The future bodes well for the South African accountancy profession as the top six learners achieved an average of more than 90% at the National Accounting Olympiad run by the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). Interestingly, the six came from four different provinces with the top pupil – who achieved 96.5% – coming from KwaZulu Natal. Muzaar Ahmed Malani from the Orient Islamic School in Durban, achieved the highest score, followed by Rhulani Ndlala from Merensky High School in Tzaneen, who earned 92% and Simonè Balt from Hoërskool Linden, in Johannesburg, reaching 91.5%. “As the South African Institute of Professional Accountants we are pleased with the results of the National Accounting Olympiad because they continue to show that there are pockets of excellence in our schools and that public schools continue to perform on par with private schools. This is an encouraging sign for the future of the Accountancy profession,” says Bongani Coka, the Chief Executive at SAIPA. The top three learners were followed by three learners who were tied on 91%, namely; Liam Roubach from De Kuilen High School in Cape Town. Husnaa Motala, a pupil at Westville Girls High School, in Westville. Raadiyyah Seedat from the Lenasia Muslim School in Lenasia. The annual Olympiad is open to all Grade 12 pupils in public and private schools studying Accountancy or Mathematics and aims to increase awareness among them of the importance of accounting to the South African economy, as well as the range of career opportunities available to them. The competition consists of two rounds, each consisting of a two-hour examination. The first round of 2016, written in May, saw 3510 pupils from 310 schools competing. A total of 980 learners, consisting of the top three learners in every region, qualified to enter the second round that took place on 27 July. “One of our key strategic objectives as the South African Institute of Professional . . .
Samsung 2016 UHD TVs Awarded Top UHD Standards Certification from Digital Europe
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 31 August, 2016 – Samsung Electronics Co. recently announced that all of its 2016 UHD TV models have attained the Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV certification from Digital Europe (DE), a collaborative body of European IT and consumer electronics businesses. Comprised of 62 corporate members and 37 National Trade Associations, DE is one of the most influential organisations representing the digital technology industry in Europe. According to Matthew Thackrah, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics South Africa, Samsung TVs, ranging from the 2016 SUHD TV lineup to the Series 6 UHD TVs, have all met the strict standards set for UHD TV certification as specified by DE. “These products will now carry the European UHD TV certification logo, as well as the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) label. Both certification labels will be on display on Samsung UHD TVs at this year’s IFA exhibition,” he explains. For certification purposes, DE has specifically defined a ‘pixel’ as the minimum picture resolution element capable of rendering the same luminance scale as the entire display. The horizontal and vertical pixel count must be of the complete red, green and blue triple sub-pixel block, while not counting additional non-RGB sub-pixels. Additional criteria listed to earn the DE certification include: Minimum native resolution of the display (e.g. LCD, PDP, OLED) or display engine (e.g. DLP) is 3840 x 2160 in 16:9 aspect ratio. Minimum supported colorimetric is at BT.709 or above. The display-device has at least one end-to-end signal path available to the user that does not render a UHD input at a frame rate or resolution lower than that received over the UHD interface from the source. The display-device has at least one end-to-end signal path available to the user that does not reduce the resolution, nor reduce the frame rate of a UHD input during processing prior to . . .
Kick Start your Summer with Samsung SA
Promotion offers Samsung consumers the chance to win a trip to the Maldives JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 31 August, 2016 – The majority of South Africans are thankful to note that winter is finally coming to an end and that they can once again get ready to unpack their shorts and sandals. Samsung Electronics South Africa shares this sentiment and has therefore decided to offer consumers a chance to get into the spirit of summer. The company is launching its ‘Kick Start Your Summer’ competition on the 1st of September 2016. Scheduled to run until 30th September 2016; the initiative will see 15 lucky winners win the trip of a lifetime to the beautiful islands of the Maldives. “Entering the competition is quite easy”, says Michael McKechnie, Director of Digital Appliances Group at Samsung Electronics SA. “Consumers simply need to purchase any qualifying Samsung air conditioning product through a recognised retailer, send the unique product serial number to the competition hotline via SMS and wait to see if they are one of the lucky names drawn at the end of the competition. Winners will be drawn on 14 October 2016 and proof of purchase, as well as the serial number will be required to validate wins” he explains. Once validated, the customer will receive an SMS with a winning pin code and the concierge service number to call to book their trips to the island. “The good news for customers is that this is just the first of a number of exciting promotions planned by Samsung over the course of the coming months,” McKechnie adds. “While a number of Samsung products qualify as entry to the competition, the start of the summer season is an ideal time to consider buying an air-conditioner. What better way to kick start your summer than by purchasing a product that could set you up with a dream ticket to the Indian Ocean paradise of the Maldives? So, if you are in the market for an air-conditioner this summer, then look no further than Samsung’s beautifully . . .
