'Tis the season of giving, and this year, let's make it truly meaningful. Join us in the Share the Festive Cheer Campaign , where we're rallying support for the UKZN Food Security Programme. In the spirit of generosity, your contribution can make a significant impact on students facing food insecurity. Be a part of spreading joy and goodwill this holiday season. To donate click https://ukzn.devman.co.za/devman/online/genomics/

Bell Equipment Sales South Africa (BESSA) and the Overlooked Group (OVL) joined the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality last week to handover of four houses that have been built for indigent families as part of an approved low-cost housing project in the Municipality’s eMzinoni area. OVL, a 100% black-owned diversified South African-based resources company with vast experience in housing projects of this nature, facilitated and provided project management expertise. BESSA provided over R1 million in funding for the project as part of its socio-economic development initiatives. Councillor Thandi Mtsweni, a Member of the Mayoral Committee for Planning and Development at the Govan Mbeki Municipality, commended OVL and BESA for their commitment and hard work. The construction of the houses has assisted in reducing the backlog and shortage of housing units for beneficiaries on the municipal housing waiting list. Tiaan Swanepoel, Overlooked Mining Group’s Compliance Manager, recognised the “true intent” shown by Bell Equipment. He said: “Our belief is when we plough back into the community it’s not just about the project. There is a lot more to it; we look holistically at the community. We use a local contractor for service delivery and employ local subcontractors and labourers. There are also small businesses, and we use local suppliers for materials.” In his address, Bell Equipment Group Chairman, Gary Bell, said: “Bell Equipment appreciates the opportunity to work together with the Overlooked Group and the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality to create change for the betterment of people in South Africa. “Some people don’t realise that Bell Equipment is a fully South African company; our products are designed and built here from the ground up with our team of around 4 000 people. This type of project fits in well with what we do around the country. We work in hundreds of different regions and have many such projects.” However, he explained that more important is the development and people empowerment achieved through the Bell supply chain. About 1 250 local businesses help to produce the components used in Bell machines that are sold across South Africa and worldwide. With the multiplier effect, this translates to around 30 000 jobs. “The Overlooked Group has a choice of 18 to 20 imported options but by choosing Bell machines some 30 000 South Africans got to benefit. A lot of people don’t understand the importance of us working together as a team in South Africa. Whether it’s our municipal partners, our mining partners, or our supply partners, it’s critical that we work together to develop the country as a whole. We saw it recently in the Rugby World Cup what can be achieved when we work together.”

The UKZN Foundation together with the College of Health Sciences’ Optometry and Ophthalmology Disciplines partnered with Ster-Kinekor for its Vision Mission campaign, offering free eye screening for learners from high schools and primary schools across KwaZulu-Natal. The screenings were held as part of #EyeCareAwarenessMonth at Ster-Kinekor Gateway to raise awareness about eye health, specifically around the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness. The Optometry Discipline provided basic eye screening to identify cataracts, stereopsis, colour vision and the need for bi-focal spectacles. The Ophthalmology team also screened participants for glaucoma and checked the pressure in their eyes. School of Health Sciences Optometry academic leader Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan said: ‘According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people have a distance or near visual impairment, with 1 billion cases not being acknowledged. Vision screening helps to alleviate this burden by detecting correctable vision problems thus improving the chances of assisting those who need it the most and improving their quality of life.’ Khan said the Optometry Discipline appreciated the opportunity to partner in the initiative with Ster-Kinekor as it allowed students a meaningful opportunity to offer their time and use their skills to align with one of UKZN’s mission statements regarding being critically engaged with society. Head of CSI Transformation and Wellness at Ster-Kinekor Ms Geraldine Engelman said: ‘Vision issues are among the most challenging in disadvantaged communities. The partnership with UKZN will have a huge impact on future generations, especially those from under-resourced schools. Children who suffer because of eye problems at school and who cannot see the chalkboard clearly in classrooms, will now have the opportunity for a free eye screening.’

