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A morning of inspiration, laughter, and meaningful connection awaits as renowned media personality Carol Ofori hosts a special Mother’s Day celebration titled “Come Brunch with Carol Ofori.”  This elegant event promises to bring together women from across the community for a memorable experience filled with storytelling, entertainment, and celebration. Taking place on 16 May 2026 at the beautiful The Pavilion Hotel, the brunch will begin with arrivals at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM start. The event is designed as a space where women can relax, share experiences, and celebrate the important role mothers and women play in families, communities, and society. The morning will be guided by dynamic MC Varshan Sookhun, whose engaging presence will help create an atmosphere of warmth and connection throughout the event. Guests will also enjoy special entertainment featuring vocalist Risa Raeanne alongside the talented team from JDS Entertainment, ensuring the brunch is filled with music, joy, and celebration. More than just a social gathering, the event highlights the importance of celebrating women’s stories — the triumphs, challenges, and everyday moments that define motherhood and womanhood. Attendees can look forward to inspiring conversations with Carol Ofori, who is well known for her authenticity, humour, and ability to connect with audiences across South Africa. Guests are encouraged to embrace the event’s festive spirit with the dress theme: “It’s a Celebration!” Whether attending with friends, family members, or colleagues, the brunch offers the perfect opportunity to honour the women who inspire and uplift those around them. Tickets are R500 per person, and bookings can be made via 031 309 4991 or 067 281 7782, or by emailing fundraising@bdskzn.org.za . With great food, inspiring conversation, live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere, Come Brunch with Carol Ofori  promises to be a heartfelt celebration of women, motherhood, and community. Seats are limited, so early booking is recommended to secure your place at this uplifting Mother’s Day event. Brunch, Inspiration and Celebration: Join Carol Ofori for a Special Mother’s Day Event

Weekends are meant for slowing down, exploring new places, and spending quality time with the people who matter most. Whether your plans include beach walks, visiting family, or discovering the rich culture of KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, having the right place to stay can make all the difference. Nestled in the heart of the community, B&B Hotel Esikhaleni  offers travellers a comfortable and welcoming base for their weekend adventures. With its warm hospitality and homely atmosphere, the hotel provides a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the region. Explore the North Coast The Zululand region is filled with destinations that offer a mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and coastal charm. From Esikhaleni, visitors have easy access to some of the North Coast’s most popular locations. Spend the day enjoying the beaches and waterfront atmosphere of Richards Bay , known for its beautiful coastline and laid-back lifestyle. If you’re planning to reconnect with friends or family, the nearby town of Empangeni  offers great local shopping, restaurants, and community charm. For travellers seeking a peaceful nature escape, Mtunzini  is a must-visit destination. Famous for its coastal forest, birdlife, and scenic views, it provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature. Comfort That Feels Like Home After a day of exploring the region, guests at B&B Hotel Esikhaleni can return to a space designed for comfort and relaxation. The hotel prides itself on providing affordable accommodation that combines convenience with a welcoming, homely feel. Whether you are travelling for leisure, visiting family, or passing through the Zululand region, the hotel offers a peaceful environment where guests can recharge and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Discover Local Culture Staying in Esikhaleni also gives visitors the chance to experience the local culture and vibrant community spirit that defines the region. From local markets and neighbourhood eateries to friendly interactions with residents, visitors get an authentic glimpse of life in this part of KwaZulu-Natal. Plan Your Weekend Getaway If you’re looking for a relaxing and affordable base while exploring the North Coast, B&B Hotel Esikhaleni  offers the perfect balance of comfort, accessibility, and warm hospitality. Pack your bags, plan your adventure, and make the most of your weekend exploring Zululand. Contact Details B&B Hotel Esikhaleni Email: bookings@bandbhotel.co.za Phone: +27 (0)67 235 6656 Your Perfect Weekend Base in Zululand - HRM Holdings

