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The Olifantspoort and Ebenezer upgrade project

Credit: Lepelle Northern Water

The Olifantspoort and Ebenezer upgrade project aims to supply a population of 1.3-million (projected to grow to 1.7-million in 2045) with sustainable, reliable and good-quality water at a cost of R18.5-billion.

This multiphase project entails the cooperation of multiple project implementation partners, including Lepelle Northern Water (LNW), the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), National Treasury, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Eskom and Infrastructure South Africa.

The project will provide a reliable and more sustainable supply of water for the following Water Services Authorities (WSAs):

  • Capricorn District Municipality (including Polokwane Local Municipality representing the largest urban area in Limpopo),
  • Mopani District Municipality (covering Greater Tzaneen and the eastern parts of the province) and
  • Sekhukhune District Municipality, which contains the proposed Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone and the south-eastern portions of Limpopo.
Credit: Lepelle Northern Water

Background

Existing bulk pipelines and other bulk water-supply components were constructed in the early 1970s and their hydraulic capacity is far below the required throughput to meet current and future water needs.

The poor state of the aging infrastructure leads to frequent breakdowns, excessive water losses and excessive electricity consumption costs due to low pumping efficiency.

While the estimated demand in 2025 will be 162ML/day (including the City of Polokwane) supply is currently only 60ML/d. Demand in 2045 is expected to grow to 270.5ML/d with a projected deficit of 210.5ML/d. By way of preparing the ground for this project, LNW has achieved major records of decisions such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), water-use licences, banking and financial institution approvals for project feasibility and business case studies.

Projected benefits

Several Local Project Community Committees were established and Community Liaison Officers appointed.

  • Local SMMEs are working on the project
  • Local skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour were recruited
  • 1 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase
  • A further 90 jobs on completion
  • 371 428 households stand to benefit
  • Progress to date is 55% on average
Phase 1A Solution

The following steps will be taken: replace mechanical infrastructure, reduce pipeline bursts, and ensure uninterrupted pump station operations and provide for planned maintenance. Optimise and increase efficiency of the operations through variable-speed drives; optimise life-cycle performance through reducing life-cycle cost; increase reliability, availability and maintainability attributes.

Phase 1B Solution

Upgrade infrastructure to meet current and future demands up to 2043 from the current 144ML/day capacity to 180ML/day by construction of additional bulk processing units, pumping stations and reservoirs; synchronise LNW planning with Water Services Authorities; support the WSAs in implementing water conservation and water-demand management.

Phase 2 Solution

Further increase of production from 180ML/day to 270ML/day.

Read more:

Interview with Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Chairperson of the Board of Lepelle Northern Water, who talks about the professionalism displayed by the board and management team who have transformed Lepelle Northern Water in the last two years.

Economist of the Year – informing business and investment decisions

Economist of the Year, Elize Kruger.

The Bureau of Market Research (Pty) Ltd (BMR) and the University of South Africa (Unisa) have been hosting the Economist of the Year Competition since 2022. The winner and two runners-up of the 2023 BMR/Unisa Economist of the Year competition were announced at an awards ceremony held in Pretoria on 20 June 2024.

The winner of the 2023 competition is Ms Elize Kruger, an independent economist. Ms Kruger has nearly three decades of experience in both macro and microeconomic analyses and forecasts. She has worked in the financial, health, transport and energy sectors.

As an independent economist, she provides consulting services to a wide variety of clients, compiling forecasts of key macroeconomic indicators and publishing in-depth reports, while also delivering frequent media commentary and research briefs on important economic events. Although Ms Kruger has participated in the competition for several years, this is the first time she has won after she was a runner-up in the 2022 competition.

The two runners-up of the 2023 competition are Dawie Klopper, a financial advisor and investment economist at PSG Wealth, and Jee-A van der Linde, a senior economist at Oxford Economics Africa.

Overall, the three top economists provided the most accurate and consistent forecasts for eight economic variables during 2023. More than 30 of South Africa’s top economists participated in the competition. 

Runners-up

Informing business and investment decisions

The Economist of the Year Competition was hosted for several decades by Media24. In 2021 Media24 decided to relinquish this prestigious competition due to company restructuring and operational changes.