SMS KZN to 33808 and vote for KZN's Top Brand 2021 ] The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Brand Award is much coveted each year and is awarded by public vote only. Many well-known brands have been grown from within KZN and have made an indelible mark on consumer behaviour. Some of these companies have histories that started in the early twentieth century and they continue to expand their footprints today. These brands have reached out locally, nationally and in many cases internationally. They also have a clearly defined brand identity and have a great story to tell. According to the Harvard Business Review, among other attributes a top brand: · Excels at delivering the benefits customers truly desire · Is relevant · Is consistent · Understands what it means to consumers · Is based on consumers’ perceptions of value Previous Top Brand winners who well illustrate these attributes, include Defy, East Coast Radio, Blue Security and uShaka Marine World. The interest shown in this award is reflected in the large number of votes cast. We are also delighted that companies take advantage of the opportunity by encouraging their staff members, clients and other stakeholders to get involved. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Top Brand 2021 will again be contested over several weeks. This year the award will be solely based on the results of a SMS voting system. Entries for the Top Brand Award will open on the 1 May. Entries close 10 pm on 6 June. SMS 33808 to vote for the Standard KZN Top Business Brand 2021. You will be prompted to provide your name and surname and then to enter the name of your top brand. You may enter as many times as you like but a cost per SMS will be incurred. Weekly streamed announcements on the 20 May, 27 May and 3 June will reveal the current rankings visit www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness/videos Three weekly lucky draw prizes consisting of High Tea at the Beverley Hills Hotel for two people will also be awarded. The Standard KZN Top Business Brand 2021 will be announced on the 10 June. This event will also be live streamed on the following link www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness/videos . For more information contact gayle@topbusiness.co.za

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Brand Award is much coveted each year and is awarded by public vote only. Many well-known brands have been grown from within KZN and have made an indelible mark on consumer behaviour. Some of these companies have histories that started in the early twentieth century and they continue to expand their footprints today. These brands have reached out locally, nationally and in many cases internationally. They also have a clearly defined brand identity and have a great story to tell. According to the Harvard Business Review, among other attributes a top brand: Excels at delivering the benefits customers truly desire Is relevant Is consistent Understands what it means to consumers Is based on consumers’ perceptions of value Previous Top Brand winners who well illustrate these attributes, include Defy, East Coast Radio, Blue Security and uShaka Marine World. The interest shown in this award is reflected in the large number of votes cast. We are also delighted that companies take advantage of the opportunity by encouraging their staff members, clients and other stakeholders to get involved. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Top Brand 2021 will again be contested over several weeks. This year the award will be solely based on the results of a SMS voting system. Entries for the Top Brand Award will open on the 1 May. Entries close 10 pm on 6 June. SMS 33808 to vote for the Standard KZN Top Business Brand 2021. You will be prompted to provide your name and surname and then to enter the name of your top brand. You may enter as many times as you like but a cost per SMS will be incurred. Weekly streamed announcements on the 20 May, 27 May and 3 June will reveal the current rankings visit www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness/videos Three weekly lucky draw prizes consisting of High Tea at the Beverley Hills Hotel for two people will also be awarded. The Standard KZN Top Business Brand 2021 will be announced on the 10 June. This event will also be live streamed on the following link www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness/videos .   For more information contact gayle@topbusiness.co.za #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

The June edition of Business Sense is currently being distributed. Featured on the front page is Henk van Bemmelen of Blue Security who details the leading-edge security company’s shift in strategy from reach to relevance touching all corners of KwaZulu-Natal. Our regular contributors provide news and insights on getting ahead in the business environment. The articles include: Monique Labat who specialises in Business2Business Opportunities for manufacturers and exporters Action Coach Marlene Powell says Sales is a science and it’s predictable Johan van Deventer of LabourNet answers the question Does POPI apply to my employees’ personal information? Everest Strategic Communications comments on The Future of Employee s Watch out for their Master class on this topic COMMUNICATIONS David White speaks to Professor Mervyn King and Moses Tembe Invest Durban was at the lunch of Kerry Foods in Hammarsdale Cox Yeats Attorneys gives a tribute to founder Graham Cox Entries are open for the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for more information. Look for the E copy in your mail box. Hard copies are available at a range of distribution points https://online.flipbuilder.com/uczf/uvso/#p=1 including King Shaka International Airport. If you are not on our mailing list, you are missing out contact tracy@topbusiness.co.za

HENK VAN BEMMELEN, CEO of Blue Security says, “I fell in love with the security business from an early age – it is in my blood. I can’t remember ever waking up and not wanting to go to work. If you have a passion for your business, then you can’t go wrong.” After the completion of his two year South African defence force call up period, Van Bemmelen’s experiences motivated him to join a security company. He started as a Reaction Officer and enjoyed the work involved, as combatting crime has always been an overall concern in South Africa. Over the past 31 years, Van Bemmelen has worked his way up through the divisions and ranks of the security business. Eleven years ago, he took up the position as operational director at Blue Security. Since then, he has been promoted to managing director and then in October 2018 to his current position as CEO. He says that his journey through the ranks of the security industry has been enabled by having good mentors. “Having a mentor is a top priority for anyone who wants to progress in their career. My mentors have become friends and people that I have learnt from beyond the on-the-job experience. A mentor will also push you harder than you do yourself.” Van Bemmelen commented that the experience of having a mentor had prompted him to focus on providing mentorship to other employees within the company. “The reality of this job is that it is people driven and it is often hardcore; you really get tested, so support is required,” he explained. The main challenges of his role as CEO are firstly to ensure that the Blue Security ‘ship’ is pointing in the right direction and secondly to ensure that the company is keeping up with the technological innovations that are driving the security business. A major challenge of the security industry is to keep up with change. “The world is constantly evolving; we have to keep up with innovations and we need to ensure that we meet the expectations of our clients. The security business is a disruptive industry, which is not the same as 20 years ago and we cannot stay in our comfort zone but continually need to adapt.”

The Blue Angels Trust sponsored a volunteer emergency service organization, RescueTech, with an essential custom-built trailer to help carry onboard some of their most critical and lifesaving equipment. There have been many occasions where Blue Security and RescueTech have reacted side-be-side in both human and animal rescues. Henk van Bemmelen, Blue Security CEO said, “The Blue Angels Charitable Trust is focused on the safety and well-being of communities, and we jumped at the opportunity to help RescueTech with this custom-sized trailer to carry the vital equipment with ease.” The Blue Angels Outreach Programme is a charitable trust that is a registered Non-Profit Organization. Through Blue Angels we continuously reach out and support worthy Non-Government Organizations across Kwa-Zulu Natal and this is our unique way of caring and giving back to the communities we serve. Warren Brauns, RescueTech Chairman said, “We would like to thank the Blue Angels Trust for this essential trailer which safely stores our specialized equipment while out on critical rescues and medivacs as we help stabilize victims of medical and trauma emergencies.” The RescueTech Unit has been in operation for 11 years, specializing in high angle rescue and works in conjunction with other emergency services related to both animal and human rescue. Additional to all ambulance, rescue, and safety services this NPO team of about a dozen rescuers are involved in daredevil rescues by helicopter as well as swift water and trench rescue. They also venture into some of the most dangerous and confined spaces to rescue pets and wildlife. Our Blue Angels Trust supports community security and upliftment efforts which go together in building stronger communities. The trailer donation and work in the community reflects our commitment to social responsibility. Focused on holistic community safety, Blue Security is KZN’s multi-award-winning leader in the fight against crime. With a passion for innovation, we offer state-of-the-art security technologies backed by a professional armed response and technical service team, providing peace of mind to private and commercial clients, as well as community groups.

