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ITHUBA is changing lives one family at a time over the festive season

ITHUBA, South Africa’s esteemed National Lottery operator, is proud to showcase a continuation of its national housing initiative. A passionate proponent for the upliftment of communities at a grassroots level, ITHUBA is excited to be a catalyst for change yet again and to be spreading some much needed joy this December.

ITHUBA’s journey has been a fulfilling and exciting one to watch since the beginning of its tenure as the National Lottery operator in 2015. Having successfully reinvigorated the National Lottery, ITHUBA has continued to display tenacity and vision, going from strength to strength, solidifying its position as the premier operator in Africa. From humble beginnings to extraordinary success, the ITHUBA journey is a remarkable tale of innovation, excellence, and philanthropy.

ITHUBA. Changing lives one family at a time 

ITHUBA embarked on its first national housing project in 2022 and decided to grow on its success in 2023 by undertaking its biggest housing project to date. The ITHUBA team will be setting off on a multi-provincial roadshow ahead of the festive season on 5 December 2023, starting in Gauteng. The timing and scale of their gift is indicative of how much ITHUBA’s CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, values a solid home foundation and the effects it has.

The force of Ubuntu remains steadfast as part of the ITHUBA company values and is the driving force behind its CSI initiatives, with Mabuza always searching for new ways in which the company can localise their initiatives to have a measurable impact. Passionate about ensuring underprivileged South Africans have a home to call their own, Mabuza says, “The housing crisis is an issue that speaks to me deeply because of the way it disrupts communities and family life. This is why we decided at ITHUBA to build houses for those in need – to provide some stability. The fact they are receiving them just ahead of Christmas is perfect timing.”

ITHUBA has long played a hand in addressing the housing crisis, starting with an internal housing project for staff members before moving its focus toward larger housing projects. In December 2022, ITHUBA’s first national housing project provided festive cheer for several families who had lost their homes due to unforeseen tragedies and the flood disasters in KwaZulu-Natal.

This year, ITHUBA decided to continue changing lives, giving its beneficiaries a festive gift truly worthy of celebration. For the 2023 housing project, ITHUBA partnered up with Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) to provide homes for beneficiaries who are differently abled.

Mabuza says the process was well thought-out and carefully applied, “Through this process, we have been able to select a diverse group of differently abled beneficiaries, and others facing extreme challenges. By undertaking such a thorough process of examination, we have been able to ensure that houses are being allocated to those who families that need it the most.”

These beneficiaries will finally have access to facilities that make their lives unimaginably easier, such as Harold Ntsoto, a paraplegic who has been wheelchair-bound for the past 32 years. Due to Ntsoto’s situation, he needs easy access and his own bathroom, which is possible in his new home. His excitement is palpable, “I feel so fortunate to have been chosen by ITHUBA to receive a new home. I will forever be grateful to them for the gift of dignity.”

Starting its festive housing handout in Gauteng, ITHUBA will move across to the Free State, before concluding the giveaways for 2023 in the Eastern Cape – handing out Christmas cheer in abundance; the new homes speak more about paving the way forward for lasting change and peace. These homes will change not only the future of the family receiving the home now but the future families that will live in it over the years to come.

ITHUBA took special care to ensure that these homes cater to the beneficiaries’ unique needs, with Mabuza drawing on her experience as a mother. She emphatically believes that a solid home foundation provides the nurturing environment children need to thrive.

“Every person deserves to have a roof over their head and a place they can call home. This is a big challenge for South Africans but one I believe we can overcome if we work together. At ITHUBA, we want to show people we are committed to improving their lives. We want to live the saying, ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ — a person is a person because of other people. This proverb is a core value of my organisation and to me personally. Our roadshow takes a few steps towards that vision of a better society. Every journey starts with just a few steps, and we plan to take several more until the people most in need can enjoy the sense and safety of a home,” says Mabuza.

ITHUBA encourages all South Africans to take stock at the end of 2023 and use the opportunity to pay it forward — no matter how big or small their contribution is. “It is inspiring to see the positive impact our initiatives have on the lives of the beneficiaries. My advice to fellow South Africans is to recognise the power each individual has to make a difference.”

About ITHUBA

ITHUBA Holdings Proprietary “(RF) is the official operator of the National Lottery in South Africa. Operating since 2015, ITHUBA has been living up to their mandate to revitalise the lottery by optimising the customer experience, transparent operations and positive social contributions. 

Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership: Serving the needs of government, business and civil society

Credit: Christina Morillo on Unsplash

The Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership (TGSL) at the University of Limpopo (UL) is strategically situated at the Edupark Campus, conveniently positioned in close proximity to the N1 highway to the north, providing convenient access to the campus.

The site of the facility provides wonderful vistas of the City of Polokwane, and the New Peter Mokaba Stadium are among the many amenities that can be viewed.

Established in 1996, TGSL has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in management and education. Our foundational vision is to emerge as a premier provider of postgraduate qualifications in the fields of business management, development planning, and public administration and management.

To realise this objective, the School is dedicated to delivering high-quality programmes, conducting cutting-edge research and actively engaging with communities not only in South Africa but also within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and across the entire African continent.

Our vision is firmly anchored in a core mission centred on building capacity to empower societies, the public sector and the business community through the dissemination of business education, development and public administration skills.

The TGSL offers three distinct qualifications in the fields of management and administration:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Public Administration and Management (MPAM)
  • Master of Development in Planning and Management (MDEV)

The TGSL takes pride in offering three Master’s programmes that have received full accreditation from the Council on Higher Education. Additionally, we are honoured to be affiliated with esteemed organisations such as the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA) and the Association of African Business Schools (AABS).

Our Master’s programmes are meticulously tailored to cater to middle and senior managers across various sectors, including the public service, civil society and corporate domains. These programmes are delivered using a hybrid methodology, combining face-to-face and online learning components. This blended approach promotes student accountability while affording them the flexibility to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments.

Moreover, face-to-face interactions create a dynamic learning environment, enabling students to engage meaningfully with their peers and experienced lecturers.

Professor Sipho Mokoena, Director: Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership

Staff excellence

At TGSL, we take pride in our accomplished academic staff, who possess both academic expertise and hands-on experience gained from diverse business and public sector backgrounds. This wealth of knowledge enriches our programmes and ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education.

We are pleased to note that our graduates consistently excel as managers and leaders across various industry sectors, showcasing their exceptional skills and leadership capabilities in real-world professional settings.

Furthermore, TGSL offers executive management programmes that are designed to address the specific needs of both corporate and public sector administration and management. These programmes serve as valuable resources for entrepreneurs and owner-managers of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), equipping them with the essential skills necessary for effectively overseeing the growth and development of their businesses.

In addition to our comprehensive postgraduate degree programmes, TGSL also offers a range of short learning programmes (SLPs):

  • Management Development Programme
  • Senior Management Programme
  • Executive Management Programme

When required to do so, the TGSL is able to develop customised training programmes to meet customers’ special and specific needs.

TGSL remains committed to making a meaningful contribution to the local society in which it is situated. The school actively facilitates dialogues that foster engagement between students, academics and the broader community with prominent figures in both industry and public discourse.

In recent times, TGSL has provided valuable opportunities for the community to interact with distinguished industry leaders, including:

  • Dr Nthabi Leoka, an accomplished economist
  • Mr Risenga Maluleke, the Statistician-General
  • Ms Tsakani Maluleke, the Auditor-General of South Africa
  • Mr Lesetja Kganyago, the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank

The TGSL Leadership Conversations play a pivotal role in shaping thought leadership and ensuring that our programmes remain aligned with current industry trends and insights. 

Contact Details: 

Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership
PO Box 756, Fauna Park 0787
Tel: +27 15 268 3735/4180 | Email: TGSL@ul.ac.za
Website: www.ul.ac.za

Women In Mining Conference & Career Expo 2024

ITC is proud to host the 15th Annual Women In Mining Conference & Career Expo on 21, 22 & 23 February 2024. This gathering will feature women from around world who have made visible contributions above and beyond their daily responsibilities in the mining industry.

What you can expect:

With a total of 22 speakers who will be presenting at this conference, it promises to be one of the most informative conferences we’ve hosted to date. We are very excited to have Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA), International Women in Mining (IWiM), Women in Mining India, Goldfields Ghana, Department Of Mineral Resources & Energy (DMRE), Anglo American, Tronox and IvanPlats just to name a few.

