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PALESA PHILI became the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) after a very successful corporate career. This included being in an executive role with a computer company looking after the organisation’s services in the southern, eastern, and central regions of Africa, being the executive head for Vodacom Business in KZN and then the regional head for MTN. DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate, which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region. The Durban Chamber identifies government policy relevant to organised business in Durban by amplifying core issues that impact on business with short, medium - and long-term perspectives. At the heart of this unit are industry-specific forums and area forums (Western, Northern, Southern, and Central) that engage on a monthly or bi-quarterly base. “Our forums provide the coal face of interaction between our members and the Durban Chamber. This is where we get city officials and provincial policy makers to interact with our members in terms of any plans that are being put in place as well as business opportunities that are available,” says Palesa. Advocacy is central to the role the Chamber plays and partnership approaches to complex and problematic issues affecting business are promoted. The Chamber’s extensive networks also connect members both with local and international organisations. Success is inspirational Palesa attributes her success and where she is today to her Christian faith, hard work, and dedication. Numerous people assisted her along the way, and she has had several different mentors for different aspects of her career and life who have helped her achieve her goals. Success inspires Palesa. She adds, “One does not want to be around something that is negative or does not work.” Successful people across the country and across the world attract her attention and inspire her. “I try to see what I can do personally, in my own way, to add to the betterment of my city, my province, my country, and the world at large.” Keep your eye on the ball, the rules for women are different “Women definitely need to approach business differently to men,” says Palesa. And thinks the existence of “The Boy’s Club out there” cannot be denied and that women cannot fit into the club. “As a woman, typically, as you grow in your career, as you go higher, you become more of a loner as there are very few women up there.” Palesa adds that males are still in the majority at the top of the corporate world and that the rules for women are very different. “As a woman, you need to be clear about your objectives, why you are where you are and what it is that you want to achieve.” Palesa says one of her mentors told her that one is at work to do work, not to make friends, and you need to make sure the job gets done. Her advice to women is, “When you encounter corporate politics, it is important to keep your eye on the ball, understand the rules are different for you as a woman, and then you should be fine.” As she is a wife and the mother of two boys, achieving a work-life balance is not easy for Palesa. She says she is too busy to attend social gatherings like breakfasts for moms or personally dropping her boys off at school. However, Palesa is fortunate that her husband helps with most of the parental tasks. Her support structure is important to her. “Without assistance, I would not be able to do everything I need to do and achieve a work-life balance,” she adds. Looking back at younger self, Palesa would advise herself not to take things at face value but to analyse situations and ensure that she makes the right decisions. She explains that she would react spontaneously when she was young, so she would tell herself to listen more before making decisions. There is much more to achieve Palesa says that if she looks back at her corporate background, what she achieved was mostly target driven to make profits for an organisation. Her involvement with the Chamber does, however, give her a greater purpose and this enables her to achieve more. The Chamber enables her to make a difference and impact on many people. Palesa explains, “I always had a thing in me, even when growing up, to give back. In everything I do, I try and give back in my own small way. I would like to look back in five years from now and say this is the number of jobs I helped to create, and this is the number of entrepreneurs I have assisted to grow and get where they are.” Palesa concluded that she would like to see measurable growth, and only once she gets there would she be happy with what she has achieved.

