Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has announced her new cabinet. Mbali Frazer takes over the portfolio of Education from Kwazi Mshengu, while Sipho Hlomuka moves from the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to the Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison. Another notable change is former Premier Sihle Zikalala's move to Cogta following his resignation last week. Ravi Pillay's resignation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism left a gap open and this has been filled by Siboniso Duma. He is also the Leader of Government Business. Speaking at the Provincial Executive Council, the premier said the next few months would be characterised by hard work and humble service to the people of KZN “Importantly, as the new executive council we are all aware that this province is blessed with many capable leaders across all sectors of society who have a vision for a prosperous future. However, what is urgently needed is to choose the right path that will enable all of us to reach our destination. KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube announces 6 new MECs in cabinet shuffle (iol.co.za)

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Andy Gwynn coaches business owners on how use LinkedIn more effectively to easily connect with ideal prospects, form relationships, develop conversations and close sales. His recent KZN Top Business masterclasses in this regard have been invaluable. The first webinar covered about why you should be using LinkedIn and the two key sides to LinkedIn – your profile and your strategy. The second webinar covered what you should be doing with your profile. Notably your profile needs to: Get found Give value to the reader Prove your credibility The third session will cover how to write magic messages to engage with your connections to generate sales leads. In addition, Andy will cover how to write powerful posts that get read, generate engagement and are converted. Andy says, “Don't assume that people will pay attention to you just because you have a particular set of skills or knowledge. You need to show your audience why they should listen to you. You need to show why your content is valuable enough for them to interrupt their day to consume it.” So, reserve you place for the next LinkedIn webinar with Andy on the 19th of August at 10am. Reserve your place The session is interactive, so please ask your questions while you have the LinkedIn guru at your disposal. And if you haven’t already done so find some time over the next few days to watch the first two webinars. CATCH-UP PART ONE Part 1: Using LinkedIn to generate more business PART TWO Supercharge Your Inbound Lead Generation with LinkedIn In addition, connect with Andy on https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygwynn/, start utilising LinkedIn it more effectively and set yourself apart from your competition!

Good Morning TinMan athletes! The 3rd Durban CMH TinMan presented by Zone3 event takes place in just 18 days, on the 21st of August at Suncoast. Events to do: 10km Run (12yrs up) Mini Tri (200m Swim / 5km Cycle / 2.5km Run) 8yrs up. Sprint Tri (600m Swim / 22km Cycle / 5km Run) 15yrs up. Challenge Tri (1.2km Swim / 32km Cycle (6 laps) / 10km Run) 17yrs up. Challenge Duathlon (10km Run / 32km Cycle (6 laps) / 5km Run) 17yrs up. All Finishers get an ice cold aQuelle and a finishers medal. Come join us! Enter here: https://www.entryninja.com/events/77301-tinman-durban-3

The majority of ownership or control of the business lies within a family. The finalists are: · LHL Engineering · Beekman Group · Magnet Electrical Supplies The winner is: BEEKMAN GROUP The Beekman Group is one of South Africa’s leading corporate players in the development and property management leisure sector. The Beekman Group was established over 40 years ago on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal by John Beekman and his brother the late Bram Beekman. The company is still run by one of these two original founders – John Beekman. His son, Wayne Beekman, nephew, Neville Beekman, and daughter Cindy Allan make up the board of managing directors, who oversee 11 executives, nearly 20 managers and over 230 staff at the head office alone. These dedicated role players engage with a further 800+ resort and hotel staff every single day to ensure the Beekman standard is upheld for every resort and hotel guest who even considers checking into the award-winning holiday destinations. As a family-owned business, the Beekman Group ‘live the brand’. “Beekman is quality. And quality is felt and shared like an energy, from us, who drive the Brand, to those who enjoy it and everyone they come into contact with. Whether they know it or not.”

The introduction of a product, process, or business concept that shows real results. The finalists are: · The Holiday Club (Beekman Group) · Mi7 National Group · Hannah Grace · Inzalo Utility Systems The winner is: Mi7 NATIONAL GROUP Mi7 National Group prides itself on a public service model based on community duty. When the company initiated its armed response service in March 2021, it had to set itself apart in an already saturated market. By incorporating its public service model with digital innovations in surveillance technology, the concept of a city-wide surveillance net was developed for Pietermaritzburg. By strategically placing its surveillance systems in various intersections and known access routes, combined with 24-hour monitoring at its state-of[1]the-art NOC (Network Command Centre), the Mi7 National Group have the ability to proactively deploy its assets to fight crime. This fight is to the benefit of the city of Pietermaritzburg at large, whether its occupants are Mi7 clients or not. The system has resulted in a number of successes. The business’s brand was most positively affected, with residents and businesses noticing the positive impact the system has had in their areas. As a result, their client generation rate increased four-fold from November 2021 to March 2022 when the entire system was up and running.

This award is for a business treading new ground for their owners. The finalists are: · Eita Radio · Visual Network SA · Infinity Growth Digital Marketing The winner is: INFINITY GROWTH DIGITAL MARKETING - NDUMISO SIKHAKHANE Infinity Growth Digital Marketing, which was established by Ndumiso Sikhakhane, is a result driven creative agency that was established to help South African businesses generate new leads and increase revenue through the use of the fast-growing digital media communication tools. In 2019, the founder Ndumiso Sikhakhane, after working in a management role for a reputable South African retailer, decided to take a leap of faith and follow his dream of owning a digital marketing agency. The business offers digital and social media training to medium sized businesses and corporates. To further assist businesses, grow, Infinity Growth Digital Marketing manages social media accounts for businesses, and provides services such as search engine optimisation, web maintenance, graphic design and content creation.

Using the digital sector to provide results that have real impact. The finalists are: · SmartXchange · Airshot · Netstream Integrated Solutions The winner is: SMARTXCHANGE The aim of the SmartXchange ADNOTES TV White Spaces project is to bring connectivity to the underserved so that no one is left behind. The project provides connectivity in the underserved and often overlooked township and rural communities. This is achieved through the provision of funding, business development support, mentoring, incubation, market access and technology transfer. The SmartXchange team has built an ecosystem of partners in this project. These include the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Old Mutual Foundation, the Office of the KZN Premier, KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environment Affairs, National Youth Development Agency, MultiChoice, and Afrika Tikkun.

These awards are for outstanding effort, commitment and achievement in the province of KZN and are presented to: MARGARET, ALLAN, RICHARD AND LUCI HIRSCH – HIRSCH’S FAMILY Despite the COVID situation, the looting that took place in 2021, the floods and water shortages, Hirsch’s have remained totally resilient. SASKIA HILL – MCS DEBT RECOVERY The MCS Debt Recovery offices were totally destroyed in the unrest of 2021. Saskia went beyond all expectations to support employees and get the company fully operational within two weeks. EBRAHIM PATEL – CEO MAGELLAN MANAGEMENT Ebrahim Patel is the CEO of Magellan Management has had a long history in supporting business in KZN. Patel founded the Minara Chamber of Commerce in SA. IMTIAZ SOOLIMAN – GIFT OF THE GIVERS Dr Imtiaz Sooliman’s exemplary humanitarian efforts have significantly improved thousands of lives, locally and internationally.

This award is for a business treading new ground for their owners. The finalists are: · Eita Radio · Visual Network SA · Infinity Growth Digital Marketing The winner is: INFINITY GROWTH DIGITAL MARKETING - NDUMISO SIKHAKHANE Infinity Growth Digital Marketing, which was established by Ndumiso Sikhakhane, is a result driven creative agency that was established to help South African businesses generate new leads and increase revenue through the use of the fast-growing digital media communication tools. In 2019, the founder Ndumiso Sikhakhane, after working in a management role for a reputable South African retailer, decided to take a leap of faith and follow his dream of owning a digital marketing agency. The business offers digital and social media training to medium sized businesses and corporates. To further assist businesses, grow, Infinity Growth Digital Marketing manages social media accounts for businesses, and provides services such as search engine optimisation, web maintenance, graphic design and content creation.

Having a positive influence on the world. The finalists are: · SLG (Pty) Ltd · East Coast Radio · Project Rhino · The Association for the Aged (TAFTA) · Innovate Durban The winner is: EAST COAST RADIO As a proudly KZN brand, East Coast Radio believes it has a responsibility to use its credibility, trust, and influence to effect positive change in our community. Their intention is to rebuild and thrive, making KZN a better place to live and work for all. Some of its successes have been helping local businesses affected by the July unrest in 2021 and assisting communities in need after the KZN Floods in April 2022. In both cases, the Big Favour was able to successfully team up corporate partners and local businesses to respond quickly and effectively to bring relief to those who needed it. In addition, in partnership with the Gift of The Givers, East Coast Radio used their voice as a loved and reputable medium in the province to encourage corporates and listeners to donate listed essential items.

The contribution of the Beekman family to South African industry was glamorously acknowledged this week at a glitzy award show in Umhlanga, when The Beekman Group was recognised as KwaZulu-Natal’s top Family Business for 2022 at the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards. The pioneering efforts of John and Bram Beekman, later adopted and spearheaded by their children Neville, Wayne, and Cindy were the standout in a multitude of deserving entries to this category, which Neville and Wayne were on hand to receive. “This award is a testament to the sacrifices of not only my father and uncle but also their wives Jay and Antoinette as well.” Commented Neville Beekman, Executive Director, Beekman Group. “While founders are rightfully credited for the success of the company they establish, what often goes unacknowledged is the contribution of their extended families and networks of friends, without whose support none of this would be possible.” Congratulations to the Beekman family, as well as the extended family of employees and partners who have underpinned the family’s success in this sector.