Online newsroom and press release distributor.

In a world often ruled by its CEOs and top-level influencers, it is hard to imagine these magnates as vulnerable or helpless. They are powerful players in the South African economy, they rule their organisations and guide them towards success – but what if they were wheelchair bound and reliant on others for their every daily need?

Facility management is no easy task. The added pressure of needing to gain and maintain a green status can be overwhelming for even the most efficient facility managers. Understanding which products to use and just how to use them can be a time consuming and exasperating task.

Thanks to Industry 4.0, globalisation and rapid digitalisation, today’s consumers are very connected and mobile.  How does this impact the hospitality industry?

Service-centered industries face two key challenges in their pursuit to success; becoming ever more responsive, and delivering accurate, reliable services at speed. The services industry can be fickle. Research reveals that customers are twice as likely to report a bad experience than share about a good one. This means that services must be delivered on time, as required, and in excellence to avoid watching customers walk out the door.

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) has hosted a successful Recognition Dinner, honouring their bursars, funders and donors who have assisted them in funding tertiary students in the year 2017 and 2018.

In its national development plan, the government of South Africa aims to create universal access to early childhood learning by 2030. Local organisation, SmartStart, believes it has found the answer to make this possible. 

The automotive industry faces constant change. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), to achieve success, the automotive industry must deliver: internationally competitive products; fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles; improved quality and choice; and high quality after sales service.

The world’s most successful entrepreneurs share the characteristics of being resourceful, innovative and highly skilled at problem-solving. 

We know that change is as good as a holiday, so why not double-up on the festive fever (and its blissful soul-food effect) by surprising your loved ones with exactly that... change (that lasts).

There are parts of society that are often forgotten in the modern, chaotic, commercial world in which we live. However, the forgotten are not absent. They still exist and, in the right hands, thrive. The truth is that South Africa, and the world at large, has a population of people who struggle with profound intellectual disabilities and the related challenges.  

Specialist Business Intelligence (BI) software product development company,  QVAuctor – ebiexperts, recently announced its new distribution partnership with South Africa Qlik Master Reseller (SAQMR, SAQlik).

As the year winds to an end, most corporate, commercial and industrial organisations are planning year end functions. These events are designed to thank employees for their loyal service throughout the year, give them the opportunity to strengthen team dynamics in preparation for the new year, and energise them for the work to come. Nothing could dampen spirits faster than event crashers, theft, disruption, or event suppliers failing to deliver on their promises on the day.

As African manufacturers begin to upgrade their operations, mapping out an incremental approach is essential. Smart factories, digitisation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are all hot topics in the manufacturing sector, generating considerable buzz - and some consternation. These disruptive technologies are exciting, yet the complexity can also be overwhelming.

The 2018 South African National Energy Association (SANEA) awards evening was held at the end of August 2018.

At a lavish ceremony held at the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel on 11 October 2018, Waterfall Management Company was honoured with the Best Mixed-use Development in South Africa 2018/2019 award for the Waterfall development. 

After conducting intensive research* into the topic of strikes and labour unrest, the Mandela Initiative came to several conclusions. One of these was that the right to strike is made up of a delicate balance between the power of firms and the rights of employees, and is considered a sign of a healthy democracy.

The redemption of Cape Town dam water levels has been met with marked relief. Day Zero was effectively kept at bay. Reportedly, dam levels in the Western Cape have continued to rise. According to Capetownetc.com, these levels have now pushed past the 74% mark. This is a drastic improvement on the 37.5% that was reported at the same time last year. The Western Cape also has a strong forecast of good rainfall for the coming weeks.

In South Africa, stringent Labour Laws have created somewhat of a minefield for employers to navigate when it comes to disciplinary procedures. While protecting the rights of the employee is paramount, employers that are not completely up to date with the relevant legislation could soon find themselves in hot water.

Customisation is often sold as a software benefit. “It is tailor-made, unique and built only for your organisation” – these were the constant and reliable sentiments of the past. While bespoke software design certainly had its place in history, as the pace of innovation in tech continues to rise, the value of customisations must be weighed up against the benefits of easy upgrades.  

You might think it’s hard to become a global business, but companies from all over the world are managing to make it internationally, and here are a few ways it can be done.

South African entrepreneurs and small business owners are pulled in every direction on a daily basis - needing to lead their business across all departments and switch between roles in operations, sales and finance in a matter of minutes. 

A group of 11 students and alumni from REGENT Business School jets off to China tomorrow (14 September 2018) as part of the Shanghai Business Study Tour 2018. 

At Bridgestone, the world’s number one tyre and rubber company, the global investments in Research & Development are the highest in the industry. 

With only a few more months left of the year, South Africans should already be thinking about saving for the festive season, ‘Januworry’ and even beyond - particularly with temptations like Black Friday on the horizon and our tendency to splurge our year-end bonuses before they even hit our accounts. 

With the recent ill-health and food borne diseases that have plagued South Africa, it seems that the need for a reassessment of hygiene and health standards in the industrial and food sectors is vital. Yet, there are many handwashes and hand sanitisers on the market today that do not seem to cover the required standard of continued protection against pathogenic microorganisms. 

In any organisation, a key element of success is the ability to deliver what is promised. When demand outstrips supply, brand reliability is damaged and potential growth thwarted. In a modern age, businesses that don’t rely on software innovations to ensure maximum profit and productivity are missing a crucial step.

On the 5th to the 8th of September 2018 MIChiko PR, under the directorship of International Certified Image Consultant Loraine Sibanda will be launching Women in Entrepreneurship Week.

When you hear the sentence ‘millenials in the workplace’, what are the first words that come to mind? 

Montecasino’s (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino) new Property Manager, Mandla Mngomezulu, joins the property equipped with excellent experience in mechanical engineering and management.

In many organisations, the recruitment function is often left up to the Human Resources department. While there is certainly merit in partnering with HR throughout the talent acquisition process, seeking the advice and guidance of professional employee screening services is essential.  

Modern enterprise applications must deliver business that drive extended best of breed solutions. From the core enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions through supply chain planning to extended warehouse management, asset maintenance, product life cycle management, information management, and enterprise performance management – every element of operations can be managed to perfection.

In recent years, the terms ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘going green’ have become increasingly popular. With the millennial generation calling for establishments to become “woke” about green living and green hospitality (among other things) there is a higher demand than ever before on the hospitality and tourism industry to go green, and to maintain a green status. 

The relationship between artificial intelligence and business intelligence is deepening daily, as augmented analytics takes centre stage. In a world where global market shifts can occur in a matter of minutes, access to real-time data – and the capability to analyse that data effectively – has become more important than ever before.

Lee Watts, Recruitment & People Analytics Manager at Travelstart, has been named a winner at the fourth Future of HR Awards hosted by Topco Media and Careers24. 

During June, parts of Johannesburg were plunged into darkness – not from load shedding, but due to striking Eskom workers damaging company property during a one-day wage strike. The South African Communications Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, has slammed striking workers, confirming that “damage to Eskom property during strike is economic sabotage,” reports EWN. 

According to the Green Hotels Association, “Green Hotels are environmentally-friendly properties (where) managers are eager to institute programmes that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste - while saving money.”

In an ever more connected world, it is essential that businesses find their footing on the transformation journey. Data is the foundation of this journey, providing the key to get the vehicle to insights moving. 

Target Media Directory is celebrating the addition of 500 new media sources to its online directory - it provides all the latest information on the media, such as profiles, audience demographics, circulation and ad rates so that PRs can tailor their press releases and reach new media.

Modern businesses are beginning to uncover how visual analytics can be used to discover hidden relationships in simple and complex data. Why does this have such a resounding impact? It provides the key to unlock powerful insights, meaning businesses can make better-informed decisions, faster, while experiencing incredible business benefits.

To be effective, Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) must be progressive and multi-methodology driven. When implemented correctly, it allows for superior business planning and strategy execution, using business intelligence (BI) as a methodology in a portfolio of EPM tools. 

SqwidNet, the licensed Sigfox IoT network operator in South Africa, recently hosted the finale of its first entrepreneurship programme called (IoT)E– IoT to the power of E. The objective of the programme is to enable entrepreneurs to enter the world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and become part of the broader ecosystem. 

The days of developing gross motor skills in children by letting then climb trees and fine motor skills by helping them make kites are long gone. So says Michael Mthethwa, Physical Education Specialist Lecturer at the Embury Institute for Higher Education [Musgrave Campus]. 

Many South Africans are still reeling from recent bout of Cash In Transit heists in and around Johannesburg. The violence is unspeakable, the targets are often left for dead, and although some arrests have been made, no real action has been taken to stop these attacks before they happen.

In manufacturing, constantly increasing demands apply immense pressure to supply. According to a Deloitte report, ever shorter product life cycles must be delivered. To achieve this, agile manufacturing practices are a necessity. On the other hand, the facilities management (FM) and the property sector carry the heavy burden to reduce costs, while adding more value to clients’ core businesses.

A well-maintained facility is imperative for any business. Poor working conditions lead to a decline in the health and motivation of staff members, which, in turn, leads to a decline in productivity and profitability.

In an information driven world, not making use of the data at hand is operational suicide. With a wealth of business insights readily available, it simply doesn’t make sense not to capitalise on this data to make better decisions, faster. 

In a lightbulb moment, Lesley Waterkeyn - Founder and CEO of Colourworks - knew just how her company, along with partner Designers Ink, could contribute towards Entrepreneurial growth and sustained development in a creative and meaningful way.  

Entries are open for the 2019 Miss Teen Commonwealth SA pageant. Open to girls 16- 19 years old across South Africa. The pageant creates a platform to inspire, mentor and support girls in South Africa. 

The world is constantly evolving. The modern-day business environment has vastly changed and continues to develop at a faster rate every day. With these advancements comes the need for progressive leadership, strong management and innovative thinking from the top. 

As criminals and crimes continue to evolve, it is essential that security providers challenge the status quo. 

South Africa’s Labour Relations Act (LRA) sets out clear guidelines that employers must follow when it comes to dealing fairly with cases of employee dismissal for incapacity. Employers cannot simply dismiss an employee for being incapacitated and each case requires careful consideration of all requirements.

At just 8 weeks of age, Zorg, then named James Bond, was adopted by Lindi Theron from Brackenfell. At just 8 weeks of age, Zorg, then named James Bond, was adopted by Lindi Theron from Brackenfell. At just 8 weeks of age, Zorg, then named James Bond, was adopted by Lindi Theron from Brackenfell. 

Condition assessment allows public sector agencies to guarantee the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient service to their constituents.

African private equity and venture capital deal-making in April were dominated by investments in technology companies, particularly fintech and business-to-business platforms, together with encouraging activity in the agribusiness & food sector. 

In the wake of the listeria outbreak that continues to plague South Africa, it is imperative that manufacturers and wholesalers in the food and beverages industry ensure their factories and kitchens are effectively cleaned and sanitised.

SACAP (the South African College of Applied Psychology) has announced that the 7th annual Festival of Learning will be held in Johannesburg on 17th and 18th of May, and in Cape Town on 24th and 25th of May 2018.

Many businesses focus their loss control strategies on preventing unwanted elements from getting in from the outside. While this is certainly an important step in securing assets and minimising risk, what if the truly dangerous element has already made itself comfortable within the operations of the organisation?

In the fast moving, volatile and critical poultry industry, control over processes within various divisions and sites is essential. Linking different divisions with each other and the business to provide an integrated view of the entire organisation provides accurate insights to ensure better performance. Management via manual processes and Excel spreadsheets simply doesn’t achieve the results needed to remain competitive. 

By their very nature, many businesses operating in the digital era are constantly inundated with massive data sources. 

South African businesses need a different mindset to address ongoing stock losses and fraud.

Henley Business School - Africa (Henley Africa) is delighted to announce the awarding of R2-million worth of scholarships for the 2018 academic year. 

Tech Terms defines an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as “a company that produces hardware to be marketed under another company's brand name”. Earlier this quarter, Tracker Connect (Pty) Ltd was named the SA Qlik Master Reseller OEM Partner of the Year for 2017.

Picture the 1980s businessman dictating an important message for his assistant to type and fax to his client. Time is money – but it certainly seemed to move a little slower a few decades ago. 

Saturday, 7 April 2018 sees the return of Startup Picnic. 

Considering how maintenance and parts inventories have evolved in recent years, and the increasingly strategic approach to Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), it is apparent that visibility is one of the most important drivers at every step in the manufacturing and plant engineering process.

In the security industry, discipline and integrity are critical factors. A United States security expert* recently confirmed that; “the supervision of security guards is the most important and most difficult challenge of a security company.” Guarding is a career that requires a large set of skills – and while guards may be proficient in one area, this does not mean that they are able to deliver on the full skillset required. 

Turkish Airlines has confirmed plans to buy at least 50 wide-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing as the flag carrier ramps up its ambitions ahead of a move to a new Istanbul airport.

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of Energy Management and Automation, announced the completion of the combination between AVEVA and the Schneider Electric industrial software business. 

Newsclip Media Monitoring is making it possible for brands to get all their media coverage, from traditional press coverage to mentions of their brand on social media, in a single, online destination.

Across South Africa, the outbreak of the food-borne disease Listeria has been reported as possibly being the largest outbreak of its kind the world has ever seen. This disease has already claimed more than 170 lives. According to The National Health Laboratory Service, 915 cases of Listeria have been reported since January 2017. Those most vulnerable are young people, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

In an effort to support skills training and development in the timber construction industry, the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), SAQA-accredited professional body and watchdog for the timber building industry, recently launched its Online Certification Programme.

The University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), in association with publisher Contact Media and Communications, is celebrating Acumen magazine’s fifth anniversary.

2018 brings exciting developments from Newsclip. We’ve transformed our solutions by implementing artificially intelligent technology. Our website has been relaunched to showcase these ever-evolving products.

Manufacturers based in South Africa often face unique and intricate operational challenges. From labour unrest to an unstable electrical grid, water shortages, harsh conditions and asset risks, there are various factors to consider, and strategic management is essential. With the right technology, however, these challenges can be overcome for a profitable, seamlessly run manufacturing plant.

As Africa’s youth embrace the development opportunities presented by new technologies and infrastructure, young developers must remain cognizant of the need to build applications with the ‘bad guys’ in mind.

Samsung will reveal its highly anticipated flagship device for 2018, at 19:00 on the 25th February. The big reveal will take place at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which is one of the biggest events on the mobile calendar. 

With the exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the ever-expanding digital era, businesses face a flurry of data. This constant stream of information demands attention. Why? Because businesses already have all the information at hand to make impactful, positive, strategic decisions; if only they knew how to access it.

In a world that is currently driven by all things transformation, the revolution of working practices must be given its due consideration. From disruptive business software to digital transformation, the optimisation of investments and services, and the need for (transformative) speed – businesses that do not focus on empowering the organisation to perform better will soon be left behind.

Water is a valuable commodity. It has been said that the third world war will be fought over water. It is a resource that is quickly running out, as Cape Town is set to become the first city to run out of water. The world has its eyes on the water crisis in the Cape with “day zero” looming. 

Royal Palm Hotel is proud to welcome on board their new General Manager, Simon Bailey.

With the increasing severity of the drought in the Western Cape, the storage and consumption of bottled water is expected to increase, and PET plastic bottles are a safe and convenient way to do this. 

Toshiba Europe GmbH today announces seven new E-Generation devices offering professional performance and durability, designed to support users on the move. Toshiba’s latest professional range has undergone a technical refresh to maximise performance and make devices more efficient by offering a high performance of up to an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processor.  

In facilities management, inspecting large institutional, engineering, manufacturing, mining and commercial facilities and assets can be a challenging, dangerous, and dirty job. Ensuring that assets are performing reliably to design standards means balancing tight budgets and aging infrastructure or finding new ways to maximise the value of existing assets. 

Mauritius has long been known as an idyllic holiday destination. Unfortunately, environmental news from this paradise had started to become somewhat underwhelming and serious action needed to be taken to help bring Mauritius back to its former glory. Mauritius’ Vice-Prime Minister Mr Showkutally Soodhun announced that the government of Mauritius “is committed to upholding the country’s cleanliness and safety for the benefit of the population.” 

From phishing to identity theft, the invasion of privacy, Internet/ATM/wire fraud, file sharing and piracy, counterfeiting and forgery, child pornography, and hacking – cybercrime is a chilling and imminent threat across the globe. 

A recent poll has revealed that the South African facilities management, manufacturing and fleet management industries face four distinct pain points; work orders, asset registers, downtime and contractors. 

In our modern-day world of technology, it is of utmost importance to remain on the forefront of innovation and technology. Companies that strive to better the world we live in help to pioneer a future that encourages growth and development, to the benefit of those around us. These role models are the true stalwarts of our business world. 

The South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) is proud to announce that Dr Caroline Corbett, a Cape Town-based private practitioner and active participant of the SASA private practice business unit (PPBU) committee, has won the prestigious 2017 WFSA-Fresenius Kabi Anaesthesia Innovation Award. 

TechTarget defines enterprise asset management (EAM) as; “a broad term vendors use to describe software that provides managers with a way to view company-owned assets holistically"

Cape Town based tech company, Innovo Networks, has bagged a win at the prestigious ROCCI and FNB Business of the Year Awards 2017, held on 18 November. A first for the young voice, data and cloud provider, Innovo Networks won a bronze award in the technology category for innovation and disruptive ICT solutions.

In any industry, being under the influence at work can become a deadly habit. Whether the staff member is responsible for security, transport, warehousing or factory work, dulled senses put themselves, their colleagues and their customers at risk. There are no legal stipulations in South African law about whether a company can request an employee to undergo a breathalyser. As such, companies are well within their rights to request same.

It is no secret that ‘going Green’ is a growing trend with many positive effects. However, how do you know when green really means green? There are many products and energy saving ‘tips’ that don’t actually benefit a green environment all that much. 

When asked what it takes to be successful in the hospitality industry, most would say; the personal touch. It’s about attention to detail and delivering service excellence - from the greeting at the entrance to the turn-down service. The hotel’s facilities must be immaculate and offer guests the utmost in luxury and convenience. Collectively, industries across the globe are turning to technological innovations to achieve these goals. No less the hospitality sector. 

Without a secure failover, erratic fixed line connectivity can cause havoc, especially in the high-demand, fast-paced fast food sector. As the name suggests, the expectation is that both the food and service are delivered quickly, and at a standardised (high) level of quality.

On 30 November 2017 the Startupbootcamp cohort hosted their first-ever Africa-based Demo Day in Cape Town to showcase the Top 10 startups, selected from a pool of 514 applicants, to global investors, sponsors and partners.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) boasts many benefits, the most obvious being the ability to fast track obtaining a qualification. Many people today have extensive experience in their field but not the qualifications behind their name to back that experience. RPL offers a solution for those eligible candidates. 

Ninety percent of brain development happens before the age of five, yet more than two thirds of South African children under the age of five are still not receiving the crucial Early Childhood Development (ECD) education that could make or breaktheir future potential

Public shooting incidents do not end when the gun fire stops. They have far-reaching effects and consequences that shopping malls, their tenants, contractors, employees must deal with effectively.

In every industry, asset management is critical to ensuring productivity, reducing downtime and promoting profits. Across South Africa, asset management, facilities management and manufacturing industries have been challenged with an economic mountain which appeared to bring many to rock bottom. Yet digital transformation has offered the stepping stones needed to overcome, as digitisation brings with it great competitive advantage. 

The 80/20 Mindset E-course launches today, and promises to teach Millennials how to work less and achieve more in business, while sidestepping pressing workplace and career woes.