360 Biz

CliffCentral.com — The team discuss the challenges and many triumphs of black engineers in South Africa. Teboho is joined by engineers Tebogo Mosito, Lesego Mokae, Tshepo Manyaka and Muzi Mathebula.

CliffCentral.com — The team discuss the booming beauty industry and how practitioners have taken advantage of this highly lucrative business. Make-up artist Tsholofelo Masenya, and celebrity make-up artists Zenzi Masuku and Treasure Mhlongo join the conversation.

CliffCentral.com — Teboho Mafodi is joined by Precious the Planner, Gugulethu Zwane, and Sipesihle Losi in an interesting discussion on the business side of event management and the highs and lows of creating the perfect event.

CliffCentral.com — Teboho Mafodi is joined by Karabo Mashugane, Thato Ntseare, Joseph Migeri and Mfon Ekpo in an interesting discussion on the impact of small businesses in today's economy, and the yardstick we use to measure it.

CliffCentral.com — Joining Teboho Mafodi in studio this week are two entrepreneurs who are running successful businesses, but who also know the frustration of failing all too well. Ego Iwegbu is an entrepreneur and author who runs a highly successful nail boutique and cosmetic range. Maite Motsepe-Maponya is an artist and the owner of an African inspired home décor company. They discuss some of the lessons you can learn from failing, and how best to get back up. Legendary entrepreneur Reabetswe Motsepe, and pastor and entrepreneur Bruce Msidi (who is visiting SA from Zambia) also join the show.

CliffCentral.com — Stats SA has published its latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey results for the third quarter of the year, showing that South Africa’s unemployment rate increased marginally to 27.5%. There were 6.2 million people without jobs in the three months to the end of September, compared with 6.1 million people in the prior quarter, Statistics South Africa said in its quarterly labour force survey. The statistics office said the formal sector, private households and agriculture recorded declines in employment, while the informal sector had employment gains. We spoke about entrepreneurship being a possible solution to combat unemployment.

CliffCentral.com — Transformation in South African business is a prominent topic of discussion amongst today’s industry leaders. It is undeniable – since 1994, progress has been slower than expected. According to Lebogang Tsele from SME South Africa, black business ownership in the tourism sector (one of the most transformed sectors in the South African economy) is at 20%, with management control at 50%. However in the creative industry, which includes marketing and advertising the figures are significantly lower. Our guests today are Busi Selesho, Surie Ramasary and Xolani Qubeka.

CliffCentral.com — Considering South Africa’s economic conditions, it is not surprising that some entrepreneurs start businesses due to lack of employment and on the other end female entrepreneurs are growing in numbers, but without access to appropriate funding many start-ups will find it difficult to grow their businesses. Our guests today will be highlighting challenges faced by SMEs, the available opportunities and how SMEs can access them.

CliffCentral.com — As Africa continues its recovery from the 2014 commodity price slump, concerns are emerging that unsustainable debt poses the next great risk to the continent. According to Brookings, the median debt-to-GDP ratio in Africa has increased dramatically in recent years, jumping from 34 percent in 2013 to over 53 percent in 2017. Debt levels now exceed 50 percent in 25 of the region’s 45 countries, compared to just 11 in 2013. Adetunji Omotola and Bryan Hattingh share their experiences about operating their businesses in Africa, and some of the challenges they have identified.

CliffCentral.com — Recognising and overcoming the common pitfalls associated with growth is essential if your business is to continue to grow and thrive. Crucially, you need to ensure that the steps you take today don't themselves create additional problems for the future. Effective leadership will help you make the most of the opportunities, creating sustainable growth for the future. Our guests are Nonhlanhla Mthethwa (founder of Girlz Ink and winner of Standard Bank My Fearless Next Competition) and Zamosi Ngomane (founder of Moz Delicious Foods).

