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- SearchWorks - South Africa strengthens financial crime prevention
Amendments to FICA impose due diligence requirements on accountable institutions Following South Africa’s financial greylisting by global financial crime watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for not fully complying with international standards around the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, significant amendments have been made to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). These amendments mean that any business dealing with significant financial transactions (also known as accountable institutions) must carry out due diligence or risk penalties. The same compliance requirements now apply to banks, estate agents, conveyancing attorneys, and vehicle dealerships which are also considered accountable institutions. This means that such businesses can be held liable for non-compliance. Serious warning, take heed The South African Reserve Bank's Prudential Authority (PA) has already shown that this is no idle threat, with their decision to impose sanctions on a major South African bank for non-compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Act, in that the institution had failed to timeously determine when a transaction was reportable in terms of the FIC Act. The bank was issued with a reprimand and a directive to take remedial action, along with a financial penalty of R35 million. Fighting financial crime South Africa established the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) in 2001 to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Accountable institutions, such as accountants, banks, casinos, estate agents, legal practitioners, jewellers and money remitters must implement anti-money laundering measures, report suspicious transactions, and cooperate with FIC investigations. Compliance is critical to reverse greylisting “The shift to holding institutions accountable will not change. Enforcement will continue to increase to reverse the greylisting for insufficiently tackling illicit financial flows,” notes Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director of SearchWorks. As such, compliance with FICA is essential to restoring the integrity of South Africa's financial system in the wake of being greylisted, by helping to protect reputations, avoid penalties, and combat illicit activities. As mentioned, non-compliance will lead to financial penalties, criminal prosecution, and reputational damage, making it essential for institutions to take robust steps to evidence their accountability. The enhanced compliance requirements for accountable institutions in terms of FICA require such businesses to: Perform customer due diligence (CDD): Accountable institutions are required to identify and verify the identity of their customers. This includes obtaining information such as the customer's name, address, date of birth, and identity document number. Report suspicious transactions: Accountable institutions are required to report any suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). A suspicious transaction is one that gives rise to a reasonable suspicion that it may involve money laundering or terrorist financing. Implement anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) measures: Accountable institutions are required to implement AML/CFT measures to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing. These measures may include: - Maintaining records of customer transactions; - Training staff on AML/CFT matters; - Conducting internal audits; and - Cooperating with the FIC's investigations. Accountability through data “SearchWorks can assist accountable institutions ensure they carry out their due diligence in terms of accurate KYC (know your customer) and KYB (know your business) checks, accurately and without hassle,” Kumandan continues. SearchWorks provides a data aggregation platform that provides information on individuals, businesses, trusts, and properties in South Africa, offering a variety of search types that can be used for a number of purposes, including KYC, AML/CFT, and due diligence. Proactive prevention Of particular importance in the prevention of corrupt individuals and their networks from infiltrating the legitimate financial system, is the ability to run comprehensive Politically Exposed Person (PEP) and Sanctions checks during customer onboarding and ongoing client reviews. A PEP refers to an individual in a prominent public role, who poses a higher risk of being involved in bribery and corruption due to their position and influence. Additionally, Sanctions screening checks ensure compliance with global law enforcement and sanctions lists, preventing unauthorised financial transactions. These efficient and cost-effective checks empower accountable businesses with vital data to proactively mitigate potential financial and reputational damage. Adapt or face sanctions “Notably, SearchWorks has recently expanded its search capabilities by introducing an ID photo verification search, enabling the retrieval of an individual's latest identity or passport image using their ID number alone. Furthermore, a Customised Search Information (CSI) spousal verification check has been added to verify the availability of associated spousal information, enhancing the efficiency of KYC checks,” Kumandan says. The compliance pressure on accountable institutions is unlikely to lessen. With this in mind, it is advisable for organisations to adapt to this pressure and use it to create additional business value by reducing fraud, safeguarding their reputation and capital while simplifying their reporting and compliance duties.