Pat Moodley, IDC’s KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Regional Manager, says, “This year the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) celebrates 80 years of existence in its role as a Development Funding Institution (DFI), providing funding for manufacturing. We have come a long way in aiding the development of the South African economy during this time and have also assisted many companies in expanding and trading into the African continent.” The IDC’s key sectors in the province include the textiles, clothing, and footwear industry, which Moodley says is a key driver in the KZN economy, especially because of easy access to the Durban port for exports. Other economic sectors supported in this region include agro-processing, chemicals, plastics and medical products, wood and furniture products, automotive and transportation, machinery and equipment, electronics, basic metals, tourism, infrastructure, as well as energy. “With industrialisation comes development, which includes job creation and localisation. An additional element which we actively focus on is the growth and empowerment of black industrialists, and youth and women owned businesses,” explained Moodley. Much of the investment in the province is focused on stimulating localisation, with a view to replace imports. As an example, in terms of government policy, a certain percentage of vehicle manufacturing must include using locally produced components. The IDC has assisted a number of first and second tier vehicle component manufacturers in this regard so that they can become globally competitive. Covid-19 interventions “The onset of Covid-19 has negatively impacted businesses, not just locally, but on a global scale. As the IDC, we have worked with government and other DFIs in assisting businesses to recover and provide funding packages that will stimulate the economy,” says Moodley. “We have a range of funds and interventions in place to address Covid-19 related funding requirements, including assisting companies that have capacity to acquire and/or manufacture products needed to treat, curtail and combat the spread of the pandemic,” says Moodley. To get a full list of essential supplies that can be funded visit https://www.idc.co.za/wpcontent/uploads/2020/03/ IDCEssential-Supplies-FundingIntervention- COVID-192.pdf Other interventions offered by the corporation include general distress funding, which is available to businesses, provided they have a clear turnaround strategy. In addition to this, there is the Small Business Distressed Fund for SMEs with a trading history of more than 12 months and this fund is also available for emerging enterprises with a turnover of less than R50 million per annum (minimum loan amount of R1 million to a maximum R15 million). “At prime less 3% this is an attractive interest rate. The important thing is that businesses need to have a very clear turnaround plan over the next 12 to 24 months and must have been in a healthy financial position before Covid-19 started. The repayment term for this loan is 60 months,” explained Moodley. “There are a sizeable number of small businesses in KwaZulu-Natal that have the opportunity to access funding at competitive rates, however, sustainability is key,” he adds. Responsible Lending The main difference between the IDC’s and other financial institution’s approaches to funding is that the corporation does not practice security-based lending, but rather considers the viability of the business and cash flows to service their loan repayments. The corporation however takes security for loans disbursed and is open to crowd funding with other financial institutions as a way to share the risk on transactions. “Our first consideration is the economic merit of each business; meaning it has to be sustainable, viable and profitable. In our application process, we go through what we call an initial assessment to see that the application meets all the basic criteria and mandate of the IDC. Once that stage is passed, we go into what we call a due diligence process which is a comprehensive assessment of the business including management, technical, financial, and marketing capacity,” explains Moodley. The IDC is a responsible lender and looks at compliance in all areas such as taxation, labour, health and safety, as well as environment. Of importance is ensuring that all necessary documentation and returns – including financial statements, tax certificates, labour returns, etc. are up to date. “We always advise clients or entrepreneurs to be transparent with us as our due diligence process will unpack any noncompliance,” advised Moodley. “Be realistic, remember you are projecting turnover, so you have to be able to quantify revenue streams and ensure that these are achievable,” he adds. The IDC has an online portal for applications. The KZN regional office is open Monday to Friday and staff are available to attend to enquiries or applications. “I suggest clients make an appointment, come sit with us and pitch their business proposals,” said Moodley. During the Covid-19 lockdown, the IDC went through a realignment process to streamline its service to clients. To reduce the number of touch points, the regional offices now handle funding proposals up to R15 million, proposals over these amounts are immediately referred to the relevant business unit at head office for further processing. This process means that the client deals with the relevant person from day one, significantly reducing the turnaround time for applications. If a project does not meet the IDC mandate it can be referred to a different funding institute. “Our responsibility as a development finance institution is to assist clients. If we can’t assist in line with our mandate, we will pass clients on to other relevant DFIs. We are always there to ensure that the client gets the right information,” adds Moodley. “We have some sizeable applications currently in our pipeline in KwaZulu-Natal. I think that there is a positive outlook for the province. I remain positive that as lockdown restrictions are eased, there will be a greater number of requests for more funding and we can get the economy going again,” concluded Moodley. www.idc.co.za

