Are you ready to become a Manufacturing Ambassador?  Join us in pursuing an MBA from the prestigious, Triple Crown accredited  GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science )  with the Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship offered by  Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies  in partnership with Toyota South Africa Educational Trust. Since 2021, TWIMS has been supporting aspiring students by granting up to 20 scholarships annually, covering 50% of the PGDip and 70% of the MBA year expenses, including tuition, global module costs, and residency fees at TWIMS. Applications are now open for the GIBS PGDip (Manufacturing Focus) and the exclusive Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to advance your career in manufacturing. Click below for more details: MAS Scholarship :  https://twimsafrica.com/scholarship/ GIBS PGDip Info :  https://www.gibs.co.za/programmes/postgraduate-diploma-in-business-administration-with-a-specialisation-in-general-management

It’s been an eventful year since the Sappi Chair in Climate Change and Plantation Sustainability was launched at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). As we celebrate another World Environment Day on 05 June the Forestry team at Wits reflects on a year of significant progress, characterised by collaboration and dialogue. Under the guidance of Professor Mary Scholes - an internationally recognised authority on tree physiology and climate change - the team has pioneered research and capacity-building initiatives that equip the forestry industry to navigate the challenges of climate change. With the southern hemisphere’s winter heralding a forecast of scant rainfall, the insights provided by the Wits Research Chair to the forestry industry on El Nino impacts and the risk of increased wildfire prevalence in the 2024 fire season in South Africa’s plantation regions, is just one of the crucial areas where this research is proving to be invaluable.   “Although we are routinely proactive in this regard, these predictions from the Wits team will lead to us intensifying our annual fire readiness measures. This includes collaborating with our neighbours to ensure that fire prevention methods like fuel load reduction and fire breaks are properly implemented and maintained,” said Duane Roothman, Vice President of Sappi Forests. “Besides protecting our assets, and that of our surrounding communities from the risks of wildfire, this important research work will help us to be more resilient in future-proofing our assets. Like all other crops, our trees are negatively impacted by climate change, and although we practice climate-smart forestry and while our own Sappi research teams have been hard at work developing drought-resistant genotypes, for many decades, this collaboration at an industry level is essential for us to continue to thrive,” he said. The Wits team is spearheading sustainability by bolstering plantation forestry climate resilience. Since its establishment, the team has fostered industry collaboration through workshops and partnerships and has participated in several influential speaking engagements sharing insights on climate change with key stakeholders, including the DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment).   “The forestry industry in the country is benefitting enormously from the funds made available for the Research Chair at Wits. Through the frequent workshops held over the last 18 months, the appreciation for climate data and its sharing, has grown with all stakeholders, “commented Professor Scholes.   Climate data are being refined for user-friendly access and will soon be available on a platform, hosted by the University of Pretoria, improving industry-wide data utilisation and further academic collaboration. The past year has seen a notable increase in data adoption by partners, alongside the development of three scientific publications and ongoing student mentorship. The anticipation is high for the arrival of two postdocs to meet the growing demand for collaborative research. By hosting technical data analysts, the team has facilitated the effective use of regional climate data, tailoring support to match the varying expertise levels within the industry. Their expertise was further recognised with invitations to join the FSA’s Climate Resilience and Technical Task Teams, contributing to resolving weather data challenges. On-site interactions at Sappi’s facilities underscored Wits’ commitment to the Forestry Seed Innovation Fund (FSIF) Climate Resilience Programme, where they continue to lead and manage pivotal data-centric projects.   “The partners from Universities, Industry, and Forestry South Africa are for the first time working closely together on the details of plant responses to climate change and the application of the climate data. A better understanding of extreme events and seasonal changes is also underway,” said Prof Scholes. “In 2025, we will continue with the climate modelling workshops, streamlining the accessibility of climate data, examining the changing fire regimes, and linking plant responses to climate change at variable spatial and temporal scales; from leaf level to plantations. We thank Sappi for the ongoing collaboration,” she said. “In light of the United Nation’s World Environment Day 2024 theme, focusing on ‘Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,’ the forestry sector’s commitment to sustainable woodfibre production is a beacon of hope,” commented Giovanni Sale, GM Sustainability for Sappi Southern Africa. “As urban populations swell, Sappi’s Thrive business strategy aligns perfectly with this vision, championing responsibly sourced, sustainable woodfibre as a green alternative to fossil-based products. With rigorous certification and traceability, and by supporting this important work on climate change, Sappi is securing a sustainable woodfibre supply and fortifying the fight against climate change for a more resilient future, “he said.