- KZN Business Sustainability Convention held on the 14th of July 2023
Standard Bank, DRG, BusinessFit, NewMella, Stanlib, and the Success Company hosted the KZN Business Sustainability Convention at the Standard Bank Kingsmead Auditorium on the 14th of July 2023. There were approximately 75 attendees, mostly SME business leaders, but also including leaders from larger organisations. Adele Benvie was MC, and in her usual passionate and enthusiastic way, introduced the speakers and facilitated the morning magnificently. The speakers, Jannie Rossouw from BusinessFit Western Cape (keynote speaker), Akhona Mahlati from BusinessFit KwaZulu-Natal, Wendy Mahoney from Newmella and Associates, Ndivhuho Netshitenzhe from STANLIB, and Brian Pakkiri from Standard Bank where out of this world. Each contribution transferred significant knowledge and wisdom in how business leaders move their organisations from success to sustainability. The theme of the Conference was “How to position your business to excel in uncertain times”, and specific topics covered included the BusinessFit 5 Stage Quality Assurance process and methodology, understanding the important contribution entrepreneurs make in helping to creating jobs in South Africa and around the world, building innovative organisational cultures, an economic update, and a focus on how businesses grow capital. Feedback from the attendees confirmed that the Convention was outstanding in every way, and hugely needed at this time in South Africa, where emphasis has been put on the development and growth of the country’s SME sector. Special thanks were given to Sidney Reddy and Garrett Johnson from Standard Bank for making the event location possible, and Grant Adlam and the Top Business team for their support and communication, and gathering eligible attendees. Attendees shared that they learned that business is more of a science than they had considered. In particular they enjoyed the simplicity of the BusinessFit 32-point focus model within the four core pillars of Leadership, Functional Area Foundation, Measurements, and Energy. Echoed throughout the auditorium was that the BusinessFit approach certainly makes it easier for entrepreneurs and business leaders to anticipate success in taking their ideas and creations to market, and in building sustainable businesses that meet governance and stakeholder measures. Other learnings included the formula for profit growth: Increase qualified leads, Improve conversion rates, Selling more business in volumes to existing clients, Selling more business in Rand value to existing clients, and Improving margins within the business Attendees learned that quantum growth is possible, even in dire economic circumstances. Our next Business Development Convention session will be on the 25 August 2023, and will focus on “The business case for Sustainability, and why it is so important”. Please contact Lindiwe Bhadi ( lindiwe@businessfit.co.za ) to reserve your seat. Contact Details Standard Bank - Garrett Johnson - Garrett.Johnson@standardbank.co.za BusinessFit – Lindiwe Bhadi – lindiwe@businessfit.co.za DRG – David White – david@drg.co.za
- Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023 - 1 day left to go
Several top businesses, organisations and individuals are waiting in anticipation to hear who will be honored at the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023. The 17th edition of the annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is the premier event in the KwaZulu-Natal business calendar. The awards are even more important now as they celebrate the innovation and resilience shown despite the challenging conditions faced by businesses in the region over the past few years. With one day to go, excitement is building as we will find out who our winners are and who will be our No.1 Top Brand. Join us on the livestream: Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2023 LIVESTREAM | KZN Top Business. Remember to share this link with colleagues, friends, family members and lets support and celebrate our KZN businesses in fine style. Go and get your copy of today's Mercury. On page 3 you will find out who all are finalists are. Please join us live and let's share and celebrate our KZN businesses.
- Aurik - This Week@Work: Marketing is not a HOW challenge, it’s a WHY, WHO, WHAT challenge
If you’re struggling to reach your customers, to tell them about your product or service, you’re probably focusing on the wrong issue. First, you need to understand precisely what problem you solve… for who… and how you do that, consistently… which will enable you to figure out how best to reach them so that your message lands. Your prosperity is largely in your hands. It's also in the wellbeing of your suppliers, customers, friends and family who run their own businesses. You're welcome to share This Week@Work with them. Pavlo Phitidis www.aurik.com
- UKZN Hosts SA Professional Provident Society Foundation
Representatives of the Professional Provident Society (PPS) of South Africa Foundation and the UKZN Foundation gathered on the University’s Howard College campus to extend their partnership and celebrate PPS postgraduate bursaries being awarded to medical students. The PPS Foundation was established in 2016, to improve access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields for students. They also contribute to the sustainable development of South African communities. PPS Group Executive Trustee and Group Executive: HR, Ms Masenyane Molefe, gave a brief presentation on her organisation which has been in existence for more than 80 years. Molefe said the Foundation’s bursary and university support programme led to the collaboration with UKZN. ‘The PPS bursary is a holistic bursary that covers students for tuition fees, residence accommodation, meals and laptops. The Foundation is currently funding IT and medical students.’ One of the students was Ms Fanelesibonge Mkhize, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) candidate. ‘I didn’t know much about PPS until my roommate at residence, who is a recipient of one of their bursaries, suggested I approach the society,’ said Mkhize. ‘After having applied unsuccessfully for a bursary from several other sources I was surprised and elated when I got a response from PPS!’ Commenting on the funding, Mkhize, who holds a cum laude Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree, said: ‘It has helped me so much because otherwise I would have been stressing about books and fees as it not easy to get a bursary when you already have a degree. I’m happy to be part of the UKZN community and grateful to my sponsors – because of them, I have no (student) debt which makes life so much easier and less stressful, allowing me to concentrate on my work.’ Professor Suvira Ramlall of UKZN’s Psychiatry Discipline and President of the College of Psychiatrists (CMSA) thanked PPS on behalf of the Medical School. ‘I am so glad you have shifted beyond giving hand-outs. We really appreciate these partnerships,’ said Ramlall.
