Cape Town, South Africa (September 2018) - Nic Haralambous - entrepreneur, author, speaker and stylish sock icon - has done it again. The businessman behind startups such as Motribe, ForeFront Africa and the popular fashion brand Nic Harry, has released his debut book, Do.Fail.Learn.Repeat. and it is exactly what you need to read if you are looking for an honest, open look at the life of an entrepreneur. From the age of 16, Nic has been exercising his entrepreneurial skills. Starting with building web-based products and moving on to creating full-sized companies in the tech world. He has built businesses from the ground up and seen many of them succeed, but he’s also seen a number of them fail. After graduating from Rhodes University, Nic tried to make his way up the corporate ladder but soon found that working on his own passions and interests was what he really wanted to be doing. So, that’s what he pursued. Founding multiple startups until he found his current brainchild, Nic Harry. The funky sock brand has taken South African men’s fashion by storm, and recently added a range of underwear and T-shirts as well. All products are made with soft bamboo fibres, allowing for comfort, style and variety for guys who want variety in their wardrobes. Now, Nic has written and released a business biography, in which he outlines his business successes and failures, as well as the lessons he learnt along the way. In the book, he gives an accurate and truthful account of how he got to where he is today. He opens up about failing and shares how he got back up after each failed attempt. The book came out in July 2018 and has hit all major bookstore shelves. It is also available on his website. Online buyers will receive a signed copy and can add a pair of Nic Harry socks, that match the book’s cover, to their carts as well. Nic is also available to be booked for talks, where he shares his experience and knowledge with like-minded . . .
Gymkhana grid returns to South Africa for 2018
Gymkhana GRiD World Finals to be held in South Africa on 1st December 2018 Celebrating Gymkhana GRiD’s seventh year of competition Totally unique competition format as GRiD returns to Carnival City, Johannesburg, for the second time, after the inaugural event in 2017 50 international drivers go head to head in two classes, set to burn rubber on a custom designed track layout One of Motorsport’s most unique competitions – attracting a full grid of elite international drivers is set to hold its world final in South Africa this year. That’s right; Gymkhana GRiD is back, and returning to Carnival City Johannesburg, at the end of the 2018 competition season. This not only means a one-of a kind racing spectacle will be going live on December 1st, but also, for all except two drivers, there’s a chance for redemption and a second shot at the coveted GRiD podium. For the series seventh year of tyre slaying, GRiD returns to the vast Carnival City Resort complex, with a faster, and more technical track layout – offering a fresh set of challenges to test man and machine to the absolute edge of their performance. Last year the Savannah of shred and a Braai of burnouts witnessed reigning FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson (All-Wheel Drive) and four-time Gymkhana GRiD rear-wheel drive class champion Luke Woodham steal the show in the final battles, leaving the rest of the field in their dust. Now the scene is set for a sequel of epic proportions. Luke Woodham explains: “It gets harder and harder every year. There are some big names coming over to South Africa, and I want to put up a good fight for the title again. Certainly I never expected to win it two times in a row, let alone three or four times in succession. But by all means I’m coming back in better shape than before – faster, and stronger. There’s a lot of pressure for sure – most of which I put on myself, but mainly I’m just excited now to get there and drive at GRiD again. It’s the . . .
Local commercial property firm opens doors for SA investors in UK and Europe
South African commercial property firm Rosh Pinah Properties is delighted to announce that it has opened a satellite office in London, United Kingdom. The office, to be overseen by South African entrepreneur Dan Greenberg, will assist South African buyers, in particular, who want to invest in commercial properties both in the UK and Europe. In addition, the firm has enlisted the support of close associate Joseph Schiff from OEH International, who will oversee investments in Central and Eastern Europe. Commenting on the decision, Rosh Pinah director Patricia Potgieter said: “While South Africa continues to yield opportunities, current market uncertainties mean investors are looking elsewhere in the world to balance their property portfolios.” “Even despite volatility surrounding the Brexit negotiations, commercial property Investments have hardly fluctuated in the United Kingdom, and provide buyers with stability and limited risk exposure,” added Rosh Pinah Director René Styber. Demand for housing close to city nodal hubs, for example, remains high throughout the United Kingdom. According to Greenberg, office conversions to apartments offer higher yields than new builds and in most cases funding is immediately available on completion of purchase. “Investors in the UK property market can generally count on a seven per cent annual yield on a property, while borrowing at three per cent. This makes commercial investments extremely attractive. Access to Europe While Europe may have appeared out of reach for local buyers, according to Rosh Pinah there are a number of cherry picked investments on the market at significant yields, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. To this end, the company has established a number of associations with European property groups, which can provide access to commercial property deals within specific countries. The increasing affluence among former Eastern bloc countries and the emergence of aspirational . . .
