Identifying a need in the market for a middle-range parts offering, Bell Equipment has launched Bell Equipment Trusted Alternative (BETA) Parts to give its customers a convenient and competitive alternative, endorsed by the OEM, for their more mature Bell machines or when faced with budget constraints. Bell Equipment Director of Aftermarket and Logistics, Aldo Mayer, explains where BETA Parts fits into the Bell business model: “BETA Parts has been designed to bridge the gap between new Bell Parts, being our premium quality parts designed to OEM specifications and used in production, and Bell ReMan, which are major components that have been remanufactured to meet OEM specification. New Bell Parts and Bell ReMan carry a one-year/unlimited hours warranty while BETA Parts has a six-month/1000-hour warranty.” At the other end of the scale, Bell Used Parts are also available but do not carry a warranty. BETA Parts was first piloted with starter motors and alternators that were offered to a sample group of customers. They responded positively to the opportunity to be able to buy cheaper parts from Bell and BETA Parts has now been officially launched and will be expanded to other parts and rolled out throughout South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, followed by the rest of the global dealer network. “It’s all about giving our customers choices and being able to fully support their needs throughout their Bell ownership experience,” concludes Aldo. “BETA Parts is the next best alternative to our premium new Bell Parts, our ‘alpha’ or leading parts brand, and we’re confident that our customers will benefit from being able to buy more cost-effective parts from Bell, especially since they are approved by Bell and carry less risk than other cheaper parts due to their Bell warranty cover. Choosing BETA Parts simplifies the purchasing process, offering a one-stop-shop experience that eliminates the need for customers to search and compare prices from multiple suppliers in their quest for savings." By offering BETA Parts, Bell Equipment ensures that customers have a wider range of options to suit their specific needs, as well as the ease and assurance of dealing directly with their OEM’s dealer network, which has branches located throughout South Africa.

KZN Top Business Women 2023 powered by DRG, BusinessFit and Mangwanani African Spa continues to celebrate the amazing women in our province. On the 7 September, the second group of participating women spent a relaxing morning at the Mangwanani Signature Spa The Capital located at the prestigious Capital Hotel in Zimbali. Each woman enjoyed a professional photographic session, shared aspects of their story in a video interview as well as indulged in some Mangwanani pampering in the beautiful setting. One of the photos will be framed for each participant. The videos will be available online in the coming weeks. In addition, a selected photo and a write up, for each woman, will be complied into a commemorative coffee table book, which will also be available as an e-book. The next round of women will enjoy their session at the Mangwanani Signature Spa The Capital on the 14 September. Each woman is to still participate in a panel discussion, which will be streamed online during October. The grand finale gala dinner will be held on the 2 November at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Sky venue, which will be livestreamed. For more information visit www.kzntopbusiness.com

