hello to the perfect home.” Homeowners can go online using their mobile device or laptop and search for a professional contractor using an interface that’s been designed to be as effortless as possible.

The platform is tailored towards making South Africans lives simple, after all everything else is complicated enough. “Let’s be honest, doing home repairs and maintenance introduces that you never knew existed,” says Khoosal. “Our contractors live this life every day and it’s a good chance they’ve got your solution. Kandua gives you the backup you need to fix your problems. Any job, any size, done.” In addition to providing a searchable database of reliable contractors, Kandua has a seamless payment and quoting system built in.

Users can get quotes and pay online, all from the comfort of their desk, and they are connected to their chosen contractors through SMS and WhatsApp to make communication as easy as possible. Every step has been designed to help the user breathe a sigh of relief.

BAR DI BAR, SECOND WIND 

Bar Di Bar, the original mobile craft beer truck is now on Jumpstarter Crowdfunding. The fairytale that started with the 1975 VW Kombi bar conversion has come to a crosrsoads, with no happy ending in sight. We lost our home and our brewery and have come to the people via Jumpstarter Crowdfunding to see if they can brew some magic. Let’s start at the beginning.  

If you Google “Hipster”, you’ll find several descriptions, but the one that rings most true is from Urban Dictionary. It categorizes Hipsters as  “A subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's who value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter.” 

So one night, after sampling several of South Africa’s finest craft beers and talking about progressive politics, indie-rock, creativity blah di blah….the idea of a “hipster mobile” was born. What if we take something old, make it look new and add something cool? One beer led to another and Bar Di Bar became a reality. 

Fast forward 2,5 years and we managed to successfully open a Craft Beer and Tapas Bar, contracted our very own American Pale Ale (APA) and were 80% completed and on our way to opening our brewery. The universe had other plans and on the 22nd December 2016, disaster struck. The liquor license got declined, the farm we were on changed hands and we were handed notice. Blood sweat and tears and lots of our hard earned savings went into the project and now we are left with nothing. 

“I saw one of my favourite local bands, f@k#fpolisiekar, using crowd funding very successfully for the launch of their first independent album in 11 years and thought let’s give it a go.” Says owner Conrad Harley. “We have big plans. The brand is solid and really interesting and with a little help, things could snowball and we could see more than one Bar Di Bar in South Africa.” He continues. We have staggered the fundraising process to buy kegs, which then allows us to contract brew and distribute to trade.

We would then continue to target key events in Johannesburg and launch our APA up north.It’s not all about giving as we also created a fun and engaging reward structure for those willing to assist with level three donors receiving a “don’t worry, be hoppy” shirt for every R200 donated. The ultimate goal is to have our own brewery, so although we are not using this platform to raise funds for the brewery, it could just provide the impetus necessary to get there.

To get in touch:

Conrad Harley

Tel: +27731004716
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.bardibar.co.za
Twitter: @craftbeervan
Facebook: Bar Di Bar

MathsGenius Leadership Institute (MGLI), a quantitative leadership startup based in Johannesburg, South Africa has launched an audacious program entitled "The Mothers for STEM Initiative".This initiative seeks to empower 150 women with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) tutoring businesses by the end of 2017.  

South African learners perennially do badly in maths and science subjects compared to their peers in other countries as shown by the low ranking in both the TIMSS and WEF reports on educational quality. On this background, MathsGenius a STEM advisory start-up saw it fit to address some of the fundamental problems associated with this failure in STEM.

A study done by MGLI in 2014 showed that the weakest link in the maths and science education learner spectrum were rural and township girls. They are the one who were seen to pose the greatest threat to success of the country in STEM subjects and careers. Upon further analysis a strong correlation between a mother's belief system around maths and science and their daughter's performance was established. 

"The best way to get more girls into STEM is to involve the community especially the mothers", stated Edzai Zvobwo, Chief Genius at MGLI. To put these sentiments into practice, MGLI has embarked on an ambitious project to provide motivation, training and support to 150 mothers who will become STEM tutoring business owners within their communities.

MGLI is looking for willing partners to come into fray and contribute towards the achievement of this goal. The model will see MGLI setting up an online education ERP system and LMS that will allow continuous monitoring of the entrepreneurs and learners and measuring progress and impact as the project goes on. MGLI will provide the prospective entrepreneurs with a "school-in-a-box" solution that they can simply plug and play to the benefit of learners. 

For information on this initiative you can visit Mothers of STEM  or  send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

KWAZULU-NATAL, DURBAN, 5 MAY 2016 – To experience ordinary people conquering the extraordinary, be at the award-winning Comrades Marathon Nedbank Green Mile SPECATOR ZONE in Old Main Road, Kloof, on Sunday, 29 May 2016 from 8am to 3pm.

On the day, a 1.2km stretch of road in Kloof will be converted into an energetic mile-long ‘green & gold’ themed spectator and runner zone, orchestrated by Nedbank, to ensure runners, families and friends feel fully immersed in the awe-inspiring, humbling, life-changing Comrades Marathon along the Comrades Marathon route. Dress to theme and join in with the fun and festivities.

The Comrades Marathon is South Africa’s most inclusive sports event, involving a sports discipline that has no cultural, racial or financial barriers and attracting around 350,000 spectators, 3-million global TV viewers and 4 500 volunteers every year, not to mention the real heroes – the approximately 20 000 runners who take on the ‘Ultimate Human Race’.

For millions of South Africans, showing their support for the Comrades Marathon has become an important, unmissable and iconic tradition. Families, friends and colleagues make plans to support competitors, getting up at the crack of dawn, packing picnic baskets, deck chairs and umbrellas, and donning their supporter outfits, to stake out at the Nedbank Green Mile official spectator zone, where they provide encouragement to runners as they take on this immense challenge, whilst being entertained by movement and sound.

“The only place to catch all the 2016 Comrades action is at the only official spectator point along the route, the Nedbank Green Mile. The Nedbank Green Mile has been designed to celebrate the essence of what it means to take part in the Comrades Marathon - courage, selflessness, humbling, dedication and perseverance. In 2016, the Nedbank Green Mile is themed ‘Green and Gold’, and will see Kloof’s Old Main Road transformed into a rejuvenating, eco-friendly, celebratory, community-orientated space alive in green and gold. It is the real story of triumph over adversity,” says Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Sponsorship and Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

The 2016 Nedbank Green Mile will be bringing in a host of KwaZulu-Natal-based entertainment acts, including DJs, bands, professional dancers, drummies, cheerleaders, and local sports personalities and more. They’ll be performing from 8am to 3pm on race day, entertaining supporters throughout the spectator-friendly zone, and most importantly, encouraging runners as they embark on the final 26km stretch home to the finish at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

For children, the secure Kids Entertainment Zone is open from 8am and will feature fun-filled activities and entertainment acts like jumping castles, magicians, clowns, stilt walkers, balloon artists, puppet shows and face painting and sand art.

Throughout the day, spectators can watch all the Comrades Marathon action live via big screen TVs in the Nedbank Green Mile zone, with live commentary, picnic spots and grand stands located right alongside the route.

On site, there will also be food and drinks stands to replenish hungry and thirsty spectators. All food and drinks in the Nedbank Green Mile are sold by local schools, churches and charities, with all profits retained by these organisations.

In line with Nedbank’s commitment to greening the environment, all food and beverage packaging along the Nedbank Green Mile will be recycled.

“A major feature of the Nedbank Green Mile is its goal to involve and uplift the community. This is why all entertainment acts, support crews, food and beverage vendors are sourced from KwaZulu-Natal. This year, the Nedbank Green Mile will also be supporting two local children’s charities, the Star Fish Foundation and The Sports Trust,” says Badenhorst.

The Nedbank Green Mile is open from 8am to 3pm on Sunday, 29 May 2016. Entry is free and easy access can be gained from the M13 Hillcrest - Pinetown alternative highway travelling east towards Durban at the Pioneer off ramp. Follow the sign boards or follow www.facebook.com/nedbanksport/ or www.twitter.com/nedbanksport on Twitter for more information.

Use the hashtag #NedbankGreenMile to join the conversation.

Editors’ Notes

Nedbank is an official major sponsor of the 2016 Comrades Marathon.

The first Comrades Marathon took place on 24th May 1921, Empire Day, starting outside the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg with 34 runners. It has continued since then every year with the exception of the war years 1941-1945, with the direction alternating each year between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the so called up & down runs.

The Nedbank Green Mile is the only official spectator point along the marathon route, offering Comrades supporters a perfect vantage point to view all the race action. It is located along Old Main Road in Kloof and is just 26km from the finish line in Kingsmead, Durban.

Entry into the Nedbank Green Mile Spectator Zone is free and festivities start at 8am.

This year the 89-km marathon starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban on 29 May 2016.

KWAZULU-NATAL, DURBAN, 5 MAY 2016 – To experience ordinary people conquering the extraordinary, be at the award-winning Comrades Marathon Nedbank Green Mile SPECATOR ZONE in Old Main Road, Kloof, on Sunday, 29 May 2016 from 8am to 3pm.

On the day, a 1.2km stretch of road in Kloof will be converted into an energetic mile-long ‘green & gold’ themed spectator and runner zone, orchestrated by Nedbank, to ensure runners, families and friends feel fully immersed in the awe-inspiring, humbling, life-changing Comrades Marathon along the Comrades Marathon route. Dress to theme and join in with the fun and festivities.