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Why does Early Education Matter? The first 5 years of a child’s life have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out. The most vital and informative years of a child’s development is between birth and 6 years old. Lindi Tshabangu, host of Word of Mouth on ebizradio.com was joined by Tessa Forman and Kelebogile Mogapi, from Afrika Tikkun Bambanani and we find out more about the organisation and how you can play a role in our children's future in South Africa.
3 500 units of blood are needed on a daily basis in South Africa and with all the turmoil of the last few weeks and people working remotely the usual blood donation drives have not happened. So we need to change things up a bit and need your help urgently.
If you are a donor or are considering how you can help someone - here is great way to help 3 people by just donating blood. The process is absolutely safe and will take less than half an hour of your time.
Please connect with SANBS on 0800119031 (toll free) or go to their website - www.sanbs.org.za
As part of www.ebizradio.com GIVING BACK programme we feature local NGO's and Community Organizations to share the work they do and how they operate and fulfill a huge role in our civil society. Today we find out more about LIONS
Host of Pay It Forward on ebizradio.com, Ingrid von Stein connects via ZOOM by Geila Wills a LION and we find out more about this organisation, how they work, what they do and how you can get involved.
To connect with Lions South Africa - click here \ To connect with Geila Wills - click here or call 021 686 4249 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9am - 1pm
Trigger warning! We connect with Bruna Dessena author of Every Parents Nightmare and find out more about how the system works (or how it does not work) for children who have been abused.
Tales from my stethoscope is a podcast series proudly supported and produced for eBizradio.
If you have a story to share please email info@talkesfrommystethoscope.co.za
If you are interested in sponsoring this series please connect with Ingrid von Stein - ingrid@ebizradio.com
NGOs serve the gap in the market between what the public sector can provide for its citizens and what they can afford in the private sector. They therefore serve a vital role in providing affordable or free services to the most vulnerable in our society in sectors that are spread too thin for government to successfully support on their own. They should therefore rather be looked at as partners of social development than charities with their hands out – they work hard to do the things others can’t and we need them as much as they need us.
This need is evident in the growing number of NGOs over the past few years (from 140 000 in 2015 to 250 000 in 2020). Unfortunately, this has also placed strain on limited resources they all compete for, which means many have to either cut back on their services or close their doors for good.
The current Covid-19 pandemic has just placed even more strain on NGOs (which are found in almost every sector imaginable) and thousands will have to close their doors this year, which will have devastating effects on communities and the economy as a whole. It is crucial that to ensure the sustainability of these NGOs as well as reap the full social benefits for the company, the NGO and society, when companies do work with NGOs, they commit to a long-term relationship. A perfect example would be schools such as The Love Trust’s Nokuphila School in Tembisa: they are investing in the education of their learners from the age of four (pre-primary) all the way to grade seven (when the learner is at least 13 or 14 years old).
To make sure that no child gets left behind, The Love Trust needs the peace of mind that a long-term partnership with the private sector can provide sustainable education for children’s primary school career. Sadly, according to Erik van den Top, Head of Strategy and Governance at The Love Trust, that’s rarely the case as many companies change their CSI strategies roughly every three years aligned with their company strategy or according to government requirements.
Besides company strategies, government regulations play a massive role when companies plan their CSI strategies. Basically, the higher the points on your BEE scorecard, the more likely your business is to be selected as a service provider to other enterprises and government departments, and if it provides a wonderful photoshoot moment even better. As a result, BEE status has become a real strategic concern for the majority of South African businesses.
Unfortunately, when companies do their CSI strategy planning in isolation and then choose NGOs that fit those needs at that time, the positive impacts on the business, NGO and society are diluted. This is usually because by their very nature for-profit businesses don’t have the expertise, time or knowledge to tackle community based social issues, which is typically the realm of NGOs. The unintended consequence of the short-term approach is that it doesn’t provide the NGOs with the security they need to plan for the long-term. This usually includes really high delivery expectations on very tight budget limitations. NGOs are basically asked for short term miracles on a shoestring budget without an eye on the long term sustainability. One could argue that doesn’t make sound business sense.
Lindsay Owen, The Love Trust’s fundraiser, has a vision of the future where companies bring their social experts to the table when planning their CSI strategies. That way the NGOs better understand the needs and requirements of the company and can help them plan accordingly, thereby offering a more effective and innovative strategy to achieve BEE benefits for the company and greater support for the NGO. This also opens up the opportunity for NGOs to collaborate with one another which can enlarge the scope and reach of the CSI programme. By working with the experts directly, in this way companies will also have greater ownership of the initiatives and may be more willing to commit long-term support, which provides the NGOs with more security and ultimately realises greater measurable social impact.