In a convergence of well-timed synchronicity, Women’s Month in South Africa this year also saw the Netball World Cup and Women’s Football World Cup taking place, providing the ideal time for Sappi to launch its #EmpowerHernet ball programme in its neighbouring communities. In consultation with the Traditional Councils around its mills in KwaZulu-Natal, concern was expressed about the high teenage pregnancy rate as well other societal factors indicating that something should be done for the young girls in these communities. In the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.” It is this belief that spurred Sappi to use the vehicle of sport as a developmental programme in the rural and peri[1]urban areas where it operates and where opportunities and economic activities are often limited. Giving girls more opportunity for sports participation builds self-esteem, courage and character. As this self-belief increases, so does the likelihood of becoming leaders, of playing an active role in their own destiny and of stepping away from a future which determines that adolescent girls and young women will account for 35 percent of all new HIV infections and where gender-based violence statistics predict that one in five women (21 percent) are likely to experience physical violence by a partner. Crucially, the programme also addresses the real issue of period poverty, where an estimated 30% of women in South Africa miss school when menstruating due to limited or no access to menstrual hygiene products, which gives girls unequal access to education, taking away their basic human rights. The Sappi #EmpowerHer Netball Recreation Programme was launched with the training of 24 young individuals to become accredited Level 1 netball coaches and umpires in their respective communities surrounding its Sappi mills in KwaZulu-Natal. The training, facilitated by Netball KZN and loveLife, a youth health NGO, empowers these young coaches to use sport as a tool to address societal challenges faced by young people, especially girls and young women. The programme also extends its support to the participating community teams by providing essential resources such as netball poles, bibs, practice and match balls, whistles, water bottles, and care packs containing sanitary towels and toiletries. The culmination of their training was showcased in a tournament on Saturday 12 August, when the young coaches put their skills into action featuring eight local teams from areas surrounding Umkomaas, Stanger and Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal. It was a fun-filled day with exciting matches, culminating in a thrilling final, which saw the Diamonds from the KwaCele Traditional Council (TC) situated in the Amandawe area, on the KZN south coast, lifting the trophy. The day also saw the facilitators from loveLife engaging in focus groups with the young women, with topics of discussion including the transformative power of sports in a young girl’s life, teenage pregnancy, menstrual hygiene, and ways to combat violence against women and girls. “This programme aims to celebrate the potential of women in our communities and using sport as a vehicle to do so offers many benefits. The #EmpowerHer programme seeks to encourage and help young women through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle to gain confidence and to step up into peer leadership and advocacy positions. It further supports our commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), in particular our support for SDG5: Gender Equality”, commented Mpho Lethoko, Head of Corporate Affairs, Sappi Southern Africa. At Sappi’s business units throughout the country, the company has also encouraged its staff to show their support for the South African women’s teams that participated in the Netball and Soccer World Cups, by wearing their green and gold attire on #EmpowerHer Fridays during Women’s Month. W: www.sappi.com

Icebolethu Group celebrated women’s day on the 9th of August 2023, at the Houghton Hotel, which was hosted by Nomfundo Mcoyi Zondo as a leading advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Flourish Women’s event aimed to honour the achievements of women, raise awareness about gender equality, and provide a platform for meaningful discussions on women’s rights. Women’s Day is celebrated annually to honour the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and across various fields. The Flourish Women’s event brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, activists, professionals, and Icebolethu staff members to celebrate the progress made in promoting gender equality, while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. This event featured a dynamic lineup of activities designed to inspire, educate, and empower attendees. Highlights of the event include: Panel Discussions: Engaging discussions led by accomplished women from various industries, focusing on topics such as leadership, women in beauty, finance, entrepreneurship, and more. Keynote Speakers: Inspirational talks by prominent figures who have made significant contributions to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Networking Opportunities: A chance for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a supportive community for women from all walks of life. “I am honoured to have hosted this annual Flourish event. As women, we deserve to be celebrated 365 days a year; not only on this day. However, I am glad that we were able to gather around this room and share ideas, opportunities and empower one another. Flourishing is about being rooted in the gifts and purpose God has for you and shining through such blessings. The way I see it, there is room for every queen to shine, and that is why I am dedicated to hosting this annual Flourish event for my fellow queens,” said Nomfundo Mcoyi Zondo. W: www.icebolethugroup.co.za