We will unpack topics surrounding whether we are reaching the desired targets in achieving inclusivity, Investing in meaningful and progressive change within mining in combating the challenges faced by WiM; looking at transformation as not only a regulatory requirement but a business imperative that the industry needs to fulfil, minimizing accidents and dangerous incidents in line with investing in the Health & Safety of WiM, leadership in a rapidly changing world, looking at inclusion as one of the greatest assets in ensuring long term sustainability and The Role of Digital Innovation in the Mining Industry just to name a few.

WIMSA in partnership with ITC is excited to launch our Adopt A University initiative at this conference. Organisations who register a group of 10 or more delegates to attend the conference will automatically qualify to adopt a University. ITC will make contact with your desired University and provide the necessary support to access the stream. Organisations will also have a chance to access these students to offer bursaries, opportunities & experience that fits within their companies’ Social & Labour Plan (SLP).

Attend this conference and get an opportunity to reflect on how far women in mining have come over the past 15 years. Join other women to trade skills, get solutions, and inspire one another to become exceptional leaders in this industry.

Should you be interested in attending or sponsoring this conference email: amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za

Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2024

Africa’s Green Economy Summit is a groundbreaking event that connects people and organizations, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, and steering the continent towards a sustainable future. This summit is a platform that unites the global investor community, project owners, and business executives, all under one roof with African governments, cities, and policy-makers.

The theme of the second edition of Africa’s Green Economy Summit is “Mobilising Investments for Green Growth”. This theme underscores the urgent need for increased investments in green initiatives across the African continent. The summit aims to catalyze these investments and create an environment where green projects can flourish.

The conference programme of this summit is structured around four key pillars of the green economy, which represent the cornerstones of sustainable development. These pillars are green transport, renewable energy, waste management, and water services. Each of these sectors plays a critical role in shaping a greener and more prosperous Africa.

Africa’s Green Economy Summit isn’t just a gathering of experts and enthusiasts; it’s a catalyst for change. It is a platform where innovative ideas, partnerships, and investment opportunities converge to drive sustainable development.

By promoting the four key pillars of the green economy, this summit sets the stage for Africa to leapfrog into a future where environmental consciousness and economic progress go hand in hand, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Visit the event website

Shop Stewards Conference 2024

“The Department of Employment and Labour has warned that businesses that do not comply with the country’s labour laws could face prosecution. The department’s inspector General Aggy Moiloa led her team on a blitz drive at Southern Sun Hotels in Gauteng as the department embarks on a compliance drive at all Southern Sun facilities countrywide.” – SABC News¹

With the above in mind, Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) have organised the 14th Annual Shop Steward Conference, taking place from the 21 to 23 February 2024 at Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg, focusing on reaching collaboration through strong leadership between the employer, union and the workforce.

The conference will feature 4 panel discussions:

  • Profit sharing and Share Ownership for transformation of lives of mine workers and how development of mining communities can be implemented
  • Championing women in the Trade Union movement
  • Labour Migration for Africa and how it has contributed to economic growth and skills transfer
  • Sexual Harassment and GBV in the workplace – how to unblur the lines

Other key strategies and topics that will be discussed include: Collective bargaining in the metals and engineering industry, the Benefits of Collective Bargaining Agreements that are based on current cost of living and Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Future of Work and Implications for Trade Union, discussing the importance of observing labour rights, and fair treatment in the workplace and internal disciplinary case review.

Some speaker organisations include: Transnet, Eskom Holdings Soc Limited, Steel And Engineering Industries Federation Of South Africa, South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), National Union Of Metalworkers Of South Africa (NUMSA), Botswana Mineworkers Union, Solidarity, South Africa Police Union (SAPU), Zimbabwe Diamond Allied Mineral Workers Union, National Education, Health And Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), Mineworkers Union Of Namibia, Anglo American Platinum, Gold Fields Ghana Limited.

To register for the conference, contact Amrita on 0113262501, amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za or www.intelligencetransferc.co.za

Venue: Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg
Dates: 21, 22 & 23 February 2024

Contact:

Adair Mable Zizhou, Senior Research and Development Project Manager
Tel: 011 326 2501
adair@intelligencetransferc.co.za

¹ https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/businesses-warned-to-comply-with-labour-laws-or-risk-prosecution/

The IDC in Limpopo is committed to transform the economy

Mashweu Matsiela, Regional Manager, IDC Limpopo

Mashweu Matsiela completed his undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at the University of Stirling in Scotland. He holds an MBA qualification from the University of Pretoria, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Company Direction (GIMT) and an Executive Development Programme (GIBS) which he obtained with distinction. Within the IDC he has been account manager for Metals SBU, Agro-Industries and Franchising SBU. He was also Senior Post Investment Associate (PIMD) and Manager: Equity Investments. He was Regional Manager (Mpumalanga) until 2019.

