Opportunity Issue 108

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Let a thousand SMMEs bloom Many people are not suited to being business owners. But for people who are willing to put up with long hours, lots of stress and tiresome paperwork, there are great potential rewards. The idea that entrepreneurship can fix South Africa’s unemployment problem, as some politicians and commentators have been suggesting, is unrealistic but small businesses can certainly get more people into work and improve lives. Entrepreneurship is a new subject at some TVET colleges and a productive area for SMMEs is in the supply chains of big companies. The support of a corporate, a mining or a retail company can take many forms: low-interest loans, equipment, advice, transport, access to land or markets and offtake agreements. South Africa also has several active incubators, helping businesses survive and thrive. One such entity is the Tholoana Enterprise Programme, which operates outside of the major supply chains and in rural areas. Backed by the SAB Foundation, Tholoana mentors owners, teaches business skills and provides access to resources. Running a business is hard work, but there is help out there for entrepreneurs who want to learn the ropes. In this issue Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane outlines his vision for how mining can transform South Africa. The sector will play a key role in the national and global transition to new energy. SMMEs are the focus of Nico Jacobs’ work as CEO of the South African Future Trust. An interview with Nico covers the transition this fund is making from being dedicated to helping businesses meet their payrolls during the Covid pandemic to having a broader remit, including consulting with SMME owners and putting them in touch with advisors. Nico also reflects on the inaugural South African Future Trust Summit. A team of legal experts from Webber Wentzel present an argument for a positive approach to the growing centrality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in mining. Sustainability in mining is also the subject of Rudie Opperman’s article, but his focus is technology. Opperman is well placed to discuss how mining can better utilise many new technologies to reduce environmental impact. Energy has been an important area of focus for all businesses in recent times, and retail is no exception. Solly Engelbrecht, National Logistics Executive at The SPAR Group, applies his mind to the future of distribution in the retail sector in an energy-scarce world. Localisation is among the key approaches that should be adopted to ensure a reliable power supply. Having worked on the use of mobile apps with the insurance industry, Yaron Assabi, the founder of the Digital Solutions Group (DSG), has penetrating insights into how a frictionless commerce experience can improve customer retention. Many South Africans will be interested and relieved to read that loadshedding can be beaten. Vodacom Group Chief Technology Officer, Dejan Kastelic, explains how “virtual wheeling” has been trialled and tested by his company, working with Eskom. In an article about the impact of paper on forests, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) analyses the results of an international survey into environmental perceptions. Cymbeline Harilal, Instructional Designer at The Independent Institute of Education, contributes an article on how universities should be equipping students with the relevant skills for the modern workplace. Another article focusses on the potential South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas hold for the tourism sector. John Young, Editor 8 | www.opportunityonline.co.za www.opportunityonline.co.za Editor: John Young Publishing Director: Chris Whales Managing Director: Clive During Online Editor: Christoff Scholtz Production: Sharon Angus Leppan Designer: Salmah Brown Advert Sales: Shiko Diala Vanessa Wallace Venesia Fowler Gabriel Venter Tennyson Naidoo Tahlia Wyngaard Mandlenkosi Dlamini Gavin van der Merwe Graeme February Sam Oliver Administration & Accounts: Charlene Steynberg Kathy Wootton Sharon Angus-Leppan Distribution and Circulation Manager: Edward MacDonald Printing: FA Print PUBLISHED BY Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07 Directors: Clive During & Chris Whales Physical Address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700 Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701 Tel: +27 21 657 6200 Email: info@gan.co.za Website: www.gan.co.za No portion of this book may be reproduced without written consent of the copyright owner. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of <strong>Opportunity</strong>, nor the publisher, none of whom accept liability of any nature arising out of, or in connection with, the contents of this book. The publishers would like to express thanks to those who support this publication by their submission of articles and with their advertising. All rights reserved.
57 micro enterprises accessed affordable credit. 22 496 learners accessed Maths and Science content. 183 449 learners accessed new digital education content. 865 290 litres of clean water supplied to low-income people. THE SAB FOUNDATION IMPACT Set up in 2010 as one element of the broad-based black economic empowerment transaction by the South African Breweries, the SAB Foundation is an independent trust that annually invests millions of rands towards developing entrepreneurship in South Africa. The SAB Foundation provides funding for small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged persons through entrepreneurship development. The focus is on providing opportunities within small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises for women, the youth, people in rural areas, as well as people with disabilities. The SAB Foundation’s recently released 2023 annual impact report reveals a notable achievement. The entrepreneurs in the programmes achieved a business survival rate exceeding 90% over five years, and collectively generated an impressive half a billion rand in revenue from 2015 to March 2023. To read the full impact report visit: www.sabfoundation.co.za/impact
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MARITIME TOURISM Walkers in the Mka
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GAP COVER Planning ahead In additio
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THAPANTHA FINANCIAL SERVICES Demyst
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Opportunity Issue 108

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