Security company and industry leader, Blue Security has scooped top place in the PMR Africa Awards for 13 years consecutively! The Durban based security company clinched the Diamond Arrow award for service excellence and held on to the prestigious titles of Best Security Company and the Company Doing the Most to Fight Crime in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Blue Security CEO, Henk van Bemmelen attributed the company’s winning streak to its core strategy. “We’re proud of our success as the Company doing the most to fight crime. As a business, we are focused on crime prevention and these awards and accolades are testament of our commitment to make the greater Durban area safer.” The company’s continued success at the PMR Africa Awards is a reflection that they are doing something right. He added, “Apart from our commitment to fighting crime, we have a few fundamentals that we do well. Firstly, we cannot fight against crime and win without our dominant presence, our robust operations, and our dedicated people. Our focus on the communities we serve and our unique partnership of protecting them, side-by-side makes us stronger together. Lastly, through our investment in leading innovation and technology, we’re able to evolve and better serve and protect our clients and communities while fighting the scourge of crime.” The PMR Africa Awards ceremony is the culmination of an independent research process that rates companies and institutions on their competitiveness, effectiveness, excellence, competence, resilience, and leadership. The rating is based on the perceptions of independent respondents who nominate and rate companies for the awards, with a strong focus on evaluating customer service and satisfaction. The Diamond Arrow award, which recognizes a company as the undisputed leader in its field, is the highest accolade a company can attain. Van Bemmelen said the sheer hard work and dedication of every team member from Armed Response Officers and Control Center Staff to Technical, Sales and Administrative Personnel had contributed to the company’s success. He said that as the largest privately owned local security company with the strongest vehicle presence in communities, the team had together with the SAPS and other law enforcement partners, achieved dozens of successful arrests. He said technology had also become a vital component in the company’s strategy to fight crime and that its constant research and attendance at international security trade shows kept it in tune with the latest global security system innovations such as smart alarms and high-tech CCTV and ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) cameras. “We have invested in high-tech crime prevention security systems, including automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras in Amanzimtoti, the Highway Area and Umhlanga which have led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of stolen vehicles,” Van Bemmelen said. “Our Community Development Department has also partnered with dedicated members of neighborhood watch groups who we work with and closely on the ground, leading to countless successes. We have over the years established our Community Crime Prevention Unit (CCPU), which was previously known by residents as our tactical team that has proved to be an invaluable force on the ground, investigating and apprehending wanted criminals” Van Bemmelen said. “We will also continue to be active in communities presenting our crime and security awareness campaigns and alerting residents to security risks and the latest crime trends in their suburbs,” Van Bemmelen said.

Blue Security, a leading-edge security company that has community at the centre of everything, has shifted its strategy from reach to relevance. The private security company has announced a far-reaching realignment that will ensure that it protects, innovates, and delivers more efficiently and with greater excellence touching all corners of KwaZulu-Natal – north, central, and south. The company has always had a big vision to create safer communities where local people can thrive and the impact collectively made on communities across KwaZulu-Natal is undeniable. Over the last few years, Blue Security has embarked on a focused drive that has seen a successful partnership and side-by-side working relationship with communities, community policing forums and neighbourhood watches. Reshaping and Sharpening Strategy The South African security industry has been in existence for many decades with the private security sector growing as one of the biggest in the world. Our country has seen an increase in crimes and violent incidents including the recent KwaZulu-Natal unrests which has put a spotlight on the security and made the private security market even more competitive. Blue Security’s Chief Executive Officer, Henk Van Bemmelen said, “South African security companies now must look deeper into customers’ needs, which now requires higher levels of community safety and security solutions, strategies, and communication. We need to get closer than ever before to our customers.” Going forward, the company will leverage its existing strengths, local knowledge base and strong community ties to further entrench themselves into the north, central and south sectors, and communities of KwaZulu-Natal. Blue Security’s goal is to meet the new operational needs required to reshape the way it does business with customers and communities. This shift allows the company to unlock relevance, adapt to the fast-paced industry demands, have a competitive advantage, and remain a dominant force. This new strategy will not only simplify the business structure, making the company and its leaders more approachable, but it also allows Blue Security to: 1. Get closer to the community and its clients 2. Get closer to its areas of operation, to understand how we operate and deliver phenomenal service and fight crime Getting Up Close and Personal with Community Van Bemmelen said, “As a business focused on crime prevention, we’re proud of our success as the ‘Company Doing the Most to Fight Crime in KZN’. We are now taking our current infrastructure and sharpening it as we go from big to small – making our big business better to support smaller regions and touch all KZN clients.” He added, “Blue Security will make a shift into these three regions – north, central, and south – with the introduction of three regional directors to continuously have an eagle’s eye over the sectors and drive growth.” Clive Samuels, regional director for the north who was previously the company’s technical director is looking forward to a new season at Blue Security. He said, “With three decades of experience at Blue Security, I look forward to harnessing my experience, the power of our existing infrastructure and available resources while adopting and investing in world-class security solutions and technology to flatten the curve of escalating crime.” Brian Jackson, regional director for the south who was previously the company’s operations director is up for the challenge to add a local flair to the south of KwaZulu-Natal. “As an old boy of the south and now as regional director for the Number One security company in KZN, Brian looks forward to returning to help create a safer environment where local people can thrive.” Stephen Wimborne, regional director for central was previously the company’s customer and innovations director is eager to drive change and improve the safety and quality of life of communities. “Forward thinking by nature and passionate about community, Stephen knows what truly drives the community and the importance of connecting with all to achieve shared value outcomes.” Van Bemmelen said, “I wish our new team much success and I am confident that together, we will build safer communities for local people and take our business directly to our clients and communities.” Blue Security clients, non-clients and communities can look forward to this exciting new journey that will make communities feel safer and heard as the company anticipates and meets their safety and security needs, going above and beyond. W: www.bluesecurity.co.za