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has been declared a global crisis and is one of the biggest challenges facing countries in modern times. In South Africa, while the initial Covid-19 lockdown regulations were targeted at mitigating health risks, these measures have impacted heavily on the country’s economy. Each business sector has had diverse challenges to face and consequently the responses have differed in each industry. According to Stats SA findings (September 2020), “South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 51,0% in the second quarter of 2020 owing to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions since the end of March 2020.” Following conversations with several chief executive officers and other leading business leaders, both formally and informally, several themes became evident in both how the pandemic has impacted business models and in how businesses have responded. One of the key business issues has been a focus on sustainability. While some companies have not been impacted and have continued to thrive and to grow, others have not. Many business leaders have questioned, “How will the business survive and remain relevant going forward, especially in an environment of uncertainty?” In an attempt to answer this question, Roshan Morar, Managing Director of Morar Incorporated; David White, CEO of DRG Outsourcing; and Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business have been hosting a webinar series entitled, “Business leadership shaping the future”, with the core theme being, “How can business leaders create and sustain long term business success?”. The panellists on the first webinar were: · Rowan De Klerk, CEO, The FD Centre · Mahomed Zubeir Moosa, CEO, Willowton Group · Merrill King, CEO, Capitol Caterers · Ashok Sewnarain, CEO, IBV International Vaults · Elias Masilela, Non-executive Chairman, DNA Economics · Pearl Bengu, CEO, Ithala Development Finance Corporation · Trevor Mvundura, Chief Financial Officer at THINK: TB and HIV Investigative Network · Dr Cassius Lubisi, former Director-General in the South African Presidency The panellists on the second webinar were: · Jonathan Naidoo, CEO, SmartXchange · Frikkie Brooks, CEO, Brooks Facilitation Services · Nomfundo Mcoyi, CEO, Icebolethu Group · Andre Wessels, CEO, Asone Limited · Clinton Govender, CEO, Brand Partners · Rajen Reddy, Executive Chairman, RR Group of Companies Key Insights All panellists gave much insight into the importance of effective leadership in adapting to current challenges in the business environment. Each panellist agreed that changes, both in business operations and business culture, have occurred, which are likely to remain evident in the foreseeable future. Many businesses have had to cope with many challenges including the extended periods of lockdown and the need to shut down operations as well as manage employees working remotely. They have had to find new ways of working, and in some cases have had to work at re-establishing their businesses on reopening. The responsibility for navigating the ‘new normal’ depends on each business leader’s timeous and appropriate actions to keep moving forward. While Covid-19 has highlighted strengths in businesses, the impact of the pandemic has showed up flaws as well as weaknesses in existing enterprises. One of the key outcomes of Covid-19 is that business leaders have had the opportunity to evaluate their business models, including their products or services, and to question whether their models are sustainable. The importance of making use of this opportunity to stay relevant was shared by many of the webinar panel members. To be sustainable, many businesses are reviewing their environment, social and governance (ESG) objectives using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a guide. However, in paying attention in how to remain relevant and sustainable, business must be agile and adaptable. But in restructuring a business to make it more effective and to increase one’s bottom line, proper planning, being cost effective and managing finances diligently is imperative. This includes full compliance with all business governance and reporting requirements. As Covid-19 allowed a chance to pause and reflect, the importance of assessing the needs of all the people that the business impacted on was stressed by many of the panellists. In this regard, the need to continue upskill and retrain employees as we go into the future must be considered. Significantly, the importance of collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders including family, employees, clients, service providers and the wider community that the busines operates in was mentioned as key to sustainability in many of the businesses represented. Business collaboration, with an increased focused on doing business locally, is also highly relevant in growing the economy of KwaZulu-Natal and improving the overall quality of life of the people of the province through job creation and social responsibility projects. Another key message was the importance of digitalisation to promote connectivity and to ensure effective communication among all stakeholders. Along with digitalisation the need to embrace technologies that ensure the effective use of operating systems within the business must be realised where appropriate. We need to translate much of the innovation that is taking place in the technology space into action. In conclusion, the panellists highlighted that it is people that make a difference and with the right leader and approach to one’s business, anything is possible. Each leader needs to take responsibility for creating a collective vision for their business and motivate their team to achieve this goal. One must get out there and do it! The next webinar will be in January 2021. For more information contact tracy@topbusiness.co.za

What makes DNA Auto Centre unique? DNA Auto Centre is a premier car service centre in Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal. We are one of the largest and busiest Bosch certified, AA quality assured service centres in KZN and we pride ourselves on the exceptional customer service. DNA Auto Centre is owned by three brothers – Dinesh, Neren and Ashen – who are all under the age of 35 and run some of the best Bosch Car Service franchises in South Africa. Our directors are hands on and actually work on the customers’ vehicles as well as check service standards personally. We always maintain our high service standards and remain market leaders in our field. You are the number one ranked BOSCH car service Centre, and have a maintained RMI five-star graded facility. What is the reason for the incredible Google ratings that DNA Auto Centre receives? The Google ratings are from our customers, and those amazing reviews are the impartial comments left by our satisfied clients who want to share with others the type of service experience they have experienced at DNA Auto Centre. We don’t just service cars; we provide a unique service experience, and we provide solutions to people’s motoring needs. That’s what sets us apart from the rest. We want to provide a ‘wow’ service experience, so that when customers go home it becomes a point of conversation among friends and family. Our biggest source of referrals comes from our customers. DNA Auto Centre has been successful in creating customers, that create more customers for us. We as DNA are destined for fantastic things… What are the benefits to bringing my car, as an individual to be serviced by you? The DNA Auto Centre is not just about servicing your car. You become part of our family. DNA Auto Centre is here to look after your car so that you can carry on with your life. We also offer breakdown services and a pickup and delivery service. We have an industry leading service facility and offer high levels of customer service. Our service reception is a coffee shop environment, and we have a business centre with free wi-fi, and a copy centre. This environment allows our busy clients to continue with their day’s work for an hour or two, whilst their vehicle is being serviced by our expert technicians. Franchise dealers will tell you that you are obligated to service your vehicle with the franchise OEM agent for the duration of the vehicle warranty in attempt to keep customers with the franchise agent for a longer period of time. The reality is that whilst under warranty, franchise dealers have held on to the right to service your vehicle. However, in reality, customers can bring their vehicles to us for repair to wear and tear items such as wiper blades, tyres and brakes, or any other item not covered by the OEM agent warranty. Of course, this will change when the Competition Commission rule in favour of the Right2Repair campaign (R2RSA). What this means is that vehicle owners will have the right to have their new vehicles (that are still under factory warranty), serviced at our award winning service facility. Our technicians are constantly being sent on training courses so that we have the latest technical data and repair capabilities. This level of technical ability enables us to service any model of vehicle. What services do you offer to fleet owners? We handle many vehicle fleets, some comprising of up to 2000 vehicles. We pride ourselves on our fleet maintenance department. We keep fleet vehicles on the road, and we minimise the down time as we understand that fleet companies need to keep moving. We carry out evening services for fleets, as well as servicing over the weekends. Through time management and work processes, we have engineered a way to manage the fleet company’s expectations in terms of getting their vehicles back on the road within the shortest possible time. Do you offer any additional benefits to fleet companies? Fleet companies are entitled to special service and labour rates. We have a free towing service, we have an after ours call out service, an in-house diesel centre, and an in-house auto electrician. We don’t send our work out, as we have all these experts in-house. From which areas do you draw your customers? We have customers throughout KZN and from as far as Eastern Cape, who are prepared to bring the vehicles to us because we are the best at advanced vehicle diagnostics. Clients from other provinces use us as a preferred service centre when they visit KZN. What back up services do you have in South Africa? Being a part of the largest aftermarket car franchise in the world – Bosch Car Service – means that we carry a national warranty on all services and repairs that we carry out. We also offer a free one-year AA assistance to all our customers who service with us. Where is DNA Auto Centre situated? DNA Auto Centre is conveniently situated at Unit 22, Greenfield Business Park, which is on the corner of Chris Hani and Rinaldo Road, Durban North. You can Google us on Google maps and that will bring you right through to our front door. Contact us on T: +27 (0)31 569 1417 E: info@dnaautocentre.co.za www.dnaautocentre.co.za Facebook: DNA Auto Centre-PTY Ltd Instagram: dna_autocentre Google maps: https://bit.ly/3mmONYD

This year there’s no need for last-minute Christmas shopping or brainstorming gift ideas for that avid angler in your life, simply purchase the comprehensive ‘Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa’ app which provides all the relevant information about fish and fishing through any mobile device. Created over two years by Dr Bruce Mann of the Oceanographic Research Institute based at Durban’s SAAMBR (South African Association for Marine Biological Research), assisted by Dr Judy Mann, this easy-to-use app has accurate information and images of 249 fish species. A fish scientist with more than 30 years’ experience in the field, Dr Mann was the perfect individual to drive the creation of the app. “How many times have you seen a fish and wished you knew what it was? Or wished that you could simply measure your fish and know instantly what it weighed? Or that you could work out which species of kob you had landed?” said Dr Mann. “We made the Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa app because of our passion for South Africa’s line-fish and our hope to bring a little more information to our local anglers.” The app is based on line fish research undertaken in South Africa over the last 50 years, focusing on 249 of the most common fish species caught along the South African coast. The Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa app includes brilliant photos, up-to-date information, distribution maps, current regulations, comparisons of similar fish species and a length weight calculator. Dr Mann said collating the information and photos took ‘longer than we ever imagined’ but was worth the toil: “We hope that anglers will enjoy using the app to learn more about the fish they catch. And we hope that the app will inspire everyone with an interest in fish to care a little more about our amazing line-fish.” The Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa app features include: · Species details for 249 line-fish: Multiple, high-quality images, a species profile including common, scientific and family names; description; global and local distribution; habitat; feeding; movement; reproduction; age and growth; current status; capture; and a simple map of the species’ distribution in southern African waters. · The search function: This enables the user to search for fish using common names in English or Afrikaans, or by using their scientific name. · Fish Groups: Provides a simple line drawing of the general shape of different fish families. Clicking on the shape takes the user to the family of fish in this group, as well as actual images of each species. · Fish ID: Fun section that allows the user to identify what fish species has been caught or seen. It is designed as a ‘smart search’ using easy-to-see features. · The Length/Weight Calculator: A useful tool that can be used by anglers who release the fish but want to know what the weight was. · My List: This allows the user to record personal catches or fish observations. · Fishing Regulations: This provides useful information on the current line-fish regulations for marine recreational anglers in South Africa. All proceeds from the sale of the Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa app will go towards the ORI Cooperative Fish Tagging Project. This means that every app sold will encourage a better understanding of South African line-fish. For more information on the Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa app, contact Dr Judy Mann at jmann@saambr.org.za or visit https://www.saambr.org.za/marinefish-guide-for-southern-africa-app/ . The App was produced by MyDigitalEarth ( www.mydigitalearth.com ) and is available for both iPhone or Android under ‘Marine Fish Guide of Southern Africa’.

