Consistency in dismissal for misconduct is fundamental to fairness but is often misunderstood. It requires that similar offences are treated similarly, and different cases are treated according to their distinct circumstances. This principle is sometimes referred to as the parity principle. However, consistency should not be confused with rigidity, meaning that while employers must strive for uniformity, there should be room for flexibility based on specific case details.   The requirement for consistent treatment in dismissals is outlined in Item 7 of the Code of Good Practice: Dismissal, which emphasizes that an arbitrator must consider whether the employer has applied the rule or standard consistently when determining whether a dismissal for misconduct is substantively fair. Additionally, Item 3 of the same Code mandates that employer rules should promote both certainty and consistency in disciplinary matters.   In disciplinary hearings, employees often raise inconsistency in treatment as a defence. Inconsistency can be historical or contemporaneous. Historical inconsistency refers to situations where an employer suddenly applies a sanction they have not enforced before, without providing adequate notice to employees. Contemporaneous inconsistency occurs when different employees involved in the same misconduct receive different penalties, or when only some are punished. It is considered unfair to treat similar offences differently without justifiable reasons.   Although the employer carries the burden of proving that a dismissal was fair, employees who claim inconsistency must present prima facie evidence to which the employer must respond. In Government Printing Works v Mathala N.O. and Others [2016] ZALCJHB 358, the court held that the employee must first demonstrate the alleged inconsistency by identifying the comparator employees and their respective circumstances. Moreover, the situations of the employees being compared must be similar enough to justify a comparison. A mismatch in comparison, such as using different circumstances or outcomes, weakens the inconsistency claim.   The court in Magumbo v Nkomati Joint Venture and Others [2015] ZALCJHB 309 went further, stating that merely mentioning other employees’ names and penalties isn’t enough; employees must provide complete records of the disciplinary hearings where lesser sanctions were imposed, allowing for a full comparison of the cases.   In Southern Sun Hotel Interests (Pty) Ltd v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation & Arbitration & others (2010) 31 ILJ 452 (LC); [2009] 11 BLLR 1128 (LC), the court emphasized that inconsistency challenges should meet both subjective and objective criteria. Subjectively, an inconsistency challenge will fail if the employer was unaware of the misconduct of the comparator employee. Objectively, there must be a similarly situated employee who received different treatment, typically in the form of a less severe disciplinary penalty.   Employers, on the other hand, must justify each disciplinary decision and explain differences between seemingly similar cases. Rigid adherence to a disciplinary matrix is insufficient; employers must account for the unique circumstances of each case. The Constitutional Court in Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd and Others [2007] ZACC22, clarified that arbitrators must independently assess whether a dismissal was fair based on the facts of the case, rather than deferring to the employer’s disciplinary code and has to apply a sense of fairness.   In making fair decisions, employers should explain their actions with reference to business needs and the impact of the employee’s misconduct. Sanctions should balance various factors, including the nature of the offence, the employee’s circumstances, and the interests of both the employer and other employees. Factors to consider include the severity and consequences of the offence, the operational risk posed by retaining the employee, and whether the employee has shown remorse. These factors are crucial in determining whether the employer-employee relationship has irreparably broken down.   While consistency is critical in ensuring fairness in disciplinary matters, it is not an absolute principle. Consistency aims to prevent unjustified selective punishment but does not obligate employers to impose identical sanctions on employees with differing circumstances. The Labour Appeal Court in Nyathikazi v Public Health & Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council & Others (2021) 42 ILJ 1686 (LAC), reaffirmed that while discipline should be applied consistently, fairly and reliably, the same misconduct does not always warrant the same sanction.   In conclusion, inconsistency alone does not automatically render a disciplinary decision unfair. It must be arbitrary or influenced by improper motives to be considered unjust. Nonetheless, employers must remain vigilant and avoid inconsistent disciplinary actions to maintain fairness.   T: +27 (0)31 266 6570 C: +27 (0)82 786 7480 E: johanvd@labournet.com   W: www.labournet.com

