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Employment Law for SMME’s

The Khayelitsha/Mitchells Plain Chapter invites you to a webinar with Stuart Harrison and Henry Rossouw, Directors at ENSafrica as our guest speakers via Microsoft Teams.

Presentation outline:

  • Retrenchments;
  • Cost-cutting measures as alternatives to retrenchment;
  • COVID-19 tiers and;
  • Who qualifies as an essential service.

Speakers:

Stuart Harrison specialises in all aspects of employment law, including executive appointments and dismissals, disciplining employees involved in procurement irregularities and those who contravene the Public Finance Management Act, as well as restraint of trade matters. He has acted and appeared for clients in various litigious matters in the Labour Courts, High Court and the CCMA. He has conducted extensive eviction litigations in the Land Claims Court as well.

Henry Rossouw specialises in unfair dismissals, unfair labour practice disputes, drafting of employment contracts and company policy documents, as well as disputes relating to the enforcement of restraints of trade. His experience includes providing advice to local and international clients regarding general employment law compliance, as well as  organisational restructuring exercises and transfers in terms of section 197 of the Labour Relations Act.

This presentation will be insightful and enlightening for all SMME’s.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2020
  • Microsoft Teams link: Once booked, you will be sent a link in order to participate in the event.
  • Time: 14:00-15:00
  • Cost P/P: No charge
  • Register now: 021 402 4300 – Linda Roopen or click here

Keep that internal fire burning

By Mike Anderson: National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) Founder & CEO

It’s the state of ‘complete knowing’ that you will succeed, no matter what. Furthermore, it’s all about feeling extremely comfortable in every situation, even if the outcome is unknown. You will achieve anything you desire with empowering thoughts. Unwavering self-belief and unshakable self-confidence will ignite your fire within.

Think and behave like a winner all the time and have unwavering belief and trust in your own abilities and strengths. You have to see yourself achieving greatness before it happens and constantly visualise the life you have dreamed of until you live it.

Whatever happens during your quest for success, keep trying no matter how hard it gets. Just keep that internal fire burning – That’s the #1 secret to greatness. When the fire within seems to dim, or go out, don’t give up, keep that internal fire burning. Never stop trying. Never settle. No matter how painful it feels, just put one foot in front of the other until you get to where you want to be.

The ultimate success factor is overcoming adversity and bouncing back positively.

He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior. It is inevitable as a business owner that at some time on our journey we will hit that “T-Junction”. This ‘life happening’ and ‘what to do now’, is not taught at Business School. At this point, most throw in the towel, but there are some, who dig deep and keep moving. This is what makes a true entrepreneur. The ultimate success factor is overcoming adversity and bouncing back positively.

Remember, that there are always positives that are borne out of every adversity. 

It gives us a life wake-up call, self exposes our weaknesses and strengths, increases our willingness and the importance of doing good, strengthens our faith, strips us from pride, arrogance and self-centeredness, prepares us for a meaningful future, enables us to have empathy with others facing adversity, allows us to seize new and meaningful opportunities.

As I have learned and grown through the years, I found the key survival strategies that have allowed me to get through the tough times:

  • Adversity is unavoidable. Don’t fight it, accept it. There is nothing you can do to change it. You are where you are meant to be. Everyone goes through adversity at different times in life, no one is immune to pain and adversity. Learn from the past. Don’t linger on the past or regret the past.
  • Don’t assume the worst in the road ahead. Focus on the “Now”. 90% of what you assume never happens.
  • Although pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. We can choose to be strong. It is not misfortune that produces suffering, but an improper reaction to it. Even under the worst circumstances, we can choose to focus on the positive rather than the negative. Be positive, exude happiness, build self-confidence, be energised and make today and tomorrow important in your life. Yesterday is gone forever.
  • This could be the hardest of all, although one of the first things we must develop when faced with adversity. The key to developing patience is to know in the end everything will work out of the way it’s intended to. Surrender yourself to the fact that there is a time frame for everything. Importantly, it is just a matter of time and everything will be okay for you.
  • Give yourself “space” or “freedom” to be you. Accept that many people, places, and things in your past and current life are “irrational,” “unhealthy,” and “toxic” influences in your life. Label then honestly for what they truly are and stop minimising their negative impact in your life.
  • Allow for quiet time to reflect. Take some time out daily to relax your mind and humble your heart. You will find your answers in silence
  • Count your blessings. Look around you. See what’s happening on the news channels. Become exposed to various charities and you will see that you are not that bad off.

Have the strength to become the victor. Clear your head and decide the path ahead. You can decide whatever you want.

You can register for the upcoming FREE Webinar taking place on Wednesday, 29 April 2020 @ 11h30 on “How to keep that internal fire burning – It’s the state of complete knowing that you will succeed, no matter what”.

It is an interactive, inspirational real-life interview, Leanne Rhodes – Leading platform speaker and strategist digs deep into my own amazing entrepreneurial life-journey, a life filled with enormous adversity, coming back from spectacular failures and rising again.

To register, go to www.thebizshow.africa

 

Brought to you by:

Invitation to attend the SPW WC Online Conference, 19 & 20 May 2020

Now in its 7th year, the Smart Procurement World Western Cape conference is an interactive, peer-led conference for procurement practitioners whose aim is to unlock local economic development for the region through the procurement function.

This year the conference will be hosted online and accompanied by a networking day in November in Cape Town.

The benefits of the online conference include:
  • Watching and participating in the comfort of your own homes.
  • You will have more engagement with speakers than ever before by asking questions throughout the session by raising your virtual hand.
  • You can still get your CPD points as you will have a login with a history of what you attend and participate in and your CPD certificate will be issued based on your online progress.
  • The online conference will be an opportunity for you to network with like-minded industry colleagues.
  • You will be able to report back on what training has been attended by your team and what was achieved as it will be easily available on each employee’s profile.
  • A recording of the live session will be available after the session is completed.
  • There will be take-away materials made available online.

We are confident that the quality of speakers and topics at the online conference will add value to you and your organisation.

For more information, click here to download the programme or click here to register.

Global Africa Network is pleased to share our 10% partner discount rate for the full event package. To take advantage of this exceptional offer, please use the VIP code ‘GAN001’ when you register.

If you have any queries please contact the organisers directly on 0861 334 326 or email info@smartprocurementworld.com

 

Western Cape businesses have made their voices heard on the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy

In the last 48 hours our teams have worked around the clock to engage with economic stakeholders across the Western Cape to ensure that the many voices of business are heard as part of national government’s consultation on the proposed Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy.

While we continue to support the nation-wide lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19, it is also critical, that where we can get people back to work, we do so as soon as possible to ensure that livelihoods are maintained, and that we can start to rebuild our economy.

Minister David Maynier

So, we welcome and appreciate the opportunity to submit comments on the Schedule of Services as part of the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy.

In response we have directly engaged with 445 economic stakeholders, across business and industry in the Western Cape, and we have received over 40 submissions which we have forwarded on to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).

In addition to the inputs received from our economic stakeholders, we have also submitted further inputs for consideration by COGTA pertaining specifically to the conditions, regulations and inclusion of certain economic activity for Level 4. These recommendations take into consideration the stringent health and safety measures that will be applied by business to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Our proposed amendments to Level 4 of the Schedule of Services include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Including a number of agricultural and other products for export such as wine and hops, yachts and boats, engine parts, plants and herbal products and any other product deemed essential in another country, as well as the movement of imported goods to for warehousing purposes.
  • Allowing the construction industry to operate, especially where there is minimal labour and more use of capital equipment, and with the option of split shifts to ensure social distancing is adhered to
  • Allowing manufacturing to operate at 50% capacity where it is safe to do and also allowing certain sectors to operate night shifts under curfew, particularly for manufacturing, agri-processing and BPO sectors
  • Allowing a number of additional sectors to open, particularly those that would allow for SMMEs and the informal sector to open, such as nurseries, film production, specialty stores such as bakeries, butcheries and health food stores and laundry and dry-cleaning services
  • Allowing for eCommerce under level 4, as this will support the promotion and opening of retail, while ensuring that people remain at home instead of visiting physical stores.
Download the full submission as a PDF document here >>

We will continue to motivate that where businesses in the Western Cape are able to operate safely they can do so, and so I have written to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, to request him to convene an urgent meeting of the Ministers and Members of Executive Councils (MinMEC) to discuss the implementation of the risk-adjusted approach to the lockdown and the proposed “Level 4” restrictions in the provinces.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new approach to the lockdown, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

The Western Cape economy can and will rebound from this crisis, and together we will do everything possible to ensure that.

The African Agri Council on top of the game revolutionizing engagement

The African Agri Council (AAC) hosted their first edition of the AAC Spotlight Virtual Event Series: Managing the Agri-Food Sector at Unprecedented Times on 21 April 2020. Titled ‘The Impact of COVID-19: Agri-Food Crisis Management’ the AAC hosted 327 attendees who participated in the high-level plenary session discussions and moved seamlessly between three parallel sessions followed by the very successful automated one-on-one networking.

“With the ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions this is the perfect platform for the AAC to bring together industry experts to address the key challenges faced by the agri-food sector, particularly the urgency to prioritize the development of robust food supply chains, drive technology adoption and promote value chain integration as well as market access.” said Ben Leyka, CEO of AAC.

With the COVID-19 pandemic having deep economic and social impacts that are being felt like shockwaves across the world causing logistical bottlenecks in the agri-food supply chain.

The speakers and panellists addressing solutions to this crisis included:
  • Wendy Green, Business Advisor and Investor across Energy, Water and Agriculture
  • Atsuko Toda, Director- Agriculture Finance and Rural Development, African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • Vaughan McTaggart, Managing Director: Agriculture Development, AFGRI
  • Jaco Maass, General Manager, SHIFT Digital Acceleration (Member of the BKB Group)
  • Jan Willem van Casteren, Director, eProd
  • Quentin Rukingama, Managing Partner, JBQ Africa
  • Ben Leyka, Chief Executive Officer, African Agri Council
  • Dr Golden Mahove, Chief of Party, USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment HUB

In the Plenary session addressing Resilience under Uncertainty, Atsuko Toda stated that “The COVID-19 crisis poses a huge challenge for food security and livelihoods. Closures, quarantines and disruptions, challenges in logistics, inflationary pressures on food prices will restrict access to sufficient/diverse nutritious sources of food. We need to act together and fast to ensure food availability and access so that the COVID-19 crisis does not become a food crisis.”

Jaco Maass of SHIFT, the digital arm of BKB Grain, took a realistic view of Facing up to Digital Disruption stating “The world is changing fast, and we need to break from our traditional way of doing things and adopt new ones. It is now the time to embrace new technologies through a next-generation digital shared service platform to seize opportunities in economic growth.”

And Quentin Rukingama, Managing Partner of JBQ Africa in Kenya sharing his views: “The good news is that currently, FAO confirms food availability globally, however food accessibility remains a challenge in a few countries worldwide notably in Africa. Therefore, it is crucial for African governments to lead data and insights gathering for more accurate food balance sheets, partnership with the private sector and civil society for a coordinated response to a potential food security crisis, solidarity to support the most vulnerable among us and agility to respond to evolving challenges triggered by COVID-19.”

And Jan Willem van Casteren, Director of eProd applied 15 years of ICT agri experience in Africa to address ‘How ICT can enhance and secure supply chains’ made the point that: “We have to rethink our whole food supply ecosystem! The world after Corona will be different! ICT can enhance and secure supply chains helping to solve the problems caused by pandemic events providing unique opportunities to manage remotely critical services. Recently an eProd client, unable to go to their farmers, took only a matter of days to distribute seed to hundreds of farmer groups via the local busses and matatus, coordinating with the area chiefs, farmer leaders and farmers, and the local ministry of agriculture, all via bulk SMS and eProd management reports.”

The AAC is planning monthly AAC Spotlight Virtual Event Series, with the next edition taking place on:

26 May: ICT & AgTech
30 June: Finance & Investment
28 July: Supply Chain & Market Access

“We’re excited about our new AAC Spotlight virtual event series connecting agri-food stakeholders from across the supply chain, sustainably bringing people together more gathering, interacting and growing.” Ben Leyka added.

For more information, visit: https://www.africanagricouncil.org/virtualevents

 

The 6th annual Junior Indaba: The junior mining sector in Africa

The 2020 Indaba, known for its straight-talking and frank discussions, will take a critical view of the state of play both in South Africa and other ‘hot spots’ in the rest of Africa.

Local and international experts will provide input on the latest political, economic and regulatory developments and why certain regions have a thriving exploration and junior mining sector.

Panel discussions will focus on such themes as the demand and future role of coal in the African energy markets; which commodities are hot this year; the impact of 4IR and the transition to a low-carbon economy on junior miners; and how local and international investors view the risks and challenges of junior mining.

Crucial questions will be debated, including:
  • What is happening across Africa? Where is exploration taking place and investment flowing?
  • Do we have clarity, consistency and stability in South African mining policy and legislation to attract investment?
  • What is the potential of junior mining in terms of economic activity, GDP contribution and job creation?
  • What are the most appropriate funding vehicles for juniors? What new financing options are available?
  • What does the transition to a low-carbon economy mean for junior mining?
  • What does the ‘just transition’ away from coal mean for African junior coal miners?

Popular features of the programme include: Project Showcase sessions (featuring junior miners from across Africa); Myth Busters, Lessons from the Legends and Peter Major’s Facts and Fiction!

Keep checking our website to see the latest additions to our speaker line up here.

Chaired by Bernard Swanepoel, early confirmed speakers include:

Luis Almeida, CEO, Sodim Group; Morne du Plessis, CEO, Minergy; Tim George, CEO, Pensana Metals; Dr Roger Key, Head of Exploration, Kalahari Key Mineral Exploration Company; Simone Naiker, Chemical Engineer, Process Development, Exxaro; Nick von Schirnding, Chairman & CEO, Arc Minerals; William (Bill) Witham, CEO, Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group; Helium One; ARX Resources amongst others.

Registration is now open so don’t wait, book now and take advantage of our early bird rates.

An extensive guide to COVID-19 funding options for small businesses

In a recent study by Startup Genome, 42% of small businesses globally have less than three months before they will not be in existence any more. This means that should these businesses not be able to create revenue or get funding in the next few months they will struggle.

Are you one of these businesses? If so, here are some funding options to look into. Remember when considering funding it is important to understand the terms and conditions of the fund. You should also speak to a financial advisor if anything is unclear about the fund.

Find information on the various funds which are available here:

An extensive guide to COVID-19 funding options

Learn more about the NSBC’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Centre

We need fast action to make the thousands of small businesses throughout South Africa more resilient to coronavirus-related economic disruptions.

Small businesses are vital economic engines, the mainstay of our economy and the future of job creation. More than two-thirds of the working force work in a small business today. This is why we need to make sure we bridge businesses through these tough times.

Our goal is to make sure businesses stay in business and that we keep workers employed. Although this is a time to be careful, it’s not a time to panic and stop shopping locally, it’s the time to stand together.

Some of the few key areas include:
  • Creating a business continuity plan
  • Digital marketing strategies in a time of crisis
  • How to handle and implement hygiene protocols and new staff policies
  • How to move from face-to-face to online meetings
We will also campaign on behalf of all small business to encourage providers to implement:
  • Low-interest disaster recovery loans
  • Moratorium on vehicle and equipment leases, bond repayments etc
  • Negotiating and staying in contact with suppliers
  • Landlord negotiation with regards to property leases
Learn more: https://www.nsbc.africa/COVID-19

The NSBC is Africa’s leading SME organisation and the fastest growing organisation of its kind in the world, committed to helping business owners and entrepreneurs become tomorrow’s business legends.

African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa goes virtual in May

The organisers of African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa have announced that a free, virtual conference will take place in May.

“Although the event was recently postponed to November,” says event director Evan Schiff, “we recognise that the need for information, expert opinion and connection with your peers and customers is required now. We have therefore created a Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, that will bring our partners in the power, energy and water sectors timeous content to answer their most pressing concerns now.”

The live online event will take place from 11-15 May and the programme will include the following topics:
  • Exploring private sector participation in African power and water sector
  • Maintenance: key to keeping the lights on
  • Best practices for utilities’ financial health worldwide: How to better plan for the unexpected
  • Investment opportunities for South African SMMEs working in the green economy
  • Solutions for City and Municipal revenue management
  • Adopting new behaviours to influence emissions across Africa
  • The energy transition for Africa in a post COVID-19 world
  • Energy access matters
  • Impact of COVID-19 on Africa’s water sector

Key considerations in smart grid and metering communication

Committed to power and water sectors

“While at this stage the Covid-19 epidemic’s lasting economic impact is still unknown,” says the African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa event director, “African economies are expected to be hit the hardest and there can be no doubt that the effects on all aspects of the economy will be keenly felt. The public sector utilities delivering crucial electricity and water services as well as the companies servicing these sectors, ranging from multinationals to SMMEs, will not be spared either. 2020 is our event’s 20th anniversary and we remain committed to the African power and water sectors and we are excited to explore new digital formats to support connections across the continent.”

“The Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa is a completely free initiative,” Evan Schiff explains, “open and available to any interested parts of the sector. It is our way to offer both our long time partners and friends as well as new acquaintances the opportunity to learn, connect and engage. As always, the event will feature world-class speakers, an insightful programme and business matchmaking opportunities, albeit online.”

To view the speaker line-up and to register for the Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, go to https://www.african-utility-week.com/virtual

 

Leading event

The 20th annual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa conference is the leading conference and trade exhibition for African power, energy and water professionals. The event brings together over 10 000 decision makers from over 90 countries, including 35 African countries, to source the latest solutions and meet over 350 suppliers. Along with multiple side events and numerous networking functions, the event also boasts a CPD-accredited strategic conference and technical presentations with over 300 expert speakers.

African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa recently won the AAXO ROAR Award for Best Trade Exhibition in the 12000+ sqm category for the third time.

Renewable energy storage giving a new lease of life to end-of-lifecycle mine shafts

Image courtesy of Gravitricity

The new power source, dubbed “gravity energy” is being developed by Gravitricity, and mimics hydropower projects which have played a key role in helping to balance the electricity grid.

Gravitricity’s “virtual battery” design is created by hoisting and dropping 12,000-tonne weights – more than the weight of the Eiffel Tower – down disused mine shafts, according to Imperial College London.

This system effectively stores energy by using electric winches to hoist the weights to the top of the shaft when there is plenty of renewable energy available, then dropping the weights hundreds of metres down vertical shafts to generate electricity when needed.

A full-scale project would drop 24 weights totalling 12,000 tonnes to a depth of 800 metres to produce enough electricity to power 63,000 homes for more than an hour. By controlling the winches Gravitricity said it could extend this period by allowing the weights to fall at a slower rate and release electricity over a longer period.

Ideally suited to network-constrained users and operators, distribution networks and major power users, the technology operates in the 1 MW to 20 MW power range and enables existing grid infrastructure to go further in a renewable energy world. Electrical power is either absorbed or generated by raising or lowering the weight. The weight is guided by a system of tensioned guide wires to prevent it from swinging and damaging the shaft.

The system was developed by Gravitricity’s founder, Peter Fraenkel, who also invented the world’s first full-scale tidal energy turbines. The tidal energy design was subsequently bought by the German industrial firm Siemens.

The company is currently in discussion with mine owners in the UK, South Africa, Poland, and the Czech Republic, where mine shafts can be more than 2,000 metres deep.

Charlie Blair, Gravitricity’s managing director, said: “The beauty of this is that this can be done multiple times a day for many years, without any loss of performance. This makes it very competitive against other forms of energy storage – including lithium-ion batteries.”

Oliver Schmidt, the lead author of Imperial’s report, said Gravitricity’s model is the most price competitive energy storage option because it has a relatively low upfront cost and a potential lifespan of more than 25 years.

The report found that electricity released by a typical 10 MW lithium-ion battery project would cost $367 per megawatt-hour over its lifetime compared with a cost of $171/MWh for electricity from a Gravitricity project.

Schmidt said: “I don’t expect Gravitricity to displace all lithium batteries on grids, but it certainly looks like a compelling proposition.”

Images are courtesy of Gravitricity.

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