The Bureau of Market Research (Pty) Ltd (BMR) was approached by Media24 to take over the competition. Due to the prestigious nature of the competition, the transfer of the ownership of the competition to the BMR was supported by renowned economists who have competed in the event on an annual basis for many years. The key rationale for the support for the continuance of the competition was that the competition had for long occupied the centre stage of economic thinking and growth projections in the country.

Enter the BMR

Recognising the value of the competition, the BMR agreed to take ownership of the competition from the start of 2022. To sustain the traction of competition, the BMR commenced by setting up the required management and administrative systems to host the Economist of the Year (EoY) Competition. Given the strategic position of the BMR in the Unisa Corporate Group structure, the Unisa Executive Management Committee in 2022 adopted the co-branding of the Economist of the Year (EoY) Competition.

Thus, ever since 2022, the EoY trademark has collectively been co-branded by the BMR and Unisa in support of sustainable development and to promote economic growth, predictions and debates in South Africa. On average, a total of 35 of the top economists in South Africa have participated in the competition each year since 2022.

Forecast variables

The panel of economists who enter the competition are requested on a monthly basis to submit their forecasts with respect to eight economic variables, namely:

  • Real annual GDP growth rate
  • Real annual household expenditure growth rate
  • Average annual inflation rate
  • Average yield on long-term government bonds in the fourth quarter
  • Average prime interest rate in the fourth quarter
  • Average R/$ exchange rate in the fourth quarter
  • Average Brent oil price in the fourth quarter
  • Annual current account balance as % of GDP

Competition logistics

Since 2022 the BMR has taken ownership of the EoY competition being governed, managed and operated as follows:

  • Monthly engagements with the participating economists. Requesting the competing economists to submit updated economic forecasts on a monthly basis.
  • Collating and analysing the monthly forecasts. The forecasts obtained each month are collated and analysed to determine “consensus” scores on all eight forecasted variables.
  • Adjudication of the competition. An independent adjudication panel consolidates the economic forecasts each month and identifies a winner and two runners-up for the year based on a scientific formula. These individuals’ monthly predictions consistently vary the least from the actual annual economic data published in the March issues of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Quarterly Bulletin.
  • Celebrating the competition and appointing a winner. The winner and two runners-up of the competition are announced during a prize-giving ceremony in the following year.
  • Preparing monthly competition and competition-winner press releases. Press releases are issued to the media for publication on a monthly basis as well as following the announcement of the top three economists.

The value of the competition to the economy and society

The timely predictions for the leading economic indicators by the Economist of the Year competition serve to provide economic forecasts of greatest likelihood, which are of great value in informing business and investment decisions in South Africa.

Also, the relevance of the Economist of the Year Competition is soundly routed in Goal 8 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth. Sustained and inclusive economic growth is a prerequisite for sustainable development, which can contribute to improved livelihoods for people.

Economic growth can lead to new and better employment opportunities and provide greater economic security for all. Moreover, rapid growth, especially among the least-developed and developing countries, can help reduce the wage gap relative to developed countries, thereby diminishing glaring inequalities between the rich and poor. 

Northern Cape Province: the land of diversity

Namaqua National Park Skilpad. Credit: Andrea Weiss, WWF South Africa

The mission of the Northern Cape Office of the Premier is to provide strategic leadership that will stimulate economic growth to its full potential and ensure high levels of social development. The Office of the Premier derives its mandate from the Constitution and is responsible for the implementation of provincial and national legislation within the functional areas and administering national legislation outside those listed which have been assigned to the province; the development and implementation of provincial policy; coordinating the functions of the provincial administration and its departments; and preparing and initiating provincial legislation.

Key policy focus areas derive from its legislative mandates and draw heavily from the Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP). These include, among other things: providing strategic leadership for growing the provincial economy; ensuring that basic services are delivered speedily; promoting good governance; mainstreaming the rights of vulnerable groups across departmental policies; driving the implementation of the PGDP and monitoring and evaluating across the province; strengthening inter- and intragovernmental relations as well as international relations; and ensuring good fiscal discipline.

The powers of the legislature are set out in Section 114 of the Constitution. The Northern Cape Provincial Legislature appropriates the provincial budget and makes laws citizens must obey. The legislature plays an oversight role by carefully scrutinising the activities of the executive to ensure that services are delivered to citizens and that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely on public programmes and initiatives.