As South Africans and their pockets have been impacted by rising inflation, cost-of-living increases, and a spate of interest rate hikes over the past two years, consumer debt has surged at an alarming rate. More people are turning to credit facilities to keep up with daily expenses, with worrying knock-on effects for businesses and the entire South African economy. With a renewed focus on debt recovery processes and procedures, businesses need to ensure they have the most reliable, up-to-date information available to assist with recovering outstanding monies. “As the cost of borrowing escalates, and the average South African consumer finds themselves allocating approximately 62% of their take-home pay towards servicing debt, the need for efficient, effective debt recovery strategies is a crucial consideration for any business extending credit,” explains Chantelle Frier, National Sales Manager of SearchWorks, South Africa’s largest and most innovative data aggregation platform that allows users to conduct live, accurate searches on individuals and companies, and in-depth KYC checks online.   The household debt-to-income ratio in South Africa is projected to hover around 65.00% in 2024. This figure, coupled with an estimated R300 billion in debt owed to municipalities, paints a grim picture of the financial burdens individuals and businesses face. The consequences of massive debt levels also ripple through the broader economy. Postponed or missed payments contribute to inflationary pressures, escalating consumer expenses. The repercussions extend to the public and private sectors, resulting in financial losses that drive up prices and the cost of credit, ultimately burdening taxpayers as service quality deteriorates.   In response to these challenges, Frier says there is a need for a more nuanced approach to debt recovery that leverages the latest data aggregation technology. “The key to navigating this complex economic space lies in our ability to access and utilise up-to-date, relevant consumer data. By employing a comprehensive suite of data-driven tools, we can enhance the efficiency of debt recovery processes, from KYC checks to individual and company record tracing,” she notes.   Access to reliable, credible data enables debt recovery agencies to perform a wide array of verifications and searches, thereby crafting tailored, effective recovery strategies that take into account debtors’ individual circumstances.   “A one-size-fits-all approach to debt recovery is not only ineffective but can exacerbate the very problems we seek to solve,” Frier adds. “Businesses should be empowered to manage their financial risks with precision, ensuring that credit is extended and recovered in a manner that is sustainable for both the provider and the consumer.”   She adds that agencies should embrace modern technologies to ensure collections are conducted securely, legally, and with a vision that is sustainable over the long haul. “In today’s competitive market, the ability to streamline processes and maximise resources at the lowest possible cost is not just an advantage but a necessity.”   As businesses and individuals grapple with the implications of mounting debt, the role of data in shaping effective recovery strategies has never been more critical. By using SearchWorks, which offers the user 160 different search types and gives instant access to over 20 data sources, including all credit bureaus in South Africa, debt collectors can perform ID and bank account verifications, asset valuation, live tracing on individual and company records and batch tracing for multiple records at once; credit, past employment, property, vehicle ownership and directorship searches; and have access to an income estimator on the new client, all within the confines of the law.   “By leveraging technology, debt recovery businesses and departments can play their part in addressing the current debt crisis head-on, fostering a more resilient and equitable financial ecosystem,” says Frier.   T: +27 (0)86 034 0000 E: info@searchworks.co.za   W: www.searchworks.co.za

Are you running your business on hope and excuses? What are the hidden costs of not upskilling you and your team? How much longer can your business survive without properly trained managers and sales teams? Are you losing top talent because you’re not investing in their growth? Can your business afford the inefficiencies caused by untrained staff? Over my more than 16 years as a business coach, I’ve worked with many business owners who are running their companies on a hope and a prayer, with no formal or informal training for themselves, their managers, or their sales teams. They wonder why their businesses are struggling, yet they refuse to acknowledge the root cause of the lack of skills development in key areas. Instead of taking responsibility, they point fingers and use excuses, blaming the market, the economy, or their staff.   But here’s the harsh reality...You don’t know what you don’t know, and this unconscious ignorance is costing you far more than you realise. When business owners, managers, and sales teams lack formal training, it has a profound ripple effect. Productivity plummets, teams become disengaged, and staff turnover spikes. The cost of re-hiring and retraining alone can drain an already struggling business. Worse, the long-term damage to your organisation’s performance and culture is immeasurable.   I’ve seen too many business owners bury their heads in the sand, refusing to invest in training because they’re too focused on “keeping the lights on” and paying bills. But this penny-wise, pound-foolish approach is not sustainable. The truth is you can’t afford not to invest in upskilling your team. If your managers can’t lead effectively, your salespeople don’t know how to close deals, and you don’t have the skills to steer the business, how do you expect to survive, let alone thrive?   At ActionCOACH, we offer MasterCLASSes in business, sales, management, and leadership specifically designed to equip you and your team with the skills you need to turn the tide. These programmes are not a cost, they are an investment in the long-term success and sustainability of your business. You will be shown how to implement business, sales, management and leadership easy to follow best practices in each of these key roles within your organisation.   Stop delaying and hoping things will get better on their own. Take action today. Contact me to learn how we can help you upskill you and your team and secure a brighter future for your business. Don’t wait for the cost of inaction to cripple your success.