What’s In, What’s Out: South Africa’s Décor Trend in 2018
Nothing about South African décor 2018 says minimal, the style is bold, exciting, and daring at the same time. Those clean colours and smooth walls are now in the past; a wide variety of designs, textures, and colour combinations have now emerged with grey being the new black in décor. Johannesburg: The old trend of white walls and single monotones is now out and South Africans are embracing elegant and stylish colours that complement one another. People have realized that it is the delicate colours that are more beautiful when creating a living space. What is popular nowadays is what older generations would approve of. When it comes to furniture people are going for unfinished pieces, it’s not uncommon that you walk into a house and find a cut piece of tree trunk that has been customized to match other pieces in the house. In terms of shapes, rounder shapes are the preference of the day. Indoor plants have been in for a long time and they are still in this year. They bring freshness in the home and the great thing about them is that you can always choose the species that you love. Brass and concrete planters that have modern shapes and designs are now the preferred choices. This year, some of the aspects that most people check before making colour decisions, include the amount of natural light a room receives and the direction the light comes from. Grey, being a colour that is in between, has proved to be quite popular as it’s neither bright nor dull. Moreover, people have devised different ways of incorporating it in rooms from sofa colours, seat covers, pillows to even floor rugs. The preferred art and patterns for decoration and decor are big, abstract and inspired by nature; these can range from plants, trees to even hand patterns. Textures and textiles have also become diverse and there is so much to choose from this year. For instance, smooth interior walls are being replaced with bare stone wall on one, two or all sides. In addition, the new . . .
The Real Power Behind Successful Addiction Treatment
Recovery Direct is one of the most exclusive psychological and addiction treatment centres in South Africa. Nestling in a quiet Constantia road, flanked by rolling vineyards, ancient oaks and the breath-taking grandeur of the Constantiaberg mountains, the centre offers a perfect and tranquil environment for recovery. Stunning multi-functional suites, each decked out in Victorian colonial style with en-suite bathrooms, balconies and panoramic views, offer outstanding accommodation for guests who want an upmarket and comfortable rehab experience. Recovery Direct was founded by Vaughan Pankhurst, who recognised the need for a novel approach to addiction treatment after he had successfully completed his own nine-year own journey into long-term recovery. Vaughan realised early on that trauma lies at the heart of addiction, and his centre is unique in that it consciously addresses the underlying traumatic issues on which addiction feeds. As such, it challenges the stigmas surrounding addiction and substance use by focusing its treatment approach around the belief that the effects of trauma lead people to become addicts. This approach contrasts with other rehabilitation centres in that Recovery Direct does not follow a 12-step programme in its treatment methodology. This non-punitive approach is intentional – it enables the centre and its healthcare workers to focus on resolving clients ‘problems by addressing the trauma and pain that drove them to addiction. It also carefully dismantles the destructive forces driving their addictions. Patients are required to see their counsellors every day, as opposed to once or twice a week. This regularity fast-tracks the healing process and enables recovery goals to be achieved sooner. The centre is eco-friendly and environmentally conscious – electricity is produced by energy-efficient solar panels, and water is provided by a natural spring. The exclusive rehab treats a wide spectrum of conditions, from alcoholism, . . .
64% Of Employees Agree Blocking Out Noise Increases Their Productivity
Help your customers understand why workplace noise affects productivity and profitability. And how they can fix it. Today, work happens everywhere — in busy open-plan offices and contact centers, at home, even coffee shops. This flexibility is great for business and people, but with it comes a new challenge: noise. Distraction caused by noise reduces productivity and well-being and, in contact centers, detracts from a positive customer experience. Studies show that it takes 23 minutes to recover from distraction, and over 58% of employees are distracted multiple times each day. That represents a significant impact on your customers’ businesses you can easily help avert through proven noise reduction strategies and products. Plantronics engineers solutions that help people manage the noise around them so they can be more effective — no matter where they work. Together, we can help your customers reduce distractions caused by noise so their businesses can thrive. Plantronics in South Africa offers several solutions for managing noise. This week we focus on the Voyager 6200 UC, a Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds that offers professional-grade audio and versatility. On any given day, you might need to collaborate with colleagues remotely, field calls from customers or listen to music to help you focus on your latest project. Now there’s a headset that’s flexible enough to meet the demands of your role inside the office and out. Voyager 6200 UC offers everything you’d expect from Plantronics — active-noise canceling, clear voice transmission and premium audio — in a versatile Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds. Intuitive controls make it easy to use, and the neckband vibrates to signal an incoming call. Voyager 6200 UC is so comfortable and low-profile that you can use it all day long, in the office and on the go. IT Managers The professionals in your organization have different roles, responsibilities and work styles, so why offer them . . .
Scott Ambler And Mark Lines Talk Business Agility in South Africa in July
Johannesburg, June, 6, 2018 Scott Ambler and Mark Lines talk business agility in South Africa in July IndigoCube will once more host the internationally renowned and locally popular Scott Ambler and Mark Lines, creators of the Disciplined Agile Framework, but this time with a principally business focus for the first Business Agility Conference hosted in South Africa. The duo will host a conference and present workshops for a week in July aimed chiefly at business people rather than IT people. “The conference is about business agility,” says Jaco Viljoen, the principal consultant and head of digital at IndigoCube. “It’s agile for the whole business, not just IT, so it’s for business people curious about modern practices for the digital enterprise and how that affects all divisions from HR to finance, marketing and the rest.” Scott Ambler, the Senior Consulting Partner of Scott Ambler + Associates, is also the founder of the Agile Modeling (AM), Agile Data (AD), and Enterprise Unified Process (EUP) methodologies and the founding Member of the Disciplined Agile Consortium (DAC). Mark Lines is Managing Partner of Scott Ambler + Associates, coach and co-author, with Scott Ambler, of “Disciplined Agile Delivery: A Practitioner’s Guide to Agile Software Delivery in the Enterprise”, which details their approach to DAD. “Scott and Mark compare this to a racing car,” he says. “IT is the engine but businesspeople put the agile, high performance engines into tractors and make them plough fields. Similarly, IT operations must become suitable high performance engines for the racing car chassis and drivetrain. Both must work together to be competitive in this extremely demanding world.” The two internationally renowned Canadians will be the main attraction at the conference on July 17, from 09:00 to 13:00 held in-conjunction with IBM at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. IndigoCube will provide training on Disciplined Agile (DAD) in conjunction with Scott . . .
New Rig 500 Pro Series Delivers Game-Changing Audio At Your Fingertips
Plantronics RIG 500 PRO Photo: Plantronics Stock Image Patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial enables Xbox One and PS4 gamers to keep hands on their controllers while changing volume. Santa Cruz, Calif. – June 5, 2018 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, today announced the RIG 500 PRO Series of gaming headsets, created to deliver high-fidelity audio in an ultra-lightweight design for the truly competitive gamer. RIG 500 PRO Series are the first gaming headsets to feature an exoskeleton earcup design with isolated inner acoustic chambers to reduce distortion, creating the ideal audio solution for today’s high-resolution gaming platforms. Premium 50 mm drivers deliver wide-range frequency response while dual-material ear cushions provide the combination of noise reduction and comfort competitive gamers need for long, focused sessions. In addition, the console editions come with the patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial, a 3.5mm connector with integrated volume control for wireless game controllers. Console gamers can now adjust volume directly from the controller without lifting their hands. PC models feature an inline volume slider. “The new RIG 500 PRO Series takes the innovative modular design of the RIG 500 to the next level,” said Gregory Morquin, Category Business Manager, Gaming Products, Plantronics. “And, it continues the impressive number of firsts we’ve brought to competitive gamers, including the first VR-focused headsets, Dolby Atmos® activation and now, the RIG Game Audio Dial for Xbox One and PS4 wireless controllers.” RIG 500 PRO Series, available in Console, PC and Esports editions, builds upon the lightweight, modular design of the original RIG 500 with performance-boosting features including: • Premium 50 mm drivers for expanded frequency response • A removable noise-canceling microphone boom and flip-to-mute feature • Removable audio cables that can be easily swapped or replaced • Snap-in . . .
Caveau Provides GDPR and PCI Compliance Solutions for Leading South African Corporate Travel Management Company
Cape Town, South Africa: Caveau, the comprehensive software platform and service designed to simplify financial transactions and protect personal and financial data, has announced it’s partnering with Grindrod Travel to reduce its risks of GDPR and PCI-DSS. As one of the most established and respected travel management companies providing corporate and leisure related travel and conferencing services in South Africa, it was imperative to find a solution for safely handling credit cards and personal information of its a broad range of clients. With multiple deadlines for meeting compliance security standards for account and personal data protection looming, Caveau was able to quickly assess the travel management company’s challenges and deliver customized solutions for addressing their unique requirements. The addition of Grindrod Travel to Caveau’s client roster emphasizes the pressing need for flexible and affordable support dealing with compliance regulation worldwide. Says Gregg Scott-Brown Caveau Managing Director, South Africa based in Cape Town, “We’re excited to be working with Grindrod Travel and other hotels, agencies and a broad range of travel-related businesses in South Africa to decrease dangers and liabilities associated with GDPR and PCI-DSS.” According to Grindrod Travel Divisional Executive, Su Moller, being a single division of a large logistics company with its own IT department presented a variety of complexities in finding a solution. “The technology providers I approached to help us insisted on performing a vulnerability scan of the Travel Division, which was difficult to accomplish without including the entire organization. Time was ticking and we had to move fast. When we were referred to Caveau, their team got right to work on developing a secure vault to store our client’s credit card and personal details,” says Moller. Says Brian Dass, Caveau CSO, “Grindrod Travel’s large client database and the sheer volume of daily . . .
Weekend Kids Projects You’ll Love
Replace timeouts and tears with the Glitter Time Out Bottle (or use it as a meditation bottle). Its ingenious - instead of sitting and fuming in timeout, your little one is mesmerised by the glitter and has a healthy way to soothe themselves and work through their emotions. Photo: Pinterest If you’re a parent or teacher, you may be able to relate to some of these: Timeout and tears usually go hand-in-hand Your child has toys they never play with, but doesn’t want to let go of Moms and daughters need things that match West Pack Lifestyle, a national chain of retail stores across South Africa, came up with creative ways to address these common pain points for parents. The aim is to re-use (and revamp) old favourites, while enjoying interactive play time with the kids. If you don’t find these items around the house, West Pack stores have craft supplies, toys, frames and bottles to create these ideas. Time Out Bottle Replace timeouts and tears with the Glitter Time Out Bottle (or use it as a meditation bottle). Its ingenious - instead of sitting and fuming in timeout, your little one is mesmerised by the glitter and has a healthy way to soothe themselves and work through their emotions. Fill a plastic bottle or glass jar with ¾ hot water (the hot water helps the glitter glue to mix). Add glitter glue and glitter (the more glue used, the longer the glitter will stay suspended). The glue should settle in about 5 minutes (standard timeout time). Super glue the cap closed so your little one can’t open it again. DIY Picture Frames Re-use your child’s favourite toys to create this memorable photo frame. We used Dala craft paint to repaint the old frame and classic soldier figurines, and stuck down the toy pieces with Amos craft glue. Matching Glitter-Glam Shoes Glitter shoes are so easy and inexpensive to make at home. If it’s your first time, start with a plain pair of pumps or heels (without laces). The . . .
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