This Week@Work Pavlo might sound D ramatic but he is D aring you to think D ifferently about how you D o business today. D esign your business now for the outcome you D esire, rather than being forced to Do it, when you get hit by one of the 6Ds . Watch to see what he means. Your prosperity is largely in your hands. It's also in the wellbeing of your suppliers, customers, friends and family who run their own businesses. You're welcome to share This Week@Work with them. Subscribe to receive This Week @ Work www.aurik.com

Building a successful business is akin to our personal development journey. Just as we evolve from infancy to adulthood, our businesses must also adapt and grow to support their expanding needs. Relying on the same foundation that launched your business may hinder its potential for growth. To avoid adverse outcomes such as being trapped in the day-to-day operations, losing customers, team members, and suppliers, and stagnant growth, it is crucial to embrace the concept of building while you fly. In other words, as your business takes off, you must continuously improve and upgrade your infrastructure to soar higher and achieve sustainable growth. Evolving with the Right Chassis: Similar to our musculoskeletal system adapting to support our growth, your business needs a strong foundation that can accommodate its expanding size and ambitions. The chassis that served you well during the initial stages may not be suitable for long-term growth. By recognizing the need for a more robust infrastructure, you can build it out to operate independently of you and thrive beyond your individual efforts. Escaping the Life of Firefighting: Failing to build while you fly often leaves you in a never-ending cycle of firefighting. You find yourself constantly addressing urgent issues, unable to focus on strategic growth initiatives. By investing time and resources into building a solid foundation, you can release yourself from the daily operational challenges and gain the freedom to concentrate on driving your business forward. Safeguarding Customers, Teams, and Suppliers: If you don’t evolve your business, it can have detrimental effects on your relationships with customers, team members, and suppliers. As your competitors adapt to changing market demands, you risk losing customers who seek innovative solutions elsewhere. Additionally, without a scalable infrastructure, your team may become overwhelmed, leading to disengagement or turnover. Suppliers, too, may be hesitant to collaborate if they perceive your business as stagnant. Building while you fly ensures that you retain these crucial stakeholders and foster long-term relationships based on growth and mutual success. Embracing a Virtuous Cycle of Growth: Stagnant growth can create a negative feedback loop, draining your business of vitality and potential. On the other hand, building while you fly establishes a virtuous cycle of growth and confidence. By consistently investing in your business and upgrading its capabilities, you attract the right opportunities and talent, further fuelling your growth trajectory. This cycle fosters an environment of continuous improvement and optimism, empowering your business to reach new heights. The 9-5 Operation and 5-9 Investment: To successfully build while you fly, it is essential to strike a balance between day-to-day operations and investing in future growth. The traditional 9-5 work schedule may fulfil immediate responsibilities, but dedicating the 5-9 time slot to strategic planning, skill development, and innovation is equally crucial. By allocating time outside regular working hours to invest in your business, you can unlock numerous benefits. Benefits of Building While You Fly: Sustained Passion : By embracing the mindset of building while you fly, you remain enthusiastic about your business, constantly discovering new facets of yourself, your industry, and its potential. Increased Efficiency : Investing time in growth-oriented activities allows you to optimize processes, improve productivity, and streamline operations, resulting in time saved that can be redirected toward expansion. Competitive Advantage : Remaining proactive and forward-thinking positions your business on the front foot, ready to seize opportunities and adapt to industry shifts, enabling you to attract the right collaborators and stay ahead of the competition. Sustainable Growth : Building while you fly propels your business toward sustained growth and success, as you continuously upgrade your infrastructure, attract new customers, nurture your team, and forge stronger partnerships. Building while you fly is a critical concept for achieving sustainable growth in your business. By acknowledging the need for ongoing evolution, you can avoid stagnation and unlock your business’s full potential. Escaping the life of firefighting, safeguarding valuable relationships, and fostering a cycle of growth and confidence are the rewards of investing time and resources into upgrading your infrastructure. Embrace the 9-5 operation and 5-9 investment approach, and you will witness your business soar to new heights, driven by continuous improvement and a passion for progress.

Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine Professor Ncoza Dlova has launched a fund to support medical students with historic debt. The fund will help to ensure that education is a reality for those who are struggling financially, with the investment in future medical doctors potentially injecting much needed human resources in an overburdened healthcare system. Dlova said: ‘At UKZN, the majority of our medical students come from previously disadvantaged communities. This is reflected in our transformation agenda – 70% of our students are African and recruited from Quintile 1 and 2 schools. In order to assist them to focus on their studies without having financial worries, we appeal to donors, non-governmental organisations, the corporate sector, alumni of UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine as well as alumni of the former Alan Taylor residence to assist with donations.’ At a recent function at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN alumnus and co-founder of the Gift of the Givers organisation Dr Imtiaz Sooliman pledged R3 million towards the fund allowing a number of medical students with historical debt to register for their studies this year. Current Medical students at the school pledged their support for the fund with some committing to donate R100 a month. Said fifth year medical student Mr Tyrell Pillay: ‘The Professor Ncoza Dlova Medical Student Fund will go a long way in helping to create leaders in healthcare for the near future and beyond. The funds will be used to ensure that underprivileged students are not denied access to education and have a good chance.

Celebrate Life SA (NPO) has been involved in women empowerment and employment since the inception of our Ubuntu Micro Bakery Project in 2017. We have placed more than 230 micro bakeries nationally and continue to support communities in the placement of wood fired ovens and bakeries when funding allows, for women upliftment and empowerment. There is such a need out there for sustainable projects and we have been very successful in our mission over the years. We are BBEE compliant and hold SED and ED certificates and we pride ourselves in our paperwork for BBEE which is submitted to you with speed! We have a stringent process of choosing bakers who are able and keen to run their own businesses, baking 8 loaves of bread an hour and aside from bread making, they are taught the baking of snowballs, pizzas, muffins, cinnamon buns etc. Many of our bakers have become real entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses to provide wedding cakes, rolls, bunny chow etc. We have many bakeries placed near schools to feed the children (linked with feeding schemes), very rural communities where there are no shops, in schools to feed the children etc. Many corporates support us with their BBEE spend annually but we continually seek other support to uplift our communities to enable us to place many more bakeries monthly as the need is so great. We have recently been invited to become one of the projects under the " Goodwill Foundation ", which is being launched on the late Kings' birthday on 27th July. We are serious about our sustainable project and as we have had so much experience in communities, we are very aware that the only way forward in our country is entrepreneurial training and sustainable living. We ask that any company who supports women empowerment and sustainable living, consider us at the Financial Year end with their Bee spend or for their CSI projects in communities. www.celebratelifesa.org

Sappi Southern Africa and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) are pleased to announce the launch of the Sappi Chair in Climate Change and Plantation Sustainability. In celebration of World Environment Day, this initiative aligns with Sappi’s drive to generate technical and operational solutions which mitigate against climate change risks and to enhance reporting on carbon emissions, climate change and sustainability. Professor Mary Scholes, who is an internationally recognised authority on tree physiology and climate change and who is affiliated with the research platform in the Wits School of Animal, Plants and Environmental Sciences, will act as the Research Chair. Through the Research Chair, Professor Scholes is identifying critical research needs and developing research outputs related to climate change, which is one of the University’s eight research priorities. She will also lead the development of capacity to manipulate and interpret climate modelling data. The Chair will further focus on developing and mentoring young and upcoming academics and research, through the funding for one post-doctoral fellow as well as bursaries for one Masters and one Honours student. Speaking at the launch, Tracy Wessels, Sappi Group Head of Sustainability and Investor Relations, commented: “ The creation of this Chair demonstrates Sappi’s commitment to building a thriving world through strong partnerships, supporting innovation and investing in future research capabilities. “Like all other agricultural crops, the trees in the 399,996 hectares of land we own and lease are negatively impacted by climate change. While we practice climate-smart forestry and while our research teams have been hard at work developing drought resistant genotypes, the temperatures over the South African interior are projected to rise at about 1.5 to 2 times the global rate of temperature increase. In addition, there is increasing global pressure to account accurately for greenhouse gas emissions from forests, land and agriculture. Against this backdrop and in line with our commitment to UN SDG13: Climate Action , the need to develop climate solutions has intensified, which is why our sponsorship of the Sappi Chair in Climate Change and Plantation Sustainability makes sound business sense. “Our association with Wits is not new: In 2020, we began working on a project with other industry members and the Wits Global Change Institute on a project which involved the generation of raster – a rectangular pattern of parallel scanning lines followed by the electron beam on a television screen or computer monitor – climate surfaces for the entire forestry domain of South Africa, at a resolution of eight kilometres, with monthly time resolution, for the years 2020, 2030 and 2040 to 2100. “We are looking forward to progressing our understanding of, and actions related to, climate change through replicable, workable methodologies.” The work by Wits will help to enhance Sappi’s planning process and overall competitiveness. “Because forestry is a long-term crop, the industry needs to know well in advance where to direct their resources and investment and needs the most accurate climate models to rely on,” says Scholes. The launch is taking place at the junction of three important developments: Firstly, it aligns with the Wits 2022/2023 centenary campaign which honours the university’s work in changing and shaping society for the better. Next, it is taking place at the same time as the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Durban (South Africa), where one of the key topics for discussion is the impact of climate change on the African continent. Finally, today is World Environment Day which this year, is focused on beating plastic pollution and transitioning to a circular economy. This theme is particularly meaningful for Sappi, given their portfolio of a broad range of wood fibre-based sustainable solutions as an alternative to fossil fuel-based, non-renewable packaging across many product segments. Sappi’s initial sponsorship of the Research Chair will run until 2026.

The 17th edition of the annual Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is the premier event in the KwaZulu-Natal business calendar. The awards are even more important now as they celebrate the innovation and resilience shown despite the challenging conditions faced by businesses in the region over the past few years. The awards acknowledge businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective industries in KZN. This year, the awards have been expanded to include new categories aimed at encouraging greater participation. All businesses will participate in the three-month lead-up to the main event, which is scheduled for July 20, 2023, and will be livestreamed. Hameed Noormahomed, Head of Business Banking, Client Coverage KZN at Standard Bank, emphasized the importance of continually promoting growth and recognising businesses that are contributing to the KZN economy. “Standard Bank is committed to turning possibilities into opportunities for businesses that are driving Africa’s dynamic economy. These awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and their contributions to the economic prosperity of the region. This aligns with our commitment to meeting the needs of African businesses, economies, and communities, and delivering positive social, economic, and environmental impacts for our partners across the continent.” The previous awards categories have been broadened to ensure that more businesses are motivated to enter. The 2023 categories honour businesses excelling in the following areas: Standard Bank Client of the year – SME Category Less than R100M turn over per annum, entrants must bank with Standard Bank Standard Bank Client of the year – Larger Enterprise More than R100M turn over per annum, entrants must bank with Standard Bank Manufacturing Sector Broadly defined as the physical or chemical transformation of materials or compounds into new products. Transport/Logistics Sector Refers to activities concerned with land transport, railway transport, water transport, and transport via pipelines, air transport, and activities of travel agencies, post and telecommunications, courier activities, as well as storage and warehousing activities. Franchising Sector A business that is owned by one or more people who provide products or services under the branding and rules stipulated by a parent company. Family-Owned/Managed Businesses Open to businesses where the majority ownership/management remains within a family (or multi-family) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business. Agricultural and Agro-Processing Sector Incorporates establishments and activities that are primarily engaged in farming activities, but also includes establishments focusing on commercial hunting and game propagation and forestry, logging and fishing. The beneficiation of primary materials and intermediate goods from agricultural, fisheries and forestry-based sectors is included. Community Upliftment and Improvement This award is open to businesses or social enterprises that have made a significant positive impact on the community and region they operate in. This could include: charitable efforts or developing your local community. Renewable Efficiency – Green initiatives This category includes renewable energy, low-carbon transport, energy-efficient buildings, clean technologies, improved waste management, improved freshwater provision, etc. Employee Wellness This award is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage their staff members and the difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working hours, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding. KZN Top Brand The top homegrown brand in KwaZulu-Natal is awarded based only on the results of a public poll. Business Leader of the Year The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Leader’s award is an honorary award given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others. Why Enter? Winning a Standard Bank KZN Top Business Award is a prestigious achievement that acknowledges a business’s success and contribution to the KZN economy. The nomination and entry process provides a platform to promote and showcase your business across a range of media platforms. Grant Adlam CEO of KZN Top Business commented, “Annually, the quality of the nominations and entries received is proof of the strength of businesses across the province. Entering the awards provides an ideal opportunity to promote and market your business achievements. However, the most important part of achieving recognition involves sending in your nomination or entry. If you don’t apply, you can’t win.” Kuben Chetty, Head of Commercial Banking, Client Coverage KZN at Standard Bank said, “The Standard Bank Top Business Awards are an outstanding means of raising the profile of your business, gaining recognition for your achievements and growing your network across a diverse range of economic sectors and award categories. Entering the Awards will ensure that your amazing success stories are recognised and celebrated.” This much anticipated event promises to be a wonderful night of celebration, where the achievements of all the finalists and winners will be recognised. To nominate a company or enter visit www.kzntopbusiness.com for the full entry requirements. You must be able to show that your company contributes to the KZN economy and has a proactive business model that adheres to the principles of King IV. #RiseAboveTheNoise For more information: Contact Gayle Adlam T: +27 (0)83 653 0465 or +27 (0)31 267 1977 E: gayle@mweb.co.za W: www.kzntopbusiness.com/ #standardbankkzntopbusinessawards

SERCO was assigned by Spartan Truck Hire to build three mobile clinics for use by Shout-It-Now in areas where there is little or no access to medical care and attention in South Africa. The deal was funded by PEPFAR - the United States' President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – which is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease with its activities focusing on expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment and care interventions. Shout-It-Now is a proudly South African organisation which aims to empower youth to have bold conversations about sex and relationships through innovative approaches to reach communities with free sexual and reproductive health services. Shout-It-Now works in partnership with the SA Department of Health and is funded by PEPFAR through the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and Grand Challenges Canada. The three mobile clinics needed to be fitted with all the equipment necessary for the efficient and all-round functioning of a modern health care provider. Serco built the 9.5m insulated truck bodies with provisions to accommodate the required equipment which was fitted and installed in co-operation with a variety of local suppliers. Features in and on the vehicles include cubicles to cater for a variety of patients day or night, air conditioning, electric power supply (solar and generator backup), Wi-Fi, TV, ablutions, a kitchenette, furniture, and storage compartments in the belly of the chassis with full livery on the boxes. The clinics are already in use and according to the Fleet Director of Spartan, Mr Shailesh Koobair, the client is very satisfied with the vehicles which have more than exceeded their operational expectations. Koobair said Spartan had been a customer of Serco's over many years. "We are very happy with the service and quality of the products we have received from Serco and will continue to use them as our needs require." Spartan has been in business in South Africa for more than 40 years and has more than 2000 vehicles in its fleet. Issued by Shirley Williams Communications Contact Shirley on shirley@shirleywilliams.co.za

As one of South Africa’s only remaining tyre recycling operations, Mathe Group is not only dedicated to reducing the burgeoning number of waste tyres piling up, but also to developing innovative products that can contribute to the growth of the green economy and the creation of jobs. Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Mathe Group and Van Dyck, two pioneering companies within the PFE International Group which operates from Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal, says that the company is committed to sustainable practices which have been underscored by both innovation and ongoing multi-million-rand investment. Impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the poorly performing economy and political unrest in the province, Mathe Group was only fully operational from January 2022. However, the business has made considerable strides. It processes around 700 radial truck tyres per day and has increased capacity to the point where it produces around 25 to 30 tons of rubber crumb per day. The upcoming commissioning of new plant is expected to increase this to 45 tons per day. The plant will then process about 1 000 tyres per day. At present, there are no up-to-date statistics regarding waste tyre accumulation in South Africa. According to the Waste Bureau, which took over the management of waste tyre distribution since the demise of REDISA, during 2018/19, South Africa generated approximately generate 300 000 tons of waste tyre material. Of this, 89% was passenger tyres and 11 percent truck tyres. “We process only radial truck tyres at our facility. Our clients prefer GTR (Ground Tyre Rubber) derived from radial truck tyres due to the higher percentage of natural rubber content. Passenger tyres provide an additional waste stream (fibre) which has a very limited re-use in South Africa, unlike the EU which has developed novel ways of utilising this waste in concrete applications.” Zarrebini says the pandemic enabled the company to strategize and plan for future growth, focusing on further integrating the supply chain between Mathe Group and Van Dyck. While Mathe Group repurposes radial truck tyres into rubber crumb, Van Dyck transforms this raw material into value-added products such as flooring and paving for gyms, fitness areas and playgrounds, as well as ballistic tiles, acoustic underlays, and livestock mats. A large portion of these products, as well as rubber crumb, is exported. “In order to streamline our operations, Van Dyck relocated existing machinery from its old Durban factory and commissioned additional plants, enhancing overall output. This strategic move ensures that the Hammarsdale facility is fully vertically integrated, combining moulding and recycling processes under one roof. “Our current position provides ample opportunity for scaling our business. The new investments are set to more than double our output, maximizing the use of rubber crumb generated by Mathe Group for both internal and external purposes. As we face an increasing demand for recycled rubber, our next phase of investment will focus on augmenting our recycling capacity,” he says. A further investment has been in solar energy. The installation of 1000 x 580 KW solar panels on to the roofs of the three buildings in Hammarsdale enables the company to use renewable energy for more than half of its operational requirements. This is a first for South Africa’s tyre recycling industry. “This has been a very proactive way of tackling the energy crisis. We are a sustainable company, so it makes sense that we use energy sustainably as well,” he says.

The official mall partner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is hosting the HDJ Young Designer Award Semi-Finalists Fashion Show in The Atrium (Entrance 5 Ground Floor) at Gateway on 14 June from 6 pm. Durban’s hottest young fashion design students will show their creative interpretations of this year’s theme, ‘Out of this World’ in the competition which culminates at the HDJ on 1 July. The young designers will be going all-out to impress the judges in what could be a life-changing event. Many past YDA winners have carved out successful careers in the fiercely competitive fashion industry after YDA catwalk success. As a fashion leader and active supporter of young talent, Gateway has been associated with the YDA for over a decade and helped it become a highly anticipated part of the build-up to one of the country’s biggest events on the fashion calendar. Gateway provides a professional production set-up, including models, staging, sound and lights, as well as R40 000 worth of prizes for the competition winners. There will also be plenty of ready-to-wear inspiration following the semi-finalists’ show, but get there early as seating is limited and tickets are free. Prepared and Distributed for Gateway Theatre of Shopping For more information contact Shirley on shirley@shirleywilliams.co.za or Maggie on witmagnolia99@gmail.com .

On Friday, 26 May 2023, The Association for The Aged (TAFTA) hosted the return of their coveted Meals on Wheels Corporate Golf Day fundraiser. The non-profit organisation garnered support from over 30 corporates and businesses in the form of participating four-ball teams, tee sponsors and prize sponsorships. With 14 teams joining them on the scenic course of the Mount Edgecombe Country Club, the day was filled with friendly rivalry, networking and contact building through interactions with various sponsors at selected tee’s. Divisional Manager of Operations at Tafta, Yoshina Kistensamy said the event was an overall success, raising over R100 000.00 toward the meal delivery service with an annual provision of over 11,500 meals being delivered directly to the doors of elders. “It was overwhelming to receive support of this magnitude from the players, promoters and prize sponsors. We are so grateful for their involvement in furthering our cause and are encouraged by the support of each contributors’ goods as well as service offerings to the success of our fundraiser,” explained Kistensamy. Following the tournament; Tafta hosted a prize giving dinner at the Country Club’s Kingfisher’s Room where each participant was honoured with a gift and team members of Castle Sea CC (Shipping and Freight Agents) were announced as the winners. “As I entered the reception, I was greeted by a colourful display of banners and a group of warm, bubbly, friendly Tafta personnel; which, together with the Tee sponsors providing refreshments, added a feel-good vibe. This set up the atmosphere for a good golfing day which led to our victory,” said Roy Peters, Director of Castle Sea CC. Femada Shamam, CEO of Tafta is hopeful that the success of this event leads to more awareness around the needs of older people, saying; “The shift in perspective that is found when spending time in the great outdoors is incomparable. I believe that being one with nature grounds us and reminds us that this earth is here for us all to enjoy meaningful life. This is one of the reasons why we choose to host a golf challenge in support of Tafta's Meals on Wheels service. Despite it being a great way to honour our donors with something they enjoy, the day also brings with it a sense of peace and enlightenment. In our own enjoyment, we are reminded and made cognizant of the fact that there are vulnerable members of society who rely on the goodness of others to access their basic needs. Through this event, we are able to engage with our donors and service providers to cast a spotlight on the need for affordable, convenient and nutritious meals for older people.” If you would like to play your part in making nutritional wellbeing accessible to older people, visit Tafta’s website at www.tafta.org.za to donate toward the Meals on Wheels service.

The College of Health Sciences recently hosted Philips South Africa to show appreciation for the three million worth of bursaries awarded to Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) students. The event was held at Susser and Stain Seminar Room at Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Medical School. The donation process was initiated by the College Director of Professional Services, Professor Fanie Botha and overseen by UKZN Foundation’s Donor Relationship Manager, Mr Tebelo Kokoropo. Funding issues affect students from all disciplines as the majority come from previously disadvantaged communities which is considered a reality for medical students. Philips, a health technology company, have come on board for the second time to donate bursaries for MBChB students at different levels of their studies. Mr Romulen Edward Pillay, Managing Director for Philips South Africa, spoke of his admiration for the professions of doctors, technicians and nurses for their career choice. He recalled what the country went through during Covid-19 and his personal experience with public hospital care. ‘I grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and we all see the imbalance between access to quality health care. For a company to be relevant in the South African context, you can’t grow up here and not use the organisation you work for to address some of the social economic difficulties we have. This is the reason we are part of this programme,’ said Pillay. As a UKZN alumnus, he also reflected on his close relationship with the University. ‘My job as the CEO of Philips is to ensure we are playing a significant role in making quality healthcare accessible. We are partnering and helping – this is one opportunity where we can fund future doctors and increase the number of available healthcare professionals in the country.’ On behalf of the University and the College of Health Sciences, Botha thanked Philips for helping students by providing financial support. ‘Within the University there is always a struggle to get funding to support our students. By providing a financial solution, Philips SA is helping alleviate these challenges.’ Botha will build on the partnership with Philips, adding to the possibility of more funding of other Health Science disciplines. ‘We are very grateful to Philips and would like to express our sincere appreciation for helping our students’. Ms Sthokozile Shangase, a first year MBChB student expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. ‘I am grateful for such an opportunity. It has been a hard year. Being unfunded is definitely an experience I don’t wish on anyone. Getting such an opportunity shows that people are willing to help. As a medical professional, it inspires us to help others.’ Ms Sandiswa Ncube, a second-year student added, ‘We are grateful for the chance to improve ourselves academically and develop our communities.’

Retrenchment – A brief overview Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), as amended, permits an employer to dismiss employees for operational requirements or reasons. The phrase ‘operational requirements’ is a broad term referring to economic, technical, structural or similar needs of an employer. Before effecting such dismissals, however, the LRA places an obligation on employers to engage in a meaningful joint consensus-seeking process in an attempt to reach consensus on, inter alia, appropriate measures to avoid and/or minimise the number of dismissals. Our current economic dilemma With the steady decline of the South African economy, it has been found that in consultations, that there is an increase on possible retrenchments and restructuring exercises as employers seek to remain profitable or even to avoid total closure. As employers continue to shed jobs, the number of unemployed South Africans seems to be growing daily. The situation has become so dire in our current economy. We understand the seriousness of the situation which has led to us placing greater focus and emphasis to companies, on alternatives to retrenchment in an attempt to preserve those jobs that are currently available. Alternatives to Explore Those alternatives, however, are usually either temporary in nature (such as a resort to short-time or temporary lay-off) or propose changes to existing terms and conditions of employment (such as a salary reduction or withdrawal of benefits). Each of the alternatives should be explored in depth. It is important to note that implementation of these alternative means embarking on a fair process and procedure, and ensuring relevant documents and agreements are drawn up to support the decisions taken. The reduction in salary. All bonuses, incentives, 13th cheques should be suspended, as well as a % cut in salary. Changes to terms and conditions of employment. This would amount to a lesser term and condition being agreed upon, which will assist the company in having a positive financial impact. This could either be a temporary measure or permanent. Temporary lay-off / Unpaid Leave. Employees will not be required to work for a certain period of time, or until it was operationally and financially feasible to do so. Short time, placing a moratorium on Overtime or Sunday work. A reduction in hours or days worked and receiving a relative salary to the reduction. Explore the option of allowing part-time work, as some employees may want to continue studying or are looking to gladly accept half-day or part-time jobs. Re-Deployment and Transferring affected employees to other jobs in the employer’s business or group. Employees can be offered alternate, reasonable employment within a group, which does not necessarily have to be the same or similar position being held by the employee. Training employees for other available positions. Re-skilling employees to be able to fill other positions, and at the same time up-skilling them, hence they are multi-skilled to work in various areas that would indirectly benefit all parties. Voluntary Termination. Engaging with employees and offering them an option to volunteer to go on retrenchment. This might be an option for those that are nearing retirement. Commission / Travel or Vehicle Allowances / Variable Pay. Review of commission structures and consider the reduction of allowances which can be compromised. New Hire / Promotions. These should be frozen, as it would add to the salary bill. Consultation Consultation needs to be meaningful and consensus-seeking if all parties engage in the process, full disclosure is made by the employer and any exchanges by the parties are well-motivated and rational. Dismissals for operational requirements may also only be effected as a measure of last resort.