The third quarter of 2024 has seen a remarkable improvement in business confidence in eThekwini Municipality, with the Durban Business Confidence Index (BCI) rising for the second consecutive quarter.   This increase highlights the City’s dedicated efforts to improving service delivery, supporting economic growth, investment, job creation, and the sustainability of the Municipality.   According to the latest report for Q3 of 2024, the Durban BCI increased to 63.01, up from 55.49 in the previous quarter.   Notably, this increase represents a 41.02% year-on-year improvement, with service delivery being identified as a key factor behind the boost in business confidence.   The Durban BCI reflects the growing confidence of businesses in the City, aligning with similar trends observed in the Bureau of Economic Research report released by Stellenbosch University.   This correlation suggests that the Municipality’s strategies are aligned with broader economic improvements across the country.   Political factors continue to influence the business environment, yet a general decline in negative publicity has positively impacted perceptions.   The report further highlights improvements in the macroeconomic environment, including the stabilization of the electricity supply, the appreciation of the rand, falling inflation, and the reduction of repo rates, all contributing to the growing confidence.   A notable rise was recorded in the construction sector, which experienced a substantial recovery, likely due to government action against criminal activities affecting the industry.   The sector’s confidence rose by 23.89%, signalling that interventions by law enforcement and collaboration with the government are having a tangible impact.   Similarly, the agriculture sector reported a remarkable 75% increase in confidence quarter-on-quarter.   Interest rate expectations also showed positive trends, reflecting responses to the favourable macroeconomic conditions.   Many countries, particularly in the Eurozone, have kept interest rates unchanged, reducing economic pressure and contributing to a stable environment for businesses to thrive.   Commenting on the report, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said he acknowledges the challenges that remain in certain departments, particularly in areas such as sewerage, solid waste, and water management.   However, he has no doubt that these departments will show improvement under the tight ship being run by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele.   “His stewardship has already delivered remarkable progress and successes in key areas such as service delivery of electricity, where we’ve seen significant advancements. We are committed to continuing this momentum, and I believe the positive changes we are witnessing across the Municipality will extend to these areas as well, ensuring improved service deliver for all residents and businesses,” added Mayor Xaba.   Website: www.durban.gov.za

Ms Sisanda Mkhize is a UKZN Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student, specialising in Animal and Poultry Science who was awarded a bursary from ABSA: a financial lifeline that profoundly impacted her academic and personal life. ‘This bursary has changed my life,’ she said. ‘It has enabled me to continue my education without the continual burden of financial insecurity. I’ve been able to buy textbooks, pay for housing and cover other school costs. This assistance has allowed me to fully engage in my academic work and extracurricular interests, laying the foundation for a more secure and bright future.’ Mkhize grew up in a household in Dundee that placed a high value on education. Her parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for their family, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a belief in the transformative power of education. ‘Growing up in a low-income town, I saw first-hand the effects of socioeconomic issues, which inspired me to make a big difference in my profession,’ she said. Her family’s support has been the cornerstone of her academic success, which fuelled her ambition to pursue higher education and achieve her goals. From a young age, she aspired to excel academically and gain admission to a respected institution. Now, she is not only advancing in her chosen field, she is contributing to community development and driving innovation in agriculture. ‘A big hurdle has been adjusting to the demanding expectations of university education,’ she said. However, she overcame these challenges through effective time management, seeking support from mentors and peers, and staying focused on her long-term goals. The financial support from the bursary played a crucial role in reducing her stress and enabling her to concentrate on her studies. In her spare time, she finds solace in Bible study, which helps her relax and stay motivated. The spiritual guidance she draws from her faith has been a source of strength, helping her navigate the pressures of university life and maintain a positive outlook. Her current studies involve nutrition, breeding, health and the management of ‘food animals’, with a particular interest in poultry and livestock production. ‘I want to work for the Department of Agriculture or in private industry,’ she said. She aims to create a skill development programme that will inspire and train youth, teaching them about the vast opportunities in agriculture. Her ultimate goal is to own a farm focused on poultry and livestock production, where she can create job opportunities for unemployed youth in her community. Mkhize offered words of wisdom to her fellow students: ‘Focus on your objectives, seek help when necessary and believe in your abilities. Every setback presents a chance to learn and grow. Remember that education is a powerful tool that can open many doors, so make use of the opportunities you have.’ She also highlighted the importance of networking and building relationships with mentors and peers, noting that these connections can provide valuable guidance, support and opportunities throughout one’s academic and professional journey. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community and the transformative impact of bursaries.

EThekwini Municipality is proud to announce the hosting of the Africa Maritime Investment Indaba taking place from 6 to 8 November 2024 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. This prestigious event will serve as a key platform to unlock Africa’s $3 trillion ocean economy, showcasing Durban’s maritime potential, and positioning the City as a global leader in the blue economy.   The Africa Maritime Investment Indaba will bring together maritime professionals, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers from across the continent and beyond. The event’s focus will be on catalysing maritime projects and technological innovations to open doors to strategic investments that will drive Durban’s socioeconomic growth, enhance port operations, and foster sustainable ocean practices.   Commenting on the upcoming event, eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele said: “The Africa Maritime Investment Indaba offers a unique opportunity to showcase Durban as Africa’s premier port City. With a strong focus on catalytic projects such as infrastructure development, ocean conservation, and maritime manufacturing, the Indaba is set to unlock transformative opportunities for the City and the continent at large. We are eager to welcome global leaders and investors to Durban to explore these exciting prospects.”   The event will feature a series of high-level dialogues on African maritime supply chains, sustainable fishing and aquaculture, offshore energy markets, and coastal city tourism. An exclusive Investment and Deal Room will facilitate confidential negotiations and transactions, further enhancing the City’s role in driving maritime growth. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities and investment matchmaking sessions designed to foster collaborations that will define the future of Africa’s ocean economy.   EThekwini Municipality’s participation as the host partner underscores the City’s commitment to leveraging its strategic position as a key hub for maritime trade and innovation. With key infrastructure projects already underway, the Africa Maritime Investment Indaba will contribute to unlocking Durban’s potential through job creation, community engagement, and economic empowerment.   For more information or to register for the Africa Maritime Investment Indaba, go to www.africamaritimeindaba.com     The conference organisers are also requesting information about any Blue Ocean Economy/Maritime Projects that are currently being planned or underway.   These details can be submitted on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLScqAkkY88yh3fXljgohvS HBdVb7fVdO9h9pkcWdHR4WY ZK_XA/viewform?pli=1   Any/all queries, questions or comments may please be directed to the event owner organiser.   NYELETI MNISI Strategic Partnerships T: +27 (0)10 141 6493 M: +27 (0)76 588 9380

Building on the proud legacy of the KZN Top Business Portfolio, which reaches its 25th edition in 2024, the KZN Top Business Leaders Portfolio celebrates KwaZulu-Natal’s thriving business community. This commemorative coffee table book honours the extraordinary achievements and inspiring journeys of some of the region’s most influential leaders.   After reviewing the remarkable stories of the companies featured over the years in the Portfolio, one thing became clear – the common thread driving these success stories is effective leadership. The KZN Leaders Portfolio takes readers deeper into the lives of these trailblazing business figures, revealing the passion and purpose that fuel their impact.   Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business, shared his excitement about this new venture: “The vision behind this collection is to inspire others to pursue success by sharing these stories.” Each leader featured brings a wealth of expertise, insight, and resilience, with their journeys of overcoming challenges and embracing innovation offering both motivation and practical lessons. The KZN Top Business Leaders Portfolio is more than a book; it’s a testament to KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant business landscape and the visionaries driving it forward.   What truly sets these leaders apart is their shared commitment to a purpose that extends far beyond their professional roles. They are driven to make a positive difference, not only within their industries but also in the broader community impacted by their businesses.   The book offers an engaging multimedia experience, with each leader’s story brought to life through Zoom interviews available on the KZN Top Business YouTube channel.   