The strong rally in commodities such as gold, platinum, rhodium and palladium is creating significant windfall opportunities for South Africa to support its economic turnaround. Speaking at AfriSam’s annual Budget Breakfast event in Sandton in February, Econometrix Chief Economist Dr Azar Jammine said the exceptional surge in commodity prices could have an “absolutely enormous” impact on the South African economy. This year marks the eighth consecutive year that AfriSam has hosted its Annual Budget Breakdown Breakfast, bringing together key stakeholders from across the construction sector. The value of the event is reflected in the steadily increasing number of attendees each year, highlighting its growing importance as a platform for industry insight and engagement. Dr Jammine pointed to an estimated inflow of about R350 billion into the country from commodity sales, arriving just as the economy began showing signs of recovery toward the end of last year. This follows a prolonged period during which South Africa lagged behind global growth levels, resulting in a decline in living standards of between 6% and 7% over the past eight years. He noted that the key opportunity now lies in government directing this windfall toward higher levels of fixed capital formation through targeted investment in infrastructure, thereby creating an environment in which business can thrive. “If this can be converted into real investment in new exploration and development in the mining sector, the knock-on effects through the rest of the economy could be unbelievable,” he argued. Dr Jammine highlighted that the third quarter of 2025 saw a modest uptick in fixed investment of 1.1% - the first positive movement in two and a half years. The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement released in November 2025 also indicated that the Government of National Unity was beginning to produce “some positive results,” particularly through its commitment to fiscal discipline. Higher commodity inflows have also contributed to a stronger rand against the US dollar, helping to reduce inflation to around 3.5%. This supports government’s lower inflation target of 3% and has helped shift inflation expectations downward. “This has meant that long-term interest rates have declined, resulting in considerable savings for government in terms of interest payments on its debt,” Dr Jammine said. Improving economic prospects have also been recognised internationally, with ratings agency S&P Global upgrading South Africa’s credit rating for the first time in 16 years. Turning to the construction sector - which is closely aligned with AfriSam’s core business as a leading construction materials supplier - Dr Jammine reminded the audience that the industry remains under severe pressure due to years of underinvestment in fixed capital. “Construction, comprising both building and civil engineering, is still about 30% below where it was in 2010,” he said. “By contrast, the agricultural sector is about 70% higher than its 2010 level.” Employment in construction has also declined, falling by around 5% compared with 2019 levels, making it one of the weakest performing sectors in the economy. Dr Jammine attributed much of the decline in gross fixed capital formation to the deterioration of state-owned enterprises. “They have seen the decimation of the country’s infrastructure, much of which relates to the era of state capture,” he said. “There has been a rape of our resources to benefit a handful of people interfering with procurement processes and standing in the way of proper service delivery and infrastructure investment.” This situation is closely linked to crime and corruption, he added, noting that these challenges must be decisively addressed. While private sector investment “has not been stellar,” Dr Jammine acknowledged that it has at least continued to grow gradually over time. Reflecting the weak state of the construction industry, the number of residential building plans approved remains subdued, at around 40 to 50% below its peak. However, he believes there are signs that this trend may be reaching a turning point. “Non-residential building plans passed show an even weaker trend, down about 85% from the peak a decade ago,” he said. “Arguably there was an oversupply in the middle of the last decade, and the Covid-19 pandemic then dealt the sector a further blow.” Despite these challenges, Dr Jammine noted that renewed investment in infrastructure and mining development would provide an important boost for the construction materials sector, creating opportunities for companies such as AfriSam that play a key role in supplying cement, aggregates and readymix concrete to major infrastructure and development projects. AFRISAM BUDGET BREAKFAST HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC UPSIDE FROM COMMODITY PRICE SURGE

By Sunil Hansjee, partner and Claudelle Pretorius, partner, Cox Yeats South Africa’s annual increases to the national minimum wage are intended to promote fair pay and reduce inequality. For contractors and project owners, however, these increases can have significant cost implications during the life of construction projects. The National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 (NMWA) came into effect on 1 January 2019 and applies to employees across all sectors. In accordance with section 6 of the NMWA, the national minimum wage is reviewed annually to meet its objective to advance economic development and social justice.  Each annual increase, therefore, has both social and commercial consequences, particularly in labour‑intensive industries such as construction.  In accordance with the annual review, South Africa’s minimum wage has increased again, bringing some relief to construction workers and other low-income employees across the country. From 1 March 2026, the national minimum wage increased from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour, representing roughly a 5% increase. For many workers in the construction sector, particularly general labourers and entry-level or unskilled workers, this new rate sets the legal minimum that must be paid for every ordinary hour worked. Paying below the national minimum wage is a contravention of the NMWA. Workers earning below the current ministerial threshold of R261 784.45 per annum may refer to a dispute with the CCMA concerning the failure to pay any amount in terms of the NMWA. Claims for the recovery of unpaid amounts are arbitrable in terms of section 73A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 (BCEA). Employers may apply for an exemption from paying the national minimum wage in terms of section 15 of the NMWA. A contractor may be able to recover additional costs caused by a minimum wage increase after the submission of its tender, but this will depend on the form of contract used and the specific provisions dealing with changes in legislation or statutory costs.  The standard form building contracts used by contractors in South Africa – being the JBCC, GCC, NEC3 and FIDIC suite of contracts generally allow contractors to claim additional costs when there is a change in legislation that affects the cost of the works. Under the JBCC, a claim for a national wage increase would be made under the expense and loss clause (clause 26.5 and 26.6), with specific reference to the obligation to comply with the law (clause 2.1). Under the GCC, a claim for a national wage increase will be dealt with as an adjustment to the contract price due to changes in legislation, with specific reference to clauses 4.3.1 and 10.1. Regarding the NEC3, clauses 16.1 and 60.1 can be invoked to make a compensation event, provided that Secondary Option X2 has been agreed to. In respect of the FIDIC suite of contracts, the contractor can claim additional costs resulting from new laws or amendments to existing laws by relying on clauses 1.13 and 20.1. However, to be paid the additional costs, contractors must ensure that they follow the notice and claim procedures in each contract. Failure to do so will most likely result in the claims being time‑barred.  In the construction industry, wages may also be determined through bargaining in collective agreements or sectoral determinations, which, if applicable, set minimum conditions and pay rates for specific job grades or regions. These agreements may require employers to pay higher wages than the national minimum wage, depending on the relevant industry agreement. Workers being paid below these minimums may seek relief in terms of section 73A of the BCEA if they earn below the ministerial threshold. For contractors, the annual adjustment to the national minimum wage is more than a compliance issue. It can directly affect tender pricing, project budgets and the financial viability of long‑term construction contracts. Contractors should therefore carefully review their contracts, monitor legislative changes and ensure that notice requirements are met when wage increases affect project costs. Failing to do so may mean absorbing labour cost increases that could otherwise have been recovered under the contract. Rising Wages, Rising Claims: What Contractors Need to Know- Cox Yeats

By: Dylan Naidoo The last thing I expected was to go to Pietermaritzburg at 7am in the morning. However, one thing I have learnt with my time at Business Sense is that we are dedicated to uplifting and shedding light onto the businesses that shape the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), no matter the time. It opened my eyes to many business leaders, talking passionately about their products and services. However, products will live and eventually die out, including electronic devices. So where do you go to dispose of your non-working electronics? Look no further than EWaste Africa. First arriving at E-waste Africa, the layout of the place looked exceptional. The main office was located right next to the entrance, whilst the industrial side of the business laid further back. Small runner cars and bakkies were littered everywhere, with bright-faced workers scattered around large heavy trucks. We headed inside the offices, greeted by bright-faced staff, and got settled in to interview the co-founder and current chief executive officer (CEO) of EWaste Africa, Pravashen Naidoo. Pravashen’s educational and career began studying electromechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and would work as a plant manager at Unilever. However, he would end his career at Unilever due to having to retrench many employees to sustain Unilever. Pravashen was upset with this situation and left Unilever, and shortly after leaving Unilever, he established EWaste Africa in 2013. EWaste Africa serves as a collection network of electronic waste, such as lightbulbs, small appliances, solar panels, communication equipment and so much more. What started out as a light bulb recycling company is quickly morphed into a complete, licenced, e-waste disposal and recycling facility with plants located around South Africa. When talking about his purpose, Pravashen’s response stood out to me. He cared about creating jobs and was happy that -Waste Africa allowed him to create jobs in South Africa. He also mentioned that he feels joy knowing that EWaste Africa is helping the environment, minimising electronic waste. Job creation is a huge aspect for Pravashen, linking his greatest achievement to “60 permanent jobs”. One of the more fascinating aspects I learned from Pravashen is his explanation of electronic waste. By law, it is illegal to dispose of electronics into bins and municipal landfills sites. Under further research, the National Policy for the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)  outlines that consumers must use authorised collection sites to dispose of electronics. As Pravashen mentions, many South Africans do not know this, and I was surprised by this discovery myself. Seeing Pravashen talk proudly about EWaste Africa felt inspiring. The whole operation of EWaste Africa started out to fill a gap in the market had grown to help in job creation and make a real impact in the environment. That, in my eyes, showcases a business leader that not only enjoys their career, but also strives to make an impact on elements surrounding them. Along with interviewing Pravashen, I got the opportunity to tour the recycling factory at E-Waste Africa. It housed machinery used for the recycling process of many different electronics, including light bulbs and solar panels. For the solar panels specifically, the recycling process has them crushing the solar panels into a fine powder form, where it’s then mixed together with other substances to create dry bricks, which was used to create the ground we stood on. That impressed me, a business that believes in the durability of their products as much as to use them on the very ground they operate. Pravashen's knowledge on the importance of e-waste and his stance on job creation was fascinating to hear, especially his commitment to his role and the role of his staff. Seeing the factory plant and the recycled electronics being used in other applications was certainly something special, considering these are being made from recycled electronic waste. As such, it gives me great pleasure to hold EWaste Africa to a very high regard. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt when you fall, but it's important to get back up the next day and start again – Pravashan Naidoo | Chief Executive Officer of E-Waste Africa Visit the EWaste Africa website here: https://ewasteafrica.net/ Pravashen Naidoo | Co-founder and CEO of EWaste Africa

In a moment of pride for the continent, Jennifer Reddy, CEO of Morar Incorporated, recently represented Africa as the only African speaker  at the global event “In Conversation with Inspirational Women in Accounting and Finance.”  The event was hosted by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The international discussion brought together influential voices from across the accounting and finance sectors to share leadership insights, professional journeys, and strategies for empowering the next generation of women in business. Under the theme “Give to Gain,”  the conversation focused on how mentorship, collaboration, and purposeful leadership create lasting impact within industries and communities. As a featured speaker, Reddy shared her personal and professional journey — from building her career in accounting and finance to leading Morar Incorporated as CEO while also balancing her role as a mother of two. Her story resonated with audiences worldwide, highlighting the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and lifting others as you grow. During the discussion, she emphasized that leadership is not only about professional success but also about creating opportunities for others and contributing meaningfully to the communities and industries we serve . Her message aligned strongly with the event’s theme, demonstrating how giving back through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and empowerment ultimately strengthens both individuals and organisations. Reddy’s participation marks an important milestone for African representation in global professional conversations. By sharing her experiences on such a prominent international platform, she showcased the strength, expertise, and leadership emerging from Africa’s business community . Events like these are vital in promoting diversity and inclusion within the accounting and finance professions. They create space for voices from different regions and backgrounds to contribute to shaping the future of the industry. For many watching around the world, Jennifer Reddy’s presence at the event was more than a professional achievement — it was a powerful reminder of Africa’s growing influence in global leadership conversations . Her participation not only celebrated women in accounting and finance but also reinforced the importance of representation, mentorship, and purposeful leadership in building a stronger, more inclusive global business landscape. African Leadership on the Global Stage: Jennifer Reddy Represents Africa in Global Accounting Dialogue - Morar Incorporated

In many businesses, the terms managing people  and leading performance  are often used interchangeably. However, they represent two very different approaches to building a successful and high-performing organisation. Understanding the distinction between the two can significantly impact how teams operate, how goals are achieved, and ultimately how a business grows. Managing People: Maintaining the System Managing people focuses primarily on tasks, processes, and day-to-day operations. Managers ensure that employees know what needs to be done, follow procedures, and meet deadlines. This includes responsibilities such as scheduling work, monitoring attendance, assigning tasks, and ensuring policies are followed. While management is essential for maintaining structure and consistency, it often focuses on keeping the business running rather than moving it forward. Managers typically react to problems, ensure compliance, and maintain stability within the organisation. Effective management creates order, but on its own it may not inspire teams to perform beyond the minimum requirements. Leading Performance: Driving Results and Growth Leading performance goes a step further. It focuses on inspiring people to achieve meaningful outcomes and consistently improve results. Leaders set clear goals, communicate a compelling vision, and create an environment where individuals feel motivated to contribute their best. Performance leadership is about accountability, measurement, and continuous development. Instead of simply ensuring tasks are completed, leaders help their teams understand why  their work matters and how it contributes to the bigger picture. Leaders also focus on developing their people, encouraging innovation, and empowering employees to take ownership of their roles. The Key Differences The distinction between managing people and leading performance can be seen in several areas: Focus Managers focus on activities and processes, while leaders focus on results and outcomes. Approach Managers supervise tasks; leaders coach individuals and teams toward achieving goals. Motivation Managers ensure work gets done; leaders inspire people to perform at their best. Impact Management maintains stability; leadership drives growth and transformation. Why This Difference Matters for Business Owners For many business owners, especially those scaling their companies, relying solely on management can create limitations. A business that only manages people may struggle with engagement, innovation, and consistent growth. When leaders focus on performance, however, teams become more accountable, goals become clearer, and productivity increases. Employees understand expectations and feel empowered to contribute ideas and solutions. Performance leadership also creates stronger cultures where people feel valued, challenged, and aligned with the company’s vision. Turning Managers into Performance Leaders The good news is that leadership skills can be developed. Business owners can begin shifting their approach by: Setting clear, measurable goals for teams Holding regular performance conversations rather than only task updates Creating accountability systems and performance metrics Investing in coaching and leadership development Recognising and rewarding results, not just effort These strategies help move a business from simply managing people to leading performance. The Bottom Line Successful businesses need both management and leadership—but growth happens when leadership takes the lead. Managing people keeps operations running smoothly, while leading performance ensures that teams are aligned, motivated, and consistently moving toward bigger results. For business owners who want to scale sustainably, developing strong performance leadership is no longer optional—it’s essential. Through business coaching and proven systems, professionals like Trevor Clark from ActionCOACH  help leaders shift from managing day-to-day tasks to building high-performing teams that drive measurable business success. Managing People vs Leading Performance: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters -Trevor Clark

Every successful business begins with a vision. Leaders imagine the future they want to build—whether it’s expanding into new markets, increasing revenue, improving customer experience, or building a stronger team. However, a vision alone is not enough to drive success. The real challenge lies in turning that vision into clear actions that produce measurable results. Many businesses struggle not because they lack ideas, but because they lack a structured process to implement those ideas effectively. Strategy often remains on paper, while day-to-day operations take priority. Bridging the gap between vision and execution is what ultimately separates growing businesses from those that remain stagnant. The first step in turning strategy into results is clarity . A strong vision must be translated into specific, achievable goals. Instead of broad ambitions like “grow the business,” leaders need defined targets such as increasing revenue by a certain percentage, entering a new market within a set timeframe, or improving operational efficiency. Clear goals provide direction and allow teams to understand exactly what they are working toward. Once goals are established, businesses need structured systems  to support execution. Systems help standardize processes, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure that teams work consistently toward shared objectives. When systems are in place, progress becomes easier to track and improvements can be implemented more effectively. Another critical factor is accountability . Without accountability, even the best strategies can lose momentum. Leaders and teams must regularly review performance, assess progress, and address challenges before they become major obstacles. Consistent check-ins, performance tracking, and transparent communication ensure that everyone remains focused on the end goal. Equally important is the ability to measure progress . Data and performance indicators allow businesses to evaluate whether their strategies are working. By monitoring key metrics—such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, operational efficiency, or employee productivity—leaders can make informed decisions and adjust strategies when necessary. Successful organizations also understand that execution requires alignment across the entire team . When employees understand the vision and how their roles contribute to achieving it, they become more engaged and motivated. This alignment creates a culture where every effort moves the business closer to its strategic goals. Turning vision into measurable results is not about working harder—it’s about working with purpose, structure, and discipline. With clear goals, proven systems, strong accountability, and measurable performance indicators, businesses can transform ambitious strategies into tangible outcomes. In the end, the most successful companies are those that move beyond planning and commit to consistent execution. Vision sets the direction, but execution is what delivers the results. From Vision to Execution: How to Turn Strategy Into Measurable Results -Trevor Clark

The spirit of collaboration and innovation was on full display at Meetings Africa 2026, one of the continent’s leading business events platforms. The event brought together industry leaders, tourism professionals, and corporate stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities within the business events sector. Hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa, the gathering provided a dynamic space for meaningful discussions on the future of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) across the continent. From insightful panel discussions to networking sessions and exhibitions, the event highlighted Africa’s growing influence in the global business events industry. Representing Satguru Travel at the event was Johannesburg Business Development Manager Shaunelle Mokwena, who engaged with industry professionals and key stakeholders throughout the conference. Her presence underscored Satguru Travel’s commitment to strengthening relationships within the travel and tourism sector while identifying new opportunities for collaboration and growth. Meetings Africa continues to play a pivotal role in showcasing Africa as a competitive destination for global business events. For Satguru Travel, participation in the event provided an opportunity to connect with partners, exchange insights with industry peers, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of business travel and tourism across the continent. By actively participating in major industry gatherings such as Meetings Africa, Satguru Travel continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner in the travel industry, committed to building strategic partnerships and supporting the growth of Africa’s tourism and business events sectors. Satguru Travel Strengthens Industry Connections at Meetings Africa 2026

Satguru Travel was proudly represented at a high-level Presidential Engagement in Durban by Business Development Manager Shristi Harinarain. The event, hosted by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took place during the official visit of Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa. The engagement brought together a distinguished group of national leaders and stakeholders, including Cabinet Ministers, Director-Generals, and senior officials from national government and Parliament. The gathering served as an important platform for dialogue between government and the private sector, focusing on strengthening economic growth, collaboration, and industry development. Representing Satguru Travel, Shristi Harinarain participated in discussions and networking sessions aimed at fostering stronger partnerships within the tourism and business sectors. The event created valuable opportunities to engage with key decision-makers and explore ways the travel industry can contribute to South Africa’s economic and tourism growth. A highlight of the engagement was the opportunity to connect with Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, and Victor Vele, Director-General of the Department of Tourism. These interactions opened discussions around potential collaboration initiatives that could further support the development and promotion of tourism in the country. Events of this nature play a crucial role in building meaningful relationships between government and industry leaders. For Satguru Travel, participation in the Presidential Engagement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to contributing to the growth of the tourism sector while strengthening strategic partnerships across the industry. By actively engaging with national stakeholders and policymakers, Satguru Travel continues to position itself as a key contributor to the advancement of tourism and global travel connections, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of the travel industry in South Africa. Satguru Travel Engages with National Leadership at Presidential Event in Durban