Samsung Electronics Transforms Air Conditioning with the New 360 Cassette’s Circular Design
Samsung Electronics South Africa announced the launch of the Digital Variable Multi (DVM S) Eco 14 HP, a new side discharge variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioner that is engineered to deliver a single outdoor unit solution for apartments and office buildings. The improved performance of the Samsung DVM S Eco 14 HP ensures that it meets the increasing market need for a specialised single outdoor unit to reduce the cost of previous multiple loading and sub-duct installation in multi-room buildings. The innovative design of the DVM S Eco 14 HP features a robust Inverter Scroll Compressor and corrugate fin, which improves heating performance by 20 percent and increases air flow by 10 percent compared to standard side discharge VRF units. "Research and development (R&D), as well as design, play key roles in how we develop our products as we're always focused on delivering cutting-edge technology and ensuring the products we deliver are highly efficient," said Michael McKechnie, Director Digital Appliances Group at Samsung Electronics SA. "The DVM S Eco 14 HP delivers unbeatable performance among the side discharge VRF units and does so with the greatest energy efficiency, as well as the best use of space, with its unique compact design." Single Solution for Multi-room Buildings The increased horse power of the DVM S Eco (maximum 14 HP) means that only one single outdoor unit is needed to manage the air conditioning requirements for an apartment or office building, in place of multiple costly units. All areas of the building are covered as the new unit also provides an extended piping length of up to 160 meters and an installation height of up to 50 meters. The width of the new DVM S Eco 14 HP is less than one meter (940 mm), maximising capacity and using space more efficiently, while the four-way piping enables convenient installation. Greater Energy Efficiency The design of the Inverter Scroll Compressor in the DVM S Eco 14 HP has . . .
Samsung Reveals Spectacular 2016 SUHD TV Lineup
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the number one TV manufacturer worldwide for the past 10 years, recently unveiled its spectacular new line-up of SUHD TVs, ushering in a new decade of global TV leadership. Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs offer unparalleled picture quality with Quantum dot display, the world’s first bezel-less curved design. The TVs are beautiful from every angle and offer the smartest user experience, making it easy for consumers to access all their entertainment content in one place. In addition, the full 2016 SUHD TV lineup comes with IoT hub technology which allows the TV itself to control the entire smart home system. “Our new SUHD TVs represent our singular focus on innovation that matters most to consumers, by providing the very best picture quality for the home,” said Matthew Thackrah, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “In 2016, we’re going beyond anything we’ve done before to offer a remarkable synergy of design, engineering and craftsmanship.” Samsung SUHD TV with Quantum dot display: Unbeatable Picture Quality Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs feature the world’s only cadmium-free, 10-bit Quantum dot display, offering remarkable true-to-life picture quality, with stunning brightness, exceptional contrast and the most lifelike colours ever offered by Samsung. According to a recent consumer survey in the US*, the vast majority of consumers watches TV with light in the room (86 percent on a typical weekday, 85 percent on weekends) and only a small share say they watch in complete darkness (14 percent on weekdays and 15 percent on weekends). Samsung designed its new SUHD TVs to deliver the optimum viewing experience, regardless of the lighting environment. This year, all of the Samsung SUHD TVs will feature the ability to provide a premium high dynamic range (HDR) experience, with 1,000 nit HDR minimum for a higher level of contrast between light and dark images. New Ultra Black . . .
