Author: Editor
By Kim Furman, Synthesis Marketing Manager The Olympics are the coalescence of excellence across countries and cultures – a showcase of the best doing their best. However, this year is tinged with something different – a world shaken by a pandemic, a fervent longing to see human triumph and athletes without their fanbase to cheer them on. It has been a place of massive learnings. These learnings hold true for life and particularly for working life: Together we go further This Olympic game was so different that it led to the change of the Olympic motto which has been the…
By Frikkie Malan, head of sustainability at Remote Metering Solutions Understand which buildings need certificates According to legislation enacted in December 2020, only certain buildings need to have EPCs by December 2022. These are buildings classified as offices, places of entertainment and public assembly, theatrical and indoor sport, and places of instruction. Within these categories, it is noteworthy that buildings owned, operated, or occupied by an organ of state greater than 1 000m² require a certificate where other buildings only require a certificate where the floor area is greater than 2 000m². For now, the likes of retail properties, factories, hospitals, private…
Make sure that your side hustle is legit before you lose your job over it The side hustle has become, for many people, an essential revenue stream at a time when salary cuts and the cost of living are going hand in hand. People are struggling to make ends meet, so the entrepreneurially minded are creating side hustles to bring those ends together. According to Nicol Myburgh, Head: CRS Technologies HCM Business Unit, the side hustle is, 99% of the time, not a fireable offence, but there are some things to look out for. “The most important consideration for your…
Leading provider of smart access control and security solutions dormakaba has launched a Riot Relief, a carefully planned initiative based on discounted products and services to help businesses recover from recent protest action. Recently, businesses in parts of Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces fell victim to widespread protest action which quickly spilled over into violent destruction of property and looting. Many business owners were left in complete despair amid the wanton vandalism and complete disregard for services and suppliers. For this reason and because the company has a proud track record of service to South Africa’s access control and security…
A dedicated cargo loyalty solution is nothing new. It is, however, less common compared to passenger driven loyalty solutions. Due to the new realities’ airlines find themselves in it is critical to optimise your cargo business to take the leading revenue generating role from your passenger business. This is not just true for your airline but also all your competitors, you need a solution that will give you a cost-effective and sustainable business edge. With the LoyaltyPlus Frequent Freighter solution – you are provided with an exceptional edge not just during these trying times but also for the future of…
By Howard Feldman, Head of Marketing & People at Synthesis If shooting oneself in the foot were an Olympic sport, South Africa would be world champions. There would be no waiting around for our swimmers and surfers to rescue us from mediocrity. Before the games even kicked off, we would be ready to mount the podium. Time and time again we would receive gold. Because we are just that good. And well trained at shooting ourselves in the foot. After all, we have been doing this from way before Covid was even a twinkle in anyone’s eye. For sake of…
Undertaking strike action is one thing. Bringing weapons to that strike is entirely another. Carrying a weapon during a strike action at your work premises could potentially be a fireable offence. A recent court case, Pailpac (Pty) Ltd v De Beer N.O and Others, confirmed that employees can be dismissed for having dangerous weapons during a strike and on company property. However, as Nicol Myburgh, Head: CRS Technologies HCM Business Unit, points out, it does increase the chance of a dismissal outcome if employees are made aware of the fact that they cannot bring weapons to work. “Employees should be…
Distressed properties, coupled with the current low interest rates, have resulted in exceptional buying conditions which will likely stay put for some time.Favourable sales are still possible as long as properties are priced and marketed strategically.The rental market is experiencing a serious oversupply of properties since the pandemic. Some extraordinary bargains are coming onto the market in the form of distressed properties. This, coupled with the current low interest rates, means the exceptional buying conditions experienced over the last year will likely be staying put for some time. This is the view of Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property…
By Howard Feldman, Head of Marketing & People at Synthesis It is possible that cooking oil prevented more looting in South Africa in the last week than the President, the ANC, the intelligence community, the army and the police combined. This, without question, says something about the versatility of the product. It says even more about the state of the state. When you are shown up by canola, you might want to revisit your strategy. It’s not even as if it was extra virgin olive oil known for its health properties. A video shared on social media of looters in…
Public relations is the very flip side of your business offering and of managing your reputation in tough or controversial times, says Pieter Cronjé, an independent international consultant in communication, business growth, branding and leadership. In the attached podcast, he quotes the marketing guru Seth Godin, who states there are two reasons why people will do business with a company: firstly because they know about you and are aware of your services and products; and secondly because they trust you. Trust, however, has to be earned. Unless you consistently over time tell your customer and clients what you do and…