Do you have offices outside Polokwane?

In more remote areas of Lephalale, the Vhembe district or Burgersfort, we work through our sister company, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda).

What are the main sectors that you operate in?

Agriculture, mining and tourism.

Are there limits to how big a project can be?

Overall, the IDC is not limited by the size of projects. However, as the Small Business Finance and Regions (SBF Limpopo), we have a threshold of R20-million. Accordingly, we mainly look at providing funding support for SMEs. When bigger deals come in, we work together with a sector-specific unit at head office, for example, the Tourism Unit, which might support something like a hotel project in northern Limpopo.

Are you able to tell me more about that tourism project?

We are busy with the initial assessment of a hotel in Musina, a development node because of mining activities there. De Beers has started producing from their revamped mine, there is a coal mine there and it is the home of the Musina-Makhado SEZ. The project came through the Venetia Mine Enterprise Development Programme (EDP). The entrepreneur was previously managing a mine accommodation facility; now she wants to put up a boutique hotel.

Would this project fall under SME Connect?

Indeed. SME Connect is a collaborative initiative which is anchored on three levers. Marketing is the apex of a triangle, with the other legs being finance and business support.

A corporate will develop people who are providing services under its Supplier Development Programme (SDP) or they will help develop a business through the EDP. Through SME Connect, the IDC can plug in any leg of the triangle that needs support and the corporates can do the same. The main thing we ask from the corporates is for them to provide the market at the apex of the triangle.

Like an offtake agreement?

Exactly. On the back of that contract with the corporate we can be comfortable as a funder because the small business has a guaranteed market. It is tangible, it is not a gamble in the dark.

It is a collaborative model in that the IDC provides funding and business support and the corporate provides the market. However, because it is also interactive the corporates will sometimes have business support or funding available from their own ESD funds so we are able to exploit the synergies between us.

Does the IDC mainly do loans or does it take equity in ventures in which it invests?

The IDC mainly provides loans to businesses. The equity is an exception but since we are a development institution, we would from time to time assist the client in terms of cash flow. With a BEE, youth or women project we might give a loan for a portion of the amount and take another portion of the amount as equity. In the end, when the business is on its feet, then the IDC would be repaid the equity portion. That makes it more manageable in terms of the cash flow of the business.

The IDC takes equity in strategic projects, so for example in Sasol or Columbus Stainless, the steel company. In Limpopo we have board representation at Westfalia and a stake in Merensky Timber.

These stakes in strategic projects ensure that the IDC remains sustainable. When these companies pay dividends, it goes back into the pot and then we can continue to fund new projects.

Is beneficiation of Limpopo’s resources a priority?

That’s our space. We want more value-add projects so we will fund any processing relating to agriculture. For instance, macadamia and avocado processing, de-husking, packaging and cold rooms – we will fund all of those things. There’s a mining project that we’re looking at up north which involves the mining of gold and it will be processed up to a level.

Which sector has recovered best after Covid?

Tourism went from the extreme of being hit hard to now having quite a big recovery. Mining is the other one. Coincidentally the accommodation space in Musina is driven mainly by the mining activities in the area because when people fly in, they want to stay somewhere. New products are coming to market as in the example I gave. When I had a meeting in Burgersfort recently, I struggled for accommodation. The closest I could find was in Mashishing so there is a need. The IDC has had an approach about a hotel investment in Burgersfort. We have also been approached by a mine through SME Connect relating to two lodges that want to expand.

In last year’s journal we had a story on the four-star Premier Inn being built in Thohoyandou.

Indeed. That project is well advanced. IDC teams are in that area now because of a glamping project for which we have approved funding. They want people to camp near the river; it is something for the adventurous tourist.

Please tell us about programmes that empower youth, women and black-owned businesses.

That is really something that defines us. We are there for the transformation of the economy in terms of bringing on previously disadvantaged people, mainly youth, women and black industrialists in general and people with disabilities. Some of our products are earmarked for that purpose. We have the Youth Fund where the IDC has put aside R1-billion and loans are priced at prime minus three. That hotel in Musina is 100% women owned. We really pride ourselves on this sort of thing.