After a 4-month break, the Durban TINMAN Series is back at Suncoast and the organisers are excited to see all out TINMAN athletes again. The Swim section will take place again at Ushaka, ensuring a safe, clean and fun swim at Ushaka Beach. Then all the athletes run down to Suncoast (3.5km) to start their bike and final run sections. There is full road closure once again for this event, making it safe and hassle free while cycling on the 5km bike circuit. Events to do: 10km Run (12yrs up) SWIM/RUN (600m swim / 3.5km Run to Suncoast) – Starts with the SPRINT TRI. Mini Tri (200m Swim / 3.5km Run / 7km Cycle / 500mm Run) 8yrs up. (Anyone 8yrs old and up can enter) Sprint Tri (600m Swim / 3.5km Run / 22km Cycle / 1.5km Run) 15yrs up. Sprint RELAY TEAM (600m Swim / 3.5km Run / 22km Cycle / 1.5km Run) 15yrs up. Challenge Tri (1.2km Swim / 3.5km Run / 32km Cycle (6 laps) / 6.5km Run) 16yrs up. Challenge RELAY TEAM(1.2km Swim / 3.5km Run / 32km Cycle (6 laps) / 6.5km Run) 16yrs Challenge Duathlon (10km Run / 32km Cycle (6 laps) / 5km Run) 17yrs up. Registration Venue: Suncoast grass Sundeck, Durban (Sunday morning only) Registration Times: 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: 6:45am: 10km Run & Challenge Triathlon & Duathlon 7:40am: Sprint Triathlon & SWIM/RUN 8:15am: Mini Triathlon Remember all Triathlon swims start at Ushaka, so make sure you leave 20min to get there for the start. ENTRIES CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, SO ENTER TODAY! ENTER HERE

For years, job descriptions have defined how organisations are structured. This method worked well when businesses changed slowly, and employees were considered cogs in the machine. However, smart HR teams are focused more on skills, empowering employees to be agile, autonomous and perform beyond their duties. A 2023 survey by Deloitte shows that less than 20% of business leaders believe work is best structured by job description, and more HR professionals and business leaders are becoming skills centric. For example, an employee with excellent strategic skills can be deployed to work on client business while also forming part of an internal team tasked with optimizing the overall business strategy. The benefits of a skills-first approach to structuring and hiring candidates offer the following benefits: Pressure to perform – When employees’ skills match outputs, organisations can increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Agility and flexibility – To survive rapidly changing market conditions, employees deployed for their skills, not just job descriptions, get results. Skills and talent gaps – Focusing on the work employees can accomplish based on their skills opens possibilities and mitigates talent gaps as you can harness your existing resources instead of looking for external hires. It also inspires employees to learn and grow. Increased diversity – Hiring employees for their skills rather than their experience or network facilitates diversity and a high performing workforce. Like all successful business initiatives, it must start with a clear strategy based on a clear understanding of your business goals overlaid with an audit of employee skills, interests, and values to identify skills opportunities and gaps. Implement as follows: Match employees with work, teams, or projects that align with their skills, passions, and preferences. Assign work based on adjacent skills allowing them opportunities to grow. Supplement existing skills with extremal hires and consultants. Implement a targeted eLearning programme to develop skills. Trust employees to deliver on outcomes, not just their past credentials and job history. When you understand the unique portfolio of skills, values, preferences, and interests each employee offers, they are empowered to contribute with their existing skills, develop new skills and move on to projects or departments as their growing skills are needed. People are happiest and productive when their work aligns with who they are, what they care about, and when they are continually learning and growing. W: www.ggadvc.com

KZN Top Business Women 2023 Celebrate the Extraordinary KZN Top Business Women 2023 powered by DRG, BusinessFit and Mangwanani African Spa continues to celebrate the amazing women in our province. On the 7 September, the second group of participating women spent a relaxing morning at the Mangwanani Signature Spa The Capital located at the prestigious Capital Hotel in Zimbali. Each woman enjoyed a professional photographic session, shared aspects of their story in a video interview as well as indulged in some Mangwanani pampering in the beautiful setting. One of the photos will be framed for each participant. The videos will be available online in the coming weeks. In addition, a selected photo and a write up, for each woman, will be complied into a commemorative coffee table book, which will also be available as an e-book. The next round of women will enjoy their session at the Mangwanani Signature Spa The Capital on the 14 September. Each woman is to still participate in a panel discussion, which will be streamed online during October. The grand finale gala dinner will be held on the 2 November at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Sky venue, which will be livestreamed. For more information visit www.kzntopbusiness.com