Understanding the comfort zone is beneficial as it allows individuals to recognize the impact of their psychological “resting” state on their personal and professional development. By understanding the nature of the comfort zone, individuals can assess whether it aligns with their goals and values. This awareness enables them to make informed decisions about when to stay within their comfort zones for stability and when to challenge them to open up to new experiences, ideas, and emotions. Additionally, comprehending the brain’s role in maintaining and stepping out of comfort zones can provide insights into the psychological and neural processes involved, empowering individuals to make conscious choices about their comfort zone and its potential effects on their growth and well-being. Ultimately, understanding the comfort zone can help individuals navigate the balance between stability and growth, leading to more intentional and fulfilling personal and professional lives. NLP life coaches who integrate the concept of the comfort zone into their practice can enhance their effectiveness in guiding clients toward positive change and personal growth. If you want to understand yourself better and have the desire to help others create lasting change, enroll today in our online self-study certification training course and take the next step in your personal transformational journey. https://learn.trueawakenings.co.za/transform-your-life-with-nlp-life-coach-training/ To find out more contact us at info@trueawakenings.co.za or 064 525 3278

JSE-listed developer of large sectional-title estates, Balwin Properties, has secured the land for its planned R2 billion estate within KZN’s Westown mega development in a R133.7 million deal with private developers Fundamentum. Balwin confirmed the acquisition in a Sens statement on the JSE after the market closed late on Friday, noting that the transaction is on a ‘pay-as-you-register’ basis. This means it has secured a sweet deal, with no upfront cost related to land and for bulk infrastructure rollout. Balwin has dubbed its new estate Shongweni Park, which is anticipated to have 1 260 apartments. This is the group’s first foray in the west of Durban. The company’s only other developments in KZN currently are a niche estate in Izinga (Umhlanga area) and a development in Ballito on the North Coast. The Westown development is situated just past the burgeoning Hillcrest area, where JSE-listed property giant Growthpoint owns the Watercrest Mall and Hillcrest Corner shopping centre, and is invested in the Busamed Hillcrest Hospital. “The property [for Shongweni Park] is adjacent to Westown Square which comprises of 50 000 square meters of retail. The construction of Westown Square and associate bulk infrastructure commenced in 2022 and is expected to be completed in early 2025 …,” it added. “The Westown Development will consist of a hospital [a licence has been granted]; hotels; warehousing as well as logistics, business parks and schools.” According to Balwin, it has been negotiating with the seller since 2022 to acquire the property for the Shongweni Park project. The group noted that it “managed to agree to a ‘pay-as-you-register’ model, meaning that a contracted amount per apartment is paid to the seller on the registration of each apartment”. Read full article here. Credit: Moneyweb - Suren Naidoo

The W&RSETA invites its stakeholders to apply for the 2024/25 Discretionary Grants to implement artisan development programmes that will assist the SETA to contribute to the National Development Plan targets to address the national shortage of artisans and to reduce the skills gap for artisans in the Wholesale and Retail Sector. Only applications for artisan qualifications obtainable through a trade test will be considered for funding. Category B: Candidacy Programme: Professional bodies and W&RSETA stakeholders are invited to apply for Discretionary Grants to place and support candidates to achieve professional designations to address hard to-fill Vacancies as identified in the Sector Skills Plan. Closing date : Completed application forms must be submitted before the 30th of June 2024. For more information view the full Advert here.