- Kara Hoffman - Mapping a cochlear implant is something we are proud to offer for all ages
This is done to optimise the hearing and performance of your cochlear implant to ensure you are hearing your best at all times! Dr Kara Hoffman (Au.D) has been a co-ordinator and now member of the Durban Cochlear Implant Programme since she became additionally licensed in cochlear implantation through the University of Stellenbosch in 2008. The candidacy process is a lengthy and in-depth assessment that touches on all facets of the hearing impaired patient’s life – communication, family, surgical, emotional, financial, medical, audiological and psychological – for the most incredible outcomes that technology can offer in this day-and-age! Each company supported by the DCIP has FDA approved, internationally manufactured products with years of research and technology – many of whom have welcomed the team to their advanced training in their overseas laboratories and by their expert engineers and audiologists. https://www.thaudiology.co.za/
- Dash Singh - True audio freedom
Bone conduction technology and headphones are receiving a lot of attention worldwide and have hit the South African market with great reviews. Bone-conduction technology is medical grade certified technology. As sound travels faster through a solid than through air, bone conduction technology is based on the principle of conducting sound to our inner ear via the bones on our cheeks and hence bypassing the eardrum. This is an important feature as bone conduction headphones rest on the side of the face and do not fit into or over the ear. In this way their use completely eliminates the damage that normal ear pods or headphones cause to our hearing ability. The World Health Organization report on hearing (March 2021) states that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to listening to audio at harmful volumes. This is mainly caused by regular use of conventional headphones and ear pods. The youth population – especially those under 35 years are particularly at risk. Hence, at WeHear SA, our mission is to save as many people as possible in South Africa from hearing loss due to using the wrong listening and connectivity devices. Bone-conduction devices are much safer than traditional headphones and reduce damage to your ears, especially on prolonged usage. Obviously, the volume used must be controlled to a safe level. Bone Conduction Technology Advantages Bone conduction technology offers many advantages over traditional earphones, but the main benefits are: They do not fit inside or over your ear. So, your ear health is not impacted negatively. You are not bombarding your ear canal with high volume sound from a close range. The leading cause of ear infections are by devices that fit into the ear. The human ear was not designed to have devices inside the ear. Bone conduction offers what we call “Audio Freedom” with the “Open Ear Experience” which provides better interaction between the person and the environment. All ambient sounds can be heard while still connected to audio. This provides a great degree of safety from potential threats and awareness of the surroundings. A bone conduction device can be worn for extended periods without any of the usual negative impacts from traditional headphones. However, people who want to listen to high volume audio without interference from ambient sounds will not prefer bone conduction. Also there may be minor sound “leakage” so your audio may be heard by people very close to you. Product Features The WeHear product range are aspirational products that have been designed to offer market leading quality and features. We have purposely built the “Rolls Royce” of bone conduction headphones. We have designed the business model to make ear health, hearing and connectivity affordable but also offer the best quality product on the market. Consequently, the WeHear OX is the world’s first truly smart headphone. The standout features include: The build quality and materials used can immediately be noticed as superior The sound quality from high end Qualcomm processors 8 hours of usage from just 45 minutes of charge time IPX6 certified to be resistant to sweat, dust and water splash proof We offer an industry-leading 3-year warranty and regular online support. Most other electronic products have much shorter warranties. Dual connectivity, allowing you to connect to two Bluetoot h devices at the same time The 30ft connection range offering greater freedom. The market leading mobile app offers features that really takes this headphone into a new league. These include: A 72-language live translator. No more language barrier. Learn a language feature. WeConverse – allows texting in any language and immediate translation. Hearing aid mode – To assist hearing impaired people. Hearing test feature – Test your Ear Age. User Profile WeHear OX is designed to suit several different users. The busy professional who will benefit from dual connectivity. The app also removes the language barrier and ensures that ternational clients can be communicated with more effectively. All sportspersons, especially those who would like to listen to audio while engaging in their sports but need to be aware of ambient sounds in their vicinity. Students and youth who spend long periods of time connected to devices can now do so without damaging their hearing. For more information contact: E: dash@groupd.co.za W: www.wehear.co.za