Among the distinguished business leaders featured are: Russell Curtis, HOD, Invest Durban Prasheen Maharaj, CEO, Sandock Austral Shipyards Bongi Mkhize, CEO, KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund Chris Tyson, CEO, Tyson Properties Shamla Pather, Attorney, Shamla Pather Attorneys Palesa Phili, CEO, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry   KZN Top Business is thrilled to collaborate with Ashok Sewnarain, chairman of IBV International Vaults Group, a global leader in exclusive vault services, for the launch of this publication. The release of the Leaders Portfolio coincides with the unveiling of IBV Privé, a sophisticated new space that raises the bar for luxury and exclusivity.   Ashok Sewnarain commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with KZN Top Business for the launch of the KZN Top Business Leaders Portfolio. We have found that there is substantial demand for facilities such as the IBV Privé where accomplished individuals can connect with one another while enjoying experiences that epitomise luxury.”   Sewnarain elaborated that the IBV Privé forms part of the IBV Wealth Club, which is designed discerning individuals who have achieved significant financial success.   As part of the IBV group, which encompasses IBV International Vaults and IBV Gold, the Wealth Club is built on a foundation of security, prosperity, and trust, offering members not just a lifestyle but an elevated experience that seamlessly combines luxury with strategic wealth-building.   “At IBV Wealth, we are redefining what it means to live a life of luxury and wealth. Our members are not just clients; they are part of an exclusive family that values security, growth, indulgence, and connection,” Sewnarain added. The limited edition coffee table book will be available as an eBook in early December.   For more information visit www.kzntopbusiness.com

Friday, October 18th, marked the final day of the TechWomen 2024 program, capping off a week that felt like a marathon. Traveling from San Francisco to Washington DC offered a fresh perspective on the program.    As part of the Washington, DC delegation, the atmosphere shifted, bringing a new dynamic as we engaged with our sponsors, the U.S. Department of State. From panel sessions with influential women in the public sector to visits at tech companies, and fireside chats at Amazon and Afiniti, it felt like we experienced it all.    The prestigious U.S. Department of State Luncheon at the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception Room gave us a taste of diplomacy. The experience was capped off with the Certificate Ceremony, providing a sense of accomplishment. I must thank the TechWomen Team, IIE, and the U.S. Department of State for enriching our professional and personal development and offering invaluable cultural exposure. Thank you!   One poignant moment during our departure preparation was the reminder that, as we return to our home countries and daily routines, not everything will be smooth sailing. However, this shouldn't diminish our achievements.    TechWomen has been an incredible experience, and I am eager to put the lessons learned into practice, share my experiences, and encourage others to take steps toward their goals. I've gained so much from this journey, and I am ready to apply these insights, and share with others the knowledge and encouragement I received from the program.

Just a quick reminder: the Overcome Imposter Syndrome Webinar is scheduled for 1 pm today. We're excited to have you join us! Below is your link to access the webinar. Please feel free to share this link with colleagues and friends who you think would benefit from this webinar. It's a great opportunity to delve into the topic of imposter syndrome, a phenomenon that affects many individuals across various fields. By attending this webinar, you will gain valuable insights on how to identify and overcome imposter syndrome, allowing you to thrive in your personal and professional life. Please note that this session is interactive, so you are encouraged to ask questions in the Q&A box on the platform. Engaging with the presenter and other participants will enhance your learning experience and provide you with a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Don't miss out on this chance to empower yourself and conquer imposter syndrome. We look forward to your active participation and meaningful contributions during the webinar. See you there! Jacquie Bhana will be hosting the "Overcome Imposter Syndrome" webinar in collaboration with our team at KZN Top Business. Here's a brief overview of Jacquie: As an editorial partner at KZN Top Business, Jacquie Bhana is celebrated for her contributions to the business platform and its events. She is the founder of Jacquie Bhana Consulting, offering high-performance coaching and mentoring. Her expertise in psychology and industrial relations is utilized to support diverse teams in their development and help individuals overcome psychological barriers. With a 30-year career in the corporate sector, Jacquie has dedicated herself to personal growth and aiding executives in achieving their highest potential, with a particular emphasis on mental and emotional well-being.

Throughout my journey I've been sharing about Professional Mentorship, Cultural Mentorship and Impact Coaching,    Impact Coaching is where each country comes up with an Impact Project that they would implement when they go back to their countries. So, week four was the peak of the project from Ideation phase as all countries were preparing to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, in line to win seed grants to start off their projects.    As the South African Team we reflected on the challenges facing our country and identified an area where we believe we could add value. We decided on a self-expression and regulation project targeting kids between the ages of 6 and 11 to help them identify, understand and regulate their emotions, which we called 'Know to Grow'. We chose this as we feel that teaching kids these techniques would be a preventative measure to the prevalent mental health challenges facing youth, ages 12 - 19.  Listening to challenges facing other countries was so touching, most of them were relatable to many of us. This part of the program brings a lot of emotions, as we learn more about each other as teams and realise how passionate we are about our countries. It's also a time where we become aware that every country has its challenges. It's also a time where each country gets an opportunity to learn about how to leverage on solutions implemented in other countries without reinventing the wheel.    Upon pitching, all countries had come up with solid solutions to the problems they had identified. Seven out of twenty-one countries received seed grants to implement their solutions. We celebrate those who won and we know each country has a winning solution.    I believe we should all implement our solutions in our respective countries. I also believe that our countries will rally around to support us to implement our Impact Projects.    This process gave us an opportunity to learn from each other and identify areas where we could collaborate not compete.  Again, I always go back to the reality that we are all human with dreams and aspirations for the planet regardless of race, colour, gender, religion and denomination.   This is just one component of the program that TechWomen stretches the Emerging Leaders to work as teams and reflect on what they can do to help the environments they live in, an opportunity for us to learn and drive development of women in STEM in our respective countries and WE WILL BECAUSE WE CAN.

Harnessing The Power of Purposeful Networking for Local and Global Challenges Upon invitation from His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant for County Durham and Northumbria University’s Visiting Professor, Richard Swart, a Durbanite and global businessman, South African Chamber United Kingdom Chapter Leader David White and Andrew Kruger of DRG and BusinessFit visited Northumbria University in northeast England. Their trip included meetings with academic leadership and participation in the University’s SME Commonwealth Conference. The purpose of David and Andrew’s trip from South Africa was to share their BusinessFit Blueprint Model, and its scientific approach to helping SMEs build sustainable businesses that meet governance, stakeholder and market expectations.   Professor Alan Reed Head of the Business Faculty at the Northumbria University welcomed the visit and took a special interest in understanding BusinessFit’s passion for SME development, and the model’s purpose and value to South African and Commonwealth SMEs. Further, Alan was interested to understand in more detail components of the South African black economic empowerment transformation legislation.   There is no doubt that the procurement element of the South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE) is propelling SMEs forward in each business sector within South Africa, and at a pace far quicker than many other countries within the Commonwealth – and across the world. In short, the “perfect storm” created through South Africa’s procurement transformation legislation, is that the Act’s intention encourages large organisations to procure at least 30% of their local goods and services from SMEs, while also providing 3% of NPAT business support for the development of SMEs that are at least 51% black owned.   The Procurement Element of the B-BBEE Act further provides bonus points where an engaged SME employs new staff members, and improved procurement recognition points when a large company provides support and mentoring prior to the enterprise becoming a service provider. This is referred to as Enterprise Development.   The BusinessFit Blueprint has been designed in line with South African conditions and legislation. However, and as pointed out by Ed Cottam, Director of the Northumbria University Business Clinic, its principles in business mindedness, sustainability and governance are universal. The Business Clinic’s function within the University provides an alternative to traditional dissertations, where final year undergraduates and master’s students may undertake a private sector consultancy project – supported by highly experienced Business Clinic staff.   Ed was hugely excited about the simplicity of the BusinessFit Blueprint model, and immediately offered to involve the University’s computer students to help create an App for the Blueprint methodology. Ed also remarked that he would like to include the BusinessFit material in the Business Clinic’s curriculum and invited David and Andrew to return to the University to present their model’s value and methodology to students.   The Northumbria University SME Commonwealth Conference was held in the Lancaster building in Newcastle. Richard Swart was the conference convener and facilitator and assembled a highly energised and purposeful team of contributors. Keynote speakers included Professor Luis G Franceschi, who is the Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, shared that the world in many ways, is facing far reaching consequences of circumstances and accelerated change. His message was clear: together we can overcome local and global challenges, as past generations have done before. However, he explained, we need to ensure a foundation of collaboration for good, and to help ensure that no nations are left behind. Through capabilities within AI, knowledge is no longer a core factor in ensuring prosperity of nations, but rather the key to success and sustainability being when we can work together and create common value for all nations and people. The next keynote speaker Kuseni Dlamini, a well known, and popular South African personality and current Chairman at Aspen Pharmacare and GIBS Business Institution. Kuseni spoke about the critical importance of Commonwealth countries collaborating to ensure opportunity for economic growth, stability, and access to resources. He highlighted further the positive effect purposeful integration, participation, partnering, and teamwork can have on the creation of employment and the reduction of poverty.   At a dinner party after the conference, Luis Franceschi came to understand that the Northumbria University Business Clinic had offered to create the BusinessFit Blueprint App. He remarked with joy that such a business development and networking tool is critical across the entire Commonwealth. He guided our minds to encourage that BusinessFit and the University collaborate in such a way as to make the app’s science and methodology available to all SMEs across the Commonwealth.   It was so easy for Alan Reed, Ed Cottam, David White and Andrew Kruger to agree to Luis Franceschi’s call to action. David, Andrew and Ed are now working on the creation of the BusinessFit Blueprint App, which through its encompassing SME Gateway methodology, aims to help SMEs build better businesses, and help ensure more SMEs are given opportunity to succeed in growing their businesses and in finding new trading opportunities. Download pdf

Article by: Jannie Rossouw The idea to develop of a series of articles on the topic of Risk Management stemmed from my experience as a business advisor working with business owners of small to well matured and vested medium sized businesses where risk management practices are focused on addressing legislative risk requirements. Examples include the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Companies Act. The identification and management of generic business risks  are either left until the “unexpected” happens or is seen as a theoretical exercise not worthy to address diligently.   This cannot be further removed from the truth. You only have to do a little research on the internet to see story upon story of reported business failures due to financial challenges, slowed down economic activity, reduced tourism in certain areas of the country, the impact of power outages (over the longer term) and the subsequent lack of back-up power due to the high cost of installation. An interesting observation is that many of the failed businesses are in the hospitality industry (guest houses, restaurants), food franchises, coffee shops and small-scale manufacturers.   The reality is that business owners can pre-emp business risks, determine the risk rating and plan remedial or pro-active actions to manage the identified risks.   The focus of this brief article is to give mention to the 10 most common risks facing South African SME`s. Here is the researched list: 1.        Cash Flow Management 2.        Load Shedding and Energy Security 3.        Access to Finance 4.        Regulatory and Compliance Challenges 5.        Crime and Security Risks 6.        Market Competition 7.        Skills Shortages 8.        Cybersecurity Threats 9.        Labor Relations and Strikes 10.    Political and Economic Instability   The international perspective differs to our list. There is only a 40% overlap. The reality is that our business risks are more closely associated to those of a developing economy. We need to be mindful of this and see it for what it is.   A prudent approach is to start the Risk Management discussion in the business.   Be on the lookout for the next article where I will share one key question to ask in each of the 10 business risk areas above.   I trust that this journey on the topic of Risk Management will enrich your thinking and empower you to actively identify, plan for and manage the risks which your business and industry face.   Contact Jannie Rossouw  from Bright Future Consulting  to fast track your business risk management practices.   Tel: 082 560 4149 E-mail: jannie@brightfuture.co.za Website: www.brightfuture.co.za