Air Products announces Managing Director succession plan

The Board of Air Products South Africa (Pty) Ltd is pleased to announce that effective 1st February 2024 Charles Dos Santos will succeed Rob Rob Richardson as Managing Director of the company. Rob has led the company since 2016 but has announced his intention to retire at the end of March 2024, which will allow for a smooth leadership transition. 

Charles joined Air Products in 1994 and has served the company in various senior management positions. Since 2016 he has held the position of General Manager On-sites. In this role Charles has successfully led Air Products’ largest business division which comprises the ASU, Hydrogen and CO2 production operations. 

This division supplies tonnage gases by pipeline to major industrial consumers and also supplies liquefied gases into Air Products’ downstream Bulk and Packaged Gases businesses. Prior to 2016, Charles held the position of Sales Manager On-sites, where he was instrumental in the development of various key projects and strategic initiatives, resulting in the company’s successful growth in the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) and Petrochemical Sectors.

Charles has a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and a B.Com degree from the University of South Africa. With his deep knowledge of the industry and the local market we are confident that Air Products South Africa will continue to flourish under Charles’ leadership.

For more information on Air Products, visit www.airproducts.co.za

The Inaugural South African Future Trust Summit launches to acclaim from entrepreneurs

The inaugural South African Future Trust Summit, a transformative two-day event crafted to support and enable entrepreneurs, has been launched to acclaim from delegates. The summit, which is being held at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, features more than 20 experts from different fields and has been designed as an accelerator to assist entrepreneurs on their journeys to success.

The opening address was delivered by Jonathan Oppenheimer of the Oppenheimer Generations Foundation, which donated R1-billion to establish the SA Future Trust in 2020. Initially set up to champion, support and enable small, medium and micro enterprises during the pandemic, it is now focusing its resources on empowering and enabling SMMEs on an ongoing basis.

“Everything on the agenda of this first summit is designed to foster a profound understanding of the dynamic local business landscape and empower delegates to harness its potential,” he said. “Our aim in establishing this platform is to catalyse change by facilitating insightful interactions with people who are actively shaping and contributing to the local ecosystem – and to inspire entrepreneurs to embark on transformative journeys that will have a tangible impact on their businesses and the economy as a whole.”

Jonathan Oppenheimer with delegates at the South African Future Trust Summit

Oppenheimer’s opening remarks were followed by the first keynote address of the day. Titled Manage Your Power and Unleash Africa’s Potential, it was presented by Siya Xuza, the founder and CEO of Galactic Energy Holdings, an investment company focused on meeting energy needs in emerging markets. A scientist, energy expert, entrepreneur and Harvard engineering graduate, Xuza was awarded the Order of Mapungubwe in 2017 for his contributions to science and is a poster child for the potential of local entrepreneurship.

After regaling the audience with the tale of how, as a youngster, he blew up his mother’s kitchen while trying to build a rocket that would take him to Jupiter, he emphasised that failures like these are learning opportunities. He said they help one to define a higher purpose that endures through good times and bad – and enable one to see opportunities even in the midst of challenges.

Our aim at this summit is to help harness the spirit of South African entrepreneurship because we know that investing in and supporting SMMEs is investing in the people of South Africa and the development of the country.

Delegates at the South African Future Trust Summit
Graça Machel and Jonathan Oppenheimer

“SMMEs have taken up their rightful place in the business landscape,” he said in an interview prior to the presentation. “Not only are they the engines of job creation worldwide and a keystone in securing socio-economic development and sustainability, they are also at the forefront of some of the most exciting innovations of our time. Our aim at this summit is to help harness the spirit of South African entrepreneurship because we know that investing in and supporting SMMEs is investing in the people of South Africa and the development of the country.”

The following session was devoted to the launch of a new initiative that is being offered in partnership with the Trust. Calvin Collett, the founder and CEO of Melon Mobile, announced the launch of Melon Business, which will offer SMMEs a range of services to manage mobile usage in their businesses. This comes just six months after Melon Mobile entered the highly competitive mobile sector with a new, consumer-centric business model.

GG Alcock, CEO of Minanawe Marketing

Next up was the second of the three keynote addresses for the day. Titled The Kasinomics Revolution, it was presented by GG Alcock, the founder and leader of Minanawe Marketing, a premium events and activations agency focused on the mass market. Alcock covered a number of inspiring case studies drawn from his deep experience of the African market as well as strategies that resonate with both local and global audiences.