Owen also laments the fact that NGOs within the ECD space are not organised enough and that “until [they] become more organised and more collaborative and start to look at partnerships, [they’re] just going to be fighting for that little piece of the pie all the time and [they’re] never really going to be able to actually lift [themselves] up.”
In closing Van den Top felt it important to highlight that “NGOs are performing a critical part in supporting government and business to achieve their sustainability goals though working at grassroots level, where there is a severe need. For us, our focus is to provide quality education to the most vulnerable, so they have a chance in life to be employed, to create a better life for themselves and their families, and to contribute meaningfully to the economy and their communities. So, taking a long-term view, through quality, holistic education, we empower people and hopefully improve society.”
www.lovetrust.co.za
*The Love Trust’s Nokuphila Schools adhere to strict Covid-19 protocols to protect all of our stakeholders.
The trafficking and rape of many of our woman and girls is so rife, so is gender based violence and animal abuse in South Africa. You may rightfully want to know why our marketing hosts #KevinBritz and #BjornSalsone connect with Coleen McAusland from the organisation ITS NOT ABOUT ME Surely the purpose of marketing is to create conversations and connection to or with a brand or organisation.
We find out more about Its Not About Me and what they do and Coleen's involvement.
Connect with our guests directly: Business by Design Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Businessbydesi... LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/https://www.li... Twitter: @businessbydesignsa Instagram:businessbydesignsa
Bjorn Salsone - TNC Marketing Instagram.com/bjornsalsone
www.tnc-marketing.co.za
ColeenMcAusland - https://itsnotaboutme.co.za/
On the 18th July, the world celebrated International Nelson Mandela Day. This year the day took a new meaning as the battle now also includes an invisible enemy, COVID-19 and all its other side effects. In 2020, the essence of Mandela Day – take action, inspire change, and make every day a Mandela Day – is more important than ever before.
Communities across the world are affected by Covid-19, which has affected economies, causing new social and economic challenges and exacerbating old ones. But, there is hope. On a scale never seen before, individuals, donors, foundations, institutions, civil society organisations and corporate partners are finding ways to help those in need of support.
When the National State of Disaster was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the protection of children against Covid-19 became a priority and we continue to advocate for this.
SOS Children’s Villages South Africa is committed to taking all possible steps to protecting children. Part of this has included limiting non-essential visits to the Programmes. While Mandela Month is about acts of service, this limitation of visits means volunteering and services at our Programmes has become very difficult.
https://www.sossouthafrica.org.za/
We have profiled many NGO's on the site over the years
This Mandela Day will be the first ever marked amongst a global pandemic. As both the sports and eventing industries are massively impacted by being unable to celebrate Mandela Day through physical activations, this year the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) is bringing a massive virtual race – 67 Kilometres for Mandela Day - to homes and streets everywhere.
“With families, individuals and athletes largely confined to their homes during lockdown, this initiative will secure much needed funds while providing an entertaining goal driven purpose for exercise enthusiasts around the country and the globe,” says event organiser Andrew Ross, Managing Director of eventing and experiential agency Chaos Theory.
“We’re inviting walkers, cyclists and runners to join our virtual event online from anywhere in the world to make a huge difference to the children of South Africa. What makes the ‘67 Kilometres for Mandela Day’ event even more special is that this year NMCF celebrates 25 years of existence.
The challenge can be completed anytime between today and the 18th July when we acknowledge Mandela Day.”
Nomthi Mnisi, Director of Communications and Marketing at NMCF said: “Although the Covid-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down, it has also unlocked creative ways in which we can still engage our community to meet the needs of the young people we serve. The idea of strengthening families especially whilst promoting health aligns directly with our cause and mandate.”
Andrew adds: “The online route will be uploaded for walkers, runners and cyclists to follow through iconic South African landmarks starting at The Apartheid Museum and travelling past the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Constitution Hill and Lilliesleaf farm, the route ends in Vilakazi Street, Soweto at Nelson Mandela’s home.”
“Participants can log onto our dedicated virtual event software online, create a profile and link their smart devices. Daily data uploads are plotted on the virtual route, over-laid into a Google Street view so they can see how they are comparing to other ‘racers’ in the same event - real time,” he says.
Exercise data linked to all major smart devices will be supported with the virtual race app available in Android and Apple stores.
The challenge can be completed in the timeframe that suits the participant, either individually or in teams and each participant that completes the race will receive a finisher’s medal and have the ability to purchase race merchandise through the platform.
Join the 67 Kilometres for Mandela Day Facebook group or follow #67km4MandelaDay
Entries are accommodated online at www.vfcseries.com or search 67 Kilometres for Mandela Day on Quicket, - registration fees start at R250. Brands wanting to get involved in the inaugural 67 Kilometres for Mandela Day can contact Andrew on 083 400 9031 or andrew@chaostheory.co.za or James Cameron at james@chaostheory.co.za
More known for his work in establishing Kulula Airline in South Africa, Gidon Novick is a serial entrepreneur and a wonderful success story…. Today we chat to him about a project he has become involved in, that of Food Security, specifically in a RSA context via SAHarvest.org
As most people are still in Lockdown for the foreseen future due to Covid-19, Food security has rapidly become a issue, especially in the poorer communities across the Country.
We profile how SAHarvest.org is assisting in alleviating this problem as well as how other individuals and Companies can assist during these tough times.
Behind the scenes; SA HARVEST collects quality surplus food in refrigerated vehicles from a variety of sources and delivers it direct, without delay, and free of charge, to a wide variety of organizations that feed food-vulnerable people on a daily basis.
Recipient organizations get a sufficient variety of food types that enables them to provide full and nourishing meals to their people. SA Harvest is based on Australia’s highly successful OzHarvest, which, in addition to South Africa is being replicated in the U.K., Thailand and New Zealand.
OzHarvest was founded by entrepreneur Ronni Kahn in 2004. Kahn, an ex-South African, has given outstanding service to her country, which has been recognized through a host of awards, including the Order of Australia (AO). So impactful is OzHarvest that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) chose them to be their partner in Australasia in the fight against food waste.
In the 15 years of its existence, OzHarvest has delivered more than 100 million meals and has saved more than 35,000 tons of food that would otherwise gone to landfill.
About Gidon - Gidon is the founder of Lucid Ventures. He is also well known as the founder of kulula.com. He spent twelve years in the tough airline industry, where he innovated and redefined the airline space. He also launched the SLOW Lounge Concept. After leaving the airline industry he spent three years at Discovery as the CEO of Vitality and Head of Digital. He is a qualified CA(SA) and has an MBA from Kellogg School of Management.
Scheme has disbursed R4-billion to shareholders since 2010
· Beneficiaries’ participation rights to be transferred into shares in AB InBev at scheme’s maturity
· SAB Zenzele remains biggest scheme in the FMCG sector and one of SA’s most successful empowerment schemes
SAB is preparing to wind down its broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) programme, SAB Zenzele, currently valued at almost R10 billion.
SAB Zenzele, the biggest B-BBEE scheme in the country’s FMCG sector*, will have generated almost R14-billion in net value for beneficiaries at the end of its 10-year investment period in April 2020.
Since its inception in 2010, SAB Zenzele has disbursed a total of R4-billion in cash dividends to its three shareholder groups, generating consistent and tangible benefits to its beneficiaries, and proving itself one of the most successful B-BBEE schemes in South Africa.
Created with a clear purpose of creating sustainable ownership and economic wealth opportunities for previously disadvantaged groups and redressing historical imbalances, the B-BBEE deal transferred 8.45% of ownership of SAB shares to more than 40,000 shareholders. Beneficiaries of the scheme are the SAB Zenzele Employee Trust, which holds shares for the benefit of SAB employees; the SAB Zenzele Holdings Limited, which holds shares for the benefit of black beer and soft drink retailers; and the SAB Foundation Trust, which supports entrepreneurship projects to benefit low-income communities.
“Looking back at SAB Zenzele’s 10-year track record, it is inspiring to see what has been achieved”, says Andrew Murray, VP Finance, SAB and AB InBev Africa. “From the outset, SAB Zenzele sought to be genuinely broad-based and to deliver real economic benefits to the lives of thousands of South Africans. On behalf of the company, I am very proud of the degree to which SAB Zenzele delivers against this initial objective.”
In addition to the cash dividends paid out to date, beneficiaries’ participation rights will be transferred into shares in AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, at the end of the 10-year transaction period. “Beneficiaries will have a tangible stake in the global business so when, for example, a Corona is sold in Mexico, a Budweiser in the US or a Castle Lager in Johannesburg, they will own a piece of that profit,” says Murray.
SAB Zenzele will run in its current form until April 2020. With staff empowerment as a key driver and one of the core beliefs of the business, SAB will formally launch its new empowerment scheme, SAB Zenzele Kabili, in April 2020. “We are looking forward to carrying SAB Zenzele's legacy forward and continuing our empowerment story into the next decade with the launch of SAB Zenzele Kabili. The new empowerment scheme will be built on the strengths of SAB Zenzele, incorporating advancements and learnings of the last 10 years,” concludes Murray.
South African men are more likely to commit suicide than women. In fact, by 2016, 4 times more men died by of suicide than women. The causes are complex, ranging from the lack of mental care awareness in men, to entrenched cultural beliefs about mental health and the lethal methods men choose to commit suicide. The good news is that men like Yaw Dwomoh, Managing Director for Idea Hive, are breaking the taboo of talking about mental health to bring about a paradigm shift.
