Experience an enchanting Wednesday evening at Radisson Blu, Durban Umhlanga with our exclusive Date Night offering. Indulge in a three-course set menu for two, complimented by a bottle of house red or white wine, all for just R995 per couple. For any enquiries or to make a booking please email us on info.durban.umhlanga@radissonblu.com

SmartXchange’s primary focus is catalysing aspiring SMMEs' growth and enhancing existing ones' potential through our robust accelerator program. We would like to invite you to join our community of practice within the Blue Economy, which is one of our new initiatives as we embark on nurturing Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) by exploring the application of the 4IR technology-related opportunities within the Ocean-Based economy in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14. SmartXchange aims to deliver top-notch enterprise development services tailored for sectors such as Media, Information Communication Technology, Electronics, Arts, and our most recent addition, the Ocean-Based or Blue economy. The convergence of economic well-being and oceanic sustainability is paramount as we strive to uplift SMME’s that either leverage marine resources or address critical concerns facing our oceans. Our goals are to: Establish a Blue Economy Community of Practice through the GenBlue Programme. To attract the technology start-ups operating in the ocean economy. Ensure a harmonious development where neither environmental health, sustainability, or economic growth compromises the other. In preparation for mobilising key Ocean-Based Economy stakeholders and kick-starting the programme, we have partnered with Ocean Hub Africa on our UN GenBlue project. In recognition of your expertise and experience within the ocean economy sector, we would really appreciate it if you could attend the onboarding workshop. Your valuable insights and guidance will be pivotal in empowering emerging entrepreneurs, enabling them to realise their business goals effectively and sustainably.  Your participation will significantly contribute to the success of our mission, and we look forward to the opportunity of having you onboard as a partner and critical stakeholder. We look forward to hearing back from you and anticipate a positive contribution that will impact our SMME community, economy, and oceans.  For more information contact us. NB: to view our call for applications, please visit this link and share it among your networks. Please RSVP using this link.

After a successful Suzuki Cape Ultra yesterday, the B-Active Team are straight back to Durban and getting ready to welcome all our TINMAN athletes to the first TINMAN of 2024, this Sunday in Durban at Suncoast. Registration Venue: Suncoast Sundeck, Durban Registration Times (Race Day at Race Venue): 10km Run Challenge Duathlon & Challenge Tri:  5:45am to 6:30am Sprint Tri & SWIM/RUN: 6:30am to 7:30am Mini Tri: 6:30am to 7:30am   START TIMES: 6:50am: 10km Run & Challenge Triathlon & Duathlon 7:40am: Sprint Triathlon & Sprint Duathlon 8:15am: Mini Triathlon / Super Sprint   CYCLING will be on the road | RUNNING will be on paving | Road Bikes and MTB Bikes only allowed. (Draft legal event) NO Tri Bikes or E-Bikes.   ENTRIES CLOSE THIS THURSDAY AT MIDNIGHT BEFORE EACH EVENT.   MERCHANDISE IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER UNTIL TONIGHT ONLINE. RACE   NUMBER COLLECTION WILL BE AT REGISTRATION ON RACE DAY.   Very Important information: FINAL Race Instructions will be emailed on the Friday morning before each event to the email address associated with your Entry Ninja account.   This event is DRAFT LEGAL. NO tri-Bikes or E-Bikes.   Relay Team entries are allowed for the Sprint and Challenge distance   All competitors will receive and ice-cold aQuellé at the finish line and a finishers keyring or medal at the finish. There will be a prize giving and lucky draw prizes. Due to the ever-growing pollution of our planet, our race numbers are recycled and reused. Please remember to hand them in at the finish line to receive your medal. Get those entries for this Sunday in, its going to be an Epic start to 2024! ENTER A TINMAN NEAR YOU HERE

At Beescore, we adopt a pragmatic approach in applying B-BBEE verification methodologies. We specialise in interim and final scorecard ratings, provision of training and further ancillary services to assist measured entities. Meet our team Visit our website for more information  www.beescore.co.za   or give us a call today!

Backed by a product line of ultra-high-performance tyres, Dunlop Tyres SA is excited to announce its sponsorship of one of South Africa’s fastest and most exhilarating circuit motor racing categories - the high-octane Extreme SuperCars racing series at the National Extreme Festival. The sponsorship will see the race series, held at Zwartkops International World of Motoring, officially named “2024 Extreme SuperCars Driven by Dunlop” across all branding and campaigns in the motorsport calendar this year. Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA), manufacturer of the Dunlop tyre range, says: “We are extremely excited about our sponsorship of the Extreme SuperCars racing series. This comes after many lengthy technical discussions, and review of our ultra-high-performance tyres, and we are proud that the motoring experts have full confidence in our tyres to stand up to the test of their high-speed driving in some of the fastest premium performance vehicles in the world.” The sponsorship will see Dunlop’s D20 full slick control tyres fitted onto GT cars and high-performance saloon cars such as Lamborghinis, Porsches and Aston Martins. “Our Dunlop D20 racing tyres have been tested over several months for features such as grip and traction necessary for great performance and endurance on the track, and we are more than satisfied at their ability to hold up to the extreme conditions. They already had their first run at the end of January, and drivers reported an outstanding performance. We are all awaiting the next showing in Killarney, Cape Town in March. At all races, the drivers and Extreme SuperCars teams’ have Dunlop’s full tactical and technical support,” says Ozoux. The Extreme SuperCars Driven by Dunlop forms part of Dunlop’s existing National Extreme Festival involvement. To cement their commitment to growing the sport, Dunlop additionally lends its support to the South African Touring Cars (SATC SupaCup), Polo Cup and Toyota GR Cup. The tyre manufacturer also supports regional classes including the Gauteng Pabar VW Challenge, Cape GTI Challenge, upcountry BMW M Performance Parts Race Series, Lotus Cup and Formula Vee, and iLamunas Endurance Series.

Indulge in a delightful evening of sizzling flavours at Radisson Blu, Durban Umhlanga. Join us for a special Braai Night, where you can experience a traditional South African charcoal braai for just R450 per person, this also includes a selection of starters and desserts. For any enquiries or to secure your spot, please email us on info.durban.umhlanga@radissonblu.com

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Commenting on the group’s results, Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said: “Within the context of ongoing challenging global macroeconomic conditions and weak paper markets I am pleased that the group delivered EBITDA of US$156 million, which was in line with guidance provided in the prior quarter.” Profitability was negatively impacted by approximately US$45 million due to the lower production volumes associated with the planned maintenance shutdowns at the Saiccor, Ngodwana and Cloquet Mills offset somewhat by a US$26 million positive plantation fair value price adjustment. A key element of Sappi’s Thrive strategy is to reduce exposure to declining graphic paper markets and to ensure higher capacity utilisation in our graphic assets. The rationalisation of our European graphic papers capacity gained momentum during the quarter with the closure of the Stockstadt Mill and subsequent carouselling of sales volumes to alternate assets. The consultation process for the closure of the Lanaken Mill was also concluded late in the quarter. Looking forward, Binnie stated: “Taking into account the protracted macroeconomic uncertainty, we anticipate that EBITDA for the second quarter of FY24 will be similar to that of the first quarter.” Financial summary for the quarter EBITDA excluding special items US$156 million (Q1 FY23 US$290 million) Net debt US$1,216 million (Q1 FY23 US$1,241 million) EPS excluding special items 8 US cents (Q1 FY23 30 US cents) Production at Stockstadt and Lanaken Mills in Europe permanently ceased Paper markets remained unpredictable, and demand was still under pressure from low consumer confidence, high interest rates and ongoing geopolitical instability. While group sales volumes were down 12% compared to the prior year, selling prices during the quarter were reasonably stable for most products. We achieved significant year-on-year cost savings across all regions to mitigate some of the impact of lower sales. Demand for dissolving pulp (DP) was robust, buoyed by high downstream viscose staple fibre (VSF) operating rates in China. Despite favourable demand and tight supply dynamics, the hardwood DP market price continued to be range bound by subdued VSF fibre selling prices due to sluggish textile and apparel markets, especially in Europe and China, influenced by low consumer confidence. The scheduled maintenance shutdowns during the quarter at all three DP mills impacted profitability for the segment and reduced sales volumes to 6% below the prior year. Profitability of the packaging and speciality papers segment was impacted by lower South African containerboard sales due to the planned maintenance shut at the Ngodwana Mill, sluggish underlying European demand and residual destocking across a number of product categories. On a positive note, demand for paperboard in North America showed signs of recovery as customer inventories normalised. Sales volumes for the segment were 14% below the prior year. Graphic papers demand showed signs of a muted recovery from the lows of the third quarter of FY23 as downstream inventory levels normalised through the supply chain. Sales volumes were 14% below last year but improved by 6% compared to the prior quarter. The performance of the European business improved from the low of the prior quarter as sales volumes increased. Graphic papers sales volumes increased 9% quarter-on-quarter as downstream inventory levels slowly normalised. Market conditions for the packaging and speciality papers segment remained challenging driven by substantially reduced demand for consumer goods in the European region. Within the context of tough market conditions, the North American business delivered another solid set of results, notwithstanding the scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Cloquet Mill. Demand in paper markets continued to slowly recover. The South African business delivered a good performance for the quarter taking into account the negative impact of the planned maintenance shutdowns at the Ngodwana and Saiccor Mills. Profitability was supported by a weaker Rand/US dollar exchange rate, which benefited the pulp segment, and the inclusion of a positive ZAR484 million plantation fair value price adjustment. We recognise that our forestry assets are an integral part of the South African business and we have therefore taken the decision to include the forestry valuation in our EBITDA, thereby aligning with many of our peers. Outlook The global economy has yet to show signs of significant improvement and we anticipate demand for many of our products will continue to be impacted by weak consumer sentiment and low economic growth. Order activity for paper products is slowly improving and it appears the extended destocking cycle has concluded across the majority of our key product categories. Dissolving pulp demand remains robust supported by high VSF operating rates and a positive differential between VSF and cotton pricing. The seasonal slowdown of the textile industry in China associated with the Lunar New Year celebrations has historically exerted short-term pressure on DP pricing in the second quarter. However, we anticipate that underlying textile demand will likely drive positive pricing momentum after the holiday period, further supported by a tight DP supply landscape. Packaging and speciality paper markets in North America and South Africa are steadily improving. European markets remain weak, and recovery may take longer in this region. Although we anticipate a further small rebound in graphic papers sales volumes through FY24 as value chain inventory levels normalise, we believe that the market remains in oversupply. We will complete the restructuring and closure of the Lanaken Mill during the second quarter and anticipate that reduced fixed costs and improved capacity utilisation in the remaining European assets will yield significant cost savings through the second half of the year. Cost inflation remains a risk in the second quarter as paper pulp prices are rising. In addition, the Middle East conflict is impacting shipping routes will likely increase logistics costs for the business. Capital expenditure for FY24 is expected to be in the region of US$500 million and as previously communicated, includes approximately US$154 million for the Somerset Mill PM2 conversion and expansion project. We anticipate a substantial cash outflow in the second quarter related to the closure of the two European mills and the dividend payment. Sappi is well positioned with healthy cash reserves and liquidity to fund this outflow. Good progress is being made in our key strategic focus areas to reduce exposure to graphic papers and grow our packaging business. The European restructuring programme and capital investment in North America to increase our paperboard capacity will strengthen our long-term competitive position and deliver sustained value for our stakeholders. The full results announcement is available at www.sappi.com . There will be a conference call to which investors are invited. Full details are available at www.sappi.com using the links: Investors | Latest financial results . Issued by Brunswick on behalf of Sappi Limited Tel + 27 (0)11 502 7300

We are proud to announce the launch of our innovative Aerial Surveillance Unit, a significant advancement in community safety and surveillance technology in KwaZulu-Natal. The Aerial Surveillance Unit's drones are designed to operate in a variety of conditions, offering unmatched surveillance capabilities. With the inclusion of night vision and thermal imaging, these drones can detect and monitor suspicious activities or threats in low-light conditions, providing a crucial advantage in ensuring community safety. This technology allows for real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating a swift and informed response to any incident. The deployment of the Aerial Surveillance Unit represents our commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of community security. By enhancing our surveillance capabilities, we aim to deter criminal activities and provide a safer environment for the residents of KZN. To read more about our advanced Aerial Surveillance Unit and how it will impact our fight against crime for our clients and communities, visit https://mi7national.co.za/ .

The Brickworks development is the group’s biggest property project in SA currently. Takealot's new 43 000m2 KZN regional distribution centre at The Brickworks development precinct in Avoca, Durban. Image: Supplied Investec Property, a subsidiary of the investment banking giant, has secured Naspers-owned e-commerce group Takealot to take up an expansive new distribution warehouse being developed at its new R6 billion logistics park in Durban. The Brickworks development is Investec’s biggest property project on the go currently in SA and is being built on a 157ha site in Avoca, near the Riverhorse Valley area, which saw some of the most destruction during the KZN riots in 2021. Read more Investec Property secures Takealot in R6bn Durban logistics park - Moneyweb By Suren Naidoo 22 Feb 2024  15:29

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 22 FEBRUARY 2024 KZN ECONOMY TO BE BOLSTERED BY CONSTRUCTION OF TAKEALOT DISTRIBUTION CENTRE EThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda launched the new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre for Takealot in KwaZulu-Natal today, 22 February 2024. The centre is located within The Brickworks - a 157-hectare business and logistics park being developed by Investec Property at the region’s old Corobrik factory site. As South Africa’s largest eCommerce provider, Takealot Group’s investment for its Distribution Centre at The Brickworks is poised to create thousands of jobs. As a catalytic project, The Brickworks development has received enthusiastic support from eThekwini as it is geared to transform the region into a leading logistics hub for Africa and will play a key role in optimising the supply chain potential of the province. The site has been strategically designed to unlock greater efficiencies, fuelling a more connected economy for the country, and driving direct growth for KZN. Mayor Kaunda emphasised the project’s national impact saying: “The Brickworks is one of our most pivotal logistics and distribution hubs for South Africa. This is a story of value creation and commitment to future value creation from two of our country’s top companies. Seeing proudly South African brands choosing to create and operate from this connected space gives us cause to celebrate. It confirms that the business and logistics park will be an economic enabler, not only for our region but for the broader South African market.” The Brickworks, situated on one of the last remaining infill portions of land in the rapidly expanding northern corridor of eThekwini, will be one of South Africa’s strongholds of logistics and an area of exponential future growth for the country. It is anticipated that more than 20 000 jobs will be created through phase I, II and III of The Brickworks, according to independent development researcher, analyst, and facilitator Dr Jeffery McCarthy. Investec Property’s joint-CEO David Rosmarin said a collaborative partnership through the City’s innovative ‘One Stop’ Catalytic Project Unit has helped them unlock this strategic site. “The Brickworks’ prime location will enable it to boost the flow of Southern African trade through the region,” he added. The first phase of the Takealot Distribution Centre development will encompass approximately 43 000 square metres, with an additional 20 000 square metres reserved for future expansion. The Distribution Centre is being constructed with environmental and energy-saving technologies to ensure sustainability. Commenting on the Takealot Group’s commitment to KZN, Executive Chairperson Mamongae Mahlare said: “As a proudly South African business, our investment into KZN reflects our vision of enabling the economy, by enabling South Africans through job creation and market access for SMEs. The new facility will also bolster same-day and next-day delivery and collect capabilities for Takealot shoppers living in and around KZN. We believe the socio-economic impact will be significant in boosting the potential of the province and its people.” Mayor Kaunda concluded saying that the Brickworks and the proposed Caneridge residential development, along with Northfields being developed by JT Ross, forms part of a 350-hectare Avoca Nodal Development, a catalytic project within eThekwini. “In partnership with the Municipality, these three precincts will receive funding for portions of the bulk infrastructure for the development of this node. The R10.1 billion investment by the private sector in Ward 110 is expected to provide 51 500 construction job opportunities and 19 000 opportunities in operations over the next 15 years,” he said. The construction of the KZN Takealot Distribution Centre is planned for completion in July 2024, with operations commencing by October 2024. ENDS Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit. For media related enquiries contact eThekwini Municipality Spokesperson Gugu Sisilana on 031 311 4820/18 or email Gugu.Sisilana@durban.gov.za

The accomplishments of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) were highlighted as the Municipal entity released its annual report. Lindiwe Rakharebe, Chief Executive Officer of the Durban ICC said they celebrate the centre’s major achievements during the 2022/23 financial year. “The accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to driving economic growth and community development.” The Durban ICC demonstrated a remarkable recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic in its financial performance during the 2022/23 financial year. The entity reported a substantial increase in revenue, reflecting a positive trajectory and a return to pre-pandemic trading conditions. The centre posted a top-line revenue figure of R180 million, representing a 65 percent improvement from the previous year’s revenue of R109 million. Additionally, the Durban ICC proudly announced its achievement of receiving a clean, unqualified audit opinion for the ninth year from the Auditor General of South Africa. Commenting on this accomplishment, the entity’s Chief Financial Officer Melanie Rambally said: “This achievement is testament to our unwavering commitment to sound financial management, transparency, and accountability, and underscores our steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity in all our operations.” This past year, the Durban ICC also achieved a perfect score of 100 percent on its performance scorecard with its shareholder, eThekwini Municipality. The entity continued to deliver on its mandate to generate positive economic impact, job creation and raise brand awareness for the destination by meeting and exceeding its key performance indicators. The centre made a significant contribution to the economy, with a contribution of R5.7 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the 2022/23 financial year. Additionally, the centre created and/or sustained over 11 000 jobs, further boosting the country’s economic recovery and development. Durban ICC’s Chief Operations Officer John Aritho highlighted the prestigious accolades they have received at the World Travel Awards and World MICE Awards, reaffirming its position as a leader in the global meetings and events industry. The centre was recognised for its excellence as “Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre” and “South Africa’s Best Convention Centre.” Aritho went on to share the centre’s significant contribution to its communities through its environmental, social, and governance projects.

You are cordially invited to attend Business Networking Breakfast and informational talk on Saturday, 24 February 2024 at 8:00am at The Pavilion Hotel in Durban. 8:00 am -9:00 am: Breakfast - Business Networking Breakfast - to order & pay directly to Pavilion Hotel on the day- see menu attached. 9:00 am: 2 Speakers fellow KIBA member Jennifer Reddy Chartered Accountant (SA) and Registered Auditor and Ahmed Hoosen - Senior Tax Manager- both speakers from Morar Incorporated- see attached bios. Read invite & content of Business Networking Breakfast Contact us at 060 608 2791