Morar Incorporated is a national firm of Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors providing quality financial business services and solutions to the private and public sector. Founded in 1995, the firm today has a complement of ten offices and is represented in all nine provinces within South Africa. Morar Incorporated is a member firm of Allinial Global, which is represented in the Americas, EMEIA (Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa), and the Asia Pacific region. Our international network provides our clients with the opportunity to look at their markets from a global perspective as well as the potential to grow their business and establish an international presence. Why Morar Incorporated? Morar Incorporated takes pride in developing long term, strategic partnerships, adding value in all that we do. Our purpose is to provide our clients with outstanding service excellence and innovative business solutions. The Morar Incorporated approach has always been to assist organisations in maximising their performance, achieve their business goals and to be leaders, forward thinkers and front runners in the markets in which they compete. We achieve these accomplishments by developing and implementing smart financial business solutions designed to improve our clients’ productivity. Morar Incorporated has a carefully selected mix of quality financial and business services that all have a role to play in business improvement and development initiatives. Their People A leader is only as good as his team. Our highly skilled staff represent everything we do and everything we are. With a culture built on collaboration, flexibility and innovation; the values that each member of Morar hold are fundamental to every function and in the delivery of exceptional service to our clients. Their Professional Affiliations · South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) · Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) · Institute of Risk Management of South Africa (IRMSA) · Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) · Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) · Institute of Directors (IoD) · South African Institute of Tax Practitioners (SAIT) · Information Systems Audit and Control (ISACA) · Chartered Institute of Government, Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) Service Portfolio We believe that our smart business solutions can deliver above par results. Accounting Services Our accounting professionals work to provide tailor-made accounting solutions for small, medium and large organisations to facilitate and enhance their financial growth. External Auditing Morar Incorporated has a long-standing reputation for providing an efficient risk-based audit service. The audit approach emphasises adding value to our clients by enhancing quality and productivity. This type of assurance assists the organisation in effectively complying with sound corporate governance principles and practices. It also enhances the control environment so as to minimise risk exposure, quantifying the impact of risk to stakeholder value, while highlighting areas that are overcontrolled. Taxation Services Morar Incorporated’s taxation services are tailored around the unique circumstances of each individual and company. Our tax professionals use a forward thinking and multi-disciplinary approach to add value and help organisations manage tax complexities in their everchanging business environments. Morar Incorporated offer clients a broad range of fully integrated tax solutions. Government Services Our services to all spheres of government include the following: Asset Management · Annual Financial Statements and Budgets · Audit Readiness Programmes · Policies and Procedure Manuals · Strategic Planning; Performance Management At all levels of government, for financial statements to be fairly presented, the effects of transactions, other events and conditions should be accurately represented in accordance with the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure criteria for assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses as contained in the relevant frameworks and standards. The primary challenge faced by ALL institutions is the completeness and accuracy of disclosures relating to, amongst others: Irregular expenditure; fruitless and wasteful expenditure; accruals and payables not recognised; commitments; moveable and immoveable tangible capital assets. Morar Incorporated has developed an in-house system known as easi which allows institutions to meet all reporting requirements with regards to annual financial statement disclosures. The system promotes transparency, ownership and accountability and provides an audit trail of all transactions to support the audit process. ECAPS Morar Incorporated has developed a performance management system, ECAPS, which integrates strategy, people, processes and measurements to improve decision making, transparency and accountability and focuses on achieving outcomes, implementing performance measurement, learning, and adapting, as well as reporting on performance. Supply Chain Management Morar Incorporated’s in house web based application was developed to assist with the management of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure and ensure consequence management. Internal Audit and Risk Management Morar Incorporated’s Internal Audit methodology is aligned with the needs of National Treasury’s guidelines and complies with the requirements of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. In addition, we have certified fraud examiners, and are therefore well-positioned to provide advice on risk management. Services include: · Complete outsourcing and co-sourcing of the internal audit function · Assistance in assembling an audit committee · Preparation of an audit committee charter · Preparation of an internal audit charter · Risk identification and management · Development and implementation of three year strategic and annual operational plans · Implementation of controls · Training and capacity building Forensic and Cybercrime Investigations Our team of forensic and cyber-crime specialists can respond to alleged fraud, corruption and other commercial crimes without exposing organisations to further risk. We have assembled a team across nine provinces in South Africa. We have successfully completed various investigations across all spheres of government and the private sector leading to prosecutions. Information and Communication Technology Services (ICT) We offer specialist ICT advisory and assurance services to ensure that business objectives are met, and ICT complies with legislative requirements. Our in-depth experience coupled with our unique methodologies allows us to deliver on client expectations. T: +27 (0)33 345 4004 F: +27 (0)33 342 5699 E: info@morar.co.za W: www.morar.co.za

Dental x-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to assess your oral health. However, many patients question if dental x-rays are necessary and if they are safe. The short answer is, “Dental x-rays are safe and often beneficial to your oral health,” said Dr Fareed Amod of Crown Dental Studio. “Many dental problems are invisible to the naked eye, and the x-rays allows a better assessment of any potential problems in tooth enamel, gums, bone and tooth roots. We provide digital imaging for our patients as part of a standard full examination to comprehensively identify and diagnose any treatment needs and to address our patients’ concerns.” While dental x-rays are typically performed yearly, they can happen more often if the progress of a dental problem or treatment is being tracked. Factors affecting how often you need to have dental x-rays may include your: · Age · Current oral health · Any symptoms of oral disease · A history of gum disease (gingivitis) or tooth decay Intraoral x-rays are the most common type of dental x-ray taken. These allow the dentist to see any small cavities that may be developing in between the teeth as well as infections between the tooth and gums. Once cavities are visible in the mouth, the tooth may already require a crown, root canal, or may even need to be extracted. Extraoral x-rays focus is the jaw and skull and are used to look for impacted teeth, monitor growth and development of the jaws in relation to the teeth, and to identify potential problems between teeth and jaws and the temporomandibular joint. While cancer and tumours of the jaw are rare, the prognosis is always better if you can treat these early. Your dentist may also need to diagnose a problem that’s causing pain or to determine the structure of your mouth to place dental work. In addition, digital imaging has changed the technique of dental x-rays and the way in which many dentists practice. In digital radiography, a sensor is inserted into your mouth which captures the images of your teeth. The digital sensor is an electronic device connected to a computer. The sensor captures the images and then projects them on a screen for viewing by both you and your dentist. Since digital imaging requires a lower level of radiation than traditional x-rays, the result is less exposure and a safer experience for both the patient and the dental professional administering the digital x-rays. To put dental x-rays into perspective they can be compared to other environmental sources of radiation. The dose of radiation is measured in millirems or mrem; a standard dental x-ray gives off 0.5 mrem, while a single digital dental x-ray has 0.1 mrem of radiation. This can be compared to: · 35 mrem per year: Natural radiation from soil · 36 mrem per year: Smoking one pack of cigarettes a day · 5 mrem per year: Drinking water · 10 mrem per year: Using natural gas for heating and cooking “Basically, while dental x-rays expose you to some radiation, the benefits of having them performed outweigh the risks. The amount of radiation to which you are exposed during a dental x-ray is minimal in relation to the exposure that you receive in your daily life,” says Dr Amod. “X-rays allow for a better quality of service, and better access to the information required to manage dental health, which are some of the factors that matter a lot to patients to keep their smiles intact.” Crown Dental Studio is one of the few truly 24-hour dental practises in Durban as this is not limited to emergency dentistry treatment. T: +27 (0)81 207 8621 E: info@dramod.co.za W: www.dramod.co.za

With a rich heritage of 47 years as a dedicated Isuzu Truck Dealer, Key Truck New Germany supports the Key Motor Group as South Africa’s largest privately owned vehicle distributor to all fleet operations. Key Trucks and Isuzu are affiliated to a nationwide and cross border network of 38 dealerships that offer a 24-hour service and breakdown recovery. Isuzu Trucks is the market leader in the medium, and heavy truck segments and has retained the number one position for seven consecutive years in the commercial truck segment. The range of commercial trucks available are: · The N-Series in the medium segment 1.5 – 5 ton market · The F-series in the heavy segment 5.7 – 18.7 ton market · The FX-series in extra heavy 17.5 – 19.9 ton market and truck tractor market All Isuzu trucks come with a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and a three-year unlimited mileage rust warranty. Key Truck New Germany’s fleet customers are rest assured of quality service. The dealership’s sales executives take the time to obtain in-depth knowledge of each customer’s operation in face-to-face appointments. “We want to find out what is the need. We would like to take the guess work out of trucking,” O’Neill explained. He added, “There are four important facts we keep in mind when we deal with fleet customers. The first thing is the customer’s profit and convenience. The second is that we try to provide value adding solutions for the customers. Thirdly, we would like to act as a consultant – we want to be the go-to person for expert advice. Lastly, we want to build a long-term business relationship. We firmly believe at Key Truck New Germany that buying is a moment but to own a truck is a lifetime.” After the sales executive has met with a client a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is formulated. Each truck starts with a chassis and through the truck science programme the truck is designed for its purpose. The USP is a seven-point business plan proposal that will assist the fleet customer with their decision to buy the vehicle. The USP includes the vehicle: 1. Payload and payload distribution 2. Routing with waypoints for delivery 3. Performance summary, average fuel consumption per hour, average speed 4. Vehicle finance options such as full maintenance lease, month to month lease or instalment sale 5. Vehicle service or maintenance plan 6. Vehicle costing breakdown, including fixed costs such as driver wages and insurance and variable costs such as fuel 7. Vehicle specifications All this information results in a cents per kilometre running cost calculation. An operator who is doing logistics can then work out what to charge customers in order to make a profit with that truck. “The reason why we do this is because if that logistics business fails, we as Key Truck New Germany fails,” commented O’Neill. We see ourselves as the experts that our customers can rely on for advice. There are a lot of hurdles but there are a lot of customers that need us. We take it quite seriously at New Germany that you have to buy the right truck,” says O’Neill. In addition to sales, the New Germany dealership offers after sales service and is open on Saturdays for services and does night servicing of trucks. Overnight facilities for out-of-town drivers are available when trucks are being serviced. For peace of mind and convenience, the dealership has 24-hour security. “So, any time at night if a truck driver wants to leave, he can take the truck and go back to Jo’ burg,” explains O’Neill. “We also have a truck parts department and an Auto Body Shop for accident repairs as well as Key Hire if companies want to hire vehicles. The Isuzu brand offer break down facilities.” For more information contact T: +27 (0)31 713 3111 E: patrick.oneill@keygroup.co.za W: www.keyisuzutrucks.co.za

Patrick O’Neill, the Fleet Sales Director at Key Truck, New Germany has had a long history of working in the motor industry. O’Neill started as a technician with Key in 1993. He explained that he really loves to work with cars but after a year on the bench his enjoyment of interfacing with customers saw him being promoted to service advisor. He progressed through several roles within the branch – director, foreman, workshop controller, sales manager and after sales director. His solid performance resulted in him spending four years running the workshop at the Pietermaritzburg Key branch until he was approached by Renault to work in the Gateway franchise where he became dealer principal. After the Renault company was sold, O’Neill joined Key Trucks New Germany as a salesman. After six months, he was promoted to manager and one year ago was provided an opportunity to buy shares in the company and became a director. He now leads a team of four highly trained sales executives to support fleet companies. “I see myself as a leader, not as a manager; a manager manages systems and computers. I will never expect something from my sales staff if I didn’t test it myself.” “I have a passion for customers and a passion for Isuzu. I spend a lot of time with them,” said O’Neill.

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to the South African Police Services (SAPS) Empangeni Command Centre and the district office of the Department of Health (DOH) in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The PPE, valued at R600 000, included face masks, gloves, sanitisers, and surgical gowns. Werner Duvenhage, managing director of RBM commented, “The donation was part of our ongoing support for our host communities and to help those in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. We have taken a more proactive stance to support government in its efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus. This is in addition to efforts we are taking as a company to share information on health protocols with our employees and communities to stem the spread of the virus.” Earlier in the year, RBM contracted four SMMEs – one from each of its four host communities – to manufacture 100 000 cloth face masks, which were then donated for free to members of the community. The SMMEs are managed by and employ mainly young people, including women. “We are pleased that our contributions to the fight against COVID-19 also benefited local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting local economic development. This donation is part of RBM’s strategy to be involved in Public Private Partnerships for the benefit of our host communities,” added Duvenhage.