Life is stressful. We are bombarded with messages that breed comparison, anxiety and pressure. Add to that the stress of running a business in a country where the economy seems to be teetering on the brink of its own depressive state daily, and you have a lethal cocktail detrimental to even the strongest person’s mental constitution.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently found that close to 800 000 people die because of suicide every year. Around 804 000 suicides occurred worldwide in 2012, representing a suicide rate of 11.4 per 100 000 people — 15.0 for males and 8.0 for females. In 2016 South African male suicide stats were 21.7 per 100 000 compared to 5.1 for women.
Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and psychosis, affect both men and women, but the prevalence in men is often lower than in women. However, studies show that it could be due to men just being more hesitant to seek treatment than women. Hence the worrying suicide statistics that reveal the outcome of their reluctance to seek help.
We sat down with Yaw Dwomoh, MD and founder of Idea Hive, a specialist brand storytelling agency. Yaw is an MBA graduate from the Business School of the Netherlands, and a candidate in Mphil Marketing. He has been a panellist at Africa Tourism Partners - inspiring Pan-African sustainable travel and tourism development through innovative leadership, as well as ASFW 2018. He is also a thought leader contributor for SME South Africa.
After a period of persistent stress and anxiety recently spiralled out of control, the father of two was urged to get treatment after trying to “go it alone” for two years.
“As an entrepreneur, the pressure to sustain and grow your business is compounded by the responsibility you feel towards your family, your employees and their families, your suppliers, your clients – it becomes a heavy load,” he says. “If you are an African man it is even more of a taboo to talk about anything that could be perceived as a weakness. Your value is tied to your strength and your ability to provide.”
“Indoda ayikhali” is a common expression equivalent to “cowboys don’t cry” and it tells men, who bear the brunt of black tax, that they can’t suffer openly. The fact that it is seen as a flaw, means that specifically black men don’t seek help, an issue brought to the fore when rapper HHP died last year when his battle with depression ended in suicide.
Dwomoh says that the first signs that he was experiencing more than a passing bout of anxiety or depression, was excessive irritability, anger outbursts, lack of concentration, irrational fears and suicidal thoughts. A visit to the doctor confirmed that he suffered from depression and anxiety disorder, but he was determined to “exercise it off.”
“Needless to say, I failed. The mood swings, drastic “lows”, lack of sleep and concentration and mounting mental pressure meant I was struggling to focus at work. I thought I was just undisciplined and tried harder to stick to my rigid work ethic and routines and for a while it worked,” he says.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Some men may experience tiredness and loss of interest in work, family, or hobbies. Some mental health symptoms may appear to be physical issues. It could be a racing heart, tightening chest, persistent headaches, or digestive issues. Many men may treat physical symptoms without looking at emotional symptoms. Some may turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate the emotional pain.
As a business owner, Yaw was worried about how he would be perceived, so for 19 months, he kept his diagnosis from his family, kids, colleagues and business associates.
“I was afraid to talk about it, firstly because it may be misconstrued as a lack of competency and secondly due to the shame attached to it in my culture.”
He finally sought help when the intensity of his symptoms peaked and he could no longer perform at optimum, triggering suicidal thoughts and persistent lack of self-worth.
“My road to healing has had many facets. I sought medical treatment, but probably more importantly, started speaking openly about the condition to my family, kids, associates and colleagues. I incorporate regular exercise, maintain a good diet, stick to my faith practices and try to surround myself with people who have a positive outlook. Studies have shown you only need a 10-minute walk or 30 minutes of stretching to alter your mood.”
What advice does he have for other business leaders, men and specifically black men who struggle with suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety?
“Just take the first step. Step out, seek help and talk about it to the right people (medical professionals and those how love and support you). Don’t let stigmatisation and fear stop you from taking any of the steps you need to get back to who you were before depression. If you need to, take a break from toxic or non-supportive family or friends while you recover.”
He passionately believes there is hope for others like him. “Mental health problems are real, but help is readily available. But only you can take the first step. There is no shame in suffering from a mental health condition, but if you don’t seek help, it could cost you your business, your family or even your life.”
About Idea Hive
At Idea Hive we create and execute pioneering Brand Storytelling Solutions to illuminate your brand’s power. We apply a strategic framework which extracts and aligns all the key components of your brand’s story.
Our team of curious, creative, driven and critical thinkers mould all the elements into a cohesive Brand Storytelling Solution that will change how the market sees and experiences your brand.
We craft and execute heartfelt and character-driven Brand Storytelling campaigns that position your brand/and or organisation to achieve its full market potential.
We offer an array of tailormade solutions around our services which includes branding, design, influencer marketing, visual content and communications. All solutions are anchored in ensuring that each Brand Story is told exceptionally, uniquely and to the right audience.
