Robbery has one of the highest crime rates in the world and there are some cases of a bank heist that already happened in other parts of the country. Banks have mostly been the target of robbery, and are required to obtain security within the whole place. This is why security guards have a very important role to secure everyone in the facility to prevent such harm and crime that could possibly happen. 1. Skills and Knowledge It is important to be skilled and knowledgeable in the workplace. Security guards must be trained well in handling armed guns, so they will be prepared when threats happen in a bank. Bank security guards need to be alert in their job and knowledgeable on how operation happens in the bank or the work system of the banks. 2. You Can Count on Them Security guards are not only there to prevent the crime inside the bank, but they also need to be approachable to the customers. They help customers who have some minor inquiries of what to do and what forms to fill-up, especially first-timers in the bank system. They also assist people who register for an ATM card, debit card, credit cards, or money encashments. 3. Secures The Money Security guards have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the money that arrives in the bank. They are also responsible for assisting and transferring the money from the armored vehicle to the bank’s vault. 4. Protect Everyone Aside from what was mentioned in the previous points, every security guard’s main role is to secure the safety of everyone in the facility of the bank. So, it means it counts from making sure that the bank employees, customers, and all the assets of the bank are safe from criminal acts in the facility. They must be alert at all times from any potential threats around the place. If a threat happens, they protect first the people, then helps to stop the crime and report it immediately to the authorities. When the authorities are not yet available in the area, security guards are allowed to take defense against the criminals in order to protect the people and the establishment. At the end of the day, every security guard plays a big role in every bank and even in any establishment. Their presence and what they do to obtain safety in the area is important and should not be neglected. Article Credit: https://www.corinthiansgroup.com/the-importance-of-security-guards-in-banking-offices/

GIBS MBA (Manufacturing Focus) The Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) was established in 2018 with a single vision: an industrialised Africa built on world-class manufacturing capabilities. To realise this vision, TWIMS has partnered with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to offer a suite of academically accredited programmes designed to build manufacturing management capabilities in South Africa and more widely into Africa. Our apex management qualification is the GIBS MBA (with a focus on manufacturing). This prestigious qualification is delivered exclusively at TWIMS’ state-of-the-art campus in Kloof, Durban. The programme comprises “the best of two worlds”: general management skills development, per the standard, globally accredited, GIBS MBA, blended with manufacturing electives covering Industry 4.0, Green economy, Lean production, and African trade and industrialisation challenges and opportunities. It also includes a manufacturing-focused global module and the completion of a manufacturing focused dissertation. TWIMS Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship TWIMS is acutely aware of the complex operating environment facing South African based manufacturers and acknowledges that many deserving individuals are unable to pursue the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus) due to financial constraints. In response to this challenge, TWIMS is honoured to be able to offer such individuals the opportunity to apply for the Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship. As a result of a generous endowment from the Toyota South Africa Educational Trust, TWIMS is able to fund up to twenty Manufacturing Ambassador scholarships in 2023. The scholarship covers 50% of tuition, textbooks and residency costs at TWIMS during block-release and exam periods in the PGDip year, and 70% in the MBA year. 70% of the cost of the compulsory global module is also covered. Residency benefits are, however, only for those scholarship recipients who live outside of Durban. The total value of the scholarship is substantial: Up to R333,000 over the two-year MBA period. This means that scholarship recipients will need to fund up to R196,000 of their own studies. The student contribution may be paid by the scholarship recipients directly or by the companies the individuals work for. TWIMS Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship TWIMS Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarships will only be granted to fully deserving candidates of exceptional talent, and with a demonstrated, deep commitment to African industrialisation. Scholarship recipients will be required to adhere to the highest ethical standards over the duration of their studies and operate as “goodwill” ambassadors of both TWIMS and the GIBS MBA (with a focus on manufacturing). Scholarship recipients will need to sign a scholarship contract indicating their adherence to scholarship rules and associated obligations. Download for qualification criteria: Further Information Further information on the MBA (with a focus on manufacturing) and the TWIMS Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship process can be secured by attending one of the GIBS MBA (with a focus on manufacturing) open evenings hosted monthly at TWIMS. Finally, it is critical to note that up to twenty scholarships will be awarded annually, and that further opportunities to apply for the scholarship will be available for subsequent annual intakes. Applicants who are unsuccessful for the 2023 intake may apply again for the 2024 intake. TWIMS | Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (twimsafrica.com)

