CEO Global Magazine Vol 22 Issue 3

CHINA SEND TECH HARDWARE TO HELP PUTIN E X PA N D YO U R B U S I N E S S H O R I ZO N S

PLUS:

Open SA’s economy to all or kiss our democracy goodbye

WEATHERING THE CHANGE STORM Know where you want to be, and put a good plan in place to get there.

JUNE Vol 22

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MOODY’S RATING OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES

10 BEST AIRPORTS IN AFRICA

USING TECH TO INFLUENCE CUSTOMERS

INVEST FOR A FUTURE THAT MATTERS – TOGETHER How we invest today determines our tomorrow – a future shaped by a collective voice and vision that has the power to impact our world. By placing ESG at the heart of everything we do and investing in the things that matter most, we can achieve sustainable, long-term returns for our clients – while creating growth and opportunity for Africa.

Invest with Africa’s most responsible investor.* Visit oldmutualinvest.com/institutional to invest for a future that matters.

INVESTMENT GROUP DO GREAT THINGS EVERY DAY Old Mutual Investment Group (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider. *Awarded Best ESG Responsible Investor – Africa 2021,

by Capital Finance International (https://cfi.co/).

LETTER FROM EDITOR

AN EMPTY BREADBASKET I don’t know about you but when I read and listen to all the opinions of so-called facts, expressed by business and economic leaders, financial advisors, journalists, and self-proclaimed experts on Africa then I can only but wonder how we as the people of Africa, that live here, discern as to what is facts and what is fiction. Doom and gloom for our so called “Darkest Africa” are what we hear and experience from this multitude of “experts”. Fact is very few of them have ever set foot here, travelled the countries, or have met with us, the real people of Africa. A few days in a big city or game reserve does not qualify to become an expert.

It is broadly known that Africa can be and will be the breadbasket of the world. However, I believe we the citizens of Africa should decide and work together to ensure that we not only become the breadbasket of the world but that we keep control of what and who with whom we do it. We have lived in impoverished conditions, not because we do not have the expertise, but because we believe the “middleman and the marketers” from countries afar are leaders and experts when it comes to what Africa needs or what we can give the world.

Why do we rely so heavily on what we are told to be facts when with a simple survey between our people and experts we can do so much better? We need to cut out the “Worldly middleman” who is only interested in taking what we have at the lowest possible cost and selling it for a profit that is far above the norm.

Through our scientists, farmers, and businesspeople in our CEO Global Client base we have seen the excellence and expertise throughout Africa that is from Africa that can lift our Continent to become the greatest and richest Continent on the Globe.

Yes, we do need to become, more assertive and business orientated and tackle the problems we face head-on. Cost-effective transport, trade barriers, political red tape, and corruption needs to be seriously addressed to become successful.

If we do not do this now and stand tall, we will find our fields barren and our children dying while the rest of the world is in “good health” with what they have been able to get for next to nothing from our beloved Continent.

I don’t ever want to see Africa as “The Empty Breadbasket”! Do you?

Annelize Wepener Editor

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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contents 30 INDEX OF THE MAGAZINE

World of work is fast shifting to hybrid models

VOL #22

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Open SA’s economy to all or kiss our democracy goodbye

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COVERstory Weathering he change storm 03 Letter from Editor 12 What you can do to improve your employees’ income in retirement Weathering the change storm

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ONpoint

Cybereason Achieves 100% Prevention, Visibility and Real-Time Protection 20 Virtual apps ensure massive savings 24 Transforming paper-based systems to the cloud 26 Using tech to influence customer behaviour 28 The art of selling online 30 World of work is fast changing to hybrid models

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INtheKnow

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10 Best airports in Africa 34 Airlines will need to recruit 35 Moody’s rating of African countries 36 Angola Kwanza is now world’s best-performing currency 38 End of an era 40 Stop losing customers

56 LIFEstyle BMW X3 XDRIVE 20D and Queen Victoria hotel 62 A cut above the rest- Toyota Corolla Cross

Publisher CEO Global (Pty) Ltd Tel:+27 82 883 4901 info@ceoglobalgroup.com www.ceoglobalgroup.com Chief Executive

40

Annelize Wepener Stop losing customers

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Mercedes Benz Maybach

annelize@ceoglobalgroup.com Patron for CEO Global Foundation Lucy Quainoo Consultant: Financial Support Carl Wepener carl@ceoglobalgroup.com Head of Social Media Lynn Richards - Rubix Cube Digital

South Africa & Mozambique commit to continued bilateral cooperation

42

lynn@rubixcubedigital.co.za Special Projects & Content Development Consultant

42 South Africa & Mozambique commit to continued bilateral cooperation 44 China send tech hardware to help Putin 46 Open SA’s economy to all or kiss our democracy goodbey

Vishnu Singh Tel: +27 71 851 2066 Production Manager/Creative Director Enola Meyer - Mazeadilly design house enola@mazeadilly.com Tel: +27 61 048 0084

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FOCUSonEXCELLENCE Seeds of change in Kenya

Printers Lexlines Press (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 21 507 9030 Fax: 086 509 2749

* No article or part of an article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith but do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, neither the publisher nor the editor can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages, or from any statements made in or withheld by this publication.

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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WEATHERING THE CHANGE STORM BUSINESSES ARE FACING SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT TIMES EVER. BUT THE SOLUTION TO WEATHERING THE STORM IS SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE: KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO BE, AND PUT A GOOD PLAN IN PLACE TO GET THERE.

BY CARL WEPENER

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I

If you ask any CEO or other senior manager how business is going, their response is likely to be the same: Things are tough out there.

Businesses are facing some of the most difficult times ever.

Runaway inflation, supply chain challenges, changing capital allocation priorities, the need to adopt new technologies to stay ahead of (or at least on par with) the pack, the Great Resignation on the one hand and on the other, remaining employees posing new expectations of employers. Top concerns include the quality of frontline and mid-level leadership, decentralised decision-making, creating sustained outcomes for multiple stakeholders whose interests are not always aligned, cyber-risks as a threat to growth, and health risks.

No wonder business leaders have much to contemplate, and some are having sleepless nights!

Regardless, research shows that CEOs remain optimistic, and optimistic CEOs understand and respond to the imperative to take decisive action.

The solution to weathering the stormy waters is surprisingly simple: clearly define where you want to be, put a good plan in place to get there, and implement the plan.

Through their ChangeMakerSM programme, Dr Michélle Booysen and Pétanque NXT will support you to weather these stormy times through a proven programme. Making the change that addresses business challenges ‘stick’ is what they do, and their results are impressive.

A SHORT STORY Three things that tells Pétanque NXT’s story are: Thing #1: As a majority women-owned enterprise, they celebrate their 20th year in business this year.

Thing #2: They recently established an office focusing on Web 3.0 technology in The Netherlands as an expansion to their South African business.

Thing #3: They are on a mission to support businesses to succeed with continuous change by reducing complexity, saving time and achieving outcomes. The name Pétanque NXT is derived from the French game of pétanque, or boules, and the NXT plays on the word ‘NEXT’, which depicts their drive and support to clients to be ready for the future of processes, people and technology.

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know where you want to be, and put a good plan in place to get there FROM HERE TO THERE “Although the uncertainty that comes with change is uncomfortable, our experience is that successful businesses are those that embrace change and transformation as part of doing business,” explains Michélle, CEO and co-founder of Pétanque NXT. “But embracing change is about more than a mindset. It is about knowing where you are, where you want to be, and how you will get there.”

Goals – where businesses want to be – include objectives like boosting sales or market share, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty, and increasing employee productivity.

“Businesses want to realise their purpose and achieve their goals through strategies that include increased efficiency, and attaining sales, profit and business targets to deliver shareholder value.”

“Clarity, focus and communication are key elements in delivering the results.

Business leaders need a clear understanding of the gaps between the current and ideal state, and what they need to do to close these gaps. And this is what ChangeMakerSM provides in a Destination Map, built on the foundation of ‘what is’,” Michélle explains.

To help businesses map their current and ideal state, Pétanque NXT conducts a quick but effective business analysis in the Business Destination Map®. “First we assess the business’s readiness for change. Then, we revisit the business purpose, its vision and the goals. We reflect on business maturity and the business model, assess resilience, and define and/or adjust the strategies needed to attain the business goals.

“The benefit of this Design stage is a clear view of what could be, can be, and is being planned. Quite often, innovation not previously considered is an outcome, which could fast-track the realisation of change initiatives,” says Michélle.

PLANNING THE CHANGE “Next we Plan how to bridge the gap between the ‘as is’ and the ‘to be’ state. The plan entails the change activities in processes, people and technology that will render results. These changes include process improvement, compliance activities, people and role changes with training or re-assignment for new and changing skills required, and technology change. The latter could include the optimised use of current tech or adding smart tech, management software, data analytics, identifying where standard and repeat tasks can be automated, and deploying blockchain technology for verification and certification.

“To fast-track discovery of the processes that will deliver the change, the Positioning Map pinpoints the key processes to change, and the real work begins!”

The Pétanque NXT team analyses processes through a unique online interactive mapping methodology, VizPro®, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. “We ask some tough questions. Are your processes sound? Is there a more efficient way to get this task done? Do

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might fall short of planning.” At this juncture, clarity, focus and communication combine to achieve results.

“Oftentimes we are asked by clients to assist with this part of transformation, when project and change management do not gain traction and/or fail to deliver the planned outcomes. In these instances we revisit the work done in our Design phase, understand the implementation challenges, and re-direct and replan as needed. Most often, implementation regains momentum in a fairly short period of time.”

Ultimately the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

And Pétanque NXT’s process, people and technology approach has clients seeing returns on investment of 30%, often in as little as 90 days. The ROI renders in improved productivity, employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, compliance, reduced risk, agility and technology integration.

“We are extremely proud of how we have managed to support our clients. Over the past 20 years, we have proudly delivered project and change ROI to over 100 small, medium, blue-chip and global businesses. Examples of ROI include a 48% increase in sales, reducing the delivery time of a set of key business processes from eight to two months, increasing database growth by 150% per month, improving productivity (resulting in staff and customer retention), delivering strategic projects on time and in budget, implementing new operating systems, and standardising processes following merger and acquisition engagements. you have the expertise you need? Are the roles clearly defined? Why are people doing standard and repeat tasks? How are compliances adhered to? Are you using data optimally? Do you need to verify information? Are the KPIs achieved? What are the costly risks and how could the process mitigate these? Where are the blockages and why are they blockages? The process is one of honesty, critical evaluation and making difficult choices, but this is what is required for true business transformation, process by process.

“We are always amazed at the insights participants bring to the workshops: they know what is not working, and present amazing ideas, but there is seldom time, or a forum to share ideas for improvement in a clear manner. Out of each work session, we end up with an action list that contains great changes that are needed and feasible. With instant buy-in from the team.”

VizPro® has won two international awards for innovation in process and change management, and uses principles from six sigma, organisational design, data visualisation, analytics, systems implementation, change and project management.

ACTION! REALISING THE BENEFITS THROUGH PROJECT AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT “With the scope of work defined, programme, project and change management drive implementation. This is often the most challenging part of making change happen and making it stick.” says Michélle. “Multiple projects might be sharing multiple resources, business challenges might delay planned roll-out, cost overruns could occur, and benefit realisation

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

THE TECHNOLOGY ANGLE Pétanque NXT also specialises in matching appropriate technology in the process, people and system equation of making change stick.

“Businesses use technology every day, but the solutions offered by technology are changing rapidly and constantly. Some clients have adopted specific technologies, but they are not always using this technology optimally to streamline the business. Other clients are venturing into new technologies, such as opportunities offered by Web 3.0, including building metaverse communities, deploying NFTs, and applying blockchain tech to manage verification and transacting.”

Pétanque NXT, by applying its design, plan and implementation approach, and by focusing on process, people and systems as enablers, have found a niche in building the bridge between existing ways of doing business, and planning for new tech in a Web 3.0 environment.

If this all sounds very tech-based to you, you are not wrong. Michélle and her team have a passion for technology. “The tech can sound overwhelming, but fundamentally we simplify the change needed to integrate technology into the future of businesses.”

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ECONOMIC INCLUSION Pétanque NXT, by applying its design, plan and “I am an economist at heart,” explains Michélle, “and one of the reasons I am so passionate about business process optimisation is because it is a fundamental aspect of making businesses more successful.

Businesses are the engine of economic development, and if they succeed and support their communities, we are that much closer to reducing poverty. And poverty will only be reduced if there is economic inclusivity.”

When it comes to economic inclusivity, Michélle again reveals her passion for the power of technology to change and improve the way we do things. “When a technology is first introduced, it is often reserved for the elite few. But as acceptance and adoption of the technology increase, so too does access by society at large. And this is when true change and transformation become possible.”

To explain, Michélle provides the example of cashless banking. Although bank cards were introduced in the United States in the late 1950s, the first debit card in South Africa was only launched in the 1970s. As adoption of debit and credit cards increased, more people gained access to formal banking and cashless payment systems. This also led to further and more recent innovations, such as using QR codes and M-PESA to make payments.

“Cashless banking is just one example of how technology can improve economic inclusivity. Almost everyone – no matter how remote your location – now has access to cashless banking. This makes it easier to pay for goods and services, which boosts economic development, but it also gives the individual power over their own financial affairs, and access to the mainstream economy. And this is all thanks to the power of technology.”

BLOCKCHAIN Just like cashless banking was initially reserved for the elite few, the same is largely true of blockchain. But Michélle believes that blockchain has the power to change the way we work, live and transact, with the ability to own one’s own information and manage who has access to it, while at the same time increasing transparency and reducing corruption.

“When blockchain was introduced in 2008, I was intrigued as it addresses truth. And as a person who studied law, I followed its development as a mechanism to state fact as the truth.” Simply put, blockchain is a system of recording information in a way that makes it just about impossible to change, hack or cheat the system. The information is stored in databases that exist on multiple computer systems across the world. Data is entered into a ‘block’ which is then closed (maintaining its integrity), and blocks of related data are chained together in chronological order.

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“The power of blockchain is undeniable,” says Michelle, “both for businesses and for society as a whole. When it comes to business and government honesty and transparency, we have mostly had to just take people’s word for it. If I want to support locally produced products – like apples for example – the best I can do is look at the address or logo on the packaging, and trust that I am not being taken for a fool.

But with blockchain, each step in the value chain can be recorded, and this information cannot be changed.

I can access information on where and when the apple seeds or plants were purchased, where they were grown, when and by whom they were harvested, how they were distributed to my local supermarket, and when they were delivered.”

For Michélle, this really puts the power back in the hands of consumers and citizens – and it gives businesses a way to prove their integrity and trustworthiness. “The possibilities of blockchain are endless, but like all new technologies, its true potential will only be realised once it is widely adopted. At Pétanque NXT, we have put blockchain to the test, and created an application that issues certificates from the blockchain, essentially stating that the information on the certificate is truthful as verified by a relevant authority.

And for those businesses that are wondering whether blockchain is relevant to their sector or operations, Michélle has an invitation: “Let’s talk! We have spent the past few years learning about blockchain, and the reality is that the potential is endless. We are excited to understand what challenges it could address and to work with you – and no challenge is too big to exploit the true potential of this game-changing technology.”

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

TEL: + 27 (0) 66 264 8461 OR + 27 (0) 60 547 6308 RESERVATIONS@STRANDLOPEROCEAN.COM CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYEES’ INCOME IN RETIREMENT South Africans are not saving enough for retirement – but there are ways employers could help to boost their pension. Here’s how.

By Mark van Dijk CORPORATE DO GREAT THINGS EVERY DAY Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.

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ne of the most hard-hitting moments of the 2022 Old Mutual SuperFund Summit was a short video clip of Old Mutual Corporate’s Social Experiment. Eight typical South African families were each asked to fill a trolley with their monthly grocery shop. They didn’t know that the price of the groceries had been inflated to reflect what they would cost when they retired. When each family arrived at the till, their budget had been revised to their projected income at retirement.

They had to decide what to keep and what to return to the shelves.

Seeing this play out on film brought home just how unprepared most South Africans are for their retirement, and how unaware they are of how that will affect their standard of living.

“The statistics that get mentioned – that only 6% of us can retire comfortably – can be quite abstract,” says Malusi Ndlovu, Director: Large Enterprise Market at Old Mutual Corporate. “When you bring it down to the level of a real family, of a working professional who is 10 or 20 years from retirement who’s looking at a basket of groceries that they cannot afford… that’s when the message really lands.”

THE ROLE PLAYERS DETERMINING A RETIREMENT FUND’S PERFORMANCE There are a number of parties involved in everyone’s retirement journey. “There’s the individual or employee who is contributing to their retirement fund; the employer who has some decision rights around how much is contributed; and the provider of the retirement fund, for instance, Old Mutual Corporate,” Ndlovu explains.

“Our job, as provider of the retirement fund, is to ensure people can replace their incomes when they are ready to retire or are no longer able to work. It’s not enough for us to design solutions that can achieve that in theory. We must play an active

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OMBDS 06.2022 C5930

“ONLY 6% OF US CAN RETIRE COMFORTABLY”

role in helping people to understand and use the products which will allow them to get the right retirement outcomes.”

Employers play an equally vital role when it comes to maximising their employees’ retirement income. Here Ndlovu points to the six levers that are pivotal to achieving successful retirement outcomes: contributions; the gap between your pensionable salary and cost to company; the investment strategy; preservation; what you do with your savings at retirement; and your retirement age.

In addition to these three role players, the managing committee or trustees also have their part to play in maximising the investment outcomes of a retirement fund. This checklist of nine questions for retirement fund trustees is a handy reminder of what they can do to further boost members’ income in retirement.

HOW EMPLOYERS COULD HELP TO BOOST WORKERS’ RETIREMENT SAVINGS Employers can help by offering employees greater flexibility. “In the past, most employers would choose a default contribution category that every employee then contributed to. That meant that everyone contributed the same percentage of their salary each month,’ Ndlovu explains. “But that’s not enough.”

“Employers must make the effort to make more contribution categories available. Members can get a tax deduction on up to 27% or a rand

cap, and every employer should look at their retirement funding structure to allow them the flexibility to take advantage of this. If someone wants to and is able to make that salary sacrifice and contribute more towards their retirement, they will then be able to do so.”

The next step is educating staff about the different options to help them understand what’s available and how their choices could significantly affect their retirement outcome.

For example, if you were to retire at 65, Old Mutual’s actuaries recommend having at least nine times your annual salary invested if you’re a man, and 10 times that amount if you’re a woman. This means that a man earning R100 000 per annum will need R900 000 on the day they retire, and a woman R1 million.

Once fund members understand this, they can make the right choices and ask the right questions of their employer – and if necessary, ask for changes if the options they need are not available to them.

For retirement funds and employers alike, empowering and enabling fund members is the first step towards improving South Africans’ quality of life in retirement. “Remember those three role players,” Ndlovu concludes. “There’s the fund, the employee and the employer.

Through their decisions, each can make the situation better or worse – but ultimately, it’s the employee who has to live with the outcome.”

This article originally appeared on the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub.Visit: oldmutual.co.za/mindspace For more information on the Old Mututal Corporate Social Experiment, visit: www.oldmutual.co.za/superfundpower

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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CYBEREASON ACHIEVES 100% PREVENTION, VISIBILITY AND REAL-TIME PROTECTION

C

ybereason, the XDR company, has announced that the results of round four of the

The company also achieved 100% Visibility by exposing 100% of the 109 different attack behaviours evaluated

ATT&CK Evaluations conducted by

for both Windows and Linux. It also

MITRE Engenuity affirm the superior

showed 100% Real-Time Protection

prevention and detection capabilities

with zero delayed detections.

of the AI-driven Cybereason XDR Platform.

Furthermore, Cybereason showed 99% Analytical Coverage with detections

BRANDON ROCHAT

Cybereason achieved perfect scores in

mapped back to the key ATT&CK

nearly every aspect of the evaluations,

techniques evaluated. It also required

including 100% Prevention - detecting

Minimal Configuration, Cybereason

and preventing 100% of the 9 different

delivered out-of-the-box protection

attack sequences evaluated for both

with minimal configuration changes

Windows and Linux.

required.

CYBEREASON DELIVERS

END ATTACKS AT THE ENDPOINT Only the AI-driven Cybereason XDR Platform provides planetary-scale data ingestion, operationcentric MalOp detection, and predictive response.

SCHEDULE A DEMO TODAY and benefit from an operation-centric approach

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Cybereason and Google Cloud are dedicated to teaming with Defenders to end cyber attacks from endpoints to the enterprise to everywhere.

Schedule a demo today to see how your organisation can benefit from an operation-centric approach to security.

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

Round 4 of the ATT&CK

The superior out-of-the-box

“This provides a common

world conditions because

Evaluations highlights the

efficacy that the AI-driven

language for Defenders to

the AI-driven Cybereason

efficacy of our NGAV and EDR

Cybereason XDR Platform

understand the range of

XDR Platform identifies

capabilities in protecting

delivers means there is

techniques adversaries can

attacks earlier by correlating

little need for solution

use to gain initial access,

behavioural telemetry

configuration changes at

escalate privileges, steal

across the entire network,

deployment. Organisations

account credentials, move

including the broad range of

laterally in the targeted

device types, user identities,

network, and ultimately to

application suites, cloud

exfiltrate sensitive data or

workloads and more.

against sophisticated attack techniques from threat actors like Sandworm and Wizard Spider.

In addition, the Cybereason XDR Platform delivers AIdriven prevention, detection and predictive response

can immediately benefit from exceptional real-time prevention and detection

disrupt critical business

capabilities, automated and one-click predictive response options to stop the most

operations,” he explains.

“The Cybereason MalOp reduces mean time to

The MITRE Engenuity ATT&CK

detection and response (MTTD

Evaluations reveal how

and MTTR) by immediately

vendors approach the same

providing the complete

challenges in reducing the

for Africa, Brandon Rochat,

attack story from root cause

time required to identify,

points to what the MITRE

without the need for complex

of the ATT&CK Evaluations

understand and respond to

queries. Cybereason delivers

highlight how the Cybereason

Engenuity ATT&CK Evaluation

malicious actions before

actionable detections and

solutions map directly to the

Results Mean to the

material damage occurs.

predictive response across

ATT&CK framework to deliver

Enterprise. “Organisations are

unparalleled detection of

increasingly mapping their

Rochat believes the results

evaluation categories without

advanced threat actor Tactics,

threat detection strategies to

highlight the effectiveness

inundating analysts with

Techniques, and Procedures

the ATT&CK framework.”

of Cybereason under real-

a barrage of uncorrelated

protection that identifies and blocks advanced threats at the earliest stages of an attack.

The results from all four years

(TTPs).

advanced cyberattacks.

Cybereason Sales Director

all measured MITRE ATT&CK

“

alerts,” he adds.

CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS THAT ARE BUILT FOR SPEED AND EFFICACY

CYBEREASON

PERFECT SCORES: Cybereason achieved 100% Prevention of attack sequences evaluated for both Windows and Linux.

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Cybereason CEO and Co-Founder

Cybereason also collaborates

Cybereason joined the Centre

Lior Div says these results

with MITRE Centre for Threat-

as a Research Participant

validate the superior detection

Informed Defence (CTID) on

to conduct research and

and protection capabilities

the Attack Flow Project, which

development to support

that Cybereason delivers

seeks to develop a common

further evolution of the MITRE

against the most complex

data format for describing

Engenuity ATT&CK framework.

attack sequences. “The ATT&CK

sequences of adversary

Cybereason and the Centre

behaviour in order to improve

work to provide Defenders

defensive capabilities.

with a deep understanding

framework is the go-to standard for assessing solution efficacy today.”

“We are proud of both our outstanding performance in all four years of the evaluations, and of our ongoing collaboration with MITRE CTID to further improve detection based on

The goal of the Attack Flow Project is to generate a machine-readable representation of a sequence of attacker actions and context along with specific descriptive

the most subtle of attacker

attributes of those actions and

behaviours. This is how we

assets composed of five main

begin to defend forward as a

objects: the flow itself, a list of

community, stop relying so

actions, a list of assets, a list of

much on reactive approaches

knowledge properties, and a list

and take the fight to the

of causal relationships between

adversary through behaviour-

the actions and assets.

oriented predictive response,”

of adversary tradecraft and advances in the development of countermeasures for prevention, detection and response to complex threats.

“

RESPOND FASTER TO EMERGING THREATS.

“Defenders often have to track adversary techniques individually, meaning

he says.

they can only focus on one specific activity at a time, but adversaries use complex sequences in their attack flows to hide in the network seams and avoid detection until it’s too late,” said Sam Curry, Cybereason CSO. “Being able to understand the context and correlations across those sequences by chaining together the otherwise disparate Indicators of Behaviour (IOBs), allows Defenders to surface complex attacks earlier in the attack sequence and creates the opportunity to respond faster as threats are emerging,” Curry explains.

Cybereason is dedicated to “ CYBEREASON”

CYBEREASON a privately held international company headquartered in Boston with customers in more than 40 countries.

teaming with Defenders to end attacks across the enterprise to anywhere the battle is taking place. Contact us today to learn how your organization can benefit from an operationcentric approach through the AI-driven Cybereason XDR Platform.

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NEWS

VIRTUAL APPS ENSURE MASSIVE SAVINGS HYBRID WORK IS HERE TO STAY, AND IT MANAGERS MUST BALANCE PC MANAGEMENT THAT NOT ONLY MEETS SECURITY REQUIREMENTS BUT ALSO PROVIDES EMPLOYEES WITH RESOURCES TO GET WORK DONE WITHOUT INCONVENIENCE. ompanies that run the Citrix

It allows employees to access their

users were upgraded from a previous

Virtual Apps and Desktops

personalised desktop environment

on-premises Citrix solution, and one-third

service with Microsoft Azure have

with customised applications from any

were migrated to the new cloud solution as

seen improved desktop management

device and location. Organisations can

first-time users.

and security. This is according to a

modernise their legacy virtual desktop

Forrester Total Economic Impact study

infrastructure (VDI) deployments by

Prior to using Citrix cloud services, the

that examined the potential return on

reducing on-premises server needs

customers managed applications and

investment (ROI) enterprises may realise

through a move to cloud. Additionally, they

desktops from their own data centres,

by deploying the Citrix Virtual Apps and

can leverage multisession features by

which was expensive to maintain, and

Desktops service.

adding in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

it raised security and management

entitlements.

challenges.

remote and hybrid workers, benefit with

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service

Citrix Cloud services run on a highly-

reduced issues and interruptions. It says

with Microsoft Azure provide secure,

available and globally-distributed

cloud flexibility has helped reduce support

simplified PC management with a virtual

infrastructure. Unique flexibility lets

calls, IT resource needs, and other costs

application and desktop experience

customers deploy resources in a public,

while also increasing agility.

for employees. Organisations can take

private or hybrid cloud – or multiple clouds

advantage of Citrix and Microsoft’s

– or completely on-premises in one or

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service

partnership for enhanced integration and

more physical data centres. The result is

is a desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solution

flexible licensing options.

optimal resiliency.

employees with a virtual PC and

To better understand the benefits, costs,

Customers saw high rates of support calls,

application environment as fast as — and

and risks associated with this investment,

particularly for employees without prior

identical to — locally installed operating

Forrester interviewed four customers with

Citrix solutions, and they had difficulty

systems and application software.

experience using the Citrix Virtual Apps

delivering the same virtual experience

and Desktops service with Microsoft Azure.

to remote workers without additional

C

The study shows that end users, including

that allows IT departments to provision

software solutions.

In this study, Forrester aggregated the

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ISSUE 3

experiences of the interviewed customers

Citrix Cloud provides the unexpected

and combined the results into a single

benefit of protection from IT-induced

composite organisation with 15 000

business interruptions and enhances

total employees and 5 000 regular Citrix

business continuity preparedness. This is

cloud service users. Two thirds of these

achieved by maximising uptime of critical

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

applications and systems.

management resource needs, avoid significant software and hardware costs,

With Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

and provide employees with a more

service running workloads on Microsoft

effective and productive application and

Azure, including the Azure Virtual

desktop experience.

Desktop entitlement, customers were able to deliver secure, managed virtual

KEY FINDINGS

experiences for employees working

Citrix cloud services and Microsoft

anywhere on any device.

Azure enables a 10% improvement in IT efficiency. With Citrix Virtual Apps

This was an especially valuable feature

and Desktops service and workloads

as a significant number of employees

running on Microsoft Azure, IT managers

needed to transition to a work-from-home

can streamline PC management by

setting almost immediately. They could therefore have the same exact experience for home and at the office.

Some organisations migrated to the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service from their

standardising

“

settings for user groups and locking down security.

providing secure, simplified PC management

existing Citrix

Moving to the Citrix cloud service also alleviated traditional server, operating system, networking, and database maintenance activities associated

on-premises virtualisation implementation,

with an on-premises deployment. The

while others were new to virtual

reduced support escalations and overall IT

applications and desktops with Citrix

management needs add up to $2 million

overall.

over three years.

Representatives from interviewed organisations reported they were able to reduce helpdesk costs, improve business agility, speed up employee onboarding, reduce overall IT desktop

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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21

There was a reduction of 3 000 helpdesk tickets. With Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service, access to team documents and tools is easier

centre needs for some legacy software

for users, and it is also easier for

solutions. This leads to reduced costs

admins to standardise settings across

related to software licensing, database

cloud deployments, reducing service

administration, data centre operations

interruptions and access problems.

services, or onsite server room costs, adding up to $1.1 million over three years.

Thousands of help-desk calls are avoided each year, adding up to about 33% of all

Employee productivity improves by 5%.

PC-related calls. Calls that still occur are

Employees with device management

resolved in half the time. This adds up to a

or information access problems would

three-year benefit of $590,000.

often face delays that kept them from getting work done. Migrating to Citrix cloud

Citrix cloud services enables 8 hours to

services helped reduce interruptions for

be saved with each onboarded employee.

these workers.

Each new or transferred employee requires a PC, accounts to be set up and configured, HR materials, and other physical and software resources.

With Citrix cloud services, corporate-owned or personal device setup is significantly

“

With Citrix, employees have convenient, secure access to company

reduce service interruptions and access problems in half the time

streamlined,

resources, allowing them to save significant amount of time, even when working remotely.

This adds up to $1.9 million over three years.

In conclusion, with the Citrix Virtual

as new resources can be immediately

Apps and Desktops service and Microsoft

modified from a central cloud-based

Azure, employees are provided convenient

environment for access from any device.

tools to get work done with fewer added steps to ensure secure access. Survey

Employee onboarding savings, enabled by

respondents rated their organisation’s

Citrix cloud services and DaaS provisioning,

employee experience two years ago at an

adds up to $1.2 million over three years.

average of 84%. Today, that has increased 10 percentage points to 94%.

Legacy software and hardware savings total $1.1 million. Citrix cloud services can enable the reduction of on-premises data

BY HELEN KRUGER, TROYE CEO

www.troye.co.za 22

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CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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23

TRANSFORMING PAPER-BASED SYSTEMS TO THE CLOUD CLOUD HAS DISPLACED TRADITIONAL ON PREM INFRASTRUCTURE AND IS THE ONLY WAY TO SUCCESSFULLY DELIVER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. HOWEVER, WHILST ORGANISATIONS ARE EXCITED BY THE PROSPECTS OF MOVING TO THE CLOUD, THEIR BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE AND PROCESSES ARE STILL SET UP TO SUPPORT MORE TRADITIONAL WAYS OF WORKING.

M

ore concerning is the fact that most organisations are still using traditional outdated

software. They need to automate their

AUTOMATING PROCESSES Initially automation sounds simple, one basically needs a form, an approval process and it needs to update the payroll

paper-based systems, but the outdated

system. Developing an automated leave

software requires extensive effort, time

management system to replace a client’s

and money to develop basic automated

manual paper-based leave processes is

processes.

complicated and can be costly.

Managing leave is a good example, many

More importantly, each organisation

organisations are still running spreadsheets

has its own idiosyncrasies and they all

and paper-based systems that are time-

have their own systems. For example, if a

consuming and error prone. Incorrect leave

company has shift workers, each person’s

balances are common due to data capture

leave needs to integrate with a workforce

errors and managers don’t always have

management system that has specific APIs.

relevant information when approving leave.

It is no longer necessary to build a

BY GARRY ACKERMAN, ARGANTIC CEO HTTPS://ARGANTIC.CO.ZA 24

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ISSUE 3

Furthermore, poor planning leads to

bespoke element for each organisation,

scheduling conflicts and employees don’t

one can now use these 3rd party apps

have easy access to their leave information.

in conjunction with cloud infrastructure

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

Argantic aims to help organisations thrive and reach their full potential in a modern cloud-centric era.

Argantic was founded 9 years ago with the aim to focus on delivering software and infrastructure services to the corporate and enterprise business market. The company was founded by two ambitious South Africans with a simple promise – to make a difference.

This has resulted in the formation of a company staffed with a highly successful business and technical skills that focused on delivering software and infrastructure services to the corporate and enterprise business market.

to automate and drive much bigger

one to build apps in hours, not months.

However, although Microsoft provides the

sophisticated processes within

It easily connects to data, use Excel-like

mechanism to make these apps integrate

organisations.

expressions to add logic, and runs on the

with Azure, one requires the expert advice

web, iOS, and Android devices.

and specialised skills from a partner like

So, instead of reinventing the wheel, there

Argantic to interact with 3rd party systems.

are existing highly sophisticated apps

We then found LeavePro that would

to help organisations drive automated

inexpensively do everything this solution

processes. This includes leave request

would do. Instead of spending a lot of time

management systems like LeavePro,

and effort to get into the detail of leave

that put a company’s leave management

processes, LeavePro already has all the

on autopilot and take the hassle out of

basic conditions of employment default

managing leave.

rules that one can use and a template.

USE CASE

It shouldn’t take more than a day to get

For example, Argantic thought of building

the basic system running, compared to

a leave management system from

months trying to develop a custom leave

scratch and to create a centralised leave

management system.

request app using Azure, Microsoft Power Automate and Power Apps to bridge the gaps.

INTEGRATION WITH AZURE ACTIVE DIRECTORY With all the solutions and tools available

For example, Argantic has Office 365 migration and management expertise, Teams voice, Teams security compliance, application modernisation and modern apps.

App modernisation is where customers have apps that are running on prem and require legacy infrastructure to function.

We take them through the process of modernising those to use the cloud rather than the on prem infrastructure. Modern apps is about creating apps in the cloud from the start.

Power Automate includes powerful

today, including Azure, organisations don’t

workflow automation directly in the app

have to build infrastructure to house the

In conclusion, the cloud, app

with no-code approach that connects

app. They can migrate to the cloud and

modernisation and modern apps have

to hundreds of popular apps and

optimally use the tools that they become

made this transformation journey much

services. Microsoft Power Apps allows

exposed to when they are there.

more achievable and cost effective..

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CUSTOMER JOURNEY MANAGEMENT (CJM) CAN HELP BUSINESS OWNERS BOOST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, INCREASE SALES AND REVENUES. THIS IS A METHOD OF OPTIMISING THE ONLINE AND IN-STORE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, OFTEN REFERRED TO AS EXPERIENCE OPTIMISATION OR JOURNEY MAPPING.

USING TECH TO INFLUENCE CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR ustomer journey management is far more panoptic and extensive than the common practice of customer relationship management (CRM).

It combines technology and behavioural science to show one how to develop plans for every step of customer interaction.

C

More importantly, it uses science to encourage behaviours from customers, like taking action on content, filling out forms or purchasing suggested items.

Businesses can benefit from developing a detailed customer journey map to better understand their company’s interactions with their customers. However, they need the necessary tools like Optimizely to evaluate their customer interactions and to develop strategies for improvement through an omnichannel strategy.

Modern customers are looking for more than a product. People are far savvier with their shopping habits. To keep their attention, one needs to give them the experience they seek.

Studies have shown that 66% of corporations believe they are coordinating a successful customer-centric experience, but the hard truth is that 44% of industry leaders say it is not enough. CJM incorporates behaviour analysis to discover areas in which the business can improve.

Today’s shoppers are looking for more than simply the lowest product price.

Marketing research demonstrates that 64% of shoppers will switch brands for any number of reasons per customer data.

Number one being customers want an effortless shopping experience, and if they think they can get it elsewhere, they will.

Managing the customer interactions from beginning to end will ensure customer retention, more referrals, increase upselling and engagement and improve the marketing ROI.

BEST PRACTICES IN CJM Companies of all sizes are looking to increase the quality perceived by their customers. Nearly two-thirds of companies today are using customer journey management to try to edge out the competition. An increase in revenue is experienced by 84% of companies that focus on their customer journey.

The customer journey is the defining piece of the puzzle to outperform the competition. Here is a guideline on how to implement customer journey management:

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UNDERSTAND THE CUSTOMER BETTER There is only one chance to make a first impression. Trying to discover and map the customers’ path to interact with the

This application builds visual customer journey maps and includes helpful product templates.

business is only part of knowing who the

SMAPLY:

customers are. Take time to pinpoint the

Smaply is a cloud-based tool that builds

core customers and learn about their own

both basic and complex customer experi-

goals when seeking services or products

ence maps. It includes a free version.

by developing customer personas.

RE-IMAGINE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AS A JOURNEY

UXPRESSIA:

Personas help one find behaviour patterns and visualise the entire approach to creat-

MIRO: This is a versatile, digital whiteboard application for creating customer journey

ing a customer journey map. If the cus-

maps, retrospectives, mood boards and

tomer base is other businesses, and B2B

much more.

Companies often make the initial mistake

marketing is a top priority, understanding

GLIFFY:

of focusing their efforts on marketing.

each type of customer still matters. One can develop customer personas based on

Gliffy creates workflows, diagrams and

Unfortunately, this viewpoint doesn’t

customer journey maps.

include the whole picture. A good

the types of businesses being served.

customer journey map will cover every

SETTING CLEAR GOALS

Depending on the product or service,

In setting goals for mapping and

customers are willing to spend up to 18%

developing a customer journey strategy,

more on businesses that provide them with

first consider the motivation for initially

the experience they expect. For almost

area within the business and all who have interactions with the brand. This journey includes employees, vendors, suppliers, management and the customer.

creating the customer journey map. If it’s just being done because it’s a new

To create a successful customer

suggested marketing strategy, then one is

experience journey, one needs to think

missing the point.

80% of US consumers, the most important elements of positive customer experiences are convenience, speed, knowledgeable help and friendly service.

holistically. Ensure that every person and business interacting with the company is

It is essential to set goals and objectives

considered in telling the entire story.

when creating your map to help discover areas that need improvement. Some plans

Getting on board with building a quality customer journey experience begins with

These ideas and functions should be included:

one might consider when in the develop-

PERIPHERAL Contact:

areas or pain points, improving customer

understanding of how one’s company

What is the point of the first contact?

engagement, finding ways to increase rev-

interacts with the public. By adding a solid

Peripheral contact areas could include

enue and developing a better brand image.

customer journey management program

TOP TOOLS

for a brand and employees to follow, one

example, a customer may see an ad or be referred by another customer.

To build the best customer journey

EXTERNAL Contact:

experience, one needs the right tools.

These contact points include your brand’s

Journey mapping tools collect and create

external assets like social media, website

data about how customers interact with a

A business is more than just a product or

or store location.

brand, and help one better understand the

service, customers see it as an entity that

INTERNAL Contact:

customer persona.

creates an experience – and how one manages that experience is demonstrated

vendors, suppliers, customer service

Some easy-to-use customer journey mapping tools include:

centres, or anyone representing the

OPTIMIZELY:

business. Treat vendors and suppliers as

A tool that helps companies make data-

customers to maintain a uniformly positive

driven decisions for developing their cus-

customer journey.

tomer experience and site content.

both direct and indirect contact. For

This includes any interactions with an employee or process within the brand.

Internal interactions could be with the

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

ment stages are solving known problem

the right tools, analytics, and a thorough

will see gains in multiple areas like sales, customer referrals and upselling.

in customer spending and customer satisfaction.

BY NICK DURRANT, BLUEGRASS DIGITAL CEO

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NEWS

THE ART OF SELLING ONLINE COMMERCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE IS MORE THAN TRANSACTIONS, PRODUCTS AND CATALOGUES. SELLING ONLINE MEANS TELLING STORIES, EVOKING EMOTION AND ESTABLISHING TRUST. NO ONE OWES YOU THEIR BUSINESS, YOU HAVE TO EARN IT WITH EVERY INTERACTION. eading brands have visibility into

to unearth the true, hidden motivations

offline. Many have grown accustomed to

what content should be created,

behind people’s actions. One might find the

personalised experiences from their news

what experiments to run and what

pain points customers think they have, are

feed, social network, and shopping recom-

will lead to better conversions. There are

derivative of problems far more meta. They

mendations.

tools like Optimizely that help digital teams

can then market to the customers’ root

deliver individualised experiences to every

needs – perhaps needs they don’t even

L

customer.

It’s essential to set up an omnichannel, ever-present experience for your customers.

This allows them to engage with your company at their convenience – where and when

“

know exist.

Expectations have risen so high that companies who want to improve their products are changing their strategy to address this

individualised experiences to every customer

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS

need directly. Many business and technology leaders name personalisation as a top commerce technology investment priority.

Understanding customers

To create helpful, human digital experienc-

is crucial for any

es requires constant invention from every

business. How im-

company.​A digital experience platform

portant? According

(DXP) should make creating behaviour-

to a study by PwC,

driven experiences simple, crafting sophis-

one-third of cus-

ticated content faster, collaborating easier

they want. Make

tomers who have

and anticipating customer needs possible.

sure your cus-

a bad experience

One can eliminate guesswork and make

tomer experience

will break up with

every interaction actionable.

is seamless. Switching from app to web

a brand. There are a few things businesses

browser should be as easy as changing

need to know about their customers to

One needs to personalise experiences with

from your PC to phone for email.

generate leads. They must stop guessing,

insights on not only where your customers

Businesses need to track the customers

they need to know what marketing content

are coming from, but what they are likely to

at all times and across all channels to do

to deliver to whom and when.

do next. Getting personal helps customers

this effectively. Data insights allow one

customise every interaction.

Consumers’ expectations have shifted to the point that people expect a personal

Behind every unique data set, is a human

digital experience that mirrors the typi-

being. When you unlock data’s potential,

cal level of personalisation they receive

you uncover more humanised digital experiences. Each time users return to your site, what they see should evolve with their unique tastes and behaviours.

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THE EVER-CHANGING CUSTOMER JOURNEY Previously, B2B transactions encompassed

Gartner research found that custom-

a complex, time consuming sales process

ers who perceived the information they

and involved numerous decision-makers.

received from suppliers to be helpful in

This laborious B2B purchase journey has

advancing across their buying jobs were

now been streamlined. There have been

2.8 times more likely to experience a high

drastic changes to the consumer buying

degree of purchase ease, and three times

journey and B2B purchase paths have also

more likely to buy a bigger deal with less

transformed significantly in recent times.

regret.

B2B customers still go through the basic

In fact‚ this research finds that when B2B

steps in the purchasing journey, they

buyers are considering a purchase‚ they

still need to identify the business need,

spend only 17% of that time meeting with

researching solutions, evaluate the various

potential suppliers. When buyers are

options and then make a decision. How-

comparing multiple suppliers‚ the amount

ever, the biggest difference is that they

of time spent with anyone sales rep maybe

can now do research online, making the

only 5% or 6%.

process faster and more efficient.

Buyer enablement helps buyers buy

PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH THE RIGHT INFORMATION

by providing them with the necessary information and tools to make the buying process easier to navigate and complete.

Bluegrass Digital is a leading provider of digital solutions for business. We simplify tech. We help you architect and build digital products and services, ensuring you transform and succeed in a digital world. With over 20 years of engineering experience and a proven track record, Bluegrass Digital offers expert knowledge and its unique offering that is centred on service delivery excellence.

To stop losing customers and to succeed in an increasingly competitive B2B buying environment, ecommerce businesses need

BY NICK DURRANT, BLUEGRASS DIGITAL CEO

www.bluegrassdigital.com

to focus on providing their customers with the right information that is specifically designed to enable them to buy. Today, sellers have far fewer opportunities to influence customer decisions.

The availability of quality information through a plethora of digital channels has made it easy for consumers to gather information independently. This means sellers have a small window to influence customer decisions.

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WORLD OF WORK IS FAST SHIFTING TO HYBRID MODELS

itrix has announced that it offers market-leading solution in two flavours, enabling organisations of all sizes to quickly and easily enable secure hybrid work. To support and accelerate the transition to hybrid, Citrix DaaS is now available in hybrid cloud and hyperscaler-specific deployment options, making it easier than ever for companies to stand up the secure, high-performing workspaces that an increasingly flexible workforce demands.

c

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“

high-performing workspaces that an increasingly flexible workforce demands

WITH THE EXPANSION OF HYBRID WORK MODELS, DESKTOP AS A SERVICE (DAAS) IS QUICKLY BECOMING AN INDISPENSABLE COMPONENT OF IT. MOST BUSINESS LEADERS VIEW DAAS AS A KEY ENABLER OF SECURE WORK WITHIN THEIR ORGANISATION, AND MORE THAN 50 PERCENT HAVE OR PLAN TO IMPLEMENT IT IN THE YEAR AHEAD. THIS IS ACCORDING TO A RECENT GLOBAL SURVEY. Enterprise Strategy Group senior analyst Mark Bowker says businesses want a

Using the solution, IT can:

modern and secure desktop, application,

ENHANCE the User Experience - Provide

and data delivery strategy that reflects

consistent, simple, access to the apps and

the reality of how users work and can

data employees need to get work done,

keep up with the rapid change of business

wherever it needs to get done.

applications and devices, without

IMPROVE Productivity – Serve up unified,

amplifying the management and security burden that already weighs heavily on IT shoulders.

DaaS possesses the unique combination of attributes that appeals to businesses across industries: improved time to value, cost reduction, and enhanced security.

one-click access to work resources that empower employees to perform at their best.

STRENGTHEN Security – Store sensitive information on a secure cloud server and leverage a zero trust security approach to protect all devices, including unmanaged

Troye CEO Helen Kruger says the news

and Bring Your Own.

couldn’t come at a better time. “Citrix

INCREASE Business Agility – Scale

DaaS delivers on all fronts. Formerly known as Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Service, the market-leading cloud service modernises IT and addresses the needs of distributed workers by providing a secure, agile and easy way to quickly deliver apps

desktops up or down on demand across all employee types - including FTEs, contingent and seasonal workers, temp labour, freelancers, designers and even partners - to meet flexible work needs.

or desktops from any cloud or data centre

SIMPLIFY IT - Rapidly provision desktops in

to any device worldwide.”

a zero-touch manner to speed onboarding.

LOWER COSTS - Reduce maintenance and TCO for managed or unmanaged devices connecting to cloud-delivered apps, desktops, and management capabilities.

“Forward-thinking organisations are already on board and reaping the benefits the solution provides,” she stresses.

DaaS business and technology needs are different for every organisation.

Some customers need to balance their existing data centre resources with cloud expansion goals, and others are new to DaaS and embarking on a cloud-first initiative with their hyperscaler of choice.

Citrix DaaS is available in two flavours: HYBRID DaaS – Provides maximum flexibility to manage on-prem and cloud environments together and rapid provisioning, streamlined cloud management, and comprehensive tools to deliver hybrid work solutions.

DAAS for Hyperscalers – Designed for simplicity, the turnkey solution allows for rapid deployment of apps and desktops on public clouds, including Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Companies have long relied on Citrix to deliver secure remote desktops. In expanding the options for deploying Citrix DaaS, companies can accelerate the transition to hybrid work and unlock the benefits it can deliver.

BY HELEN KRUGER, TROYE CEO

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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10 BEST AIRPORTS IN AFRICA ACCORDING TO LATEST RANKING

ON TUESDAY MARCH 22ND, THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT UNVEILED A LAVISH TERMINAL AT ONE OF ITS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN LAGOS. BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS IS PART OF THE WEST AFRICAN COUNTRY’S ONGOING INFRASTRUCTURAL UPGRADES ACROSS FIVE OF ITS MAJOR AIRPORTS.

A

quick tour of the facility

That said, Business Insider Africa hereby

Every year, Skytrax’s airport customer

showed a truly beautiful place,

presents the top 10 best airports in Africa

satisfaction survey focusses on customer

befitting of a country that

as of 2021. This list is courtesy of the

service and facilities in more than 500

World Airports Awards, an annual awards

airports around the world, in a bid to

event organised by Skytrax, a UK-based

determine the best airports in different

consultancy service specialising in airline

parts of the world.

claims to be the “giant of Africa”. But this notwithstanding, Nigeria does not have one of the top best airports in Africa.

As you may well know, international

and airport reviews. Since 1999, Skytrax has

airports are the gateway to every country.

been the world’s most reliable source for

Therefore, there is need to present the

quality reviews about different aspects of

best image of a country to foreign visitors,

the global aviation sector.

by ensuring that airport facilities are state-of-the-art and well-maintained.

Also, workers at these airports must be professional enough to always give the

HERE ARE THE 10 BEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN AFRICA

best possible serve to visitors. These are some of the yardsticks used for

1

determining the best airports around the world.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT This is currently the best airport in Africa.

Commissioned in 1954, this airport is one of the oldest and busiest airports on the continent. From this airport, travellers can get direct flights to major travel destinations across Africa, the United States,

2

Europe, the Middle East and

KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT located 35 kilometres away from the north of Durban, the King Shaka International Airport was commissioned in 2010 and primarily serves the city of Durban. It replaced the Durban International Airport which was

decommissioned

in

2010.

3

O.R TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT , JOHANNESBURG

According to publicly available information, the

This airport is one of the busiest in Africa, having the

airport’s passenger terminal has the capacity to

capacity to handle nearly 30 million passengers per

handle 7.5 million passengers every year.

annum. It was established in 1952 and was originally known as the Jan Smuts International Airport

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MARRAKESH MENARA AIRPORT

4

5 Also

SIR SEEWOOSAGUR RAMGOOLAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MAURITIUS

known as Aéroport Marrakech Ménara in

French, this airport is the main international airport in Morocco, receiving millions of passengers from Europe, the Middle East and other parts of the

This is the main airport in Mauritius. Commissioned

world. The airport has been around since the 1940s,

shortly after the end of the Second World War in

as it played a huge role serving as a hub for the US

1945, the airport was initially known as the Plaisance

military. Since then, it has undergone modifications,

Airport. Since the 1940s, the airport has undergone

including a 2008 extension to the main terminal which has left the airport’s architecture with a

major re-constructions to expand and modernise

mixture of traditional and modern elements.

it. It has also reportedly played a huge role in the Mauritian economy.

6

MOHAMMED V INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CASABLANCA This is yet another major international airport in Morocco which specifically serves the city of Casablanca. Originally named Berrechid Airfield, it was built by the United States in 1943 and served

7

ADDIS ABABA BOLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

as an auxiliary airfield. Although the United States

Established

temporarily handed ownership of the airport to

International Airport is the main international airport

in

1962,

the Addis Ababa

Bole

Morocco at the end of the Second World Warm, the

in Ethiopia. It replaced the now decommissioned

North African country didn’t fully take ownership

military airport Lidetta, and has since undergone

until 1959. It was then renamed Mohammed V

some major expansion works, including the currently

International Airport, after Mohammed al-Khamis

ongoing expansion of its passenger terminal which

bin Yusef bin Hassan al-Alawi who was the Sultan of

is being handled by some Chinese companies.

Morocco from 1927 to 1953.

9

PORT ELIZABETH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

This is yet another South African airport which

is a landlocked country. Perhaps this

the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport,

explains why the country does not joke with its

it was established in 1929. Its facilities have since

airports, especially the Kigali International Airport

undergone major re-constructions in order to fit into

which is the main one. According to publicly

the modern era.

8 Rwanda

serves the city of Port Elizabeth. Also known as

available records, the airport was designed to handle about 400, 000 passengers per annum. But as of 2013, both more than 600,000 passengers were recorded for both local and international travels. This prompted plans to expand the passenger terminals, even as efforts to build a new international airport are underway.

BRAM FISCHER INTERNATIONAL

10 AIRPORT, BLOEMFONTEIN

Lastly, we have the Bram Fischer International Airport. It is the primary airport in the city of Bloemfontein, one of South Africa’s three capital cities. Formerly known as Bloemfontein Airport, its name was changed in November 2012 during a ceremony presided over by South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma.

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AIRLINES WILL NEED TO RECRUIT AIRLINES WILL NEED TO RECRUIT ABOUT 63,000 NEW PROFESSIONALS, AS AFRICA’S AVIATION INDUSTRY IS PROJECTED TO HIT $400 BILLION VALUATION BY 2040

A

frica’s commercial aviation market is projected to be valued at $400 billion by 2040.

Growth will be driven by factors such as increased trade, more travel agreements and an increase in the region’s middle class.

To meet an expected increase in air travel demand, African airlines will have to significantly increase their fleet size and workforce.

African airlines will need to recruit some 63,000 new professionals (including pilots, technicians and cabin crew members) over the next twenty years in order to ensure optimal service delivery.

EMMANUEL ABARA BENSON 34

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ISSUE 3

This is part of the key growth projections

Some of other factors that are expected

that were made about the African com-

to help drive Africa’s commercial avia-

mercial aviation industry by American

tion growth are the continent’s projected

aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, as contained

3% economic growth over the next two

in its recently released 2021 Commercial

decades, the African Continental Free

Market Outlook.

Trade Area (AcfTA) and Single African Air

According to the forecast which was

Transport Market which are all expected to

obtained by Business Insider Africa, Africa’s

encourage cross-border trade and travels.

commercial aviation market will be valued at a whopping $400 billion by 2040. And in line with this projected growth, airlines on the continent will acquire about 1, 030 new airplanes that will be valued at $160 billion.

Also note that Africa’s middle class is expected to increase significantly during the forecast period, thereby driving up the need for air travel. As a matter of fact, annual passenger traffic is projected to grow

“Africa has healthy opportunities to expand

by 5.4%, the third highest growth rate in the

travel and tourism, coinciding with increas-

world according to Boeing.

ing urbanization and rising incomes. African carriers are well-positioned to support

In line with the foregoing therefore, African

inter-regional traffic growth and capture

airlines will need to recruit 19,000 new

market share by offering services that ef-

pilots, 20,000 technicians and 24,000 cabin

ficiently connect passengers and enable

crew members between now and 2040.

commerce within the continent,” said

In the same vein, they will systematically

Boeing’s Managing Director of Commer-

increase their fleet size by 3.6% in order to

cial Marketing for Middle East and Africa,

accommodate the expected increase in air

Randy Heisey.

travellers.

BY EMMANUEL ABARA BENSON

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

MOODY ‘S RATING OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES

A

frican Union to establish credit rating agency for continent: The Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has kick started the

process of designing a legal and structural framework for the

Such inconsistencies, which had led to sovereign rating downgrades of Africancountries since the outbreak of COVID19, he said, justified the rationale behind the decision of the AU Assembly in January 2017 to direct the APRM to provide support to AU Member States in the field of Credit Rating Agencies.

establishment of a creditrating

“Some countries were downgraded

agency as an

before they even registered a

independent

single case of Covid-19. Most

entity of the AfricanUnion (AU).

of these rating decisions were merely based on expectations that countries’

The framework,

fiscal

which is based on

situations

the outcome of an

would deteriorate

APRM feasibility study that supports the move to provide alternative and complimenting rating opinions, would also look at the financial

and their health systems would be severely strained by the pandemic,” he

implications of setting up the African Credit Rating

stated.

Agency (CRA).

Professor Eddy Maloka, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the APRM, made this known at a sensitisation meeting on APRM support to member states on international credit rating agencies.

“We will be reporting the outcomes to the Specialised Technical Committee of Finance Ministers Committee later this year,” he said.

LOW CREDIT RISK MODERATECREDIT RISK SUBSTANTIAL CREDIT RISK

The non-reflection of average improvement in political, economic, and social indicators in rating of African countries by international rating agencies, he said,

HIGHCREDIT RISK VERY HIGH CREDIT RISK

explained the rise in discontentment of operations of those agencies.

COUNTRY NOT RATED

BY MARK-ANTHONY JOHNSON

HTTPS://JICHOLDINGS.COM CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

ISSUE 3

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35

INtheKNOW

ANGOLA KWANZA IS NOW WORLD’S BEST-PERFORMING CURRENCY THE OIL BOOM HAS ADDED FUEL TO A RALLY FOR ANGOLA’S KWANZA THAT’S MADE IT THE WORLD’S BEST-PERFORMING CURRENCY AGAINST THE DOLLAR.

T

he currency of Africa’s second-

Also read: Angola reaffirms commitment to

biggest crude producer has

economic diplomacy

strengthened 20% this year,

buoyed by surging oil prices, several

In July, Angola’s central bank increased its benchmark interest rate to a record 20%

credit-rating upgrades and the likelihood

from 15.5% to curb inflation. The kwanza is

the central bank will continue to raise inter-

also recovering from a sharp drop in 2019

est rates.

after the central bank started allowing the

The worst-performing currency is the Russian ruble, down 37% this year amid

currency to trade more freely against the dollar.

sanctions against Russia after its invasion

S&P increased the country’s credit rating

of Ukraine.

on Feb. 4, while Fitch Ratings upgraded the

Brent crude almost doubled in the past year to as high as $139 a barrel earlier this

southern African nation’s debt last month.

In September, Moodys Investors Service raised Angola’s credit rating for the first

month. Brent futures fell below $100 on

time, citing improved governance and debt

Tuesday, still up 28% since the beginning

metrics.

of January.

The rating upgrades took place after

Angola’s economy, which depends on

Angola last year completed its $4.5-billion

oil for 90% of export revenue, is forecast

program with the IMF, in which it allowed

to expand 2.9% this year after exiting five

the kwanza to trade freely against the

years of recession in 2021. The central bank

dollar.

may increase rates this month to rein in

Angola is an AfCFTA member country

rising consumer prices, S&P Global ratings credit analyst Zahabia Gupta said on Feb. 18.

36

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BY MARK-ANTHONY JOHNSON

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

CEO GLOBAL 2022 AWARDS SUBMISSION & NOMINATIONS

These awards are about you, your contribution, your influence and not about the organisation you represent COMPLETE ONLINE AT: WWW.CEOGLOBALGROUP.COM • Please complete ALL questions in the Entry Form to speed up your route to the list of finalists.

• All documentation needs to be submitted in order for the entry to be considered.

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INtheKNOW

Legendary Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam quits after 37 years

TEWOLDE GEBREMARIAM

END OF AN ERA LEGENDARY ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES CEO TEWOLDE GEBREMARIAM QUITS AFTER 37 YEARS

T

ewolde GebreMariam is a

Ethiopian Airlines tripled its fleet under

Airways. But post pandemic, thanks to this

towering figure of African aviation,

Tewolde GebreMariam’s watch, from

agility — and the decline of other carriers —

dragging EthiopianAirlines

around 40 when he took over as CEO in

it finds itself Africa’s biggest as measured

2011, to 120 today.

by turnover in our exclusive ranking of

through a profound modernisation process, and running the state-backed

Africa’s Top 500 Companies.

company profitably, in comparison to many

Turnover also grew from $1.3bn in 2011 to

continental peers.

$3.9bn in 2019-2020. And Ethiopian’s Addis

“Ato Tewolde was a game changer in

Ababa hub now flies to 120 destinations,

African aviation. He bumped Ethiopian

compared to 80 in 2010.

Airlines into the new century with a solid

“I pay tribute to the work of a man who has led Africa’s largest airline for over 11

and steady hand, expanding the airline in

years”, says Abdérahmane Berte, head of

While the Covid-19 pandemic has had a

terms of scope and profits beyond what

the AfricanAirlinesAssociation (AFRAA).

huge impact, kicking a billion dollar hole in

was thought possible in Africa”, says one

the budget, Ethiopian Airlines has managed

African aviation expert who asks not to

“Under his leadership Ethiopian Airlines

to be operationally flexible, refitting several

be named. “His agility was apparent in

became the largest African airline. A

passenger planes into cargo carriers,

Ethiopian’s stunning quick turn once the

position maintained for many years”, he

the fruit of a long-started diversification

pandemic decimated passenger traffic by

says. “For the sake of history I also note the

exercise.

quickly converting passenger aircraft to

important role of Ethiopian Airlines as one of the founding companies of AFRAA.”

freighters, earning the awe and admiration Ethiopian Airlines was the continent’s fifth

of business leaders worldwide. Honestly

largest carrier, after South African Airways,

his handling of ET during Covid was

Egyptair, Royal Air Maroc and Kenya

spectacular.”

BY MARK-ANTHONY JOHNSON

38

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CEO GLOBAL 2022 AWARDS

SUBMISSION & NOMINATIONS

These awards are about you, your contribution, your influence and not about the organisation you represent COMPLETE ONLINE AT: WWW.CEOGLOBALGROUP.COM • Please complete ALL questions in the Entry Form to speed up your route to the list of finalists.

• All documentation needs to be submitted in order for the entry to be considered.

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39

STOP LOSING CUSTMERS TO STOP LOSING CUSTOMERS AND TO SUCCEED IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE B2B BUYING ENVIRONMENT, ECOMMERCE BUSINESSES NEED TO FOCUS ON PROVIDING THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH THE RIGHT INFORMATION THAT IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO ENABLE THEM TO BUY. TODAY, SELLERS HAVE FAR FEWER OPPORTUNITIES TO INFLUENCE CUSTOMER DECISIONS.

t

he availability of quality informa-

B2B customers still go through the basic

tion through a plethora of digital

steps in the purchasing journey, they

channels has made it easy for

still need to identify the business need,

consumers to gather information indepen-

researching solutions, evaluate the various

dently. This means sellers have a small

options and then make a decision. How-

window to influence customer decisions.

ever, the biggest difference is that they

Gartner research found that customers who perceived the information they

can now do research online, making the process faster and more efficient.

received from suppliers to be helpful in advancing across their buying jobs were 2.8 times more likely to experience a high

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS

degree of purchase ease, and three times

Understanding customers is crucial for any

more likely to buy a bigger deal with less

business. How important? According to a

regret.

study by PwC, one-third of customers who

Buyer enablement helps buyers buy by providing them with the necessary information and tools to make the buying process easier to navigate and complete.

In fact‚ this research finds that when B2B buyers are considering a purchase‚ they spend only 17% of that time meeting with potential suppliers. When buyers are comparing multiple suppliers‚ the amount of time spent with anyone sales rep maybe only 5% or 6%.

have a bad experience will break up with a brand. There are a few things businesses need to know about their customers to generate leads. They must stop guessing, they need to know what marketing content to deliver to whom and when.

Consumers’ expectations have shifted to the point that people expect a personal digital experience that mirrors the typical level of personalisation they receive offline.

Many have grown accustomed to personalised experiences from their news feed, social network, and shopping recommen-

THE EVER-CHANGING CUSTOMER JOURNEY Previously, B2B transactions encompassed a complex, time consuming sales process and involved numerous decision-makers.

This laborious B2B purchase journey has now been streamlined. There have been

dations.

(DXP) should make creating behaviourdriven experiences simple, crafting sophis-

Expectations have risen so high that com-

ticated content faster, collaborating easier

panies who want to improve their products

and anticipating customer needs possible.

are changing their strategy to address this

One can eliminate guesswork and make

need directly. Many business and technol-

every interaction actionable.

ogy leaders name personalisation as a top commerce technology investment priority.

One needs to personalise experiences with insights on not only where your customers

drastic changes to the consumer buying

To create helpful, human digital experienc-

are coming from, but what they are likely to

journey and B2B purchase paths have also

es requires constant invention from every

do next. Getting personal helps customers

transformed significantly in recent times.

company. A digital experience platform

customise every interaction.

40

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ISSUE 3

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

Behind every unique data set, is a human being. When you unlock data’s potential, you uncover more humanised digital experiences. Each time users return to your site, what they see should evolve with their unique tastes and behaviours.

SELLING ONLINE Commerce in the digital age is more than transactions, products and catalogues.

Selling online means telling stories, evok-

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ing emotion and establishing trust. No one owes you their business, you have to earn it with every interaction.

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Leading brands have visibility into what content should be created, what experiments to run and what will lead to better conversions. There are tools like Optimizely that help digital teams deliver individualised experiences to every customer.

It’s essential to set up an omnichannel, ever-present experience for your customers. This allows them to engage with your company at their convenience – where and when they want. Make sure your customer experience is seamless. Switching from app to web browser should be as easy as

BY NICK DURRANT, BLUEGRASS DIGITAL CEO

changing from your PC to phone for email.

Businesses need to track the customers at all times and across all channels to do this effectively. Data insights allow one to unearth the true, hidden motivations behind people’s actions. One might find the pain points customers think they have, are derivative of problems far more meta. They can then market to the customers’ root needs – perhaps needs they don’t even

“

Behind every unique data set, is a human being.

know exist.

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

ISSUE 3

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41

SOUTH AFRICA & MOZAMBIQUE COMMIT TO CONTINUED BILATERAL COOPERATION PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA SAYS AS THE WORLD STRIVES TO EMERGE FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVASTATION OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES LIKE MOZAMBIQUE AND SOUTH AFRICA MUST CONTINUE TO DEEPEN AND STRENGTHEN THE ALREADY EXISTING TIES BETWEEN THEM.

T

he President was speaking at a Plenary Session of the third South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National

Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria.

The commission promotes cooperation between the two countries and encompasses committees in politics and diplomacy, defence and security, the economy and social development.

42

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CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

ALSO READ MOZAMBIQUE JOIN EFFORTS TO PREVENT PRACTICE OF CHILD SOLDIERS – UNICEF

DP WORLD TO COMPLETE TAKEOVER OF SOUTH AFRICA’S IMPERIAL LOGISTICS

TRADE TO LIFT 30 MILLION AFRICANS OUT OF EXTREME POVERTY WWW. FOLLOW

FURTHERAFRICA

FURTHERAFRICA .COM

ON TWITTER , INSTAGRAM AND LINKEDIN.

“Our two countries share a common view

“Mozambique remains one of South

“We have weathered many difficulties in

on issues of peace, stability, economic

Africa’s top trading partners in the region,

the past and through our resilience, we

development, regional and continental

and there are several opportunities

have emerged stronger. The crisis you are

integration.

for expansion. South Africa is keen, in

confronting in Cabo Delgado is no different.

“We are both undertaking programmes to advance youth development, women’s

particular, to expand cooperation in the

“We will face it together with the same

energy sector.

empowerment, poverty alleviation and job

“Mozambique is endowed with significant

creation.

volumes of natural gas. This can benefit not

“These are some of the concrete steps we

Africa, but also the rest of the SADC region.

are taking to realise the vision of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and to improve the lives of our people,” President Ramaphosa said on Friday.

ENERGY President Ramaphosa told the commission that South Africa is expanding cooperation with Mozambique, particularly in the energy sector.

Currently, the country supplies

“

only the people of Mozambique and South

he said.

The President revealed that on the international stage, South Africa will

growth in our respective countries, and we

back Mozambique’s bid to have a non-

look forward to

permanent seat on the United Nations

significant progress

Security Council.

towards securing and sustaining our

“Our countries share similar views on

energy needs,” the

the need to reform the United Nations

President said.

Security Council, to make it an organ that is

Security and

representative, where the African continent

international

can have a voice.

relations

“South Africa fully supports Mozambique’s

President

candidature for a non-permanent seat at

Ramaphosa

the UN Security Council. Together with

recommitted South

South Africa’s tenure in the AU Peace

Africa’s support – through the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

at least 1 000MW of electricity per day

– for Mozambique in the fight against

from the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric

terrorism-backed conflict and insurgency

power station.

in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region.

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

democracy and peace will be victorious,”

“Energy security is vital to economic

Our two countries share a common view on issues of peace, stability, economic development, regional and continental integration.

South Africa with

determination, certain that the forces of

and Security Council, this will provide an opportunity for our countries to further cement cooperation between the two councils, especially in the area of financing peace support operations,” he said.

BY FURTHERAFRICA

ISSUE 3

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43

CHINA

SEND TECH HARDWARE TO HELP PUTIN

BY CHIARA ALBANESE

EUROPEAN UNION OFFICIALS SUSPECT THAT CHINA MAY BE READY TO SUPPLY SEMICONDUCTORS AND OTHER TECH HARDWARE TO RUSSIA AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO SOFTEN THE IMPACT OF SANCTIONS IMPOSED OVER THE INVASION OF UKRAINE. he EU is concerned

U.S. officials have also warned

One of the EU officials said

Jinping in a video conference

that China is ready

that Beijing may provide help

that the bloc so far has no

last week that China would be

to help President

to Putin, and China’s potential

hard evidence to back up its

risking its plans for economic

influence on the situation in

concerns. A spokesman for the

growth through international

Ukraine was a central issue in

EU Commission declined to

trade if it provided the Kremlin

discussions Thursday between

comment.

with aid.

President Joe Biden and his

Biden said the leaders

“He’d be putting himself in

allies from NATO, the Group of

had discussed creating

significant jeopardy in those

Seven industrialized nations

an organization to watch

aims if in fact he moved

and the EU in Brussels.

components, according to two

for violations of sanctions

forward” with assistance for

At the NATO summit there was

people with knowledge of the

a broad consensus that the

imposed by the U.S., EU and

Russia, Biden said in Brussels.

bloc’s internal assessments.

allies should prevent China

other partners against Russia,

The NATO leaders also

after noting that he’d made

appealed to Beijing in their

clear China would suffer

summit communique.

consequences if it aids the

“We call on all states, including

Kremlin’s war against Ukraine.

the People’s Republic of

NATO and G-7 leaders dis-

China (PRC), to uphold the

cussed establishing “an organ-

international order including

ization looking at who has vio-

the principles of sovereignty

lated any of the sanctions and

and territorial integrity, as

where and when and how they

enshrined in the UN Charter,

violated them,” Biden said at a

to abstain from supporting

news conference in Brussels.

Russia’s war effort in any way,

“And that’s something we’re

and to refrain from any action

going to put in train.”

that helps Russia circumvent

Biden said he had “made it

sanctions,” the statement

clear” to Chinese President Xi

said.

T

Vladimir Putin’s government weather the economic penalties it has put in place along with the U.S., the U.K. and Japan with particular focus on the availability of high-tech

from getting too close to Russia, but there was no agreement on how they should achieve that, another diplomat said.

Beijing and Moscow have denied any requests for aid were made or accepted.

Joe Biden at European Union leaders summit to discuss support for Ukraine

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READ MORE: BIDEN TEAM HARDENS VIEW OF CHINA TILTING TO PUTIN ON UKRAINE U.S. WARNS EUROPE THAT RUSSIA WANTS ARMED DRONES FROM CHINA WWW.

BLOOMBERG .COM

EU-China Summit

Foreign Minister Le Yucheng

the war, but that the U.S. and al-

other,” he said in remarks to re-

European leaders are trying to

accusing NATO in a recent

lies will constantly monitor the

porters aboard Air Force One.

work out how they can prevent

speech of trying to “flex mus-

situation.

“It’s something we just have to

Xi undermining their sanctions

cle” in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We have not seen the Chinese

regime without damaging their

“One could well anticipate the

government move forward

relationship with China, which

consequences going down

on the supply of weapons, but

is critical for the bloc’s econ-

this path,” Le said, hours after

it’s something we’re watch-

omy. European Commission

Xi’s phone call with Biden.

ing every day and I really can’t

we get coordinated on our ap-

President Ursula von der Leyen

“The crisis in Ukraine is a stern

characterize my level of com-

proach vis-a-vis China” and its

and Charles Michel, who heads

warning.”

fort with that one way or the

involvement in the war.

the EU leaders’ council, are due

The U.S. has previously warned

to hold a video conference with

the EU that Russia asked China

Xi on April 1.

for armed drones in late Febru-

“Xi has shared our concerns

ary as it was beginning its inva-

and disapproves of the war,”

sion of Ukraine. Chinese exten-

said French President Emma-

sive land border with Russia

nuel Macron, who held a video

offers plenty of opportunities

conference with Xi and German

to ship goods or even military

Chancellor Olaf Scholz earli-

supplies to the Kremlin and po-

er this month. “I want to be-

tentially avoid detection.

lieve that China will be consist-

Even so, China’s envoy to the

ent with its vision of territorial

U.S., Qin Gang, on Sunday said

sovereignty and therefore will

China “will do everything” to

continue to seek to stop this

de-escalate the war and that

war. And I want to believe that

Beijing hadn’t sent “weap-

China will not participate in

ons and ammunition” to ei-

any form of escalation.”

ther side.

Chinese diplomats routine-

National Security Advisor Jake

ly describe the U.S. as the “cul-

Sullivan said Wednesday that

prit” of the crisis due to the

the U.S. currently has no indi-

expansion of NATO, with Vice

cation of China aiding Russia in

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

“

maintain vigilance.”

Sullivan said discussions in Brussels would include “how

We call on all states, to uphold the international order of sovereignty and territorial integrity ISSUE 3

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OPEN SA’S ECONOMY TO ALL OR KISS OUR DEMOCRACY GOODBYE 46

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ISSUE 3

POWERFUL FORCES OF EXTRACTION ARE THREATENING TO COMPLETELY OVERWHELM OUR SOCIETY. THIS IS NOT THE DOMAIN OF CORRUPT POLITICIANS ALONE, BUT BAD ACTORS OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT USING ANY INTERFACE WITH ECONOMIC RESOURCES TO LEVERAGE PERSONAL BENEFIT BY MEANS FAIR AND FOUL. THEIR ACTIONS COMPOUND OUR DESCENT INTO A LAWLESS, CORRUPT SOCIETY.

F

or those unable to compete in a

tenders, kickbacks, buying of votes in party

modern economy, or structurally

contests, political killings, “empowerment”

locked out by joblessness,

gorging, degrading infrastructure, rotting

gangsterism is now the primary transmission belt to access resources and extract income by quasi-legal, plainly

hospitals and failing municipalities.

This gangsterism is the fundamental

illegal, or violent means.

reckoning for — and central, very real,

Think of the taxi wars, the construction

very own Arab Spring moment in slow

mafia, corrupt Covid tenders, criminal politicians, the gold, coal and diesel

present threat to — our democracy. Our motion.

syndicates, trucker wars, the copper

It has infused itself in our politics. Control

mafia, cable theft, illegal mining, looting

of the political and state machinery is now

of SOEs, corrupt purchasing of unsuitable

a direct transmission belt to economic

equipment, crooked cops, stripping of

advantage. Last year’s July “insurrection”

rail infrastructure, inflated government

was also a powerful demonstration of this.

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

Some ministers, instructed by the

This leaves more than half of the

president to bring looting under control by

population living in poverty and hunger,

mobilising an effective security operation,

shut out from economic opportunity. The

either looked the other way or arguably

education system fails to train people for

committed treason by delaying an

work, and when it does, large numbers still

effective response and so facilitated the

cannot find work.

ongoing gorging.

Added to this disturbing reality is

At the heart of the problem is a complete breakdown in the economy in terms of providing a reasonable share of income and opportunity across our population.

that not only are half our citizens living with poverty and hunger, but they must watch those with jobs and assets live large, in a parallel universe of comparative riches and opportunities. To those on the street,

PAST THE TIPPING POINT

the racial profile of the impoverished

With only 14.5 million South Africans

and income are both black and

employed — 11.7 million are unemployed

white.

or discouraged jobseekers, and another

The rise of opulence and a culture of

13.6 million not economically active — we

aggressive materialistic displays are

are arguably past the tipping point where

in sickening contrast to the poverty

the economy serves its people.

and struggles they fight daily.

CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

is black, even if those with assets

“

Powerful forces of extraction are threatening ISSUE 3

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47

Those on the street want to know how they will put food in their stomachs and clothes on their backs.

They want hope and solutions. Among the employed, inequities are stark too. Look no further than striking workers at Sibanye demanding to close the remaining R250 a month gap in wages — while their boss is given a R300-million pay package.

THE RISE OF OPULENCE AND A CULTURE OF AGGRESSIVE MATERIALISTIC DISPLAYS ARE IN SICKENING CONTRAST TO THE POVERTY AND STRUGGLES THEY FIGHT DAILY. THOSE ON THE STREET WANT TO KNOW HOW THEY WILL PUT FOOD IN THEIR STOMACHS AND CLOTHES ON THEIR BACKS.

No wonder South Africa is called the most unequal society on earth.

Providing practical economic alternatives to those who otherwise resort to increasingly aggressive extractive methods to survive, while prosecuting and punishing those who do, is at the heart of our battle to save South Africa’s heroic and historic democratic project.

In short, defeating extraction as the central organising model of current economic behaviour is central to our political and economic future, and our choices.

A rupture in our political and economic life has been under way since Polokwane, and many predict it will now likely only gain momentum. It will take different forms as our social and economic crisis deepens.

Yes, this is partly about what happens in our governing party, the African National Congress, and the choices it makes, including at its elective conference this December. But it is also about what happens outside the ANC, once — but no longer for many — the leader of society, and what new political responses emerge.

ECONOMIC ELITES AND POWER BROKERS It is equally about what the economic elites and power brokers, black and white, do.

Economic and political elites have over the past three decades by and large focused on their immediate vested interests and mostly ignored the growing threat posed by rising economic exclusion, joblessness, lawlessness and corruption.

When business and union leaders have come out of their corners to raise their hands, the government has mostly ignored them or slapped them down. Now everyone is paying for it as the forces of extraction threaten to overwhelm the government, the ANC itself, the economy, business and society at large.

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So, we must ask, what can democrats, businesspeople, unionists, citizens who believe in the rule of law — who want a constitutional democracy and modern, inclusive economy — do to save our country, provide hope to citizens shut out

WE ALL AGREE, THAT MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE NEED TO GROW THE ECONOMY.

as the main energy source, and so expensive, polluting diesel generators today remain the reality for Nigeria.

We need to create millions of work opportunities. That is a common departure point.

ECONOMIC PLAN

of the economy and reverse our descent?

But not enough is being done to achieve it. A consensus on a broad programme

Sound familiar? In July 2020, at my UCT

At the simplest level, millions of citizens

of economic reforms has largely been

are helping in their communities with

lecture, “From a two-speed society to one

agreed. But, at each step, implementation

humanitarian efforts such as feeding

that works for all”, I proposed a 10-point

is frustrated.

plan to grow an inclusive economy that

schemes. The Solidarity Fund is assisting with disaster relief and Covid response measures. The Youth Employment Service programme has mobilised 75,000 paid internships for youth with businesses. The SME Fund has mobilised billions from corporates to fund SMEs. The Presidency

Some think a political rupture to disrupt

“

Why are we failing to provide security?

Employment Stimulus is on

included a fiscally neutral unemployment

the vested political

grant, measures to clamp down on the

interests frustrating

illegal economy, assisting SMEs and micro

economic reform

businesses, unlocking infrastructure invest-

is needed, as a

ment, modernising the public service via

precondition for

an e-government platform, fixing Eskom

that reform. Why

operations and balance sheet, redesign-

are we failing to

ing the industrialisation architecture and

get energy reform?

supporting manufacturing and mining, and

Why are we failing to provide

ending spatial apartheid planning.

security to stop

The plan targeted the creation of five

the stripping of our

million jobs in a decade and growth of 5%

infrastructure be-

per annum. One can add to this mix other

fore our very eyes?

measures like zero-based budgeting to

Because of inter-

redirect expenditure and tax reforms to

twined economic

pay for it, employee benefit plans and

track to reach one million beneficiaries.

and political interests in the corridors of

But we must admit that fundamentally, as

power, some suggest.

a society, we are failing to stem the tide.

As an executive at Goldman Sachs for 20

and employers, labour and other reforms

We must accelerate efforts to create real

years, on my travels to Nigeria it became

to stimulate jobs, and public-private part-

and credible pathways into the economy

clear to me that powerful interests there

nership concessions to build, maintain and

for half of society that is currently shut out.

had no interest in disrupting diesel supply

operate infrastructure.

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worker representation on corporate boards to reset the contract between employees

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COMMODITY WINDFALL

y

ou may or may not agree with

Since my UCT speech in 2020, our

But let us be clear. A reckoning is under

this mix of measures, but if you

domestic backdrop has only worsened as

way in South Africa and evidence of its

don’t, we had better all come up

the forces of extraction have risen in the

corrosive effects is mounting.

with practical ones in which you do believe,

dangerous vacuum created by a weak

work. What we can’t do is purely pay down

state. Actually, this domestic downward

We must act now to reverse the decline.

debt, smooth the fiscal numbers and not

spiral is against the global backdrop

We must provide practical avenues for

stimulate economic growth. We cannot

of one of the biggest tailwinds South

economic participation to those on the

ignore the poor on the one hand and rising

Africa has enjoyed, due to fiscal windfalls

streets, or not only will our infrastructure

erosive forces of extraction on the other.

That is a losing strategy — watching while the house burns down.

We need to ask, what smart choices can we make to reshape the contract between those inside and outside

“

from elevated

be stripped before our eyes, so will

commodity export

our democracy — extracted along with

earnings.

A reckoning is under way in South Africa

This windfall is likely to continue as the world’s largest economies

an edifice with nothing also supporting it.

Gangsters dressed in Gucci will hold up our flag under the facade, pretending to

are refitted with

be democrats while they eat our proud

commodity-rich

nation’s lunch and flesh.

infrastructure to meet climate change commitments. The good news is that this

our economy, by

everything else, leaving an empty shell, but

Instead, by providing practical economic pathways and closing off avenues for extraction, we must all fight for the prize of reclaiming and living Mandela’s dream

providing new economic pathways? And

will provide us with fiscal space to make

of a non-racial, constitutional, democratic

what sacrifices are we willing to make to

some hard choices for inclusive growth

state with an inclusive, modern economy.

save South Africa?

and stability.

BM/DM

BY COLIN COLEMAN, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE CO-CHAIR

FIRST PUBLISHED IN BUSINESS DAY

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SEEDS OF CHANGE IN KENYA

AS FARMERS LEAD WAY ON TOBACCO-FREE FARMS

I

n Kenya, a trailblazing sustainable agriculture project has helped hundreds of farmers move away

from the harmful practice of growing tobacco, in favour of a healthier alternative, the UN said on Wednesday.

The initiative, supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in cooperation with the Kenyan authorities, is helping to “move the needle” on ending the global tobacco epidemic, said WHO.

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“

TOXIC HARVEST

65,000 youngsters die each year from illnesses related to second-hand smoke

KENYA IS THE FIRST COUNTRY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME, WHICH OFFERS TRAINING TO TOBACCO FARMERS SO THAT THEY CAN SWITCH TO ALTERNATIVE CROPS THAT ARE EASIER TO HARVEST.

EASY SOLUTION

ADDICTED TO NICOTINE

Kenya is the first country to participate in the scheme, which offers training to tobacco farmers so that they can switch to alternative crops that are easier to harvest, such as beans.

The UN health agency pointed out that tobacco growing accounts for less than one per cent of Kenya’s economy.

So far, growers have sold 135 tonnes of beans to the World Food Programme (WFP), delivering them significantly more income, than they earned from tobacco farming.

Growing beans has the added advantage that they are full of iron, which helps to counter numerous heath and development problems among children and pregnant women.

“The project has seen farmers’ health improve, increased school attendance from children previously working on the farms, and better crops for the environment replacing tobacco,” WHO said.

But its farmers and their families are exposed to serious health risks from the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin when handling wet tobacco leaves, exposure to heavy use of pesticides, and to tobacco dust.

“Right now, my kids have time for homework, but during tobacco farming, they did not”, said long-time tobacco grower Alice Achieng Obare, one of hundreds of farmers in Kenya’s southwestern Migori county who have moved away from tobacco.

The project has seen farmers’ health improve, increased school attendance from children previously working on the farms, and better crops for the environment replacing tobacco

“I would also like to tell tobacco farmers that they should come and see my chest x-ray from my doctor, my chest is full of smoke,” she said. “I can’t carry heavy stuff and I can’t walk long distances.”

Nicotine contained in tobacco is highly addictive and tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, over 20 different types or subtypes of cancer, and many other debilitating health conditions, according to WHO. Every year, more than eight million people die from tobacco use. Most tobaccorelated deaths occur in low and middleincome countries, which are often targets of intensive tobacco industry interference and marketing.

Tobacco growing is also associated with increased gender inequality, deforestation, soil degradation and contamination of water supplies.

“Tobacco growing farmers must be given the necessary support to switch to alternative crops that have the potential to improve their health and livelihoods as well as reduce the supply of tobacco,” said Dr. Juliet Nabyonga, Acting WHO Representative to Kenya. “It’s projects like this that move the needle in the fight against the global tobacco epidemic.”

BETTER, ALL ROUND Another partner in the project, the Farm To Market Alliance (FtMA), explained that the sustainable food model offers smallholders the chance of a better income and food security. “WFP has provided a ready market for high iron beans, promoted good agricultural practices, nutrition sensitization, and post-harvest loss training.

FtMA’s demand aggregation model has helped farmers benefit from economies of scale in input and output sales,” said Simon Cammelbeeck, FtMA Managing Director.

BY EMMANUEL CHILAMPHUMA,

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LIFEstyle

ROAD TEST

BMW X3

XDRIVE 20D Price R 1 037 000 PLUS

Engine 2.0-LITRE TURBO DIESEL

ENGINE

Power 140 KW

400 NM

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Q

Torque 400NM

0-100

Top Speed

8.0 SECONDS

ABOVE 200

AND

QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL

BY VISHNU SINGH CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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OVERVIEW:

EXTERIOR:

There is a critical mass that the X3 presents

There have modernist enhancements like what one would expect on a newer generation of car. It’s a strange landscape of bits and pieces of wunderbar design ethics and nuances that leave you slightly hazy.

You know its improved but you also are clinically aware that there is another model just a bureaucratic decision away.

as the cliched bread and butter model of the entire vehicular range. With the prodigal son not returning in the form of the 3 series, and with the exodus of sedan drivers to the SUV or cross over market, this model will either bolster or thin the sales ranks. Every manufacturer is pulling the SUV card, so does the locally manufactured X3 rise to the occasion? We found ourself in the uncannily windless mother city with some creative industry business to boot and were graciously allowed to experience the 20d version as we tracked and cuddled with Cape Town peak hour traffic. Thankfully no aging impalas crashed into us…

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touch screen addendums are all classically predictable and if you insist on unpacking the list, the BMW website extolls all its virtues. The standard inclusion of most accessories and add-ons may seem to rocket the price of the X3, but individually most of the items would set the price of the car way beyond anything one would want to fork out for this premium SUV.

INTERIOR:

PERFORMANCE:

Engaging interiors and technology that has effortlessly and seamlessly been transitioned from all the other models in this range, exude a familiarity of being that is morbidly comforting in its clinical predictability. All the bells and whistles just get smoother and easier to engage. The majority of safety features, dial in gizmos and

We were north bound to explore the Bushman’s Kloof Lodge as a possible concert venue and were joined by two of our local business partners. The 20D engine is adequately powerful enough when driven with reasonable skill to even make the exSAS passenger clench his seat during the mountainous ascent into the Ceres area.

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The car averaged a phenomenal 7 litres

beam assist and the surround-view camera

/ 100km during our 270km trek through

system – to name a few examples – are all

the winelands. BMW has mastered the art

available for a month, six or longer. If you

of creating a car induced driving experi-

like a service, you can renew it; if you don’t,

ence in the body of an SUV. Much like astral projection with 4 wheels. The frugal consumption combined with a almost soundless interior made the journey to the ancient site pleasantly conversational and endearing.

SUMMARY: The intruinging entrée into the world of innovation means that the driver can subscribe to a specific product within the

simply cancel it. Pretty adept for millennial days. Apart from a slight lack of power, but the consumption and ride more than make up for it, the X3 is positioned where the 3 series used to be and with worsening roads and a fuel price that allows no quarter, its reasonably priced enough to compete aggressively with all the other players in this segment including the Merc GLC (great competent car ) , Jaguar E pace ( a price

cars repertoire as a sort of pay per view,

tag to flinch at ) Volvo XC 60 ( Are they still

remember WWE days… In other words

in SA ? ) Range Rover Evoque (Just don’t

options like M Suspension (if your X3 has

take long trips away from support) Audi Q5

adaptive dampers), remote services, high-

(the bland service theatre does not quit).

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HERITAGE: The late poet, novelist and essayist, Sir Stephen Harold Spender, once wrote: “History is the ship carrying living memories to the future”. And indeed, this very ship has docked at Cape Town Harbour, allowing many a momentous occurrence in days gone by to drop an anchor in this nook of the Cape. Now characterised by modernity and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, the V&A Waterfront remains steeped in fascinating history.

This world-famous attraction was established almost one and a half centuries ago when Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred officially opened the Breakwater Basin in 1870. This would later be developed into the bustling V&A Waterfront, but it was ultimately the Victoria & Alfred Hotel – the first hotel to open in the area – that put this shopping hub on the map. Named after the aforementioned British royals, the hotel CONTACT +27 21 427 5900 60

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was first built as the North Quay Warehouse in 1904 and was then converted to luxury accommodation in 1990. It sparked the expansion of the V&A Waterfront and, given its convenient location, remains the heart of this vibrant destination

was tantalizing and engaging. I would have expected a freshly squeezed juice option considering it is a 5 Star facility in the heart of some of the most exclusive real estate in the country.

ACTIVITIES:

LOCATION: It’s a seagulls hop from V & A , I suggest though that you make sure your traveling companions have a sense of grandeur exploration as the sheer amount of activities in the area can be rather overwhelming

It’s the V & A, there are a smorgasbord of opportunities, from boat rides, to organic markets to the e phenomenal aquarium, across from the regal entrance.

FURNISHING

STAFF: Friendly, educated and with a sense of pride in all their interactions with guests

Artfully, austere and expressive without being ostentatious VALUE

CATERING: A scrumptious range of options that are delightful to behold. All the baked goods were mouth-watering and tastefully presented. The main breakfast selection

Exceptional considering the location and as it is one of the top 25 luxury hotels in SA, something wondrous to behold and experience

HTTPS://NEWMARKHOTELS.COM/PLACES/HOTELS/ QUEEN-VICTORIA-HOTEL CEO GLOBAL MAGAZINE.COM

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A CUT ABOVE THE REST

LIFEstyle

TOYOTA

COROLLA CROSS ROAD TEST

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On a question as to the development of new energy vehicles, a surprising answer was given by one of the Mobility Industries’ major manufacturers.

My question was in the light of different surveys and findings it looks like lithiumpowered vehicles seem to be, “not so green and clean”. The answer I got as to where the industry is going was very clear. “Electric vehicles (EVs) have come to stay, irrespective of the type of new energy being used. The industry has spent too much at present to now make a U-turn or focus on any other method of powering vehicles. Yes, ongoing research will continue to find alternative solutions for mobility for the far future but as with combustion engines in the past, we now must stick to what we are creating at

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present to make the input costs viable.”

Hybrid is not that affordable in South Africa.

Looking at Africa and specifically at South Africa, our answer lies in hybrid vehicles for the simple reason that ESKOM is not reliable and our poor road infrastructure does not and will not make provision for adequate electric charging for the near to midterm future.

Having had the opportunity to be at the

With especially the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid I have heard the following quotes: As an electric vehicle, hybrids are efficient in peak traffic situations.

Hybrids are not good for touring as their fuel consumption will be much higher than normally aspirated engines.

The cost of maintaining hybrids will be much higher than with normal engines.

launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross and having driven the Corolla Cross range extensively over a period of four weeks and clocking over 2 000 km I beg to differ with the statements.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is built in South Africa making it very affordable and thus downtime for parts will not be a problem.

On a long trip with the Hybrid, I averaged 7.5 L per 100 km fully loaded at 120kph.

The Cross Hybrid battery will drive the cross forward at low speeds with light throttle inputs. Being in EV mode, no fuel is used at all, and thus it achieves fuel consumption of 4.3L per 100km.

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What really generates trust in the Corolla Cross range is the fact that it builds on the Corolla name and is built in South Africa. I want to go as far as to say that this is the first time that a new vehicle has been built for South Africans, by South Africans that is as innovative as the Corolla Cross. It is not some EV and AI artificial intelligence that we cannot fully use do the constraints of our industrial and economic woes.

Toyota has invested R2.6 billion in its Prospecton plant. This and the fact that Toyota has taken on the seriously contested Cross Over segment with around nine contenders, and counting, show that they are serious, and believe me this Corolla Cross is going to be a best seller in South Africa. The Toyota brand now offers the Urban Cruiser and Corolla

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Cross too as cross over vehicles.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid and ICE models are very well equipped for their price range and having the Toyota brand name makes them so much more desirable.

The new Corolla Cross may not look that different from its contenders but it is when you start looking at its size, interior space, legroom boot capacity, quality finishing, and ride comfort that you find it at the forefront of the pack.

Don’t worry if the Hybrid may be outside your financial means or you are not yet sold on hybrids, there are 5 different derivatives to choose from. The derivatives are the base Xi model with cloth upholstery. The XS model comes with black leather while the XR has either black or Terra Rosa

leather on offer. There are two turbo diesel models and two manual transmissions on offer. The petrol engines have automatic transmissions that are as fluid in changing as any luxurious vehicle. There are seven colours to choose from The Corolla Cross has a naturally aspirated 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder engine delivering 103kW. The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a 1.8 litre petrol-electric hybrid engine delivering 90kW. Although powerful they do not deliver the same punch as a turbo.

However, they are powerful enough to propel you at speed while being frugal with fuel. I drove with a headwind and this is where the 1800 engine excelled as it did not need more power to keep its speed.

The CVT box is not my favourite and I had to get used to it. Its fluid changes make

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up for the higher revolutions and engine

vehicles are roomy for both driver and

Toyota is going to capture a big chunk

noise. At no time except when flooring

passengers with comfort being part and

of the cross over market with the Corolla

the pedal to pass other vehicles have

parcel of this cross-over. I found all the

Cross in either format. I do believe that

the engine sound and high revolutions

instrumentation to be where it should be

Toyota users of the lesser cross over

being intrusive. Wind and road noise is

thus not having to lose concentration or

models will aspirate to move over to the

minimal and thus the Corolla Cross makes

control while searching for some function

Corolla Cross being affordable and has

for a very pleasant drive even on gravel.

or the other. As we also like to travel

excellent value for money.

I believe the new TNGA-C platform that

with our animals, I found the boot space

absorbs just about any interferences to

adequate for the Golden Retriever and

degrade its ride qualities is the reason why

the English Springer Spaniel. Putting the

the Corolla Cross is such a great performer on gravel toads. In conjunction with the new platform, the steering gives positive feedback on the driving conditions.

Now if only Toyota will give us the allwheel drive for even more pleasure.

second row of seats down and getting a relatively flat surface makes for adequate space for both animals and luggage.

I do not find that the Corolla Cross stands out in the crowd but it certainly sets the benchmark for its category. It may not be the most responsive or sporty model

Size and specifications are amongst the best in the market and it boasts the latest technology and safety measures available that are demanded by the younger generation.

The question remains, is it just another cross-over as the engines seem not to be the leaders in the class, the looks may not portray the latest fads or the performance is not spectacular?

I found both naturally aspirated and Hybrid

around but it gives you peace of mind as a

models to be very much the same build

brand that you can depend on and that will

The Toyota Corolla Cross may not be

quality, ride qualities, and comforts for

not leave you gasping with outrage when

exceptional in all the sectors, but overall,

drivers and passengers. As stated, the

you resell it.

it is leading the sector with excellence in

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all of the areas that are essential to any clients.

The vehicle is sold with a 6 services/90

At the time of writing the Toyota Corolla Cross cost in South Africa?

000 km warranty, while the hybrid battery

000 km service plan, and a 3-year/100 has an 8-year/195 000 km warranty.

I do believe that the Toyota Corolla Cross is going to be one of the top 3 sellers for

COROLLA CROS 1.8 XI FROM R360 400.00 COROLLA CROS 1.8 XS CVT FROM R401 800.00 COROLLA CROS 1.8 XS CVT HV FROM R425 400.00 COROLLA CROS 1.8 XR CVT FROM R438 200.00 COROLLA CROS 1.8 XR CVT HV FROM R461 700.00 SINGH

BY VISHNU

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Toyota and the cross-over leader in South Africa.

The Corolla Cross will find its niche market in both young families as well as more mature people that need a sturdy, comfortable and reliable vehicle for any occasion.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid is winner of the prestigious SAGMJ Car of the year awards (COTY) 2022. It also won the categories; Compact Family and New Energy vehicles.

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EXCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

LIFEstyle

MERCEDES BENZ MAYBACH ROAD TEST

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E AND LUXURY

700NM

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900NM

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It is not every day that you can experience a quintessential luxury limousine that is the epitome of excellence reflecting the exclusivity of the marque and its superiority over most brands.

I

The Mercedes – Maybach is exactly that.

Its exclusive appearance can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish making it stand out from any other Mercedes product. If you want a more subdued Maybach, then you can just go for a singular colour, but why would you want to?

Although the exterior follows the lines of the Mercedes Benz S Class there are enough changes to ensure a pedigreed look. Chrome highlights and trimmings give the vehicle a transcendent touch and exquisite elite signature look. The DIGITAL LIGHT system ensures that you can experience brilliant lighting conditions constantly and this system automatically adjusts to

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other road users and the surroundings. The 18 cm longer wheelbase compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, delivers an elegant, and commanding car that moves through the world with unmistakable grace and ease. The road surfaces that we are accustomed to are ironed out by their air suspension.

design of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

I was most impressed as the MercedesMaybach S-Class can be equipped with

the two rear passengers. With Active Road

electrically operated comfort rear doors.

With this feature, the wide rear doors can be opened automatically from the driver seat or remote and closed through gesture control.

The epitome of superb design and comfort is brought to life in the car’s interior, as opulence radiates from the inside of this chariot of wealth.

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach is based on the completely new interior

The large areas of trim on the front seats are a new feature in the Mercedes-Maybach. High-quality wood surrounds encase the rear of the front seat backrests, giving the impression of generous lounge seats. If the First-Class Rear is specified, a similarly striking area of trim is positioned between noise compensation, the interior of the already very quiet Mercedes-Maybach S-Class becomes even quieter. In a similar way to headphones with noise suppression, the system reduces unwanted lowfrequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. The bass speakers of the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system are used for sound reproduction.

To ensure superb sound the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system is equipped with 31 high-end speakers, producing a total amplified output of up to

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1,750 watts with no distortion at all.

Mark Raine, Co-CEO and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, spoton quotes as follows: “Mercedes-Maybach is the quintessential luxury brand reflecting the impeccable craftsmanship and with that the superior exclusivity and finesse of its products,” says Mark Raine, Co-CEO and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, “the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is synonymous with a one-of-a-kind ultimate luxury experience reserved for only a privileged chosen few.”

“The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class defines ultimate luxury like never before with the highest-quality materials, excellent workmanship, outstanding comfort as well as innovative technologies,” says Selvin Govender, Vice President for Marketing and Sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

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The new Mercedes-Maybach aims to

ing maximum spaciousness for its owner’s

leave all eyes staring in awe and render

maximum comfort. Boasting a wide selec-

bystanders speechless by the majesty of

tion of the finest materials, refined surfaces,

this vehicle. Its flawless design commands

and seat variations that can be configured

a presence and authority that demands at-

into your one-of-a-kind, Maybach. Envelop-

tention. Its superior elegance and majestic

ing you in a sea of personal extravagance,

body create a feeling of spaciousness and

making your experience and car extremely

imperial aura that combine in pure auto-

unique and tailor-made for you.

motive harmony.

Representing the ultimate in sophistication like never before, a compilation of the finest quality materials, phenomenal craftsmanship, incomparable comfort, and state-of-the-art technology that elevate your journey to a new level of driving.

The visual highlight in the interior is the large central display in portrait format. It is ergonomically well positioned, as the screen is within easy touch and vision between the driver and front passenger.

The portrait format also allows longer lists to be displayed. The central display fea-

This highest form of the vehicle’s comfort

tures OLED technology as standard. OLED

and inventive beauty represents the afflu-

stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode.

ence of its owners. The Maybach heralds a

Compared to LCD screens, the advantages

longer and more supreme shape, extend-

of this technology are a better black level,

ed wheelbases, and wider rear doors that

even stronger contrasts, and lower energy

accentuate the vehicle’s regality, all creat-

consumption.

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CARL WEPENER WITH MARK RAINE HEAD & CO-CEO MERCEDES BENZ CARS SOUTH AFRICA

The innovative MBUX takes driving pleasure to new heights with high-resolution touchscreens or voice-controlled operations for ease of use and infotainment. This system is designed to adapt to your comfort and learn your needs over time, setting the car temperature, and your music, to even releasing the signature MAYBACH MOOD fragrance at the time you set it to.

Maybach’s are already sold out and you

Every Maybach dons the centre console with the brand’s signature waterfall design, the coveted MANUFAKTUR backrest trim in wood, comfort doors that open at the touch of a button, and the automatic seatbelt feeder that comes to you as you take your seat. The calf massage and heated neck cushions then take this marvel of wealth in motion to a whole other calibre of ultimate luxury.

just sell to a client as it may upset the

The Mercedes-Maybach is a sophisticated luxury of the highest order, the ultimate in excellence made especially for the exceptional. If you gasp at the prices just think about the fact that the 2022 Mercedes-

then go to a char-

will have to wait for 2023, should you want to buy one.

South Africa got one of the Special Edition Mercedes-Maybach’s called the Maybach 100, as only 100 were produced.

This, in itself, created a real problem for Mercedes Benz SA as they could not other interested clients.

To solve the problem, Mercedes Benz management decided to put the Maybach 100 on auction with a possible reserve price of around R5.5 million and then hope to get in the vicinity of R11 million for it. The profits will ity that has not yet been made known.

BY CARL WEPENER

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