Good news stories don’t come along every day. And with two of South Africa’s biggest problems being food security and sustainability, the work that Siyazisiza Trust is doing in this area inspired Tourvest to become involved. With Tourvest’s mission being to create sustainable income and ensure food security within some of the poorest rural communities in SA, in 1999 they joined forces with Siyazisiza Trust’s former subsidiary, Khumbulani Craft. With Tourvest’s marketing and retail reach this relationship grew to where it is today, working in the field of food security and sustainable livelihoods. Siyazisiza Trust currently supports 65 smallholder farmers across Bushbuckridge and Mbombela under their Agri-Enterprise Development Programme and 18 rural youth under their Young Farmers Development Programme. According to Justin Bend, Co-CEO OF Siyazisiza Trust, “With climate change issues now a reality we’re looking at longer term projects and growing of alternate crops to cope with severe weather issues. For example indigenous crops such as amaranth, also known as morog, are highly nutritious and we’re even producing popcorn from the grain which we’re now distributing through health shops nationwide.” Another project currently being piloted outside the Numbi Gate of Kruger National Park is the planting of over a hundred drought tolerant, indigenous fruit trees, including lesser known fruits such as mangosteen, kei apple and num-nums. The long term aim being to harvest, dry and add these, together with honey from Siyazisiza’s bee-keeping enterprises to their Community Farmer Networks range of cereals and snack-bars. These young farmers once trained then return to their communities to pass on their skills, helping to set up community food gardens and sourcing water. These initiatives are already showing positive results with major retailers such as Spar selling this produce in their White River and Hazyview branches. Judi Nwokedi, Chief Group …
UNLOCKING SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE: The critical role of quality Early Childhood Development and Education
In a world where investing in the future is paramount, no investment is more crucial than that in early childhood development. Research¹ has shown that the first one thousand days in a child's life could hold the key to unlocking their lifelong potential. By age five, almost 90% of a child's brain is developed, making these formative years pivotal in shaping their future. Ursula Assis, Country Director, Dibber International Preschools comments. South Africa's Alarming Literacy Statistic “Like many nations, South Africa faces the challenge of ensuring quality early education for its youngest citizens. Shockingly, an international report² reveals that 81% of Grade 4 learners in the country cannot read for meaning in any of the official languages. This stark statistic underscores the urgency of addressing early childhood development. The Impact of Quality Early Education “Early childhood programmes that are sustained and of high quality can have long-lasting impacts on children. These programmes prepare them for formal schooling and set them on a path to lifelong success. Benefits include: Improved Academic Performance: Quality early education lays a solid academic foundation, allowing children to excel in reading, math, and language skills throughout their school years. Enhanced Social and Emotional Development: These programs focus on building crucial social and emotional skills, such as cooperation, communication, and empathy, which are vital for positive relationships and emotional well-being. Long-Term Educational Attainment: Children who receive quality early education are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, leading to better career opportunities and economic stability. Reduced Special Education Placements: Early childhood education identifies and addresses developmental delays or learning difficulties early on, reducing the need for special education services later in a child's school years. …
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Bontera Spearheads Agri-Tech Innovation At International Food Security Forum The IOFS Hosts Global Innovators to Help Stabilise the Future of Food Security
Food security remains a global challenge, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) geography, this security is beset by local challenges and the adverse impacts of climate change. To address these pressing issues and pave the way for a more sustainable and secure food future, Bontera is set to take centre stage at the upcoming Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) High Level Forum on Food Security in Doha, Qatar, on October 2, 2023. This will be the sixth meeting of the General Assembly of the IOFS, and aims to bring together stakeholders, experts, policymakers, researchers, and representatives from various sectors involved in agricultural technologies and innovations. The theme for the event is “Together Committed to Action” and promises to bring together esteemed Ministers and high officials from across the OIC geography, and around the world, to collaborate for meaningful solutions. Managing Director of Bontera Southern Africa, Gerhard Coetzer, will present “Bontera - Revolutionizing