OBS 2020 Annual Report: Successfully navigating a challenging year It is no longer strange to hear from business that 2020 was an exceptional year. For some, it was exceptionally bad and lead to unbelievable hardships. For others, it turned into an exceptionally busy year. The Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS), Reana Steyn, points out that the OBS had a busy year. Fortunately, the OBS was able to rise to the challenges that 2020 presented and working from home did not affect efficiency. The OBS was able to handle more complaints and still provide the free, speedy, and easily accessible alternative dispute resolution service that is offered by the watchdog. This was significantly important at a time when it was needed the most. Key Statistics In 2020, the OBS opened a record total of 7 717 formal cases. When compared to the 6 472 cases in 2019, the OBS saw a 19% increase in complaints. During 2020, the OBS closed 7 230 cases compared to the 2019 closures of 6 133. This is an 18% increase. In addition, the OBS recorded an even more significant increase in the number of referrals received in 2020. “Referrals are complaints received by the OBS from complainants who have not afforded the bank an opportunity to first resolve the issue with them. The OBS sends these matters to the banks on behalf of the consumers for the bank to attempt to try to come to a resolution. If the problem is not resolved directly with the bank, then the matter converted to a formal case which forms part of the reported statistics, “explained Steyn. A total of 8 389 case referrals were sent to the bank’s compared to the 4 709 that were sent back in 2019. Steyn pointed out that the reason for this increase may be due to challenges people faced in getting hold of their banks during lockdown when call centres were overwhelmed. “Due to the lockdown and subsequent ripple effects, some bank customers were desperate and came straight to our office before contacting the bank,” she …
Initiate is back with career-making opportunities for African energy students and SMMEs
Are you a postgraduate student enrolled at an African university with a brilliant idea that could impact the energy sector? Or an SMME or entrepreneur with a product or service that could change the industry forever? The Initiate Young Talent Challenge is back, giving postgraduates the opportunity to be innovative and disrupt the power sector. The Initiate Digital Exhibition Hub is also inviting SMMEs and energy entrepreneurs in the energy space to apply for its exciting annual showcase in June. “We’re back and we’re looking for fresh faces, fresh ideas and lots of talent!” says Nazlee Fredericks, the Initiate project lead, which is an initiative of Clarion Events in cooperation with the Enlit Africa event – formerly the African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa conference and exhibition that has been gathering the continent’s power pros for more than two decades. A chance to disrupt the industry Naz explains: “the Initiate Young Talent Challenge will give students the opportunity to represent their university to complete a series of challenges during the Enlit Africa digital conference and exhibition in June. This is their chance to disrupt the industry with innovative and new ways of thinking. This is a unique not-to-be-missed opportunity to not only shape their future but also to start establishing a sound and professional personal brand, taking their careers to the next level.” The organisers of the Young Talent Challenge invite post-graduate students to apply online. All applications will be vetted by an advisory board and an expert panel of judges from the industry. The top selections will then go through to the final round of challenges that takes place during the Enlit Africa digital event from 8 to 10 June. The winning team stands a chance to win a global mentorship by key industry players and all the benefits of having access to an executive network in the industry. This includes extensive media coverage of the competition and the winners …
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Enlit Africa to return in June with focus on 5Ds as industry prepares for energy transition
Enlit Africa will kickstart its return on 8 June with a visionary discussion on the “5Ds of the energy transition”, namely: decarbonisation, decentralisation, democratisation, digitalisation and deregulation. The opening session will feature local and global experts unpacking how the evolution of the power and energy sector globally will also affect local supply and opportunities, focusing on technology, policy and funding. Among the local experts is South African Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources Gwede Mantashe who will be providing the opening address for the event. Same inspiration, different look Enlit Africa, taking place from 8 to 10 June, is the new brand for the Cape-town based African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa conference and exhibition, which for more than 20 years has been the flagship power and energy show for the continent’s energy sector. The event had two very successful, interactive digital editions last year and rebranded in November 2020. “With Enlit Africa we continue our decades-long, proud partnership with the sector, offering the same inspiration, commitment, value and support,” says Chanelle Hingston, Group Director, Power & Energy for Clarion Events Africa, the multi-award-winning organisers of Enlit Africa. “Over the three days, we will examine the energy transition and the various ways in which new energy imperatives will impact existing and future infrastructure. And as always, you can expect the best content and connections from us. We are excited to give all our participants front row seats to our highly topical webinars, roundtables and tech showcases, presented by industry professionals and world leading suppliers.” She continues: “We have made sure to highlight the most exciting sector developments around the continent which include direct access to case studies on Nigeria’s metering infrastructure and how progress has been made in reducing non-technical losses. We will be discussing the ever-important …
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Explore Data Science Academy Launches Online Courses Into Africa With Focus On Nigeria And Kenyan Markets
South Africa’s world-leading data science training institute, the Explore Data Science Academy (EDSA), will soon offer its range of online data science and data engineering courses in Africa. The academy is putting its focus on talent within Nigeria and Kenya. According to Cities Alliance an estimated 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making Africa the world’s youngest continent. While close to 11 million young people join the African labour market each year, the continent generates only 3.7 million jobs annually. “Our aim with our data science and data engineering courses is to offer talented, ambitious and hard-working young people in Africa the chance to be trained for a career that has been labelled “the sexiest in the 21st century,” says Shaun Dippnall, CEO of EXPLORE Data Science Academy. “We have always cherished the goal of training young data scientists in other African countries and now, after four years of perfecting our training methods at home, we are ready to spread our wings into key African countries,” he explains. The EDSA was established in 2017 offering a full-time, one year course to 100 young aspiring data science students. The immediate success of this course prompted the academy to offer short and longer courses online. “By going online, we can reach a far wider audience and we now train thousands of young people every year. The success of our full-time course has been phenomenal and we have a 95% placement rate after graduation with excellent starting salaries. Our courses are designed to be practical and deal with real world problems in business,” says Dippnall. Kenya an innovation achiever Kenya has been identified as an ideal African country for EDSA expansion. According to the World Bank, during 2015-2019 Kenya’s economic growth averaged 5.7%, making it one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. This performance was boosted by a stable macroeconomic environment, positive investor …
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Differentiate Between Signs and Symptoms of Wellness
As a professional motivational speaker and coach, I like to use the following anecdote in change management; respond to the light, or you will have to react to the heat. The light I am referring to can be interpreted as the signs of change, and the heat is the symptoms. John W. Travis’ Illness–Wellness Continuum (1972) introduced the notion of responding sooner to emerging situations in a wellness context. He differentiated between the signs and symptoms that indicated wellness and explained their relationship to proactivity and reactivity. Moving towards ill health By using a continuum, Travis illustrated the differences between a good health paradigm on the right side of the continuum, representing improving wellness leading to superb well-being. On the left side, he had increasing illness culminating in premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2019) claims that 60% of premature deaths are attributable to lifestyle diseases. We can view premature death metaphorically as well, like the premature death of our intentions, a loss of a relationship, failure in business, or even diminishing physical and mental abilities. This left side of the continuum is characterised by energy leaks, illness, and suffering. In summary, failing. As one moves to the left of the continuum, there is progressive worsening, starting with signs, then manifesting in symptoms and finally, the real or metaphoric premature death. Physical symptoms of declining wellness include: Disturbed sleep patterns A poor or obsessive exercise regime Deficient food habits or neurotic control over your eating Signs and symptoms of declining mental wellness It’s generally agreed that one of the starting points, and possible causes, of declining mental health is trauma. I have even heard trauma referred to as a mental injury in some circles. When you consult psychiatrists because you are experiencing mental health issues and are distressed or in a psychological crisis, …
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The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your IT Services
A strong IT-support function is vital for any business that wants to remain competitive in today’s digital environment. If your company is a start-up or small to medium-sized company, then the advantages of outsourcing your IT may well be worth more than retaining your own in-house IT department. Several factors need to be considered when weighing up the pros and cons of whether you should outsource your IT. Some of these include; costs, availability, expertise, security, versatility, scalability and resources. The Pros to Outsourcing Your IT Services Costs Outsourcing your IT services can prove to be far more affordable than maintaining a dedicated department. Costs for employee salaries, benefits, bonuses, as well as leave that can cause disruptions to the smooth running of the business, are all things that an IT Service Level Agreement (SLA) does away with. Availability Depending on the reputability of the provider and the type of support plan, most IT companies will provide 24/7 support. Expertise By outsourcing IT services to a reliable provider, your company will be able to harness the collective expertise of IT specialists. Security IT service providers will always remain up to date with the latest digital threats and should always provide the latest protection to minimise risks to your company. Make sure that you have the right IT Security in place. Scalability Outsourced IT service providers can respond rapidly to shifting business needs and provide a cost-effective solution as your business grows, or shrinks under challenging conditions. Resources IT equipment and facilities can be extremely expensive. An outsourced partner will allow your company to access comprehensive diagnostic software and repair tools, as well as offsite servers. The Cons to Outsourcing Your IT Services Costs Some less reputable IT service providers may fall behind their project timelines or fail to meet expectations, causing additional pressure …
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How does it take to be notable? Interview with Josephs Quartzy
