Kwikspace is the South African market leader in prefabricated and modular buildings. Following the realignment of the business over 8 months ago, Kwikspace has created a standardised product range to best reflect clients’ needs and to accommodate the financial needs of an economy in flux. South Africa is facing an uncertain economic and political future. From 2014 to 2017, South Africa experienced a decline in economic and political conditions. With the slowdown of the economy – particularly in the mining and construction sectors – and the uncertainty about foreign investment, there has been a decline in in-ground investments in construction and a growing interest in prefabricated and modular buildings. The lack of skilled labour in the construction sector, a lack of affordable housing, rising and unpredictable materials costs and the constant pressures to deliver on time and on budget means that prefabricated modular buildings are gaining traction. In line with this, Kwikspace streamlined its product offering to focus on standard products that are the most popular among clients. “This means that Kwikspace can produce even better quality products in less time”, says Kwikspace CEO Deon Fuhri. The company’s performance over the last few months after this realignment has demonstrated the determination and ethos of the management team and the quality of the product, proving that Kwikspace is indeed the market leader in prefabricated and modular buildings. With a workforce of 297 people nationally, the streamlined product offering has resulted in increased productivity. Cape Town’s new Branch Manager, Mico Botha, has spearheaded the branch’s turnover and increased the output to new record highs. In support of Government’s Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme (REIPPP), Kwikspace has increased its supply of mobile units to the renewable energy industry, particularly in the Eastern and Northern Cape, helping projects to get up and running quicker. The . . .
SA’s Property Associations And Government Unite In KZN To Boost Transformation
A breakfast event held jointly by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), Women’s Property Network (WPN) and the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP) sponsored by Beier Group and the Durban ICC, took place at Durban’s ICC on 13 February 2019. The first-of-its-kind event was held to unite these three associations and government towards addressing transformation, land reform and other issues affecting the property industry. The three renowned property organisations collaboratively hosted the event with the main theme, “Transformation in the Property Sector Transformation – Unite KZN” aimed to accelerate transformation within the property sector and engage on the topical land reform matters. Key note speakers shared insights on land expropriation, bulk infrastructure, catalytic projects and other challenges facing the industry on a national level. Bernadette Khumalo, regional chairperson of SAPOA in KZN and CEO of Rokwil Civils said, “We wanted to break down the stereotypes and show a united front in KZN. Each association faces and deals with the same challenges and working together on common issues is better than each trying its own approach.” Queen Mjwara, KZN chairperson for WPN said, “Considering the property sector charter and its codes, we are making slow progress towards the benchmark. This breakfast was a reminder for our three organisations to prioritise and drive transformation in the property industry.” National keynote speakers were Portfolio Committee Acting Chair and ANC Whip, PJ Mnguni from Land Reform and Rural Development, and eThekwini Municipality Deputy City Manager of Economic Development, Phillip Sithole. Key topics for the Deputy City Manager included urban renewal, improving bad building practices, redressing the social housing backlog and public space management to attract investors and tourists. Sithole also mentioned that the City is committed to working with the private sector and has . . .
Section 12J – Significant tax benefits on offer for venture capital investors
In July 2009 the South African Revenue Services (SARS) introduced section 12J of the Income Tax Act to encourage ordinary taxpayers to invest in small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Section 12J allows taxpayers to deduct 100% of their investments into qualifying venture capital companies (VCCs) from their current tax obligations as a reward for the ongoing economic benefits that these investments are expected to deliver. The uptake of this allowance was initially slow; but has gathered pace as more section 12J compliant VCCs come to market. Thousands of taxpayers now invest via VCCs to utilise their section 12J tax allowances and curb their ever-increasing tax liabilities. “The VCC structure enables the tax administration of section 12J investments,” says Neill Hobbs, CEO at Anuva Investments. “Our role is to ensure full compliance with the tax legislation, including registering with SARS, identifying and investing in qualifying SMMEs and providing our investors with the necessary documentary support”. Each of these compliance aspects must be met by both taxpayer and VCC for the duration of the investment. The section 12J allowance is ‘paid’ to investors upfront by way of a reduced tax liability in their current tax year. For example, a taxpayer who earned R2 million in the 2018 tax year would be liable for R900,000 in taxes. If this taxpayer invested R1 million in a qualifying section 12J VCC he or she could reduce their tax liability by R450,000. SARS has plenty of terms and conditions to prevent abuse of this allowance. Principal among these are that the capital amount remains invested for at least five years and that upon exiting the investment the base for the taxpayer’s capital gain calculation is set to ‘zero’ to compensate for the initial tax benefit. It still works out as very tax efficient compensating the investor for growing the economy. The capital gains tax liability is greater than that for investments made outside of the . . .
Doing More With Less SAPPMA Highlights The Financial & Environmental Benefits Of Using Thermoplastic Pipes
Recent advances in the production and manufacturing of thermoplastic pipes are not only leading to substantial financial savings, but it also making significant strides to help save the environment and reduce the environmental impact of piping systems. According to Jan Venter, CEO of the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA), the local plastic pipes body and its international counterparts have been researching and documenting the environmental impact of plastic pipes, and compared these figures with pipes manufactured from other materials. Results from these studies have proven unequivocally that pipe systems made from thermoplastic pipes have much lower manufacturing and transportation costs, better long-term maintenance and higher recyclability than pipes made from other materials. “The dramatic increase in the size of the world’s population and the corresponding strain this places on infrastructure, has placed the focus on assessing the net impact products have on the environment. This is an aspect that is increasingly driving the global economies and have increased the demand for plastic pipes. From an environmental and economic point of view, engineers are recognising that investing in plastic pipes make sense because it allows them to do a lot more with the same amount of energy or money they would have spent on traditional materials, because as they offer a design lifespan of 100 years,” Venter says. Significant advances made in recent years have improved both the quality and strength of the raw materials that are used for the manufacturing of plastic pipes. This, combined with efforts to optimise the entire manufacturing processes of polymers (plastics) pipe, auxiliary components and the jointing for the delivery of optimised PVC and HDPE pipe systems, has ensured that plastic pipes are recognised for quite literally punching above its weight. “Piping systems are costly elements infrastructure and it is therefore . . .
Youthful Life, LLC Partners with UNFI and Azure Standard to Distribute Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar
Top organic and natural distributors to distribute USDA Organic Certified cider product. February 18, 2019 -- Youthful Life, LLC has added two new distributors, UNFI and Azure Standard, for its organic product Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar. The USDA Organic Certified cider was developed by chef and fitness expert Carmel Baronoff. It is made from all-natural ingredients offering health benefits such as regulating blood sugar, aiding in healthy digestion, boosting metabolism, increasing immunity, maintaining alkaline pH levels and much more. In total, Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar provides over 500 known health benefits. Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar ingredients include citrus fruit, garlic, raw horseradish root, turmeric, jalapenos, onions, ginger and thyme. New Englanders call this tonic “Fire Cider” for its unique sweet and spicy taste. These ingredients are steeped in 100% organic apple cider vinegar for 4-6 weeks, then strained and cold pressed to maximize the nutritional value of this elixir. Bottles are available in 1 gallon, 16 ounces, 8 ounces and 1-ounce box sizes. The product is soy free, nut free, gluten free, dairy free, non-GMO and paleo. Each individual Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar ingredient offers health benefits that assist with weight loss, regulating stress, boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, increasing energy, and ultimately helping consumers feel a sense of increased well-being and youthfulness. United Natural Foods Incorporated, or UNFI, is the largest public organic and natural distributor in the country and was founded on the mission of providing access to healthy, sustainable foods. UNFI carries over 110,000 products and has 33 distribution centers throughout the United States and Canada. With shared values like health, quality and integrity, UNFI and Youthful Life, LLC make a fitting partnership. Azure Standard is one of the largest private organic and natural distributors in the United States. The company strives to place . . .
Beware The Property Scammers
We’re into the first quarter of the year when many students start thinking about accommodation for the year, those changing jobs start considering new homes, and many of us are scouring online property sites, looking for holiday rents. Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, warns that property scammers have become quite sophisticated: “We encourage those looking for rentals to be vigilant. It is vital that you look for ways to verify the integrity of the property listing you are interested in.” The only sure-fire way of ensuring you won’t be scammed, says Stevens, is to deal through a reputable property company and double check everything. “Scammers are clever conmen and women; the smartest ones are extremely charming, and adept at lulling their victims into a false sense of security, even using real properties that are really up for rent to lure the unwary into making their deposits and paying that first month’s rent into the crooks’ account.” Almero Tidbury’s experience is a case in point, says Stevens. His response to an advert was followed an hour later by a phone call from “a pleasant gent” telling him that the property would be on view during the week and that he would receive an email shortly with more information. “True to his word, I received an email that informed me of the viewing days and times, the name of an agent who would be there to answer any questions, and the pleasing mention that as I was first to respond, I had preference on the flat.” Almero responded, saying he would be at the Wednesday viewing and shortly afterwards received another mail, with deposit information and banking details, a copy of the lease. He viewed the flat and it was exactly what he wanted. In the days that followed, the 16 page lease travelled back and forth, signatures were signed, ID copies were swapped, and Almero made his deposit. On the last Thursday of October, the “agent” phoned to tell Almero that the owner of the property was in town for the weekend . . .
Search Engine Marketing Services
WHY SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING Search engine marketing is one of the most important forms of marketing to promote your business online. Its involves ranking your website on Page 1 of Google for keywords that potential clients would use to find your products and services. It reaches an audience that are already interested in your business and is one of the most effective means of obtaining clients. TWO TYPES OF SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING: 1. SEO 2. GOOGLE ADWORDS SEO Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to ranking your website high on the search engines organically. The process takes time to work and involves smart backlinking techniques. You will required to pay a Set Monthly Fee to enrol in SEO and ranking well on the search engines can take anywhere between 3-12 months. Once you have gained Top Spots on Google naturally, you will enjoy a great amount of targeted traffic which will help you increase your clients and grow your business. GOOGLE ADWORDS Google Adword is similar to SEO, but works on a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) basis. The process is quick to rank high on Google, but every time a person clicks on your advert, you will pay a specific amount for that click. The amount is dependant on the competition. The higher the competition, the higher people are bidding for those keywords, the more you will pay to rank well for those keywords on Google. WHY YOU SHOULD USE BOTH FORMS OF MARKETING It's important to use both SEO and Google Adwords to market your business online. SEO will be highly beneficial in the long-term, while Google Adwords will be benefit your business immediately. If you have a limited budget, its important to use Google Adwords only. Remember, SEO can take up to one year before you start receiving inquiries. Google Adwords delivers instant traffic which could result in instant sales and business. Pros and Cons of SEO SEO PROS - Once you ranked high organically on Google, you will receive hundreds, if not thousands of people . . .
Racism and Sexism are ‘Offensive’… So What?
By Devan Moonsamy CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute Do we truly understand what racism and sexism are? Do we truly understand why it is offensive, and why it should end? The word offensive has been overused in the context of discrimination. It feels like it has a weak meaning. What is this offence caused? We need to go deeper. Racism and sexism cause pain. That is something we seem to miss in all this mess of accusations and flaring tempers. Discrimination tells the target that they are not good enough simply because of certain physical features, but which do not fully define who they are in any case. Certainly, our gender, race and colour do determine some things about us – and we should all be proud of the positive aspects of our heritage. However, it is extremely hurtful when these features are used as an excuse for ‘less than’ treatment. Racism and sexism lead to anger. People want to get even, often more than even, because it is not the first time they have faced such treatment and the pain and frustration has built up inside them. It is thus a case sometimes of the straw that broke the camel’s back. Racist or sexist remarks and acts of discrimination tell the victim that they are inferior and will never be anything other than what the racist or sexist defines them as. This is ‘offensive’, yes, but let’s forget about that word for now. Let’s focus on the fact rather that it causes immense pain, sometimes long-term or life-long distress which, while people may hide very well for a time, is no less a reality. It damages a person’s and even an entire population’s sense of self-worth, and it oppresses them. It may force them to accept a lower position, which there is no valid reason for them to occupy, at least until they fight back and reclaim equality. What has happened about the allegations of sexism at the African Union Commission? Institutionalised or politically sanctioned racism and sexism are out. However, there is a subtle . . .
The Liz McGrath Collection appoint new Sales Manger, Martina Barth
The Liz McGrath Collection is proud to announce the welcome addition of Martina Barth to its staff portfolio, in her new role as Sales Manager responsible for Inbound Leisure. Barth joined the 5-star luxury hotel in Constantia, Cape Town in mid-January 2019 after a decade as Sales Manager at The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands, Cape Town. Barth has been active in the hospitality industry for over two decades, having started her career as Assistant F&B Manager at the V&A Hotel. Speaking of her previous work experience, she says: “I have had the great fortune to work with leading hospitality brands such as Arabella-Sheraton (now The Westin) as PR & Promotions Manager, and Peermont, as their Cape Town sales arm.” In her new role at The Liz McGrath Collection, Barth’s key responsibilities are to maintain the already strong partnerships with the hotel’s STO accounts and Industry Stakeholders - the hotel is extremely well established in the global and local marketplace. She is also on board to forge new relationships with emerging markets. Barth is sure to excel in this capacity due to her substantial industry network, built up over many years. She is a passionate and committed member of the hospitality and tourism industry. In 2018 she was elected to the Western Cape Board of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and is proud to hold the role of Africa liaison for The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). The Liz McGrath Collection looks forward to enhancing and leveraging her experience and relationships in order to stay relevant in the fast-changing landscape of the tourism Industry. About The Liz McGrath Collection A warm welcome to The Liz McGrath Collection, comprising The Cellars-Hohenort, The Marine, and The Plettenberg - three iconic hotels that exemplify South African hospitality. Each of these 5-star hotels boasts a unique location, mesmerising history, splendid design, and amenities and services . . .
Decorex SA announces bold new partnership with Olympic Paints®
Adding another layer to this year’s ‘Designing for Africa – feels like home’ theme, Decorex SA will be partnering with proudly South African paint manufacturer, Olympic Paints®, for all three of its 2019 exhibitions – Decorex Durban, Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg. “We are so thrilled to welcome Olympic Paints® as the exclusive paint partner for Decorex SA this year,” said Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions. “As a South African-based organisation, Olympic Paints® has real insight into the décor trends and preferences of the local market and will be able to tap into this year’s Afrocentric theme.” The experienced team from Olympic Paints® has worked in conjunction with the creatives at Decorex SA to formulate the Premium Platinum Plus Lux Range – a unique colour palette exclusive to Decorex. Sanjay Parag of Olympic Paints® said that, by combining expertise and experience, the team has created a fresh and exciting premium colour pallete that will enhance any modern design. This exclusive Decorex SA colour palette, in collaboration with Olympic Paints®, will be showcased throughout the 2019 Decorex SA exhibition programme. “We are excited to be partnering with an award-winning brand like Decorex,” said Parag. “This is a trusted brand that will complement our proudly South African heritage. We believe that the two brands teaming up will add value to the exhibition and provide new ideas for designers and decorators alike.” Anita Bloom, Creative Director at Decorex SA, said: “It has been such an enlightening experience, working with leading paint experts to formulate a colour palette exclusively for these three shows. We considered the emerging trends in décor and design to cultivate something that will elevate the Decorex brand alongside Olympic Paints® premium colour range. It’s going to be truly eye-catching.” The Premium Platinum Plus Lux Range will include the ‘Suburban Bliss’ palette consisting of Mushroom Haze, Emerald . . .
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