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Sustainability in all things: Eastern Cape entities are innovating to thrive

Solar street lights have been erected in Cookhouse because of the presence of a wind farm. Credit: Cennergi
Solar street lights have been erected in Cookhouse because of the presence of a wind farm. Credit: Cennergi

Entrepreneurs in Dimbaza, a small town near King Williams Town, are producing a device to retrofit on to geysers that they claim will save consumers more than 25% in electricity costs. AET Africa has 11 permanent employees and the glove-like device is selling well. The small business also manufactures reusable bags.

The province’s big automotive manufacturers are putting their sustainability into top gear. Mercedes-Benz South Africa has installed solar panels on its latest new facility and Volkswagen has done the same – 3 136 solar photovoltaic panels at its Kariega plant will produce an estimated 2 500MWh at full capacity. In addition, Volkswagen is building a wastewater recycling facility, replacing alien plants at its premises and planting a carbon bank of nearly 5 000 spekboom cuttings.

A retrofitted geyser glove promises huge savings on electricity. Credit: AET Africa
A retrofitted geyser glove promises huge savings on electricity. Credit: AET Africa

Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant has been a winner of the SJM Flex Environmental Award for excellence in environmental management with its improved production methods leading to reductions in water and electrical consumption. Other factors were rainwater harvesting and recycling of 97% of waste produced at the factory.

A R22-million investment in a solar energy plant is paying off for Montego Pet Nutrition in Graaff-Reinet. The company reported a 300-ton reduction in CO2 emissions in a single year, the equivalent of planting about 9 000 trees to offset emissions. The nine-month solar project happened soon after a R70-million expansion project which increased the factory’s overall production by 30%.

Another of the Eastern Cape’s biggest brands is putting a great deal of time and effort into water conservation. When the dam levels feeding the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area reached critical levels, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) mobilised a comprehensive response. Working together with other entities, CCBSA delivered water, JoJo Tanks and water wheelers to communities suffering shortages but also offered a longer-term solution in the form of a groundwater harvesting and treatment system known as Coke Villes.

Globally, there is pressure on big brands in the fashion industry to produce sustainability dashboards. Issues such as emissions, plastic use and waste, water conservation, recycling and reselling are hot topics.

Another big issue is responsible sourcing. The South African mohair industry has signed up to the Responsible Mohair Standard and SAMIL CEO Michael Brosnahan says it has worked wonders in making “mohair once again globally desired”, an important factor in protecting more than 30 000 jobs. The RMS ensures that the source of mohair traded is acting ethically and responsibly.

Brosnahan says, “Our farmers are not working on ‘projects’ to protect the land – this is a constant part of everyday life on the farms.” Farmers are committed to sustainability because they have inherited family legacies and want it to continue.

Global fashion brand H&M is working on an ambitious initiative with wool producer BKB Ltd to regenerate rural land. The Biodiversity Restoration and Regenerative Land Management plan currently involves about 80 farmers who have pledged to encourage biodiversity and assist farmers in regenerate the land in a sustainable way. The wool industry has its own Responsible Wool Standard and H&M sources its wool mostly from RWS-certified farms.

A land regeneration project has been launched by a fashion house in collaboration with sheep farmers and wool suppliers. Credit: Mark Sampson
A land regeneration project has been launched by a fashion house in collaboration with sheep farmers and wool suppliers. Credit: Mark Sampson

Sustainable energy

The town of Cookhouse is in the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality. Neighbouring town Bedford is the site of the 134MW Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm but all the power produced by that facility is sent to the national grid. However, the erection of solar street lights in Cookhouse represents not just a positive thing for the residents of that town, but also illustrates a sustainable solution.

The company that built the wind farm, Cennergi, together with the Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust, erected 30 battery-pack streetlights with the aim of preventing crime and promoting safety. The contractor who erected the lights, ZP Energy, hired 14 local people to assist with the project.

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is positioning the Coega Special Economic Zone (Coega SEZ) as a preferred location for energy projects. Coega has a mix of wind farm investment projects planned with an overall capacity of 183 MW, a 12MW photovoltaic (PV) solar farm, and possible bioenergy projects in the pipeline. The Coega Solar Rooftop Project aims to instal solar panels on the industrial buildings in the Coega SEZ and Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park.