The book “I want to tell you” was launched recently at the UPPERcase bookshop in Menlyn Maine by the director of Family Assist Marici M Corneli. The book is a wonderful tool for couples and children caught in the animosity that goes hand-in-hand with divorce. Looking at South African divorce statistics seven of every ten children in a school classroom are from a divorce household. As divorce is still a subject that many people avoid, parents in divorce will find this book very helpful. Marici says, “Let me tell you a story…about a boy and girl who grew up, got married and divorced and how the kids got stretched by their decisions. Grown-ups need to understand that they have to involve the children in decisions that concern them, by telling them. We all have stories and listen to stories and in my story, hope was birthed through a book called “I want to tell you.” We read the story of Austin and Aidah and their parents, Justin and Julia, in a colourful comic style way. While you love the pictures you excitedly turn the page to see how it all unfolds. You learn how to tell and what to tell… The book helps to build confidence as a maybe soon to be divorced or as “I know someone who needs to read this”. Children think, “I get two of everything… parents think, “I feel so guilty”, but maybe this can help. In an interview with Adv Chris Maree, he asked some questions: · Looking at this wonderful little book, I can just imagine how much work went into it. · How long have you been working on this book? · What made you decide to write the book? · What age group of children may find this book helpful or/is it aimed at? In her reply Marici mentioned, “The book started a year ago and kept me busy through the Covid-19 period. I decided to write the book to help children and parents in divorce. Children that can read will enjoy the book, but mediators, ‘voice of the child’ practitioners, teachers, social workers, and psychologists can use it as a tool to explain the outcome of divorce to children who cannot read. And the book becomes a tool to communicate with yourself and others. The obvious question will be where can we buy the book, and how much will it cost? “I want to tell you” is available in English and Afrikaans and can be bought from several bookshops and online from the Family Assist webpage ( www.familyassist.co.za ) or the UPPERcase webpage https://uppercasebooks.co.za/ for R195.

If you were looking for a good reason to visit Durban this holiday season, this is it. The ONOMO Hotel Durban‘s new Topaz Restaurant & Skybar has opened its doors just in time for the summer holidays and it is the very first of its kind in the city. The ONOMO Hotel Durban is part of ONOMO Hotels, a leading African hotel group that operates 21 hotels in 12 African countries. It has been operating for three years already, including the COVID-19 lockdown. ONOMO Hotel Durban and Signature Lux by ONOMO Sandton were the first South African hotels in the group to return to operation under lockdown Level 2 and have been scaling up operations since 1 September. The ONOMO Hotels group has partnered with world leader in testing, inspection and certification services, Bureau Veritas, to certify the COVID-19 safety processes implemented in each of its 21 hotels and the five South African hotels were part of the auditing process to certify their existing World Health Organisation-aligned protocols. ONOMO Hotel Durban is therefore the only hotel in KwaZulu-Natal with Bureau Veritas status. It is also the first ONOMO hotel to have been built from scratch. Designed by a French company based in Morocco, they have been bringing Africa into Africa with their designs. The European influence is also very evident, though with an overall minimalist, practical layout and design. Topaz Restaurant & Skybar Whether it’s during the day or at night, the 6th floor Topaz Skybar lends itself to a variety of events. With views across the Indian Ocean, Moses Mabhida and Kings Park stadium, it’s a skybar that will certainly draw both locals and tourists to come and explore. At night, the venue is decorated with 360 degrees of Durban’s sparkly city lights as backdrop. It’s ideal for friendly get-togethers or glamorous events, including delicious meals and brilliant local live music. The Topaz Restaurant & Skybar‘s decor brings a tropical, yet African feel to the venue, with giant leaves hanging from the ceiling, a vibrant photo corner, seating with bright shweshwe style fabrics and large, triangular lighting that links the outside views with the inside. It’s a space for both corporate guests and leisure guests, uniquely located walking distance from the beach and it is open to the public from Thursdays to Saturdays from 16:00 to 23:00 and on Sundays from 14:00 to 23:00. Ingwe Terrace In addition to the Topaz Restaurant & Skybar, the ONOMO Hotel Durban also offers guests the ground floor Ingwe Terrace, which is adjacent to the swimming pool. This gourmet restaurant specialises in regional cuisine in a relaxed, ‘shebeen-chic’ environment. Accommodation The rooms are well equipped and simple, yet elegant with a strong ONOMO feel throughout. Wood, brick and pure white linen are what stands out in the rooms, with simplicity being key. My favourites at ONOMO Hotel Durban · The Wifi is brilliant. · There is a variety of quality event venues, which allows you to match your event to the venue easily. · The staff are lovely! Have a look at the story that Good Things Guy did on one of the waiters ( www.goodthingsguy.com/people/onomo-durban-waitertip ) · It’s super close to the beach. · There’s a lovely swimming pool with daybeds. · Their cappuccinos are divine. www.onomohotel.com/en/hotel/8/onomo-hotel-durban