South Africans will head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, for the upcoming Local Government Elections. As election preparations gather momentum, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is encouraging all eligible voters to ensure their registration details are accurate and up to date. For local government elections, voters must be registered in the correct voting district, making it essential to verify your address and personal information well before election day. Who Can Register to Vote? You are eligible to register as a voter if you: Are a South African citizen Are 16 years or older Have a valid South African identity document While citizens can register from the age of 16, voting is only permitted once a person reaches the age of 18. Documents Required for Registration To register, you will need one of the following forms of identification: Green barcoded South African ID book Smart ID card Valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) Please note that no other forms of identification are accepted for voter registration purposes. Where to Register Online Registration The fastest and most convenient way to register is online through the IEC’s voter registration portal: registertovote.elections.org.za In-Person Registration Voters may also register: At designated voting stations during voter registration weekends At local IEC offices during office hours During Targeted Communication and Registration (TCR) drives At Civic and Democracy Education (CDE) events When Should You Update Your Registration Details? It is important to update your voter information if: You have moved to a new address Your registered address is incomplete or missing You have received a new ID number Ward boundaries have changed Voting district boundaries have been adjusted Keeping your information current ensures that you are registered in the correct voting district and can vote without complications on election day. How to Check Your Voter Registration Status If you are unsure whether you are registered, there are several ways to check: Online Visit the IEC websites: elections.org.za registertovote.elections.org.za SMS Send your South African ID number to 32810. WhatsApp Message the IEC chatbot on 060 088 0000. Call Centre Call 0800 11 8000 from a landline during periods announced by the IEC. Mobile App Download the IEC mobile application and enter your ID number to verify your registration status. In Person Visit your nearest voting station during a voter registration weekend. Make Your Voice Count Online voter registration remains open until the election is officially proclaimed. Whether you are registering for the first time or updating your details after moving, taking a few minutes now can help avoid delays and confusion later. The 2026 Local Government Elections will play an important role in shaping communities across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. Make sure you are registered, informed and ready to participate. Your vote is your voice. Register today and be ready to make it count on 4 November 2026.

Whether you're tackling weekend DIY projects, handling essential home repairs, or upgrading your workshop setup, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. The ROBUST 86 Piece DIY Tool Kit is designed to provide homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and workshop users with a complete range of quality tools in one convenient package. This comprehensive 86-piece assortment includes a variety of essential tools to help you complete everyday maintenance tasks, repairs, installations, and improvements with confidence. Built to deliver reliability and durability, each tool is crafted to meet the demands of regular use around the home or workshop. One of the standout features of this kit is its sturdy metal toolbox, providing secure storage and easy organisation. No more searching through drawers or misplaced tools – everything you need is neatly stored and ready when you need it. Why Choose the ROBUST 86 Piece DIY Tool Kit? Complete 86-piece tool assortment Quality ROBUST tools designed for durability Perfect for DIY projects and home maintenance Suitable for workshop use Supplied in a strong metal toolbox for easy storage and transport Special Offer For a limited time, the ROBUST 86 Piece DIY Tool Kit is available for only R1,899 (including VAT). Offer valid until Mid-July 2026. Terms and Conditions apply. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in a versatile tool kit that will help you tackle repairs, improvements, and projects with ease. Visit Drakewoods Group today and take advantage of this exceptional special while stocks last. #DrakewoodsGroup #DIYTools #WorkshopEssentials #ToolSpecial #HomeRepairs #DIYProjects #ToolKit #WorkshopTools

As winter settles across South Africa, businesses often experience a familiar challenge: a noticeable increase in employee absenteeism. While many absences are the result of genuine illness, employers are frequently faced with difficult questions around excessive sick leave, questionable medical certificates and the appropriate steps to take when absenteeism begins to affect operations. Navigating these situations requires a careful balance between compassion, legal compliance and protecting business productivity. Acting too harshly can expose an organisation to legal disputes, while failing to address abuse can negatively impact workplace morale and performance. To help employers better understand their rights and responsibilities, Labournet will be hosting a free webinar on 25 June at 09h00, presented by Labour Law Executive Ryan Anderson. The session will explore the legal realities surrounding sick leave, absenteeism and incapacity, providing practical guidance for employers managing these challenges during the winter months. Why Attend? Winter absenteeism is more than a seasonal inconvenience—it can present significant legal and operational challenges if not managed correctly. This webinar offers employers, HR professionals and business leaders the opportunity to gain clarity and confidence when dealing with sick leave, medical certificates and incapacity matters. Join Labournet at 09h00 on 25 June to better understand your obligations, minimise risk and ensure your workplace remains compliant and productive throughout the winter season. Register now: https://shorturl.at/CXZ6l

The power is in your hands! Voting is open for the KZN Top Business Awards, giving you the opportunity to support the brands, businesses and organisations that make a difference in KwaZulu-Natal. Whether they've delivered exceptional service, driven innovation, created jobs or positively impacted their community, now is the time to recognise their achievements. Cast your vote and help celebrate the businesses shaping the future of our province. Vote for your top brand today and make your voice count! 2026 KZN Top Business Awards, brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group, and in association with East Coast Radio. Note: The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only on the results of a public poll. In 2026 these results will be managed through an online voting system.

PRESS RELEASE In many townships and local communities, cash remains the dominant way people pay for everyday goods and services. However, the growing use of mobile banking apps, QR codes and digital payment platforms is gradually changing how transactions take place in schools, churches, tuckshops and informal trading spaces. A facilitator helps an informal trader accept QR code payments Alongside this shift, there is increasing interest in how digital transformation may also contribute to addressing unemployment by creating new forms of community-based income opportunities. In South Africa, unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges, particularly among young people. While traditional job creation remains essential, attention is also turning to smaller, more flexible income-generating activities that can operate at community level. One emerging area is the role of local participants in supporting digital payment adoption. As more small businesses and community organisations transition from cash to digital payments, there is a growing need for assistance with setup, education and day-to-day use of these systems. Some initiatives have begun training local residents to support this transition. These programmes typically include free training sessions, often arranged when community groups or organisations invite facilitators to demonstrate how digital payment systems work in practice. The aim is to create income opportunities for unemployed people by providing training and access to a digital payment platform. This enables them to help local businesses, schools and community organisations accept and manage digital payments, while also making it easier for these organisations to adopt cashless systems. The model removes the need for upfront capital or infrastructure, allowing participants to earn a living through participation in the digital payments’ ecosystem. Ongoing support and guidance is also provided in many cases, helping participants and the businesses they work with adapt to digital payment systems over time. This includes troubleshooting, user education and assistance with onboarding new users. In practical terms, this work often involves helping a tuckshop owner set up QR code payments, assisting a church with digital donations, or supporting a school in collecting fees electronically. Because these participants are based within the same communities, they are often able to communicate in familiar terms and build trust with users who may be new to digital payments. However, the shift toward digital payments is not without challenges. Barriers such as digital literacy, trust in electronic systems, access to smartphones and reliable connectivity continue to affect how quickly adoption can take place in some communities. According to Thulani Ngwenya, Managing Director of AltarPOS, the focus is on creating accessible entry points into the digital economy for people affected by unemployment. "For many people, the challenge is not willingness to work, but access to opportunities that do not require capital to begin," he says. "By providing free training, a digital payment platform and ongoing support, we aim to help people start building sustainable income streams while helping businesses and organisations in their communities adopt digital payment solutions." While such models are still developing, they reflect a broader trend in which digital financial systems are not only changing how people transact, but also how local economic participation is structured. For communities facing persistent unemployment, the significance lies not only in the adoption of digital payments, but in the possibility of new, flexible forms of participation in the local economy. Press Release on Behalf of: Thulani Ngwenya Managing Director of AltarPOS

Elevate your Brand Awareness, enter the KZN Top Brand today! 2026 KZN Top Business Awards, brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group, and in association with East Coast Radio. Note: The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only on the results of a public poll. In 2026 these results will be managed through an online voting system.

By Chelsea Brand The KwaKha Collective is a 100% youth-led organisation dedicated to driving meaningful youth economic participation across KwaZulu-Natal. Founded by a team of professionals from law, finance, accounting and entrepreneurship, the collective is committed to ensuring that young people become active participants in the economy rather than passive observers. Led by Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Londa-izwi Gumede, Deputy Chairperson and Stakeholder Relations Head Thembalethu (Thembz) Shange, CEO Lwazi Mkhwanazi, Secretary General and attorney Siyethaba (Sithembile) Nyawose, and Treasurer General and Chartered Accountant Bawinile Nkosingiphile Gwala, the organisation combines professional expertise with a shared passion for youth development. The KwaKha Collective was established to address a critical challenge facing many young South Africans: access. While talent and ambition are abundant, opportunities to connect with business leaders, investors, mentors and decision-makers are often limited. Through stakeholder engagement sessions, networking events, masterclasses and strategic partnerships, the organisation creates platforms that bridge this gap. "We want young people to participate in the economy and network sustainably in this province," says Londa. The organisation's philosophy centres on participation rather than empowerment alone. For the KwaKha Collective, real change happens when young people actively engage in the economy by building businesses, securing employment, creating partnerships and developing sustainable careers. Its motto, "Your Network, Your Power", reflects the belief that meaningful relationships are one of the most valuable assets any young professional or entrepreneur can possess. The name KwaKha, meaning "to build" in isiZulu, captures the organisation's mission to build careers, businesses, opportunities and sustainable futures. Beyond creating opportunities, the collective is also challenging perceptions that underestimate young people's capabilities. By showcasing youth excellence and facilitating connections between generations of leaders, the organisation is helping to demonstrate that young people are ready to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development. Through partnerships with organisations such as KZN Top Business and Business Sense, the KwaKha Collective continues to create practical pathways for mentorship, business development and collaboration. As Thembz puts it: "Be active. Be ambitious. Be consistent. Opportunities are there, but you have to participate." For the KwaKha Collective, the future of KwaZulu-Natal will be built by young people who are connected, engaged and ready to lead. For more information: londaizwi@kwakhacollective.co.za https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kwakha-collective/

In an emergency, every second matters. Having accurate and up-to-date information can make all the difference when emergency responders need to act quickly. That is why MC911 is encouraging all users to review and update their profiles on the Mobi Claw 911 Emergency Response Management platform. The MC911 app is designed to provide fast access to emergency assistance at the touch of a button. By ensuring your profile information is complete and current, you help emergency response teams access the critical details they need when it matters most. Why Updating Your Profile is Important Your profile contains essential information that can assist responders in delivering the right support as quickly as possible. This includes: Personal information Medical details and conditions Emergency contact information Vehicle information Frequent locations Payment and account details Keeping these sections updated ensures that responders have access to the most accurate information during an emergency situation. Fast, Reliable Emergency Response The MC911 platform uses GPS location services to accurately identify your position when a panic alert is activated. Combined with your profile information, this enables response teams to assess situations faster and coordinate the appropriate assistance. Whether you're at home, on the road, at work, or travelling, having a complete profile helps improve communication and response efficiency when you need help most. Take Action Today Reviewing your profile only takes a few minutes but can have a significant impact during an emergency. Log into the MC911 app today and ensure that all your details are accurate and up to date. Your safety starts with being prepared. For more information, visit: www.mobiventures.co.za MC911 – Emergency Response Management. Ready when you need it most.

For many South Africans, owning a home is one of the most significant financial milestones they will achieve. Yet, navigating the property market and securing the right home loan can often feel overwhelming. This is where Ingwe – The Property Company SA steps in, helping clients understand and maximise The Bond Advantage. A home loan, or bond, is more than just a financing tool—it is a pathway to building long-term wealth and financial security. Property ownership remains one of the most reliable ways to grow personal assets while providing stability for individuals and families. Why a Property Bond Makes Sense A property bond allows buyers to enter the property market without needing the full purchase price upfront. Instead, homeowners can spread the cost over an agreed period, making property ownership more accessible. Some of the key advantages include: Building Equity Each bond repayment contributes towards ownership of the property, increasing the homeowner’s equity over time. Unlike renting, where monthly payments benefit a landlord, bond repayments help build personal wealth. Long-Term Investment Growth Property values generally appreciate over the long term, making real estate one of the most effective wealth-building assets. Homeowners benefit from both equity growth and potential increases in market value. Financial Stability Owning a property provides greater security and predictability. While rental costs often increase annually, bond repayments can offer more consistency, helping homeowners plan their finances with confidence. Access to Better Financing Opportunities A strong credit profile and responsible bond management can open doors to future investment opportunities, including additional property acquisitions or leveraging equity for business and personal growth. The Ingwe Advantage At Ingwe – The Property Company SA, clients receive expert guidance throughout the bond and property acquisition process. From understanding affordability and securing competitive financing to identifying suitable properties, the team is committed to making property ownership both achievable and rewarding. Their experience and industry knowledge help clients make informed decisions, ensuring they secure the best possible outcomes for their unique circumstances. Building Your Future Through Property Property ownership is more than a purchase—it is an investment in your future. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading to a larger property, or expanding your investment portfolio, understanding the advantages of a property bond can help you make confident financial decisions. With the right support and expertise, the journey to property ownership becomes simpler, more strategic, and ultimately more rewarding. Ingwe – The Property Company SA continues to empower South Africans to take advantage of property opportunities, turning homeownership dreams into lasting financial success.

Say it again, If your business is not selling, it is dying. It is a harsh reality, but in the fast-paced world of modern commerce, it is the only truth that matters. We often get caught up in the branding, the logistics, the product development, and the operational strategy. However, if you strip all that away, you are left with one fundamental requirement for survival and growth: the exchange of value. In an age where the business landscape shifts at an incredible pace, where technology changes the way we interact, and where industries are disrupted in the blink of an eye, the question I am asked most often is: How did you survive? How has KZN Top Business navigated these turbulent waters to remain the number one force in our sector? The answer is not found in theory or complex algorithms. It is found in three words: sales, sales, sales. This Thursday, 18 June, I am taking the stage at the Sales Domination KZN event at the aha Gateway Hotel. It is a privilege to share the stage with such an impressive lineup. Our session will be moderated by the brilliant Sarah Swanson, who will be steering the conversation. We will also be joined by Vinesh Maharaj, a premier sales trainer and a true champion for the professionals in our economy. While Vinesh will be providing the essential, actionable frameworks to sharpen your sales performance, I will be offering a perspective from the front lines of the publishing industry. I am not presenting a theoretical model. I will be sharing the journey of how we survived in an industry that has been completely transformed. I will illustrate the direct correlation between a relentless focus on sales and the longevity of an organisation. The reality is simple: those who successfully sell continue to thrive, while those who do not have, unfortunately, ceased to exist. I intend to share the secrets that have defined our success. If you are serious about your business and want to understand how to turn the engine of your enterprise into a high-performance machine, I would welcome the opportunity to connect with you. Event Details: When: Thursday, 18 June 2026, 08:30 to 15:00 Where: aha Gateway Hotel, Umhlanga Ridge Please note that space is limited. You may check for remaining availability and register via the link below: [Link to Booking Page] I look forward to seeing you at the Gateway this Thursday and sharing the message that has defined our path. Grant Adlam Founder and CEO, KZN Top Business www.kzntopbusiness.com If your business is not selling, it is dying. Grant Adlam

As thousands of runners prepare to take on one of the world's most iconic ultra-marathons, KZN Top Business proudly extends its best wishes to every participant in the Comrades Marathon. The Comrades Marathon is far more than a race. It is a powerful celebration of endurance, determination, resilience, and the human spirit. Every year, athletes from across South Africa and around the globe gather in KwaZulu-Natal to challenge themselves on a journey that tests both physical strength and mental fortitude. The road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg represents more than kilometres covered. It represents months of preparation, early mornings, disciplined training, personal sacrifices, and an unwavering commitment to achieving a goal. Whether running for a personal best, a charity, a loved one, or simply to cross the finish line, every participant embodies the values of perseverance and excellence. At KZN Top Business, we recognise and celebrate these qualities. They are the same principles that drive successful businesses and leaders throughout our province – commitment, resilience, vision, and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges. The Comrades Marathon also showcases the very best of KwaZulu-Natal. It brings communities together, creates lasting memories, supports local businesses, and highlights the warmth and hospitality that make our province a world-class destination. To every runner, supporter, volunteer, organiser, medical professional, and sponsor who contributes to the success of this extraordinary event, we thank you for being part of this remarkable tradition. As you take your place on the start line, remember that every step is a testament to your dedication and determination. Trust your training, embrace the journey, and celebrate every milestone along the way. From all of us at KZN Top Business, we wish you a safe, successful, and memorable Comrades Marathon. Run with purpose. Run with pride. Run strong. Best wishes to all Comrades Marathon participants.

In a celebration of beauty, confidence, and connection, KZN Top Business partnered with Edgars Beauty to host a special spoil event for the East Coast Radio (ECR) Ladies, creating an unforgettable experience centred around the globally acclaimed Fenty Beauty brand. The event brought together a group of influential women for an afternoon of indulgence, beauty discovery, and meaningful networking. Guests were welcomed into an elegant setting where they enjoyed personalised beauty consultations, product demonstrations, and the opportunity to experience the innovative Fenty Beauty range firsthand. Founded by global icon Rihanna, Fenty Beauty has earned international recognition for its inclusive approach to beauty, offering products designed to celebrate diversity and empower individuals to express their unique style. The ECR Ladies were treated to expert guidance from Edgars Beauty specialists, who showcased the brand’s latest products and beauty trends. Beyond the beauty experience, the event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where professional women can connect, share insights, and celebrate their achievements. The partnership between KZN Top Business and Edgars Beauty reflects a shared commitment to empowering women through experiences that inspire confidence and foster meaningful relationships. The afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation, and memorable moments as guests enjoyed exclusive gifts, beauty tips, and the opportunity to explore one of the world's most sought-after beauty brands. Events such as these demonstrate the value of collaboration between leading brands and influential community networks, creating opportunities that go beyond business to celebrate people, relationships, and personal growth. KZN Top Business extends its sincere appreciation to Edgars Beauty and the Fenty Beauty team for their exceptional hospitality and for helping create an experience that left every guest feeling valued, empowered, and beautifully inspired.