Four years ago Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that he would ensure R1.2 trillion of investment into South Africa by 2023. As of the latest national investment conference, he is 95% of the way there. Amongst the largest was Ford's R16.4-billion investment, African Rainbow Minerals R11-billion investment, Impala Platinum's R11.8-billion investment, and Scatec's R16-billion solar PV and storage project. Foreign investments as such are of massive economic importance to the development of South Africa. I'm glad that investors still have faith in South Africa. It can be hard to be proudly South African at times, but this has given me hope for our nation. Simon Hudson• CEO at Flagship Asset Management

Welcome to the April edition of Business Sense. As commented by Dominic Collett above a return to normalisation is very welcome. The announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the ending of the state of disaster holds much promise for the future. Dr Fareed Amod is featured on the front page of this edition as well as on page 3 . Dr Amod is a dentist with an entrepreneurial spirit as well as has a passion for helping others. These characteristics have allowed him to successfully merge running a business with providing the highest possible level of healthcare. Some of the articles in this edition are: Monique Labat, specialist in B2B Market Linkages continues her series of articles on business-to-business linkages. The theme throughout these articles is the importance of access to relevant and verified information. See page 4 . Marlene Powell asks, ‘Do you suffer from arithmophobia?’ She explains that the reality of avoiding your business numbers is not an option! See page 5 . The highly successful first KZN Top Business Masterclass featured Cathie Lewis and David White on the topic of corporate governance. Read more of their insights on page 6 and 16 . The next masterclass will feature Iman Rappetti and Neil Raath on the topic of Don’t just wing it! Why media training matters. See page 7 . Johan van Deventer, regional manager, LabourNet, KwaZulu-Natal explains the importance of payslips to both employers and employees. There are legal requirements when it comes to payslips and the potential implications when these requirements are not met. See page 9 . The Durban Chamber invites its members to participate in hosting experiential learning of KwaZulu-Natal unemployed youth. In addition, registration for the Durban Business Fair is open. See page 10 . One of the highlights of the KZN business calendar is the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2022 which are now open for entries. Visit page 11 for more information on the categories, the process to follow as well as the advantages of entering business awards. The iLembe Business Confidence Index – 2021 Year-End makes for interesting reading especially as iLembebased businesses came back to life during the second half of 2021 with both the survey and economic activity indices being recorded at the highest level ever. See page 12 . The Durban ICC is in turbo mode to host Africa’s Travel Indaba after a two-year respite. The Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe said, “A face-to-face Indaba will allow the Durban ICC to continue making its valuable contribution to the economy, providing employment and sustaining many livelihoods in the tourism sector’s broad value chain.” See page 14 . The rebuilding of our economy on all fronts is essential for economic recovery and growth to occur. We echo Ramaphosa’s sentiments, “We are hopeful that the worst is behind us, and we are confident that there are only better days ahead. Now is the time to grow our economy and create jobs. Now is the time to get our country back on track. Now is the time to heal, to recover and to rebuild.”

In 2022 Standard Bank will be celebrating its 160th year of enabling individuals and businesses to achieve their ambitions – a testament to the brand’s innovation, resilience, commitment, and adaptability. Further to this milestone, the bank is proud and honoured to have been awarded the title of Africa’s most valuable bank brand in 2022. The accolade has been achieved through Standard Bank’s focus on constantly evolving and changing with developing client requirements. This focus is in keeping with the many other successful brands who constantly innovate and strive to achieve success. As such, Standard Bank is delighted to again sponsor the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2022. KZN Standard Bank Head Business Clients Coverage, Hameed Noormahomed said, “These awards are in line with Standard Bank’s commitment to innovative solutions that have a positive social, economic and environmental impact on the individuals, businesses, or communities in which we operate.” The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards are based on King 4, which aspires to achieve four governance outcomes: · Ethical culture · Good performance and value creation · Adequate and effective control · Trust, good reputation, legitimacy “Standard Bank’s brand’s positioning of ‘It Can Be’ is our promise of hope, change and optimism,” commented KZN Standard Bank Head Consumer Client Coverage, Imraan Noorbhai. “As bankers we are committed to provide solutions and experiences that create value for our clients in line with our purpose: ‘Africa is our home we drive her growth’.” The awards are open to businesses and organisations of any size based in KwaZulu-Natal. The 2022 categories are: · Business Innovation · Entrepreneur Resilience · Digital/System Implementation · Employee Wellbeing · Small Business Start-up · Community and Social Responsibility · Family Business · KZN Top Brand · Business Personality of the Year Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business encourages all qualifying businesses to enter. He said, “The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards are undoubtedly a great way to share your story and showcase the calibre of the work you’re undertaking. The emphasis is on what makes your business standout in the category selected.” All entrants are required to send in a written submission explaining what your company has achieved against a set of key criteria as appropriate e.g., benefits for the company, employees, or community. You may enter your own organisation for an award or nominate a third party. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards will take place on the 8 June 2022 at The Capital Zimbali. The proceedings will be streamed live to ensure greater opportunity for participation by all stakeholders. For more information on entering the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, please visit www.kzntopbusiness.com If you have any questions about the awards, entry process or event, please email gayle@mweb.co.za . #HowAboutNow? For more information Gayle Adlam E: 083 653 0465 E: gayle@mweb.co.za

Dr Mohamed Fareed Amod, founder, CEO, and head dental surgeon of Crown Dental Studio was born and bred in Durban - KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Amod’s deep interest in people, coupled with his desire to continually challenge himself, led him to the field of dentistry. While excelling at mathematics and linguistics – he speaks eight different languages – he felt that being a dentist would allow him to explore his artistic side. His professional field of choice is especially relevant as many advances have been made in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. He obtained his undergraduate qualification as a dental surgeon at the University of the Western Cape in 2016 and went on to complete his postgraduate diploma in Prosthodontics at the University of Pretoria in 2020. Dr Amod is currently in his third year of his law degree with the University of South Africa and claims this will not be where his lifelong education ends. In the future he says he would like to specialise in maxillofacial surgery. Creating a legacy Whilst a firm advocate for education, both formal and informal, Dr Amod’s life is governed by the principles of hard work, determination, and the vision to create a legacy that will benefit the communities of generations to come. In addition, Dr Amod is a dentist with an entrepreneurial spirit. These very principles are what governed the decision to open his own practice immediately after his formal training. Working for an employer was never something that appealed to him, and the opportunity to be the employer, and provide employment opportunities for others, motivated him to take this leap at the age of twenty-four. Crown Dental Studio, established in 2018, continues to grow from strength to strength under Dr Amod’s leadership and through the support of a team of dedicated members. His highly motivated team of professional dentists and dental hygienists testify to his superior work ethic and encouragement as a team leader. Dr Amod’s digital footprint and online presence well demonstrate the reach he has within the South African business and healthcare community. “My online presence most accurately defines my business and what it stands for. I merely believe, that instead of me reiterating these points, by leaving a review platform for my patients to relay their experiences and describe their encounters with both myself and Crown Dental Studio, and its team, I am allowing for a more honest reflection of what the public has experienced I stand for, first hand,” he explains. He says, “Although my passion lies in helping others, and giving back to my community, my passion for business over the years has seemed to surface.” It is unsurprising that Dr Amod’s skills and passion for business has allowed him to successfully merge running a business with providing the highest possible level of healthcare. His successes have seen him been nominated as a Forbes Top 30 under 30 young entrepreneur for 2021 and 2022, as well as being selected as a finalist in the Entrepreneur Resilience Category of the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2021. Highest-quality dental care Crown Dental Studio’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and adults by offering the highest quality dental care in a private office atmosphere. “A big part of our ability to provide service excellence comes from having the full range of dental services available to our patients all under the one roof. Everything from teeth whitening, wisdom teeth removal, children’s dentistry and dental implants are all carried out in the one convenient location,” said Dr Amod. As successful dentistry drives his business model, Dr Amod provides the finest dental material available, and he is prepared to take time with each patient to achieve good results. Dr Amod prides himself on his excellent patient care and especially of his goal – painless dentistry. His aim is not to hurt anyone, and he says that being gentle is key to achieving this goal. He explained further that he is dedicated to providing his patients with the best possible care while considering the patient’s own needs and situations. “We ensure that we offer our patients the best available dental care and that we make their experience with us as easy and enjoyable as possible,” said Dr Amod. “I attempt to view my patients needs and expectations through their eyes, not my own." Solution driven dental care In order to accomplish this goal, Dr Amod is at pains to communicate clearly with his patients so that they understand the options and risks available to them when dental treatment is either requested or needed. He explains that his model of treatment can be applied to any situation and consists of three aspects. These are: ■■ Identifying what the problem is ■■ Deciding what can be different, and ■■ Explaining what steps need to be taken to resolve this In this way Dr Amod believes that he is fulfilling his obligation to provide dental care that is solution driven while building a relationship with clients as they participate in choosing a treatment plan and prioritising the steps to be taken to achieve any required results. “Transforming the views of patients attending my practice and enabling them to take control of their own health and well-being has thus far been the most satisfactory part of my career. I quite literally put a smile on your face, before you leave my practice,” he explains. However, he emphasised that he wanted each patient to agree that prevention was better than cure and that oral hygiene is essential. Many South Africans remain unaware of the importance of good oral hygiene and then must deal with the unpleasant consequences. Dr Amod’s wife, Mateenah, whom he met when at university, is the practice dental hygienist. She is able to provide services or assist when required. In addition, Dr Amod’s practice manager is his father, who has much business experience. Dr Amod says that without his father’s financial acumen, he believes he would not be as successful as he is today as much of the day-to-day functioning is taken care of, leaving him more time to concentrate on his patients. A truly 24-hour dental practise Getting to the dentist during normal working hours can often be a challenge. In addition, no one knows when toothache will strike or a front tooth chip; normally this is just before an important meeting. Confidence about your smile can impact on all aspects of life, from social interactions to relationships. “True to my personality, I have implemented my own unique spin on building a dental practice,” explained Dr Amod. As such, Crown Dental Studio is one of the few truly 24-hour dental practises in Durban as this is not limited to emergency dentistry treatment. It is not surprising then that Dr Amod is becoming a sought-after dentist by Durbanites across all sectors. Recently, a senior business executive recently flew from Johannesburg to Durban, on a Sunday, to obtain dental treatment at a time convenient to his busy schedule. Dr Amod says, “We believe we are the only ones that are open 24 hours a day. The practice’s hours of operation help fill unmet patient needs. Our business model, not only streamlines patient care, but also prioritises patient convenience by providing care at a time that is convenient to them.” In the future With his natural flair for business, Dr Amod has founded Geylani Enterprises. His goal for the future is to nurture and grow Crown Dental Studio and Geylani Enterprises, among others, and take them to new heights whilst simultaneously completing his current degree and furthering his studies within the dental field. T: +27 81 207 8621 E: info@dramod.co.za / geylanienterprises@gmail.com W: www.dramod.co.za LI: linkedin.com/in/drfamod TWT: @drfamod IG: @drfamod / @geylani_enterprises FB: @drfamod / @geylani_enterprises

The KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment Indaba & World Halal Day took place in March 2022. The three-day event was hosted by Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), in collaboration with the United World Halal Development (UNWHD). The global event was attended by investors, delegates and exhibitors with the aim to share knowledge, explore trade opportunities, and present a co-ordinated platform for innovators, investors and buyers of halal products. The event showcased opportunities available from trading in halal-based products, which extend beyond culinary offerings to include clothing and textiles as well as tourism opportunities. “One may be curious about the link between World Halal Day and TIKZN. The halal economy is a multitrillion-dollar opportunity that captures the core of faith-based Muslim spend, as well as the value chain that includes all Halal-Certified non-Islamic contributors,” commented Neville Matjie CEO TIKZN. “Halal is also recognised as a benchmark for quality, health, hygiene and safety, thus a favourable consideration in global sourcing.” This event forms part of the provincial government’s efforts to rebuild a resilient and sustainable economy, especially after the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. KZN will focus on the opportunities and overall development of the halal industry and markets globally. KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay, said the conference will further bolster the province’s drive to revive the economy and create jobs. “Our relationship with the United World Halal Development will lead to more export opportunities for entrepreneurs who have an appetite to expand to other regions.” In commemorating World Halal Day, the UWHD launched its fifth Food Bank as part of lending a hand to help eradicate hunger in the world. The Food Bank will be located at the Habiba Soofie Darbaar Mosque in Springfield, Durban. UWHD Projects Director Syed Imran said this initiative was in line with the values of World Halal Day, namely “United Against Hunger; Preserve Nature, One Human Community and Food for All.” W: www.tikzn.co.za

The KZN South Coast is an adventure activity hub, home to some of the country’s best hiking, biking and 4x4 trails. But beyond that, the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom also happens to have the only Motorsport South Africa (MSA)-approved racing track in the province – Dezzi Raceway. Located in Port Shepstone, Dezzi Raceway consists of a 2.4km purpose-built racing circuit that hosts adrenaline-fueled motorsport and drifting events. With spectators welcomed back to motorsport events late last year, Dezzi Raceway has an action-packed 2022 competition calendar planned to make up for lost time! “Whether you’re visiting the KZN South Coast for a relaxed seaside holiday with the family, to explore the hinterland and discover our agri-CULTURE sites, or for fast-speed motorsport events that really get the heart pumping, there is something to keep everyone happy!” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “The Dezzi Raceway has a long history of hosting some of the most exciting, high-octane races and it’s really wonderful that we’re able to welcome spectators back for race days, which are held almost every weekend. Visitors can even hire out the raceway for their own competitive racing adventure which is a real bucket list experience.” Started by the Gutziet family at Dezzi Equipment, Dezzi Raceway has been developed for motorbike, car and drifting events. It’s also hired out as a corporate venue for vehicle testing and exhilarating teambuilding events. Dezzi Raceway consists of two sets of open pits, one lock-up pit, an aeroplane hangar, viewing decks and banks, marshalling towers, hospitality zones, a timing office, briefing room and a large entertainment area. Dezzi Raceway Upcoming Events · 9 April: Historic Tour · 16 April: KZN Drags · 23 April: KZN RRC · 28 to 30 April: Bike Week · 14 May: KZN Road Racing Club · 21 May: KZN Drags · 11 June: KZN Road Racing Club · 16 to 19 June: Supertech/Drags In addition to Dezzi Raceway, the KZN South Coast welcomes biking and 4x4 enthusiasts to its many hinterland locations. The Kwa-Nzimakwe Multi-Trails, launched in 2019, is one such destination, providing those looking to explore the coastal forests with a range of trails from 4km to 22km in length. The KZN South Coast has played host to national bike festivals and attracts regular breakfast run visitors keen to stop at seaside locations boasting great food, great views and great company. For a full list of motorsports’ events, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za . Alternatively, check out ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, or ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags #outdoorsarein #extendyourstay #beautifulbeaches #kznsouthcoast.

Abeco Tanks – the world’s first bank for the business of water – are no strangers to the reality that water is both an essential lifesaving force and a commodity that needs to be saved for times of scarcity. But did you know that water and its ability to be stored in large water banks is already saving millions of African lives? This is because water is essential to the manufacturing process of the Covid 19 vaccine. In collaboration with Zutari and Hidro-Tech, Abeco helped install two immense tanks on the site of the Aspen Pharmacare manufacturing plant. One tank is specifically designed for a treated water tank holding an impressive 317 000 litres and the other is designed for a filtered water tank holding 108 000 litres. After a pivotal deal with Johnson and Johnson was announced in November of 2021, Aspen Pharmacare – Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer – was granted the rights to make up 300 million doses of the vaccine in 2022. With plans to increase that to more than 700 million by January 2023. However, there has been prolonged drought and water shortage in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape where the Aspen Pharmacare manufacturing plants are based. Together with Zutari as the consultant on the project and Hidro-Tech as the contractor, Abeco set about installing two internally coated pressed steel tanks. One tank is for a treated water tank and the other for filtered water. The tanks themselves are built to last using an internal bracing of angle iron welded to base plates, all sealants and rubber components are non-toxic and non-tainting to ensure the purity of the water and all steel components are hot-dip galvanised to never rust and use the latest in tank corrosion protection. Once the water has been collected it then goes through one of two processes. Filtered water is essential and is processed through reverse osmosis to filter out all impurities. Treated water on the other hand has been chemically altered to be the correct balance and ph. The tanks are only one part of the larger water treatment process. They store, filter and treat the water before they use the end water product in the manufacturing plant. The installation of the tanks is a bold statement to the rest of the world that if we are to keep our citizens healthy and be able to supply the rest of the African continent with lifesaving medication, investing in sustainable water solutions is simply non-negotiable.

The Association for The Aged (Tafta) has joined the global movement of the Age with Rights campaign to cast a spotlight on upholding the rights of older people. As a build up to the next United Nations annual meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) placed a call for campaigners around the world to join a Global Rally in support of the Age with Rights campaign. The worldwide rally took the form of a virtual 24-hour event hosted on 3 March 2022 across multiple time zones and was an opportunity to mobilise support for the call for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. GAROP, together with numerous global partners, including TAFTA, is lobbying for the Convention to be proclaimed the next major human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations that will seek to remedy a fragmented human rights structure for Older Persons. Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam said the organisation had joined the movement with a symbolic display of Tafta elders supporting the Age with Rights campaign through mini rallies at Tafta homes. “Abuse against the elderly through infringement of their human rights is a global issue with many elders being subjected to violence, malnutrition, destitution, abandonment, neglect, and discrimination. This is largely due to the lack of explicit references to older persons’ rights in existing human rights treaties, that are also unclear on how human rights apply in older age. By engaging our elders in the Age with Rights campaign, we are hoping to generate support from the government to actively participate in an international, legally binding Convention. In doing so, a framework can be established to guide policy makers on how to build a society where older people are valued and are able to enjoy their human rights as they age,” explained Shamam. In rallies hosted at Tafta homes, elders gathered together displaying posters that call on government, political figures, service providers and corporates to ensure that ageing remains on the development agenda and to speak out for the rights of older people. The association is encouraging these key stakeholders to attend and voice their opinions in the next United Nations Working Group meeting to be held from 11 to 14 April, and to involve and consult with older people prior to the event to ensure inputs made at the meeting are based on experiences faced by elders in our society. For more information on the Age with Rights campaign, please visit www.rightsofolderpeople.org/age-withrights/

Durban ICC, CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe say, “The signature venue for Africa’s Travel Indaba is waiting to warmly welcome thousands of delegates.” Durban’s award-winning Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre is all spruced up and ready to host Africa’s Travel Indaba after a two-year respite. The over 112 000-square metre Durban ICC, incorporating the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre, will be transformed into an exhibitor’s playground when the Indaba, which is the largest tourism marketing event on the African calendar, runs from 2 to 5 May 2022. Given Durban’s excellent weather and convenience for connectivity, the Durban ICC, an icon of sophistication, class, innovation, service excellence, and versatility, has been the venue for the tourism expo for more than two decades. Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe said Africa’s Travel Indaba is a great showcase of the diverse tourism products South Africa and the continent has to offer and brings together local and international stakeholders in the tourism sector. A face-to-face Indaba will allow the Durban ICC to continue making its valuable contribution to the economy, providing employment and sustaining many livelihoods in the tourism sector’s broad value chain, she said. “While the Durban ICC was affected due to COVID-19, we embraced the opportunity to renew, renovate and refresh our facilities. “We have extended the reliability of our infrastructure and assets, including refurbishing essential lifts and replacing non-compliant air-conditioning systems with ozone-friendly units. “We are excited to welcome Indaba delegates. The Durban ICC has entrenched itself as the signature venue for Africa’s Travel Indaba and we are waiting to warmly welcome thousands of delegates who will engage in business and secure deals. “An event of this magnitude has huge economic spin offs for the tourism industry and associated businesses, including Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal,” she said. Durban ICC has hosted important global conventions, including, among others, the World Economic Forum on Africa, 21st International AIDS Convention, COP17/21, Tourism Indaba, 4th BRICS International Competition Convention, 14th World Forestry Congress, Africa Peace Awards, 21st World Routes Development Forum, 3rd World Social Science Forum (WSSF), Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture Africa 2015 and transformation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). The Durban ICC took the coveted award for being Africa’s leading convention venue for a second time last year, after winning in 2020, and was also adjudged South Africa’s Best Convention Centre 2021 at the World MICE Awards. The World MICE Awards is a global initiative to recognize and reward excellence in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry and the results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading MICE brands. “Winning awards is a visible demonstration of all the behind-the-scenes hard work from the Durban ICC teams and people whose principal focus is to continuously provide world-class customer service to clients, both local and international. “It is for this reason that the close-knit team strives to maintain the Durban ICC strong inherent culture of warmth and hospitality that we are known for and strives to ensure that each guest leaves the Durban ICC happy and satisfied with the service received,” said Rakharebe. In September, Rakharebe added another trophy to Durban ICC’s impressive collection of silver, when she won the Venue Representative of the Year category of the seventh Women in MICE Awards. The award was given to “the woman who has ensured the highest standards of guest and staff well-being by moving swiftly to implement measures that not only meet all requirements but exceed them”. Rakharebe said the Durban ICC is poised to further evolve into one of the world’s top 10 global meeting facilities. The next evolutionary growth cycle will usher in a series of revolutionary and innovative strategies. “Having led the African continent for more than two decades of hosting the world, the Durban ICC will now usher in the highest level of technologically advanced meeting facilities. Leadership in service and technology will continue to be the hallmark of our performance excellence,” she added.

Seeing people on television bumbling their way through an interview is uncomfortable to watch. What’s even more uncomfortable than that is the reputational risk and damage that is caused to an individual or a brand. Badly conducted or ill-informed and unprepared interviews are possible to avoid. You have to invest the time in preparing. You should go into a media interview knowing your facts, understanding your message, the media channel and its audience, sharing the right information and using that coveted spotlight to create impact, goodwill and accountability. Understanding how the media works, how its news cycles are determined, how media generally sees the private sector and what makes a story, helps you work better with them. Besides wanting to look good or share information, there is a growing need for the communities you serve or work in to be better informed. It’s also imperative that businesses show thought leadership. You can only accomplish this if you know how to use the channels at your disposal. Media training helps familiarise you with those channels and builds your awareness on how to get your message right and get it out to achieve the right results. Social media engagement still comes across as somewhat hit and miss yet is a crucial aspect of your company outreach. Knowing how to master it, use it wisely and opportunely are skills all serious business owners must develop. Our series ensures that you know how to design your message, when to deploy it and how to keep authentic interaction online. And of course, in an age where virtual meetings are more the norm than the exception, mastering your online presence, in terms of lighting, positioning and keeping your point sharp and succinct are invaluable tools. People switch off when they can’t see you properly, are distracted by how you come across or become bored by overly drawn-out presentations. Learning the art of capturing and holding attention is a skill easily learned when you have expert guidance! Sometimes things happen that one cannot anticipate. If your business is caught in an unexpected crisis, or an event that demands an answer – you should know how to prepare and be ready to provide clarity when and where it is needed most, and in a tone that is consistent with the moment. Too often people feign sympathy or concern but come off looking insincere or misdirected. Or they oversell or overestimate how their presence is being felt. This is because they don’t understand the impact of their message not only within their operating environment but also in broader society. And media training helps here too. It is a tool that allows a business or entity to see how it is being seen within context. That helps build perspective and the opportunity to better curate its reputation and impact. Media training is not about teaching hype and spin. South Africans can spot that a mile off! It is about speaking with authority and authenticity, whether the situation is favourable or adverse. There is nothing more beautiful than watching someone answer honestly, clearly and with a real desire to connect with an audience. These skills are transferable, all you have to do is show up with an open mind, willingness to learn something new and powerful, and be available to lean forward. WhatsApp/Phone:: +27 (0)63 567 9719 E: info@rappetti.com W: www.rappetti.com Join us and register for this free webinar at Why media training matters | KZN Top Business

Many people query why they should go through the process of entering business awards. Why should they put in the time and the effort to complete an entry form for their business? We’ve compiled a list of some of the reasons why we think you should join the many individuals, companies, and other organisations that have been recognised for their successes over the years. Marketing Just being nominated for an award gives you the opportunity to use this for publicity purposes. Greater brand awareness is created through the highly valuable publicity before the awards event, through print, email, and social media, as well as on the night of the awards event and afterwards. Stronger Market Position An award nomination can act as a third-party endorsement for your business. Making the shortlist of finalists serves to strengthen your position against your competitors. A win can give you a real stamp of authority and recognition within your industry sector as well as provide opportunities for business growth. Increased Credibility Successful businesses like to work with other successful businesses. Being nominated for awards is a strong indicator of trustworthiness. Business awards provide a good opportunity to put your business in front of the influential people who may be key players or stakeholders within your industry, sector, or region. More Customers Awards help build brand loyalty as customers are keen to support businesses who are perceived to be doing well. Entering business awards demonstrates to your customers that your business is at the top of its game, reinforcing their reasons for using you in the first place. Businesses that regularly enter awards report increased sales and income against businesses who don’t enter awards. Employees Awards are a brilliant means of recognising the hard work of your employees and help boost staff morale. Knowing they have contributed to being recognised as a successful business is a great motivator to continue to perform for your company and gives employees a focus for their purpose at work. Attract talent Who doesn’t want to work for a successful company? Being nominated for an award increases your hiring status among potential new employees. Benchmarking The application process can force you to look at your business from a different perspective and identify your achievements over the years. By sharing stories and being open about your successes you create a bench market for other businesses to up their games.

The Durban Business Fair (DBF) registrations are now open. The annual fair will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre from 20 to 25 September 2022. Register before 29 April 2022, to join the over 100 other small to medium business, government, educational and non-profit organisations, media, and other stakeholders, at this year’s Durban Business Fair. The DBF is an annual exhibition that serves as a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services whilst expanding their network of business contacts. The Fair also provides business owners with learning opportunities through business seminars, mentorship learnings, procurement, and developmental programmes. The DBF is just one of the various planned programmes hosted by the eThekwini Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit to ensure that small, medium and micro enterprises and large business remain an active part of the city’s economy and in shaping its future. The DBF will run parallel with the 11th Durban Fashion Fair which exposes local fashion designers. Interested businesses keen to exhibit and attend sessions are encouraged to start the registration process. To register for the DBF, download the registration form from www.durban.gov.za under the Public Notices section or by using this link https://bit.ly/DBF2022 Application forms are also accessible at Sizakala Centres, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as from the 7th Floor, Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban (or from the security personnel). For enquiries, contact 031 311 4500 or email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za .