Imagine a world where brands defeat normal and ideas inspire change.
When we change, we change the world around us.
For more information please visit:
www.ideahive.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdeaHiveBST/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idea-hive-brand-story-tellers-149335176/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IdeaHiveBST
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideahivebrandstorytellers/
In 2018, Amanda Mpabanga became part of Mabogo Dinku Agricultural Cooperative, an urban farm where she grows vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, spring onions, and green beans. Amanda’s farm is 37.2 hectares, but 26.9 hectares of that is arable land.
Mabogo Dinku Agricultural Cooperative currently has six tunnels with a size of 250 square meters each. “We supply spinach and spring onion to FoodLovers in Greenstone and only spring onion to Pick n Pay in Brits.”
Amanda believes in Sustainable Development. “I have always been a vegetable gardener, but in a very limited space. I then decided to become a farmer to supply my family and others with fresh vegetables and make a living out of it as well.”
Amanda currently employs seven people and hopes to employ more as the business grows.
“I love the process of growing food from seed to consumable product. The science of seed sprouting, germinating and becoming a product to be consumed is what excites me about urban farming.”
“People believe that I am rich, which is one of the stereotypes about being a farmer. This is not the case, as the business has expenses to be paid on a regular basis.” Also, people think that being a farmer means wearing overalls and gumboots. “I often get people asking me “You a farmer?” when I introduce myself because I look different to what they think farmers are supposed to look like.”
Amanda is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme, where she hopes to learn how to be consistent in supplying good quality produce and to build a strong rapport with her customers.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The 15-month business development programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
Some info on SAB Kickstart
Powered by SAB’s flagship youth entrepreneurship programme, SAB KickStart, the Urban Agriculture programme, which aims to identify and invest hydroponic technology into high potential farming businesses, has announced nine finalists who will receive training and investment to grow their farming businesses.
With Stats SA in October revealing that unemployment was at its highest level in 11 years, the programme aims to help create jobs through youth owned farms. Black African women are the most vulnerable, facing an unemployment rate of 34.5%, compared to black men with an unemployment rate of 31.3%. “We are happy that five out of the nine finalists are young black women,” said Phumzile Chifunyise, Enterprise Development Manager, SAB and AB InBev Africa.
An Enterprise Development programme, SAB KickStart is aimed at youth entrepreneurs aged 18 and 35. The programme has been running since 1995 to develop, invest, and grow revenue generating youth businesses in order to create jobs. Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by advancing farming businesses with technology that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
“As an organisation that is imbedded in agriculture, our intention is to attract young people to the sector by alleviating the high barriers to entry such as technical and operational resources.”
https://www.sabentrepreneurship.co.za/
We've got them rolling out this week, all the SAB Agriculture Finalists. This is number 4 of 10 for this week, we are joined by Katlego Meso for this recording, enjoy!
Katlego Meso started Katlego Malesa Farming in 2009, where he grows red cabbages, celery, peppers, and broccoli. The farm is 24 hectares in size, with 18 hectares being arable land.
“We plant 20,000 seedlings every two weeks until the targeting area of land is covered. Crop care is important since we farm on an open field. We supply produce to the Johannesburg Market.”
Katlego currently has eight employees, four of whom are permanent.
Katlego became a farmer because he enjoys feeling like he has accomplished a noble deed. “I love the freedom of doing what I love. Farming can create jobs and alleviate poverty.”
Katlego is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme, and hopes to gain better insight of the business, farming skills and market access.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture Programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment and sustainable businesses.
The 15-month Business Development Programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
Some info on SAB Kickstart
Powered by SAB’s flagship youth entrepreneurship programme, SAB KickStart, the Urban Agriculture programme, which aims to identify and invest hydroponic technology into high potential farming businesses, has announced nine finalists who will receive training and investment to grow their farming businesses.
With Stats SA in October revealing that unemployment was at its highest level in 11 years, the programme aims to help create jobs through youth owned farms. Black African women are the most vulnerable, facing an unemployment rate of 34.5%, compared to black men with an unemployment rate of 31.3%. “We are happy that five out of the nine finalists are young black women,” said Phumzile Chifunyise, Enterprise Development Manager, SAB and AB InBev Africa.
An Enterprise Development programme, SAB KickStart is aimed at youth entrepreneurs aged 18 and 35. The programme has been running since 1995 to develop, invest, and grow revenue generating youth businesses in order to create jobs. Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by advancing farming businesses with technology that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
“As an organisation that is imbedded in agriculture, our intention is to attract young people to the sector by alleviating the high barriers to entry such as technical and operational resources.”
https://www.sabentrepreneurship.co.za/
We are back for our 2nd series of Podcasts with years SAB Kickstart Finalists! In contrast to last year where the finalists were dispersed across many different industries, this year everyone is a farmer and we are delighted here at eBizRadio to be able to interview them all. Here is the 2nd interview with Khutso Njenga...Enjoy!
Khutso Njenga became part of TechFarma in 2018, where he produces cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes in greenhouse tunnels. His farm is 24 hectares in size.
Khutso cultivates his produce using the hydroponic system – a method used to grow vegetables in a water based, nutrient rich solution. “Each tunnel is 300 square meters and has approximately 700 plants.”
A daily task for Khutso is to check the water for pH levels and plants for insects. “We check our water daily to make sure that our electrical conductivity (EC) and pH (potential of Hydrogen) levels are correct.”
On Wednesdays, Khutso and his team harvest 3,750 cucumbers and delivers them to the Fresh Produce Market in Tshwane.
“I became a farmer to create jobs for others, and to make sure people have access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable vegetables. This is also what I love about farming as I get to wake up every day and know that I produced good food for others.”
Khutso currently employs four permanent and two part-time staff.
One stereotype Khutso has come across is that “people assume that farming or to be a farmer is easy”.
Khutso is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme, and hopes to gain an understanding of how to access the corporate market.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture Programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The 15-month business development programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
Some info on SAB Kickstart
Powered by SAB’s flagship youth entrepreneurship programme, SAB KickStart, the Urban Agriculture programme, which aims to identify and invest hydroponic technology into high potential farming businesses, has announced nine finalists who will receive training and investment to grow their farming businesses.
With Stats SA in October revealing that unemployment was at its highest level in 11 years, the programme aims to help create jobs through youth owned farms. Black African women are the most vulnerable, facing an unemployment rate of 34.5%, compared to black men with an unemployment rate of 31.3%. “We are happy that five out of the nine finalists are young black women,” said Phumzile Chifunyise, Enterprise Development Manager, SAB and AB InBev Africa.
An Enterprise Development programme, SAB KickStart is aimed at youth entrepreneurs aged 18 and 35. The programme has been running since 1995 to develop, invest, and grow revenue generating youth businesses in order to create jobs. Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by advancing farming businesses with technology that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
“As an organisation that is imbedded in agriculture, our intention is to attract young people to the sector by alleviating the high barriers to entry such as technical and operational resources.”
https://www.sabentrepreneurship.co.za/
We are back for our 2nd series of Podcasts with years SAB Kickstart Finalists! In contrast to last year where the finalists were dispersed across many different industries, this year everyone is a farmer and we are delighted here at eBizRadio to be able to interview them all. This is the first recording, with Vulthari Chauke, enjoy their dynamic stories!
Vutlhari Chauke established VT Harvest in 2017, an urban farm where she grows herbs such as baby fennel, coriander, curly parsley, Italian parsley, rocket and wild rocket, and kohlrabi, a German turnip.
Vutlhari’s farm has 13 greenhouse tunnels equipped with dripper and overhead sprinkler irrigation systems. “We plant between 10,000 and 15,000 seedlings per tunnel depending on the type of crop.”
Vutlhari’s herb production cycle is from four to six weeks in summer; and six to eight weeks in winter. “Our production plan is prepared six months in advance to effectively factor crop rotation and seedling preparation. The production team is responsible for soil preparation, planting, weeding, irrigation, and harvesting.”
VT Harvest checks for pests twice a week and sprays crop protection chemicals when required on Fridays. They pick fresh herbs by hand on a daily basis and select only the top-quality produce for delivery to customers from Mondays to Fridays.
Vutlhari currently has two permanent employees and eight part-timers.
She initially became a farmer to make money, but later realized that agriculture created employment and contributed to food security. “My goal is to become a black female farmer success story, where my brand is respected in the industry. I would like to leave a legacy for my children.”
“Being able to consistently nurture seedlings, witness them grow into nutritious crisp produce, which end up on the shelves of retail stores makes me proud to be a farmer, because we are enhances culinary experiences of our communities.”
“I left a Sandton corporate job at one of the Top 10 JSE Listed companies for farming. I traded high heels for gumboots and this was considered a regression, almost a downgrade in my career. Some people told me that I had wasted my investment in my MBA studies, however I vehemently disagree, because farming has allowed me to test some of the theories in a real-life context and use the financial and stakeholder management modules to optimally run my operations and grow the business.”
Vutlhari is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme and hopes the programme will add value to her business through infrastructure assistance to expand her operations so that she can enter the agro-processing and exports spaces.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture Programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The 15-month business development programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
Some info on SAB Kickstart
Powered by SAB’s flagship youth entrepreneurship programme, SAB KickStart, the Urban Agriculture programme, which aims to identify and invest hydroponic technology into high potential farming businesses, has announced nine finalists who will receive training and investment to grow their farming businesses.
With Stats SA in October revealing that unemployment was at its highest level in 11 years, the programme aims to help create jobs through youth owned farms. Black African women are the most vulnerable, facing an unemployment rate of 34.5%, compared to black men with an unemployment rate of 31.3%. “We are happy that five out of the nine finalists are young black women,” said Phumzile Chifunyise, Enterprise Developme
Recent statistics released by the International Diabetes Federation reveal shocking revelations that should be making front page news, stopping each and every one of us in our tracks - diabetes kills more people in South Africa than HIV, TB and malaria combined! Why? Because 1 in 2 people with diabetes is undiagnosed.
“Luckily, the solution is actually fairly simple: make an annual blood sugar test the norm,” says Bridget McNulty, co-founder of Sweet Life Diabetes Community and recognised voice of diabetes in South Africa. “Getting your blood sugar checked is a simple fingerpick test with immediate results. If it turns out you’re at risk of developing diabetes, the sooner you find out, the easier it is to manage.” If Type 2 diabetes is caught early enough, it is completely reversible.
So why are so many people dying from it? This article reported that the leading cause of death in Cape Town is diabetes. Why? Because undiagnosed diabetes leads to amputation, blindness, heart disease and kidney failure, then death.
“We need to make everyone aware of diabetes,” explains Bridget, a Type 1 diabetic since 2007. “Which is why we’re launching a nationwide campaign this November, for National Diabetes Month.”
The campaign will include an interactive map clearly showing all free blood sugar testing facilities offered in SA throughout the month of November. Working with the National Department of Health, local DoH offices and the HSRC, Sweet Life aims to make it as easy as possible for every South African to get their blood sugar checked.
“We have all kinds of information and advice to share about living well with diabetes,” she says. “But the first step is getting your blood sugar checked.”
Find out more about Sweet Life on www.sweetlife.org.za and visit Diabetic South Africans (www.facebook.com/DiabeticSouthAfricans) to become part of SA’s largest diabetes community (20,478+ fans).
About Bridget
Bridget McNulty is a published author, editor and creative director. She co-founded Sweet Life in 2011 to show that it’s possible to live a healthy, happy life with diabetes, and has been the voice for diabetes in South Africa ever since, speaking about the condition on radio, TV, online and in print.
Sweet Life is an inspiring diabetes community for Diabetic South Africans. They are a registered NPO with a single focus: to improve diabetes in South Africa. Their goal is to inform, inspire and connect people, offering reliable advice on all you need to know about diabetes, support people with diabetes and share that just because you have diabetes, doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy, healthy life.
As a registered NPO (220-984), their goals are to improve the diagnosis number in SA (at the moment 1 in 2 people with diabetes are undiagnosed) and improve the health of people with diabetes. Sweet Life want to do this by encouraging healthier eating, medication compliance and increased physical activity in ways that really work: actionable ways to live well with diabetes. Up till now they have believed that if you give people information in the right format and the right words, they will change their behaviour. But this is not actually true. We need to focus on behavioural change because information is not enough.
By working directly with people with diabetes in South Af
he SAB Foundation has selected 17 finalists in its 9th annual Social Innovation Awards 2019 and 3 finalists in its 4th annual Disability Empowerment Awards. The final winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony on Wednesday, 09 October 2019.
Grants will also be awarded to other deserving innovation finalists. The finalists were selected from over 300 entries this year and SAB Foundation Innovation Specialist, Ntandokazi Nodada says that since the programme was initiated 9 years ago the quality of innovations has been on the rise. “We are seeing some incredibly talented South Africans, from all walks of life, produce socially informed and transformative products and services that are truly going to help make a change in the lives of those who need it the most, ” says Nodada. Nodada says that the finalists tackle issues such as environmental sustainability, technology accessibility and disability inclusion.
Other than their potential to create positive societal change, the finalist’s innovations were selected according to whether the independent panel of judges assessments showed they were scalable and could be commercialised as well their potential to create job opportunities. The SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards and Disability Empowerment Awards, were established as a means of supporting the growth and development of entrepreneurship in South Africa with a specific focus on servicing the needs of low-income women, the youth, people with disabilities and people living in rural areas.
“The SAB Foundation hopes to encourage individuals to empower themselves as entrepreneurs and in the process assist others with incredible but often simple resources which change the way our lives work,” says Nodada. Since its launch, the SAB Foundation has invested in over 160 social innovations through a financial commitment of more than R67 million.
Xelda Rohrbeck was first introduced to the Showerβath, a combination of a shower and bathtub to enable easy bathing of individuals with profound intellectual and physical disabilities, who are unable to bath themselves and depend on caregivers, in 2018. Lucy Slaviero designed the Showerβath, when she saw how caregivers struggled to bath particularly the elderly, with profound intellectual disabilities and limited mobility.
“The invention eases the stress of a caregiver as it eliminates electro-mechanical hoists that are prone to break down and need constant maintenance and upkeep. As an alternative, the Showerβath reduces the physical strain of having caregivers manually lift our residents, and in addition improves personal hygiene for our residents,” says Xelda.
Xelda aims to improve the lives of disabled children, teenagers, men, and women in both rural and urban areas of the country. Research was conducted and found that there were no existing solutions and research overseas only offered high-tech expensive solutions. Two prototypes have been installed at LITTLE EDEN Society for older residents.
“The Showerβath is a low-cost, maintenance free and lifelong product. It can easily be installed and requires no specialised skills as compared to competitors,” says Xelda.
Xelda employs 265 permanent employees.
“Winning the SAB Foundation Disability Empowerment Awards would mean that this simple, yet innovative, Showerβath could be rolled out throughout South Africa to organisations, care facilities, and hospitals caring for people who are physically unable to bath themselves”, says Xelda.
Xelda Rohrbeck is a finalist in the SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards.
Launched in 2016, the SAB Foundation Disability Empowerment Awards forms part of the SAB Foundation’s primary focus to ignite a culture of entrepreneurship in South Africa. The Disability Empowerment Awards are aimed at promoting social innovati
Computer Aid International, an NGO with headquarters in London, and which has provided over 260 000 computers in over 100 countries, has established a local presence. Computer Aid South Africa has been registered as a local not-for-profit organisation, expanding Computer Aid International’s reach in southern Africa.
Computer Aid gives ICT equipment a second life, refurbishing donated computers, tablets and mobile phones, working with partners to place them in areas where there is little or no access to technology. Partnering with other in-country NGOs and donor organisations, Computer Aid provides access to low-cost computers and software to disadvantaged areas, schools and hospitals, as well as training teachers in ICT skills to improve their confidence when teaching.
The mental health industry has grown exponentially in South Africa over the last decade. Experts have described mental health problems as reaching epidemic levels. The only national representative survey of mental illness was conducted between 2002 and 2004 (over a decade ago) which interviewed a representative sample of 4 351 adults across the country. The South African Stress and Health (Sash) study showed that 16.5% of respondents suffered from some or other form of mental disorder in the 12 months it covered.
If one considers the increase not only in professional practitioners, but also in medical wellness facilities, this indeed signifies a phenomenal increase in the need for treatment. The Life Esidimeni matter may have highlighted the State’s shortcomings on improving the care, treatment and facilities available to mental health patients; however, the private sector has also recognised the dire state of care and taken progressive steps in addressing the challenge. With over forty licensed private mental health treatment hospitals or clinics in South Africa, the medical industry has stood up and taken note, but are we in danger of taking a very delicate treatment offering that requires expert skills and turning it into a mega-industry?
Warren Pezaro, hospital manager at Palm Tree Clinic, a Cape-Town based psychological and emotional wellness clinic specialising in a number of conditions including anxiety, depression and personality disorders, says that admitting patients into the care of a mental health facility should not be a “cut and paste” process. According to Pezaro, a patient is an individual to be cared for and not a medical condition to be treated. Each patient is a unique person with needs and therefore factors such as nurse-to-patient ratio, therapist-to-patient ratio, the setting and environment of the facility, the existing patient population and their conditions should be considered before choosing a facility for psychiatric admission.
Psychiatrist Dr Kirsten Reid says that when admitting a patient into a facility, certain factors should be considered for maximum benefit. “Each person requires an individualised treatment plan with consideration given to holistic, in-hospital care, a multi-disciplinary team approach and the availability of facilities that are required for the care of that patient’s specific needs.”
Staff-to-patient ratio
According to Pezaro, hospitals and health systems often establish acuity systems as a valuable tool to allocate nursing resources based on patient care needs. However, these organizations don’t always use their acuity systems to their full capability. In many cases, at least one of what we call “the five rights of staffing” is absent.
According to “the five rights of staffing,” an acuity system should give hospitals:
1) The right number of staff
2) With the right skills
3) At the right location
4) At the right time
5) With the right assignment.
The maximum benefits from an acuity system can be achieved when these five aspects are used together to efficiently leverage existing nursing resources, preventing the need to rely on expensive options such as outside staffing agencies.
Reid outlines the benefits of a lower patient-to-staff ratio not only to the patient, but equally important to the medical practitioner. “When the staff-to-patient ratio is high, the nursing staff are able to observe each patient more closely and can get to know each person as an individual. This helps doctors and care-givers too as feedback from the nursing staff is more detailed and relevant and assists us in our goal for effective, individualised care.”