Buying your first home can be pretty daunting – but it is a great way to begin investing in your future and paves the way for you to begin climbing the property investment ladder.   Right now, Tyson Properties is seeing renewed interest in first time homes with new buyers queueing up to take full advantage of the fact that we currently find ourselves in a buyers’ market – which means that prices are good and sellers are eager.   To ease your transition into property ownership and help you make what is probably your biggest investment to date, Tyson Properties has 10 tips:    Find your neighbourhood : Before setting your heart on a particular street or neighbourhood, do your research. Find out the average prices and the potential re-saleability of a property. If you spot lots of ‘For Sale’ signs, find out why so many people are leaving. Convenience is also key, so check where you can do your shopping, how close a suburb is to your place of work as well as key facilities like doctors, schools and restaurants. Find out about security in the area. Chat to those already living there who will fill you in on the pros and cons when it comes to everything from noise to traffic congestion. Be prepared : Save up for a deposit. This is the best way to secure a bond at a good rate. The more money you put in at the beginning, the less you will owe and the more inclined a bank will be to sign you up. Better still, get prequalified for mortgage finance. That way, you’ll know how much you have to spend.  Calculate affordability : The amount of credit a bank will give you depends on how much you earn, your expenses and the leftover disposable income you have to service your debt. Most banking and bond originator websites have a calculator which will work out how much you can afford. Balance your lifestyle needs with your income so that you do not become “house poor” and have to sit at home whilst friends are out having fun. The credit check and affordability assessment your bank will require when you apply for finance will be a useful safety net and provide a reasonable idea of what you can afford. Confine your searches to properties in the recommended price range to avoid disappointment. Stick with the professionals : It is always good to get advice from friends and family, but also remember that there are plenty of professionals to guide you on your buying journey. A knowledgeable realtor from Tyson Properties can advise about the property as well as any additional hidden expenses that you may encounter. A reputable bond originator like ooba, can help you to navigate the worlds of home finance and help you get the best deal. Understand the cost of living : Apart from upfront costs such as transfer fees, find out what other expenses you are likely to encounter prior to move in – an internet connection, home security, renovations and repairs. Then look at your potential monthly costs factoring in levies, garden services, rates and insurance. Shop around:  Take time to educate yourself about what’s available. Don’t buy in haste, without considering the alternatives. When you have a sense of what’s out there and the prices, you’ll be able to make better decisions as an informed buyer. Spot potential problems:  Be aware of hidden defects and check for things that are not working properly - from faulty wiring to water leaks or even subsiding walls. If you want to make an offer, bring in a specialist to inspect plumbing, electrics and structure, with particular attention to the roof. If you uncover something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t buy the property, but it puts you in a position to negotiate on the price. Time it right : Know the difference between occupation and possession. It is not your house until the transfer is registered at the deeds office. If you are renting, make sure that you know the notice period so that you do not find yourself paying both your first bond repayment and final rental at the same time. Check the requirements for occupational rental with your agent should you need to move in ahead of transfer and, remember, if you spend money on alterations before this happens, you could lose it if the transfer doesn’t go through. Read the rules : If you are moving into a housing estate, chances are there are plenty of rules and regulations that will impact on your lifestyle. Many complexes have restrictions on pets, so find out if you can accommodate your pooch ahead of time rather than finding he is not welcome after you have purchased. Parking, gardening and even decorating rules need to be checked ahead of time. Plan ahead:  If you are buying a property off-plan, don’t rely on artist impressions and brochures but rather make sure that you have the full details in terms of the square-meterage of each room. If you are buying an older home, insist on a valid set of building plans that are approved by the municipality. Even if your bank doesn’t demand approved plans, you might need these for insurance claims, if you wish to add on to your property in the future and for future buyers when you are ready to sell. Redrawing them can be expensive.

