Delve into the critical role of manufacturing in environmental sustainability and explore key issues within the green economy debate. From technologies to intricate value chains, manufacturing significantly impacts the global environment. Join us in shaping the future trajectory of green manufacturing and driving sustainable change in the sector. Contact  thobeka.mthembu@twimsafrica.com  or book online at  https://twimsafrica.com/leading-the-transition-to-green-manufacturing-esc/  to secure your seat!

Mr Asanda Maboee, a Master of Commerce in Industrial Relations student at UKZN, has overcome financial barriers to pursue his dreams of becoming a supply chain director. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of corporate support on individual lives.   With a single mother working tirelessly as a nurse to support the family, Maboee understood from an early age the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. His aspirations to provide a better life for his family and community fuelled his determination to excel academically. Crucial to his academic success was the support he received from the Durban Coal Terminal, which provided him with a bursary to fund his studies. This financial assistance not only relieved the burden of tuition fees but also allowed him to focus wholeheartedly on his academic pursuits. With the weight of financial worries lifted, he was able to fully engage in his studies and make the most of his university experience.   Reflecting on the importance of such bursaries, Maboee emphasises their role in promoting social mobility and equality of educational outcomes. ‘For students from disadvantaged backgrounds like myself, these bursaries offer a lifeline, enabling me to access higher education and pursue my career aspirations without the hindrance of financial barriers. These bursaries foster a sense of belonging and connection between students and their institutions, nurturing a supportive environment conducive to academic success,’ he said. His Masters research is on the impact of Covid-19 on South Africa's supply chains and the need for digital transformation in logistics. His work aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by the country's supply chains and offer recommendations for improvement. Outside of academia, he is actively involved in coaching soccer, where he shares his passion for the sport and mentors young players. In his spare time, he enjoys engaging in activities that help him unwind and recharge.   Looking to the future, Maboee is determined to make a meaningful impact in the corporate world as a supply chain director. He plans to leverage his education, skills, and experiences to drive innovation and improvement in the field, ultimately contributing to the success of leading supply chain companies.   He remains grateful for the support he has received and is committed to paying it forward by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

This past week saw Innovate Durban launch their official Women in Business Accelerator programme called SHEshisa. The SHEshisa programme is a 6-month accelerator initiative designed for women entrepreneurs based in Durban. The program will offer selected entrepreneurs the mentorship and guidance needed to propel their businesses forward and help them thrive as female founders. A total of 251 applications were received and this was whittled down to just the 20 women business owners who were chosen to participate in the program, a strong indication of just how many women entrepreneurs are keen to make their mark in the business world and enable local economic development.  Candidates were selected through an internal adjudication process where they needed to meet certain criteria such as them never having participated in any entrepreneurship support or accelerator programme previously. This is based on the reasoning that entrepreneurs who have not previously received support would benefit most from the program and support provided. Another adjudication criteria considered was the nature of the business as the SHEshisa program is looking to equip innovators or entrepreneurs who have tangible products to showcase. Therefore, candidates who met this requirement were the ones prioritized. Special mention must go to Innovate Durban’s official program partners Software AG and the eThekwini Municipality whose integral support has added tremendous value to the programme. The programme aims to reach far beyond the classroom, by also practically equipping the entrepreneurs to combat the unique challenges women business owners face when compared to their male counterparts. Therefore, the framework for this particular program focuses more on The Woman Entrepreneur herself, Her Business and Her Community. Modules such as leadership development, personal finance wellness, brand development ethical leadership, networking and community impact are just a few that will be extensively covered. Should you wish to find out more about the program you can get in touch with Innovate Durban on 087 365 3131 or email them at info@innovate.durban. For more information on Innovate Durban, The Innovation Festival, including partnerships or exhibitions contact:     Preston Moodley Partnership Lead– Innovate Durban  Tel: 087 365 3131 | Email:   preston@innovate.durban Social Media Handles:  Web https://www.innovate.durban/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/innovatedurban    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/innovatedurban/   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/20142770/admin/