Agriculture with the Power of Microbes” during the Good Food Farming and Climate-Smart Agriculture session on the morning of day two. The Urgent Need for Agri-Tech Solutions The IOFS Forum recognises the pivotal role of advanced agricultural technologies in overcoming the challenges faced by OIC Member States. These technologies include climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, digital agriculture, remote sensing, organic and vertical farming, hydroponics, and irrigation systems, among others. Such innovations offer the promise of optimising resource utilisation, enhancing productivity, and mitigating environmental impacts. Objectives of the Event Promotion of Advanced Agricultural Technologies: The forum aims to promote the application of state-of-the-art agri-technologies, particularly in harsh and marginal environments, at affordable and cost-effective prices. Bontera, as a leading innovator in the field, will showcase practical …
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INTERWOVEN HEALTH the symbiotic relationship between human well-being and plant health
In a world where we often focus on our differences, it's intriguing to uncover the fascinating parallels between human well-being and the health of our leafy counterparts. Delving into the intricate dance of metabolic processes, nutrient uptake, and defence mechanisms shared by humans and plants, Professor Farooqe Azam, R&D VP at Bontera BioAg, lends his expert insights to unveil the compelling connections between these two seemingly disparate realms. Metabolism and Nutrient Uptake While humans and plants operate in entirely different metabolic realms, their roles in the larger ecosystem reveal intriguing parallels. Humans, as consumers, metabolise complex foods to fuel their systems, generating waste in the process. Yet, this waste becomes a vital resource for other organisms, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems. In contrast, plants create their sustenance from simple elements - water, carbon dioxide and minerals. Through the miracle of photosynthesis, they become the ecosystem's engine, supporting life above and below ground. A significant portion of the energy plants produce is generously shared with other ecosystem components through root exudates, reinforcing the idea that plants engage in a selfless form of metabolism. Nutrient Uptake Mechanisms Human nutrient intake primarily relies on complex foods, whereas plants draw nutrients and water from their rooting medium. Both worlds respire, albeit differently, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. However, the sources of these elements diverge, highlighting the fundamental differences between human and plant metabolism. Energy Production and Storage Plants act as energy producers, storing energy-rich materials for survival and reproduction. In contrast, as consumers, humans store energy in the form of fats and proteins derived from their metabolic activities or through food consumption. Gut Health and Root Microbiome In humans, a healthy gut microbiome is essential for …
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A Cautionary Tale of Celebs, Crypto And Crashes
Johannesburg, 26 September 2023: Amid the 2021 crypto boom, prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian, Floyd Mayweather, and NBA hall-of-famer Paul Pierce enthusiastically endorsed a cryptocurrency known as EthereumMax to their vast following. The result? A frenzy of investors flocking to buy the coin, only to witness its value plummet dramatically, causing substantial financial losses. In a recent development, U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald of Los Angeles has refused to dismiss a class action lawsuit against these celebrities, alleging their deceptive promotion and profiting from false claims about the coin's worth. This case, beyond marking the end of such schemes, serves as a stark indicator of the alarming surge in celebrity-backed online crypto and non-fungible token (NFT) scams. In response to this growing concern, CMTrading, an online trading company, is issuing a heartfelt warning to all potential investors, urging them to exercise utmost caution when encountering unsolicited cryptocurrency offers, regardless of the celebrity association. Numerous Cautionary Tales Consider the tale of Kim Kardashian, who initially touted EthereumMax on her Instagram platform, propelling the coin's market cap to nearly US$250 million (R4.68 billion). Yet, by late 2022, its value had dwindled to near worthlessness, leaving investors with negligible returns. Larry David is facing legal repercussions for his involvement in a Super Bowl ad promoting a now-bankrupt crypto exchange called FTX. Matt Damon's commercial for Crypto.com lured in an influx of investors, only to see them lose approximately 60% of their investments. Similarly, other celebrities who ventured into the NFT market and hyped it as the next big investment opportunity found themselves in financial distress. YouTuber Logan Paul openly admitted to losing nearly all of his $623,000 (R11.67 million) investment in an NFT, which had dwindled to a mere $10 (R187) in value a year later. Justin Bieber also …
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Join The Dibber International Preschool Open Day And find out about free schooling for December 2023
Are you searching for the perfect preschool experience for your child? Look no further! Dibber International Preschools cordially invites all parents and caretakers to its Open Day on September 30th, from 9AM to 1PM. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the Dibber way of learning, discover world-class facilities, meet the dedicated staff, and learn more about the curriculum. Dibber International Preschools is a global leader with over six hundred high-quality preschools across ten countries. The international standards and Nordic roots set the schools apart, ensuring your child receives the best start in their educational journey. Special Admission Offer In addition to the open day, children enrolled before the end of November will be welcome to attend classes in December 2023 for free! This is a limited-time offer (T’s and C’s apply). A Nurturing and Educational Environment Dibber commits to providing personalised attention and a safe space for your child to explore, play, fail, succeed, and become the best version of themselves. Warm and knowledgeable staff create an environment where children thrive. Dibber’s promise to parents and caretakers is to work together in establishing a social learning arena that prepares the child for a successful life by reinforcing the following 21st-century skills which are essential for coping in the future – character, creativity, critical thinking, citizenship, collaboration and communication as well as an introduction to technological and digital literacy. This is done through a play-based, interactive and holistic approach with the children applying their minds, bodies, senses, emotions and social interactions with others. Join Our Community At Dibber International Preschools, we view the preschool as a community, and you, as parents and caretakers, are an integral part of it. We want you to feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely interested in what matters to you and your child. Together, we …
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GLOBAL INFLATION KEEPS RISING presenting a persistent challenge
As inflation and interest rates continue their upward trajectory, causing concern among households and businesses, Fred Razak, Chief Trading Strategist at the online trading platform CMTrading, provides insight into the factors contributing to these increases and offers his perspective on what the future may hold. An Uncertain Future "In recent times, we've witnessed the Core Price Index, a key measure of inflation, steadily climbing. However, signs now suggest that central bank efforts to raise interest rates are beginning to counteract this trend," states Razak. He explains, "Inflation erodes the currency's purchasing power, causing what used to cost R1 to now require R1.20. Central banks raise interest rates to control inflation and prevent it from spiralling. This, in essence, increases the cost of borrowing money from the central bank for retail banks, impacting the cost of borrowing for the public. When borrowing money becomes more expensive, the value of money effectively rises. This artificial increase in value, achieved by reducing the money supply, helps curb inflation. "This has been the prevailing trend over the past year and a half. However, recently, we've witnessed inflation showing signs of stabilisation. Such periods can be challenging for central banks, businesses, and investors, as it's uncertain whether this marks a sustained correction or a temporary pause." Continuing Impact of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Razak states, "While the market has largely factored in this conflict, and we've adapted to the reality of an ongoing war, it still exerts far-reaching economic implications. Ukraine is a significant global grain supplier, and this supply has been severely disrupted. Additionally, the disruption of oil and natural gas supplies to Europe carries repercussions beyond the region, and the timeline and resolution of these issues remain uncertain." Baby Boomer Retirement Razak …
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Amplifin Launches Heavyweight Solution For Small To Medium Businesses – Innovative web-based system empowers businesses for growth and success
7 September, 2023 – In the dynamic business landscape, growing enterprises encounter an escalating array of challenges that demand innovative solutions. Amplifin recognises that as businesses expand, their concerns multiply – from financial intricacies to operational complexities. The organisation understands that these enterprises require access to cutting-edge technologies, akin to those embraced by larger corporations, but without the financial constraints that might otherwise hinder growth. In line with this, Amplifin proudly announces the debut of the Zulo Business Portal, an innovative web-based Point of Sale Management Solution. Distinguished by its holistic approach, Zulo stands apart from its competitors. Unlike singular-focused platforms, Zulo doesn't merely facilitate payments – it revolutionises the way businesses operate. This all-inclusive toolkit empowers businesses to embrace a comprehensive solution that nurtures growth, efficiency, and unparalleled control. As a result, Zulo redefines the standard, making it the ultimate choice for enterprises seeking not just a payment solution, but an entire business transformation. An additional, and noteworthy benefit is that this offering is at no cost to Amplifin card payment solution clients. A Leap Beyond Conventional Payment Processing Zulo, provides South African businesses with a powerful business tool that goes beyond traditional sales and payment processing. Designed to elevate customer experiences, and track purchasing history, alongside a seamlessly integrated debit and credit card payment solution. Real-time reporting, in-depth analyses and rich visibility into stocks, suppliers and orders make it an invaluable tool for companies wanting to spark growth through intelligent decision-making. “Zulo is tailor-made for businesses of all sizes. It is a state-of-the art solution that we've poured dedication into, with no corners cut - leaving no room for compromise. This kind of high-impact …
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Behind Apple’s Strong Results And What The Future May Hold
Johannesburg, 30 August 2023: Apple's meteoric rise to prominence is nothing short of exceptional, with its impressive performance in 2022 carrying over to 2023. Fred Razak, Chief Trading Strategist at CMTrading, delves into the factors underpinning this sustained success and the road ahead. A Resilient Position "Apple's unrivalled streak of non-negative quarters since 2009, spanning fourteen years, is a testament to their remarkable diversity and adaptive prowess in the market," observes Razak. "The transformative power of the iPhone has redefined Apple from a linear computer company to a multifaceted powerhouse. Presently, Apple stands as a horizontal entity boasting a diverse range of interconnected devices." Razak highlights the cross-product synergy: "The seamless connectivity between Apple products, like the iPhone, MacBook, iPad, and iWatch, fosters customer loyalty. Each purchase propels customers to explore additional products within the Apple ecosystem. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Apple products excel in processing information, creating a compelling allure. This design philosophy extends to their services, including Apple TV and Podcasts, contributing to a high retention rate and multiple income streams. Apple has cultivated a culture akin to a digital religion." Unintentional Financial Ingenuity "Surprisingly, Apple has inadvertently assumed a financial role resembling that of a bank. With a notable 'days payable outstanding' of 97 days in 2022, Apple capitalises on client financing, generating passive income through held funds," notes Razak. "This financial manoeuvre amplifies their revenue streams and fortifies their overall financial structure." Inventory Efficiency and Financial Strategy Razak elaborates on Apple's manufacturing efficiency, stating, "Apple strategically maintains only 1.5% of their assets in inventory, a paradigm shift catalysed by the 'Just-in-time manufacturing' (JIT) methodology pioneered by the Japanese. …
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Unmanaged Consumer Debt Is Affecting Every Corner Of South Africa Debunking Myths And Embracing Solutions
As inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, a growing number of households in South Africa are struggling to meet their financial obligations. In many instances, despite various avenues available to the consumer to seek assistance, households avoid it, leaving debt to spiral out of control. Marius Jonker, CEO of the Association of Debt Recovery Agents, and Steven Maier, Chief Brand Officer for Amplifin, share their insights into debunking myths about arrear consumer debt and its causes, stakeholders, impacts and solutions. Source of household debt exposure According to Jonker, consumer debt cannot be solely attributed to private-sector financial products like loans and credit cards. Less than 45% of a consumer's monthly credit obligations come from credit agreements governed by the National Credit Act (NCA). The debt owed to the public sector, including central government, municipalities, and government departments, exceeds that of debt due to the financial and retail sectors. South African households owe a mind-boggling R305bn in arrears to local municipalities as of December 2022 (reported by the National Treasury), significantly impacting service delivery and contributing to major challenges in maintenance and infrastructure. Unmanaged debt causes national problems affecting everyone. Delayed payments affect inflation, increasing costs for all. Both public and private sectors suffer losses, leading to higher prices and credit costs, with taxpayers feeling the burden as services suffer. Unpaid consumer debt causes hardship, too, in the financial and retail sectors. Debt recovery is crucial for businesses' survival, as it affects assets and liabilities and can lead to insolvency and liquidation. Stats SA reports 1748 entities liquidated from Jan 2022 to Nov 2022. Financial and retail sectors hit hardest (33% of total). More closures mean job losses and consumers struggling to repay, fuelling the debt spiral. The challenges Managing consumer …