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SPRING Light Gas (SLG) celebrated 20 years of supplying piped and compressed natural gas to customers across South Africa at a gala dinner event on Friday. Natural gas is seen as an alternative to liquefied petroleum gas for heating products and producing energy. Deon Dhlomo, chairperson of the SLG board, said that from humble beginnings in 2002 when the com[1]pany had a few staff members, it had grown to become one of the larger suppliers of piped natural gas in South Africa and the largest supplier of com[1]pressed natural gas in southern Africa. “SLG started with humble beginnings in 2002 with a few customers in Durban South and three or four staff members. It grew significantly over the next 10 years from Durban South to the rest of KwaZulu-Natal and became quite attractive to external investors. “SLG supplies companies like Toyota, and we previously supplied Engen and Sapref, who are currently not operational. We are also proud to supply Hulamin in Pietermaritzburg, which is one of the first companies that is supplied compressed natural gas via specialised skids.” Dhlomo added that as part of the company’s corporate social investment (CSI), they decided to assist schools, specifically with maths and science. “We can assist in terms of helping with equipment and helping teachers. We have spent at least R20 million as part of our CSI, refurbishing schools, providing science laboratory equip[1]ment and iPads. We also have schools approach us and we can sit down and see how we can assist them. “We have helped about 150 schools and impacted 30 000 learners. We also continue to help small and medium-sized enterprises with grants and loans. We also have provided learnerships and bursaries to assist the youth and deserving individuals”. The gala dinner was also attended by the head of department for the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nhlakanipho Nkontwana. He said it was encouraging to see a black-owned company doing so well. “As the KwaZulu-Natal government, we have taken a resolution to build more industries and manufacture more commodities so that we can grow this economy. SLG is one of the key stakeholders that we want to work with, and we are very proud of this milestone for the company given the current economic climate which includes the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, July 2021 unrest and the April floods.” Nkontwana added that SLG must be praised for their commitment to invest in KZN over the past 20 years. Non-executive directors of SLG also congratulated the company on their milestone. Kgotlelelo Rantloane from Ata Capital said that SLG holds “a special place in our heart”. “For as long we have been involved in SLG is how long our business has been going. “We got involved in this busness by backing two gentlemen who wanted to buy into SLG. The success of our business was very dependent on the success of SLG, had this not worked out we would not be around today.” Bekithemba Moyo, from the SLG board, said that he wants to congratulate the company on the “incredible milestone”. “We are proud of our growth and know that SLG will be around for many years to come.” Article by: YOGASHEN PILLAY yogashen.pillay@inl.co.za

Digital Twin Consulting is helping international carpet manufacturer BelgoTex to streamline its internal processes to create significant efficiencies with the deployment of ‘Pigeon’, Digital Twin’s cellular IoT Edge device. An essential ingredient in designing production layouts and processes that increase productivity, eliminate wastefulness, and reduce costs while also maintaining quality is the ability to measure performance at each manufacturing step and to understand systems-level interactions. By automating this process, and centrally reporting the results and inputs throughout the carpet manufacturing plant through the quick deployment of a Cloud-based industrial monitoring solution, Digital Twin Consulting combines Thingstream, u-blox’s IoT communication services to extract the hidden value of operations at BelgoTex. Specifically, Digital Twin has enabled BelgoTex to achieve the following: A real (or near real) visibility of energy and productivity metrics across vertically integrated processes • An improved environmental performance • An increased performance in asset utilisation • A reduction in operating expenses and waste As Richard Creighton, CEO, Digital Twin, explained: “Pigeon provides the quick deployment of cellular connectivity that we need in challenging environments such as traditional manufacturing plants. u-blox’s Thingstream makes it simple to get IoT data from the device to Cloud management platform where we can transform and optimise the plant and deliver a true return on assets.’’ Said Ed Colle, CEO of Belgotex: “Layering tech into a traditional manufacturing environment is exhilarating because you know you are going to see your world through a new lens, but finding the right partner that appreciates culture, has the emotional intelligence to leverage what has worked well and make it more dynamic is truly unique. The value we have been able to unlock together is incredibly powerful!” Credit: iot insider - SAM HOLLAND