In the dynamic realm of modern business, effective leadership hinges not only on intuition and experience but also on a strategic understanding of data. By adopting the mindset of a business analyst, leaders can unlock valuable insights, make informed decisions, and propel their organizations to new heights of success. Embracing Analytical Thinking: At the core of business analysis lies the ability to dissect complex problems, identify key metrics, and derive actionable insights. When leaders adopt this analytical mindset, they transcend traditional decision-making paradigms, moving from subjective assessments to data-driven strategies that yield tangible results. Strategic Decision Making: Leadership decisions carry profound implications for the organization's trajectory. By applying principles of business analysis, leaders can assess risks, evaluate opportunities, and develop strategic plans grounded in empirical evidence. Whether it's entering new markets, launching innovative products, or optimizing operational processes, analytical thinking empowers leaders to make decisions with confidence and clarity. Optimizing Performance: In today's competitive landscape, operational excellence is paramount. Business analysis equips leaders with the tools to optimize performance across all facets of the organization. By scrutinizing key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying inefficiencies, and implementing data-driven solutions, leaders can enhance productivity, streamline processes, and drive sustainable growth. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Leadership is not a static role but rather an ongoing journey of growth and development. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement inspired by the principles of business analysis, leaders can nurture innovation, encourage experimentation, and adapt proactively to changing market dynamics. This iterative approach ensures that the organization remains agile, responsive, and resilient in the face of uncertainty. Driving Stakeholder Alignment: Effective leadership hinges on the ability to align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision and strategy. Business analysis serves as a common language that bridges the gap between departments, enabling leaders to communicate objectives, track progress, and cultivate a sense of ownership and accountability among team members. By fostering collaboration and alignment, leaders can harness the collective intelligence of the organisation and achieve shared goals with greater efficiency and cohesion. Conclusion: In an era defined by complexity and ambiguity, the synergy of business analysis and leadership emerges as a potent catalyst for success. By embracing analytical thinking, leaders can confidently navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and inspire their teams to achieve extraordinary results. As stewards of their organisations' destinies, leaders who think like business analysts are poised to shape the future of business and chart a course towards sustainable growth and prosperity.   By:  Liana Ahrens Teixeira IIBA® South Africa – KZN Provincial Lead

So, every year, everyone is super hyped about winning the cool title of Standard Bank KZN Top Business Brand. The competition is crazy intense, you know? And guess what? This year is no exception - the buzz is real, the votes are coming in fast, and we've got a bunch of new contenders, some of them really shaking things up! So, get ready to root for your favorites because, as of now, here are the names in the running (listed alphabetically): Afrisam Afros Aquelle BB Bread Bata Beekman Group Bell Equipment Blue Security Bluff Meat Supply Cox Yeats Attorneys DRG Group Durban ICC East Coast Radio Gagasi FM Gift of the Givers Hirsch's Hollywoodbets Icebolethu Group Innovate Durban Joekels Tea Packers KZN Oils Mi7 National Group NJMPF Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken Royal Tyres SA Home Loans  Sharks Sky Tents SmartXchange Sumitomo Rubber SA Tafta Thirsti The Busy Bookkeeper Toyota TWIMS (Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing) Tyson Properties uShaka Marine World Supertech Group Woodford Car Hire The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Brand award is given based on the results of the public vote only. In order to vote for your favourite brand, SMS the letters KZN and your chosen top brand’s name to 45633. No formal entry submission is required. You may enter as many times as you like. Use your social media networks and get your employees, clients, families, friends and other stakeholders to vote for your brand.  A cost of R1.50 per SMS will be incurred (Ts And Cs apply). Furthermore, one lucky voter could win one a one-night stay for two people at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Voting for the Standard Bank KZN Top Brand award closes on 28 June at 10 pm. The winner will be announced at the Awards dinner on the 17 July. For more information visit www.topbusiness.com

Elevate your skills with our TWIMS Masterclasses, the pinnacle of our executive short courses. Dive into critical topics like Lean Manufacturing, Green Manufacturing, The Future of Manufacturing, and African Trade & Industrialisation. Tailored for senior manufacturing managers, executives, and public-sector officials with manufacturing portfolios, these one-day programmes are taught at a post-graduate level. Join us from 8:30 to 16:30 at the TWIMS campus in Everton, Kloof for an enriching experience. For R4,260 per participant, enjoy a comprehensive package inclusive of all refreshments, teas, and lunch throughout the day. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in the industry! To secure your seat, contact thobeka.mthembu@twimsafrica.com , or book online at https://twimsafrica.com/ . Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your skills!