SOUTH AFRICA, 10 March 2026 – The SA Home Loans Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the “Foundation”) launched their annual “Shining Schools” initiative. The Foundation enabled SA Home Loans employees to nominate a school of their choice to receive a share of R500 000. The school nominated could be one that the employee attended or simply one that the employee has identified as needing support.   A total of five schools were chosen across three different provinces in the country namely KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape with the schools each receiving R100 000 to enable them to invest in their learners’ futures.   In KwaZulu-Natal the recipient schools were Ekupholeni High School nominated by Fikile Mkhize, Mabizela High School nominated by Phakamile Mbambo and Open Air School nominated by Xolani Shabane. In Limpopo, Baphutheng Senior Secondary School was nominated by Jeanette Chuene and in the Eastern Cape Arcadia High School was nominated by Eleonore Minto.   Between February and March 2026, the Foundation hand-delivered cheques for R100 000 to each of these five well-deserving schools to educate and empower learners with an improved quality of education, so they too can have a brighter future ahead of them.   The SA Home Loans Foundation is a philanthropic arm of SA Home Loans, a South African financial services company specialising in home loans. The Foundation focuses on corporate social responsibility and community development, aiming to contribute positively to the South African economy and society. Key focus areas for the Foundation include investment in high school education, investment in small business and support to those in need in times of crisis.   Pam Nene, Director of the Foundation commented, “We’re proud to launch the SA Home Loans Foundation’s Shining Schools initiative, which recognises and supports high-performing schools achieving exceptional results against the odds.”   “Through employee nominations, five schools across the country will each receive R100 000, enabling them to continue investing in the education and future of South Africa’s youth. This initiative reflects our belief that meaningful impact starts in communities and classrooms where dedication and excellence deserve to be celebrated.”   END   343 words   Issued by: SA Home Loans Foundation   Editorial and general enquiries: Samantha Gounden Communications Manager Email: SamanthaG@sahomeloans.com Tel: 081 500 1823 SA Home Loans Foundation gives away half a million to deserving schools

If you're into cycling, you know how annoying it is when your bike acts up during a ride. Getting stuck miles from home with a broken bike and no quick fix in sight is the worst. Enter Toni Pedro at Toni's Cycle Craft. He's not just about fixing bikes; he's a lifesaver for cyclists, offering top-notch service and a real love for the cycling scene. Let me tell you about the time Toni came to the rescue with his roadside assistance and why his shop is such a cool spot for bike fans. Toni Pedro and Grant Adlam Toni's Cycle Craft Expert Bicycle Servicing and Repairs Toni Pedro is the go-to guy for bike maintenance. Whether you're at his shop or stuck on the road, Toni's got the skills. He handles everything from basic tune-ups to tricky mechanical fixes. I remember when he helped Rob Phillips, a fellow cyclist whose bearings gave out. Toni showed up fast, fixed the bearings right there, and then set up a time to finish the job properly later with the right tools that morning, keeping in mind that it was late on a Saturday morning. This level of service requires serious know-how and a true love for cycling. Toni’s Cycle Craft is packed with quality tools and spare parts, making sure your bike gets fixed right the first time. Customers love how Toni breaks down the problem and solution, helping them understand their bikes better. Helping Fellow Cyclists Is Part of the Culture Toni believes helping other cyclists is more than just good service—it's part of cycling culture. Cyclists have a bond that goes beyond just riding. If someone’s stuck with a bike issue, helping out is just what you do. Toni’s willingness to help shows this spirit perfectly. This culture of support builds trust and friendship among cyclists. Toni’s example inspires others to lend a hand, creating a community where everyone has each other's back. Whether it's a quick tire change or a bigger fix, helping a fellow cyclist strengthens the whole cycling community. A Unique Vintage Collection Toni’s Cycle Craft isn’t just a repair shop; it’s a treasure trove of cycling history. The shop boasts an amazing collection of vintage bikes and classic cycling shirts. These pieces give customers a peek into the evolution of cycling gear and design. The vintage bikes, lovingly restored and displayed, tell tales of past rides and craftsmanship. Visitors often enjoy checking out the collection, which adds character to the shop. It’s a reminder that cycling is about more than just speed and performance—it's about tradition and passion too. This mix of old and new makes Toni’s Cycle Craft a must-visit for both collectors and casual riders. Convenient Location on North Coast Road You can find Toni’s Cycle Craft at 584 North Coast Road, making it easy for both locals and visitors to stop by. The shop's location is perfect for cyclists exploring nearby routes or needing a quick fix before hitting the road again. With a friendly vibe and Toni’s welcoming attitude, every visit is a good one. Why Good Stories Matter for Businesses Toni’s Cycle Craft is a great example of why sharing good stories is smart for business. Real experiences, like that roadside repair, connect with customers on a personal level. They show the values behind the service—expertise, community, and passion. These stories build trust and loyalty, making cyclists choose Toni’s shop time and again. For any business, especially those serving niche communities, storytelling creates a memorable brand. Toni’s story is one of dedication and genuine care, qualities that really hit home with cycling enthusiasts. Toni Pedro