Cancer is one of the major killers throughout the world. Each year, tens of millions of people are diagnosed with cancer around the world, and it ranks as the second most common cause of death following cardiovascular diseases. Did you know? Approximately 115 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer each year An estimated 6/10 people are cancer survivors *Source: CANSA website: Cancer Statistics – CANSA – The Cancer Association of South Africa | CANSA – The Cancer Association of South Africa Being Uniquely Blue Blue Security cares! We also understand that each one of us have been affected in some way by this disease and are enthusiastic about the safety and wellbeing of all communities we protect and serve. We proudly strive to constantly live out our COPS Values (Care, Ownership, Passion and Service) in everything that we do. That is why we swiftly answered a call to corporates to join the fight against cancer alongside the community. This weekend we joined forces with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and various key community partners to raise awareness and donations at their annual Shavathon event at one of Durban’s major shopping centres, The Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville. Community Stronger Together In true Blue Security style, we collaborated with the Westville community and partners including Life Westville Hospital, Embassy Church and Sanlam to spray, shave and donate for this worthy cause over 26 and 27 February 2022. With the campaign slogan “Be Uniquely You and Colourful,” CANSA invited all to celebrate by bringing family members, friends, colleagues to shave or spray in solidarity of those facing a cancer diagnosis. Our Blue Security Family, their loved ones, and our very own superhero – Captain Blue came out to support and rallied shoppers to shave or spray their hair in a multitude of colours as a symbolic gesture for a cancer survivor and anyone living with the disease at the CANSA Shavathon event. Our support helps ensures that Blue Security’s purpose of creating safer, thriving communities and aligns with CANSA’s fight against cancer in South Africa and brings us closer to creating a cancer-free society for all and generations to come. Thank you and well done to all employees and their families who took the time out to support the cause and make a significant difference in the communities we serve. Together with our partners we collectively raised a substantial amount of R29 153 which will go directly towards CANSA’s Care and Support Service to cancer patients and loved ones. Long hair donations from the day will be turned into wigs for cancer survivors.

Our 35th-anniversary celebrations continue with much excitement, and it’s time to announce the lucky winners from our third week's draw! Your enthusiasm and participation are what make these moments so thrilling. Here are the stars of this week's draw: 🌟 Mr. L Hitchings: You've won an Elvey – 1x DSC Neo kit! Get ready for world class security at your doorstep. 🌟 Mr. D S Govender: Congratulations on winning the Spectrum – Paradox MG5050+ Hybrid Alarm Kit. A state-of-the-art security awaits you. 🌟 KIKIZANEMBO TRADING: You're the lucky winner of a delightful lunch with Jane Linley-Thomas and our CEO Henk Van Bemmelen. An unforgettable experience is on its way! 🌟 Mr. R Haffejee and Mr. G Muller: Both of you have won an Optex Bridge each, enhancing your security with cutting-edge technology. To all our winners, a huge congratulations! We are excited for you to enjoy your prizes and upgrade your security experience. And to everyone in our Blue Security family, the excitement isn’t over yet! Stay tuned for more draws and your chance to be the next winner. Durban's SMARTER, SAFER Security Partner