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The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown ravaged the economy and closed or threatened countless businesses, but as with all setbacks, there are always positives to be found. One of the things that lockdown has revealed is that innovation can take over where convention fails. Where people were used to doing things in a certain way – like shopping, work and commuting – the experience of lockdown showed that there are very viable alternatives that can be better than what we perceived to be the only option. People who had never shopped online now order all their necessities via websites. Workers who thought that they had to be at the office in order to function are now even more productive from home. The same can be said of what we perceived to be the norm when it comes to car ownership and the use of a vehicle on a daily basis. Owning a car during lockdown became a grudge expense. After all, it meant maintaining a depreciating asset that attracted interest-based, monthly payments despite not being used or used less. Added to that was the fact that cash was tied up in a R500 000+ vehicle that was losing value and couldn’t provide any benefit during tough economic conditions. Of course, there is a need to use a car for work or leisure. The lack of reliable forms of public transport makes it a necessity, but why is there a belief that we all need to own a car? Ownership means that, unless you have the cash to purchase a vehicle, you’re locking yourself into a long-term commitment that sees a car being paid off at a higher overall price. Factoring in maintenance and insurance and potential for loss, theft, or damage and suddenly owning a car accounts for a substantial portion of any salary. While financing a car may not be a financially lucrative or smart decision, it is a necessary one, according to traditional thinking. Or at least, it’s necessary in the absence of any other options. But there is another option that makes more sense in this market and during these trying times – leasing. The term ‘leasing’ is one that is largely unheard of in the market. And even if it is, there are negative associations attached, such as high rates, increased risk and a certain degree of inflexibility in the terms of the lease agreement. With the launch of WhyBuyCars, the concept of leasing is being redefined for the South African market. WhyBuyCars – a brand launched in May 2020 during the hard lockdown – offers a range of vehicles a minimum of three months at a time for an inclusive rate that covers everything from insurance to taxes. The short-term lease doesn’t require a deposit nor any type of credit rating – which is often a barrier to car finance. Punted as “the better way to have a car”, WhyBuyCars has backed up the claim with more than 15 000 applications since beginning, that are questioning whether owning a vehicle provides any long-term benefit other than its use. In a volatile economy, WhyBuyCars offers an alternative that doesn’t lock the driver into an agreement that spans years, but rather lets you maintain control of your finances. The user can budget over shorter periods of time and upgrade or downgrade the type of vehicle they’re using without the hassle of selling or trading, or a new finance deal. With no escalation within the period, the deal isn’t linked to interest rates and buy-back or usage clauses that have an effect of maintenance plans and insurance. WhyBuyCars doesn’t make you jump through hoops to get your keys – the entire process, from application submission to collection of a vehicle – can all be done online and within 24 hours. From as little as R4500 per month, the argument is a compelling one for any driver or existing car owner looking for a little freedom in how they consider not only the complications of finance, but all the administration that comes with owning and maintaining a vehicle. For more information on WhyBuyCars offering, visit https://whybuycars.co.za

Samantha Watt is the owner of Say Watt which is a young, bold, and passionate consultancy with a passion for influencing hearts and minds through the art of public relations. Samantha started her own agency after leaving her nine to five job to meet her desire to be the best mom and wife that she could be. She adds that she has succeeded through the grace of God and through the support of her husband. “Our core business is public relations which is more than building brands. We have a massive network of freelancers who are strong service providers in marketing strategy, events, web development, social media and/or brand development and activation. So, we are able to supply a one stop marketing shop to our clients, which is really great,” explains Samantha. “We love telling our clients that we are dream chasers. At the heart of every marketing success is a story which can grab the heart of a customer. We are exceptional story tellers.” Samantha’s path to success has not been easy. “When I was in matric, my dream was to become an award-winning journalist. During my first year at university, I contracted bacterial meningitis and nearly died. As a result of the infection, I lost the hearing in one ear and was badly scarred,” she explained. In her second year of university, Samantha fell pregnant, got married and by the age of 25, she had three children. Samantha reflected that during her early working career she really suffered with mommy guilt. “Women believe that if they are career driven, they are letting someone down. Women want to be all things to everyone,” she explained. However, she said that her life was changed when she joined The Unlimited and participated in several transformation and personal developmental courses. She said, “I learnt to dream again, and I dreamt big… I realised that my primary dream was to be the best mom and wife that I could be and that I could not do that working a normal nine to five job.” Samantha then embarked on her journey of owning her own business. “Initially this was built on the amazing relationships I had developed over the years with ex-employers, colleagues, family, and friends, who became my first clients and are still clients today. I wouldn’t be where I am today if they hadn’t put their faith in me.” In commenting on her current work/life balance she says that she does not believe that anyone has achieved balance. “Having my own business is a plus as I am able to choose my own work hours. My favourite place to be is on the side of the rugby field, netball court or cricket field. I am that crazy mom who shouts on the side of the field… The trade off is that I often have to work to 12 at night or 1 o’clock in the morning and I may work during weekends.” Samantha’s goal is to have an impact on the world. “Our dream is that no brand, big or small, in South Africa ever has to go unbranded or unheard. We are committed to keeping our costs low and competitive while still providing the quality that our clients have come to know and enjoy.” Business success, says Samantha, is defined by the point where you stop worrying about cash flow. “Your dream has got to be bigger than your business. It is about when you have the money to make a tangible difference in other people’s lives. Going forward being able to help micro entrepreneurs and making a tangible business difference for them for free would be our dream.” She attributes her success to being surrounded by incredible women her entire life. “My gran was a single mother who raised three daughters and is the stalwart of the family. My mother never pursued tertiary education but was ambitions and very successful. I also have strong willed and amazing women business partners who all have a strong sense of accountability.” Samantha’s advice to other aspiring business owners is to not let anyone squash your dreams. “People need to pursue their dreams with courage and perseverance and do what 99% of people are not prepared to do. I think that is what makes you successful. Pushing a little further.”

The Wend, is a mental wellness solution involving Virtual Reality (VR). ‘Wend’ is a traditional English word meaning to travel in an indirect route to a destination. “The Wend helps you to get to where you want to go, for example, experience the Northern Lights, without having to sacrifice too much – not many people have the luxury of physically being able to get up and go,” smiles Melloney. Through VR people can participate in an immersive 3600 real environment based on nature. By using a headset and real footage you are able to transport yourself to another world of your choosing such as the beach, Mount Everest, or even swimming with dolphins. Your brain perceives the experience as real which allows you to gain the physical benefits. This can be compared to a forced mediation and consequently your body produces antioxidants that rejuvenate you, keeping you healthy and stronger, while increasing your energy levels. “There are all these wonderful environments that can naturally heal you. That kind of gift for people is something that I am extremely passionate about,” says Melloney. The Wend is the first company in South Africa to conceptualise the use of this technology for addressing mental ill health such as depression, stress and anxiety. “We came up with this concept of allowing a person to escape and to use virtual reality as a mental health solution. When we came up with the idea, we were the first in the world in the spa and wellness industry,” she explained. Since then the use of VR has boomed internationally with many other companies offering similar products. The Wend’s evolution is a concept that took hold when Melloney was struggling to overcome the trauma downward spiral of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She was at a point of desperation, “needing to escape, get strong again and find healing from the inside”, when the appropriateness of this technology occurred to her. Melloney is now offering the medical proven healing therapies and relaxation to the medical industry with the focus on, mental wellness, pain relief, pre/post procedure anxieties, rehabilitation, and many other wellness areas. The products are also available for patients experiencing boredom while having treatments, recovering in hospital, or waiting in doctors’ rooms for scheduled appointments. From a corporate point of view, VR is a wonderful tool for inclusion in an employee wellness programme with a focus on investing in mental health. VR can be used as part of a daily routine as the experience only takes ten to fifteen minutes to get the desired results. This intervention allows employees to lead a happier life at work and at home ensuring that their social interactions are improved and their focus much clearer. With clearer minds employees are able to be more productive and creative. VR videos can also be customised for educational and orientational purposes in a range of different applications, such as hospital tours, staff orientation, team building, and product marketing among other uses. “When you put the headset on you feel the benefits – it is an investment in us as a human race,” concluded Melloney. T: +27 (0)31 035 0130 E: hello@the wend.co.za W: www.thewend.co.za

Geek Managed Services is a technology services business with 25 years of experience in providing connectivity solutions, IT management, cyber security solutions and cloud centric services to small to medium businesses. “We are not your traditional IT services provider; we may be able to provide those traditional services solutions, but we always aim to do so in a very humancentric way. I think that this is a core differentiator for us in this market,” says Kemlyn Pillay, general manager, Geek Managed Services. Pillay added that Geek Managed Services has cracked the code in supplying IT services that are based on the philosophy of Human Tech Solved. “What that is that we are a team of eternally curious people. We don’t just show up at work and try to close tickets. We are curious about solving our customers’ problems and we are driven to solve our customers unmet and unarticulated needs with great tech solutions. I like to say that we are customer obsessed and hyper focused on the customer experience with us.” Geek Managed Services strives to build relationships with its customers as a partner in their businesses. The team makes a point of trying to empower their customers and getting them to use the technology at their fingertips a lot better and enjoy what is provided to them. “We are able to align your technology with your business aspirations. Rather than being a hindrance and a cost factor in your business we want to be an enabler. There is a professionalism that is needed in the growing Durban market – and this has been a very proud thing for us to champion in the tech industry,” explains Pillay. Geek Managed Services is a Microsoft Gold Partner and has five cloud competencies across multiple cloud disciplines namely Microsoft Cloud Platform, Data Analytics, Datacenter, Application Development and Small & Midmarket Cloud Solutions. “We are very proud of our status as a Microsoft Gold Partner and we are always pushing ourselves to learn more and grow our roles and our business solutions. We always want to solve the modern workday problems with awesome cloud solutions.” In the current workplace environment, Geek Managed Services have had to come up with new solutions and its Virtual Managed Service is a current service offering which also responds to Covid -19 considerations. This service takes care of all your IT and technology services in the business at a fixed cost per device. This includes cloud applications and modern workplace requirements through Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Solutions. Cyber security is managed with Black Fog. Geek Managed Services has a custom application which is called Virtual Geek and that is a device management tool that is used to provide proactive and routine maintenance for businesses. All devices such as laptops and desktop computers can be taken care of with this application. “The great news is that wherever your team is, we can take care of your IT needs without having to be in front of you or in your business premises,” added Pillay. In addition, Geek Managed Services hosts virtual workshops for its customers. These sessions cover a range of topics from general home wi-fi trouble shooting issues, to how to get the most out of your home internet, to data privacy and protecting your company’s data. The details of the workshops are available on the Geek Managed Services website. These are also offered in person to businesses if required – with all Covid-19 precautions in place. “Most of our clients start with an initial consultation where we get to know the business and the “pain points” and then we can recommend a workshop to enable your business and team to be more efficient as well as can save you money through better use of technology. Adoption of technology is key nowadays and a lot of businesses don’t realise that’s what makes a difference,” concluded Pillay. All of Geek Managed Services are available on their website and their app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store. Contact T: +27 (0)31 566 8080 E: support@geekms.co.za W: www.geekms.co.za

Grant Adlam is currently the driving force behind KwaZulu-Natal Top Business and has been in the marketing and publishing sector for over 35 years. Much of this time has been involved in promoting the businesses, brands and people of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. “Being born in Pietermaritzburg ensures that this is province that I am passionate about seeing succeed,” says Adlam. “As an influencer in the business environment, my team and I create content or co-create customer focused content to support brands, endorse products and services with the intent to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Influencing is about connecting brands with people and we use a variety of media platforms to communicate including print, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and Vimeo. KZN Top Business has several products that share business insight and company information. The current multimedia initiatives include KZN Business Sense, KZN Top Business Portfolio, KZN Leaders, and KZN Top Business Women. The “Coffee with Grant” series offer informal discussions with leading businesspeople about their products and services. These interviews are posted on the youtube account ( www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness ). Written articles that support the video content are available in Business Sense and on our social media platforms. Follow the QR links at the end of each article to watch the video. In collaboration with Roshan Morar, chairman of Morar Incorporated and David White CEO of DRG Outsourcing, KZN Top Business recently hosted a highly successful business leaders’ webinar “Business Leadership Shaping the Future”. ( www.facebook.com/MorarInc/videos/654060538645353 ) We look forward to our next leaders’ webinar, details of which will be posted shortly. If you would like to have an interview through our video series “Coffee with Grant” or become an editorial partner in KZN Business Sense, your first step is to call Tracy at our office on +27 (0)31 701 1445 or better still email her on tracy@topbusiness.co.za . “Let’s set the appointment up to have a chat. This can be through Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp or even an old fashioned phone call, but let’s have that conversation, ‘ concluded Adlam.

Sibusiso Mazibuko’s roots are in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. He was born in Pietermaritzburg and then later settled close to Durban in Umlazi township. Mazibuko describes himself as a crazy person who likes challenges. “My life has been long and interesting – and I have been encouraged by a number of people to write a book about it,” he says. Over his business career he says, “I think I am a born entrepreneur.” While still at school he bought his own bicycle through selling sweets and other items to his fellow learners. At university he was able to afford his own car through his diligent efforts. Mazibuko did not complete his studies as he became politically active and joined Umkhonto we Sizwe when he was 18 years old. This was an underground unit that was launched in 1961 as an armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). His particular unit, Butterfly, was very important in the liberation struggle. In 1985, although badly injured, Mazibuko, through the grace of God, survived a bomb explosion where he lost two friends. He was subsequently deployed into various countries, the last of which was Madagascar. Here he was the head of Radio Freedom - the radio broadcast arm of the ANC. With the ending of apartheid, Radio Freedom ceased to operate. After returning to South Africa from exile, Mazibuko was involved in the development of the YFM radio station, which is still one of the most popular youth stations in South Africa. He also participated in the creation of a large media house - United Allies Media. Since then, Mazibuko commented that he had been involved in many enterprises, some of which had been successful and others not. “Life is not always smooth,” he explains. These enterprises included agriculture and fish farming to promote food security. The development of the Cato Ridge Dry Port is his current focus. The motivation for this project is in his desire to uplift the local community of Cato Ridge. The project’s goal is the establishment of the Cato Ridge Intermodal Facility and Logistics Hub. “This is a community driven catalytic project which is of strategic importance to both the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and nationally. “I am not an honorary chairman, I am hands on, that is very important. I deal with strategic matters of the entire project including investment,” says Mazibuko. He has assembled a dedicated team of people who are passionate and are striving for the success of the project. He added that his role can be described as a ‘donkey’ one which is slow and methodical but will get the task completed before his presence is realised. “I don’t believe in shortcuts,” he commented. Mazibuko emphasized that the projects would have not been able to progress without the buy in from the province and at a national level. The stakeholders include KwaZuluNatal Premier Sihle Zikalala, the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini Municipality, Transnet as well as the Amaximba community. “We are all proud that the project has now reached this level of recognition,” he commented. Significantly, the role of the community is not a rubberstamping exercise but a serious presence with whom constant engagement has occurred. Commenting on the plans for the logistics hub, Mazibuko said everyone will smile. “We have serious plans for the community. We will be building a state-of-the-art hospital and an innovation centre which will assist with training youth to be employed in the logistics hub. The goal is to make this area the “Midrand” of KwaZulu-Natal,” he concluded.

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION FACILITY UNDER DEVELOPMENT The Cato Ridge Logistics and Intermodal Hub, now more aptly referred to as the Cato Ridge Dry Port (CRDP), has been the topic of discussion in the transportation and logistics corridors for many years. Some of the views expressed by those who call themselves industry specialists are that Cato Ridge is an ideal location as an intermodal, or even a multimodal transportation facility. ADVANTAGEOUS LOCATION The location on a strategic intersection of the Natcor railway line, the N3 freeway and the soon to be decommissioned Durban Johannesburg Pipeline (DJP) and positioned between the busiest port and the primary economic node on the African continent, certainly supports this view. There have also been many prophets of doom, claiming this location to be either too far or too close to the Port of Durban to make economic, or logistical sense, predicting that a dry port in Cato Ridge will never see the light of day. However, for those who use the truck congested N3 freeway, for those who work, live or play in the vicinity of the ‘back of port’ area, for those who sit, work and even live in their trucks for days on end, waiting to either collect or drop off cargo in the port, or those logistics operators and traders who have to cope with increasing costs and decreasing predictability and reliability, there is stark realisation that the status quo is not sustainable. Understanding that the Port of Durban has very limited scope for expansion, especially for back of port activities and onsite freight handling, that the over reliance on road freight and a skewed road to rail ratio is further stifling or smothering the port and that if we are already struggling to cope with existing freight volumes, how are we ever going to cope with doubled volumes in the not too distant future, then one has come to understand the logic of the Cato Ridge Dry Port. The area of Cato Ridge with its surrounding, predominantly rural and impoverished AmaXimba Community, located roughly midway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, presents a series of unique social, economic, environmental and spatial challenges and opportunities. Merging the social needs surrounding this area, with the vast economic potential, stimulated by transportation, logistics and manufacturing sectors and executed in an environmentally sustainable manner, presents an opportunity too good to be ignored by both government and business interests. DEVELOPING THE DREAM It is against this background that the Cato Ridge Logistics Hub Consortium (CRLHC) as the project owners and developers, acting on behalf of and representing the AmaXimba Community in this development, has conceptualised, planned, packaged and is now in the process of developing and even operationalising this dream. Those who described this as “a pipe dream”, are now waking up to a reality where the Dry Port is ready to start operations and where: · A business structuring model, with clear community ownership and involvement, has been concluded between CRLHC and the AmaXimba Development Trust (ADT). · Optimal coordination, alignment and integration is facilitated, and regulatory applications are processed, with the support of a Project Facilitation Team, co-convened by Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Chief Operations Officer. · A land purchasing framework has been developed to secure phased access to short, medium, and longer term development phases of the project · A heads of agreement between CRLHC and Transnet, which outlines the respective roles and responsibilities and various operational modalities in respect of rail and terminal facilities, is in the final phases of conclusion and is ready for signing · A heads of agreement between CRLHC and Engen has been concluded in respect of the development of a truck stop and staging facility · The conceptual design for the new KwaXimba N3 Interchange has been concluded and environmental impact assessment for this strategic intermodal infrastructure component is soon to be completed · A bulk services agreement between CRLHC and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is being negotiated and is facilitated by the eThekwini Chief of Operations Office; and last but definitely not least · A transformation strategy has been developed in full collaboration and in partnership with the AmaXimba Development Trust, representing the community and recognising their ownership in the project, to guide the implementation of community development and empowerment programmes and projects. PROJECT COMPOSITION The Cato Ridge Dry Port is a R18 billion project to be rolled out over the next 25 to 30 years and is comprised of: · An interim rail terminal to handle approximately 90K TEUs per annum, to be expanded to a fully-fledged dry port intermodal facility with capacity to handle 500K TEUs. This will be supported by SARS customs services to manage freight clearance and bonded warehousing facilities · A truck stop and staging facility to accommodate 300 parking bays with all ancillary support structures for drivers, as well as vehicle maintenance and testing · Logistics parks to accommodate warehousing, freight handling logistics and freight preparation facilities · An industrial park to accommodate manufacturing opportunities presented by its close proximity to the Dry Port and Logistics land uses; and in the longer term · A tank farm as a strategic fuel storage facility. It is important to conclude by emphasising that the CRLHC is implementing this project as an agent of the community and the community is not merely regarded as an incidental beneficiary of the development. The community owns this development in partnership with its development agent, the CRLHC. W: www.crlhc.co.za

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes this opportunity to support our City as eThekwini Municipality takes specific action to collaborate with the business community to find solutions that address our ailing economy. Over the years, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry has partnered with eThekwini Municipality on numerous initiatives and will continue to work and engage with the City to ensure that Durban is a conducive environment in which to do business. Our key ambition is to help revive, revitalise and preserve the City so that we can truly live up to our City’s vision to be Africa’s Most Caring and Liveable City. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes there needs to be stronger cooperation and collaboration between the private and public sectors to facilitate the recovery of our economy. Hence, the Durban Chamber strongly supports the establishment of the eThekwini Economic Council. As organised business, we are optimistic that this compact will help facilitate relevant strategic industry inputs and insights into economic development policy and also promote creative and innovative solutions to pressing economic issues. We call on all our members to take advantage of the opportunity to engage the eThekwini Economic Council through the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and strive to make a Durban a better place for all. For more info, contact the Durban Chamber on T: =27 (0)31 335 1000 E: info@durbanchamber.co.za Website: www.durbanchamber.co.za

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala welcomed Honorary Consul General of Indonesia, Ebrahim Patel at an event held on 29 September 2020. Patel will be based in the province, in Durban, and will serve as the link for the two countries to assist them to grow in various aspects. Premier Zikalala said it is important to continue to uphold and preserve the values and beneficial relations with international communities. He said South Africa has a longstanding relationship with the Republic of Indonesia as the two countries share common values of prosperity and safety for all. “Indonesia is a strategic country to develop close ties in education and economic stimulation as it is known for trade and social engagement. As we further cement working relationships with Indonesia, we are creating an opportunity for economic and social growth in both countries,” he said. Representing eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, eThekwini Speaker Councillor Weziwe Thusi said the establishment of the Consulate General in the City will strengthen the productive relationship and cooperation between the two countries. “We are reinforcing mutual linkages with various countries for the benefit of the people of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. City leadership will be working closely with Honorary Patel on agreed areas of cooperation for the benefit of the people,” said Councillor Thusi. She said the close cooperation will rebuild economies post Covid-19 and will achieve developmental goals to better the lives of residents. The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Salam Al Farisi said the cooperation must reflect on sharing experiences in order to develop the economy of both countries.

In order to bring change into business, capital investment projects are continuously being sort. This allows for the expansion of business, either to develop a new product that may be sold; or in fact improve manufacturing processes to reduce operational expenditure. Mankind has been involved in projects since the construction of the great pyramids. These complex projects were managed without any of the sophisticated technology available today. However, in modern society, the nature of projects and the environments in which they exist have changed significantly. Many modern projects involve challenges in terms of technical complexity, cost constraints, resource constraints, environmental uncertainty, and demanding time schedules in order to ensure maximised production. Currently, organisations around the world face high project implementation failure rates, resulting in millions being wasted. Despite the availability of project management tools, techniques and technology, mega-projects are still running overdue and over budget. Projects in the oil and gas industry are at the forefront to building economies and hence organisations need to ensure due diligence in all aspects. It is a common misconception in the gas industry that imported gas equipment will automatically be suitable for use in the South African gas market. This is especially true when the importer foresees ‘potential savings’. Currently there is a gap that needs to be addressed by the local gas association which will ensure that international companies understand minimum South African compliance requirements. The user and importer of gas equipment should equip themselves with the relevant standards, regulations and regulatory body requirements before import considerations. These include: · South African National Standards (SANS) 329 which addresses the requirements for industrial thermoprocessing equipment. · Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER) which is part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. · The Safe Gas Equipment Scheme (SGES) which governs all imported natural gas equipment. This scheme was established by the South African Gas Association (SAGA) to ensure that all equipment meets acceptable standards. As recently as 2019, there have been various cases of customers who have had to incur additional costs in excess of 12% of their total procurement costs due to rework of the imported gas systems that did not comply with local requirements. The project delays due to rework also contribute to the missed opportunity of not commissioning the plant timeously. In a recent case study, the following was discovered: · Customer imported equipment from China · Gas trains and pipeline were designed according to Chinese standards · Burners did not have name plates nor technical data · No mechanical flow diagrams · No data packs available · This resulted in: · Failure of the Authorised Gas Practitioner to issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) · Discarding of 70% of the procured equipment · Over expenditure of approximately half a million rand as a result of rework The consequences of noncompliance, apart from criminal charges for not adhering to the law, often include delays in commissioning, negative reputational impact, loss of potential opportunities and increased expenditure emanating from rework. This costly exercise could have been prevented had the respective advisors been consulted prior to embarking on such a significant project investment. SLG’s customer value proposition goes beyond gas supply: technical feasibility studies, regulatory licenses, installations, commissioning and postinstallation technical and safety training are facilitated by SLG as value added services. Website: www.slgas.co.za #KZNbusinesssense #slg

Mthoko Mbatha was the Group CEO of SLG (Pty) Ltd, the second largest trading company of Natural Gas in South Africa. SLG is an award winning 100% black owned company, which commenced its operation in July 2002. Mthoko Mbatha was seconded to Spring Lights Gas in 2004 where his long and illustrious career in the gas industry really started to blossom. It was Mthoko Mbatha who led the growth of Spring Lights Gas from a company with 18 customers to the giant that the company is today in the natural gas industry. His career saw him grow from an energy advisor to sales manager in a relatively short space of time. He crowned his career progression with being the first of the Spring Lights Gas employees to study and graduate with an MBA from Mancosa (with Distinction), while managing the sales department of a fast growing black owned and managed company in a very tough and legacy driven industry. Something that was no small feat to achieve. Mthoko Mbatha worked diligently, with absolute distinction and professionalism, creating not only the brand of SLG his own personal brand that was underpinned by humility, professionalism, compassion and absolute dedication to his craft. When the time had come and at an age of only 42, he was rewarded with the appointment to Group CEO and Executive Director of the SLG Group, which is the second largest natural gas trading company in South Africa and also owns the largest Compressed Natural Gas facility in Southern Africa. Mthoko Mbatha spent 16 illustrious years at SLG where he touched thousands of lives in ways that are indelible, unforgettable and absolutely profound, forming deep professional relationships. He had a gift and an ability to make everyone around him feel important, valued, heard, appreciated and respected through his unwavering humility and warmth, no matter the issue, place or nature of the engagement. Informed by his approach to business, which was very much customer and people centricity, Mthoko Mbatha said that the company’s future was contingent on the success of its customers in their respective sectors. He added that it was imperative that SLG’s customers were understood in order for the company to create value for its customers. Mthoko Mbatha was personally vested in the company’s social investment programme. He had a passion for the execution of projects aimed at the development of maths and science in historically disadvantaged schools. Mthoko Mbatha always took great pride in his staff. He said, “Our staff are our most valuable assets and we continually bolster their knowledge by ensuring that they engage the latest industry developments and trends. Hence, our “People First” ethos underpins every aspect of our operations especially our interaction with our customers, suppliers, employees, regulatory bodies and communities within which Mthoko Mbatha we operate.” Mthoko Mbatha Memorial Service #KZNbusinesssense #slg

The idea of revolutionising township and rural businesses, through the digitization of their products and services, was conceptualised by Jonathan Naidoo, CEO of SmartXchange. The call for a national lockdown forced businesses to halt trading, with a resultant loss of income, which impacted negatively on their sustainability. Township businesses specifically were unable to operate, while their counterparts in urban areas continued business with online sales supported by reliable internet connectivity. As the impact on township businesses became more obvious, it was clear that the lack of participation in a digital economy was the crippling factor which contributed to the inability to trade, deliver and market products and services. The SiYa DiGiTiza Project was thus conceptualised as an enabler that would boost township businesses and ensure their sustainability and growth. SmartXchange rallied a team of vibrant young innovators to co-create a solution that would lead to and enhance the visibility of small business on an online platform, allowing them to trade, grow and become financially stronger. The four-day Pilot Programme was rolled out by the team from SmartXchange in Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (PINK) Precinct on 19 to 22 October 2020 and it was supported by the eThekwini Municipality and the Moses Kotane Institute. This Pilot Programme was hugely successful as SMMEs streamed in to register their companies on the online digital platforms. The innovators and participants on the SiYa DiGiTiza Project Team are all SMMEs who are incubates who are being funded and supported by SmartXchange to roll out this project that seeks to digitize 1000 companies in the first phase. The companies that are directly involved in the digitization are SMEPlus and Tag Your Delivery. The project is further supported by media companies Mzansi Smart Online TV, EITA Township Digital Radio Station, BlaqLife Radio and TV, Innovation DNA and Gabisa TV, who will provide online marketing exposure for the digitized businesses. The project is underpinned by an internet connectivity solution from AdNotes who will provide efficient, reliable and cheap internet connectivity to township and rural areas using TV White Spaces. SMEPlus has developed an exciting Digital Business Directory (DBD) built to help small businesses grow their customers on an online platform. Their mission is to make sure township businesses are digitized and listed on the DBD. This is achieved through consultation with SMMEs in terms of checking their compliance and assessing their business processes. Following on this consultation, they are then listed on the directory and offered a business management app to help them run their business smoothly. The directory maintains its effectiveness through delisting all non-compliant and inactive SMMEs, thus guaranteeing that all the buyers get to procure from credible businesses. Customers are also allowed to rate the quality of services/products which will serve as a good indicator to other potential customers. All the data is stored in a highly secure server supported by a backup server to make sure that everything works regardless of any unplanned challenges. Tag Your Delivery is an online goods and service delivery mobile and web based application system that makes it possible for people to order products of their choice online from several selections of products and professional services that are available on the business mobile app and website. Tag Your Delivery stands to serve township and rural businesses in a bid to enhance their online presence. Their aim is also to empower township and rural businesses, bridging the technological divide between them, their customers and large enterprises. AdNotes is a telecom company licensed by ICASA to operate and provide internet services using TV White Spaces (TVWS) where TVWS refers to the unused TV channels in any given area. With AdNotes TVWS deployment, these vacant channels can be converted into wireless broadband internet. This innovative technology can connect unconnected communities in the rural and township areas. The provision of this level of connectivity will enable township and rural economies to operate effectively on digital platforms. Mzansi Smart TV is an online TV channel that aims to expose local content to the world. With a current following of 3 000 viewers on their social media platforms they boast viewership of over 6000 on their TV channel. Their role in the SiYa DiGiTiza campaign is to expose local businesses to the broader market, by filming and marketing their businesses on their online television station and social media sites, guaranteeing them visibility and leveraging their marketability in the digital space. BLaqLife is a leading local broadcaster catering for music fans through music, TV, artist interviews, exclusive downloads and events coverage. It is a platform where creative inspiration meets technological innovation, whilst strengthening the civic and cultural life of the communities they serve. BlaqLife will support the SiYa DiGiTiza campaign through the marketing exposure it will provide to the participating small businesses. Innovation DNA specialises in visual content creation and distribution. The company is supporting the SiYa DiGiTiza campaign through their Innovation DNA capability which will focus on documenting innovative businesses in rural and township economies through in-depth interviews. The aim of Innovation DNA is to capture the journey of SMMEs, profiling their successes stories and providing insight on challenges and how to overcome them as they traverse this challenging landscape. Eita Township Digital Radio is an online based township radio, currently situated in Durban Central focusing on township life. Eita Radio is the Townships’ First Voice and it will support the SiYa DiGiTiZa Project by providing coverage on township SMMEs, business events and related activities. Gabisa TV is a multimedia communications services company that specialises in television & video production. The television channel will cover the SiYa DiGiTiZa Project and profile SMMEs. The project is well placed to bridge the gap between the township/rural and urban divide and will play a pivotal role in sustaining the historically marginalised township and rural economies. There is a need to reach out to more townships and rural enterprises as there is a clear demand for the technological offerings of the project. This uniquely orchestrated game changer offers township and rural SMMEs a better prospect for economic growth and job creation by using a bottom up approach to bring historically neglected areas into the main -stream economy. Project SiYa DiGiTiZa will allow millions of township and rural based SMMEs to use technology to grow their businesses and transform them by giving them access to greater economic opportunities, learning, information and services. T: +27 31 307 1988 E: abegail@smartxchange.co.za W: www.smartxchange.co.za