- Exclusive Company Interview Featuring BEESCORE
BEESCORE spoke with Africa Talks Business and shared their goals and objectives with us. BEE is crucial for businesses in South Africa. It is so frequently thought of as a duty or simply a rule, but it is so much more than that. Understanding BEE requires knowledge of South Africa’s past, including the suffering and tribulations that led to its current prevalence. BEESCORE discusses their goals for South Africa as well as their competitive advantages. How their role as a moral and effective verification agency has a significant impact. Learn more about BEESCORE and why you need to consult with them if you are a SMME, or organization. 1. Tell us about BEESCORE? BEESCORE was established in 2006, being one of the initial batches of verification agencies who were accredited to conduct B-BBEE ratings. We are committed to the process of broad-based black economic empowerment. We share knowledge and know what counts in B-BBEE scoring. Business Goals and Objectives: BEESCORE aims to be the preferred supplier of BEE scorecard ratings to South African businesses, making the process of verification simpler, better, and faster to benefit our clients and aid in the necessary transformation of the South African economy. Company Vision: To be a leading rating agency within the top 3 in SA by continuing to provide exceptional services. Company Mission: It is our mission to be a preferred supplier of BEE scorecard ratings and aligned value added services to South African businesses. We are committed to providing our clients excellent service by acting with integrity and upholding the principles of this mission. We aim to inspire confidence in the rating process by committing to uphold the principles of: Impartiality, Competence, Responsibility, Openness, Confidentiality, and Resolution of Complaints. 2. How did the name BEESCORE come about? The original name was registered in 2006 as BEESA Rating Services. The name was changed to BEESCORE in June 2009. The reason for the change was because there was a separate independent consulting company called BEESA, and the rule has always been that there should be no link/commonalities between “consulting” and “BEE Verification” services. Hence, the name change. BEESCORE was chosen because it represented what the essence of BEE Verification entailed, which is to assess and validate the BEE Scores of measured entities. 3. What services does BEESCORE offer. Clients that choose BEESCORE can take advantage of offerings unique to our company. We specialize in interim and final B-BBEE scorecard ratings, B-BBEE verification training, ownership analysis and certification, Enterprise (ED) and Socio-Economic (SED) certifications and JV/Consortium certification. 4. How is BEESCORE Different? We are client-centric. We pride ourselves on excellent turn-around times and excellent customer service. BEESCORE is a SANAS accredited,100% Black Female owned entity which qualifies for 135% back in procurement spend and bonus points when clients utilise our services. Our SANAS accreditation extends to all industry sectors, except for the Defence sector. Using highly qualified analysts and our ‘value add’ philosophy, we ensure prompt turnaround of certification. We adopt a pragmatic approach in applying BBBEE verification methodologies. • We pride ourselves in 100% customer service and accuracy in our BBBEE assessments. The owner and managing director is a lawyer who applies her legal and interpretational skills in the application of complex provisions in the various BEE Codes and supplementary legislation. At BEESCORE we embrace certain values. Integrity, respect, diversity, efficiency, and service excellence are of ultimate importance. One can expect to find these values consistently threaded throughout the fabric of our business. We have been operating for 17 years and have, over this period, conducted verifications across multiple sector codes servicing both private sector and public sector entities. Our client base includes those that we continue to service from 2006, which can attest to their customer service experience with us. 5. What impact is BEESCORE making in South Africa? BEESCORE’s reputation in the market as an ethical and efficient verification agency holds us in good stead. We have years of experience in verifying clients in the industry and can easily identify suspicious activity and fronting. We have forged great relationships with clients and other rating agencies/peers which creates mutual respect and an overall positive outcome for our industry. 6. Who can Benefit from partnering with BEESCORE? Any entity wishing to maximize on their preferential procurement points could partner with BEESCORE, to ensure their supply chain is compliant. We often see large entities lose valuable points on their scorecards due to many suppliers being non-compliant or producing incorrect/invalid BEE certificates and affidavits. These entities could partner with BEESCORE to potentially handhold their suppliers through the process of becoming BEE certified. 7. How do people get in touch with BEESCORE? BEESCORE can be contacted from our website: www.beescore.co.za ; telephonically on 031-5830640; admin@beescore.co.za ; reception@beescore.co.za ; usha@beescore.co.za Article by Africa Talks Business June 26, 2023