The R1.9-billion Giba Business Estate, the largest light industrial and logistics development to break ground within Durban’s Outer West in more than three years, will not only create hundreds of short term and permanent jobs but also significantly boost the greater eThekwini region’s GDP. Speaking at the official sod turning for the development on Wednesday, August 16, spokesperson for developers Sultex Investments, Nel Nathoo and Shaaz Moosa, explained that the development marked the opening up of new land for industrial development that was up until now zoned for agricultural use. Strategically located adjacent to the west bound carriageway of the Mariannhill Toll Plaza along the N3, it will rejuvenate the Giba Business Park, creating important business opportunities for the logistics and SMME light industrial sectors. “Sultex Holdings is a black owned company with a level one BBBEE score. It comprises a group of local Durban businessmen who are collectively undertaking this prestigious project as an expression of its commitment to the eThekwini region. This substantial investment in this project is testimony to their confidence in the region,” he said. “Sultex Holdings has employed a full black professional team. The development is being led by Nathoo Mbeyane Engineers and Re-Invent Property Development Managers, companies whose track records have led to the commencement of the project,” he added. The Westmead Industrial Park and the Mahogany Ridge Industrial Park lie to the North-East of Giba Business Estate, making this a natural extension of this sought after industrial node along the busy route Durban Gauteng corridor. It offers easy access to all major national highways. The N3, N2, and the M7 interchanges are all less than 10km away, providing access to both northbound and southbound routes. The development, which has been earmarked as one of the city’s key catalytic projects by the eThekwini Municipality, will see the development of 220 000 square meters of platformed sites of various sizes. The Giba Business Estate comprises 22 sites aimed at light industry, warehousing and the allied logistics sectors. Nathoo said that the Giba Business Estate would be developed in two phases. Work had already begun on the infrastructure and platforms for the first phase which was due for completion in July 2024. Early investors will benefit from its proximity to the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg which is in the throes of a R20-billion, 8 –year upgrade by SANRAL, he pointed out. The upgrades to both this and the N2 form part of national government’s Strategic Integrated Projects, SIP2: Durban-Free State-Gauteng Logistics and Industrial Corridor. SIP2 aims to strengthen the logistics and transport corridor between South Africa’s main industrial hubs, improve access to Durban’s export and import facilities and raise efficiency along the corridor. Nathoo added that the launch of the project also corresponded with other major projects within the Outer West corridor such as the development of the Cato Ridge dry port and logistics hub by Transnet, further development of the Hammarsdale precinct by various stakeholders and the creation of Westown at Ntshongweni which has been pitched as the new residential and commercial hub for Durban’s Outer West. It is expected to generate approximately R15 billion in investment over the next 10 -15 years. Attending the sod turning Pravin Gordan said he endorsed the project that on completion it would give long term employment to 4661 local community which will uplift the area. Speaking at the ceremony, eThekwini mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, said that the Giba Business Estate represented a silver lining for eThekwini and thanked the consortium of investors for its vote of confidence in the future of the city as an investment destination. “Catalyst projects such as this one are planned and designed to cause a corresponding and complementary. development reaction. They are projects of sufficient magnitude to stimulate ongoing redevelopment. The Giba Business Estate is much like Cornubia and Riverhorse Valley to the north of the city and the proposed Automotive Supplier Park to the south. It is an important part of the City’s 10 Point Port City Industrial Plan which will not only begin to re-industrialise the city but ensure continued sustainable economic growth for the region,” he said. Moosa said that the Giba Business Estate presented important turnkey development opportunities for investors as well as SMME’s and other end users. Companies and manufacturing entities could construct their own bespoke developments catering for their specific configurations and needs. Whilst kick starting industrial growth in the area, the project also supports the eco-tourism aspect of Giba Gorge. It is expected to have a significant social impact on the neighbouring informal community both in terms of job creation and by increasing business opportunities within the logistics industry and SMME light industrial sectors. The Giba Business Estate encompasses eco-friendly green zones aimed at reducing the site’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. Infrastructure to support high-speed fibre and solar electricity generation as well as state-of-the-art security have also been included in the planning.