The Northern Cape Provincial Legislature facilitates public involvement in all its processes, and those of its committees, through public education, participation programmes and public hearings. The mission of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature is to serve the people of the Northern Cape by building a developmental institution for effective lawmaking, public participation, accountability and oversight over the executive and municipalities. The legislature’s strategic goals are to deepen and entrench a people-centred democracy in the Northern Cape.

Conservation

Conservationists gathered in Namaqualand recently to celebrate a decade of successful expansion of protected areas within the Succulent Karoo biome of the Northern Cape. The celebration marked the closing out of the Northern Cape Land Project led by the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) with funding from WWF South Africa through the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, (LHSKT).

Key partners included landowners, SANParks, the Northern Cape’s Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL) and Conservation South Africa. Appropriately, the celebration was held in the town of Kamieskroon, a gateway to the Namaqua National Park which is world-renowned for its annual spring flower display.

Over the past 10 years, the Northern Cape Land Project has enabled the declaration of five new nature reserves and one new protected environment with several more in the pipeline. This conservation work is done primarily through stewardship agreements with landowners who retain ownership of their land but commit to managing it in conservation-compatible ways while continuing to derive economic benefit from it.

Katherine Forsythe, WWF project manager with the LHSKT, said a key benefit of the project has been the support WFA has provided to DAERL and SANParks in fine-tuning and streamlining processes and mechanisms for protected area expansion. The work WFA has done in the Northern Cape has helped unlock doors and paved the way for biodiversity stewardship nationally.

View from Sneeukop near Kamieskroon. Credit: Ben-Jon Dreyer WFA

Francois van der Merwe, chair of the LHSKT, noted that the threats to the Succulent Karoo were both “real and considerable”. In particular, he highlighted climate change which could see rainfall in the region decrease by some 40%, along with plant poaching and mining. This made the efforts to secure ecological corridors increasingly urgent.

Ben-Jon Dreyer, project manager with WFA, said, “Working on this project has been an eye-opener. There are so many landowners in the Succulent Karoo who realise the biodiversity significance of the land which has been entrusted to them and who strive to be the best possible stewards of it. It truly was a privilege to visit these stunningly beautiful and biodiverse landscapes, which will forever be etched in my memory.”

The work is a visible demonstration that land can remain in private hands and still be actively farmed while also contributing towards conservation targets, proving there need not be a trade-off between farming and conservation.

A further eight sites are also under negotiation. Once completed this would contribute a total of 70 000 hectares to conservation.

One issue that has hampered statutory protection of these areas, however, has been the slow processing of proposed protected area submissions with some 22 243 hectares awaiting declaration including one more nature reserve and four new protected environments.

A further eight sites are also under negotiation. Once completed this would contribute a total of 70 000 hectares to conservation. This work adds to South Africa’s protected area strategy and contributes towards the country’s international commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal in December 2022. Known as 30×30, this is a promise made by the international community to conserve 30% of terrestrial and marine environments by 2030. 

Project Highlights

  • The declaration of five new provincial nature reserves, including four reserves created to protect the Northern Cape’s unique “mountain islands” or inselbergs as part of the Karrasberge Protected Area. Another reserve is awaiting declaration and three more are under negotiation.
  • The expansion of the Namaqua National Park that now stands at 170 000 hectares.
  • The creation of an ecological corridor linking the Tankwa National Park with the Cederberg as part of a long-held dream that started in 2008 to connect these two great wilderness areas.
  • The declaration of the Gys Wiese Protected Environment (PE) adjacent to the Namaqua National Park. Four other PEs are awaiting declaration.
  • Sneeukop PE outside Kamieskroon that extends conservation across the N7 from the Namaqua National Park into the Kamiesberg.

Find out more about the Northern Cape Province:

See also a range of investment prospectuses focusing on each of the Northern Cape Provinces here.

The Big Hole in Kimberly, Northern Cape Province.

The future imagined is cared for today

Biotech World's regenerative agriculture solutions are designed to enhance soil health and boost crop yields by introducing effective microorganisms into agricultural systems.

Biotech World is a pioneering biotechnological manufacturing solutions company co-funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

About Biotech World

The business was established to harness the naturally occurring effective micro-organisms and enzymes provided by Mother Nature, and to develop innovative products for household, industry, agriculture and environmental management use.

Our raw materials are harvested from nature and augmented through a biotechnological process to provide innovative and environmentally conscious products of the future, today.

As Biotech World, we pride ourselves on adhering to stringent industry standards that serve as guides in manufacturing, as well as being conscious and aware of the ecosystem we participate in as manufacturers of green products.

Biotech World is a proudly South African black-owned Level 1 BBBEE company that embodies ubuntu through activities of fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge freely and working towards solutions that benefit the ecosystem that we live in and share.

Our principles of ubuntu as a business highlight the magnitude of ethical practices, sustainability and ensuring that advancements in biotechnology are accessible and beneficial to the environment and living beings.

Services

We deliver cutting-edge biotechnological solutions that tackle environmental, industrial, and agricultural challenges. We offer these core services:

Bioremediation solutions

Our bioremediation solutions effectively restore contaminated soil, sludge and water to their natural state using specialised microorganisms and enzymes. We target harmful chemicals such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated compounds (PCBs), petroleum products and dioxins, ensuring a sustainable and safe environment.

Sewerage and environmental waste management

Our advanced microbial solutions include efficient sewerage treatment using anaerobic bacteria to break down complex organic compounds into simpler substances. Our services also cover wastewater treatment and hazardous waste management, ensuring effective and sustainable control across various industries.

Microbial and enzymic product development

In our state-of-the-art facilities, we develop advanced microbial and enzymic products tailored to industry needs. These solutions are designed to enhance soil health, improve product quality, and drive sustainability across sectors such as agriculture, mining and petrochemical industries.

Regenerative agriculture solutions

Our regenerative agriculture solutions are designed to enhance soil health and boost crop yields by introducing effective microorganisms into agricultural systems. Through biofertilisers and soil enhancers, we support farmers in increasing productivity while ensuring long-term land sustainability.

Specialised product supply and delivery

We supply and deliver specialised products and materials tailored to the needs of industries such as mining, agriculture, food and environmental management. Our agile sourcing and delivery processes ensure that clients receive high-quality materials essential for their operations, fostering long-term partnerships.

Contact Biotech World

Address: Plot 31 N1 Highway, Zandrivierspoort, Botlokwa, Polokwane 0812
Tel: +27 15 004 1347 | Email: admin@btworld.co.za | Website: www.btworld.co.za

Meet the team

Forvis Mazars shakes up professional services industry

On 1 June 2024, two distinguished professional services firms, Mazars and FORVIS, officially launched their new global network, Forvis Mazars. This collaboration marks the creation of the largest new entrant in the global rankings in decades, bringing a combined revenue of $5-billion and establishing Forvis Mazars as a top 10 global network. This new venture introduces unprecedented agility, capacity and global coverage, making Forvis Mazars a unique player in the market.

A new era of professional services

Forvis Mazars represents a significant shift in the professional services industry, offering clients an innovative alternative in the global market. The combined strengths of Mazars, an international partnership with a presence in over 100 countries, and FORVIS, a top-ranked US firm, create a powerful network capable of supporting clients worldwide. This partnership is more than a business move; it is a strategic alignment designed to deliver unparalleled client experiences and uphold the public interest.

Leadership for a global network

The governance of Forvis Mazars is structured to ensure seamless collaboration and client service across all regions. The Global Network Board, led by Hervé Hélias as Chair, brings together experienced leaders from both firms. Hélias, who continues as Chairman of the Group Executive Board of Forvis Mazars Group SC, is joined by Matt Snow, Vice Chair of the Global Network Board and Chairman of Forvis Mazars LLP. The board includes notable leaders such as Tom Watson, CEO of Forvis Mazars LLP, and key executives from both the US and international branches.

A vision for excellence

Hervé Hélias describes the formation of Forvis Mazars as a momentous and exciting development for clients, the profession and the firm’s people: “Mazars and Forvis have a long history of collaboration, sharing a commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences. As a unified global brand, we are positioned to offer consistent, high-quality services worldwide while remaining agile to meet specific client needs. I am extremely proud to lead this network, which will continue to empower our people and raise the bar for client service standards.”

Tom Watson emphasises the network’s client-centric approach: “Forvis Mazars is built on listening to our clients and anticipating their challenges. This network will unlock new opportunities for both clients and our people, ensuring long-term success. We are committed to making decisions that prioritise their interests.”

Comprehensive services for a global market

Forvis Mazars offers a wide range of professional services, including audit and assurance, tax and advisory services. Operating under a single brand, the network’s two member firms – Forvis Mazars LLP in the US and Forvis Mazars Group SC internationally – deliver these services with a shared commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

This unified approach allows Forvis Mazars to provide tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of clients in various industries and markets.

Empowering people and communities

The strategic vision of Forvis Mazars extends beyond business success to include the advancement of its people, industry and communities. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Forvis Mazars aims to drive progress and create a positive impact globally.

As a new member of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), Forvis Mazars is poised to contribute significantly to the professional services landscape in South Africa and beyond. The firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences, combined with its global reach and local expertise, positions Forvis Mazars as a leader in the industry.

In South Africa the Country Managing Partner is Anoop Ninan and the Partner in charge of the relationship with AMCHAM is Sebastien de Place. Both of these leaders, together with all of the Forvis Mazars team, are happy to have joined and be part of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and are looking forward to connecting with other members of SACCI.

For more information, visit www.forvismazars.com/za/en

Leveraging funding options and navigating financial challenges for SME growth

Old Mutual SMEgo – helping SMEs grow

Small and Medium Enterprises are the cornerstone of the global economy. The 2024 United Nations General Assembly designated June 27 as “Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day” to raise awareness of their contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure). According to UN statistics, SMEs account for 90% of businesses, more than 70% of employment, and 50% of GDP worldwide, thereby remaining core to the economy.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are vital to the economy as their operations drive job creation, innovation and economic growth. Despite their relevance, SMEs face a range of constraints that hinder their ability to thrive. To expand and sustain their businesses, entrepreneurs need to understand and overcome these challenges, employing potential solutions and effective financial management strategies.

One platform

Old Mutual SMEgo is a multifaceted platform that acts as a one-stop shop for small to medium enterprises offering Business Administrative Tools, Funding, Access to Markets and Insurance all housed in one subscription-based platform.

While there is a consensus on the macro, micro and environmental factors that influence the efficiency and growth of SMEs, these factors include access to finance, infrastructure, governance and market access. Additionally, aspects such as gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment rates, spending patterns, inflation and monetary and fiscal policy also form part of the broader financial ecosystem affecting SME operations. Understanding these obstacles enables businesses to develop strategies tailored to their specific needs and capabilities, regardless of their size.

According to a 2024 International Finance Corporation (IFC) analysis, the financing gap among MSMEs in developing countries is $5.2-trillion annually. Governance, small budgets, financial acumen, brand recognition and skills are significant challenges for small businesses scaling up.

Nobesuthu Ndlovu, Director SME: Old Mutual Corporate

Matching funders

Old Mutual SMEgo offers a unique proposition of an aggregation of various SME lending experts onto one platform where the system matches you to your most suitable funders that can be applied to with a single application with the average response time of 72 hours.

Further to this, the platform provides credit-scoring capabilities that allow businesses to understand their credit score and get an indication of the amount of funding their business can take.

The loans available include:
  • Business Funding (Secured and Unsecured): up to R50-million
  • Trade Finance: up to R20-million to fund local and trade purchases
  • Asset Finance: up to R5-million to buy new assets to use in business operations
  • Contract Finance: up to R20-million to fund approved customer contracts
  • Purchase Order/Tender Finance: up to R10-million to fund approved customer purchase orders/tenders
  • Supply Chain Finance: accessible cashflow solutions for businesses up to R10-million
  • Personal Loan: up to R250 000 to finance your business.

Basic qualifying criteria include the business being a registered business in South Africa and operating for a minimum of six months with an annual turnover of R500 000 and above.

While SMEs face a range of financial challenges, leveraging appropriate financial solutions and services such as Old Mutual SMEgo can significantly alter the trajectory of SME operations. Old Mutual SMEgo has flexible subscription options to suit different budget needs and business requirements. The monthly subscription options are the Premium Plan for R99 and the Premium Plus Plan for R299.

The platform is available on www.smego.co.za. Also available on Android and ios. 

Old Mutual FOR SME is offered by Old Mutual Corporate Ventures, a company in the Old Mutual Group. Terms and conditions apply.

SAPICS announces “Innovation in Motion” theme for 2025 Conference

The annual SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading event for the supply chain profession, will be held from 8 to 11 June 2025 in Cape Town under the theme “Innovation in Motion”, supply chain industry body SAPICS has announced.

Now in its 47th year, the SAPICS Conference enables supply chain managers to learn, network and share knowledge, which is increasingly important for this vital profession in today’s volatile and uncertain environment. More than 750 supply chain managers from 30 countries across Africa and around the world attended this year’s SAPICS Conference in June 2024.

The 2025 theme, Innovation in Motion, conveys the imperative for organisations to innovate and strive for the agility and adaptability needed to rapidly respond to potentially chaotic changes and disruptions in today’s turbulent supply chain landscape. “In the face of continuous technological advances, shifting global dynamics and the relentless pursuit of seamless efficiency, customer satisfaction and sustainability, one thing is clear: innovation is a necessity for supply chain managers,” stresses SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker.

“Adaptability and innovation are the keys to success in supply chains today. Whether this means leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, accelerating sustainability or rethinking traditional supply chain models, the need to innovate is more critical than ever. This year’s theme, Innovation in Motion, encapsulates the dynamic and forward-thinking approach that today’s supply chain professionals must adopt to stay ahead,” she states.

“Innovation in Motion isn’t just a theme—it is a call to action. It is about keeping pace with change, continuously improving and ensuring that your supply chains, across all industries and sectors, are not only resilient and innovative, but also drivers of competitive advantage. The SAPICS Conference aims to equip delegates with all the knowledge, strategies, tools and techniques needed to do this.”

SAPICS 2025 will bring together industry experts, thought leaders and professionals from around the world and across the supply chain spectrum, to share their insights and expertise in compelling presentations, panel discussions and practical workshops.

“Attendees can expect to learn from the brightest minds and the most influential voices in supply chain management as they explore the trends, technologies and strategies that are driving the future of the supply chain management profession,” says Schoemaker. “This is a not to be missed event for supply chain practitioners at all levels. Whether you are a chief supply chain officer or an experienced, senior supply chain manager, a supplier to the industry or someone who is simply eager to learn and grow, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of our profession.”

To find out more or to register to attend the 2025 SAPICS Conference, contact event organiser Upavon Management by emailing info@upavon.co.za or calling +27 11 023 6701

Ignore employee burnout at your peril 

Employee burnout is a serious challenge facing companies of all sizes in South Africa. As businesses navigate a competitive environment and difficult economic conditions, they are often pressured to “do more with less.” Unfortunately, this often results in employees bearing the brunt through increasing workloads and rising stress levels.

According to Warren Bonheim, co-founder of WorkStatz, award-winning business management software, finding the right balance between employee well-being and the demands of success is a significant challenge. “I have not seen such high burnout rates as in the last couple of years,” he notes.

Warren Bonheim, co-founder of WorkStatz, award-winning business management software.

The statistics back up his observation. A report from iSolve titled Uncovering the Significant HR Trends of 2024 found that 65% of employees surveyed reported suffering from burnout. Burnout and stress lead to exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, and diminished performance. It not only impacts work productivity but also takes a toll on employees’ emotional and physical health. Burnout is so pervasive that it’s now classified as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

“Employees experiencing burnout, if left unaddressed by their employer, are more likely to seek positions that offer better work-life balance,” Bonheim adds. “Often, managers only learn about burnout when it’s too late. This can happen for several reasons.

“Some employees fear that speaking up will have repercussions, such as being perceived as incompetent, weak, or unable to handle stress. Others blame themselves for not keeping up. And some are so driven to succeed that they don’t even realise they are heading towards burnout.”

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Bonheim suggests several strategies employers can implement to manage and prevent burnout:

Recognise the early warning signs of burnout

Decreased productivity, abrupt changes in work hours, or shifts in behaviour like irritability or fatigue are indicators that intervention is needed. Employers should proactively identify and address these warning signs early. This approach not only prevents burnout but also fosters a supportive workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being.

Empower managers with real-time data

Technology can offer insights into what’s happening “under the hood” in real-time. Using software tools to track employees’ work patterns helps identify potential burnout risks early. By monitoring activities like productivity, task completion rates, and break times, companies can pinpoint overload areas and take timely, preventive action.

Focus on productivity, not hours

Managers should prioritise productivity and effectiveness over hours spent. Instead of only tracking the number of hours worked, prioritise task completion, work focus, and overall productivity. Some days may require longer hours, while others might allow for shorter work periods, ultimately it is about productivity during the hours worked that counts.

Encourage open communication

Cultivate a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing workload and mental health concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. Regular check-ins and surveys provide safe avenues for employees to voice their concerns before burnout escalates.

Equal workload distribution

Identify both overloaded and underutilised employees to ensure work is distributed evenly. Overloading employees—even those willing to take on more—can result in lower quality work, burnout, and decreased productivity. Companies that intervene early and ensure equitable workloads significantly improve team effectiveness.

Promote work-life balance

Employers can play a crucial role by encouraging employees to take regular breaks and use their vacation time. Offering flexible work arrangements, like remote work options or adjustable hours, also goes a long way in preventing burnout. Employees value employers who empower them to manage their time effectively.

Ignoring employee burnout is a risk no company can afford. By taking proactive steps to recognise, manage, and prevent burnout, employers not only protect their employees’ well-being but also boost overall productivity and long-term business success. After all, thriving employees are the cornerstone of a thriving company. Add in retaining talent.

WorkStatz, created by Statzco Pty Ltd, is a pioneering software tool designed to enhance business performance by measuring employee effectiveness in real-time. Founded by the leaders of Zinia, a well-established technology group, Statzco is at the forefront of bringing innovative technology to market. WorkStatz was recognised as the HR Solution Provider of the Year in 2024 by Intelligent ICT, just three years after its launch. Based in Sandton, Johannesburg, WorkStatz is trusted by leading companies across various sectors, including financial services, eCommerce, information technology, and education.

WomenIN (WiN) Festival 2024

Women are responsible for 70% to 80% of global consumer purchases through either their own purchase or influence on others. Despite being the world’s most powerful consumers, women are still marginalised as both consumer and decision-maker and face significant economic barriers regardless of their career field.

As such, the WomenIN Festival, taking place on 14 and 15 November 2024, will foster collaboration, empowerment and support for women entrepreneurs and women from various sectors, while driving sustainable impact and celebrating the role women play in the economy.

The highly anticipated first-of-its-kind, cross-sectoral WiN Festival will be hosted in Cape Town and will bring together women from a diverse range of industries for two days of transformative leadership sessions, practical workshops, immersive site visits, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in leadership sessions that encourage holistic empowerment, participate in hands-on workshops, and learn from the authentic, inspirational journeys of trailblazing women. The festival’s unique format will also include immersive site visits that allow participants to see real-world applications of leadership and collaboration across sectors. Additionally, there will be engaging activations with lifestyle partners, experiential networking opportunities, and masterclasses led by industry experts, ensuring that the festival is more than just an event.

Influential male allies will also be involved, aiding in influencing change towards gender parity at a more rapid rate and fostering a comprehensive dialogue on leadership and empowerment.

The landmark event, to be held at the Nedbank Building in the Silo District in Cape Town, is supported by Nedbank with a limited number of tickets available at https://wearewomenin.com/tickets/

For more Info, to Buy a Ticket or Become a Sponsor, visit: https://wearewomenin.com/ or email: nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com

McCloskey inaugural Steel & Ferroalloys Conference

McCloskey is hosting its inaugural Steel & Ferroalloys Conference in Cape Town, South Africa on 27-29 January, 2025 spotlighting the continent’s vital role in supplying essential raw materials to the world’s steelmakers.

From manganese and chromium to vanadium and anthracite, Africa’s importance in the steel supply chain cannot be underestimated.

This new 2-day event will bring together industry leaders, market experts, analysts, stakeholders and government and regulatory agencies to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing this key industrial market segment.

Numerous critical issues and topics will be addressed at this key industry gathering.

Find out more, here: https://www.opisnet.com/mccloskey-steel-and-ferroalloys-conference/

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