Tyson Properties has expanded its Western Cape footprint with the opening of a strategically located provincial headquarters and Southern Suburbs office. This comes as the real estate group strengthens its position elsewhere in the country, scoring a top brand award in KwaZulu-Natal, where it has also opened a new Glenwood office, and as it grows its presence in the key Gauteng market. Company founder and managing director, Chris Tyson said the new Western Cape office, located on Alphen Estate in Constantia, signalled the company's intentions to the market, while positioning agents to service the surrounding areas. "The offices are in keeping with the character of Cape Town's Southern Suburbs while being big enough to match our ambition," he said. There is space for 50 staff, including a professional marketing team, including graphic artists, photographers, copywriters and videographers to provide the sales team with in-house support. Nick Pearson, Tyson Properties Cape director, said: "It’s always been my dream to go back to the Constantia area. I’m a SACS old boy. It’s also a really significant area in real estate in South Africa." He said the property company had taken its time establishing itself in Constantia and rather than recruiting agents, as was the norm, had been approached by top sales people looking to join. "We have a clear vision and strategy on taking Tyson Properties to the next level. We have created an agent-centric environment, providing the agents with the right offices, the right tools. Already it’s showing formidable results,” said Pearson. He said over the past few weeks, including before the office's August opening, the team had achieved a record sale of a R22 million property in Newlands and significant sales in Constantia. Meanwhile, Tyson Properties continues to expand in KwaZulu-Natal – and collect accolades. It has opened a second office in Glenwood, Durban, after outgrowing the existing 50 square-metre …
Husqvarna proudly announces Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira as its first-ever African ambassador
For centuries, Husqvarna has been trusted to provide world-leading outdoor tools solutions that make a difference. The brand has a large footprint in Africa, but it’s expanding at a rapid pace, making it the ideal time to partner with a much-loved local personality that embodies the innovation and excellence for which it’s known. Husqvarna is proud to announce its first-ever African brand ambassador, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira. Tendai isn’t just one of South Africa’s most talented rugby players; he’s also a family man who embodies the core values of the brand – commitment, teamwork, family and support. In short, he’s a natural fit. “I’m very honoured to be a part of the Husqvarna group,” says Tendai. “It’s a world-class brand, and it’s incredible to be working with such a professional team”. (A big compliment when you consider the star athlete’s other teammates.) Products that make a difference Welcoming Tendai into the Husqvarna family meant ensuring he’s got all the products he needs to help him take the very best care of his garden. Just one that’s making a world of difference to the Mtawarira home is the brand’s best-selling automower®. “I’m often on the road or on the field so, when I was home, much of my free time was spent doing chores around the house. Now, because all the mowing is done for me, I am able to enjoy more time with my family.” The automower® is one of Husqvarna’s many battery-driven “Silent Nature™” products. As it’s powered by electricity, it doesn’t produce harmful emissions and works hard in virtual silence. As you can imagine, Tendai’s neighbours are big fans too. “No more noisy mowing on Sundays,” he laughs. In fact, he now never has to spend any of his days cutting grass. “When I spend time overseas I now don’t have to worry about coming home to an overgrown garden. These products are really making a difference!” Another Husqvarna item making life easier for the Mtawarira’s is the brand’s high-pressure washer. It’s so …
Sibos 2019: Bluecode Africa shows the way to financial inclusion
Sibos is the world’s premier financial services event, and this year one African fintech is planning on making waves there. Taking place in London from 23-26 September, 9,000 business leaders, decision makers and topic experts, 600 speakers, and more than 100 fintechs will focus on shaping the future of the financial world. Bluecode Africa will be exhibiting at the Africa Pavilion together with Bankserv and other leading financial players. They will be educating delegates on how the world will pay, not just in the future, but right now – in a way that is secure, practical and does not need expensive technology and infrastructure to work. Sibos 2019 is focusing on “thriving in a hyper-connected world”, a theme which has profound implications for a continent which both leads the world in mobile money, but also wrestles with ongoing challenges in terms of access to smartphone technology and data. The hype around “hyper-connected” risks deepening inequality as millions of people without smartphones and reliable wifi find themselves left behind. This is where Bluecode Africa comes in. In sub-Saharan Africa, mobile money accounts now surpass traditional bank accounts, as African countries leapfrog legacy systems established in Western markets. It’s a good news story – but there’s a catch. African financial institutions, which have nurtured clients amd developed products suited to local conditions over decades, now face the prospect of disintermediation by fintech and Bigtech who’s interests are aligned with foreign shareholders, not local financial markets and financial institutions. Hundreds of fintech start-ups have launched in Africa, most on the theme of financial inclusion. These new players are targeting consumer transactional banking, consumer micro-credit, and ultimately data harvesting. Many are leveraging off foreign card scheme. The endgame is harvesting and mining transactional data and disintermediation of the customer from the bank. African …
The SADC region’s financial destiny lies in the hands of its people – literally
Over the past decade, economic growth in the SADC region has been more sluggish than leaders have hoped for. In 2018, the region set a GDP growth target of 7%, but only achieved 3.1%. Given the region’s high youth unemployment rate, the need for the kind of growth that creates wealth and jobs is an urgent one. The SADC countries’ greatest asset are their people. So where can we make the biggest difference, quickly? The solution could be in our hands – quite literally. The mobile phones that so many SADC region citizens use to connect with friends and family and to keep up with what’s happening in the world, could also be a tool to increase participation in the formal money economy. A region wide mobile payments scheme with pan-African and international interoperability owned and managed by local and regional financial institutions could be a game changer. The Bluecode platform offers just that. A locally owned and managed scheme with global interoperable capabilities, offers SADC a real alternative to foreign legacy card schemes. Mobile payments offer a real alternative to cash, cards and P2P, giving consumers convenience and offering from tier 1 retail to MSMEs a friction free lower cost payment with the kind of value that is needed to grow their business. Moreover a digital payment provides digital transparency and opens the opportunity for banks to collateralize cash flow and customer data to reduce dependency on more tangible collateral traditionally used to mitigate credit risk. A mobile scheme could be an economic catalyst that helps lift millions out of poverty. Here’s why. Financial inclusion Central banks across the region have prioritized the promotion of financial inclusion though increasing the availability of relevant products, channels and services adapted to local market conditions. Simply, more citizens need to be able to make and receive payments for goods and services, and to create wealth, jobs and the prosperity that results from …
Wonderbra’s 2019 icon unveiled as student Kristina Andreas Louw
When Wonderbra set out to find this year’s icon, a woman who could embody their sexy, spirited brand, they weren’t just looking for a striking beauty. Their ambassador also had to have confidence and a very special something that would make her stand out. While it was a tall order, they’ve managed to find their woman in the form Kristina Andreas Louw. Fiercely independent, entrepreneurial and adventurous, 23-year-old Kristina hails from Kloof in Durban where she studies public relations. She plans to pursue a career in cause-related marketing and corporate social investment, something she'll juggle with modelling. Having caught the eye of a local agency back in 2015, Kristina has worked consistently but always wanted to focus on swimwear or lingerie and now Wonderbra is making that ambition a reality. “Winning the Wonderbra icon-search has been a dream come true,” says Kristina. “I want to use this platform to show the world that you can be a woman of stature and purpose but can also be proud of your God given body and wear it with pride. I want to inspire women and young girls to be unapologetic and recognise themselves as powerful forces in society.” Kristina follows in the footsteps of last year’s Wonderbra Icon winner, Phumza Tiya. Both she and Phumza have been chosen to feature in an International Wonderbra campaign that will launch in Europe and the UK from November onwards. This is another dream come true for Kristina who’s got her sights set on an international modelling career. “Kristina embodied all that we were looking for in our new Wonderbra Icon,” says Raquel van Niekerk, Wonderbra’s International Brand Manager: “She’s a woman that is confident, smart, fun and sexy in her unique way. We did not want to go for the typical model that you would expect Wonderbra to have. The brand is shifting and starting to look for icons that are more representative of women, while retaining the innate sexiness of the brand. With Kristina, we believe we have …
Branding Walls and Creating Floor to Ceiling Artworks with Canvex
CANVEX customised wall canvas transforms interior walls into branding statements, billboards, huge artworks or creative backdrops. Already a firm favourite for designers, CANVEX is ideal for your office, hotels, retail stores, restaurants and homes. Transform any design or image into wall fabric that won’t shrink or move with weather change. Quick and easy to install, CANVEX by Expand a Sign is robust, long-lasting, and made from non-toxic ink and recyclable materials and locally produced. No weathering, no waste, just intensive colour and detail wherever you want it, whenever you need it. It is available in a width of 1.8m and can be as long as your space requires. It can also be relocated if you move. Bridget Ward of Accelerated Education Enterprises says, “The Canvex murals have added an innovative solution to our in office branding. We really like the fact that the product can be custom sized, enabling us to brand wall to floor in any area.” If you’re ready create your own canvas wallpaper for corporate or residential use, visit www.canvex.co.za or call 0860 744 688. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Traka Automotive launches into South Africa
Taka Automotive, a market leader in networked key management solutions, has established a physical presence and commenced operation in South Africa, following a year of market research. The new Traka Automotive team has already initiated conversations with car dealerships across South Africa, as well as marketing activities in the form of sponsoring the NADA Dealer Development Programme. As Traka Africa, the company already provides its asset management solutions to the mining and petrochemical industries and elsewhere, and following success in this market it has been a natural progression to enter the retail dealership market. It already has a market leadership in this market among UK and USA automotive dealerships. Explaining its niche and entry to the local market, Traka Automotive director Paul Smith says: “Millions of key and vehicle movements take place globally every day, and we offer the opportunity to manage these more efficiently. From our own studies, a typical dealership will misplace or lose up to ten sets of keys a year at a cost of around R3,000/set. As a result of our provable cost benefit, we have seen rapid uptake of network key management solutions in the US and UK over the last decade. We are pleased to be able to offer South Africa-based dealerships the best key management solutions in the world.” Traka Automotive is specifically designed from the ground up for automotive dealerships, having been configured around the processes used daily in dealerships. It is flexible and scalable so as to cater for everything from small, single-site dealerships to multiple, large locations, enabling them to focus on their core activity of selling more cars rather than chasing car keys, and improving after sales service. “It is a valuable new tool for efficiency in motor dealerships, and especially seamlessly integrates with existing systems. You’ll always know exactly who has which key, when it was removed and when it has been returned. You can …