Founder of Funky Pants Tracy Harker is Funky Pants. Tracy grew up in Johannesburg; once she finished school, she did some travelling and ended up in Durban where she met her husband, Billy. Tracy says that Funky Pants was not a planned venture, but that she was inspired by her husband to start the business. “When we first started making pants, they were only for paddlers, and we use to get someone to make them. They were awful, they were like grandpa pants – long, baggy, and hanging. So, I started adjusting the pattern and made them so that when Billy and myself wore the pants, we were comfortable while wearing them. We both have got different bodies and we want the best and that’s what we worked on until we were happy. We were wearing them, and we were trying them out and we were adjusting them to what we wanted – fully lined mid-thigh length, paddling tights. So, it’s our comfort, it’s our product that we want to wear at races,” explained Tracy. The pants turned into Tracy’s funky pants, which turned into Funky Pants. First in the world Tracy and Billy used to organise surf ski paddling races and gave away ‘Funky Pants’ as prizes to the paddlers. They were soon asked to bring the ‘Funky Pants’ to events. The first time the Harkers took them to an event, they were supposed to take twenty pairs, however they took two hundred pairs, which much to Tracy’s shock, were all sold out at the first registration party. “That’s the first time we realised that this is the direction in which we should go. In 2004, when we started bringing out the Funky Pants in bright colours, we just happened to be one of the first in the world to come to the table with the bright funky, ridiculously comfy funky pants,” says Tracy. The Funky Pants brand has since grown into catering for other sporting disciplines. These include cycling, running, trail running, gym, and yoga. The brand has also expanded into manufacturing swimming costumes. Have your own paths Being in business with her husband has been a challenge that Tracy has had to overcome. “We went through a whole process in the beginning especially. We had to figure out a way to work together. You’re in each other’s space all day. You eat together, sleep together, play together, you do everything together, so you need to have your own paths. Billy does his job and I do my job and we don’t interfere with each other and as long as it stays like that, then it’s a happy place. He’s got his good qualities, which we need and my qualities, which we also need; that’s how we run the business.” In addition, says Tracy, “I have always been sporty and I’m very capable at doing anything, I think. My husband and I are always challenging each other, and I do have to say that I am beating him at a lot of things…” In order to get the business started, Tracy and Billy needed to do the long haul and went to every sporting event they could. “We’ve sat there, we’ve done everything ourselves,” said Tracy. “Billy and I are a ‘mom and pop’ business operating from our garage in Durban North. If anyone comes to us with any problem, we will do our best to sort it out. We will handle it personally and I don’t think that you can get that service at most places. My dad helps us, and we’ve only recently increased our staff complement and got some lovely girls to work with us. We’re a little family, but we’ve always being hands-on, and it really does make a difference.” Constantly growing The Harker’s have a library of designs and colours that clients can select from for their pants choice, which is constantly growing and is possibly the largest selection in the whole world. Personalised designs for all types of clubs, schools, and teams are available. In addition, Funky Pants are sold internationally. The company has twenty-five agents throughout the world and manufactures kits for international teams and clubs as well. Funky Pants is locally based; the fabric is printed, and the pants are manufactured, in Durban. Funky Pants does like to get involved in different fund raisers and where they can, the Harker’s strive to make a difference. They started by getting involved with the SPCA in Durban and then progressed to the East London SPCA. “We basically make up a print, or they make up a print, and then we manufacture the Funky Pants. We give SPCA R50 for every pair that we sell and it’s just a continuous thing, We like to support them. Funky Pants have also been involved with The Sabrina Love Fund for a few years now and they’ve sold many shorts and received money, which is helping them,” says Tracy. Being happy The future goal for Funky Pants is just to sell more Funky Pants. “As long as we are having a fun lifestyle with lots of memories and being happy as a family, that’s all we really want. We don’t want to turn Funky Pants into a huge empire. What drives me is the kind of things that I enjoy in life and that’s what keeps me going. We’ve got four children, Henry is twelve, Eddie and Lucy are twins, they are nine, and we’ve got the little monster, Charlie, he is seven. They all do many types of sports. Obviously, I am the mom, so to me they are my brilliant little replicas, and they’ve all achieved so much. The kids have been a big part of Funky Pants, they are our little mascots, and they wear Funky Pants non-stop!”