To further position KwaZulu-Natal as a gateway to Africa and the world, more than 320 delegates from South Africa attended the BRICS Seminar on Trade and Investment on 17 and 18 August at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban. The attendees included 43 foreign delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, and China. During the seminar, the City of Durban and the KZN provincial leadership had the opportunity to showcase programmes and projects that have the potential to promote economic collaboration and attract foreign investment to South Africa. Following the formal programme addressed by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina, there were B2B meetings where local business owners had the opportunity to interact with the foreign delegates. This platform was to facilitate business collaborations and expand market access for local businesses, some of whom exhibited at the seminar. A total of 43 exhibitors made up of SMMES and government entities showcased their products. Delegates also visited catalytic projects to explore investment opportunities available in eThekwini and the province. The site visits included a tour of the Durban Port, the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone and Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone. These visits assured potential investors that Durban and KwaZulu-Natal are open for business and that government is working hard to create a conducive environment for businesses to operate. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said, “We are pleased that this platform will inform BRICS delegates and potential investors keen on exploring investment opportunities in the City and province.” City Manager Musa Mbhele said the City was thrilled to be part of the seminar, which will expose eThekwini to many business opportunities and investment. “The City is earmarked for massive growth from several catalytic projects over the next few years which will transform the City’s economic landscape,” he said. www.invest.durban

Discover the key drivers behind a vibrant economy as discussed on a recent Money Show insert with Pavlo Phitidis and Bruce Whitfield. This insert highlighted the crucial factors of competition, innovation, funding, and talent and their role in shaping economic landscapes. Here we delve into the main takeaways from the show, exploring how individuals and businesses can contribute to building a thriving economy. Competition Drives Progress: Competition is the driving force behind growth and progress in any economy. When businesses compete, they are motivated to constantly improve their products and services. This healthy competition fosters innovation and encourages companies to develop groundbreaking ideas and solutions that address market needs. Innovation and Funding for Success: Innovation is the lifeblood of success in today’s fast-paced business world. It requires adequate funding to thrive. Access to capital is essential for businesses of all sizes as it enables them to invest in research and development, upgrade infrastructure, and expand their operations. Adequate funding also plays a vital role in attracting and retaining top talent. Talent as the Engine of Success: Talent is a critical driver of success for any enterprise. Skilled individuals with expertise and creativity propel businesses forward. Whether large corporations or small startups, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for driving innovation and achieving sustainable growth. Nurturing talent within an economy is vital for long-term prosperity. Roles of Different-Sized Businesses Understanding the roles played by businesses of different sizes is key to fostering economic vibrancy. Large Corporations: Focus on distribution, leveraging their extensive networks to efficiently bring products and services to consumers. Their ability to reach a wide customer base and operate on a large scale drives economic growth and stability. Medium-Sized Businesses: Play a crucial role in new market development. Their agility and flexibility allow them to explore emerging markets, identify untapped opportunities, and pioneer innovative solutions. These businesses drive economic expansion by adapting to evolving market trends. Small Businesses: Contribute to the economy through innovation at the edges. They bring fresh ideas, niche products, and specialised services to the market. Their ability to swiftly adapt and experiment fosters diversity and resilience within the business ecosystem. Small businesses often serve as incubators for innovative concepts that can eventually scale up and benefit the broader economy. Building an Economy: Key Insights: The radio show provided valuable insights on building a robust economy. Here are some key takeaways: Take initiative and don’t wait for external forces to improve your circumstances. Start pursuing your entrepreneurial ambitions now Medium-sized businesses are the bridge from the large to small enterprises. They can maintain their agility by embracing smart strategies and leveraging contracting and consulting opportunities. Set a single destination and adopt a focused approach to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Learn from past experiences, take ownership of decisions, and leverage acquired knowledge. Uphold ethical practices, avoid theft, late payments, and animosity towards competitors. Foster collaboration and continuous learning as part of a healthy business environment. For more information contact Johan: E: johan@aurik.co.za W: www.aurik.com