A lot of upcoming artists wish and dream on becoming the real public figure and notable figures but do they know how much that dream may or may not be possible? Josephs Quartzy, a Tanzanian 22 year old independent and young musician, actor, author and a digital creator stuggled and still on his trial to get the real notability privilege, through lots of struggles and hard work on his carrer. On a talk, Josephs Quartzy admitted that notability is difficult and easy at the same time because some people he knew and worked with are currently untouchables, how did they do that? Why is Josephs Quartzy not as notable as them? Josephs Quartzy believes that notability on our generation means; appearances on the news sources, press releases and headlining on newspapers and magazines also maintaining the trend charts and (both career charts also digital entertainment Medias) also being popular on paparazzi sights and cameras. Josephs Quartzy believes that there are factors that make a person notable and recognized and he lacked almost all that why he didn't reach his goals. Lucky Some people found themselves on top of the ladder without putting in any effort on climbing them, how do we call that? That's lucky, you sleep a commoner but wake up a winner. Money Currently notability can be bought, through paying to be featured on the news, buy press releases and pay for distribution and advertisements. Network If a dadn momnfriend or even nyone close to you is a star you've got a 80% of acquiring this notability thing as dying if you are living. Hardwork Through hardwork great figures made to the topn through working tirelessly they got fan support and acceptance and made it to the top. Fanbase Fans are everything, a work can be bad but if fans say yes then nothing is going to stop you from being a notable structure. Josephs Quartzy has not made it to the top but still believes on how he struggles on his career also waits for his turn and believes …
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West African Gambia are coming adopting cryptocurrency payment solution
Blockchain, a relatively new technology, is already revolutionising many aspects of our lives such as healthcare and the economy. But there is always a heightened level of excitement when new ground is broken. As with any new technology, cryptocurrency comes with its own jargon. For the uninitiated, this can be confusing, even intimidating, at first glance. What are cryptos? Cryptos are just like any other currency. You can buy goods and services with them or trade with them. Where they differ from traditional paper currencies we have in our wallets is that there are no physical coins or notes. Gambia will becomes created its own form of digital currency meant to help speed transactions. Tong Shang International Commercial Bank (Gambia) said its "Eagle Coin" will become circulating cryptocurrency. Eagle coin was created by Trans Reach International Group. The Eagle wallet use in the Gambia must be have bank accounts with Tong Shang International Commercial Bank (Gambia) - with a smartphone - to use a downloaded Eagle Wallet app and make payments via a QR code. Those without bank accounts would go to bank website open account who would verify a person’s information and then approve Eagle wallet. That person would then go to Gambia a supermarket or other store and give the cashier physical cash which would then be deposited as Eagle coin in their wallet. Crypto in West Africa How Cryptocurrency could efficiently work on the continent and magically solve all these problems. Maybe with a few good decisions here and there, Africa could actually lead the Cryptocurrency (not Bitcoin) revolution in the world. Despite its problems with Internet, Electricity and the dominance of Cash and Feature phones, West Africa was in a perfect spot to pull this off. Cryptocurrency may sound bizarre given the state of issues such as Cash & Feature Phone dominance and Internet & Electricity accessibility. West African Gambia are coming adopting Mobile …
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Cryptocurrency within 3 years may replace 40% of cash
Africa, The latest Africa blockchain news. TONG SHANG INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK (GAMBIA) will enter the Blockchain technology testing phase with TRAN REACH INTERNATIONAL GROUP in the near future. There was news on Monday that the bank will promote the use of Eagle Coins and promote global economic development. The analysis believes that under the background of the epidemic, the development of the digital economy has put forward higher demands for Cryptocurrency and Digital Payment (Electronic Payment). With the improvement of top-level design, R&D technology (research and development), and the fierce global competition, the Gambia government also plans this year. Adopt Blockchain technology. The initial application of Blockchain technology is mainly to realize the decentralization of payment methods. After Bitcoin, other Cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology, such as Litecoin(LTC) and Ripple(XRP), have emerged one after another. The research and application of Blockchain has gradually extended from Cryptocurrency to the fields of finance, energy, manufacturing, education, and medical services. At present, global Blockchain technology and industrial innovation are accelerating. According to Web of Science data, the number of papers on Blockchain has exploded since 2017. Governments of various countries attach importance to the integration of Blockchain technology and the real economy, develop financial technology, and use Big Data (Mega Data) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to promote the transformation and development of financial services. More attention will be paid to the use of modern information technology such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet, and Big Data to improve the ability of banks in various countries to perform their duties. Blockchain technology will become a national strategy The Blockchain is essentially a decentralized Shared Ledger Database, which itself is a series of Data Blocks (DB) generated using …
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Celebrate World Earth Day with Le Naturel
World Earth Day is celebrated on the 22 of April every year around the world. The earth is our home, and we must protect and care for our home and treat it with love and respect. Le Naturel prides itself in continually producing and researching trend patterns, collaboration, and ideas to provide recyclable, environmentally friendly products that are good for people and the earth. “Restore Our Earth is the theme for Earth Day 2021” - Le Natural aspires to complement a natural approach to health and beauty, Founder Lea Botha is motivated to produce a range of luxury natural products with no chemicals, fragrances, colorants, or parabens. Le Naturel strives to do business in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, natural way. In the spirit of World Earth Day, Le Naturel is offering 30% OFF on all their Buchu Products. Visit Le Naturel to shop and explore more natural, sustainable, environmentally friendly products. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …