South Africa is facing a crisis of high and rising youth unemployment. Only 1 in 3 young people of working age is employed. This distressing statistic not only plays out through the limited earnings potential and future prospects of these youth, but also emerges in stymied business growth. This number could, however, be minimised if the public and private sector join forces to build a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for the younger generation, which, statistics indicate, is more open-minded to entrepreneurship as a career choice than previous generations. “There are a number of great job opportunities for young people in the South African property market,” says MultiNET CEO Shaun Rademeyer, “from youth with practical hands-on abilities to do things like electrical or plumbing work, to those who prefer to sell or to arrange bonds, contracts and financing.” While being a residential real estate agent is one of the most common career opportunities associated with the property industry, it is by no means the only one. The industry has depth and breadth, and there are many other jobs young people can explore. Whether they are looking for something with more flexibility, more structure, higher stakes or lower stakes, they are likely to find a career opportunity within real estate and related services. “There are also the more physical aspects of selling a house where manual labour is needed to make the property sellable,” says Rademeyer, “from the painting to plumbing, to electrical work. Youngsters who develop these trade and technical skills can easily go on to establish their own businesses and provide much needed jobs for others.” Career opportunities in real estate We’ve put together a list of jobs candidates might not have considered in the real estate industry that are both challenging and have the potential to be profitable new careers for South Africa’s youth. 1. Web developers, social media and SEO specialists, AutoCAD designers The …
Gradidge-Mahura Investments training young financial talent
South African’s are notorious for not saving enough, at best we save about R1 out of every R10 which is why Gradidge-Mahura Investments (GMI) has taken on the challenge to change this mindset. At the helm, Craig Gradidge and Kagisho Mahura set out, over a decade ago, to break that mould, driven by their vision to improve financial literacy and enhance access to investment deals that benefit South Africans across the race, age and social spectrum. “South African’s do not have a saving mentality and we set out to change that,” says Kagiso. “If we want to change our country, we have to be able to service a wider spectrum of clients. So, we are very passionate about training young South African’s to become fully fledged financial advisors and planners so that they will be the one’s in the future to create better investors for South Africa as a whole.” Set within the context, Mahura says that statistics indicate that the average South African financial adviser is 52, white, Afrikaans and male…but the market is changing. “Today’s market is young, black and professional and we felt we needed to get in and start changing the conversation.” Today, they head up a flourishing wealth management firm that went from managing R10million with an emphasis on young black professionals in year one, to an impressive R950million today, with a diverse and eclectic spectrum of clients attracted by their strong focus on relationships and value creation. “At GMI we were quite deliberate in trying to do things differently to the way anybody else has done before that we were aware of,” says Mahura. “So, the way we structured the business is that the client sits at the centre. Everything we do, the obvious question is always, is it good for the client? It's got nothing to do with what’s good for the advisor or good for the business because we know, if it's good for the client eventually it's going to be good for the business.” GMI is one of the companies highlighted by …
True Economic Empowerment Comes With Disruption
MultiNET’s new approach to sharing wealth means home loan consultants could earn R20 million on average more than their counterparts in the market. Over the years, those companies that have played a disruptive role in their respective market spaces have been the ones to catapult us forward. Apple and the smartphone, Nikon and the world’s first digital camera, even a certain insurance company and its telephonic underwriting process, are just three examples of how industries have evolved. And the home loans industry is no different, as MultiNET, SA’s only independent home loan origination company, is disrupting its industry by giving their consultants the opportunity to earn 293% more than the current market norms. This equates to an average earnings of R58 000 more per month, and over a 30-year career of a home loans consultant, would be worth over R20 million. “The idea comes from looking at the same industry we service, real estate,” explains MultiNET CEO Shaun Rademeyer, “We realised that in the real estate industry, the agent is the key to success, and earnings moved over the years from 50% of the commission to upwards of 90%. “We have looked to evolving the origination industry to make use of the same key element, the consultant; the person doing the loan application. This person is normally well experienced in the financing of home loans with several years of detailed knowledge and expertise ? many actually come from a banking background where they helped build the mortgage industry as we see it today.” These experts are mostly found through referrals, either by estate agent or via friends and family ? they are normally the go-to-person when customers ask, “What is the best way to get a home loan?” However, this same person who is so integral to the success of the business is also settling for the smallest slice of the pie. “We have asked why, and the answers that come back are brand loyalty, a guarantee of a salary even though most are …
Debt review? Know your rights!
Debt review is a process you can apply for to a debt counsellor if you have too much debt and are struggling to repay your debt. If your application for debt review is accepted, a debt counsellor will negotiate a payment plan with your creditors. This means that you can pay less each month, but for a longer time. Debt counsellors may also negotiate lower interest rates for your debt. The lower payments mean you can pay off your debt and still pay your monthly living expenses such as food and transport. Debt review can really help you if you are in too much debt. At the end of the process, not only will you have paid your debts, you will also have a clear credit record. Debt review is subject to certain rules and regulations. These are set out in the National Credit Act. We’ve simplified these into 10 important points, so that you know what your rights and responsibilities are if you are under debt review. 1. Check that your debt counsellor is registered with the National Credit Regulator. Ask them for their registration certificate or check the Regulator’s website. 2. Tell the debt counsellor all the details of your debt including how much it is, how much you have repaid and what the interest rate is. Send your statements to your debt counsellor. 3. Tell the debt counsellor details of your income and expenses. The purpose of debt review is to give you an affordable debt repayment plan. So, your debt counsellor needs to know how much you need to live on and how much you can afford to repay your debts each month. 4. Your debt counsellor will review your application, assess your debt and apply for approval for debt review from the Magistrate’s court. If your application is rejected, you can ask to see the reasons why it was rejected. 5. Make sure you know and understand your payment plan – how much you must pay, when and for how long. Your debt counsellor will draw this up and must explain it to you. Ask if there is anything you don’t understand or need a …
As Cryptocurrency Markets Rise – Could This Signal The Beginning Of A Bull Run? – Altcointrader
We have been experiencing one of the longest bear markets the cryptocurrency space has seen, longer than what we witnessed in 2013. As the markets have caused a great deal of uncertainty as a result, many investors have unfortunately caused a major panic in the ecosystem. As expected though, there seems to be indicators that the next bull run is beginning with the recent price hike of Bitcoin. From its all time high’s in December 2017 of $ 20 000, to it’s low point of $ 3300 early 2019, Bitcoin is seemingly making a comeback as it surges past the $6 500 mark as of 12 May 2019. Richard de Sousa, Partner at one of the largest and oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in the country, AltCoinTrader says, “Recently we have seen the Bitcoin price increase for seemingly no apparent reason. What we have however seen for the past 5 years, is that thousands of people have adopted Bitcoin and have been dedicating time to the growth and expansion of the network, building platforms and silently working behind the scenes. The technology is constantly being enhanced and as a result we have seen the price increase in the last three months because all of the foundations are in place.” As with any new technology, it needs time to mature. As millions of technology experts throughout the world are working on projects in this space, it is inevitable that the price will start to increase as more and more people dedicate and work on the fundamentals of Bitcoin. De Sousa says, “Recent reporting of general media on the cryptocurrency topic has been driven by hype and sensationalism, it doesn’t give a true reflection of the work that experts are putting in behind the scene on the technology.” Technologies like this take between 10 – 20 years before they see major adoption and as Bitcoin is currently in its 10th year of existence it seems to be on track as expected and the growth is very healthy and sustainable. There is an expectation of the price continuing to rise in the future, with …
The Business Benefits of Outsourcing
Businesses operating in the 21st century have an immense amount of pressure to be dynamic, relevant and constantly find ways of growing. One of the most common tools used by organisations to gain leverage over their competitors and exceed the aggressive demands of the market is to employ outsourcing, says Director of Malander Group, Lyle Malander. “Outsourcing as a tool is not new. It has been around for thousands of years. But it is only recently that companies are beginning to understand the power of having external expert knowledge and reviews to positively grow their businesses. Outsourcing is a process in which an external consultant or another business is employed to take care of certain tasks and processes, instead of hiring additional employees and assigning tasks to other staff. Simply put, it is outside resourcing,” Malander explains. He says outsourcing has various benefits for businesses, which include cost savings, quality and efficiency improvements, as well as increased customer satisfaction. Importantly, outsourcing of non-core businesses mitigates elements of risk, while freeing up time and resources for a company, allowing it to focus on its core functions like production, sales and business expansion. These are critical success factors that aid the growth and profitability of any business. “Outsourcing a department or function allows you to gain access to a larger pool of resources and expertise, as they ensure the smooth running of that function. Your organisation also gains a competitive edge in the market. Through strategic outsourcing to an outsourcing partner, such as the Malander Group, you can expect the best financial, digital and talent acquisition services. This opens up your business to higher productivity and allows you to manage your in-house resources judiciously, whilst decreasing the management burden,” says Malander. However, outsourcing of services also comes with certain cons, Malander says. When a company …
Zimbabwe-based Steward Bank launches Chat Banking on WhatsApp in partnership with Clickatell
Steward Bank in Zimbabwe is the latest in a series of major banks across Africa to successfully integrate and offer chat banking services on WhatsApp. Clickatell is an authorized global WhatsApp Business solution provider headquartered in the US. Its chat banking customers include ABSA, UBA, GT Bank, and First Bank of Nigeria. WhatsApp is a popular chat application in Zimbabwe, and Steward Bank’s presence on WhatsApp unlocks financial inclusion for millions of people who are already using WhatsApp. The advantages to the Steward bank customer using WhatsApp include convenience, speed, and efficiency for frequently used banking activities. Steward Bank is primed to see a positive uptake for their WhatsApp-based chat banking service, Sosholoza. Through Sosholoza, Steward Bank customers can enjoy customer service via WhatsApp. The bank intends to expand its reach to WhatsApp users in the country, eliminating the need for these users to download and use a banking app that could use costly data bundles. With Sosholoza, customers can initiate frequently used banking capabilities including balance checks, money transfers, and airtime purchases. “Just over 37,000 customer profiles were registered in the first three weeks following the launch,” says Dr Lance Mambondiani, CEO at Steward Bank. “The simplicity of on-boarding and transaction initiation have been key contributors to these numbers.” Getting started with the Sosholoza service is as simple as initiating a chat with a friend on WhatsApp, with users simply needing to save the Steward Bank WhatsApp number and begin the conversation with a “Hi” message. Security and privacy for banking chats are ensured by the bank grade Clickatell platforms. The benefits for financial establishments like Steward Bank are clear, as Dr Mambondiani explains: “Sosholoza on WhatsApp has expanded Steward Bank's services to non-Steward Bank customers regardless of geographical location, bank affiliation, and even mobile money …
TCI’s Annual Debt Collection Conference 2019
If you are dealing with debt collection, credit management, customer engagement, call centres and loan origination - make a point of registering for the upcoming Annual Debt Collection 2019 Conference. Click here to download the conference brochure http://www.tci-sa.co.za/debt-collection-2019/ The conference, taking place on 22 & 23 May 2019 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg, will explore the impact of the both the internal and external environment impacting on successful debt collection practices. The scope of this years’ conference’s programme will have a focus on technology, customer engagement and debt collection strategies as well as updated information on the legal framework and governance. The programme will feature 2 panel discussions and 18 discussion points. Apart from debt and credit professionals from all over the South Africa sharing their know-how, experiences and insights with high powered delegates, attending will also create an excellent opportunity for networking. Personnel from banks, financial institutions, and debt collection agencies, call centres, micro-lenders, credit bureaus and attorneys will be attending this event. Receive brochure here Last year the conferences was attended by nearly 130 attendees from organisations such as ADRA, PASA, African Bank, Altech Nupay, GetBucks Botswana, Barclays Bank Botswana, MFSA, Pres Les, Choma Mathiba Collections, Department of Labour: Compensation fund, Christian Art Distributors, First National Bank, African Bank, Principa, Uni-Collect, ZETZ Automation, Wesbank, MFC, ABSA, Easy Debit Payment Solutions and many more. This event aims to equip attendees with the correct knowledge and updated strategies about debt collection, including information about legal implications, risk assessment methods and consumer credit management. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
AI and Data Analytics in the spotlight
Top class data technology events tailor-made for financial professionals With the newest entrants into the economy (being Generation Z) raised with the internet at their fingertips, and all sorts of technology in the palms of their hands, this cohort of potential banking clients demand more from their financial services. Additionally to being deeply preoccupied with social justice, online shopping, and social media influences, they also expect technology they make use of to be responsive to their needs and wants, and think at least 2 steps ahead of them. What solutions are available for financial service providers in terms of revolutionising and capitalising on technology for all their banking clients? Trade Conferences International has assembled industry experts in AI technology and progressive data analysis in order to equip financial professionals with the stratagems and insights centred around data integration, innovations in technology, compliance and regulation, and so much more by attending the upcoming AI in Financial Services 2019 and the Evolution of Data Analytics in Banking 2019 Conferences. Date: 29 & 30 May 2019 Venue: Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg Topics to be addressed at the AI in Financial Services Conference 2019: • Intelligent Computer Vision - Financial Applications with AI • Smart Eco-Systems of the Future (Eco-X) • Achieving a single view of a customer using artificial intelligence • Improving customer experience by using AI • Implementing AI, machine learning and RPA in the banking environment • Solving business problems using machine learning and AI Some of the AI in Financial Services Conference 2019 address the event: • Adrian van der Merwe, CEO, North Wind Digital • Ritesh Kanjee, CEO & Founder, Augmented Startups • Paul Morgan, Business Unit Lead – Data, Planning & Analytics, Altron Karabina • Daren Mudaly, Chief Designer, Architect & Process Engineer and Co-Founder, Pepper …
Why you must attend the Annual Debt Collection Conference 2019?
Why you must attend the Annual Debt Collection Conference 2019? Do you know what are the current challenges and opportunities facing the debt collection industry? And are you aware of the latest developments and how to negotiate credit risk, governance and compliance, data analytics, technology, customer engagement and a host of other issues impacting on the industry? If you want to learn more, know more and be part of a better and more successful debt collection environment, then attending the Annual Debt Collection Conference 2019 is a must this year. The event taking place on 22 & 23 May 219 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg will provide an ideal educational and social platform for professionals from financial institutions, debt collection agencies, call centres, micro-lending, credit bureaus and service providers to explore the current debt collection environment to attending delegates. 5 EXCELLENT REASONS WHY YOU MUST ATTEND THE DEBT COLLECTION SOUTH AFRICA CONFERENCE: 1. TRUSTED ORGANISERS – Trade Conferences International hosted 11 debt collection conferences in the past 16 years! TCI with a focus on the banking industry, has brought to life cornerstone events on micro finance, payments, mobile banking, call centres, cloud computing, data analytics, credit, loan origination, customer engagement. 2. INNNOVATIVE AND UP TO DATE TOPICS – Topics will cover the current landscape and outside issues effecting the industry such as FinTech, technology and automation, the rise of digital, data analytics and segmentation, customer engagement and KYC, and debt collection & credit risk management. 3. EXCELLENT SPEAKERS - With more than 30 industry specialists on the speaker panel, TCI left no stone unturned to make sure that who you see and experience on stage are the best of the best. 4. POSITION YOURSELF AS AN EXPERT - If you are active in your industry, you can develop a reputation as an expert to your peers and your clients. Those …