Goscor Lift Trucks is being featured on East Coast Radio's KZN Future50. Catch them on Tuesday, 24th of September at 08H10 with the 2nd part of the segment airing at 08H20. Tune in to listen then!

Article by: Michael Jackson - Partner, Cox Yeats In 1998, the National Water Act (the Act) was passed. It provided a radical reform of our water law, seeking to achieve the aim of providing water to all people in South Africa.   The State was appointed the public trustee of the nation’s water resources and national government was tasked with ensuring that all water resources were used and controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner.   Whilst the intentions behind the Act were laudable, very little has actually been achieved in the area of water reform and providing water resources to all people. One of the major criticisms has been a lack of funding in water infrastructure. This has included the establishment of large dams and water transfer schemes. The State, on its own, has not been able to achieve the objectives which were set out in the legislation.   The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is a state-owned entity which was established in 1986 to finance and build the South African part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This was a special purpose vehicle for South Africa to use to fulfil its treaty obligations to Lesotho in respect of this project.   In 2000, the mandate of the TCTA was extended to include other projects which could be financed through the private sector. These included the Olifants River Water Resources Development, the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Scheme, the Berg River / Voëlvlei Augmentation, the uMzibuvubu River Water Scheme and the Kriel Offtake Projects.   Basically, these were all public private partnership schemes to develop major water infrastructure.   The government seems to now recognise that the financing and implementation of bulk raw water infrastructure projects requires the involvement of both the public and the private sector. Instead of these schemes being owned by the government, it recognises that the model followed by the TCTA is more effective.   On 27 August 2024, the President approved of the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill (the Bill), which provides for the incorporation of a new company which will be owned by the government and called The South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited (the Agency).   This company will acquire all of the assets of the TCTA and use the model of the TCTA to further invest, finance and implement bulk raw water infrastructure projects. It is felt that if the Agency owns the assets, then it will have a large asset base on which it can unlock funding for new projects.   Within 12 months after the date of incorporation of the Agency, the Minister is to determine what government water works are to be labelled as National Water Resources Infrastructure and transfer the National Water Resources Infrastructure to the Agency. The other government water works are to be transferred to a water management institution. This will mean that the Agency will have a very large asset base and commercial enterprise. The Agency will be entitled to collect the revenue, previously earned by the State, on the National Water Resources Infrastructure, including collecting the water use charges due to it in terms of Chapter 5 of the Act.   The Bill is to be welcomed as it recognises the need to invest heavily in the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure and that the financing and development of large scale water projects needs the input of the private sector.   The TCTA was a successful example of financing and implementing viable economic projects. Obviously, it is hoped that the Agency will be an effective body, not marred by corruption and mismanagement.

TWIMS is dedicated to developing manufacturing executives through academic and non-academic courses. With a vision of an industrialised Africa built on world-class management capabilities, TWIMS offers specialised programmes and world-class facilities to foster value creation and societal transformation. Did you know that TWIMS offers world class facilities? If you're looking to host your next conference or strategy development session, look no further than the TWIMS campus in Kloof, Durban. Our executive teaching facilities, boardrooms, and technology "sandbox" offer the ideal environment for manufacturers and the broader manufacturing community to bridge the gap between conceptual learning and advanced management practices. Additionally, our boutique hotel and manufacturing resource center ensure a comfortable and productive stay. Book now to elevate your next event to the next level with TWIMS.

The Lean Leadership Masterclass was designed to elaborate on the various facets underpinning lean leadership behaviours and skills within the manufacturing sector. It positions this leadership stance as an imperative skill for managers leading within this space, now more than ever. With the rise of autocratic and disabling management styles noted in the industry, there has been a drive to reassess the leadership skills possessed by management teams. This call has been reinforced by the mental health strains experienced by employees during the COVID -19 period. It warrants a leadership style that can create safe spaces, where individuals can contribute with transparency and authenticity. The masterclass posits that traditional leadership styles based on a top-down telling ethos will not support the current dynamics required. It positions lean leadership as the leadership approach to be considered. One that encourages high performance by creating spaces of psychological safety, enabling trust and collaborative engagements. The blend of transformative and servant leadership stances, combined with delivery management robustness are shared. These are the various segments of lean leadership with the benefits of adopting these capabilities also explored. The masterclass cost is R4,260 per participant. This is fully inclusive of all refreshments, teas, and lunch on the 19th of September, as well as all stationery. The cost excludes accommodation. The Masterclass is run at the TWIMS campus, 74 Everton Road, Kloof. The day starts at 8:30 and concludes at 16:30. Accommodation is available on-site at an additional cost, please click here for more information. Register below https://twimsafrica.com/masterclass-application-2024/

The KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Committee is currently embarking on a series of in-country activations with the goal of increasing direct connectivity with KwaZulu-Natal to regional and international hubs. Better connectivity will create opportunities that unlock King Shaka International Airport's (KSIA) full potential as an airport of choice for passengers and cargo alike. The Durban Direct team, whose core mandate is to facilitate direct flights to and from Durban, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Embassy in SA and Zimbabwe, FastJet Airlines, the Zambia Development Agency, the Tourism Council of Zambia, ProFlight-Zambia and the Zambia Tourism Agency, will embark on a mission to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe and Lusaka in Zambia, in September 2024. The mission aims to further strengthen air connectivity between the cities of Harare and Lusaka with Durban. Another aim is to foster business-to-business engagements to enhance investment as well as trade and tourism between the cities. At present, the route between Durban and Harare is serviced by one airline, Airlink which commenced operations in KSIA in April 2022 with twice a week frequency, which has recently increased in frequency to six times a week. The intention is to continue to grow this route to seven times a week. FastJet (who owns FedAir), a major airline in Zimbabwe, has also been contacted for potential connectivity to Durban. Zambia’s leading regional airline Proflight Zambia relaunched its direct Lusaka-Durban route in April 2023. The airline operates direct flights between the cities on Mondays and Fridays. The delegation comprises representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs; Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal; Tourism KwaZulu-Natal; Invest Durban; Durban Tourism; Dube TradePort; and Airports Company South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Rev. Musa Zondi said, “This mission aims to strengthen our air connectivity within the African continent as well as contribute to our goals of facilitating more intra-Africa trade opportunities including travel and tourism between our cities.” Participating Businesses The Durban Direct delegation will be accompanied by 11 KwaZulu-Natal-based businesses from various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, agriculture, agri-processing, public administration, and mining. These businesses are: Angel Footwear : Offers high-quality, locally manufactured footwear. Products are 100% leather and proudly South African. Bazobona Supply Chain Management : Specialises in geosynthetics, offering a range of products such as geotextiles, gabions, and soil reinforcement, with the ability to customise according to project needs. Candlelight Bags & Covers : Established in 1994, the business has expanded from upholstery to include the repair and manufacture of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC) and slings. East Coast Boards : Aims to expand its market by collaborating with local partners in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The company supplies high-quality melamine and foiled finished paper boards. Gardinia Coal : Holds a strategic advantage due to its proximity to the Durban and Richards Bay port terminals, located 350km away. Gugu Mobile Boutique : Offers high-quality traditional African crafts, known for their customisation and exceptional craftsmanship. I Am Flourish : New to the African market, the company’s products blend fashion with functionality, aiming to fill a unique niche. Labora Shoes : Designs and produces shoes for leading South African retailers. The factory produces over 200,000 pairs of shoes per month, catering to a range of market needs from everyday wear to high fashion. Phungela : Offers consulting, communications, and technology services, specialising in software solutions and business transformation. SAMAC Engineering Solutions : Provides thermal energy storage technology to help businesses stabilise temperatures and reduce energy costs. Sluvin Trading : Features a unique product line that appeals to both tourists and locals with its vibrant colours, patterns, and styles. Tourism and Investment Events The delegation will host a series of Tourism and Investment Events: Bulawayo : Monday, 16 September Harare : Tuesday, 17 September Lusaka : Wednesday, 18 September Russell Curtis, Head of Invest Durban, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Durban has a Sister City Agreement with Bulawayo, and I believe that this visit, by providing opportunities for business-to-business engagements, will make our partnership even stronger.” Stakeholders are invited to participate in these dynamic business-to-business engagement sessions. For more information, please contact Sbongile Nxumalo at Sbongile@tikzn.co.za.

From LCVs to NEVs: Thailand’s recent automotive value chain developments with Guest speaker Prof. Kriengkrai Techakanont, Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand and and Prof Justin Barnes, Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies Manufacturing Ambassador and an Associate Professor at the GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science), University of Pretoria. Prof. Techakanont and Prof. Barnes co-authored an article (with Prof Anthony Black of UCT) on the comparative competitiveness of the South African and Thai automotive industries in 2017. Both have a keen interest in the development trajectories of the two industries. To register for the breakfast session, please follow the instructions on this link: https://twimsafrica.com/breakfast-seminar-thailands-recent-automotive-value-chain-developments-pe/

Article by - Liana Ahrens Teixeira Picture this: The spotlight’s on, and you’re about to hit the dance floor of business decisions. But wait — who’s leading? No, it’s not just you! It’s your secret weapon... data . Now, hold up. I know what you're thinking — data isn’t exactly known for its moves. But when we make a mind shift , we see it for what it really is: the ultimate dance partner. Ready to cha-cha your way to smarter decisions? Here’s how it works: 🎶  Data Takes the Lead: Just like a pro dancer guiding you through the twists and turns, data knows the next move. Whether it's spotting that perfect business opportunity or dodging a potential misstep, it’s got your back, twirling you toward the right decisions. All you need to do is follow its lead. 🕺  Spotlight on Strengths (and Weaknesses!):  We all love showing off our best moves, right? Data helps you shine a light on your business strengths — those areas where you’re already stealing the show. But it also helps you practice those tricky steps where you might stumble (don’t worry, no judgment here, we’ve all been there!). 🎯  Perfectly in Sync with Strategy:  Ever felt like you’re just guessing what the next step should be? Well, no more! With data by your side, you’re in sync with every beat of your strategy. It turns vague ideas into actionable steps that’ll have you gliding across the floor toward your business goals. 🌟  Dancing Through Uncertainty:  In the wild world of business, things can change fast, like the tempo of a song. But with data guiding you, you'll be ready to pivot, spin, or moonwalk through any uncertainty that comes your way. Data makes sure you’re ready for every beat — even the unexpected ones! 🎉  The Big Mindshift: Let’s face it — dancing with data is a total mind shift . It’s not just something you use after  the big decisions; it’s there for every step, every shuffle, every dip. When data is your dance partner, you're not just moving to the music; you’re setting the rhythm for success. So, what do you say? Shall we boogie? Let’s make data our partner in crime (or should I say, in rhyme?), guiding us to smarter, faster, and more fabulous business decisions. The future is a dance floor — let’s tear it up with data as our partner!

Jennifer Reddy, CEO of Morar Incorporated, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "We are thrilled to be the main sponsor of KZN Top Business Women this year. I firmly believe in the initiative’s ability to validate and uplift businesswomen, who often underestimate their own capabilities and achievements. By nominating a woman, you are recognizing her extraordinary qualities and encouraging her to share her story. August marked Women's Month, and with it came the exciting announcement that nominations are now open for the KZN Top Business Women 2024 initiative. Powered by Morar Incorporated and supported by DRG, BusinessFit, and Radisson Blu Hotel Durban The KZN Top Business Woman Collection annually selects 40 women for an empowering experience that significantly enhances their personal and professional lives, often leading to transformative career opportunities. Each year, the KZN Top Business Woman Collection hosts its Annual Event, where 40 women are chosen for special profiling, photo shoots, and interviews, along with indulgent pampering at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Career Impact: Participants experience significant business growth and career transformations, with some achieving millionaire status. Sponsorship: Jennifer Reddy, CEO of Morar Incorporated, sponsors the event due to its positive influence on her own life. Life-Changing Opportunities: The program provides profound opportunities, regardless of the participants' starting points. Nomination Encouragement: Individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates, including themselves, for this impactful experience.

Risk is an inherent part of running any business, yet many business owners overlook the importance of a structured risk management approach. Ignoring business risks can lead to devastating consequences such as financial loss, operational failure, reputational damage, or even the complete collapse of a business. By contrast, businesses that invest in prudent risk management gain a competitive edge by proactively addressing threats before they materialise.   Potential Consequences of Ignoring Risk Management When risks are not properly identified and managed, they can snowball into major disruptions. For example, a failure to recognize financial risks can lead to cash flow problems or insolvency, while overlooking compliance risks can result in legal penalties and fines. In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses that neglect cybersecurity risks face the possibility of data breaches, which can lead to financial and reputational losses. Ignoring risks can leave businesses vulnerable to unforeseen events, making it difficult to recover from setbacks.   Benefits of Proactive Risk Management On the flip side, a well-executed risk management plan brings numerous benefits. By identifying potential risks, business owners can gain a clear understanding of their impact on the organization. This knowledge enables businesses to prioritise risk actions, reducing the likelihood of disruptions and ensuring that corrective measures are put in place.   Assigning risk owners ensures accountability and drives action to mitigate risks, making the business more resilient. A business with well-managed risks operates more efficiently, often reducing unnecessary costs and improving decision-making processes. Furthermore, a solid risk management framework safeguards a company's reputation and builds trust with customers, investors, and partners.   Ultimately, businesses that prioritise risk management not only protect themselves from potential threats, but also position themselves for sustainable growth and long-term success.   Take Control of Your Business’s Future – Schedule Your Complimentary Risk Assessment Today! At Bright Future Consulting, we specialise in helping businesses like yours identify, assess, and manage risks before they become serious threats.   We offer two tailored risk assessment solutions to meet your needs: FOUNDATION Business Risk Assessment – A facilitated, comprehensive risk evaluation that highlights the key risks your business may face. EXECUTIVE Business Risk Assessment – A fully customised risk assessment designed to address the unique risks of your specific business.   Contact Jannie Rossouw (Executive Business Advisor), for a complimentary Business Risk Assessment or to learn more about the FOUNDATION or EXECUTIVE Business Risk Assessments. Take proactive steps to protect your business, enhance resilience, and ensure continued growth.   Call Jannie today Mobile: 082 560 4149, Email: jannie@brightfuture.co.za , or Website: www.brightfuture.co.za to secure your complimentary business risk assessment and fortify your business for the future.   Your success starts with risk management—act now!

Six UKZN postgraduate students recently had their historical debt cleared by Tata Africa, thanks to the efforts of the UKZN Foundation. The recognition ceremony, held on the Howard College campus, showed Tata’s commitment to education and reducing historical debt, as it directly impacts the lives of students and their families, fostering a brighter future for the community at large. In his official welcome, UKZN Foundation acting Executive Director Mr Steve Camp congratulated the students and thanked Tata for their assistance and support to students over the years. ‘This historical debt clearance by Tata is significant because it makes a difference in the lives of students,’ he said.   Tata’s Executive Director Mr Harneet Luther spoke about the partnership with UKZN and the philosophy of the company. ‘We are grateful to have partnered with UKZN to assist students. Partnerships exists when there are common values, excellence and trust. Young people deserve better education and economic opportunities in order to ensure that a better South Africa is developed and maintained for future generations. Tata’s focus is to continue improving the quality of creating equal opportunities in education.’’   Luther thanked the students, encouraging them to give back and contribute to their communities and society.   He added, ‘Tata is making a substantial contribution towards reducing the financial burden that could otherwise prevent these students from graduating. Historical debt often hampers students' graduation prospects and limits their job-seeking opportunities, creating a cycle of financial struggle and limited career progression.’   Master’s in Finance, Banking and Investment Management student Mr Wandile Majozi is grateful to Tata. ‘This means everything to me. It will help me pay off my university debt and complete my studies.’   Ms Cassidy Lee Moodley, who was an Honours student in Finance, owed over R174 000 in historical debt. Having the debt paid off allowed her to focus on her studies and not have to worry about fees. ‘This is a huge financial weight off my and my parents’ shoulders. We didn’t know how we would have paid off such a large amount of money. I can now look forward to a career in investment banking. I am also thankful to the UKZN Foundation for assisting with funding from donors and partners.’   Mr Mohummed Khan was also grateful to Tata for their financial support. ‘The bursary I received after completing my Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management was a wonderful surprise and a great motivator. It recognised my hard work and alleviated some of the financial pressure, allowing me to focus on my future goals. I am forever grateful for the investment in my future and the trust placed in me.’

Although intra-African trade is still low, Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world and the push for intra-African trade is advancing through the likes of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA Agreement envisages that 90% of products would be traded, duty-free on the continent within ten years. As of January 2022, 41 African Union (AU) member states have ratified The Agreement. As The Agreement shifts into its operational phase, South African industrialists need to consider what potential opportunities this agreement will provide in the next 2 to 3 years. They should be informed by what key milestones to look out for and how to respond to the potential opportunities. In a context where industrialisation and specifically the growth of the manufacturing sector, remain the key mechanisms enabling developing countries and emerging economies to improve their economic and social welfare, the purpose of this course is to explore economic trade trends across the continent and to understand how policy dynamics such as those related to the AfCFTA might influence future developments. The masterclass explores trade strategy options facing those firms seeking to work with the emerging manufacturing ecosystem on the continent. This one-day masterclass will begin with an overview of the African trade environment, including an overview of trade agreements, trade barriers and trade facilitation measures available to manufacturers. Practically, this masterclass will introduce executives to various approaches to utilise when analysing African markets (covering both the import and export markets) and how to develop regional export strategies to take advantage of manufacturing opportunities on the African continent. The masterclass will be facilitated by Mbongeni Ndlovu, the Illovo Head of African Trade and Industrialisation at TWIMS. The masterclass cost is R4,260 per participant. This is fully inclusive of all refreshments, teas, and lunch on the 17th of October, as well as all stationery. The cost excludes accommodation. The Masterclass is run at the TWIMS campus, 74 Everton Road, Kloof. The day starts at 8:30 and concludes at 16:30. Accommodation is available on-site at an additional cost, please click here for more information. Register: https://twimsafrica.com/masterclasses/

These projects, which began in 2021, aim to improve infrastructure while creating job opportunities and supporting local communities. The R25 billion N2 and N3 highway construction projects in KwaZulu-Natal are set to deliver significant socioeconomic benefits, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) has confirmed. These projects, which began in 2021, aim to improve infrastructure while creating job opportunities and supporting local communities. Seven major projects are underway on the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, with two more on the N2 at the EB Cloete Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) and near KwaMashu and Umdloti in eThekwini Municipality. Dudley Mbambo, Sanral’s eastern region acting manager, highlighted the positive socio-economic impact of the upgrades. “These projects not only improve safety and traffic flow but also create employment opportunities for local communities,” said Mbambo. Local labour has been prioritised, with R333,6million allocated for wages over the five-year contract period.The R1,2 billion KwaMashu Interchange to Umdloti project, started in August 2021, is scheduled for completion in late 2025. In addition to improving road safety, the project includes a pedestrian bridge on the M41 to protect residents who need to cross the highway “Ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, is essential,” Mbambo said, adding that many households are situated near the highway, making the bridge a critical addition. The R5 billion EB Cloete Interchange project, which began in May 2023, has already reached 15% completion as of July. It will increase the interchange’s capacity from 20 lanes to 32, improving traffic flow and road safety. The project also brings further employment to the region, contributing to local economic development. Meanwhile, the R4,57 billion upgrade of the N3 between Key Ridge and Hammarsdale, which started in May 2023, aims to realign a portion of the highway to improve safety and reduce accidents. This upgrade will modernise the 40-year-old pavement and transform the road into a five-lane dual carriageway, benefiting traffic flow for the next 30 years. The project will provide further socioeconomic benefits, with at least R392 million earmarked for local labour and R1,1 billion subcontracted to small, medium, and micro enterprises. Sanral’s focus on transformation ensures that a significant portion of the budget is invested in local businesses and employment, helping to uplift the region’s economy during these developments. Credit: The Witness - Khethukuthula Xulu