Always learning! We offer a wide variety of hearing aid technologies and manufacturers. The market leaders in hearing aid technology on an international scale include Starkey, Beltone, Widex, Siemens, Phonak, Unitron and Oticon. We fit only hearing aids manufactured internationally. All hearing aid technologies we fit are supported in the country by laboratories set up to service and repair devices. We also offer accessories to the hearing aids such as batteries, remote controls, drying kits, and connectivity devices to landlines, cellphones, laptops, televisions and microphones. All hearing aids we fit are fully digital and fitted using the latest hearing aid fitting software performed by our audiologists, and are set specifically for each patient's hearing needs. https://www.thaudiology.co.za

The question, “Does my company really need to be B-BBEE compliant?” is asked by many business owners irrespective of the size of their company or the industry in which they operate and remains a valid question to this day. Though being B-BBEE compliant has its benefits in being able to apply for government tenders and giving you a leg up on your competitors, one cannot ignore the fact that during the past few years there has been a major shift in focus regarding transformation. B-BBEE compliance is becoming a prerequisite for all businesses irrespective of their dealings with the South African government. As such for the following sectors, B-BBEE compliance is a prerequisite for companies to obtain or maintain their trading or operating licenses: The Finance Sector Each entity conducting business in the South African financial sector is required to report annually to the Financial Sector Transformation Council (FSTC) on its progress made in implementing the provisions of the 2017 Amended Financial Services Sector Code. Non-submission with this reporting requirement, results in the entity being deemed non-compliant and impacts the outcome of their next B-BBEE Verification whereby their overall B-BBEE Level will automatically be discounted by one level. The Gambling Sector As the National Gambling Board is involved in the process of ensuring that the entire gambling industry achieves at least a Level 2 B-BBEE status as per the 2013 General Amended Codes, the Provincial Gambling Boards are also requiring some form of B-BBEE compliance from licensees in order to maintain or renew their licenses. These prerequisites, unfortunately though implemented with good intentions, have a negative impact on new or international companies who are finding it difficult to enter the local South African gambling market. The Alcohol Sector Entities operating within this sector who are applying for a new trade license, liquor distribution license or a renewal of a current liquor license must ensure that they are B-BBEE compliant. Currently there are no specific requirements on having Black Ownership and as such, even a non-compliant certificate is deemed sufficient. The ICT Sector ICASA’s “Regulations on the limitations of Control and Equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Groups and the application of the ICT Sector Code” issued on 31 March 2021 specifically refer to Individual & Class Licenses as defined in the 2005 Electronic Communications Act. For Class Licenses, licensees will need to have a Level 4 B-BBEE status whereas for Individual licenses, licensees will need to comply with the following: Obtain or maintain a Level 4 B-BBEE Status with 30% Black ownership using the flow- through principle and If in a 24-month period, there are any changes which will decrease Black shareholding or ownership with 5% or more or which will decrease Black People’s voting rights, the Individual licensee needs to notify ICASA. The Property Sector The 2019 Property Practitioners Act is applicable to property practitioners (PPs), who are defined in section 1 of the Act and include all entities within the real estate sector. Section 2 of the Act stipulates that the Act will apply to all activities pertaining to property such as marketing, promotion, managing, sale, letting, financing and purchasing of immovable property, and to any rights, obligations, interests, duties or powers associated with or relevant to such property. As per Section 50(a)(x) of the Act “(a) any person who is not in possession of a valid BEE certificate” is disqualified as a PP and cannot be issued with a Fidelity Fund Certificate”. Currently there is no specific B-BBEE level or percentage Black ownership required and though the Act may be vague, this should also apply to exempt micro enterprises (EMEs) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs) using the DTIC or CIPC affidavits. The above shift in focus is a clear indication of how B-BBEE requirements are changing and more importantly, that being B-BBEE compliant is critical in order to receive or renew one’s trade or operating licences. Should you need assistance in becoming compliant with B-BBEE legislation, kindly contact LabourNet. T: +27 (0)31 266 6570 C: +27 (0)82 786 7480 E: johanvd@labournet.com W: www.labournet.com