Dr Nompumelelo Nkosi-Ntombela, affectionately known as Dr Lelo, is not your typical medical practitioner. At 30 years old, she embodies a unique blend of healing hands and a heart dedicated to social change.             Born and raised in Mandeni, the UKZN alumnus’s journey to becoming a medical doctor was marked by challenges and triumphs. Growing up in a family of five siblings, she was instilled with values of respect, humility, and patience—qualities she continues to carry with her today. Her academic journey began at Mandeni Academy and later led her to Stanger High School in KwaDukuza, where she excelled as Head Girl and received accolades for her outstanding academic achievements. Upon completing her matric, Nkosi-Ntombela embarked on her medical education at the prestigious Nelson Mandela School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). However, her passion for the entertainment industry initially cast a shadow on her medical aspirations. Despite her inner conflict, she persevered, fuelled by the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents, who encouraged her to pursue both medicine and her creative endeavours. Throughout her medical school years, she juggled her studies with auditions, modelling gigs, and dance performances, showcasing her determination to excel in multiple spheres. Despite facing financial hurdles, she refused to let obstacles deter her dreams. Thanks to the support of the Office of the Premier bursary scheme, Nkosi-Ntombela was able to navigate the financial challenges and focus on her studies. Reflecting on her time at UKZN, she acknowledges the academic rigors of medical school but highlights the need for comprehensive training beyond the traditional curriculum. She advocates for greater emphasis on practical skills such as running a medical practice, managing finances, and prioritising mental health—a topic close to her heart. After graduating with her MBCHB, she founded LELANI Private Clinic in Pietermaritzburg, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to providing holistic healthcare services. The clinic boasts a multidisciplinary team offering a range of medical specialties, including aesthetics and mental health support. Beyond her clinical practice, Nkosi- Ntombela is the driving force behind the Dr Lelo Nkosi Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering young girls and tackling social issues such as teenage pregnancy. Through initiatives like the NGIMUHLE Campaign, she aims to instill confidence in disadvantaged youth and provide essential support to vulnerable communities.   Nkosi-Ntombela reflects on the poignant moments she encounters daily in her medical practice. Despite the challenges, including the loss of patients, she finds solace in the meaningful connections she forms with her patients. From shared tears to shared laughter, she cherishes the human moments that transcend the clinical setting. Whether it's the simple joy of a child's visit or the pride in seeing a mentee succeed, these interactions remind her of the profound impact she has on the lives of others. Her passion for adolescent care and lifestyle medicine is evident in her ongoing pursuit of knowledge and involvement in public health initiatives. She recently embarked on a Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Medicine and remains committed to addressing the unique healthcare needs of adolescents—a population often overlooked in traditional medical settings.   Despite the challenges she faces, Nkosi-Ntombela remains steadfast in her dedication to making a difference in the healthcare landscape. Her advice to aspiring medical students echoes her own journey— ‘never give up, seek help when needed, and prioritise self-care above all else.’ As she looks to the future, she envisions a healthcare system where empowerment, prevention, and compassion are at the forefront. With her unwavering determination and compassionate spirit, Nkosi-Ntombela is not just a doctor; she's a beacon of hope and change in her community and beyond. She advocates for continued support and donations to ensure the UKZN Foundation's sustainability and its ongoing mission to empower students, the University and to break down barriers to success . ‘ The UKZN Foundation is a game changer. It provides financial resources to its students which closes many gaps and creates a better learning platform for students, fighting food insecurity and many other social ill related issues. I encourage people to donate in whichever way they can to help the Foundation raise funds for worthy student and University causes and projects.’

This weekend's TINMAN no.2 Race on Sunday is the perfect race tester and training race for athletes doing the DBN 70.3 in June. The event also doubles up as the 2024 KZN Duathlon Championships. ENTER HERE: https://entry.bactive.com/

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is going to happen on the 17th of July 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. We have decided to move this important event to the 17th of July 2024. When we first announced the date, the election date wasn't known yet. To avoid any distraction or competition with the national elections and the outcomes that may arise during the weeks to follow, we thought it would be best to move the Awards. Everything else is going on as usual. The nominations and entries are pouring in. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is considered the Oscars of business in KZN. So mark your calendars for July 17th and join us at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. And in the meantime, keep submitting those entries. You can find the entry forms online at www.kzntopbusiness.com .

Human beings are social beings. They need gratifying social relationships for mental and physical wellbeing. Flawed or absent social relationships can lead to loneliness, which has been perceived as a global human phenomenon for aeons. Loneliness is a common experience which does not discriminate against anybody – young, old, male, female, and on all parts of the globe.  It is an awful thing. Sometimes it can be a prison of silence and invisibility, sometimes temporary confinement, and sometimes it’s forever.  In SA, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) revealed that 70% of respondents in a survey reported feeling lonely, with women more likely to report loneliness than men. In the deliberations around the impact of Covid 19 on mental health, this issue has been brought to the fore.  I have taken a major interest in this topic, which is reinforced by the real-life stories that I have had sight of, i.e. testimonials of loneliness that I came across – short accounts that broke my heart and unleashed a wave of sadness for the indignity that loneliness causes.  I have read that if you have ever been truly lonely, you may be able to relate to the debilitating physical and emotional ravages it unleashes.   Accounts of Loneliness “I spent two hours ALONE wandering around a store because I was TOO NERVOUS to ask people to come with me.  I ate two hotdogs and bought nothing.”  Andrew, 24   “To me, loneliness means when I would stay home from school sick and read tons and be excited about my life until about 2pm, at which point I’d just be bored and vaguely nauseated and wishing I had someone to talk to.” Liz, 33   “Christmas GUTS ME every year.  I already accept there will not even be a PHONE CALL for me. My evening walk with the dog takes my soul every year for curtains are open into living rooms full of families and friends, I can hear them, sometimes smell their turkey dinners, but most of all I feel their happiness knowing I will never have it.” Scout, 60   “I looked out the window to see OTHER APARTMENT buildings with a few scattered lights turned on and wondered who else MIGHT BE AWAKE with me.”  Anonymous, 52   “More than anything loneliness for me is about feeling alone in a crowd; a certain kind of sadness with not finding my tribe; an inability to relate to the popular values presented in mainstream media; not being able to find a place of comfort and safety outside of my home; a disappointment and disconnect with the mainstream ways of the world.” Anonymous   “I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. I STRUGGLED to leave the faith for years, living a secret life where I hid many things about myself.”  Anonymous, 26   “I read the Harry Potter series eight times at the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school, because I didn’t have any friends and the characters in those books were the only things that made me feel less alone.”  Alexandra, 19   “I was the ONLY KID that had no parent to kiss or hug them goodbye, because my mom was a SINGLE PARENT and couldn’t afford to be late for work.  I had to wait 45 minutes after class had ended for my mom to come pick me up.  I just sat there, while my teacher just typed away at her computer… I just wanted to be like all the other kids in my class.” Anonymous, 15   “I can find no one who knows what it is to survive war and ambushes, who was boots on the ground with me, who understands all the associated burdens of survival and what obligations and duties arise for survivors.” PB, 50   “For without LONELINESS, how could we ever truly appreciate COMPANY.”  Catriona, 24   A Heavy Burden  Many of us can relate to people who put their feelings out there for the world to see and one can admire their vulnerability.  The experience of loneliness can be especially challenging because it can often go unnoticed or unacknowledged by those around us, leading those feeling lonely to feel even more disconnected and alone.    John is one of many individuals who has experienced the weight of loneliness in his life.  He describes it as a heavy burden that he carries with him every day, and it affects not only his emotions but also his physical health by experiencing constant fatigue and exhaustion, while struggling to sleep at night. These physical symptoms are often the result of stress and anxiety that come with feeling lonely. John also finds it hard to get out of bed in the morning and lacks the motivation to do things he once enjoyed.   These thoughts can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of loneliness.  How does John get out of bed and go to work as a productive and effective employee?    And even when at work, some people cannot speak up about feeling lonely.  One individual said, “loneliness seems so sad.  Lonely people seemed so clingy and needy.” He had a great job and a wonderful family and friends.  His employer had contracted a counselling service provider, so he called them a few months later.  The very helpful counsellor listened empathetically, told him to do what he loved to do and ‘put himself out there’.  In that encounter, he began to appreciate the reality of loneliness: any cure or treatment seemed too hard; it was an exhausting mountain to climb. Weeks went by and his loneliness continued – he realized no one asked how he was.  He wore a mask of competence and good humour, which did not encourage people to ask.  Things appeared great with him.  He realised people had formed relationships with the masks he wore, and not with the real him.   Grief and Loss One of the major causes of grief is the loss of a loved one.  In one case study, a subject vividly remembers the starkest period of loneliness when his father passed away.  For years he mourned him and said that he despised the void that settled over him, a void that would at random times suffocate him in its grip.  Grief is a terrible thing, and often loneliness is not far behind.  Later, he got divorced after being married for many years, and in the shadow of that loss, he was eaten alive by the absence of companionship.  Even his children could not be a substitute for that feeling of being so very alone, and no conversation or gaiety could reach in and suture the gaping internal wounds.    We can see that loneliness is a titanic challenge that requires real intervention. There is a library of questions, given that the problem is as deep as it is complex, with no single quick fix.  Should we have more conversations?  Should we practice ubuntu more? Must we crowd retirement homes and spend time with the silently forgotten? Must we reach out to young people, or open our homes for dinners and stimulating conversations?   Recognise Loneliness One major revelation from an individual experiencing loneliness was that the connection he needed was not only to other people, but to himself.  He needed his own approval, that he needed to know and accept himself before he could connect with others and the world around him.   In business, it has been said that there is no wealth, without mental health, so businesses must play a role in the mental health of employees and recognise loneliness.  Companies who look after their employees’ mental health enjoy an increase in productivity.  There are documented cases of success with interventions implemented by companies across the globe.   Secondly, there are a number of organisations that coach and counsel individuals and walk alongside them to assist.  Important though, the first step is to recognise and acknowledge that loneliness is a legitimate feeling that can impact our mental and physical health.  It is essential to understand that loneliness is not a sign of weakness or personal failure.  It is a natural human emotion that we all experience at times.    The next step is to seek support from others, whether that be through friends, family, or professional help.  Sharing your feelings and experiences can help you feel less alone and provide a sense of connection and belonging.  It is also important to find and connect with the people that don’t make you feel alone in their company.   Another important aspect of dealing with loneliness is taking care of ourselves.  This can mean engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and practicing mindfulness and meditation.  Engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment can also be beneficial, whether it be through hobbies, volunteering or spending time with loved ones.  Seek professional help, in some cases, loneliness can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.    We know there isn’t one single answer, but there may be a dozen that keeps more of us from suffering from a condition that isn’t always outwardly obvious.  No one should be sitting alone in their homes or walking aimlessly, living in their own heads, and seeing the happiness of others. More should have access to the possibility of pain relief, care, belonging that comes from building understanding and care.  As human beings, we need to reach out to others that we know. Who knows, maybe we can save a life!   Contact Jacquie Bhana if you would like coaching to become a high-performance employee and leader of a high performance team. C: +27 83 386 8343 E: Jacquie.bhana@mbhana.co.za jacquie@jbhana.co.za     W: www.jacquiebhana.co.za

Research on hippos, fish, herps, birds and various other mammals by postgraduate students and researchers in UKZN’s School of Life Sciences  is benefitting from the donation of two Ford Ranger double cab 4×4 vehicles by the Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF).   The vehicles are part of  Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s (FMCSA) commitment to the conservation and preservation of the environment in sub-Saharan Africa. The FMCSA also handles maintenance of the vehicles during their use by partner organisations undertaking conservation work.    Overseen by Professor Colleen Downs , South African Research Chair in Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, the research activities supported by these vehicles include projects exploring the impacts of changing land use, including urbanisation, on biodiversity.    The vehicles enable researchers to access various research and field sites across several provinces, as they are capable of traversing all kinds of terrain found in South Africa’s nature reserves, parks and protected areas, as well as in neighbouring countries.    Downs and her team will continue their research on a range of fish, herps, bird (including vultures) and mammalian species in South Africa, focusing on the threats posed by anthropogenic land-use change. An aspect where these vehicles will be invaluable for improving conservation and management and fostering public awareness of various threatened species is examining the movement of some of these species with these changes.   The team are using the vehicles for a project on wetlands and hippos, one of Africa's iconic species. Hippos are classified as vulnerable and have experienced significant population decline since the 1990s. They are valuable to the tourism industry and play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers in their environment.    Despite their importance, research on hippos is limited. Their reliance on threatened water bodies and adjacent grasslands, coupled with the impacts of changing land use and climate change, puts their existence at risk. This endangers aquatic and riparian environments, which already face vulnerability.    Since 2015, Downs and her team have been studying the behaviour and ecology of hippos to better understand their ecological role in South African aquatic and terrestrial systems. The research aims to mitigate human-hippo wildlife conflicts and address gaps in knowledge of hippo ecology and behaviour.    The team employs novel telemetry methods to assess hippo spatial ecology, home range and activity in various water bodies, including rivers, lakes and small semi-rural lake systems. Drones are also used to estimate population sizes and identify preferred habitats for hippos.    The vehicles were also used in community fish assessments in the uMngeni and upper Mooi catchments, by pulling the team’s survey boat and equipment throughout the catchment. This has enabled the postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers to access areas such as the uMngeni-uMsunduzi Confluence and around the Midlands.    ‘The one Ford was also used to survey the fish communities along the uMsunduzi River throughout the year. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate the effects of a pollution event that resulted in a large fish kill. These sites lie along the uMsunduzi River, often only accessible by a high-clearance or 4X4 vehicle and as such, the Ford enables us to do this valuable work,’ said Dr Matthew Burnett.    UKZN postdoctoral student – now Honorary researcher – Dr Cormac Price has focused on the urban ecology of Durban’s black mamba and Mozambique spitting cobra populations together with Nick Evans of KZN Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. This research investigates how these potentially lethal snakes live in a heavily urban environment and how there is relatively little human-snake conflict.     Said Price, ‘Although most of the work is conducted in Durban, we must drive on sometimes rough and bad dirt roads. The snakes are released in green belt areas of dense vegetation and bush. A reliable and large vehicle is essential for the research, and the Ford Rangers assist in researching Durban’s urban snakes. The use of the vehicles is invaluable for our work in terms of their reliability, durability and space.’    ‘We are most grateful for the FWF’s continued support of field research. Globally, there has been a decline in field research often because of the associated travel costs and difficulties in getting to field sites,’ said Downs. ‘The FWF is making a major contribution to our research capabilities with their continued and exceptional vehicle support. This allows the collection of biological information that is fundamental to improving the understanding of anthropogenic impacts on habitats and ecosystems so that these can be recognised, mitigated or averted to improve conservation strategies.’

Let’s face it, without forklifts, our lives would be so much more difficult than they need to be. Not only do they look like fun to operate, but they actually perform a very important task. We have them to thank for the smooth, safe, and efficient movement of goods within warehouses and logistics centres. What is a Lithium-Ion Forklift? We can’t go diving into the benefits of a lithium-ion forklift before we understand what it is, right? Well, a lithium-ion forklift is a type of electric forklift that uses lithium-ion batteries as its power source over traditional lead-acid batteries. These batteries are actually quite commonly used in smartphones and are well-known for their high energy density, making them an ideal power source for a variety of things, such as forklifts. The Top 5 Benefits of a Lithium-Ion Forklift There are many benefits to electric forklifts in general, but what are the benefits to Li-ion forklifts specifically? The top five points below will help you answer that question. 1. Longer Battery Life It’s no surprise that one of the standout advantages is a longer battery life. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, Li-ion batteries don’t deteriorate as quickly if they’re not maintained properly. Not only do they last longer than lead-acid batteries, but they can run up to three times longer primarily due to their higher energy density, longer cycle life, and lower maintenance requirements. They offer improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and operational flexibility, making them a cost-effective choice despite their higher upfront cost, giving you extra juice for joyrides after work. 2. Fast Charging What goes well with longer battery life? Fast charging. Imagine getting into a flow at work and having the battery die on you. Now you’ve got to spend hours and hours waiting for the forklift to recharge while you pretend to be busy doing something else. With lithium-ion forklifts, you can expect to have your equipment back in action quickly and not worry too much about the battery percentage by ensuring you size your battery with the correct charger to suit the specific application. 3. Improved Efficiency Regarding material handling, efficiency is at the top of the priority list. Traditional forklifts find it particularly difficult to compete with the efficiency of Li-ion forklifts. This is because they provide consistent power when they’re in use, meaning that they perform at their absolute best until all the energy in the battery is drained. A more consistent power delivery equals less energy consumption and more overall efficiency. 4. Reduced Maintenance Costs Maintenance expenses can really give companies a headache. However, lithium-ion forklifts can be a breath of fresh air as they require much less maintenance compared to lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries come with a need for battery watering, equalising charges, or acid spills to be dealt with. Without these maintenance requirements, Li-ion can lead to substantial long-term savings. 5. Environmentally Friendly Sustainability has become much more popular among businesses over the last couple of years making lithium-ion batteries ideal for organisations like that. Where air quality is concerned, eco-friendly forklifts, such as Li-ion forklifts, are best. Given that Li-ion batteries are more recyclable and have a longer lifespan, they’re less of an environmental hazard than their lead-acid counterparts. In the logistics world, warehouses are crucial for smooth operations. They make sure materials flow seamlessly through careful handling. The way a warehouse works is greatly improved by using specific vehicles. Each one plays a unique role in keeping things precise and fluid. Forklifts, pallet jacks, order pickers, pallet trucks, and reach trucks are all key to this process. This conversation focuses on the newest improvements in essential warehouse equipment with an emphasis on five top vehicles that boost productivity and help streamline operations significantly. Forklift Trucks: Forklift trucks are the key players in the warehouse world. They’re the muscle behind the scenes, capable of lifting, moving, and stacking heavy pallets and goods with grace. Forklifts come in different shapes and sizes – counterbalance, reach, and order pickers are each designed to cater to specific tasks and spatial requirements. Counterbalance forklifts are versatile and ready to take on almost any job you throw at them. Order pickers specialise in plucking items off shelves. Forklifts are crucial in any warehouse, whether it’s unloading shipments, stacking pallets, or simply shuffling goods around. Pallet Jacks and Hand Trucks: Pallet jacks and hand trucks are quite quick and agile around the warehouse. They effortlessly handle smaller loads and come in both manual and electric versions. Manual pallet jacks are your reliable, budget-friendly options for lighter tasks. Electric pallet jacks alleviate the physical strain on workers by supplying an extra power boost for labour-intensive tasks. Pallet jacks and hand trucks ensure goods are whisked to their destinations, quickly and safely within the tight confines of a warehouse. VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Trucks: VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) trucks are the manoeuvrable vehicles of the warehouse, especially for warehouses with limited square footage. VNA trucks can snake through tight spaces to reach sky-high racks that regular forklifts can only dream of accessing. VNA trucks let warehouses make the most of vertical storage space, saving floor space and money. Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are the top choice over traditional ladders because they offer superior efficiency and safety, particularly for inventory management and maintenance. Because reach trucks can reach high shelves and fit in tight aisles, they’re the go-to for warehouses. However, operating a reach truck requires following safety guidelines and requiring specialised training. Reach trucks are like the lifeblood of a warehouse, making sure everything from order picking to restocking happens without a hitch. Tuggers and Tow Tractors: Tuggers and tow tractors are strong, dependable arms for transporting heavy loads within warehouses. To move more goods faster and safer, these specialised trucks haul multiple carts or containers at once. Tuggers and Tow Tractors are essential machines in warehouses, manufacturing, distribution centres, and e-commerce industries – they’re key to keeping operations streamlined and efficient. So, bottom line, the top five warehouse vehicles are crucial in streamlining material handling, ramping up efficiency and making safety a priority. Forklifts, pallet jacks, VNA trucks, reach trucks, tuggers, and tow tractors each play their key role in a warehouse setup; they bring unique benefits to the table that collectively drive successful operations in your warehouse.