A Country Road Trip
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R Tolkien There is something romantic about the idea of travelling: The alluring desire to explore and discover new, beautiful, or rustic places. It isn’t always necessary to travel abroad to satisfy this desire. South Africa has splendid landscapes and adventure that awaits the travellers’ heart. This spring, take a Cape Country Routes road trip! Road trips are synonymous with candid selfies, friends, fun and laughter. Cape Country Routes has a few adventure filled activities that can turn into cherished moments. Route 62 Take a trip on the scenic Route 62 where the Breede Rivier Valley and the Klein Karoo meet. The rustic countryside is well suited for a range of activities. From nature walks and bird watching to shopping at farm stalls and the village market. Montagu offers loads of options for the venturesome tourists such as the ever-so-popular hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, or mountain biking for the adventurous at heart. Alternatively, go for a dashing ride in a classic Cadillac with American Dream Cars and explore the surrounds in style! For the brave and the daring, Robertson offers exhilarating guided tours on Harley Davidson motorcycles with Cape American Motorcycle Tours, taking you on an unforgettable experience through the countryside via Route 62. Robertson Wine Route is one of the best-kept wine region secrets of South Africa. Be sure to visit the luscious Van Loveren Wines for various offerings specially created for curious minds. Van Lovern Wines have various food & wine pairings, tranquil strolls through their peaceful birding routes, guided garden tours (which included a glass of bubbly). Hike the Fish Eagle hiking trail with its informative biodiversity signage, or explore the mountain biking trails that cater for a range of experience levels, from family to serious adrenaline driven riders. Also try the delicious array of meals at the bistro, Christina’s @ Van . . .
Dawn Lindberg wins the Women Real Architects of SA Drama Excellence Award
Naledi Theatre Awards founder and Executive Producer, Dawn Lindberg has been presented with the Women: The Real Architects of Society Awards (WRASA) Drama Excellence Award to acknowledge and honour her 51 years in theatre and show business. Lindberg, who staged the 12th annual Naledi Theatre Awards in April this year, says she is deeply honoured by this recognition, especially considering the calibre of women who filled the Theatre on the Track at Kyalami on Saturday, 20 August. “Architects design and create environments in which societies can flourish and grow,” she says, “in the theatre, directors, designers and performers create magical spaces where our stories can be told, and many of our theatre architects are women. ”Women have always been the nurturers and the visionaries, but historically have been forced into stereotypes and ‘pretty woman’ images. Now more and more women are smashing through glass ceilings to take their place as the movers and shakers of our society. For me, the woman at the forefront of challenging these stereotypes is our Olympic Gold medallist, Caster Semenya. For me, she epitomises fearless courage and talent, and awareness of who she is; a woman athlete and a true architect of women in sport!” The Drama Excellence Award, which Lindberg clinched, is presented to a woman who has made a significant contribution to Performing Arts in drama, the Creative Arts and Theatre. As a voice of liberation since 1965, Lindberg’s contributions to society, theatre and music are legion. She and her husband, Des, challenged the apartheid government censorship laws many times over when their records, shows and non racial casts were banned; putting their careers on the line time and again. The Lindberg’s spearheaded the opening of theatres to all races with their production of Godspell in 1978, and over the past 51 years’ they have made 15 albums and CDs, toured South African and Zimbabwe, reached the top of the charts with The Seagull’s . . .
Mpumalanga domain workshop a success, flush with robust discussion
The first of several South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) domain workshops kicked off last week on August 18, when about 40 representatives of the Mpumalanga arts, culture and heritage community joined the SACO team to tackle matters of mutual interest. On the discussion table, among other topics, was the challenges faced by the sectors and individual artists, how the SACO can support with research that informs organisations and practitioners, the appropriateness of the SACO’s Research Agenda, and areas for collaboration. The first of eight domain workshops to be hosted nationwide, the Mpumalanga session was a success, the SACO said. “This was a great way to kick off what is essentially a national roadshow to both introduce the SACO and hold robust discussions with arts, culture and heritage organisations and cultural and creative industry practitioners,” said Prof Jen Snowball, SACO’s Chief Researcher and Rhodes University economics lecturer. The day-long workshop started with a presentation by the national Department of Arts and Culture and was followed by one by CCIFSA (Cultural and Creative Industries Federations of South Africa). CCIFSA Deputy Secretary General, Zwelithini Mdakane, welcomed the workshop and said: “We feel there is now alignment between the people of Mpumalanga and SACO. There is a lot we can learn from one another, and this workshop has helped us better understand what the SACO is, what it is mandated to do and how the creative and cultural industries across the province can work with the organisation.” SACO team members presented an overview of the Observatory followed by a discussion on the Research Agenda and which research should be prioritised on the agenda. The group then went through the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and presentations on select SACO research projects. Attendee Mandla Ndlovu, who has a film company of the same name, said he was impressed with the scope covered by the SACO and was . . .
InTarget joins top 25 mobile marketing leaders
Fifteen solid years of commercialising mobile marketing solutions that tap into the vast business potential of 600 million cellular users has seen InTarget Mobile Advertising join an exclusive club of the Top 25 African & Middle Eastern Mobile Ad Networks. Thalamus, the administrator of the world's biggest ad vendor database, has included South Africa-headquartered InTarget in its most recent list of the twenty five mobile marketing firms that matter in Africa and the Middle East. Led by Group CEO Lazarus Muchenje; a continent-wide mobile pioneer, financier and businessman; InTarget is today a trusted provider of mobile marketing and advertising solutions with a 33-country African and Middle East footprint. "Every leader at InTarget has a career history of never compromising on providing the best available mobile services to African and Middle Eastern consumers. We all share the thinking that these two historically neglected continents deserve the best the mobile world has to offer. We've joined the Top 25 list by consistently delivering on our commitment to quality," said Mr Muchenje. The company is clearly onto a good thing after spending the last decade and a half focusing on two challenging, yet profitable, continents. According to research firm eMarketer, the mobile advertising market in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) will grow to $3B in 2016 With over 50 000 ad partners and counting, Thalamus houses the most comprehensive dataset of ad partner capabilities, contacts, marketing collateral, ad specs, network data, and marketer reviews for vendors across the globe. Media buying teams representing 90% of the AdAge top digital agencies list, as well as global brands, use Thalamus to source, evaluate and connect with participating ad partners to meet their digital advertising goals. InTarget is a mobile advertising firm able to offer clients unparalleled flexibility thanks largely to its in-house WASP (wireless application service provider) . . .
Hot Tips for Easy Meals this Winter
Microwaves take the chill and effort out of cooking in the colder season With weeks of gloomy winter weather ahead, Samsung suggests you look to your microwave oven to help keep your family warm and comfortable. Michael McKechnie, Director: Digital Appliance Group at Samsung South Africa, points out that the microwave is by far the quickest way to prepare delicious meals, nourishing soups and steaming hot beverages. “The microwave is not just for reheating or defrosting. It reduces the time needed to prepare hearty winter comfort food, hot beverages and even modern-day hot water bottles,” he says. “Most people have access to a microwave, but they tend to just use it for heating and defrosting food. The fact is, you are able to use your microwave to bake, roast, boil, steam and even air fry food in a fraction of the time it would take using a stove. Busy professionals and hard-working parents could be turning out wholesome home cooked meals in minutes, using just a bit of imagination and their microwaves,” McKechnie continues. Not only does microwave cooking drastically lessen the time needed to prepare meals, it retains the nutrients in vegetables more effectively than many other cooking methods. Thanks to Samsung technology innovations like smart sensors, Slim Fry technology and convection fans, today’s microwaves produce virtually instant meals cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of crispness and browning on the outside, while ensuring a delicious and juicy inside. Samsung’s offers some hot tips for using your microwave to take the edge off the winter chill: Use your microwave to heat grain-filled warming packs to safely warm beds without having to resort to electric blankets. Microwave neck and back warmers, gloves and slippers can also be quickly heated in the microwave to keep the whole family cozy on the coldest winter’s night. Make old-fashioned cocoa as rich and chocolatey as you like – without any mess – by heating milk . . .
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