The 57.5MW Coega Wind Farm, built by Electrawinds, was the first commercial wind farm built in South Africa. Having built that first wind farm, the Belgian company has become a tenant of the Coega SEZ, part of a group of other renewable energy sector companies such as Absolute Wind, a company which transports equipment on flatbed trucks, and HimoinSA, a Japanese firm.

Rhodes University has Africa’s first and only Chair of Environmental Education that is recognised as a United Nations Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development and Environmental Learning Research Centre. The university announced in 2023 a new partnership with UK firm ElimiNOX. A R300-million fund will invest in carbon-reducing projects to enable investors to claim tax allowances. Rhodes University and ElimiNOX will collaborate to assess projects for investment purposes and provide educational and practical support to emitters.

As part of the agreement, Rhodes University will use ElimiNOX environmental-fuel conditioner in its fleet of vehicles and generators as part of its contribution to reduce its carbon footprint.

ORBIT College AI students shine at AI Global Impact Festival 2023

The proud participants and winners of the AI Global Impact Festival 2023 pictured with College Management and fellow AI students. Front row (f.i.t.r.): Mekgwe Gift Kabelo, Johannes Mokami, Justice Langeni, Dr Kabelo Moloantoa – College Council Chairperson. Back row (f.l.t.r.): Mr Harry Kgangkenna (AI Coach), Koketso Sikhu, Elisa Mosesenyane, Ms Tebogo Tlhopile – Brits Campus Manager, Letlhogonolo Matlaela, Lebo Zimba, Ofentse Phasha, Neo Mpete and Mr Dika Mokoena – ORBIT College Principal.

Intel is a world-renowned leader in the design and manufacturing of essential technologies that power the cloud in an increasingly smart and connected world. The company’s commitment to make technology inclusive and to expand digital readiness for all is captured in their purpose-statement, stating that their aim is to create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.

One Intel-initiative that serves this very purpose is the annual AI Global Impact Festival that provides opportunities and platforms for future innovators to learn, showcase and celebrate the impact of AI innovations in their lives by working to solve real-world challenges, using artificial intelligence (AI) with the support of policymakers and academic leaders. This year, students from 26 countries around the globe participated in the Festival under the theme, “Enriching Lives with AI Innovation”. The competition focused on building digital readiness for all students and celebrating AI innovations that drive inclusion, accessibility and responsible impact.

Students competed in two respective age groups (13-18 years and 18+ years) in the category AI Impact Creators aimed at presenting innovative, social impact AI projects. Being the only institution in Africa that boasts an AI programme offered in partnership with Intel, ORBIT TVET College entered the student competition with two exclusive projects. In doing so, the College proudly represented the entire Africa in this global competition. The project, Asset Management System was presented by ORBIT College Brits Campus students Johannes Mokami, Elisa Mosesenyane and Koketse Sikhu.

The project addressed the problem of financial loss occurring due to unmonitored movement of assets by developing algorithms that monitor the movement of assets. The second project, Stress Detect was presented by Justice Langeni, Letlhogonolo Matlaela and Lebogang Mpete and addressed the challenge of distress among communities and college students due to the socio-economic status of the Bojanala District. The group offered a solution by developing algorithms that are able to identify stress levels at an early stage which, in turn enables appropriate referrals.

The ORBIT students were up against competitors of seventeen other countries and an incredible total of almost 1000 AI projects in the preliminary round. Projects were judged on how well they relate to and address potential risks and winners’ projects were also set to undergo an ethics audit by Intel’s Responsible AI team, inspired by the protocol followed for every company AI project. Both ORBIT College projects were successful in reaching the final shortlist of 75 projects in the category.

Upon concluding the final adjudication, it was the Stress Detect project of Justice, Letlhogonolo and Lebogang that flew the College high by being awarded third place as country/region winners in the AI Impact Creators (18+ years) category, making them the recipients of an incredible $1000.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that the AI programme in partnership with Intel was only launched at Brits Campus as a pilot programme in July 2022. In just over a year, ORBIT College managed to not only participate in the AI field at global level, but also managed to attain an award-winning third place! ORBIT College is immensely proud of this remarkable achievement by our AI students from Brits Campus!

Planning your private healthcare funding for 2024

Medical scheme members are facing weighted average increases to their premiums in 2024 of anywhere from 7% to 16%, depending on what benefit option they are on¹. Some schemes have tried to downplay the increases at a time of massive economic pressures for all households, while others have been boldly transparent around increase rationale, but the reality is that the slow burn of the erosion of benefits while premiums increase exponentially continues, with medical inflation estimates, conservatively and consistently running at least 3-4% higher than CPIX¹ for many years now.

Martin Rimmer, CEO of Sirago Underwriting Managers

“These increases will mean much deeper cost-cutting will happen on other household essentials if members want to retain access to private healthcare. But for many households there simply is nothing left cut. Where previously there was a trend of medical scheme members buying down to lower ‘core’ benefit options but ensuring some access to private healthcare, at least for any hospitalisation requirements, we’re now seeing a situation where people are opting out completely due to untenable affordability challenges. The sad reality of this decision is that the alternatives to private healthcare in South Africa are, in many cases, too sad and or scary to even contemplate.

Even for members who may receive some form of company subsidisation of medical scheme benefits, there has been a worrying decline in medical scheme membership being offered as a mandatory employee benefit, as employees simply cannot afford their contributions given the barrage of other household costs, while employers are also facing declining profits and income as economic market conditions falter,” explains Martin Rimmer, CEO of Sirago Underwriting Managers, underwritten by GENRIC Insurance Company Limited.

“For many households, the cost of their medical scheme membership erodes a serious quantum of the total monthly disposable household income, but it’s a benefit they are understandably unwilling to go without given the near collapse of the public health sector.  The reality is that medical scheme contributions increase significantly every year – much of it driven by higher claims costs, increasing utilisation and an ageing (and more sickly) medical scheme population, and “over-servicing” by unscrupulous healthcare practitioners. But as contributions increase, most medical scheme members are paying more for less medical scheme benefits and facing a far greater percentage of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure not covered by their medical scheme benefit than ever before, notably for members on core plans where a multitude of co-payments are applicable for certain hospital admissions,” he adds.

Members are seeing an increase in co-payments – either in terms of higher co-payment values or the introduction of co-payments where there were none previously. Seemingly ‘small’ benefit changes will also have a significant impact on the out-of-pocket expenditure members will face – such as a reduction in the medical savings account – a forced members savings accumulation for funding of certain benefits – or day-to-day benefits, which are paid out of your monthly contributions – will mean your forced medical savings will run out sooner, and members will be funding more of their day-to-day primary care than ever before from their pockets.

Increase in gap cover claims indicative of medical scheme benefit erosion and buy-down trend

Sirago’s analysis of its gap cover claims (2021-2023) shows a growing quantum in gap claims value, a key indicator of the buy-down trend in medical scheme benefits, and the increasing burden of co-payments that members are facing.

“A few short years ago, gap claims averaged around R6000 to R12000. What we’re now seeing is a significant increase in mega gap claims, which we classify internally as R50k and more, now occurring daily. The sharp increase in gap claim values is firmly rooted in the affordability challenges that South Africans are facing, compounded by the continual differences of medical scheme negotiated tariffs and the charges levied by the medical practitioners.  This in turn is driving a buy-down in medical scheme benefit options by members due to affordability, as well as the perceived lack of value for money they get for their contributions. The buy-down to core-hospital plans means access to lower benefits, with more penalties and co-payments imposed by medical schemes for member non-compliance with scheme rules and networks – and thus exposure to more self-funding of their healthcare treatment to come from their own pockets, especially if they do not have a gap cover policy in place,” warns Rimmer.

Gap insurance covers the shortfalls where doctors and healthcare providers charge more than the medical scheme rate at which you are reimbursed for in-hospital events/procedures. These shortfalls can range anywhere from 150% to 700% higher than the rate paid by your medical scheme. So, if your medical scheme option only pays out at 100% of tariff, like many core hospital plans do, you will then be liable to pay the shortfall of the other 200% to 400% charged by your healthcare provider as an “out of pocket” expense if you do not have gap cover.

Planning your healthcare funding strategy for 2024

Medical scheme members will have until the beginning of December to make any changes to their medical scheme options which will take effect from 1 January 2024. Given the affordability constraints, many are looking to cut back but still want access to private healthcare for any hospitalisation or serious health crisis they may face in future. Sirago advises that you work with your professional healthcare financial advisor to do the sums, take you through a comparison of the various benefit options and then devise the best plan to ensure that your healthcare needs and access to private healthcare are covered, as best possible.

Consider the following when reviewing your medical scheme benefit option with your financial advisor:

  • Take care of your medical scheme membership first – Don’t leave this until you are older, thinking you’ll get cover when you need it as medical scheme regulations prevent this anti-selective behaviour. There are onerous late-joiner penalties or loadings on monthly premiums depending on your age if you did not belong to a medical scheme for four years after your 35th birthday. Likewise, a 3-month general as well as a 12-month condition-specific waiting period applies if you’re joining a medical scheme for the first time ever, or if you belonged to your previous medical scheme for less than 24 months or had a break in cover.
  • What is your current day-to-day expenditure on healthcare? – do your existing benefits provide sufficient cover, too much cover, or were you left out of pocket? Any of these scenarios means you’re probably on the wrong option for your needs and warrants closer analysis.
  • Chronic Conditions – Are you or any dependants registered for a chronic condition which is covered by the medical scheme option? Consider whether the premium saving on a lower benefit option is worth the cost of the additional chronic medicine which you may have to self-fund on a lower benefit option. Likewise, there is no value in paying R1000 for a higher benefit if your bottom-line benefit is only R400 of chronic medication each month. Critically important is to subscribe to the scheme rules by ensuring registration and participation in the chronic medicine benefits protocols.
  • How much can you self-fund? Understand that a lower premium also means less benefits and cover. Be comfortable or at least aware of the level of self-funded risk you can afford to take on and make provision for it, where possible. Consider a personal medical savings card that you put any premium savings into to pay for your day-to-day healthcare visits and medicine. Self-discipline in this regard is vital for your protection.
  • Get Gap Cover – to protect you from shortfalls on in-hospital treatment and specialist charges which can be anything from a few thousand Rand, to over R100 000.  If you are on a medical scheme option that covers 100% or 200% of tariff charged, you are going to face shortfalls when you consider that many specialists charge upwards of 500% of the medical scheme tariff. You will be liable to pay those shortfalls from your own pocket if you do not have gap cover.  Make sure to discuss this directly with your broker.
  • Core plans – Core benefit options that pay for hospitalisation only means that all day-to-day primary care, such as GP visits, dentistry, optometry, radiography, and any medication will need to be covered by you. You may want to consider a health insurance option providing some primary care benefits as an additional option, separate to your medical scheme, to cover some of your day-to-day healthcare needs.
  • Try stay within same medical scheme if changing options – If you’re considering a move to a different benefit option, try and do so within the same medical scheme. You’ll avoid any waiting periods, and it provides you with an opportunity to either buy-up within the scheme to acquire better benefits or to buy-down with the purpose of securing lower contributions. While most schemes only allow you to buy-up at the beginning of a benefit year (Jan), most will allow a buy-down at any time during the year.
  • Be aware of waiting periods – Medical schemes can impose some general and condition-specific waiting periods for both new entrants as well as members moving between schemes.  The application of waiting periods and other risk mitigation initiatives such as late joiner penalties and general Prescribed Minimum Benefit understanding and management, can be a minefield to navigate.  This is why the services of an accredited broker / financial advisor is critical for members while making these significant financial decisions.

“Healthcare in South Africa is a complex market segment and with the lack of alternative options available, consumers must always be completely versed in what they are covered for and entitled to under their benefits, but more importantly what the schemes and gap cover options don’t cover. Always engage the advice and services of an accredited, skilled, and experienced healthcare broker/ advisor who will help you make informed decisions when needed most, as well as support you through the administration processes with getting your cover in place,” concludes Rimmer.

References:

Moonstone. https://www.moonstone.co.za/clash-of-the-titans-medical-scheme-heavyweights-announce-2024-contributions/ [Accessed 13 Oct 2023]

Note: The content of this article does not constitute financial advice. For more information go to www.sirago.co.za

Sirago Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP: 4710) underwritten by GENRIC Insurance Company Limited (FSP: 43638). GENRIC is an authorised Financial Services Provider and licensed non-life Insurer and a member of the Old Mutual Group.

Get ready to meet the game changers of manufacturing at Manufacturing Indaba Exhibition 2023

The manufacturing world is gearing up for the most highly anticipated event of the year, the Manufacturing Indaba Conference & Exhibition 2023. This year’s exhibition promises to be bigger and more dynamic than ever before, featuring a spectacular line-up of exhibitors who are driving innovation, shaping the future, and transforming the manufacturing landscape.

An overview of the Manufacturing Indaba Exhibition

  • Date: 24 – 26 October 2023
  • Time: 09h30 – 16h00
  • Location: Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg
  • Website: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za
  • Theme: Capitalising on manufacturing growth in Africa

A diverse and dynamic lineup

The Manufacturing Indaba Exhibition will host a diverse array of exhibitors, ranging from industry giants to cutting-edge start-ups, showcasing the latest advancements in manufacturing technology, products and services. This year’s exhibition will feature exhibitors from various sectors, including but not limited to:

Machinery and Equipment: Discover the latest in manufacturing machinery and equipment, from vehicles, machines to cutting-edge robotics and automation solutions.

Technology and Innovation: Explore the future of manufacturing with innovative software solutions, digital transformation tools, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Sustainability and Green Manufacturing: Learn about eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices and products that are reducing the industry’s environmental footprint as well as providing energy solutions to manufacturers.

Workforce Development: Connect with exhibitors offering training and development solutions to empower the manufacturing workforce for the challenges of tomorrow.

Research and Development: Discover ground-breaking research and development initiatives that are shaping the future of manufacturing, from materials science to product design.

Source financial solutions:  Meet the financiers exhibiting offering financial solutions to manufacturers to help them expand their manufacturing capabilities.

Why attend the exhibition

The Manufacturing Indaba Exhibition provides a unique opportunity to:

  • Network: Meet and interact with exhibitors, industry leaders, and fellow manufacturing professionals.
  • Learn: Gain insights into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in manufacturing.
  • Collaborate: Explore potential partnerships and collaborations with exhibitors to enhance your manufacturing operations.
  • Discover Solutions: Find solutions to your manufacturing challenges, whether it’s increasing efficiency, reducing costs, or improving sustainability.
  • Stay Informed: Stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with the latest innovations and developments in the manufacturing industry and join the free exhibition seminars taking place throughout the exhibition days.

Don’t miss your chance to meet the innovators, disruptors, and industry experts who are shaping the future of manufacturing at the Manufacturing Indaba Exhibition. Join us in Johannesburg for an unforgettable experience!

Go to https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/

The impact of load shedding on manufacturers

Load shedding, the intentional and temporary reduction of electricity supply to manage power demand and prevent grid overload, can have a significantly negative impact on manufacturers. These effects can vary depending on the frequency, duration and severity of the power cuts, as well as the type of manufacturing processes involved.

Here are some of the key impacts:

Production Disruption: Load shedding disrupts manufacturing processes by causing unplanned downtime. This leads to reduced production output, delayed orders and an overall decrease in productivity. Manufacturers may struggle to meet customer demands and face challenges in maintaining production schedules.

Supply Chain Disruption: Manufacturing often relies on a complex network of suppliers, partners and customers. Load shedding can disrupt this supply chain, leading to delayed deliveries of raw materials, components and finished products. This, in turn, affects the entire ecosystem and can lead to financial losses.

Quality Control Issues: Fluctuations in power supply during load shedding can affect the quality and consistency of products. Sensitive manufacturing processes, such as those involving precision machinery, electronics and chemical reactions, are particularly vulnerable to interruptions, resulting in defects and rejections.

Increased Costs: Manufacturers may need to invest in backup power solutions, such as generators or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, to mitigate the impact of load shedding. These solutions come with initial costs, maintenance expenses and fuel expenses, all of which can strain the company’s budget.

Lower Profitability: Reduced production output, increased downtime, and added costs contribute to lower profitability for manufacturers. The inability to operate at full capacity and fulfil orders can lead to missed revenue opportunities and eroded profit margins.

Loss of Competitiveness: Consistency and reliability are key factors in maintaining competitiveness. Manufacturers that frequently experience load shedding may struggle to meet delivery commitments and quality expectations, potentially leading to loss of market share and damaged customer relationships.

Innovation and Growth: Manufacturers looking to adopt advanced technologies, such as automation and Industry 4.0 solutions, often require a stable energy supply. Load shedding can hinder the implementation of such technologies, impeding innovation and growth.

Contractual Obligations: Manufacturers operating under contracts with strict delivery timelines can face legal and financial repercussions if load shedding leads to breaches of these agreements.

Economic Impact: Load shedding’s impact on manufacturing extends to the broader economy. Manufacturing contributes significantly to employment and economic growth. When manufacturers face challenges due to load shedding, it can lead to job losses, reduced economic output, and hinder overall development.

To mitigate the impact of load shedding, manufacturers may need to consider alternative energy sources, invest in energy-efficient equipment, implement demand management strategies and establish contingency plans to minimise disruptions.

These key issues will be unpacked at the upcoming Manufacturing Indaba, to be hosted from the 24 – 26 October 2023 in Sandton, South Africa.

Focused discussions to explore collaboration between energy providers and governmental agencies to find long-term solutions to energy supply challenges is also crucial for ensuring a stable manufacturing environment. In addition, the event will host an exhibition, showcasing various technological solutions, products and services that can be implemented to support secure energy power supply for the manufacturing production plant.

Find out more:

Successful Investment Conference hosted in Limpopo

The Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) hosted the 3rd edition of the Limpopo Investment Conference at the Protea Ranch Resort, Polokwane, from 18 to 19 October 2023.

The main objective of the investment conference was to showcase the province’s economic potential. Added to the menu were the attraction of the province’s natural resources and other investment opportunities offered by the province.

The conference aimed to attract investors from different sectors of the economy and the key focus areas of the conference were as follows:

  • Agriculture & Agro-Processing,
  • Infrastructure Investment,
  • Automotive Industry,
  • Mining Exploration & Beneficiation,
  • Green Energy and Tourism.

The annual Limpopo Investment Conference is the largest conference in the Limpopo investment calendar for influential ideas and actionable advice, attracting over 350 delegates, including potential investors, captains of industry, senior government managers and CEO’s.

Watch the live stream recording:

The Limpopo Investment Conference 2023 was streamed live from 18 – 19 October on this link.

Hear post-show comments from Mr Matodzi Rathumbu, Head of Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in the video below:

Men to step aside as more women are preparing to lead in Government and State Owned Enterprises

It has been proven that women make a work environment less authoritative and more cooperative, which in turn boost teamwork across the organisation and bring a new culture of collaboration to the workplace. It is also a known fact that most employees leave due to their direct managers. When managers get clear direction and cooperation from the top leadership, they in turn can also give visible goals to their department. And by including more women in the top structures, the public sector could build on retaining its workforce and work towards a new improved leadership culture.

The 3rd Annual Women & Leadership in Government and State Owned Enterprises, taking place on 1 and 2 November in Somerset West, will bring women leaders from all spheres of government together to share how they have maintained sound leadership and have given the needed support to their departmental teams.

Sudhira Sewsunker, co-founder, Pinpoint Stewards and organiser says: “We are inviting the Private Sector to invest in the leadership of the Public Sector by hosting a table at the two-day conference, showing their support to equip more women leaders to step up to the challenge and lead towards service delivery to the public.” She adds: “Headlines are tainted with officials not leading with integrity but we have made it our mandate to find leadership who are making headlines for the right reason and with our media partners Polity and Global Africa Network we have been able to profile these leaders.”

Selected women in leadership positions who will take to the podium during the two-day conference, include:

Honorable Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister, Dept Of Public Works & Infrastructure, RSA, will be the keynote address and she will share the vision for economic transformation and inclusion of women through the delivery and rolling out of bulk infrastructure services. Adding to the call for more women to lead is South Africa’s Shadow Minister for Social Development Bridget Masango, who will be deliberating on the massive contribution of women in all sectors and how they can change the narrative.

Lt Gen Khosi Senthumule, Divisional Commissioner Detective and Forensic ,Services (DDG), SAPS, will be presenting on becoming an effective government leader by knowing how to stay cool under pressure and tackle challenges head on. Deputy Executive Mayor, Overberg District Municipality and Provincial SWC Chair, Helen Coetzee, will provide a roadmap on taking charge of your career development when transitioning from colleague to leader.

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chief Whip, Western Cape Provincial Parliament, will share how she has made relationship building her key competency by connecting at all levels, and working through conflict to build a spirit of cooperation. Zuziwe Mjongile-Dumile, Technical Manager, Transnet Port Terminal – Cape Town, will be addressing what mentorship is and what it’s not – towards shaping and uplifting more women into leadership roles. Building trust as a leader by giving clear direction towards a goal will be discussed by SAFCOL’s, Christelle Faul Marais who is the Group Chief Risk Officer & Exco Member.

Grizelda Grootboom, Founder, Survivor Exit Foundation NPC, who is a survivor of human trafficking and UN recognised activist, will give a glimpse into the everyday sexual exploitation of women and children and how we can aid in the fight in ridding the world of this scourge. To support her cause, the organisers have once again selected the Survivor Exit Foundation and Salvation Army and as beneficiaries of the conference to support their efforts against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. A percentage of profits will be donated to each of these causes.

All registrations close on 13 October. 

Pinpoint Stewards are a 100% women owned, Level 2 B-BBEE company. To sponsor a table, speak or partner for the conference, contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za.

Visit https://pinpointstewards.co.za/ and join Pinpoint Stewards on LinkedIn.

Women Managers Leadership Retreat

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) will be hosting the Women Managers Leadership Retreat set to take place on 15th, 16th & 17th November 2023 at The Salt Rock Hotel & Beach Resort, Durban. 

This three-day conference objective is to engage on leadership in a holistic manner including mind, body and soul. With the year coming to a close it is vital to allow time to reflect, plan for the year ahead while also taking time out to recharge.

Emphasis will be on social and wellness issues that plague women and society on a daily basis, solutions and tools will be discussed at the conference.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Nosipho Damasane, (Author, speaker, executive coach) Chairman – RICHARDS BAY COAL TERMINAL;
  • Moloko Komane, Executive Director | Head of CVM | Founder & CEO | Keynote Speaker | Author | Mentor;
  • Thandeka Nene, CEO – BUONO GROUP (PTY) LTD; Capt.
  • Londy Ngcobo, Ship Navigator | Africa’s First Female Dredge Master | Founder of Global Maritime Youth;
  • Winile Mothsoane, Director of Public Sector – BIOKINETICS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (BASA);
  • Milisa Kentane (Cert. Dir.) (CPRP), Group Manager: Strategic Communication- COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (CSIR);
  • Refilwe Mongale, Human Resources Specialist|Wellness Coordinator |Content Creator| Women and Youth empowerment Advocate | Purpose Coach| Founder- REFESEDI TRUE TASK

The coaching sessions will focus on exploring Leadership Styles for Women Introduction, relationship between physical health and mental health, success factors for women leaders (especially in male dominated industries), brand alignment, personal branding for women in leadership and wealth creation for financial wellness

All delegates will take part in wellness consultations, yoga, spa treatments a half day survivor challenge, gala dinner and horse riding on the beach.

To register for the conference contact Amrita on 0113262501, e-mail amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za or visit www.intelligencetransferc.co.za

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) is a leading South African conferencing and training company headquartered in Johannesburg, and has regional offices in Durban and Namibia, with the key function of offering thoroughly researched conferences for various industries.

ITC started its operations 2007 and executes over 42 conferences and workshops annually, both local and international. ITC is MICT SETA accredited and a level 1 B-BBEE company which believes in closing the knowledge gap across the Public and Private sector through creating platforms for people to gather and exchange ideas in the form of conferences or in-house training. The organisation prides itself on sharing international best practices and every conference connects delegates with international leaders and leading brands within their respective markets.

Our events present your brand with the opportunity to access your direct target market and to interact with industry professionals. We understand the importance of lead generation and our conferences will bring you a host of compatible customers in your journey of building brand loyalty.

Business Process Management Conference for Government & SOEs

Five Current Trends Shaping Business Process Management Today

“While BPM is in existence for the longest time, a revolution is currently underway in this field. Cloud computing, formerly assumed to be a technology reserved for giant enterprises with large budgets, is increasingly becoming a must for businesses of all kinds. Because of digital transformation and the increasing wave of low-code and no-code software, BPM is witnessing some different trends. There are five major trends that will dominate and shape the future of BPM, namely, Analytics Centre Stage, Democratisation of BPM, Intelligent Process Modelling, Increased Automation Using Low-Code Platforms, Greater Collaboration.” Read more: Business Process Management (BPM) – Five Current Trends Shaping BPM Today! (mware.co.za)

With this in mind, Intelligence Transfer Centre is hosting the 15th Business Process Management Conference for Government & State-Owned Enterprises to be held on 25 & 26 October 2023 at CSIR, Pretoria.

The aim of the conference is to assist government departments with improving their BPM processes while also enhancing product quality or measures of process performance. Delegates will gain more understanding of continuous improvement of service delivery, increasing quality and reducing costs.

What you can expect:

With a total of 12 speakers who will be presenting at this conference, it promises to be one of the most informative conferences we’ve hosted to date. We are very excited to have the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Department of Employment and Labour, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Transnet National Ports Authority, just to name a few.

We will unpack topics surrounding the lessons learnt on the Institutionalisation of the Operations Management Framework with a specific focus on BPM, Discussing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Management of Business Processes in the South African Public Service, Discussing Business Process Modernisation Programmes in the Public Service, Creating and Implementing effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in your organization, Learning lean Six Sigma principles to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in the Public Sector and Improving Business Process Reengineering projects in Government and State-Owned Enterprises.

Attend this conference and get an opportunity to interact with industry leaders and improve your knowledge and create networks.

Should you be interested in attending or sponsoring this conference, email: amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za

1st Annual Employee Wellness Conference

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) will be hosting the 1st Annual Employee Wellness Conference which will be held on the 25th & 26th October 2023 at Accolades Boutique Venue, Midrand.

The main focus of this conference is Employee Wellness as a multi-faceted concept referring to the overall well-being, environment and health of employees in the workplace.

Attendees should brace themselves for a conference that will highlight the importance of overall wellness for a healthy work environment, how this can drive productivity and the benefits of having happy employees, as well as discussing ways to provide a better work environment for employee’s mental health, wellness and general health for better productivity, job satisfaction and career growth, employee retention, diversity, absenteeism, sexual harassment, occupational safety to name a few.

Some of the confirmed speaker departments and entities include, THE PRESIDENCY OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, SOUTH AFRICAN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY GROUP, MOMENTUM CORPORATE, BANKMED MEDICAL SCHEME, just to name a few.

To register for the conference, contact Amrita on 0113262501, e-mail amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za or visit www.intelligencetransferc.co.za

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) is a leading South African conferencing and training company headquartered in Johannesburg, and has regional offices in Durban and Namibia, with the key function of offering thoroughly researched conferences for various industries.

ITC started its operations 2007 and executes over 42 conferences and workshops annually, both local and international. ITC is MICT SETA accredited and a level 1 B-BBEE company which believes in closing the knowledge gap across the Public and Private sector through creating platforms for people to gather and exchange ideas in the form of conferences or in-house training. The organisation prides itself on sharing international best practices and every conference connects delegates with international leaders and leading brands within their respective markets.

Our events present your brand with the opportunity to access your direct target market and to interact with industry professionals. We understand the importance of lead generation and our conferences will bring you a host of compatible customers in your journey of building brand loyalty.

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