A ground-breaking report into South Africa’s manufacturing sector has reaffirmed what the national Proudly South African campaign has said for more than two decades – buy local to create jobs and grow the economy. Proudly SA commissioned the Pan-African Investment & Research Services team, led by top economist Dr Iraj Adedian, to produce the Revitalising SA’s Manufacturing Sector report. The report analyses the South African manufacturing industry and quantifies its valuable contribution to the country’s economy. The 60-page study is the third in a series of research papers that identifies the sector’s potential in boosting the country’s development, especially on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic and over and above pre-existing challenges. The report finds that a process of de-globalization is at play, partly driven by ongoing global supply chain disruptions, highlighting the need for increased localisation as a means of expansion, security and survival for specific industries. The report includes investment scenarios showing that a mere 10% increase in investment spending in the manufacturing sector could lead, in the medium term, to: · 13% GDP growth · 8% more jobs created · 8.3% overall boost to investment across the economy · 9% jump in tax revenues Calculations of actual numbers of jobs created across all skill levels reveal potential medium-term gains of: · 75 300 new jobs in manufacturing · 11 500 new jobs in mining · 10 100 new jobs in agriculture Local procurement, the report reveals, plays a vital role in the local manufacturing sector and, done correctly, could help bolster the struggling industry. Said Proudly SA CEO, Eustace Mashimbye: “The study confirms what we’ve always said; that we can’t downplay the economic impact of localisation. It gives us a clear sense of what impact there’d be if we started buying local. If you look at the data we’ve now got, it’s a no-brainer.” “We are constantly challenged by naysayers who tell us we must focus only on those industries where we have a competitive advantage, and not worry about localisation. But we can’t condemn people to unemployment forever; these research findings show that we can turn things around by utilising the buying power at our disposal,” said Mashimbye. The views are backed up by the study’s author, Dr Iraj Abedian, who said localisation had now become economically sensible, not just socially and politically. “Manufacturing in SA has huge potential, availability, socio-economic impact, and environmental impact. And SMEs are at the centre of this as the creators of jobs and opportunities. If the government listens and engages more with SMEs, sector by sector, region by region, we can get manufacturing revitalised.” Abedian said SA needed to move away from generalising investment, and instead identify specific opportunities that brought together relevant stakeholders to transform them into success stories. Download the full report here * The Durban leg of the Proudly SA localisation roadshow took place at Bidvest McCarthy Nissan in Umhlanga on Friday, October 14. -Ends- About Proudly SA Proudly South African is the country’s official Buy Local campaign which aims to stimulate much-needed job creation and retention in our country through lobbying for and promotion of local goods, services, and industries. Proudly SA lobbies the public and private sectors to increase levels of local procurement through their supply chain structures and encourages consumers to do so through changing their purchasing habits. The organisation is membership-based, and only companies that have been audited and approved are entitled to carry the logo, which symbolises the adherence of that product or service to required local-content thresholds and quality standards. For more information visit www.proudlysa.co.za Issued by: Subashni Govender Head PR & Content: Power LAB subashni.govender@power-lab.co.za On behalf of: Dambisa Maqoga PR Manager: Proudly South African Dambisa@proudlysa.co.za