- Muhle Ndwalane - Bridging the divide
Driven by his determination to make a real impact on society, rather than just making loads of money and becoming another ‘celebrity entrepreneur’, 24-year-old Umhlanga business owner Muhle Ndwalane recently made it onto the exclusive Forbes Africa ‘30 under 30’ list. Making it onto a shortlist that includes the continent’s brightest achievers under the age of 30 is a remarkable feat and a life-changing achievement. But this seems only to be the beginning for this determined and driven young ‘techpreneur’. As the owner and founder of Asante Solutions – an Umhlanga-based digital marketing and tech agency – Muhle’s ultimate goal is to bridge the digital divide in South Africa and formulate unique solutions that suit our local market. Originally from Port Shepstone, Muhle completed his schooling at Adam’s College boarding school in Amanzimtoti, where he was a good student and an even better soccer player. “I came from a middle-class family and was really lucky to get into the school. When my family ran out of funds for my last two years, my soccer club stepped in and covered my accommodation fees.” Muhle got his first taste of entrepreneurship after he started helping his brother (an architect) with some digital work and began playing around with technology. “I taught myself how to do different designs and logos on T-shirts and then started selling these at taxi ranks and on the beaches in the holidays. While everyone was partying around me, I was working.” Muhle had a natural knack for, and understanding of, both business and technology from a young age and he very quickly became passionate about both. After school, Muhle decided he wanted to study computer science, but with only 58% for maths (he needed 60%), he wasn’t accepted right away. Unwavering in his determination though, he convinced UKZN to accept him as a B Com student for the first semester and then, based on his marks, allow him to pursue computer science. Of course, he knocked it out of the park and now holds a degree in Information Systems and Technology, with a second major in Supply Chain Management. Amongst his biggest achievements to date though, Muhle says, was his involvement with the Enactus World Cup. Enactus is an international non-profit organisation that arranges social entrepreneurship project competitions for university students around the world. Being a part of the organisation not only exposed him to and taught him about international practices and ideas, but also sparked his passion for finding ways to address socio-economic challenges in the community. In 2018, Muhle was chosen to represent UKZN in the Enactus World Cup in California’s Silicon Valley in the USA. “It was amazing to be exposed to the incredible people and businesses over there. I returned more ambitious, driven and determined than ever.” Over the next two years, Muhle served as the executive president of the Enactus group, where he not only pioneered their Covid-19 response solution (which won a global award), but also represented South Africa at an International Social Business Summer Programme in Bangladesh where he spent time with Nobel Prize winner Professor Muhammed Yunus (who founded the Grameen Bank). “The international exposure I’ve had has allowed me to fully understand the digital divide in South Africa and I’m determined to put solutions that suit our African context into practice. We have a number of our own continent-specific challenges and the result is that there is not much innovation happening in Africa. I want to find ways to innovate existing concepts to make them relevant to us.” Having started his business with making logos and helping people with brand development and digital presence (and even, very successfully, selling perfume on campus, which he says he did to polish up his ‘people skills and gain confidence), Muhle made the decision to take Asante Solutions to the next level when he qualified. “I could either go for a corporate job or focus on growing my business. My qualifications and the connections I’ve made meant I could probably have walked into a really good position at a top corporate and start earning great money straight away, but I decided to go the entrepreneurship route instead,” he says. “My aim is to advance our youth and find solutions offered by South Africans and African agencies. I want to inspire young people and be a reflection of what is possible. I don’t believe you have to have grey hair to succeed in this industry. The youth are entirely capable of being the ones who tap into the digital economy and drive it.” Being chosen as one of Forbes Africa’s ‘top 30 under 30’, Muhle says, has been a great validation and testament that the business is moving in the right direction. “It’s pushed us to challenge ourselves even more, think bigger and set more ambitious goals.” Partnering and working with some of the top businesses in the country, Muhle and his Asante Solutions team deliver creative digital transformation solutions for brands, with expertise in digital marketing, brand development, drone technology, systems development and data analytics.” Details: www.asantesolutions.co.za BY LEAH SHONE | EDITOR - GET IT 26TH AUG 2022
- Aurik This Week@Work: Time runs out. What are you doing with yours?
This Week@Work Pavlo’s meetings with long-established business owners left him concerned about their runway to an exit. They have spent their careers focused on operational issues to generate income to sustain the business. Only now are they realising they should have been focused on growth and capital value to secure a profitable exit. What are you spending your time on? Your prosperity is largely in your hands. It's also in the wellbeing of your suppliers, customers, friends and family who run their own businesses. You're welcome to share This Week@Work with them. Pavlo Phitidis www.aurik.com
- LAST CHANCE TO ENTER - THE 2023 Durban Ultra
THE 2023 Durban Ultra is waiting for you to take up the challenge on the 6th of August. Entries close in 2 days time, so pick your race and challenge your friends to race over the beautiful Durban course. With full road closure and flat running routes, this event gives athletes fast times and rewarding challenge. Entries on the 7th of July 2023. Come join us for the weekend, we hope to see you there! (CLICK) RACE WEBSITE INFORMATION
- Everton Gorge – a pristine riverine forest on our doorstep
One of the healthiest options to enrich our lives is walking. Studies have been done all over the world showing the incredible heath benefits people get from walking. Running too has great benefits, and so does swimming, exercising, etc. However, making a habit of walking regularly helps to maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat; prevent or manage conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes; improve cardiovascular fitness; strengthen bones and muscles; improve muscle endurance; and increase energy levels. Walking in a forest, gorge, or natural area adds greatly to our physical and mental health. Being exposed to forests in all their biodiversity boosts our immune system, reduces stress levels, improves our mood, accelerates recovery from surgery or illness, improves sleep, increases our ability to focus, and even reduces effects of ADHD in children. Walking, and more so walking in a natural area such as a forest or gorge contributes in many ways to our personal health. The Upper Highway area is blessed with many wonderful natural areas for people to walk in and enjoy the magic and health that nature gives to us. One of these wonderful natural areas is the Everton Gorge formed by the Molweni river. The Everton Gorge is rich in indigenous trees and plants and has many beautiful trails and majestic waterfalls. The wildlife includes 250 different bird species and many mammal species such as bats, porcupines, bush pigs, blue duiker, grey duiker, bush buck, genets, caracals and even serval cats. The plant life includes many wonderful flowers such as the lovely orchid, Mysticidium capense. The Everton Conservancy committee, made up entirely of volunteers, has assumed the responsibility of maintaining this wonderful natural area, and they do this through employing a team of people that focus on this task. They maintain the trails and remove non-indigenous plants and trees. After last year’s floods they moved rapidly to clear the damage done to the trails. They fund their endeavours through donations from walkers and runners who use the Everton gorge for their fun and exercise. The present monthly costs for this maintenance are R8500 per month. Unfortunately the Everton Conservancy has seen a huge reduction in the number of people making donations. However, thanks to a group of business leaders in the Upper Highway area, the Conservancy has been given some generous donations which will enable them to continue with their efforts to maintain the trails. A huge ‘Thank-you’ to the organisations that have contributed, which include Stimela, Stimela Marine, DRG, DRG Siyaya, BusinessFit, CC&A and The Sanctuary. It is the hope of the Everton Conservancy to continue to attract people to visit and enjoy the wonderful Everton Gorge, not only to contribute towards management of this natural wonder. They want people to enjoy the natural areas which are on their doorstep, gain from the many health benefits associated with walking in them and ultimately to raise awareness of the fragility of these pristine areas. Everton Conservancy was the first Urban Conservancy established in South Africa.Everton suburb now has some 280 homes, with properties no less than 2 acres.It is a uniquely special area in the Upper Highway, and maintaining its jewel, the Everton Gorge, is critical in helping to conserve biodiversity, store carbon, and kindle a passion in people to enjoy and want to protect nature. The Conservancy has a special request to all Everton residents, asking each household to contribute R40.00 per month towards maintenance and management of the Gorge. Any Everton residents, or other persons or businesses interested in contributing towards this important and meaningful cause to please contact Tony Kee at tonykee@telkomsa.net