CliffCentral.com — Are we free as business people or citizens... or are we captured by Capitalism? Most African countries were colonised by pushing business interests, thus they are still captured to date. We are now officially in recession (is that not part of capture?) - hence we are borrowing monies to free the economy etc. Will we ever be free as a market? Joining Teboho Mafodi and Bulelani Balabala in studio for the discussion is: Chris Hattingh (Researcher at Free Market Foundation), Dr Harry Akinola (Global Learning& Dev Head at Puma Energy & Shift Convener), and Lisa Illingworth (Author, Entrepreneur & Founder of FutureProofSA).

CliffCentral.com — For years, the terms "business model" and "marketing strategy" were cut-and-dried subjects. Both company and customer knew what to expect, and the process from touchpoint to sale could drag on for ages. In this linear approach to marketing, companies expected a lengthy time to reach a sale, all but leaving their business to chance, in the hands of a customer who may or may not have all the information they need to make a purchase. Learn how digital marketing has evolved over time and the new ways of marketing for your business.

CliffCentral.com — According to the latest Women in Business report, only 28% of senior management roles in South Africa are held by women. Furthermore, the report indicates that almost 31% of SA companies have no women at all in senior management positions. Teboho Mafodi and Bulelani Balabala talk about women in leadership and they are joined by Nthabiseng Phoshoko, Lebo Ramokhoa, Mathabo Tebello Mathebule, Nelisiwe Masango, and Zi Hatting.

CliffCentral.com — Companies who successfully implement a customer experience strategy achieve higher customer satisfaction rates, reduced customer churn, and increased revenues. For Women's Month, the female entrepreneurs we have in studio have excelled in their businesses to satisfy their customers in their service offering.

CliffCentral.com — There is no denying that women are faced with challenges in the workplace. These include sexual harassment, access to opportunities, the 'mom' effect, pay gaps, investing gaps, and more. The challenges increase exponentially in male-dominated industries such as mining, finance, tech, engineering, construction, politics, etc. These industries are comprised of 25% or fewer female employees, and an even smaller percentage of women in leadership. The team talks to women who are working in men’s worlds. They share some of their challenges and how they survive against all odds. In studio are Alice Madisha (Co-Founder of Smith & Madisha Construction), Nthabiseng Sathekge (Founder of Latitude Liberty), Jo Mathole (Founder and CEO of Kwame Diamonds), and Charon Maseka (Field Engineer at Hilti).

CliffCentral.com — Unemployment remains stubbornly high in South Africa and is one of the greatest socio-economic problems currently facing the country’s youth. Many are turning to entrepreneurship to make ends meet. But some have found it easier than others. Job creation was a leading goal of government policy during the first decade of democracy in South Africa following the end of apartheid in 1994. However, little success has been achieved in the struggle to create sufficient jobs. The team talks to entrepreneurs who have found solutions to the economic problems we are facing as a nation. Maggie Mo runs CV Desk - which recruits for national and international companies. Henri Bam is the co-founder of Sxuirrel - a peer-to-peer marketplace that brings together hosts and guests from within a community, to create local, unique and flexible storage solutions.

CliffCentral.com — Entrepreneurs and innovators fuel economic growth. We rely on them to create new jobs, implement pioneering ideas and attract global investment. Entrepreneurial opportunities of all types exist in every part of the world, and while opportunities may be diverse in different economic contexts, there are ambitious entrepreneurs everywhere with the aspirations to pursue them. Our guests in studio are Takalo Mahlogonolo (Owner of Lamagia Events Management), Mikel Moyo (Managing Director at Mphato & Associates), and Katlego Rakoma (Chief Retail Strategist at Dinatla Manufacturing).

CliffCentral.com — Entrepreneurs are meticulous about their marketing strategy, they will not compromise on the product or service quality, and will leave no stone unturned to make sure the team meets its target. Their saving acumen and investment insights, however, may be a different story altogether. Ironically, saving and investing money is as important for an entrepreneur as their commitment to deliver value to customers. Statistics show that 50% of enterprises fail within the first year, and 95% fail within the first five years.

CliffCentral.com — Entrepreneurs and innovators fuel economic growth. We rely on them to create new jobs, implement pioneering ideas and attract global investment - yet this is a sector that has been largely overlooked and under-serviced by traditional banking models. Having recognised this critical challenge, there is now a unique banking proposition for entrepreneurs. Most people believe that entrepreneurs in less-developed economies, such as those in Africa and Latin America, only start their own businesses because they have no other options and are desperate to earn a living for themselves and their families. Entrepreneurs today are breaking barriers and kicking down those locked doors. On Opportunity Wednesday, we hosted guests: Zimkhita Zatu - Head of EDGE at Standard Bank; Chef Melusi Twala - Owner of The Mood Restaurant, and Lee-Roy Joyce - General Manager at Cool Ideas.

CliffCentral.com — Everyone can innovate. Innovation means coming up with new ways of doing things. However being innovative does not only mean inventing; it can also mean changing your business model and adapting to changes in your environment to deliver better products or services. Bulelani chats to Ndumiso Hadebe to discuss the best way to innovate in your business.

CliffCentral.com — We stand on the brink of a transformational revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything we have experienced before as South Africa. We do not yet know just how BBBEE and Radical Economic Transformation will unfold, but one thing is clear: the response to it must be integrated and comprehensive, involving all stakeholders of the global polity, from the public and private sectors to academia and civil society. Teboho Mafodi is joined by the legendary businessman and transformation specialist Vuyo Jack to talk about the 4th Industrial Revolution's transformation in empowerment.

CliffCentral.com — Earlier last year, Statistics South Africa released the latest results of its Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2017, which showed that, apart from the overall unemployment rate reaching a 13 year high of 27,7%, the youth (ages 15 – 34 years) unemployment rate also increased to 38,6%. The sharp increase in unemployment is testament to the lack of start-up skills in the country, and calls for an even more focused approach to building an entrepreneurial ethos – from grassroots level. In SA today we have seen a number of young people going in the path of wanting to start their own businesses. Opting for entrepreneurship as a career choice. These young people have become game changers and trendsetters. To talk to us about their businesses we had these powerful young people in-studio today; Vuki Dlamini, Tshepo Moses, Tumi Malie and Blaine Joseph.

CliffCentral.com — The 2017 Women in Business Report released on International Women's Day (8 March) states that only 28% of senior management roles in South Africa are held by women. The report reveals it is still most common for senior women to be in supporting roles, particularly as human resources directors or chief financial officers. However, there has been a slow rise in the number of women in chief executive officer roles in South Africa. Having more women in corporate leadership is imperative for business. Companies with more women at board or senior management level are the companies that perform the best, because they adapt more quickly to changing social and consumption trends – unsurprising when you think that women are only 51 percent of the population but make 71 percent of all the household purchases. Talking to us in studio is Mrs Tshidi Ramogase and Mrs Flora Jika - both from Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa.

CliffCentral.com — Due to the improved political and economic sentiment, the recent interest rate cut and the improved outlook for economic growth, there is evidence of affordable areas in South Africa’s economic heartland, Gauteng, as well as other accessibly priced properties in various regions becoming more and more appealing. South Africa is fortunate in that it has a young, growing population which has yet to enter the housing market. With affordability considerations making sectional title properties the preferred entry point for first-time buyers, the demand for sectional title properties is likely to remain brisk for the foreseeable future. Our guests in studio are Tebogo Molefe (Founder of First Class Property SA), Leroy Slava (Director of Property Pick), Buhle Gumede (Co-Founder of Africa Pure Property), and Thandeka Nombanjinji (Investment Partner at Vital Property Group).

CliffCentral.com — Township economy helps to boost job creation and drive entrepreneurship within the townships. The enterprises established are operated by township entrepreneurs to meet primarily the needs of township communities. These entrepreneurs are bridging the gap of unemployment and skills development. The Township Entrepreneurship Awards are an initiative by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development to celebrate, recognise and reward entrepreneurial talent in the townships, whilst supporting the provinces’ goal and commitment to revitalising the township economy. The guests in studio are GEP Acting CEO – Ms Leah Manenzhe, 2018 Judge – Dr Jabulile Msimango Galawe, 2018 Nominee – Wandile Ndaba, as well as Ms Puleng Molebatsi.

CliffCentral.com — It might sound glamorous but the entertainment business is not all fun and games... there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. In studio, Tristan Kaatze and Siphesihle Losi share stories from their respective industries.

CliffCentral.com — The Professional Haircare Market SA 2010 report found that the "ethnic African segment is the single largest consumer group and this market has the most potential". Black consumers spend up to six times more than their white counterparts when it comes to haircare. It's a fact: black haircare is big business. Black women prefer more variety in their haircare, going from braids to weaves, to chemical treatments, to other drastic style changes. The haircare variety demanded by African hair is more than that required for Caucasian hair. Though it goes without saying, that until recently – the business market for black hair was not always blooming. Many haircare providers had to face various challenges in growing their businesses. To talk to us about the business of haircare in South Africa, we have in studio with us Sisi Nxumalo - Founder of Hair by Sisi, and Ntombenhle Khathwane - Founder of Afrobotanics.

CliffCentral.com — Women and girls have been getting attention and consideration as they are seen as more vulnerable to abuse and attacks, as well as being less privileged. What this world order fails to grasp is the fact that the boy child has the same or worse challenges as girls have. Campaigns to save the girl child are prevalent and dominate the social discourse. When you save the boy child from all these, by defending and fighting for his rights, you save a whole generation. That boy, upon growing up into a responsible man, father and husband, mentors his generation in the same way, all down his lineage - hence the need to have initiatives where boys can be mentored and embraced by responsible men in communities. Plus we hear more about the Social Innovation Challenge. The Social Innovation Challenge

CliffCentral.com — More than half of the South Africans who run their own businesses are youth, according to the Real State of Entrepreneurship Survey 2017, undertaken by the Seed Academy. More than 1,200 entrepreneurs took part in the research project. Its findings also showed that the gap between male and female entrepreneurs was closing, with the latter now making up 47% of entrepreneurs. While South Africa is considered an entrepreneurial leader in sub-Saharan Africa, its weakest link in terms of its entrepreneurial ecosystem is start-up skills. This poses the question, what skills can local youth be taught, in order to improve their appetite for entrepreneurship? Talking to us about the various entrepreneurial opportunities out there, we had in studio with us: LJ Swart – MD at Oxigen Communications, Marie Schourie – CEO of The Workspace, as well as Busi Raphekwane from Transformation Legacy. We also catch up with Keri-Leigh Paschal from Nation Builder, about their Social Innovation Challenge.

CliffCentral.com — Enterprise development involves the growing of small and medium-sized black businesses through the provision of finance and support, assisting in their business development and sustainability. Many corporates have climbed on the bandwagon to help small businesses achieve their goals and objectives to ensure all their needs are met. The annual Buy Local Summit & Expo is its flagship event, which for the first time in 2017 was extended to two days. The 2018 7th edition of the Summit & Expo took place on 14 and 15 March at the Sandton Convention Centre. Another enterprise development programme that is currently running is Threads - an 18-week accelerator programme focusing on the business of fashion. Our guests are Cleo Zwane - Senior Marketing Manager at Standard Bank; Candy Tothill - General Manager for Corporate Affairs at Tsogo Sun; Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi - Chief Officer of Marketing and Communications at Proudly SA, as well as Ravi Pillay - Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Director at Nestle. Plus, find out more about the Nation Builder Social Innovation Challenge. The Social Innovation Challenge

CliffCentral.com — Nation Builder, together with the Stellenbosch University LaunchLab and the Mergon Group, is inviting business pitches for their inaugural Social Innovation Challenge. The competition aims to identify and support South Africa’s social entrepreneurs, with an opportunity to win a share of R150 000 seed capital. Entrepreneurs with a self-sustainable business idea – no matter how simple or small – that addresses particular social issues, positively impacts communities, empowers the disadvantaged, or has the potential to solve local problems in innovative ways, are invited to enter the Social Innovation Challenge. Ten finalists will receive exposure to a broader network of business investors at the final pitching event, which will be hosted by LaunchLab in Stellenbosch on 13 June 2018. Three final winners will receive their portion of R150 000 funding capital, as well as business support from LaunchLab. The Social Innovation Challenge

CliffCentral.com — The SA government has welcomed efforts in ensuring that the township economy grows, and to truly help in eradicating the unemployment burden - and it is of paramount importance that measurable efforts are made to uplift the township economy. McCormick Property Development has confirmed that it is currently in the process of developing a major new shopping centre in Tembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand. At its core, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is driven by the coming together of physical and digital technologies. By gathering and analysing data from machines and robots, we are able to obtain insights into the health and performance of industrial installations, allowing us to optimise their operation to increase uptime, speed and yield. A small number of innovative companies are taking these innovations a step further and using them to develop new higher-value business models. Our guests in-studio today are Jason McCormick - MD of McCormick Property Development, and Leon Viljoen - CEO of ABB South Africa.

CliffCentral.com — Modern day couples always complain about how they do not have enough time left to spend with each other. Sometimes they different work shifts, and if not that, there’s always post-work exhaustion. These problems lead to the classical issue of maintaining the right work-life balance. The one solution to this modern day crisis in romance is working with your spouse. Whether it is opening a business together, or finding a job in the same company, spouses working together have more time to spend with each other. However, just like everything else, this too has its pros and cons. In studio today we were joined by two wonderful couples - Given and Lerato Mabena from Sokulunga Packaging, and Jonathan and Merlize Jogiat from MJay Media. We were also joined by coach and author of 'Notes to My Sister - Let Him Serve You', Kofi Ofori-Boateng.

CliffCentral.com — Ensuring women’s full participation within the South African economy is essential if ideals of equity, prosperity and shared and inclusive growth are to be achieved. However, women around the world have historically faced numerous barriers to their engagement in the economy. There are organisations in the country that are providing solutions to such barriers. 'Women on the Rise - Africa' is a network of like-minded future female leaders from diverse professional backgrounds who share a common vision of supporting and developing women and creating a more inclusive and representative society. Our guests today are inspirational women in leadership - Vuyiswa Mutshekwane, Natasha Allie, Dibuseng, Bahieja Gabier and Busi Selesho.

CliffCentral.com — South Africa has an opportunity to build on the positive developments that have emerged in recent months. The economy has performed slightly faster than expected, with economic growth now projected to be 1% in 2017, 1.5% in 2018 and 2.1% by 2020. This pace of economic growth is welcome, but is still too slow to address unemployment and poverty. Joining the team for the discussion is Mr Wayne Hull - Managing Director of Accenture Digital in Africa, Bryden Morton - Executive Director of 21st Century Pay Solutions Company, Mr Maluleke Sir, and Aubrey Moraka - Independent Financial Planner.

CliffCentral.com — Business in the 21st century is more complex than ever, especially in companies that conduct operations at several locations, or even worldwide. In this environment, communication skills have become paramount and employers are increasingly looking for those who can communicate well so they can function in complex business environments. Communication skills are the ability to absorb and transmit ideas orally and in writing. A subset of communication skills is interpersonal skills or the ability to relate well with peers, management, company stakeholders, clients and suppliers. Employees who know how to inspire others and help mediate conflict are in high demand. A company's most valuable employees are those who are great communicators and have personal traits, such as reliability and integrity. Those employees will be the company leaders. Joining Bulelani Balabala to talk about the Business of Communication is Munene Khoza - Founder and Principal Consultant at MINT Language Consultancy, Ziyanda Masiza - Founder & MD of Sakhingomso Consulting and ZiyandaM, and Nomalanga Sitole - Founder and Owner of The Voice Within.

CliffCentral.com — Digital business is the creation of new business designs by blurring the digital and physical worlds. It promises to usher in an unprecedented convergence of people, business and things that disrupts existing business models - even those born of the Internet and e-business eras. Digital technology drives improvement at the traditional business process and business model levels. However, the differentiating fight will be for “business moments” - the third level of digital reinvention created by the need to compete with increased speed and agility. With the growth of digital business also comes digital money or better yet, Cryptocurrency. A cryptocurrency (or crypto currency) is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets. Talking to us about Cryptocurrency and business digitisation is Shakes Motsilili, co-founder of Africa New Energies.

CliffCentral.com — The heart of your business success lies in its marketing. Most aspects of your business depend on successful marketing. Marketing is a process by which a product or service is introduced and promoted to potential customers. Without marketing, your business may offer the best products or services in your industry, but none of your potential customers would know about it. Marketing is one of the most important things a business can do. Not only does it build brand awareness but it can also increase sales, grow businesses and engage customers. Joining Bulelani this week is Medina Harverye, Founder and Managing Director of Dandelion Breeze; Zizo Tshwete – Projects & PR Executive at Dandelion Breeze, she is also a media personality and radio host... plus Lebogang Mokubela - CEO and Founder of the Lemok Group, a township-based digital agency, and winner of the Standard Bank Tshwane Business Awards 2016 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

CliffCentral.com — Mining in South Africa was once the main driving force behind the history and development of Africa's most advanced and richest economy. Large-scale and profitable mining started with the discovery of a diamond on the banks of the Orange River in 1867 by Erasmus Jacobs and the subsequent discovery and exploitation of the Kimberley pipes a few years later. For the mining industry transformation is not only for regulation purposes, it is a business requirement that the industry needs to adhere to for it to operate seamlessly. Mining has not only been viewed as a sexist industry in the past, but it was one of the vehicles used to entrench divisions amongst people - the industry itself became the complete example of discrimination in South Africa. That makes the transformation journey a bit more intense for the industry, especially with the broader South African society still being on the same journey itself. Talking to us about Transformation in Mining is, Maritha Erasmus - Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTS Holdings; Noluthando Zulu – Senior Analyst for Resources at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Moses Sibiya - the Founder and Managing Editor of two magazines, Mining CSI and Success-SA Publications.

CliffCentral.com — Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. An effective brand strategy gives you a major edge in increasingly competitive markets. But what exactly does "branding" mean and how does it affect a small business? Your brand strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. Where you advertise, your distribution channels, and what you communicate visually and verbally are part of your brand strategy too. The team chats to Mr Jay Badza - Founder and Head Honcho of Orchard On 25, Ms Beth Malatji - author of The Bootstrapper's Lifesaving Hacks and founder of ReBeth Wines, and Ms Tracy Loverson - Brand Specialist.

CliffCentral.com — It’s officially time to start thinking about 2018. The earlier you start to prepare for the New Year, the better off - and more prepared - you’ll be. So let’s start getting our New Year’s mindset together today. Winston Churchill once said, "Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning." There are two annual traditions that come with the start of every New Year. The first is making some resolutions - often involving health and your wealth, and the second is promptly breaking those resolutions a few weeks later. In fact, the process is so predictable that it has become something of a running joke in society these days and amongst friends and family. The team discusses the best ways to prepare you and your business for 2018 with guests Ms. Busi Selesho - Money Coach, and Mr Badi Promesse - Africa Vice-President for CIMA.

CliffCentral.com — In South Africa today, we have seen the vast growth within the entertainment industry with many patrons prepared to pay huge amounts of money in order to be attained. The business in some cases lacks growth due to management skills and business knowledge. It can also be one of the most profitable businesses one can get into. Bulelani speaks to two entrepreneurs who have managed to find their feet and grow their businesses in the entertainment industry. Mr Jorge Capkovic is the owner of Niche Cocktail Lounge in Johannesburg, and was the owner of the former popular Capitol Club. Mr Tebatso Kiewet is the owner of Coolerboxing Day Holdings, an entrepreneur and founder of Cooler Boxing Day annual event.