World-class aftermarket support is one of the foundations of Goscor's business and the foundation of a world-class aftermarket support is teamwork. Their philosophy states that, while the technical service department is directly responsible for the technical service operation, every department in the company plays a critical role in the customer journey. This is a major factor in making Goscor Lift Trucks the best in the industry. Genuine Parts = Exceptional performance. Genuine parts are commissioned by manufacturers and made to their original specifications by a third party. Non-genuine parts are manufactured as close to the original specifications as possible, but cannot match genuine parts for quality, strength or durability. Click About Aftermarket Support

Order today and be among the first to receive the highly anticipated publication. We've had such a high demand that we sold out of our first print run, prompting us to do an updated reprint for those who missed out. To show our appreciation for our loyal customers, we are offering a special early bird 25% discount for orders placed before June 14th. Don't miss out on this valuable resource showcasing the top businesses in KZN - place your order now to secure your copy at a discounted rate. With insightful articles and comprehensive business listings, the KZN Top Business Portfolio 2023/24 is a must-have for anyone interested in the business landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal may be one of South Africa’s top tourist spots, but at its heart is a thriving business community contributing to the province’s standing as the second-largest contributor to South Africa’s GDP. Celebrating this financial prowess and the spirit of business innovation and achievement that drives the province’s business sector is the long-standing, prestigious annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, once again calling for entries. Over the years, the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards have grown in stature. Now in its 18 th year, the Awards recognise achievements in nine broad categories, including businesses' contributions to employee wellness, their communities, and green energy, says Hameed Noormahomed, Head of Business Banking, Client Coverage, KZN at Standard Bank. “Entries are now open and will close on 14 June 2024. Then, entries will be judged, and the event will culminate with the announcement of the winners at a gala dinner on 17 July 2024. To make the event as representative as possible, there are no costs attached to entries. We encourage KZN’s businesses to participate and share their achievements with the business sector and public.” “Undoubtedly, the highlight of the presentation gala dinner will be the honorary Business Personality Award given to the businessperson who has inspired others through their exemplary business achievements and industry influence.” The 2024 Awards cover activities that include: Manufacturing Transport and logistics Business, financial services and education Agriculture and Agri-processing Franchising Family-owned managed business Green energy initiatives Employee wellness Social and community responsibility. Added to these categories are awards for Standard Bank’s clients, which include the Standard Bank SME Client of the Year for businesses with turnovers of less than R100 million per annum. Businesses with more than R 100 million annual turnovers will be recognised through the Standard Bank Client of the Year Award for Larger Enterprises. “The reintroduction of the Partnership Award will recognise the role of teamwork and effective inter-agency collaboration. Once again, the people of KZN can participate by selecting their KZN Top Brand Award, which will be decided by popular vote through an SMS voting system. “Our ongoing support of the event illustrates our commitment to the province, the businesses and the people of KZN. As a leading financial services partner, we will proudly continue to support businesses ranging from start-ups to established industry leaders in the diverse and dynamic KwaZulu-Natal landscape,” concludes Noormahomed. “As KwaZulu-Natal continues to develop and strengthen its role as a contributor to the national GDP and as home to South Africa’s leading port, it is fitting that the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards celebrates the achievements of our business community and their contributions to building a prosperous future for all,” adds Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business. Businesses interested in participating in the 18th annual KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards can find full details and entry forms on the official awards website: www.kzntopbusiness.com . Importantly, in your entry submission, you must be able to show that your company contributes to the KZN economy and has a proactive business model that adheres to the principles of King IV namely ethical culture, good performance, effective control, and legitimacy. Votes for KZN’s Top Brand can be cast by SMS by messaging: KZN and the name of your top brand to 45633. #PartneringForGrowth Stay connected with Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards through: Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kzntopbusiness/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness Twitter https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fkzntopbusiness LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/2834795/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kzntopbusiness/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information Contact Gayle Adlam 0836530465 or 0312671977 gayle@mweb.co.za Media enquiries Nkosinathi Msiza 083 577 7585 Nkosinathi.Msiza@standardbank.co.za

