At the start of 2026, ORT Jet introduced a simple but powerful theme: intentional connection. It wasn’t about collecting contacts or filling rooms. It was about building real relationships. The year opened with insights from Helen Nicholson, who spoke about authenticity, generosity and meaningful engagement, reminding entrepreneurs that strong networks are built long before they are needed. But inspiration is one thing. Action is another. On the morning of 18 February, that theme stepped out of theory and into the room at Sasfin, where ORT Jet hosted Love To Connect - a business speed networking event designed with intention from the start. There was no awkward hovering by the coffee station. No forced small talk. Instead, there was movement. Energy. Structure. ORT Jet businesses took their seats, each bringing a story, a challenge, a goal for 2026. Baby, I Love You Marketing sat across from HR Start. Advancement connected with Energy Works. ECommunication shared space with Fleeceytex Knitting. Sundrymed Supplies, Malkia, Nicky Wolder Consultancy, Blacktop Restoration, The “P” Factor Food Company, Ease Mobile Spa, Mutate and TK Travel - different industries, different journeys, but one shared understanding: growth does not happen in isolation. The bell would ring, and conversations would begin. Two business owners leaning in, not to impress, but to understand. What do you do? Who do you serve? What’s your biggest challenge right now? In those few focused minutes, something shifted. It wasn’t about pitching. It was about possibility. ORT Jet’s mission is to facilitate business growth, and in that room, you could see what that really means. It means creating an environment where every person has a voice. It means giving entrepreneurs dedicated time to articulate their value clearly and confidently. It means ensuring that no one leaves thinking, “I wish I had spoken to more people,” because the structure made sure they did. And the impact goes far …
Maison Deux Opens at Hyde Park Corner, Introducing South Africa’s First Luxury Department Store and Marc Jacobs Café
A new luxury concept at Hyde Park Corner, uniting global fashion, refined homeware and South Africa’s first Marc Jacobs Café in a single destination. Hyde Park Corner continues to refine its luxury retail mix with the arrival of Maison Deux, a new concept that brings together international fashion, curated homeware and a café experience in a single space. The opening also marks the debut of South Africa’s first Marc Jacobs Café, adding a distinctive new draw for visitors to the centre. Developed by the Al Capone Group, Maison Deux presents a tightly edited selection of globally recognised fashion houses including Etro, Kenzo, Missoni, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney and Giuseppe Zanotti. The store also includes the multi-branded Al Capone selection, featuring Moncler, Maison Margiela and the group’s Capone label. Beyond fashion, the store introduces a considered home and living offering to Hyde Park Corner. Shoppers can explore Etro Home, Lisa Corti, OW London, Missoni Home, Stories of Italy, Zarina Tableware and Dolce & Gabbana Casa, creating a destination that caters to both wardrobe and interior expression. At the centre of the store sits the Marc Jacobs Café, inspired by the energy of New York. Designed as a social hub within the retail environment, the café pairs design-led interiors with a curated menu, encouraging visitors to spend more time in the space rather than simply passing through. The name Maison Deux, meaning “the house of two”, reflects the meeting of Al Capone’s retail heritage with a more experience-led retail approach. Drawing influence from European department stores, the concept introduces a retail format still rarely seen in South Africa, where fashion, interiors and café culture exist under one roof. “Maison Deux reflects the kind of layered retail experience our shoppers increasingly look for,” says Francois du Buisson, Hyde Park Corner’s General Manager. “Welcoming a concept of this nature, …
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Afrika Tikkun Response to the Q4 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey
STATSSA’S QLFS DATA IS CLEAR. SOUTH AFRICA’S RESPONSE SHOULDN’T STOP AT GRANTS. JOHANNESBURG – Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released its Q4 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) yesterday, confirming youth unemployment at 43,8% — and with it, the predictable responses: more debate about grants, more calls for government programmes. Afrika Tikkun CEO Marc Lubner says that conversation, while not without merit, tells only half the story of the generation it is trying to serve. “Young people, having grown up in a digital economy, do not want to be the recipients of social grants. They want the opportunity to express themselves through their work or through their businesses,” says Marc Lubner, executive chairperson and group CEO of Afrika Tikkun. Lubner points to a stark contradiction in yesterday’s data: South Africa is producing more matriculants than ever, while employed youth fell by 113 000 in Q4 2025 alone. More school-leavers are entering the labour market with fewer available jobs, and the majority have no work experience. “It is those youth who have not had the benefit or opportunity of having a job or any work experience that are struggling to find work in the formal sector,” he says. “And the reality is that the formal job market is not going to improve anytime soon.” The only meaningful response to this reality is to pivot away from training job-seekers and toward building job-creators. This means equipping young people with the skills to market their services online, manage project-based income, set up digital payment systems, and grow small businesses capable of becoming future employers. Equipping young people to build enterprises does not happen at the point of school-leaving; it requires years of holistic support, from early childhood through to the moment they are ready to step into the economy. “If we are to impact youth unemployment, we cannot focus on small vendors. We have to look at small enterprises with the …
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Trade the Treadmill for the Open Air: NPL’s FemmeFit Fest Is Back
On Saturday, 28 March 2026, hundreds of women will gather beneath the trees at Syringa Park, Avianto Estate, not for competition, but for something far more compelling: a shared commitment to strength, stamina and self-respect. FemmeFit Fest, hosted by leading sports nutrition brand Nutritional Performance Labs (NPL), is back with limited tickets and a clear invitation for women ready to step out of routine and into a charged, collective training ground. Fitness events often promise intensity. Few deliver an atmosphere that feels both charged and genuinely welcoming. FemmeFit Fest has built its following by striking this balance, creating a space where experienced athletes train alongside women who may be rediscovering movement after months, or even years, away. The March 2026 FemmeFit Fest programme features four guided fitness events designed to encourage participation without intimidation. Expect music, expert instruction and the unmistakable lift that comes from moving in unison with a crowd determined to show up fully. Every ticket includes a goodie bag valued at over R1000, packed with sought-after health, beauty and training products. Spot prizes will be awarded throughout the morning, keeping energy levels high long after the warm-up ends. For NPL, the event reflects a deeper understanding of how women are approaching wellness today. “Women are no longer waiting for the right moment to prioritise their health. They are making the decision and acting on it,” says Cherrie Blackmore, Head of Marketing for NPL. “FemmeFit Fest captures that momentum. It is a morning that invites women to train with intent, enjoy the experience and recognise what they are capable of achieving when they step into a supportive environment.” Interest in preventative health and performance nutrition continues to shape consumer behaviour, with more women investing in habits that support long-term vitality. Events such as FemmeFit Fest support that vision with …
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The Learning Crisis Facing Organisations and Professionals in 2026
By 2026, most organisations will claim to be “learning organisations,” yet few will be able to learn and adapt at the pace their environment demands. Despite rising investment in learning technology, leadership programmes, and continuous development initiatives, progress has not kept pace with the speed and complexity of change. The greatest threats ahead are not technological, but structural, cultural, and cognitive barriers that many organisations and professionals have yet to confront.¹ “Unless organisations and professionals face the speed and scale of change coming at them, learning will become performative rather than transformative, and relevance will erode quickly,” said Michael Gullan, CEO of G&G Advocacy, an eLearning consultancy specialising in employee development and educational marketing. Five threats facing organisations 1. Learning decoupled from strategy Many organisations still treat learning and development as a support function rather than a strategic engine. Courses are commissioned reactively, frameworks rolled out without context, and programmes often fail to address real business priorities. Research consistently shows that learning initiatives that are not aligned with strategy don’t deliver measurable impact.2 Do this in 2026! “Make learning a strategic contract, not a catalogue of courses. Tie every major learning initiative to one or two explicit business outcomes, with executive endorsement and clear measures of success. If it fails to advance the business strategy, then you need to interrogate and adapt the learning outcomes,” said Gullan. 2. The illusion of continuous learning Many initiatives create the appearance of development. But activity is not learning. Completion metrics mask shallow engagement and don’t account for integration and application. Studies show that when learning is not applied in the workplace, performance remains unaffected.3 Do this in 2026! “Shift from completion metrics to …
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From Kerala With Love: Thava Restaurant Opens at Emperors Palace
There are some restaurants that begin as business ideas. Others begin as memories. For Mathew Abraham, the inspiration behind Thava was never just about opening a restaurant or even expanding to opening five restaurants with the newest located at Emperors Palace. It was about recreating a feeling. That feeling traces back to Kerala, the lush southern Indian state affectionately known as God’s Own Country. A place of coconut groves, canals and spice-laden kitchens, Kerala is where Mathew’s love of food first took root. Meals were never hurried. They were gatherings. Long tables, layered aromas, generous portions and the unmistakable warmth of people who believe food is meant to be shared. “Kerala is a meeting place of cultures and faiths, and you can taste that diversity in the food,” says Abraham. “My love for cooking comes from my mother, whose recipes still guide our menu today. Many of our dishes were shaped through long calls back to India, making sure every flavour stays true to where it comes from.” Years later, living in South Africa, Mathew (an engineer by trade) realised how rarely that experience translated onto restaurant plates. Indian cuisine was easy to find, but the soulful, home-style flavours of Kerala were not. He wanted to change that. Not with a fine dining concept or a polished culinary experiment, but with something honest, welcoming and deeply rooted in tradition. That idea became Thava. The first restaurant opened in Norwood, Johannesburg, quickly earning a loyal following. Diners returned not only for the bold, layered flavours their Indian-born chefs created but for the atmosphere: unpretentious, warm and unmistakably authentic. It felt like visiting someone’s home. It felt real. Word spread. Tables filled. A second restaurant followed in Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, where holidaymakers and locals alike embraced the same comforting flavours and generous hospitality. Now, the story continues with the opening of …
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A Championship of Unity, Inclusion and National Pride
The South African National Indoor Rowing Championships 2025 & EXPO, hosted in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, was held from 11th to 14th February and delivered far more than high-performance competition — it showcased the power of sport to unite communities, celebrate culture, and expand access nationwide. Rowing South Africa extends its sincere appreciation to every partner, stakeholder, athlete, educator and community member who contributed to making this year’s Championships an outstanding success. From the vibrant and culturally rich Opening Ceremony to two dynamic days of competition and Expo participation, the event embodied the spirit of unity in diversity. Traditional performances and proud provincial representation set the tone for a championship that reflected the true character of South African rowing — inclusive, aspirational and nationally connected. A particularly powerful highlight was the participation of local Buffalo City schools during Expo Day 1 and Day 2. Mainstream schools competed alongside special schools, including schools for the Deaf, reinforcing RowSA’s unwavering commitment to inclusive sport and equal access opportunities. The energy and competitive spirit displayed by learners underscored sport’s role as a tool for education, empowerment and social cohesion. Athletes from eight provinces — Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape — took to the ergs, demonstrating the growing national footprint of indoor rowing and the strength of interprovincial collaboration in driving sport development. The Championships were made possible through invaluable funding support from: Rowing South Africa (RowSA) Department of Sport, Arts and Culture National Lotteries Commission RMB Strong local partnerships were equally instrumental in delivering a seamless and impactful event. RowSA extends its sincere thanks to: …
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Clearwater Mall’s Made in India Market Returns With Bold Flavour, Statement Style and Cultural Energy
Clear your calendars and bring your appetite. Clearwater Mall's Made in India Market is back; and this time, with an extended 17-day run. From 6 to 22 March, the Upper Mall Parking Area will be transformed into a sensory feast of aromatic street food, bold fashion, standout accessories and good-time energy that had shoppers hooked from day one last year. The first Made in India Market, held in August 2025, drew crowds from across the West Rand and beyond. Think fragrant spices drifting through the air, racks of eye-catching clothing, handcrafted jewellery and food stalls that will have you going back for seconds (and thirds). Committed foodies, a fashion hunters or just looking for a great day out with the family? This market has something to pull you in plus plenty of reasons to stay and make a day of it. Every stall tells its own story, and the atmosphere is as much a drawcard as the goods on offer. “The energy at last year’s market was something special. People weren't just popping in, they were exploring, eating their way through the stalls and coming back with friends. That kind of buzz is exactly what we want to create again,” says Prianka Singh Rodgers, Marketing Manager of Clearwater Mall. "We love what this market brings to Clearwater Mall. It celebrates culture, brings people together and gives our community an experience that feels alive. We're proud to be bringing it back bigger and bolder," she adds. Entry is a pocket-friendly R10 per person, making it one of the most affordable outings on Joburg’s March calendar. The market is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 8pm daily which is perfect for quick after-work visits, weekend strolls or spontaneous mid-week detours. Don't miss it. Mark the dates, rally the crew and get ready for 17 days of colour, culture and seriously good food. Event Details: Made in India Market Dates: 6 to 22 March Venue: Upper Mall Parking Area, Clearwater Mall Times: Daily from 10am to 8pm Entry …
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From Me, to Me. This Valentine’s Day, Starbucks Is Inviting You to Take Yourself on a Date
It's the first moment in what Starbucks is calling Year of Me. A year centred on self-worth, reflection, and the kind of small daily rituals that remind you that you are enough. Because Valentine's Day can be a celebration of love in all its forms. And that includes the relationship you have with yourself. The one that doesn't need a card or a reservation or a reason. Just a willingness to show up and be present. From 12 to 17 February, Starbucks is running a Valentine's offer across all stores. A Grande Chocolate Mousse Latte, hot or iced, paired with a Chicken Mayo Toastie on sourdough or seeded bread for R91. Whether you come for yourself or bring someone along, the moment is yours. A coffee, a meal, and the kind of pause that says you're worth sitting down for. No occasion needed. No explanation required. "You don't need a reason to choose yourself," says Leah McCrae, Managing Director at Rand Capital Coffee. "Self-love doesn't replace romance. It precedes it. Sometimes the most meaningful plans are the ones you make for yourself. You are enough, exactly as you are." The offer extends to delivery too. Order a Grande Chocolate Mousse Latte on Uber Eats and get a free white reusable cup. On Mr D Food, there's a Grande Latte and Chocolate Brownie for R70. However, you choose to spend the day, share it. Tag @StarbucksSA. You might just remind someone else that they're allowed to choose themselves too. In-store: 12 to 17 February at all locations. Uber Eats: 12 to 17 February. Mr D Food: 14 to 17 February. Details at starbucks.co.za CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Mona-Sarah Braham Chaouch from Angelfish Pr and Events on behalf of Starbucks. …
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Empact Group Publishes Its First Sustainability Report With Measurable ESG Progress
Empact Group has published its first Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the report outlines the organisation’s intention and commitment to embed sustainability across its operations and supply chain, whilst detailing some of the key initiatives that have been implemented to achieve its goal to make meaningful impact. As a business imperative, Empact Group’s commitment to being a more sustainable organisation is embodied in the five pillars that make up its sustainability strategy: Empower our people to prosper Innovate for energy efficiency Reduce and manage our waste Leverage our supply chain for impact Embed diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. The report reflects the Group’s considered alignment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and defines the organisation’s intentions and key initiatives to transform its business by addressing its environmental impact, creating internal and external opportunities for social and economic inclusion, while implementing robust processes designed to enhance governance structures. As the first South African services company to sign up to the Science Based Target Initiative, Empact Group is actively investigating scalable solutions to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Through its valued relationships with supply chain partners, Empact Group will collaborate with suppliers and service providers to minimise and mitigate Scope 3 emissions, while keeping all stakeholders informed of its progress. The report highlights Empact Group’s understanding of the challenges faced by minimum wage earners working in the services sector and details it unwavering commitment to the holistic well-being, development, and empowerment of its employees. From its targeted approach to employee safety, training and development and the inclusion of …