“Insight into entrepreneurial success stories is both uplifting and informative,” he said. “They give local entrepreneurs examples of the potential inherent in entrepreneurship – and offer models they can draw on in their own businesses.”

Closely linked to this topic was the launch of a solution to help entrepreneurs leverage their title deeds to unlock business opportunities. Announcing the new solution, Ashleigh Fynn Munda, Head of Philanthropies at Oppenheimer Generations, said that the Trust will be partnering with the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF), the Tenure Support Centre (TSC) and the research consultancy 71point4, to help entrepreneurs leverage the value of their fixed assets. This will, for example, enable them to build rental accommodation on their properties, unlocking as much as R546-billion in asset value.

Ashleigh Fynn Munda, Head of Philanthropies at Oppenheimer Generations at the South African Future Trust Summit

A number of breakaway, networking and discussion sessions were held during the course of the day, including two of four masterclasses on the summit’s agenda. Titled Harmony in the Hustle: Mental and Health Wellbeing in Business, presented by Richard Sutton, founder and CEO of the leading global business health and performance consultancy, Sutton Health. He noted that, whatever challenges we may face, all of us are capable of leading extraordinary lives and should not be bound by limitations, whether self-imposed or external.

The second masterclass, The Six Deadly Business Sins was presented by public speaker and author Richard Mulholland.

Richard Sutton

 

Richard Mulholland

The third keynote address, entitled Solar Energy and its Power in Rural Africa, was presented by Sivan Yaari. Yaari is a trailblazing entrepreneur and philanthropist who is well known for her transformative work in sustainable development across the African continent. She is the founder and CEO of an NPO called Innovation: Africa, which has completed over 900 solar energy projects in rural villages since 2008.

“Lack of access to electricity and clean water remains one of the most pressing development challenges in Africa today,” she said, “and entrepreneurs have a huge role to play in helping to change this scenario.”

Jonathan Oppenheimer and Sivan Yaari

The Trust also took the opportunity to launch the South African Future Trust Awards, which will recognise and reward the spirit of entrepreneurship in South Africa and offer prizes to the value of R3-million.

The winner of the first category – for the best implementation of the summit playbook – will receive a prize to the value of R500 000. This will consist of a cash injection of R250 000 to foster immediate business growth and a support package to the same value. The package will include mentorship from seasoned industry leaders, cutting-edge hardware and other essential resources that will enable the recipient to scale their operations and accelerate their business trajectory.

The second day of the summit featured Bruce Whitfield, who talked about How to Thrive at the Edge of Chaos and Bronwyn Williams, who delivered a keynote address entitled The Future of Us. 

Wrapping the masterclass series, Chairperson and founder of IDF Capital Polo Leteka led Investor Ready: Building a Business That Attracts Capital aimed to help entrepreneurs unlock the secret to scaling their businesses, while tech innovator Adam Pantanowitz will present Innovate or Stagnate: Fit For Purpose Tech sharing insights on how to leverage cutting-edge technology to transform business.

Adam Pantanowitz

The event closed with an address by globally recognised expert on disruptive technology, innovation and exponential leadership, David Roberts, who took South African business leaders and entrepreneurs through what it takes to become an exponential leader. This was a fitting end to what is set to become the premier business leadership and learning gathering for SMMEs in South Africa.

Find the South African Future Trust:

Website: https://southafricanfuturetrust.org

Facebook: @SAFutureTrust
LinkedIn: South African Future Trust
Twitter: @SAFutureTrust
Instagram: @SAFutureTrust

Building opportunities for corporate South Africa

In August 2023, Zamlim Investments entered into a partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). The purpose of this partnership is to develop an Economic Development Unit, to be embedded in SACCI.

Although SACCI is a non-profit company (NPC), it is at the forefront of engagements with big business. It is an inevitable evolution of its offering to corporate South Africa to be in a position to develop a pipeline of bankable opportunities that companies, commercial funders, development-finance institutions (DFIs) and OEMs can participate in that generate jobs, contribute to our growing Green Economy, increase skills transfer and generate community upliftment in both developed and underdeveloped parts of the country’s economy.

Zamlim is a management consulting firm with interests in traditional consulting capabilities such as strategy, operations, implementation and investment promotion. Zamlim also has a wholly owned renewable-energy commercial and industrial (C&I) capability called Zamlim Power. Zamlim Power is serving industrial clients with a variety of solar solutions that incorporate a funding solution.

The newly established Economic Development Unit, which is managed by Zamlim, has already generated several wins. A 12-month e-micromobility pilot has been launched in Gauteng, alongside one of the Big Four banks.

The aim of this pilot is to reduce last-mile-delivery CO² emissions by over 300 metric tons per annum and employ hundreds of individuals from Alexandra township with the right skills to enter the rapidly expanding e-commerce market, while deploying a renewable-energy ecosystem that will include over 1.7MW hours of green energy per annum that will be used for the e-bikes.

The final details are being in put in place of an arrangement with a DFI and another Big Four bank for a C&I renewable power solution. The product is known as “Power for You” and will be offered exclusively to SACCI’s 20 000 members nationally. The aim is to alleviate business dependence on grid power, while offering PPAs and lease-to-own options that will eliminate the need for SACCI members to deploy scarce capex.

The Economic Development Unit played an active role in engaging senior stakeholders during the BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg and has influential relationships with the likes of the Confederation of Indian Industrialists (CII) as well as the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (Russia). Engagements are also ongoing with the European Union and the European Investment Bank, positioning the SACCI Economic Development Unit as a multi-polar, multilateral player that is able to bring opportunities, FDI and outbound investment opportunities for corporate South Africa.

These relationships are also being developed to expand into the SADC region, with Botswana and Zimbabwe being the initial pilot areas of cooperation.

Zamlim Investments is led by its CEO, Dzingira Matenga, a former management consultant and industry executive who has led business units at the likes of McKinsey & Co and Ernst & Young, and also sat on the Exco of a Kazakhstan-based mining company with African interests in copper, cobalt, bauxite and platinum. The Zamlim team includes economists, actuaries, engineers and customer-value-proposition experts who are passionate about growing SADC economies, giving our youth a fighting chance to meaningfully participate in our economies, while also bringing the right level of rigour to engage local and foreign investors, partners and OEMs and encourage their participation in growth.

The pilot is part of a disaggregated R1-billion upstream and downstream opportunity for South Africa…

…and would meet several UNDP and NDP objectives.

South African Future Trust Summit 2023

The South African Future Trust is a pioneering initiative founded by the Oppenheimer Foundation to uplift small and medium-sized businesses during challenging times. Established with a mission to empower and support entrepreneurs, the Future Trust has played a vital role in providing both financial and non-financial assistance and mentorship to businesses across the various SME sectors.

Today, we carry forward the spirit of the Future Trust, uniting towards the goal of empowerment, growth, and innovation for our country.

Introducing the SA Future Trust Summit! At the Summit, you’re not just attending an event; you’re stepping into a transformative 2-day experience crafted for your entrepreneurial journey. This inaugural summit promises to be an unmissable occasion with over 20 speakers, a convergence of innovation, knowledge from 4 different master classes hosted by industry leaders, and networking that will leave a lasting impact on your business endeavors.

The inaugural South African Future Trust Summit takes place 22-23 November at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Agenda

The Future Trust Summit boasts a diverse and captivating agenda that covers a range of topics crucial to entrepreneurship and growth – from inspiring keynote addresses and practical masterclass sessions to interactive workshops and exhibitor interactions. Each session is thoughtfully curated to provide you with tangible takeaways and actionable strategies. 

By attending, you’ll gain exclusive access to thought-provoking keynotes, insightful masterclass discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities with industry experts and like-minded individuals. 

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired, connected, and collaborate with the future shapers of South Africa.

Find out more

Why Attend the Future Trust Summit?

At the SA Future Trust Summit, you’re not just attending an event; you’re stepping into a transformative experience crafted for your entrepreneurial journey. Dive deep into a world of innovation, gaining insights from over 20 distinguished local and international speakers. Engage in masterclasses tailored just for you, ensuring your business is primed for success.

Explore our expo booths, discover disruptive technologies, and navigate the ever-evolving business landscape with guidance from industry experts. And as you fuel your mind, we’ve got your body covered too – enjoy daily lunch and refreshments. With the dynamic MC Tumelo Mothotoane setting the stage, you’ll network with like-minded trailblazers, leaving inspired and empowered to take your business to the next level.

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