Hydrate for a cause Cancervive is a unique cancer awareness and education project that was established in response to the dire need for cancer education in South Africa, particularly in rural communities where information is not readily available, nor easily accessible. Cleverly combining the words ‘cancer’ and ‘survive’ to create the name, this project is driven by cancer survivors who passionately believe that life is worth celebrating. They aim to educate in original, impactful and life-changing ways by celebrating victory over the disease and empowering people with the message that ‘early detection saves lives!’ Bhavna Sanker, SPAR brand promotions and advertising manager explains why SPAR decided to get behind Cancervive this Breast Cancer Awareness month. “As a business that values people and strives to create a culture of caring, it was important for SPAR to support Cancervive’s efforts, as they’re so closely aligned with what lies at our core. From 1st to 31st October, a portion of the sale of every SPAR 500ml Still Water with a pink label and cap will be donated to Cancervive to contribute towards further spreading awareness, educating and delivering a message of hope and encouragement to communities.” The annual Cancervive flagship event, an 8-10 day motorcycle ride across South Africa and supported by more than 60 cancer survivors, supporters, crew and media, took place in September. This remarkable feat aims to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection and educate as many people as possible on the signs and symptoms of cancer. The visited communities are also left with the tools to identify the warning signs of the disease and to better understand and care for any cancer patients among them. Using the platforms of dance, music, and poetry to share their cancer stories, Cancervive has been able to break through culture and language barriers for more than twelve years. They’ve travelled 26 000kms to educate thousands of people in 7 different languages, across nine provinces, in schools, communities, factories and hospitals across South Africa. Bhavna concludes, “The Cancervive campaign members share their stories, celebrate life and encourage people with the fact that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically equal a death sentence. They honour those who have lost the battle and raise funds to help fight the disease. We are proud to be a part of this incredible mission and message of hope, and so we encourage our customers to contribute to this incredible cause, by simply purchasing a 500ml bottle of SPAR Still Water with a pink label and cap in October.”

Daring to dream is the greatest skill that a learnership can teach South Africa faces a unique dilemma – we have the highest youth unemployment in the world, yet there is a shortage of skilled people to fill positions in many sectors. Businesses want workers who can hit the ground running, yet matriculants don’t have the skills or the understanding of the work environment to make the required impact. So how do we solve this impasse? According to Sean Sharp, Executive Head of Sales at EduPower Skills Academy, learnerships are the only solution. “Learnerships bridge the gap between school and work. They can provide the essential skills to help young people get onto the employment ladder and once there, build solid career trajectories,” Sean explains. ` In a structured programme, a learnership is typically a 12-month qualification. Through work-based learning, learners sharpen the knowledge and skills needed for a specific job – all of which prepares them for the workplace. But what are the key skills developed by learnerships? Three learners from EduPower explain the five key skills they have acquired during their learnerships: 1. Time Management Time management in the working world is very different from managing your time at school. Buyiswa Mchunu says she joined EduPower with no work experience and had to learn how to manage her time. It’s not only about being on time for work, effective time management is about allocating the right time to the right activity for maximum impact and productivity. 2. Communication Unathi Fihlo says that the work experience component of the learnership at EduPower has allowed her to develop her communication skills. The Academy has a custom-fitted contact centre that can accommodate more than 400 people. What really sets it apart from other skills providers is that the learners work on real campaigns talking to clients and Unathi says she has not only learnt how to speak to different people but to express herself in a clear, more succinct manner too. 3. Problem Solving Another skill that learners quickly develop when working in the Academy’s call centre is problem-solving. Samkelisiwe Ngubane says learning how to approach problems and solve them goes hand-in-hand with communication skills. There is nothing quite like a call centre to make you comfortable with decision-making. It gives you the confidence to identify problems as they arise and come up with effective solutions on the spot! 4. Computer Skills When Unathi started her learnership she had never even powered up a computer before let alone work on one. After only a couple of months though, she is comfortable with a desktop and proficient in several programmes. Digital skills are essential in today’s work environment and with a computer at every workstation, EduPower ensures that each of its learners uses every opportunity to maximise their computer prowess. 5. Learn to Dream, again The most important skill that learnerships can teach is the ability to dream BIG. Samkelisiwe dreams of becoming a journalist because she loves news and also wants to help people who live with disabilities. Unathi’s dream is to open her own creche so she can also create employment opportunities in her community. And Buyiswa wants to be financially free to provide for herself, her child and her mother. Sean says that EduPower not only teaches its learners the skills they need to prepare them for the world of work but also inspires each of its learners to dream, lighting a fire that will change their lives forever. “Learnerships can play a pivotal role in providing opportunities for youngsters and developing the skills and attitudes that businesses need,” Sean explains. More learnerships are however needed to tip the scales and get young South Africans working. “Business can make a fundamental difference by investing in the growth and development of our youth. This will mean business gets the practical skills and theoretical knowledge they need whilst enabling our youth to become skilled, competent, and well-rounded contributors to South Africa’s economy, workforce and communities.” W: www.edupower.co.za

We have reached October 2022 and despite some very difficult times there are some glimmers of hope that the KZN economy is recovering and stabilising. Featured on our front cover is Rob Shongwe, the CEO of Sandock Austral Energy which is the latest offering of the Sandock Austral Group of companies. Page 3. We take this opportunity to congratulate Sandock Austral Shipyards CEO Prasheen Maharaj on his inauguration as the new president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Page 9. Much investment is entering the province. President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the R7.7billion expansion and upgrade project at the Sappi Saiccor Mill. Page 11. Business Awards, recognition ceremonies as well as festivals, are on the calendar. Nineteen South Africans have been shortlisted for the Minara Chamber of Commerce Awards. Page 2. Innovate Durban is excited that preparations are underway for the 7th annual Innovation Festival. Page 6. The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business will present its 2022 Business Awards at its annual banquet. Page 8. The KZN Top Business Women 2022 initiative has exciting new sponsors – DRG and BusinessFit SA. Page 9. The Conservation Symposium welcomes environmentally focused delegates to the KZN South Coast – page 13 After several months, and deliberations with business leaders on how best to create opportunity for organisations to trade effectively across borders, The Africa Marketing Initiative (TAMI) has been born. Page 16. We introduce: · Ndumiso Sikhakhane, the highly passionate founder of Infinity Growth Digital Marketing. Page 6 . · The Toyota Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS), which offers a manufacturing focused MBA. Page 7. · The Icebolethu Group who introduced their corporate lifestyle products to the business community. Page 12. Regular features include: · Monique Labat who advises on optimising B2B linkages through vetted networks. Page 4. · Johan van Deventer, LabourNet, comments on conducting effective payroll audits. Page 4. · Marlene Powell, ActionCoach, who asks is marketing working for you? Page 5. · Michael Jackson, Cox Yeats Attorneys, provides insights on electricity generation licencing exemptions. Page 8. · Dr Fareed Amod, Crown Dental Studio, comments on some interventions required to ensure we obtain healthy white teeth. Page 14. And for inspiration read about Oscar Chalupsky’s memoire No Retreat, No Surrender. Page 14.

Oscar Chalupsky wrote his memoire No Retreat, No Surrender together with sports journalist Graham Spence. Few athletes hold a record comparable to that of Oscar Chalupsky. He made history at the age of fifteen as the first person to win both the Junior and Senior Ironman titles on the same day at the South African National Lifesaving Championships, he was the country’s spokesman at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and he is a multiple-times global surfski champion, having won the internationally famous Molokai to Oahu World Surfski Marathon championships in Hawaii a record twelve times – his most recent victory being at the age of forty-nine. Then, in 2019, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer and told he had six months to live. But as with everything else Oscar does, he is determined to emerge victorious. He continues to paddle kayaks, play golf, and with a combination of medical treatment, exercise, iron determination and unconquerable optimism, he has defied every doctor’s prediction to date. How does he do it? In this book, Oscar relives some of his most exhilarating and nail-biting races and shares the lessons he has learnt from winning on the international surf lifesaving, kayak and surfski circuits as well as running several successful businesses. The final chapters recount his courageous battle against cancer, the vital support of his family and friends, and his refusal to let the deadly disease dictate his life. No Retreat, No Surrender is an uplifting account of grit, perseverance, talent and attitude, vividly capturing the determined mindset of an inspirational sporting legend. At the end of each chapter he has included some of the life lessons that he has learn along his journey, in particular with his battle with cancer such as: “The strongest diamonds are made under the toughest pressure! Move forward when the tough times hit, you will grow and learn.” Oscar says, “Get it for a friend who you think might need that extra motivation to get through their battles.” The book is available digitally or in hard copy formats. Published by: www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za Visit www.coachchalupsky.com

We’re thrilled to announce the venues for this year’s Conservation Symposium; Premier Resort Cutty Sark and Dream Hotel Blue Marlin in Scottburgh. Home to rich biodiversity across land and sea, the KZN South Coast has been chosen for The Conservation Symposium which welcomes environmentally focused delegates from 31 October to 5 November. This is the first time the KZN South Coast has hosted the event, entrenching the region as a top MICE and events destination. “We’re thrilled to announce the venues for this year’s Conservation Symposium; Premier Resort Cutty Sark and Dream Hotel Blue Marlin in Scottburgh. Located just 1.4km from each other, these venues will be the centre of our Conservation Symposium, allowing our attendees to enjoy a slice of beautiful KZN South Coast before, during or after the symposium,” commented event organiser, Freyni du Toit. The Conservation Symposium is hosted by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, WildOceans, WildTrust, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), CapeNature, Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) and the Environmental Law Association (ELA). “We are so excited to be welcoming some 250 delegates to The Conservation Symposium which will be held at The Premier Resort Cutty Sark and Blue Marlin Hotel,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “This serves the dual purpose of highlighting the KZN South Coast as a key events destination, while celebrating the amazing conservation efforts and environmental significance of the region.” Some of the KZN South Coast’s ecologically significant sites and events include: · Three Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Trafalgar supporting a variety of marine species with Aliwal Shoal home to a number of the highly-endangered shortfin devil rays; · Six Blue Flag beaches – the highest number in the province – with two honoured for 20 and 10 years of care; · Several nature reserves and game reserves home to diverse wildlife and birdlife; · Two gorges - Oribi Gorge and Umtamvuna Gorge - that create an expansive biome supporting sensitive natural life; · The Red Desert, the world’s smallest desert; · The Mzamba Fossils and Petrified Forest – trees which were washed downriver and deposited in the area millions of years ago with marine fossil beds exposed along reefs near the Mzamba River; · The annual Sardine Run which is the planet’s greatest biomass migration; and · The annual migration of Humpback whales. SCTIE, which is the tourism and investment arm of Ugu District Municipality in the KZN South Coast, is dedicated to promoting economic growth through innovation, investments and tourism. By hosting such high-profile events, SCTIE is welcoming new visitors to the area while also attracting new investment. To facilitate MICE events, SCTIE launched the innovative Meeting Planner Guide at the Meetings Africa exhibition in Johannesburg earlier this year. This comprehensive guide is a one-stop directory for all business conferences, meetings, team building and accommodation requirements. It consists of a detailed list of existing MICE venues, teambuilding activities on offer, and relevant contact information. The Conservation Symposium, which is a platform to facilitate the sharing of ideas and solutions to contemporary conservation issues in Africa, will open with a welcome ceremony at the Blue Marlin Hotel on Sunday, 30 October. In between networking and talks, delegates will also be hosted on various tours that showcase the KZN South Coast’s many eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives. This will include a frogging tour of the wetlands from Crocworld Conservation Centre and guided walks in nature reserves including TC Robertson Nature Reserve and Vernon Crookes; snorkelling in a Marine Protected Area; a hike along part of the Umzumbe River Trail, a Green Flag Trail and viewing wild Cape Vultures at the Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide as well as a visit to Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre. To find out more about The Conservation Symposium, visit: www.conservationsymposium.com