New look for Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run – 28 April 2019
The ever-popular Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run in KwaZulu-Natal will have a new look in 2019, including a new race venue and some revamped routes. This year’s event on April 28 will be based at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa which will provide an idyllic and spectator-friendly venue for supporters, while also ensuring a more relaxed setting for riders and runners after they have completed their events. The route for the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme event, which targets the province’s elite and experienced mountain bikers, will be similar to the 2018 event, although there are a few tweaks to update and improve the course with some extra single track. The popular 40km Safire MTB Classic will have the most changes of all the mountain bike rides with the course shortened back to 40km while extra single track has been added. The highest climb - at just under 1000m - is early on in the race at 13.5km. The return loop has a gentler gradient. The trail runners will have the biggest changes with new routes starting at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge on top of the plateau before finishing at a beautiful waterfall setting in the valley, where shuttles will transport runners back to the start/finish area and prizegiving. “The event has now outgrown the Mid Illovo Club, which hosted the Husqvarna Classic for 10 years,” said race organiser Shanon MacKenzie this week. “We made the decision to move the start and finish venue to Gwahumbe Game Lodge that lends itself to an ideal area for relaxation and chilling after the competitors have completed their runs and rides. “More people will be able to enjoy the vibe and atmosphere that will make for a wonderful family atmosphere. “We have also changed the routes a little. With changes over the years the 40km had become 46km and some of the return climbs were tough for the riders we were attracting, so we got rid of some of the smaller ascents on the return route and reduced the distance. …
Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run – Sunday 28 April 2019
Calling all mountain bikers and trail runners – entries are now open for the 2019 Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, with race options to suit the whole family. This popular event has limited entries so don’t delay in entering. The race starts on Sunday 28 April at Gwahumbe Game & Spa in Mid-Illovo in KZN. The serious mountain bikers can choose either the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme or the 40km Safire Classic route, while fun riders have the choice of an 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience or the 10km route, which is free entry for the under 12s. For trail runners, the Farmers Agri-Care 16km or the 9km Gwahumbe trail routes offer spectacular trails through indigenous KZN bushlands and grasslands. Each year, the Mid-Illovo community benefits from hosting the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, as proceeds from the event go towards community upliftment. Every entrant also has the opportunity to give back and help a child in this Midlands community by purchasing an Uzwelo School Bag, with a built-in raincoat poncho, for R150. Enter online at www.roag.co.za or contact ROAG on info@roag.co.za or 086 100 ROAG/7624. Entry Fees 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme R220 40km Safire MTB Classic R190 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience R160 10km Fun Ride R80 (free for under 12s) 16km Farmers Agri-Care Trail Run R140 9km Gwahumbe Trail Run R100 For more information, visit www.husqvarnaclassic.co.za. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
ShovaForHope – Raising Funds & Awareness for Vulnerable KZN Children
#SHOVAFORHOPE – 4 Heroes, 106km, 2 Charities, 1 Goal Expand a Sign’s #SHOVAFORHOPE programme focuses on 4 HEROES, 106 KM for 2 CHARITIES - with 1 GOAL in mind – raising awareness and money for vulnerable children in KwaZulu-Natal. Three of Expand A Sign’s team is embarking on the gruelling 106km Amashova cycle race on a single-speedy bicycle this weekend. As uncomfortable as their bikes are, they are pushing themselves in a fundraiser and awareness drive for Operation Bobbi Bear and iThemba Lethu. Operation Bobbi Bear is a human rights organisation committed to helping sexually abused children in Amanzimtoti in Kwa Zulu Natal and iThemba Lethu helps restore hope and destiny in vulnerable children through various programmes, including Family Integration, Breast Milk Bank and HIV Prevention, We obviously can’t begin to tell you the full story of the incredible work these organisations are doing in our local communities, so check out their respective websites - http://bobbibear.org.za/ and https://www.ithembalethu.org.za/ Get Involved and Make a Difference We are looking for as little as a R20 donation to Operation Bobbi Bear or iThemba Lethu in order to reach our donation goal of R100 000. Share #ShovaForHope and get your team or family and friends involved in sending motivational messages to the Expand A Sign team cycling. Donate with Zapper South Africa or EFT by clicking here: www.expandasign.co.za/shovaforhope CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …