The Mamre Rugby Grounds came alive with the thrilling action of the OK Mamre community 7’s tournament on Saturday, 25 November. Hosted in collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department, the event showcased a spectacular fusion of sport, music and food.

As part of the City’s commitment to community engagement and the promotion of local sports, the Recreation and Parks Department played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the tournament.

 The Department has been an integral part of this community-driven initiative, contributing to its growth and success with this year marking its second edition.

 The tournament, which featured an exciting line-up of local rugby teams, brought together the Mamre community for a day of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

 The event’s festivities extended beyond the rugby field, encompassing live music and an array of food offerings.

 ‘The Department could not have done it without the support of the Mamre community, participants and organisers. The City is committed to supporting events which bring communities together and promote sport,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

 The event was opened by Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews.

 ‘The OK Mamre Community 7’s Tournament is a celebration of community spirit, athleticism and cultural richness. Rugby is all about getting across the advantage line, and in life we also need to get across the advantage line. May you also use the commitment and discipline you get from rugby to be successful in life. We understand that in communities such as Mamre or Atlantis there are other  barriers that we need to remove to be successful. But if you are disciplined, motivated and focussed you can achieve success. Congratulations to everyone who was part of the organising committee,’ said Alderman Andrews.

 Twenty-four teams entered the tournament, with St George’s RFC winning the cup final. The runners-up were Hilcrest RFC.

 Outstanding players of the tournament were Dillon Oppelt (Mamre), Curtley Swanepoel (Hilcrest), Elias Thomas (St Georges), Chad Passens (Hamlets) and Player of the tournament Ronaldo Daniels of St George’s RFC.

 The team that scored the most tries on the day was UWC (21).

 The event was also attended by City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo, ward councillor Allistair Lightburn and Councillor Moosa Raise

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The South African youth unemployment rate is alarmingly high, which is leading to more young people turning to entrepreneurship as a solution to changing the trajectory and creating economic activity in their communities.

Supporting youth entrepreneurship is a critical task that requires collective efforts because by supporting the youth, young people are given the opportunity to attain their business goals and minimise the number of youth who continue to experience challenging business environments and outcomes.

The Metropolitan Collective Shapers initiative aims to invigorate youth economically through knowledge, skills and enabling a sustainable future to reach their entrepreneurship goals and to empower their communities.

By garnering the already present passion for interests that youth have in an area, the programme aims to instill generational knowledge as well as new ways of running already existing businesses.

After a successful pilot in 2021 in Polokwane, the Metropolitan’s Collective Shapers programme is launching in Tshwane, focusing on youth-owned businesses in the food and hospitality sector.

The initiative, which will be rolled out in conjunction with BPO Skills Academy – an accredited education services organisation that provides specialist skills development and job creation programmes for the youth nationally – will see participants upskilled on the practical and business sides of the hospitality and food industry.

Metropolitan has also partnered with Value Ed, an organisation that offers developmental programmes online for future leaders, and they will be providing entrepreneurial skills training, as well as soft and mindset skills throughout the immersive five-month business programme for startups.

“Polokwane was a proof point that there are young people out there who have the hunger and drive to grow their businesses, but only lack the relevant support and knowledge” said Phumla Mavundla, head of marketing: product and channel at metropolitan.

“The initiative is close to our hearts because it is not about throwing money at the youth unemployment problem in the hopes that it will fix itself, but rather about giving youth tools to create long-lasting and sustainable opportunities that can become solutions for themselves and broader Tshwane communities and beyond.” she adds.

Youth living in Tshwane between the ages of 18 and 34, who are already active in the food and hospitality sector are encouraged to apply to be part of the programme at www.metropolitan.co.za.

Applicants must be permanent residents in South Africa, have a registered business in the food and hospitality sector that’s been in operation for no less than two years with the business being 51% or more black owned.

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SA tech company GoMetro that operates in the fleet management space, has announced the successful completion of a £9m (R214m) Series A funding round.

The round was led by new investor Zenobē, with significant participation by FutureGrowth Asset Managers. Following-on in the Series A round were existing investors 4 Decades Capital, Hlayisani Capital, Tritech Global, Kalon Venture Partners, ESquared Ventures and Greg Fury.

The infusion of capital will serve as a catalyst for GoMetro’s mission to digitise heavy duty commercial transport operations and further develop its state-of-the-art fleet management platform in its key markets of the United Kingdom, EU, USA and South Africa.

Fleet owners operate in a highly competitive space in both the bus and truck sector. The risk of losing market share to competitors who are rapidly adopting technology solutions can be minimised if fleet operators can position their operations for growth and stay competitive in the ever-changing market.

GoMetro aims to use this funding to strengthen its software platform to provide fleet operators with even more robust tools for managing and optimising all-electric fleets. This includes refining existing features and introducing new functionalities that align with the evolving needs of the industry, as well as expanding the number of devices supported on GoMetro Bridge.

“Embracing data-driven decision-making systems that empower operators to better manage fleet utilisation, optimise resources, reduce risk and enhance customer satisfaction can be a real competitive edge that catapults transport companies beyond the reach of their competitors,” states GoMetro founder, Justin Coetzee.

The landscape of heavy goods vehicle electrification is undergoing rapid evolution, marked by the emergence of electric vehicle (EV) models in big bus and truck models, championed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as BYD, Yutong, Higer, Renault, Volvo, and Scania. This is true for both electric buses and commercial truck models.

Yet, the seamless integration of EVs into predominantly diesel fleets present challenges related to business continuity and the effective management of business operations powered by multiple data sources – such as telematics data, data from battery management systems and charger management systems.

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This weekend, Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, cut the ribbon at the official opening of the City-funded BPO Sunday School in Athlone.

The school will be administered by CapeBPO, the City’s Special Purpose Vehicle, in the Cape Flats areas.

 ‘Thanks to the City’s commitment towards skills development and investment promotion of high growth industries such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Cape Town has become an internationally sought-after location for businesses and investors in the sector. Through initiatives such as the BPO Sunday School which is an addition to the Schools programme, we are exposing school leavers to the huge opportunities available to them. In this way, we are giving young people tangible hope for a career that will go places,’ said Alderman Vos.

 Unemployed youth will embark on a crash course over three weeks and in the fourth week there will be an open industry recruitment. They will cover modules targeting work readiness and conversational fluency among other key skills.

 ‘The school’s opening coincides with some exciting news: between July and September this year, 2 993 new international call centre jobs were recorded. Meanwhile, the forecasted new jobs anticipated for October to December is a whopping 3 475. This sector now employs around 80 000 people with 60 000 of them servicing international clients. The BPO market contributes billions of rands to Cape Town’s economy and with new call centres popping up all across the metro, such gains will continue and the opportunities will grow,’ said Alderman Vos.

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Mercedes-Benz South Africa, in partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, developed a socio-economic development Incubation Hub to capacitate, nurture and accelerate the growth of non-profit organisations that uplift communities in East London, Eastern Cape. Today, Mercedes-Benz South Africa graduated non-profit organisations from its Incubation Hub programme and donated R6,000,000 towards social causes championed by these non-profits.

“Our mission has always been to play an active role in the sustainable impact of the communities in which we operate. The Incubation Hub acknowledges the significant role of non-profit organisations in our efforts to promote community upliftment and make a tangible difference and impact in the lives of many in the Eastern Cape.”

Abey Kgotle, Executive Director: Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Mercedes-Benz South Africa

The Incubation Hub is an extension of a nine-year partnership between Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Laureus Sports for Good Foundation. Now in its second year running, this year’s cohort of non-profit organisations embarked on a four-month training programme where they were supported, empowered, and professionally developed.

The Incubation Hub offered support and mentorship to the NPOs by providing guidance on organisational strategy, governance, child safeguarding & vetting, financial management, monitoring & evaluation as well as online education sessions, mentorship and access to networks and other crucial aspects of managing an NPO. The support provided by the Incubation Hub was intended to significantly increase the chances of a the NPO’s success.

The training programme culminated in a graduation ceremony and the donation of R 1,500,000 to the three best performing NPOs which were iZibalo NPC, EduSport Youth and Thetha Nathi Counselling Services. R300 000 was awarded to each participating organisation of the Incubation Hub as recognition of their commitment to sustainable community solutions. These organisations will work with the company to implement practical and sustainable solutions to uplift communities located in the Eastern Cape, through a focus on MBSA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars including Education, Women Empowerment and Community Upliftment, to name a few.

“The Incubation Hub provided a supportive ecosystem that accelerated the growth and success of the NPOs. The concept of incubation supports with the overarching role Laureus sees itself performing – enabling positive social transformation through sport, but also facilitating transformation through meaningful partnerships. We are very pleased with the ground-breaking work we continue to deliver in partnership with Mercedes-Benz South Africa.”

Marlene Coetzee-George, Chief Executive Officer, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa.

As MBSA and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation move forward in their commitment to social-economic development, the Incubation Hub stands as a testament to their shared vision of creating a positive and lasting impact in communities throughout the Eastern Cape.

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Driven by her dedication to bringing about positive change in her community, Brizelda Titus, a local social worker, has been a beacon of hope in the Gamagara community having positively impacted the lives of hundreds of children.

With support from REISA Solar, Brizelda has now taken her passion for community development to establish her own social support business, Boipelo Resources, which continues to address the social emotional and behavioural barriers to learning, helping to ensure a conducive environment for learning and development.

“Emotional well-being often remains a neglected aspect of our lives. As a company, our mission is to reshape the narrative around emotions, portraying them not as weaknesses but as strengths that pave the way for personal growth and self-improvement. By addressing mental health issues, we aim to contribute to better communities and a healthier workforce,” said Brizelda.

As a beneficiary of REISA Solar’s SMME programme since 2021, Brizelda has shown dedication and passion for creating healthier communities and boosting the local economy. Established in 2020, the company initially served five schools and has since grown to cover 17 schools, employing a team of 11 professionals.

“As advocates for sustainable community development, we are proud to support Brizelda and Boipelo Resources. Her unwavering commitment to social support services aligns seamlessly with our vision for positive change. Through the SMME Programme, we aim to not only empower entrepreneurs like Brizelda but also contribute to the creation of healthier, more resilient communities,” stated Shariefa Rhode, Community Operations Manager for REISA Solar.

REISA Solar, through grant funding, has played a crucial role in Boipelo Resources’ success. The support provided has facilitated the establishment of a fully equipped office, complete with necessary furniture and branding, allowing Brizelda to focus on her mission of making a positive impact.

 “Being part of the REISA Solar SMME programme has boosted my self-confidence, given me insight into strategic planning, and enhanced my financial management abilities. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support from REISA, their belief in my capabilities has been my driving force during challenging times,” expressed Brizelda.

Looking ahead, Boipelo Resources aims to expand its impact, create more jobs, and establish a skills development facility. Brizelda envisions a society where learners can focus on their education without the burden of running households. The company aims to foster strong parent-child relationships and collaborate with local service providers to address social challenges.

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Men’s health month is a fitting reminder that early detection of prostate cancer starts with being aware of our general prostate health. Given that prostate cancer grows slowly, by the time men experience symptoms, the cancer may already be advanced. In line with the South African National Integrated Men’s Health Strategy 2020-2025, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages all men aged 50 and older to undergo annual prostate screenings at our healthcare facilities, especially if there is a family history of cancer.

The exact prevalence for prostate cancer in the Western Cape is not known, but according to 2019 data from Statistics South Africa, it is now the most common diagnosed cancer under males in the country, at 25,3% of all cancers.

“While there is no national-level screening programme for this cancer, survival rates improve with early detection of this disease. Quality of life also improves with early diagnosis, as the patient might avoid extensive treatment and surgery,” said Dr Hilary Goeiman, Director of Services Priority Coordination at the Department.

Prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis. Experts do not know what causes it, but the risk increases with age.

According to Dr Pieter Spies, a Urologist at Tygerberg Hospital, the largest public health facility in the province, prostate cancer is a serious disease. Over the past three years, the average age of men diagnosed with prostate cancer at the hospital was 66, ranging from 43-90 years.

“The reasons for this are multifactorial. We are seeing an increase in the number of patients being diagnosed but sadly, also a significant increase in deaths from prostate cancer. Patients still present very late with prostate cancer diagnosis. At Tygerberg Hospital, 39% of all new prostate cancer diagnosis are already non-curable due to the advanced stage of the disease. If we compare this to the 4-8% incidence of non-curable disease at diagnosis in the United Kingdom and United States, we are still very far behind in picking up prostate cancer early,” said Dr Spies.

Men should seek urgent medical assistance if they have difficulty starting and maintaining urination, a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, or a weak urine stream.

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A blind mole with an iridescent coat sheen that ‘swims’ through sand and has been lost to science since 1936 is lost no longer, thanks to a team of conservationists and geneticists from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the University of Pretoria. The rediscovered De Winton’s golden mole–which is from South Africa–is the 11th of the world’s most wanted lost species to be rediscovered since the Search for Lost Species launched in 2017. A research paper, “Environmental DNA from soil reveals the presence of a ‘lost’ Afrotherian species,” published Nov. 24, in the scientific journal Biodiversity and Conservation, describes the incredible lengths the team went to in order to rediscover the species.

“It was a very exciting project with many challenges,” said Esther Matthew, senior field officer with Endangered Wildlife Trust. “Luckily we had a fantastic team full of enthusiasm and innovative ideas. Which is exactly what you need when you have to survey up to 18 kilometers [11.2 miles] of dune habitat in a day.”

The EWT-led team used a burgeoning technique never used before to detect golden moles: environmental DNA (eDNA), which is the DNA that animals shed as they move through the environment, typically in the form of skin cells, hair and bodily excretions. In addition to living in largely inaccessible burrows, golden moles have extremely sensitive hearing and can detect vibrations from movement above ground, which helps them avoid being seen from the surface. They also rarely leave tunnels behind that are visible from the surface as they move under the sand.

“Extracting DNA from soil is not without its challenges, but we have been honing our skills and refining our techniques—even before this project—and we were fairly confident that if De Winton’s golden mole was in the environment, we would be able to detect it by finding and sequencing its DNA,” said Samantha Mynhardt, conservation geneticist with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Stellenbosch University.

After collecting more than 100 soil samples in June 2021 from beaches and dunes on the northwest coast of South Africa—including Port Nolloth beach, the only place where De Winton’s golden mole had ever been found—and conducting a complex and comprehensive genetic analysis of each sample, the team determined that there were several species of golden mole living in the sand along the stretch of coast.

Two more common species—Cape golden mole and Grant’s golden mole—were found, as well as a third species, Van Zyl’s golden mole, which is endangered and rare. The fourth species the team found was De Winton’s golden mole, but it took almost another year to definitively prove that. Since De Winton’s golden mole is genetically very similar to Van Zyl’s golden mole, the team needed more genetic information about De Winton’s golden mole to confidently identify it using eDNA.

At the time, there was only one De Winton’s golden mole reference DNA sequence available. That DNA sequence represents a nuclear gene that has limited variation between De Winton’s and Van Zyl’s golden mole, meaning the team couldn’t confidently assign the fourth species to De Winton’s at that time.

Nearly a year later, the search team found exactly the information they needed to finally solve the case. A second gene sequence for a De Winton’s golden mole specimen (now housed at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town) became publicly available in January 2022. It was a mitochondrial gene—from a much more variable part of the genome that has much higher levels of variation between De Winton’s and Van Zyl’s. When the team compared their eDNA sequences from Port Nolloth beach to the new reference sequence, it was a clear match to De Winton’s golden mole.

“Though many people doubted that De Winton’s golden mole was still out there, I had good faith that the species had not yet gone extinct,” said Cobus Theron, senior conservation manager for EWT and a member of the search team. “I was convinced it would just take the right detection method, the proper timing, and a team passionate about finding it. Now not only have we solved the riddle, but we have tapped into this eDNA frontier where there is a huge amount of opportunity not only for moles, but for other lost or imperiled species.” [Read more about the exciting rediscovery of De Winton’s Golden Mole.]

The Endangered Wildlife Trust has been working to rediscover De Winton’s golden mole for more than two years. They began by identifying areas in South Africa where it was possible the species was living undetected and by interviewing people from local communities.

At each search site they used several different tools to locate golden moles and traces of them. A scent-detection border collie specially trained to sniff out golden moles, accompanied the team and helped lead them to trails left behind by the animals.

When the team arrived on the beach in Port Nolloth there were fresh golden mole trails in the sand, made more visible by recent rain. However, it can be very difficult to identify a species of golden mole from its physical characteristics alone, so despite seeing golden moles, they also collected soil samples for eDNA analysis to accurately determine the species that left the trails.

Since the expedition in 2021, EWT has identified four additional De Winton’s golden mole populations. They are working to protect the moles and learn more about the species with the support of the National Research Foundation’s Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) in South Africa, Rainforest Trust, and Prince Bernhard Nature Fund.

In addition to the De Winton’s golden mole, Re:wild, working with partners across the globe, has confirmed the rediscovery of Jackson’s climbing salamander in Guatemala, both Wallace’s giant bee and the velvet pitcher plant in Indonesia, the silver-backed chevrotain in Vietnam, the Somali sengi in Djibouti, the Voeltzkow’s chameleon in Madagascar, Fernandina giant tortoise in the Galápagos, Sierra Leone crab in Sierra Leone, the Pernambuco holly tree in Brazil and Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna in Indonesia.

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ISUZU Motors South Africa is proud to announce the handover of three new ISUZU D-MAX bakkies to humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers, renewing its commitment to amplify efforts to bring critical disaster relief to affected areas, often in hard-to-reach and remote locations across South Africa.

The handover is a continuation of a partnership started in 2019 where a total of three ISUZU D-MAX bakkies and three ISUZU trucks. The partnership has since seen these vehicles help Gift of the Givers with much needed logistical support in carrying out its humanitarian work and disaster relief efforts across the country, often navigating difficult terrain to reach those communities facing adversity.

The ISUZU D-MAX bakkies are built for solid performance, fuel efficiency and reliability which will continue to allow the Gift of the Givers teams to service areas that are difficult to reach.

In 2019, ISUZU handed over three water tankers, still used today, (two 7500 litres and one 5000 litres) in efforts to provide water to drought-stricken areas such as Makhanda, Graaff Reinet, Somerset East, Alice and Fort Beaufort, transporting an average of 250 000 litres of water per month.

“At ISUZU Motors South Africa we care about the communities within which we operate. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to taking action and boldly doing more to make a positive impact in uplifting vulnerable communities. Our collaboration with Gift of the Givers reflects the core team values of our organisation and has significantly expanded our ability to rapidly respond to our communities when they need it most. We pride ourselves in being a company that builds reliable vehicles that bring hope to our communities,” says ISUZU Motors South Africa, Senior Vice President: Human Capital and Corporate Affairs, Mongezi Hermans.

The partnership has provided Gift of the Givers with fundamental support needed to further extend its disaster relief efforts to provinces that have suffered from devastating floods and drought which include Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

“As we receive these three ISUZU D-MAX bakkies today, we are extremely motivated to do more. These vehicles are lifelines which serve as a critical logistic tool, especially with mobilising our teams to reach communities situated in challenging terrains. Transport forms a big part of what we do as we are often the first point of contact to provide disaster relief to those in need, making our partnership with ISUZU invaluable.”, says Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder: Gift of the Givers.

ISUZU had previously made available three D-MAX bakkies and three trucks, for Gift of the Givers to support communities in distress.

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TEARS is joining millions of non-profits around the world in the global generosity movement, GivingTuesday, on November 28, 2023 by inviting its followers and supporters to each donate R20 in an attempt to raise a million Rand to meet the organisation’s fundraising shortfalls.

This is the first time TEARS has aligned a fundraising campaign to GivingTuesday, and hopes to generate a groundswell of support from Capetonians by inspiring individuals to donate R20 on November 28, 2023 and provide vital funding to support the TEARS Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Clinic teams, and the TEARS Kennel and Cattery, which collectively rehabilitate and rehome nearly 1000 rescue pets, annually.

Says TEARS Head of Marketing and Fundraising, Lara Van Rensburg,  “While most people think of TEARS as a Kennel and Cattery by far the most critical part of TEARS, and the beating heart of its’ outreach and animal welfare operation, are the TEARS Mobile Clinic and TEARS Veterinary Hospital which rescue up to 100 animals every month.”

Based on its most critical outputs which include veterinary outreach, rescue, and treatment support to homeless, abused, injured and sick companion animals TEARS is hoping to raise R1,2M as part of its fundraising budget for this fiscal. The organisation relies 100% on donations and spends approximately R8,000,000.00 – R10,000,000.00 on veterinary treatment and community outreach per annum; and approximately R 600,000.00 per month to operate the TEARS Hospital and Mobile Clinics and provide the welfare and rescue services that it does across the Southern Cape Peninsula.

The TEARS Veterinary Hospital, which is open seven days per week, is headed up by Dr Tania Hauer and includes nine support staff. It operates between 8am and 4.30pm daily, with the TEARS Mobile Clinics continuing to operate until 9pm daily ~ offering the only companion animal welfare healthcare after-hour service in the Southern Peninsula. The TEARS Veterinary Hospital  includes a second surgery and a dedicated cat Ward and processes an average of 50-60 patients per day, which include sterilisations, scheduled and emergency surgeries and a variety of assessments and tests that range from blood work, X-rays and ultra-sounds.

“We’re optimistic that we can set a record for the most amount of money donated to a Cape Town based animal rescue charity on any previous GivingTuesday. If each one of our social media followers pledges support for this campaign we’ll raise in excess of R1M, which will powerfully demonstrate how each person’s “small change”  can make a big collective difference,” concludes Van Rensburg.

GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” comments Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s Chief Executive Officer. “With country and community leaders, millions of organisations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday is creating a shared space where we can see the radical implications of a more generous world.”

Those who are interested in joining TEARS’ R20 to Change the World” GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.tears.org.za/givingtuesday and donate via SnapScan or Zapper, using GivingTuesday as a reference. EFT donations can also be made via the TEARS bank account:

Acc Name: TEARS

Bank: Standard Bank

Current Bank Account: 072062886 / Branch No: 051001

Donations to TEARS are tax deductible, with donors receiving a Section 18A tax receipt.

For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit the GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTuesday and #GivingTuesday on Twitter.

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Young children learn by imitating the behaviours of those around them, especially adults in their immediate environment. What they see and hear – they do. While this is perfectly acceptable when it applies to the respectable traits and good habits that form the foundation of being a responsible citizen, it is not for those behaviours that are inappropriate, toxic and harmful. Our children emulate all our behaviours because they do not know the difference. It is up to us to show them.

For the past 25 years South Africa has initiated its annual 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children campaign, but despite efforts, gender-based violence is rampant in the country. Every single day there are 146 sexual offences reported, of which 116 are cases of rape, the vast majority of which involve adolescent girls and young women. That is compounded by the daily reality that 200 women are being diagnosed with HIV and 291 live births are recorded to young women under the age of 20.

Femicide, rape and violence have become an uncomfortable but seemingly accepted part of our culture, disproportionately affecting adolescent girls and young women. To have any chance of eradicating gender-based violence we need to stop only focusing on the survivors, we need to stop acting like prevention is their responsibility. Women do not abuse themselves and so we must turn the lens to where the challenge begins.

The face of gender-based violence in South Africa is overwhelmingly female and specifically black female, with one in five women having experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. Awareness of this reality is critical so while we must continue running campaigns geared towards changing societal and gender norms and having conversations with older men that raise awareness about patriarchy and power dynamics, focusing on this adult segment is too late to really have a meaningful impact. What we need to do is shift our efforts to younger men and boys.

There is an isiZulu proverb “umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi” which translates to “you have to bend the stick while it is still wet”. The experiences of boys in their childhood will influence the men they become. This is why we need to consider the behaviours they are exposed to and the conversations we are having with them, while there is still time to shape their thinking and influence their actions.

Boys are products of their cultural environment and in South Africa, these immediate environments are often violent. Watching the actions of fathers, father figures, role models and mentors in their own homes, boys will then replicate these behaviours. We are shocked when they act inappropriately but that is precisely the bar that we have set for them. What is the calibre of role models these young boys are taking reference from? Are these the men we would entrust with our daughters, younger sisters, nieces?

And it is not just acts of violence, these older male figures are teaching lessons and setting examples by how they engage with and talk to their wives, girlfriends, aunts, sisters, grandmothers and daughters. Men are regarded as being in charge, as being superior, being stronger and providing more value, all of which implies that women and girls fill the opposite role.

When we raise boys and girls differently, we reinforce that genders are not equal and therefore not worthy of the same respect. To usher in a new generation of South African men who are masculine in a positive, sensitive and accountable way, we need to start having honest and frank conversations with young men and boys.

There is a lot of work to be done and the starting point is in our own homes. It is the essential duty of parents and guardians to lead by example, so children mimic good and acceptable behaviours, and it is key that they address gender-based violence head-on. Talk about what contributes to violence against women and girls, male privilege and toxic masculinity, what sexuality and consent mean, and gender roles and family dynamics.

As the mother of two boys, I firmly believe in having open conversations that cover all topics, even the uncomfortable ones. These ongoing exchanges do not only relate to how men and boys treat women and girls, but also to how stereotypes and inequalities are addressed. By giving them the space to talk about what they observe, how they feel and how they respond, they self-realise that exclusion based on someone’s beliefs, sexual orientation, gender or race is incorrect. As soon as you deem a person “different”, you are disempowering them and that perpetuates the cycle. The lesson to teach is that it is not just how you treat women, it is how you treat all people from all walks of life as equals and worthy of the same level of respect.

Show young men and boys that they do not always have to be tough, strong and dominant and that vulnerability, emotion and fear are within the range of what is perfectly normal and acceptable human emotion. We need to cultivate a space where women and men are equally respected, and where a mother’s opinion holds equal weight to the father’s. This will only happen if we raise our boys to become the men our daughters deserve.

However, it is not the sole responsibility of parents and guardians, these conversations that start in the home must continue at schools with teachers and principals. Education is key in providing information to boys about gender stereotypes, how traditional masculinity contributes to gender-based violence, how to have healthy relationships, the importance of sexual consent and having respect for women and girls.

This knowledge must be shared in safe and supported spaces, where boys can talk openly and comfortably about their feelings, fears and anxieties, and where they can share emotions in a healthy way. By teaching boys how to inhabit their masculinity in a respectful and responsible manner, we can influence how they see themselves and ultimately, the kinds of men they grow up to become.

To really have an impact on the next generation, we also need to be conscious about who it is that is having these conversations, as men listen to other men – not to women. Young men and boys need a relatable voice, which is why it is crucial for more men to step up and actively participate in challenging the social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and girls. Men have a central role to play in becoming positive role models, projecting healthy models of masculinity and promoting gender equality and equity.

Gender-based violence devastates the lives of girls, women, families, communities and the country. To end the scourge, we must focus on prevention and stopping the violence before it happens. By having meaningful and direct conversations with young men and boys and helping them to become affirmed, well-adjusted and conscious members of our society, we empower them to be the responsible allies we need to eradicate violence against women and girls.

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In a collaborative effort to address primary healthcare needs in the Northern Cape, two local solar farms have funded a programme to strengthen the Khai-Ma Municipality’s Department of Health by fortifying services through a mobile health initiative in the towns of Pofadder, Witbank, Pella, and Onseepkans.

The programme, which commenced during March this year, reached four communities and served almost 1,500 community members, predominantly school children. Funded by Aggeneys Solar and Konkoonsies II Solar, the primary objectives of the initiative included providing essential health care screening, oral screening, optometry screening, and health education for learners and community members.

This effort aims to offer system-strengthening support to the Khai-Ma Local Department of Health, which faces challenges related to inadequate resources and staffing.

Implemented in collaboration with INNOVO Mobile Healthcare, the programme conducted comprehensive screenings and health education sessions with a particular emphasis on topics such as healthy eating, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and water safety among school learners.

The Mobile Health Care Support programme has supported four schools across the communities providing vital health services, contributing to the overall well-being of the communities.

“We are proud to have reached a milestone in September this year, which included the hand-over of 411 prescription glasses to the Department of Education and the Department of Health, following optometry services rendered by our implementation partners. We believe that this programme has had a positive impact on healthcare services and education in the Khai-Ma Municipality showcasing the tangible benefits that arise from collaboration,” said Jeremy Prins, Social Performance Co-Ordinator for Aggeneys Solar and Konkoonsies II Solar.

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In the heart of Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, The Little Givers Creche and Kindergarten is making an indelible impact on the lives of 21 underprivileged children, providing hope in the face of poverty and overcrowded living conditions.

Dedicated to offering essential education and socialization opportunities, the Little Givers Creche serves as a safe haven for these children, countering the challenges of poverty and cramped living conditions. Through a nurturing environment, Little Givers is committed to empowering these young minds and contributing to their holistic development.

Many parents in this community grapple with unemployment or seasonal employment, resulting in meager financial resources. The children endure cramped living conditions in small wooden wendy houses, with an average of 15 people per unit. This impedes their ability to study and thrive due to a lack of privacy and dedicated time for homework.

Recognizing these challenges, The Little Givers creche and kindergarten strive to provide a nurturing environment with stimulating learning opportunities and essential socialization experiences for the children.

However, sustaining the facility’s operation requires funding for salaries, maintenance, utilities, rent, food, and cleaning, totaling a monthly fee of R550 per child. Regrettably, this fee exceeds what the parents can afford, despite their commendable contribution of 32 percent of the costs in 2021.

Over the past three years, The Little Givers project has been fortunate to receive generous support from both corporate entities and individuals through donations and in-kind contributions. However, the current financial year presents a pressing shortfall of R70,000.

To bridge this gap, The Little Givers has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. Currently, over R17,000 has been raised towards their R70,000 target.

Although this is a commendable achievement, additional funding is urgently needed to sustain operations and cover ongoing expenses.

“Your consideration and support are instrumental in enabling us to make a tangible difference in the lives of these deserving children. Together, we can empower them with the education and opportunities they deserve,” says Little Givers.

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In recognition of United Nations World Toilet Day, Save Our Schools Non Profit Organisation (SOSNPO) announced the launch of a ground-breaking ablution project that aims to address critical water, sanitation, and hygiene barriers in the community of Bloekombos, Kraaifontein.

This transformative initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SOSNPO, Esor Construction, and Container World, who have joined forces to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. The unique project refurbished a containerised unit into a fully-functional sanitation station, equipped with two shower cubicles and ablution facilities catering to both boys and girls.

The strategically located container, will not only serve the broader Bloekombos community, but will also extend its services to the local preschool situated on the premises. What sets this project apart is not only its functional purpose, but the artistic and cultural elements incorporated into its design.

The container’s exterior is adorned with a vibrant mural painted by a local artist, adding community identity to the structure, and showcases the three brands’ unified passion towards piping water solutions for the greater good of communities.

CEO of Esor Construction, Wessel van Zyl comments: “Esor Construction is proud to be associated with SOS in providing assistance and solutions in the areas we operate. We have had a long-standing relationship with the City of Cape Town in delivering water and sanitation projects and are cementing our footprint in the Western Cape through this collaboration with SOS. Providing sanitation solutions and restoring dignity to the communities are a win-win solution.”

The interior is equally unique, featuring a distinctive ‘shweshwe’ pattern that seamlessly integrates the logos of the three partnering entities— Save Our Schools Non Profit, Esor Construction, and Container World. This collaboration not only serves a functional purpose but also stands as a testament to the power of unity and shared goals. Container World’s CSI consultant comments:

“The greatest impact comes from right-fit partnerships. This collaboration between SOS/Esor/Container World is certainly going to have a positive impact in this community. This well designed, properly installed, safe and dependable sanitation unit will be a blessing to this neighbourhood.

Thank you to SOS for including us in this initiative.” UN World Toilet Day, observed annually on November 19th, serves as a global reminder of the importance of access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities. By launching this ablution project on such a significant occasion, SOSNPO underscores its commitment to overcoming the challenges faced by impoverished communities in the realm of water, sanitation, and hygiene.

In South Africa, approximately 33% of the rural population do not have access to basic sanitation services1 . The unique ablution facility is set to make a significant impact to overcoming the current challenges faced in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolically performed by representatives from SOSNPO, Esor Construction, and Container World, signifies the collective dedication of these partners to making a positive impact within the WASH sector . Through their combined efforts, they aim to demonstrate that significant change is possible when like-minded organisations come together for the greater good. Shelley Humphreys, SOSNPO CEO comments:

“This project embodies our organisation’s unwavering commitment to creating sustainable solutions for communities facing water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges. By collaborating 1 UN Water.

Water a Shared Responsibility (2006). Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001454/145405e.pdf#page=519 with Esor Construction and Container World, we are not just building facilities; we are constructing a pathway to dignity, contributing to a better, healthier future for the residents of Bloekombos.”

This initiative is more than just a facility; it is a symbol of hope, unity, and progress. The impact of this project will extend far beyond its physical presence, fostering a sense of dignity and well-being for the community it serves.

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As this year draws to a close, the 2023 cohort of eight from the iSchoolAfrica Deaf Developers Programme have graduated. This programme emerges as a pioneering effort, inviting businesses to embark on a journey that not only addresses the pressing need for tech talent but also aims to create more inclusive work environments.

In a stride toward creating a more inclusive society and workforce, iSchoolAfrica, an innovative education initiative, has launched the transformative Deaf Developers Programme funded by a grant from SAB Foundation, as well as support and funding from Core Group. This pioneering initiative is poised to empower unemployed Deaf youth with cutting-edge skills in iOS app development, opening pathways to future income and success, while fostering inclusivity within our society.

Initiatives like the iSchoolAfrica Deaf Developers Programme carry immense significance. They break down barriers, empower individuals and foster workplaces where every person is valued and included.

In a landmark development, coinciding with the official recognition of South African Sign Language as the 12th official language in South Africa, the Deaf Developers Programme stands as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between skills, opportunities and inclusivity. The 2023 cohort of eight Deaf students immersed themselves in a comprehensive post-graduate certificate programme in app development, centred on Apple’s coding language, Swift. The programme not only equips these young talents with the vital skills needed for app development but also cultivates their confidence and competence to thrive in the competitive tech industry.

Michelle Lissoos, Director of iSchoolAfrica, articulated her enthusiasm, stating, “The iSchoolAfrica team has designed the Deaf Developers Programme to transform the narrative of disabled youth unemployment in South Africa. We are often asked what success will look like for this programme. There are a few levels of success. There is a critical need for app developers with disabilities to be creating applications that will solve barriers faced by people with disabilities. We hope to see apps created by our students to serve this community. We also hope that they will thrive as developers in accessible workspaces – and that biases are broken down for the employment of future youth with disabilities. We know that their success will not only benefit the disabled community but society as a whole. And that this is the first of many cohorts the Deaf Developers Programme will enable.”

The Deaf Developers Programme is a meticulously crafted nine-month journey that encompasses various elements aimed at ensuring holistic learning and practical application. Each participant is provided with a MacBook for the duration of the programme, ensuring they have the tools to participate effectively in their learning journey. This innovative programme employs a hybrid approach, seamlessly integrating South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters, thereby ensuring clear and effective communication channels. As a testament to their growth, participants are poised to tackle industry-related projects upon completion of the course, applying their newfound skills and gaining hands-on experience.

Through the programme it came to light that there were certain specific coding terms that were not part of South African Sign Language. An innovation of this programme included the contribution of more than 100 new coding terms to our sign language dictionary.

iSchoolAfrica Disability Inclusion Programme Manager, Chelsea Williamson underscored the significance of this initiative, affirming, “Inclusion is not just a word; it’s an imperative. The Deaf Developers Programme opens doors for Deaf individuals to shine, enabling them to contribute their talents to the tech ecosystem.”

Corporate Partnership Opportunities

A partnership with the iSchoolAfrica Deaf Developers Programme offers corporates various ways of collaborating, with numerous benefits. Besides corporates receiving associated BBBEE points and tax certificates – the programme paves the way for employers to be contribute to their brand by leading the way in inclusion. There are different collaboration levels, from sponsoring coding at schools for learners with special needs, to bursaries for Deaf students to study app development, to tapping into this pipeline of highly qualified app developers. iSchoolAfrica offers comprehensive support to partner corporations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition for Deaf app developers in the workplace.

iSchoolAfrica invites corporates to be part of a ground-breaking initiative that addresses tech talent shortages and contributes to reducing unemployment rates among people with disabilities in South Africa.

For more information on the iSchoolAfrica Deaf Developers Programme and partnership opportunities, please contact Chelsea Williamson (iSchoolAfrica Disability Inclusion Programme Manager) on chelsea@ischoolafrica.com

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The City’s Recreation and Parks Department collaborated with tournament organisers for the third instalment of the event this past weekend, at the Rocklands Sports Complex in Mitchells Plain.

The soccer tournament brought together senior teams from various clubs across the city.

What made this year’s event even more successful was the introduction of 16 ladies teams – testament to the rapid growth and interest in women’s football.

The support of the Recreation and Parks Department to the “Tournament of Dreams” has been a cornerstone of the event’s success.

Now in its third year, the event has become a highlight on the local football calendar underscoring its significance in promoting sportsmanship, community participation and the development of football talent.

The following teams walked away with top honours

Men’s category

·       Team winners – Liverpool Portlands (LFA Mitchells Plain)

·       Team of the Tournament – Riverton (LFA Mitchells Plain)

Ladies category

·       Team winners – Dangerous Heroes (Greater Phillipi LFA)

·       Team of the Tournament – Salt River Blackpool (Cape District FA)

Proceeds from the tournament will contribute to the ongoing development of young players in the under-six, under-eight and under-10 age groups. Additionally, the funds will support the coaching and development of young match officials, ensuring a sustainable pool of talent in football officiating.

‘We are delighted to have seen such interest and participation in the competition and we would like to thank and congratulate all the participants, officials and members of the community who made this event a success. It not only celebrated the beautiful game but also created opportunities to reinforce the bonds within our communities, echoing the spirit of inclusivity and sportsmanship,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

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The South African Breweries (SAB) has launched the Retail Academy during Entrepreneurship Month to empower 4,500 small retail businesses with skills, knowledge and tools to thrive and operate as sustainable ventures.

The academy is a digital platform where retailers will be completing business development training, including lessons in strategy, sales, operations, and finance among others.

These skills are set to empower them and sustain their businesses for the long run. An additional feature of the academy is to train retailers on the importance of growing their businesses responsibly.

This academy will further support retailers with material that will assist the operational areas of their businesses.

Barbara Copelovici, director of entrepreneurship and ESG at SAB said, “In recognition of Entrepreneurship Month, SAB reiterates its commitment to driving inclusive growth across our communities. We do so by focusing on upskilling women and youth entrepreneurs who are then equipped to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they operate in”

Although this academy is facilitated through the use of the BEES platform, it will be powered by SAB Sharp. This forms part of the ongoing Responsible Retailer Programme (RTP) where outlets are trained and audited in accordance with legal requirements and global principles based on responsible trading.

The pilot programme of the academy is currently being rolled out to over 4,500 retailers and this offering will be available to more retailers in 2024. To participate you need to be a licensed retailer currently trading with SAB and need to fall within the BEES regulatory standards set out for retailers.

Copelovici adds, “Through various programmes, SAB established entrepreneurship as a key priority that seeks to support social innovators, farmers, retailers and SMEs by driving growth through several empowerment interventions.

The Retailer Academy is one such initiative that we are certain will make a huge difference in the lives of the entrepreneurs we partner with. In a country with an unfathomable unemployment rate, we have to do all we can to assist entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable businesses.”

The overall goal of SAB’s entrepreneurship programmes is to support 35,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs by 2025, this includes support provided to women-owned businesses in townships and rural areas, farmers, retailers, and entrepreneurs.

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As World Aids Day approaches on 1 December 2023, Keready, a youth-led health movement, accelerates its mission to provide factual information to the youth about HIV. Recognising the pivotal role of early detection and treatment in enhancing individual health and preventing virus transmission, Keready utilises their social media channels and 46 mobile health clinics across four Provinces (Gauteng, KZN, EC and WC), to dispel myths and provide education, prevention testing and treatment.

Dr Tutula Singata, a young Keready doctor in Gauteng, asserts, “The key to one’s health is always prevention, and to best understand how one can avoid contracting a disease. So education is important, as is dispelling the myths that often surround HIV. For those who are sexually active HIV testing can empower you beyond measure. It’s absolutely crucial to know your status for your own peace of mind and to protect your partners. Get tested, it’s easier than you think.”

Keready offers free, confidential HIV testing, with immediate results, dispelling myths and fear surrounding the testing process. In KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Saira Carim assures, “Testing is a sign of strength. It’s a responsible step towards a healthy future. Then if you need go on treatment you can start and take control of your health. HIV is not a death sentence anymore, you can live a long, healthy life while on treatment.”

Emphasising prevention, Keready promotes condom usage. Condom use amongst the youth shows significant variations, highlighting the need for consistent and reinforced education around its importance. This includes emphasising the need to use a condom each time you have sex. Provision of free condoms is a pivotal part of the initiative with Keready’s 46 mobile clinics acting as crucial access points. Keready also promotes PEP and PrEP to youth: PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can be taken after potential exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can be taken on an ongoing basis to prevent the transmission of HIV.

Eastern Cape Keready doctor Dr Asanda Shabalala, affirms this, “Meeting the youth in their own environment with prevention, like PEP and PrEP can help reduce HIV infection in a community. It’s about early defence and sustained prevention.”

Keready reaches beyond HIV testing, addressing the broad spectrum of sexual health by offering contraceptive counselling, STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy support services. This is all offered in a language that appeals to young people – straight talking without the jargon and judgement direct from young health professionals to youth.

With such endeavours, Keready endorses thorough education as a fundamental strategy against HIV and reinforces its commitment to empowering young South Africans in making informed health decisions. Not just ahead of World Aids Day, but throughout the year, Keready stands at the forefront, advocating for proactive youth participation in the fight against HIV/Aids.

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As the globe commemorated World Toilet Day on November 19, this pivotal moment for advocacy and action casts a light on the persistent challenge of inadequate sanitation in South African schools – one that hampers public health, compromises human dignity, and stalls sustainable development.

In a country renowned for its vibrant spirit and resilience, many children still face the indignity of ill-maintained and non-functional school toilets. With this year’s World Toilet Day global theme, ‘Accelerating Change’, the maintenance of existing facilities has become a crucial but often neglected aspect of the sanitation ecosystem. Without it, the cycle of toilet loss renders the construction of new facilities futile.

“While building new toilets is a step forward, the stride becomes incomplete without a sustainable plan for maintenance. This World Toilet Day, we’re focusing on the entire lifespan of these essential facilities because their upkeep is as vital as their construction. This necessitates intervention on both a global and local scale as the sanctity of a safe, clean toilet is not a luxury but a fundamental right,” said Mandisa Mbenenge, Domestos Purpose Lead.

In the face of this challenge, Domestos reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and education of South Africa’s youth through the upkeep of sanitary infrastructure. Through its Infrastructure Programme – which funds the refurbishing of toilets at in-need schools across the country – Domestos commemorated World Toilet Day by significantly revamping sanitary facilities at three schools in Umlazi, Durban: Khuthala Primary School, IsiKhumbuzo Primary School, and Isithokoziso Primary School.

The refurbished facilities will benefit thousands of pupils at all three schools, providing them with a safe, hygienic environment that is conducive to learning and growth.

These efforts culminated in a ceremonial handover at Khuthala Primary School on November 17, attended by partners from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), members of the media, local influencers, and other stakeholders, with additional events held at the other two schools as part of Unilever’s internal ‘Germ Busters Club’ programme.

Since 2010, Domestos has championed the cause of enhanced sanitation and hygiene in South African schools. Collaborating closely with the Department of Basic Education, the brand has spearheaded a comprehensive strategy to elevate hygiene standards.

For example, its ‘Infrastructure Programme’ leads the refurbishment efforts for school toilets in need, while the ‘National Schools Hygiene Programme’ instils essential hygiene practices in Grade 1 learners across public schools. Complementing these, the ‘Cleaner Toilets Brighter Futures Programme’ empowers school cleaners and teachers with the skills needed for effective sanitation management.

In 2023 alone, these initiatives have made a significant impact, reaching over a million learners in more than 17,000 schools and training teachers and cleaners in 201 schools to create a sustainable change and aid a healthy learning environment.

“All toilets are precious and should be treated like gold to ensure our children’s health and dignity. We call upon communities, leaders, and every citizen to take action in preserving these vital facilities,” said Mbenenge.

In recent years, the South African government has also redoubled its efforts to eradicate the immense infrastructure backlog in the education sector.

According to Albert Gumbo, the infrastructure spokesman for the Department of Basic Education, the department has delivered sanitation to 1,086 schools through the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI), while the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) initiative has delivered 2,950 projects out of a targeted 3,380 to date.

“We are grateful to the private sector for their participation and pledge to provide sanitation at 180 schools. Thus far, 126 pledges have been met with the balance at various stages of implementation,” Gumbo said.

Gumbo expressed his thanks to Unilever and Domestos for “not only funding the projects, but also going above and beyond” in providing critical hygiene training for learners and teachers.

Domestos has called on individuals and communities to ‘Take a Seat or Take a Stand’ – a choice between passive observance or active participation in creating sustainable change. To get involved, commit to the Domestos Toilet Pledge, by sharing it on your own social media platforms using the hashtags #TakeAStand #Unstoppabletogether.

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IQ Logistica announced today the launch of their new farm management application tool for businesses, Farmers Friend Enterprise. The application aims to offer farming aggregators, financiers, insurers, and product distributors a mirrored experience to Farmers Friend, the company’s already-launched farm management app, on an enterprise scale, allowing them to manage their farming operations and portfolios all from one access point.

Farmers Friend Enterprise is IQ Logistica’s new, transformative solution to bridge the gap between the existing application for farmers on the ground, and their financiers, by integrating individual farm data points into one, centralised space for the Enterprise-user. Here they’ll be able to observe all farming activities, data, and financials to be able to effectively manage their business portfolio, react to risk and maximise opportunities, identified to them live. 

The solution utilises the best-in-practice tech solutions to support a full line-of-sight into all farm activities across all sites, including but not limited to satellite tracking of soil moisture, critical environmental analytics, NDVI, and weather patterns, all presented visually on individualised farm mapping images with applied hotspots and corroborating data visuals and then rolled-up into one, cohesive overview. Furthermore, the app considers almost all daily farm functionality, inputs, and key cost-reduction needs, allowing businesses to flag issues and respond to them and the people on the ground in real time.

“We have seen how Farmers Friend supports the farmer in his day-to-day activities, assisting him or her to input all key metrics to better track the critical details to make a farming operation financially successful,” says David Jeromin, Director of Business Development at IQ Logistica and Farmers Friend. “now, we can effectively offer enterprises the same critical information, across multiple farming operations, all in one place for them to manage their financial portfolio and essentially, farm from anywhere.”

Additional Features and benefits of Farmers Friend Enterprise include, but are not limited to;

• Key business insights to ensure the human element is managed and course-corrected timeously

• Minimise overall costs by having one point of information consolidation, allowing the reduction of wastage, such as physical calling for marketers who can now react immediately and make use of algorithmic information to know when to reach out to farmers in the field

• Critical time saving between information sourcing and submissions for financing

• Monitoring that allows for the Farmers Friend algorithms to frame specific comparisons to better predict outcomes, react to seasonal risks and develop advisement for future seasons

Farmer Friend Enterprise is available immediately. For more information on Farmers Friend and Farmers Friend Enterprise, visit www.iqlogistica.com  

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