The KZN Battle of the Brands has just started to get some steam. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Brand Award celebrates the province’s best brands and is an accolade much coveted each year. Previous winners include MI7 National Group (2023), Icebolethu Group (2022), Hollywoodbets (2021) and Blue Security (2019). Currently in the running, and in alphabetical order, are: • Afrisam • Afros • Aquelle • Bata • Beekman Group • Beier Group • Bell Equipment • Blue Security • Bluff Meat Supply • Cox Yeats Attorneys • DRG Group • Durban ICC • East Coast Radio • Gift of the Givers • Hirsch's • Hollywoodbets • Icebolethu Group • Innovate Durban • KZN Oils • Mi7 National Group • NJMPF • Royal Tyres • Sharks • Sky Tents • SmartXchange • Sumitomo Rubber SA • Tafta • Toyota • Tyson Properties • uShaka Marine World This award is given based on the results of the public vote only. In order to vote for your favourite Standard KZN Top Business Brand 2024, SMS the letters KZN and your chosen top brand’s name to 45633. No formal entry submission is required. You may enter as many times as you like. Use your social media networks and get your employees, clients, families, friends and other stakeholders to vote for your brand. A cost of R1.50 per SMS will be incurred (Ts and Cs apply). Furthermore, one lucky voter could win one a one-night stay for two people at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Voting for the Standard Bank KZN Top Brand award closes on 28 June at 10 pm. The winner will be announced at the Awards dinner on the 17 July. For more information visit www.topbusiness.com Alex shows you how to vote for you Top Brand.

Welcome to the May newsletter. Each issue showcases our latest events and SA Chamber UK news, as well as upcoming events and things to look forward to in the coming months. Our recent webinar with George Honiball from Microsoft on the wonders of ChatGPT was something of an epiphany for me, a “light bulb” moment. Not only was it illuminating, but it was comparable to how people must have felt seeing a light bulb turn on for the very first time, shortly after their invention. A mix of awe and excitement at its apparent ease and utility, tinged with a sprinkling of apprehension about the potential dangers of the power source behind it and how rapidly this technology will change the world. I’ve had various names for my cars throughout my lifetime, but if I talk to them, they don’t answer back. Not only can I name ChatGPT, but I can hold conversations and build a relationship with it like a co-worker, ask iterative questions and develop it as a “right- hand person” to be a better Chief of Staff by the day. I have a few weeks of creation and discovery ahead of me! Our lives are truly going to change as we embrace this new technology.May is nearly done, and the moment to cast our votes, and hopefully, to make a difference, is upon us. We have engaged with a number of experts over the past couple of months, most notably Daniel Silke and Clem Sunter, to glean their insights into the myriad possible outcomes of this highly contested election. Voting in London was vibrant, fun, and festive, as 66% of voters registered in the UK made the journey to SA House. Over the next two months, once the votes are counted, we will have more experts share their views on the election results and what is likely to follow.June brings us our Gala Dinner at Mansion House. There are a few tickets left, so please book quickly if you plan to join us for the Chamber’s flagship event. We’re very grateful to Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and the SA High Commission in the UK for allowing us to extend an invitation on their behalf to our members and supporters to attend a Thanksgiving Service to mark the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy to be held at Westminster Abbey on July 16th. If you have not yet received an invitation, but would like to attend, please contact Juliet at jrushent@sachamber.co.uk . The following day, we’ll have a roundtable discussion with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Michael Mainelli, to discuss how we position South Africa at the heart of the City to harness its technology and power to generate trade and investment, and to better engage the many South Africans who work in the City – including Sheriff and potential future Lord Mayor, Bronek Masojada. The session will be followed by a Freedom of the City ceremony at Guildhall and a lunch at a livery company. Email your interest to join us to Juliet on jrushent@sachamber.co.uk Let’s hope that summer is better than the wet spring we’ve been having, which although it has brought longer days and spring flowers, still feels quite cold. Pg. 4 - Former Chamber Member Awarded Companion of Oliver Tambo Award Pg. 6 - A Critical South African Election Pg. 8 - The Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory & Learning  Pg. 11 - Building a Better Africa Africa Day 25 May Pg. 12 - Victory for SA at Chelsea Pg. 14 - This Mandela Day, Bring Your Team Together to #rideforareason  Pg. 16 - What About The Boys? Pg. 19 - Media Training, Special Offer Pg. 20 - Sisters Grimm on an Exciting Journey of Artistic Innovation &  Social Impact! Pg. 22 - Annual Gala Dinner Pg. 24 - Chamber Loyalty Offers Pg. 26 - Explore a World of Engaging Events  Pg. 28 - Event Replays Pg. 29 - SA Chamber UK Membership

You can now submit entries for the 2024 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards. KwaZulu-Natal may be one of South Africa’s top tourist spots, but at its heart is a thriving business community contributing to the province’s standing as the second-largest contributor to South Africa’s GDP. Celebrating this financial prowess and the spirit of business innovation and achievement that drives the province’s business sector is the long-standing, prestigious annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, once again calling for entries. Over the years, the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards have grown in stature. Now in its 18 th year, the Awards recognise achievements in nine broad categories, including businesses; contributions to employee wellness, their communities, and green energy, says Hameed Noormahomed, Head of Business Banking, Client Coverage, KZN at Standard Bank. “Entries are now open and will close on 14 June 2024. Then, entries will be judged, and the event will culminate with the announcement of the winners at a gala dinner on 17 July 2024. To make the event as representative as possible, there are no costs attached to entries. We encourage KZN’s businesses to participate and share their achievements with the business sector and public.” “Undoubtedly, the highlight of the presentation gala dinner will be the honorary Business Personality Award given to the businessperson who has inspired others through their exemplary business achievements and industry influence.” The 2024 Awards cover activities that include: Manufacturing Transport and logistics Business, financial services and education Agriculture and Agri-processing Franchising Family-owned managed business Green energy initiatives Employee wellness Social and community responsibility. Added to these categories are awards for Standard Bank’s clients, which include the Standard Bank SME Client of the Year for businesses with turnovers of less than R100 million per annum. Businesses with more than R 100 million annual turnovers will be recognised through the Standard Bank Client of the Year Award for Larger Enterprises. “The reintroduction of the Partnership Award will recognise the role of teamwork and effective inter-agency collaboration. Once again, the people of KZN can participate by selecting their KZN Top Brand Award, which will be decided by popular vote through an SMS voting system. “Our ongoing support of the event illustrates our commitment to the province, the businesses and the people of KZN. As a leading financial services partner, we will proudly continue to support businesses ranging from start-ups to established industry leaders in the diverse and dynamic KwaZulu-Natal landscape,” concludes Noormahomed. “As KwaZulu-Natal continues to develop and strengthen its role as a contributor to the national GDP and as home to South Africa’s leading port, it is fitting that the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards celebrates the achievements of our business community and their contributions to building a prosperous future for all,” adds Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business. Businesses interested in participating in the 18th annual KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards can find full details and entry forms on the official awards website: www.kzntopbusiness.com . Importantly, in your entry submission, you must be able to show that your company contributes to the KZN economy and has a proactive business model that adheres to the principles of King IV namely ethical culture, good performance, effective control, and legitimacy. Votes for KZN’s Top Brand can be cast by SMS by messaging: KZN and the name of your top brand to 45633. #PartneringForGrowth Stay connected with Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards through: Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kzntopbusiness/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness Twitter https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fkzntopbusiness LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/2834795/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kzntopbusiness/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information Contact Gayle Adlam 0836530465 or 0312671977 gayle@mweb.co.za Media enquiries Nkosinathi Msiza 083 577 7585 Nkosinathi.Msiza@standardbank.co.za