Online newsroom and press release distributor.

As hospitality providers across the globe embrace digital transformation, the question arises; what do intelligent hotels offer? From guestroom automation to location-based interactions, mobile engagement, hyper personalisation, APIs and integration – the goal is excellent customer service. Is this possible? Is Africa ready for the “Digital Hotel”?

Compassionate leaders are taking the workforce by storm. Supporting humanitarian organisations and actively participating in charitable events help to band the workforce together with a positive mission. This leads to increased energy and boosts moods, which in turn leads to better productivity and workplace morale. 

Businesses across South Africa face massive internal and external security threats daily. While each has its own unique risks associated to its industry, location and assets, the reality is that adequate protection is required. The key to implementing suitable protection lies in the systems, control and parameters put in place. According to experts in the field, the first step in achieving this is a physical security audit.

Data by itself is useless. For it to have any real, tangible value, one must be able to turn data into information and turn information into decision making. Innovative emerging technology is making this a reality, as associative logic transforms the business intelligence landscape. With this unique logic, insights are presented in a way that wouldn’t be clear from a spreadsheet, empowering users to make informed decisions.

The most common and often underrated cause of the spread of illness is poor hand hygiene. Despite the commonly known mantras for advice many have heard growing up, like ‘wash your hands before you eat’, ‘wash your hands after using the lavatory’, etc. the startling fact is that a large percentage of people forgo this advice all together.

Data literacy is a critical component of success in the modern world. What is the use of innovative tools if users don’t understand how they function? Can users fully utilise the abilities of these tools? Without adequate literacy, user adoption suffers. As a result, organisations are spending a large portion of their annual budgets on software, tools and infrastructure that is not being used effectively.

A statement prepared by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), reflects that its Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros showed some success in 2018. The report confirms that, from 1st January to 31st December 2018, 769 rhino were poached in South Africa (compared to 1 028 poached in 2017). Of these, 421 rhino were killed in the Kruger National Park, and 142 were poached in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation officially releases the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum Report to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa at a handover ceremony on 27 March 2019 at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Statistics SA recently released its findings that the South African economy grew by 1.4 percent in the last quarter of 2018. While this is encouraging and a move in the right direction, many are still faced with the question; “is this growth sustainable?”. Mirroring this question, industries across the African continent are seeking solutions that will effectively help organisations to accelerate growth while keeping cost and risk under control.

On the 7th March 2019 we saw the departure of our Special Olympics South Africa National Team as they left to participate in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, the biggest sporting and humanitarian event in the world.

According to the latest reports by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South Africa could soon have new harsher road rules, all of which are aimed at curbing the high incidents of road accidents in our country.

WPP today held its first WPP Stella event in South Africa, as part of the company’s continued commitment to developing its female leaders.

While there’s pessimism in the air with regards to global product sales, every day there are also groundbreaking changes being implemented by brands and activists who genuinely want to “be the change” when it comes to sustainability.

Manufacturing plays a prominent role in Africa’s economic development made evident by how industrial growth positively affects the overall GDP and productivity of the nation. 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) hosted senior industry leaders at a breakfast event entitled, “The role of indigenous Oil and Gas resources in Developing South Africa's economy.”

Emerging scholars from different parts of Africa will meet in South Africa for the 13th annual Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) conference to be held at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Auckland Park Kingsway Campus from 18 to 20 March 2019.

Despite its status of a developing continent, Africa’s manufacturing space stands the opportunity to reap significant benefits from Industry 4.0, also known as “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. 

Jacob du Plessis, from Vyeboom in Villiersdorp, was crowned the 2019 champion at the 9th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival in Heidelberg this weekend with a pumpkin weighing in at an astonishing 601.8kg.

CEOs are banding together to make a difference and it is certain to have a major, positive impact on workplace morale. More and more business leaders seem to be raising their hands to participate in charitable events. This humanitarian focus and drive not only aids deserving charities, but the business leaders and their staff as well.

Over the years, South African homes and businesses have been lit up and connected with the leading South African manufacturer and distributor of local electrical and electronics solutions company, Ellies. To pay homage to South Africa, Ellies’ CSI division, Ellies Engage have made it their mission to serve the communities in which they operate.

Bidco Africa, the largest manufacturer of FMCG in East Africa, migrates to SAP HANA Database to gain real-time, in-memory computing capabilities and improve its delivery to customers.

Two homegrown African seed companies top the 2019 Access to Seeds Index for Eastern and Southern Africa, for playing a key role in raising smallholder farmer productivity, according to new research by the Amsterdam-based Access to Seeds Foundation.
 

Sasol, the employer of choice in the chemical and energy sector, has announced that applications for its corporate bursary programme are now open for the 2020 academic year.

Volvo Cars scooped the biggest award in the Executive SUV category

Volvo Cars, as a worldwide leader in safety, is sending a strong signal about the dangers of speeding and will limit the speed on all its cars to 180kph from 2020

Every year, experts from vertical industries, consulting firms and technology providers share their forecasts of the top topics that will be making headlines and drive IT sales. The lists profile innovative solutions that are creating buzz and gaining sales momentum. This grocery list-approach to IT investments underscores one of the faults in today’s adoption trends: where’s the strategy?

The economic and socio-political climate globally, but more specifically within South Africa itself, is such that South African businesses find themselves in a very volatile market. Although it seems that the country has rather successfully moved out of the economic threats of 2017, the ground is still far from stable.

The very successful Cape Town concert series Music Alla Kaap is back in 2019 with this incredibly diverse all-star line-up. In its 6th year, Music Alla Kaap has become a must-see event on Cape Town's social calendar and now coming to Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. coming to Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

On the last day of February each year, Sanofi Genzyme joins hundreds of organisations globally to recognise International Rare Disease Day, with a view of raising awareness around rare diseases and its impact on patients' lives.

The much-anticipated Africa Energy Indaba Conference held in collaboration with strategic partners, the World Energy Council, NEPAD Agency and SANEA was yet again, a raging success.

Singularity University South Africa is proud to present the inaugural Exponential Finance Summit, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 29 and 30 May 2019.

BWT - The Best Water Technology Group stays on the F1 grid continuing as a Formula 1 principal sponsor in 2019. This year, the two pink cars with the drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll will be racing as team  SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team.

In a field where limits are only imposed by the imagination, businesses must continue to learn, evolve and partner to create ongoing success. Technology today is as simple as it will ever be. It is advancing exponentially, daily and the real challenge is not only to keep up, but to get ahead, delivering solutions before the world even knows it needs them.

Thirty years ago, South Africa’s professional landscape looked completely different to what it is today. The investigations industry has been revolutionised by the advent of auditing firms which conduct internal investigations, and innovative technology that both simplifies and complicates the sector.

When you think of the elements that make up a modern-day marketing strategy, radio might not come to mind immediately. However, don’t forget that, together with print and digital media, radio forms an integral part of a successful omnichannel strategy. To celebrate World Radio Day, Newsclip Media Monitoring takes a look at the value radio offers brands.

Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialised by industry, today announced an agreement to receive a $1.5 billion investment from shareholders Koch Equity Development, LLC (KED) and Golden Gate Capital.

The corporate world is often described as being a ‘cut throat’ and ‘dog-eat-dog’ environment, where the strong survive and thrive by trampling on the weaker people below them. However, with the increase in psychological studies and research into the impact of aggression versus humanity in the workplace, it has become more and more evident that a positive, inclusive environment yields better work cohesion, a stronger team and (ultimately) more success.

Climate change is a real problem, it is not just going to go away simply by looking the other way. It is a serious issue that needs to be recognised and addressed. The issue, although fundamentally and most importantly an environmental one, also has a ripple effect which negatively impacts businesses and the economic climate at large.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South African brand tracking company Newsclip was awarded Silver at the international Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communications (AMEC) Awards in Spain on Thursday, 14 June.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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