Spotong Issue 26

CONTENTS

In this Issue

E T O N S ’ R O T I ED

In our technology feature, we show you how to #growyourbiz by accepting card payments AND In our main feature, we take a look earn extra money too with the latest point-of-sale devices for at the outdated town planning your small or medium enterprise. schemes which are out of touch with the reality of unemployment and poverty within our townships. In our recipe section, raise your glass to warmer weather and It is time these archaic schemes longer days with perfect cocktails were amended to keep up for Spring sipping and try some with the changing needs of our new delicious braai ideas in time population. We also unpack the for Heritage Day. extreme measures proposed in the new tobacco legislation – And of course, we give you the latest which will no doubt affect the way industry news to keep you up to we ply our trade in the townships. date, new retail and liquor products Welcome to the third issue of Spotong for 2018.

To celebrate women’s month, we honour sixty-one proud graduates of the Gauteng Township Retail Enterprise Development Programme for Women, who have made us proud with their perseverance to further grow the township economy.

In our stokvel section we give you expert advice on how to maximise your stokvel group savings and read how the Ingcebo Women’s Investment Group is using technology to simplify their stokvel.

and ideas, advice and tips to apply for instant business benefits.

Spotong will always be committed to bringing township traders the news, resources and advice that they need. We welcome your views and feedback so drop us an e-mail on info@spotongmag.co.za Find us on: facebook.com/ SpotongMagazine Twitter @SpotongMagazine

Visit: www.spotongmag.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Thabo Thlobelo Damian Murphy

EDITOR

Charlene Heyburgh

PROOFING & SUB EDITING Margot Bertelsmann

CONTACT

info@spotongmag.co.za

PUBLISHING HOUSE

SALES MANAGER Chioma Didi Okoro

SALES

Candy Mukwa Paul Styles Kyle William Wentzel Quincy Matonhodze Katie Bowden Emma Strydom Melissa van Achterbergh

Update on NTHA General Meeting and GLF Leadership Workshop

GLF COLUMN 8

Liquor Trader Associations unite against injustices

SALTA COLUMN 10 Defending the Shebeen legacy

MAIN FEATURE A NEW DAWN FOR JOZI SHEBEENERS 12 Town planning must keep up with the changing

needs of our population

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT GENERAL MANAGEMENT ISSUES 16 18

20 24 25

Six key questions Proud graduates – Empowering female township entrepreneurs Eight quick fixes to improve your small business The foundation that gives 100% Creating loyal relationships with first-time work-seekers

RETAIL SEGMENT INDUSTRY NEWS 26 28 30 32

Hot Off the Press The Tavern Tatler What is credit life insurance and do you need it?

New tobacco bill is deeply flawed

NEW PRODUCT REVIEWS 34 New on the shelf 36 Essential retail stocks

LIQUOR SEGMENT

38 Brand new beverages 40 Brands on a winning streak

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

42 Tavern Reviews: At your Service 46 Club 10 Taverns 48 Ten Essential Bar Stocks

Carmen Petre

REPRO & PRINTING

CTP Printers, Cape Town

HEALTH AND SAFETY

50 Safety Matters: Gumboots 101

PERSONAL AND LIFESTYLE

CEO & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Sean Press

Donna Verrydt

6

HOSPITALITY

Janine Louw

IT AND WEB MANAGER

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PUBLISHER

NTHA COLUMN

DESIGN & LAYOUT Gwen Sebogodi

Contact Media & Communications 348 Republic Road, Darrenwood Tel: +27(0) 11 789 6339 Fax: +27(0) 11 789 7097 email: pressman@contactmedia.co.za web: www.contactmedia.co.za

CONTENTS

PROUDLY ENDORSED BY:

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Lesley Fox

Copyright © 2018 Contact Media & Communications. Spotong is published by Contact Media & Communications. All material is strictly copyright with all rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for unsolicited material. The publisher accepts no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its contents. The views and opinions expressed in Spotong are not necessarily those of the Publisher or contributors.

52 55 56 58 59 60 62 65

Recipes to celebrate Heritage Day Cocktails: A toast to spring Motoring: The one that hit the mark Tech Solutions: #growyourbiz Stokvels: Stokvels are evolving, so should returns Modernising stokvels is lucrative The latest news in the stokvel world Events: Don't miss out!

SUPPLIERS’ DIRECTORY

NTHA COLUMN

G IN T E E M L A R E N E G A H UPDATE ON NT P O H S K R O W IP H S R E D A AND GLF LE

O

n 27 June, the NTHA General Meeting was held to inform members about the status of their industry. As an association of liquor traders, NTHA needs to keep members aware of what is happening and to also inform them about the future as to what will be the outcome regarding their business’ legal status and shebeen permits. Furthermore, NTHA needs to engage with members to find solutions to daily challenges in their businesses and to remedy these challenges together so we can deal with customers effectively.

NTHA reported back on the meeting that we had with the liquor board and the municipality on 30 May 2018.

Invitations were sent to participating associations, namely NTHA, GLF, SALTA, GAULIBA and CONSENT TSHWANE to discuss the sad, confusing and disturbing comments by members at the previous meeting.

It has come to light that members have been given summonses to their businesses in 21 days for not having consent use. Some have had to close their businesses because the owner who could be a husband, wife or parent, has died. Does this mean that their business must die with them because the board does not do ownership transfers? What kind of call is this? What happened to uzenzele? The outcome of this could have a negative impact on families whose survival depends on these businesses.

We need sustainable businesses that should be able to continue to avoid turning into closed-down buildings where kids and dependants have instead become street kids or turn to crime for survival. As per the requirements of two

Elected members attending the GLF Leadership Development Workshop

toilets, a smoking & non-smoking area, bar with several fridges and business furniture, it is unfair and out-of-reach to many of these very small businesses.

Not to forget how difficult it is to apply for a liquor license if you are a small business located in the township but big chain stores and franchises are taking advantage of this as they are mushrooming in our townships.

leadership development workshops with the help and sponsorship of Frontline Africa Advisory. The objective of the board was a success and engagement with the Ndofaya Hospitality Academy was initiated to be the one to roll out the programme as the provider. The Business Ethics workshop, NQF Level 2, Credit:3 was delivered on the 5th and 6th of May 2018 by the facilitator, assessor and moderator of Ndofaya Hospitality Academy, Mr Sizwe Nkosi. We would also like to give thanks to Frontline Africa Advisory for blessing us with their presence on the induction day.

As an example, to apply for a liquor license in Mogale City, you need to advertise in two newspapers at a cost of about R950 each, while the application cost at the board is R3 000. You also need to submit 25 copies of documentation Associations unite at SAB to 25 different departments. This is World of Beer unaffordable and not user-friendly to small business owners.

On 28 June, SALTA, GAULIBA, GLF and CONSENT TSHWANE, united to meet at GLF Leadership Development the SAB World of Beer. Each association was represented by two members which Workshop were elected at associations review meetings, so that the united associations In November 2017, the Gauteng Liquor Forum (GLF) held elections and new office could have an effective working relationship to ensure that they have a bearers were elected. At the beginning platform to address challenges faced by of the year there was an agreement that black liquor traders in townships.

GLF board members should undergo Phumzile Ratladi, NTHA secretary

Associations unite at SAB World of Beer

6

www.spotongmag.co.za

GLF COLUMN

S N IO T IA C O S S A R E D A R LIQUOR T S E IC T S U J IN T S IN A G A E UNIT

plan regarding the High Court judgement on shebeen permits after six months of silence on the matter. To make matters worse, the Liquor Board appointed an ad hoc committee for this meeting and the municipalities brought their subordinates.

Liquor trader associations were angered by this, to a point that the meeting did not live up to expectations.

After realising that time is against everyone involved during these trying times, liquor trader associations of Gauteng Province converged at SAB World of Beer for a strategic meeting to discuss how to comply with the Gauteng Liquor Act as per the court judgement on shebeen permits and the understating of a phased-in approach, where the judgement said the Act seeks to bring in shebeens that had previously been unregulated.

I

nstitutions are dysfunctional. There is constant chopping and changing of heads of departments and staff.

This is happening at provincial level, particularly in Gauteng.

The three spheres of government national, provincial and local - are interrelated and interdependent. It is government's responsibility to deliver services and improve the lives of all the people in the country.

Economic development is the process by which a nation improves the social wellbeing of its people. It is the improvement of the standard of living from poor to a better living standard. How can we achieve this if our institutions are dysfunctional? In the Department of Economic Development Gauteng, in particular, the directors do not last long, there’s poor administration and lack of services to the people of Gauteng.

The government speaks a lot about improving the lives of the people of this country, especially previously disadvantaged groups like Africans, and revitalising the township economy, but there is no implementation. This is because they keep on changing MECs, directors and staff. Today you engage with certain individuals and agree on certain terms, tomorrow that individual is redeployed. This does not help to address issues that are affecting the people of Gauteng Province.

8

www.spotongmag.co.za

If the three spheres of government are interrelated and interdependent, then why do they have conflicting laws and policies? Some laws that are passed by local government are not consistent with laws that are passed by provincial and national government. These laws should be harmonised.

We live in a province where municipality by-laws differ between metropolitan cities. When you apply for a business licence, the requirements are not the same. Something needs to be done to fix this.

Compatriots and fellow liquor traders, let me share this with you: as a result of dysfunctional institutions, the Liquor Board is failing to address our problems.

Instead, they are adding more problems.

Not long ago, we as liquor trader associations engaged with an adviser to the Premier of Gauteng Province, together with Gauteng Liquor Board and town planning officials.

Gauteng Liquor Board and municipalities were ordered to go and fix their houses and render services to the people of this province. To date they have done nothing. Recently, the Liquor Board invited liquor trader associations to a meeting without providing an agenda.

This was unprofessional; we had hoped that they would give a report back of what they were ordered to do. But they came up with a presentation of their

The meeting also discussed engaging municipalities in order to move obstacles in obtaining local authority approval for a business licence. In the meeting, the associations took a resolution to establish a committee comprising of two members from Gauteng Liquor Forum (GLF), two members from Concern Tshwane Liquor Association (CTLA), two members from South African Liquor Traders Association (SALTA), two members from South African Liquor Traders and Hospitality Association (SALTHA) and two members from National Tourism and Hospitality Association (NTHA).

The committee was given a mandate to attend to the following: 1. Police raids and moratorium.

2. Succession on shebeen permits.

3. Municipal engagement and court judgement.

4. Online application.

5. Distribution in residential areas.

Fellow liquor traders, unity is very much important, together we can achieve our objectives.

“Let us all live in harmony and prosperity.”

Shalom!

Musa Ntshangase, secretary, Gauteng Liquor Forum

SALTA COLUMN

DEFENDING THE SHEBEEN LEGACY

The way Ekurhuleni enforces liquor bylaws is suspect

S

tratfor is an American geopolitical intelligence platform and publisher. In 2008, it published its sixth in-depth look at organised crime in South Africa. The summary is quoted here: "STRATFOR's sixth in-depth look at organized crime focuses on South Africa.

The abysmal social conditions created by apartheid made organized crime appealing to some segments of the local population, while organized criminals from other countries are attracted to South Africa's comparative stability and reliable infrastructure."

A quote from the report reads: “As the situation in the townships got worse, people started to organise to protest the Apartheid policies. The banning of political parties made all forms of anti-government political organisations illegal, so any meeting and coordination had to be done in secrecy. Secret labour unions began to form; groups that wanted to talk about the political situation would meet up at shebeens - the townships’ version of speakeasies. Thousands of shebeens existed throughout the townships in South Africa and, although they existed illegally, police did not always intervene, as they were more concerned with stamping out political opposition, not enforcing alcohol restrictions.”

10

www.spotongmag.co.za

Magistrate's courts used to refer to shebeens as “smokkelhuise” or smuggling houses or just plain smuggler’s dens. The historical role of shebeens gives one the idea why SAPS and of late Metro police are hellbent on closing down shebeens in this day and age. Town planning departments are making sure that consent use and or rezoning are a pipe dream.

In my recent engagement with the elusive Ekurhuleni town planning department I came to the conclusion that even though the Metros were not informed about the existence of a shebeen permit, there was no will to conduct research about its origins.

This document has a logo of a government entity, so why would another not seek clarity, especially because there is direct conflict?

During our deliberations it came out that the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) had communicated with the Metros to halt issuing contravention notices. This move came very late because some shebeens were closed down and the matters ended up at the High Court.

The Metros were enforcing their by-laws but their focus was more on shebeen permit holders which raised eyebrows.

Why not all other business entities?

Some of the laws and by-laws are sugarcoated versions of the dreaded laws.

An unjust law cannot be applied justly.

The closure of shebeens reminds me of the dark days of Apartheid and its draconian laws. We outlived Apartheid and I think we can still defeat the system. At the meeting with Ekurhuleni town planning in Kempton Park, it was agreed: “A further point made during deliberations was that there is an urgent need for EMM (Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality) to do more in enlisting external input when any policy or bylaw on liquor is drafted.” This is the conclusion arrived at during this meeting.

The name “shebeen” has a historical significance in our past and should be preserved as a proud reminder of our heritage. Quo vadis? Forward ever, backward never!

Martin Hlongwa, South African Liquor Traders Association Provincial Executive Committee member

MAIN FEATURE

S R E N E E B E H S I Z O J R O F N W A D W E N r population A ou of s d ee n g n gi an keep up with the ch t Town planning mus

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Abantu

By Thabo Thlobelo,

An aerial view of a South African township

12

www.spotongmag.co.za

ws Tobacco & Liquor La

“Applications for taverns, pool clubs, pubs, liquor stores ... shall be accompanied by unequivocal approval by the relevant department or the relevant metropolitan or district council, in addition to any zoning or planning or environmental laws requirement.”

I

n the last issue of Spotong magazine, I highlighted the plight of liquor traders in townships and shebeen permit holders.

The main issue was the municipal by-laws which are obstructive to many shebeen permit holders, preventing them from obtaining liquor licences because they find it difficult, if not impossible in some instances, to be issued what is termed local authority approval (LAA).

South Africa faces challenges when it comes to creating jobs and developing sustainable small business. In an attempt to escape from these socio-economic conditions and to reduce their severity and impact on society, individuals opt to start informal businesses, which more often in townships are in the form of a shebeen. This business then becomes a buffer providing families with an alternative source of income.

The situation has since dramatically changed, with a sharp decline of employment or jobs for the ever-growing population in urban areas. The prevailing situation is one which forces individuals, generally black people and specifically black women, into shebeen businesses for survival due to unemployment and increasing poverty levels, while operating in the informal sector of the economy.

Outdated town planning schemes have not kept up with these changes and fail to address the issue of home businesses. Many municipalities' town planning schemes, especially in the 1980s, were focused on land use and development control measures that emphasised the separation of land use in support of modernist planning and enforced the Group Areas Act to separate citizens into racially defined group areas. These laws are largely unchanged apartheid-era laws on urban land, favouring the rich and influential segment of the population. That is what they were set up to do and that is what they still do.

Township liquor traders who ply their trade in their residential properties are survivalist entrepreneurs. These are micro-businesses that do not grow beyond providing employment and income for the owner and immediate family. Many township-based liquor traders are pushed into opening shebeens by factors including unemployment, low-income jobs, low educational levels and social marginalisation. They are forced into these types of business by the poor socio-economic conditions they live in.

By contrast town planning schemes are left behind and out of touch with the reality of unemployment, poverty and the resultant impairment of dignity. The City of Johannesburg applies 12 different town planning schemes, each of which is rooted in outdated principles and assumptions; although these schemes are being reviewed and the draft land use scheme of 2017 is currently in place, but still needs to be tabled to the council.

It is important to understand the important role played by municipalities in applications for a liquor licence. The current legislation, the Gauteng Liquor Act 02 of 2003, under section 23(4) reads: “Applications for taverns, pool clubs, pubs, liquor stores ... shall be accompanied by unequivocal approval by the relevant department or the relevant metropolitan or district council, in addition to any zoning or planning or environmental laws requirement.”

Simply put, you cannot apply for a liquor licence, at least for a listed business under section 23(4), without the approval of the municipality.

As mentioned, the City of Johannesburg had numerous town planning schemes applicable to properties within the municipal boundaries of the city. Until recently, the city had followed section 24(1) of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013 which states the following: “A municipality must, after public consultation, adopt and approve a single land use scheme for its entire area within five years from the commencement of this Act.” Subsequently, the City published the draft land use scheme of 2017, which has been circulating for public comments as per the legal requirement. www.spotongmag.co.za

13

MAIN FEATURE This definition is a far cry from the one of the Gauteng Liquor Board, which defines a shebeen as “any unlicensed operation whose main business is liquor and sells less than 60 cases of beer per week". The fact that two government authorities have two very distinct definitions of the same business is problematic. Furthermore, the Gauteng Liquor Act defines a tavern as "a place whose main business is the supply of liquor, food and various forms of entertainment”.

When you carefully consider the definition of a shebeen in the City of Johannesburg draft land use, it makes no distinction between a shebeen and a tavern, while on the other hand the Gauteng Liquor Board does make such a distinction, notably one being a place of business supplying liquor (presumably licensed) the other being unlicensed and limited in quantity.

Patrons enjoying themselves at a local shebeen

Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments and make inputs.

Under the use zones, residential 1-4 will have primary rights varying from dwelling houses, to dwelling units and residential buildings while they also have a secondary right to land use such as religious purposes, places of instruction, guest houses, spaza shops and taverns/shebeens.

It is noteworthy that under the draft, shebeeners will enjoy the right to use land to trade in liquor in a residential zone area, even though such a right will be considered a secondary right, which will most likely require the consent of the municipality. This is a positive step towards accommodating liquor traders in townships.

This inclusion should be welcomed, although with caution, as this is only a draft. No doubt this inclusion to afford secondary land use rights to trade in liquor in residential areas will be fiercely challenged by those opposed to having liquor sold in residential areas.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note the definition of a shebeen under the current draft as “a residential building or dwelling unit … designed or adopted for the sale of liquor, but shall not include the use of social gathering and or consumption of liquor on the site and or preparation and consumption of food: provided that the dominant use shall remain residential for the occupant of the said dwelling and subject to compliance of health and safety by-laws.”

While I have commended the inclusion of a secondary right to land use of residential premises, the draft legislation does not expand on the use of this right like it had expanded on house shops or spaza shops or home enterprises, professions and/or occupations. Generally, liquor traders are not discussed enough in the draft and one can only hope that more can be done to clearly express the role and place of liquor traders in the current draft of the land use scheme of the City of Johannesburg.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments and make inputs.

Town planning schemes must aid economic growth and social inclusion. Many funders do not fund businesses dealing in liquor. This makes it next to impossible to grow your business.

Despite being categorised as a nuisance and unsustainable businesses, township liquor traders who trade in residential premises continue to offer employment (to the owner at least) and a source of income to many families and therefore act as a buffer to poverty to many. Some of the shebeens have been operating for many years and are run as family businesses. It is vital for local governments to formally recognise shebeens as legitimate businesses which exist and will continue to exist, to assist them to shift towards becoming viable businesses that are formally registered and recognised as part of the formal economy.

By Thabo Thlobelo, Abantu Tobacco & Liquor Laws - 083 725 7708

Townships were not zoned for business

14

www.spotongmag.co.za

BUSINESS MATTERS

SIX KEY QUsiEneSssT? IONS

Want to grow your bu first so you can succeed s Answer these question p CEO

E

very so-called entrepreneurship guru out there will tell you that you need to grow your business – and keep on growing it. In my experience, however, most businesses that grow without adequate preparation end up as a sad statistic.

Before your business can grow, ask yourself these questions: • Am I a growth entrepreneur or a lifestyle entrepreneur?

• Am I growing my business because of my ego or has a real, profitable growth opportunity presented itself?

• Am I prepared for the personal sacrifices that growth demands?

If you are satisfied that growing is the way to go, there are six things you should build out before starting your journey of growth.

1. Build processes It’s essential for a growing business to have the necessary processes in place to support its growth. You should start off by documenting all replicable processes and ensuring that your current – and future – staff are fully trained on them.

16

many growing businesses descend into chaos and haemorrhage cash, efficiency and staff because they didn’t have the necessary controls in place.

3. Build the brand I strongly feel that small businesses should focus their limited marketing spend on direct sales and call-toaction activities. However, as your business grows, so does the need to build your brand because it supports client acquisition and retention, staff acquisition and retention, and much more. Building a brand is a slow, methodical and deliberate process.

4. Build the USP A growing business attracts a growing number of competitors. It’s been my experience that very few small businesses have a real unique selling proposition (USP) that can translate further than a small geography or element of the market. Entrepreneurs who have a growth mindset need to spend a disproportionate amount of time honing, evolving and innovating the USPs of their businesses.

2. Build controls

5. Build management capacity

As your business grows so will more and more of its processes, and these will have to be delegated to other, less experienced staff. What controls should you put in place to ensure processes are being accurately followed? For example, is your marketing department spending according to the agreed-upon budget?

Are your tellers scanning every single item at the checkouts? I have seen

With the growth of your business comes the need for management. Small businesses usually tap into existing staff as their first source of managers. This is mainly owing to a sense of loyalty and because existing staff have experience in how the business runs. Often, however, these individuals don’t have the requisite managerial experience to handle the growth of the business. For this reason,

www.spotongmag.co.za

it’s imperative to have a dual approach to building management capacity. The first approach is building the management skills of existing staff who have the potential to grow. The second is bringing in new external management. That said, I now prefer looking for leadership skills rather than management skills when building my management capacity.

In my experience, those who possess leadership skills enjoy far more success in growing a business.

6. Build relationships with potential financers Growth requires capital. If the growth rate of your business exceeds the capital generated by your profits, financing options are a non-negotiable.

Don’t wait until the last minute to source finance options. You should identify potential sources of finance when you make the decision to grow.

During good times, you should increase your overdraft facilities, build your relationship with your bank manager and set out to find financiers such as venture capitalists, angel funders and the like within your personal and business networks. When the day arrives that you need finance, you won’t panic and feel desperate and – as a result of this pre-planning – you will be able to choose the best and cheapest finance option for your growth.

Business growth is not possible without people, processes and capital; all three must be pre-planned, nurtured and applied according your business’s growth rate. Prepare today to become one of the shining entrepreneurial success stories that will inspire other small businesses tomorrow.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

By Allon Raiz, Raizcor

RETAIL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

S E T A U D A R G D PROU

NEURS

ENTREPRE IP H S N W O T LE A M E F EMPOWERING nship Retail w pleted the Gauteng To Sixty-one women com programme ent Enterprise Developm

T

he Gauteng Township Retail Enterprise Development Programme for Women celebrated 61 women who recently completed the programme.

This programme has seen skills such as business management for microenterprises, one-on-one mentorship sessions and capital support take centre stage.

At the ceremony, hosted at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Johannesburg, the women from the townships of Soweto, Tembisa and Mamelodi were presented with certificates for successfully completing the programme.

Pumulani Ncube, an executive at Beehive Capital, who facilitated the programme, said: “Having such opportunities to impart skills in order to grow the township economy is vital. These skills will be used to grow businesses and to help identify other revenue streams that these women can exploit to grow their revenue.”

The programme gave capital support by providing business tools such as tablets, airtime vending machines, South African Revenue Services (Sars) compliance and card swiping machines, and stock worth R10 000.

The Gauteng Township Retail Enterprise Development Programme for Women was established in 2017 and was funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The objective of the programme is to empower township female entrepreneurs who are involved in the township retail industry.

The programme was designed to make an impact on the lives of the participants.

It was divided into segments: training sessions on basic business management for microenterprises, one-on-one mentorship sessions and capital support.

The participants were exposed to various scenarios during training sessions. This enabled them to unpack the material and understand the retail industry and implement the knowledge they gained.

To ensure the participants were guided through the programme, oneon-one mentor sessions were held.

This promoted individual interaction between the mentor and participants to address the unique challenges faced by township retail businesses.

Mo's Bakery & Coffee Bar

18

www.spotongmag.co.za

Pumulani Ncube, programme director

Spotong had the opportunity to chat to one of the recipients, Sibongile Rakgatjane, owner of Mo’s Bakery & Coffee Bar, who won R40 000, a Curro tender and a R10 000 Makro voucher.

What knowledge have you gained from the programme and how has it assisted you in your small business?

I gained and learnt so much! Each session concentrated on a different aspect of running an SME. I used to overlook things like marketing, my spending and customer service but the programme taught me their importance and I learnt how to manage and incorporate them

The 61 recipients celebrating the completion of the programme

into the everyday running of my business.

I also realised that ALL businesses are the same, we all start small and face the same problems but with perseverance and knowledge, we will succeed.

Have you seen any significant changes in your business since completing the programme?

Yes. My marketing is coming along nicely so I am attracting more customers. I am also able to track my finances and have a much better idea of how much money I put into my business so it can become more profitable. I am able to streamline everything and am enjoying running my business in a better way.

as well as paying a few business debts.

The R10 000 Makro voucher that I received went directly to buying the stock that I needed in the store, such as flour, eggs and baking items and that made a huge difference.

About Beehive Capital Beehive Capital designs, implements, monitors and evaluates enterprise and

supplier development programmes (ESD) for the public and private sector in South Africa. The four steps of designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating are most effective when implemented sequentially, however, we have and can execute each of the steps independent of each other. We pride ourselves in implementing Enterprise and Supplier Development Programmes that change people’s lives!

What was the highlight of the programme for you?

Winning! The highlight was definitely pitching for the Curro school tuckshop service in Mamelodi and winning that tender! I now have an extra revenue stream and am looking forward to that experience where I can use my baking skills.

What did you do with your winnings?

I used the R40 000 to buy a fridge for my shop, which I desperately needed,

Sibongile Rakgatjane, right, and her assistant with one of her wedding cake creations

www.spotongmag.co.za

19

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

E V O R P M I O T S E X EIGHT QUICK FI S S E N I S U B L L A M S R YOU ess benefits oves for instant busin m e pl sim e es th y pl Ap

I

mproving your business and boosting your bottom line does not always require a dramatic new strategy.

Business experts on the advisory board of SA’s leading small business platform, the annual Small Business Expo, Business Services Expo and #BuyaBusiness Expo recommend these simple moves for instant business benefits:

1. Get modern business tools Nokwazi Mzobe, founder and lead consultant at Matoyana Business Solutions, says creating efficient systems and processes will save small businesses money, and more importantly, make time for them to focus on what’s really important in the business.

“Stop using Excel or Word document invoice templates and invest in systems like Sage, Quickbooks and SMEasy to make your life easier,” she says. “Familiarise yourself with free tools that can add value in different parts of your business, for example Canva for good designs; WeTransfer to send large files and Google forms for surveys. If you’re looking for professional skills, specialist work or part-time resources, consider using platforms such as recruitmymom.co.za and upwork.com to find the people you need.”

Marang Marekimane, founder of Business Process Mechanics and managing partner at Lean Business Platform, also believes that free online tools, social media and new apps can make marketing and running a business instantly easier.

She suggests that businesses use social media analytics to understand their followers better. “From this, entrepreneurs will know if their followers prefer video/pictures/text content, and learn more about their age, gender and other interests.

This information could improve their marketing strategies,” she says.

2. Upgrade your website functions Marekimane also suggests improving your website functionality for long-term business benefits. “For example, to improve efficiency, businesses can allow clients to book appointments and make payments via their websites. This saves time, because there are no back-and-forth emails, and puts the client in control of the invoice and payment,” she says.

20

www.spotongmag.co.za

3. Scrutinise your service Mzobe adds that businesses need to take a critical look at their service levels. “Customers expect good quality products and value for money from everyone. The real differentiator is service. People remember how they were treated or made to feel, long after they have utilised your service or product.

Keeping this in mind, ask yourself: what kind of experience am I creating for my customers? From the moment the customer clicks onto your website; sends you a DM on your Instagram business page; walks into your store; responds to a call from your service agent or sales rep – how are they made to feel?

Map out your customer experience, from beginning to end, and ensure you have the right systems and processes that give your customer superior service and experience,” she advises.

4. Do quick and easy market research Rick Ed, co-founder of the Creative Enterprises Hub, says the GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) adult population survey found that, although 73% of survey respondents see entrepreneurship as a good career choice, SA has only two SMEs per 1 000 people (for 83 943 in total). Worryingly, most start-ups fail in their first few years. Ed believes one key reason for this is that people battle to sell their products and services.

“Too many businesses fail to find out if the market actually wants their product or service, so they could be putting a lot of effort into producing something the market doesn’t want,” he says. Ed suggests these quick and easy ways to carry out market research:

Start with existing customers. Ask if they’re happy with the product, whether they would recommend it to others, and how it could be improved. Ask what they don’t like about the products they’re leaving on the shelves.

For a small fee, you can advertise products on a platform like Facebook. Select a small number of products to advertise simultaneously, and pay to boost them to your target market.

You may find a great response to some products and no response to others, giving you a good indication of where to focus your efforts and which products to discontinue.

5. Update your email signature York Zucchi of the SME Movement points out: “Every email you send is an opportunity to sell. Look at your email signature and decide if you think that it is doing the job. Most email signatures are descriptive and usually only about contact details. Change it to something that describes the business problem you are solving. Each signature should be a call to action!”

6. Tap into communities For easy gains and growth support, Zucchi also suggests that business owners collaborate more. “Learn to share with the wider world what you are working on (e.g. building a school, running a coffee shop, or transporting people). The more people know what you are working on the more the chance that they will contact you to collaborate as well as think you have a track record. Share what you are doing on LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media communities.”

There is an enormous amount of goodwill out there, with millions of people and businesses wanting to help SMEs, Zucchi says.

“Tap into it. That doesn't mean they will invest/send you money, but it means that they might have spare resources that you can tap into - such as working space, storage or manufacturing. Learn to ask the world when you need something!”

7. Network, network, network Langa Manqele, fintech businessman and chairman of the Black Management Forum (BMF) in Gauteng, believes that information sharing and networking is crucial for business growth. “Small businesses cannot be all things to all people – they need to build networks of trusted suppliers and partners, allowing them to take on larger projects and grow. To expand your network, you need to join industry bodies and attend all the networking events you can. At events such as the Small Business Expo, which is the biggest small business event in the country, businesses can meet potential business partners and investors to grow their partner network,” he says.

8. Get free information Carol Weaving, veteran entrepreneur and MD of Small Business Expo organisers Reed Exhibitions, says learning wherever possible helps small business owners stay in touch with changing trends. Events such as the Small Business Expo offer three days of intensive business workshops, covering everything from financial management to new business trends, so business owners can learn, ask questions and go home with tips they can implement immediately,” she says. www.spotongmag.co.za

21

SOCIAL INVESTMENT

%

0 0 1 S E IV G T A H T N IO T THE FOUNDA A visio

Jungle gym donation

T

he 100% Foundation is a non-profit organisation with a difference – 100% of its income goes directly to its beneficiaries, which include various early childhood development centres and primary schools in communities in the informal sector on the East Rand.

The organisation was established by Affinity Health in 2016 as a CSI initiative with the vision “to create an educated society of successful contributors”.

Janap Biemba, the senior development & projects coordinator of 100% Foundation, who has a strong background in humanitarian work in feeding schemes and teaching children, says that while the bulk of their funding comes directly from companies within Affinity Enterprises, their aim is to source additional funding and support from other companies to increase their impact in disadvantaged areas, building infrastructure, promoting education, and providing food security.

“100% Foundation evolved as we started working with children in informal settlements in the Benoni area where Affinity’s head office is located. The group soon recognised the dire need for greater focus specifically on early childhood development within these poverty-stricken communities and we formalised the organisation,” explains Biemba, who works with an associate, Phumzile Skosana, the development & project coordinator, on the 100% Foundation projects.

24

www.spotongmag.co.za

ECD centres and schools have been "adopted" by the Foundation and various programmes have been implemented that include practitioner and educator upskilling and training, nutritional advice and support, working with community volunteers to support literacy and other programmes, identifying and supporting other local NGOs registered with the Department of Social Development in the communities, equipping libraries, and more.

The Foundation is teaching children English in the informal settlements along the N12 “because English is the international language of business, and

by learning it, these children will have a good foundation for future career opportunities,” says Janap. The Foundation has also implemented Vivlia training kits for the educators to empower them to improve their teaching skills and to provide muchneeded resources for the school.

In the Chief Albert Luthuli area, the team found that an alarming number of foundation phase learners were unable to read or write in their home languages by the time they transitioned to intermediate phase, resulting in the implementation of the Siyaphumelela Literacy project, which engages parents and educators in literacy and numeracy development, equips and supports ECD practitioners and foundation phase educators, and nurtures a reading culture among children. This concept has extended to involving volunteer "gogos" in the communities to assist with weekly literacy classes.

The 100% Foundation is working with Care for Education, one of the foundation’s benefactors, who are rolling out Lego-block based teaching programs to district schools, with the intention of introducing these programs countrywide in collaboration with the Education Department.

The team’s efforts have also resulted in a library being established at Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School in Cloverdene through book donations from staff, NPOs and other supporters; extensive nutritional feeding schemes at various ECD centres; working with and mentoring single mothers; and more.

As an NPO, the 100% Foundation is managed by a board that includes three directors from Affinity Enterprises, and guarantees that all funding received is spent on approved projects within the informal settlements. “There is endless scope for more work to be done in these disadvantaged areas to give a greater number of children the opportunity for a better chance of a bright future – and we are constantly on the lookout for partners, supporters, donors, and volunteers to join us in our efforts to bring relief where there is great need,” says Janap.

Freezer and non-perishable foodstuffs to FRF Foundation

For more information or to get involved, visit www.100percentfoundation.org.za or The 100 Percent Foundation on Facebook, or 0861105769 or info@100percentfoundation.co.za

Images courtesy of The 100% Foundation

ul contributors

society of successf n to create an educated

MANAGEMENT

H IT W S IP H S N IO T A L E R CREATING LOYAL

S R E K E E S K R O W FIRST-TIME Loyalty is key!

tor Alex Hadfield, SME sec

lead at the Harambee

elerator Youth Employment Acc

I

n the last edition we looked at how, as an entrepreneur, a key moment in your first business is hiring your first employee. You often choose to hire young, first-time workers because that’s what you can afford. For their part, first-timers are thrilled to be in work. Sounds ideal, right?

Sadly, it’s often a formula for employment failure as both you and your employee bring high expectations and a lack of experience to the process. You don’t discuss this with each other so neither party understands the others’ position.

As the business owner, it falls to you to take the lead in creating an atmosphere in which you can grow into a team.

Your goal is to create a sense of loyalty in your staff. Doing this requires a level of transparency that may be outside your comfort zone. Here are our top tips on how to create loyalty.

Put yourself in your employee’s shoes. Yes, this is a difficult enough task at the best of times and even more so when you’re in survival mode as you establish your new business.

Taking the time to recognise what your new employee is going through will pay dividends. With the best will in the world, a first-timer who has never worked before is going to come into your business feeling a lot more excited about their salary than about their job. They won’t know what’s expected of them, and they’ll be nervous. You need to recognise this.

You are the role model for an employee who has never worked before. They will mirror your behaviour. It’s up to you to understand this and provide clear and consistent direction.

Recognise that you’re dealing with a clean slate and that every little thing you write on it will be visible.

Think of your employees as if they were your customers. You need to communicate your vision clearly, which means not just outlining it but making sure it is really understood. Getting their buy-in has to begin from your first meeting. Get it wrong and they will communicate the wrong thing to outsiders. Get it right and they will become your greatest ambassadors.

together, and how and when you will make it up to them.

Cash flow is easy enough to explain and it helps them to know that you don’t want them to leave. If you can get through a moment like this and keep the loyalty and trust of your employee, you want to hang onto this person forever!

It helps employees to understand your challenges and to tell the difference between the internal and external factors that impact a business. These are essential learning and growth moments for a first-time employee and will help them grow into an even more valued role in your company and view their job through your entrepreneurial eyes.

Recognise that you may have a bad moment when you’re not paying yourself but having to pay your employee. This is your business, your dream, and you will ultimately reap the greater reward, so whatever sacrifices you’re making are going to be worth it.

It can be easy for first-time work-seekers to see your business as a stepping stone to something they perceive as better. Building loyalty and trust will ensure that you work together to grow your business into something better as you develop your first employee into your greatest asset.

Harambee has been placing entry-level employees in the SME sector for three years now. From the beginning we recognised the recruitment challenges small companies face; we know it’s a delicate balance between what either party needs. This is why we provide a great deal of guidance, including a free HR Toolkit for SME employers.

Our aim is to power economic growth by helping SMEs to unlock the potential of small business to absorb young talent.

Contact us on smeinfo@harambee.co.za or 011 593 0505 for more information.

Feedback is essential. You need to talk to each other as often as necessary, and at least at the beginning or the end of every day. Unhappiness on either side can spiral out of control very quickly but if you’re talking to each other regularly you’ll be building trust and need never get to a negative place. Reviews shouldn’t be one-sided. Think about what review your staff would give you, think about the review you want, and act accordingly. Ask them to do the same!

Cash flow is often a problem in new businesses and if you’re having difficulty paying a salary, you need to have a courageous conversation with your employee. There is a delicate balance to be struck here. You want to be transparent but don’t want to scare them off.

You may have to ask them to take a part-payment for a month or two. This conversation needs to be about how you can help them manage their finances through this patch and how you’re going to work through it www.spotongmag.co.za

25

RETAIL NEWS

S S E R P E H T F F O T HO stry

spires in the retail indu

d in News that informs an

OW MORE BANKING SERVICES NOPRITE MONEY ACCESSIBLE WITH SH

Access to banking services just got easier and more inclusive with Shoprite Money - a new mobile transactional banking service which is available to everyone, even those without existing bank accounts.

Using their Shoprite Money mobile wallet, this new service will enable customers to deposit, withdraw or send money as well as buy groceries at any of the till points in all Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Usave stores. Customers can also send money and buy electricity or airtime from the comfort of their own homes, provided they have funds in their Shoprite Money account. All transactions are FREE with the exception of a R9.95 fee that only applies to cash withdrawals.

Shoprite Money is available to users aged 18 years and older with a valid SA ID document, irrespective of their mobile network, device or connectivity. Users can register for an account free of charge by dialing *134*3534# or by visiting the Money Market counter in any Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Usave store.

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY IN AFRICA TURNS 90

Shoprite Money is set to roll out in multiple countries in Africa over the next 12 to 18 months, which will hold additional benefits for customers including seamless and cost-effective cross-border remittance.

The Shoprite Group has partnered with global fintech company Celbux, Google and Standard Bank to launch this new service.

of our customer’s lives – we’ve been there with them on their first date, to celebrate their first job offer and refresh their first football game. We have built taps and toilets for mothers and fathers and taught their sons and daughters how to recycle. We have empowered their aunts and sisters to build their own businesses,” says Maserame Mouyeme, the public affairs, communications and sustainability director for Coca-Cola Southern & East Africa.

Over the next 90 years, The Coca-Cola Company will accelerate its evolution to innovate its portfolio, packs and channels.

It will be more ambitious and bold in being a partner for inclusive development and seek to help address some of the continent’s most pressing problems.

The Coca-Cola Company celebrated its global 132nd birthday and 90 years of operation in Africa.

Ninety years ago, in 1928, the first Coca-Cola was sold on the continent, in Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa.

“For 90 years in Africa we’ve been part 26

www.spotongmag.co.za

Having always been an integral part of communities across the continent, the Coca-Cola Company believes that creating sustainable communities through shared value not only strengthens its own business, but enables it to build a stronger, more prosperous Africa. That is why job creation and empowerment, particularly women empowerment, is integrated into the company’s business model.

Cheers to the past 90 years. Here’s to the next 90!

THE 2018/2019 KASI STAR BRANDS WINNERS ARE……

Ask Afrika announced the winners of their annual Kasi Star Brands Awards 2018/2019, recognising those brands that are most loyally used by South Africa’s township consumers and highlighting key trends emerging in what is rapidly becoming an ever more prominent market for South African brands.

ROGRAMME P T N E M P LO E V E D LS SHOPRITE'S SKIL 000+ YOUTHS SET TO EMPOWER 12 Africa’s largest retailer is set to reach its target of empowering more than 12 000 youths (aged 18-29 years) to enter the retail sector or start their own business.

“South Africans with matric can apply for the programme at our recruitment centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria,” said Moga Pillay, the Shoprite Group’s spokesperson on skills development.

This programme is a direct challenge to the crippling effects of youth unemployment. More than half of young South Africans are unemployed.

Participants of the programme are provided with the basic business principles to understand the financial, legal and business requirements of setting up and running a small to medium enterprise in conjunction with a large retailer. Three weeks of theory is followed by five weeks of in-store training in various departments like the deli, bakery, as well as fruit and vegetables. Participants are paid a weekly stipend during their time in the store.

Shoprite’s implementation partner is OMNI HR Consulting, which not only presents the classes (in the first three weeks), but also ensures that a workplace coach is on hand during in-store training.

Sarine Masibi (23) completed the programme in July last year. Since her appointment at Shoprite Rustenburg, she rapidly rose through the ranks and is currently building her skills as a trainee manager. “The divisional manager noticed my service motive and suggested I sit for the trainee manager’s test. I passed and that’s how my current journey started.” She urges all unemployed youths to enrol in the programme. “There’s nothing special about me. I was just willing to make the necessary sacrifices and look where I am today. I don’t spend a lot of time with my friends and family, but that’s what I need to do for now. I’m doing this for my son, who I want to have a better life than I had. Every day presents new challenges, but it’s been a fantastic experience so far.”

Kasi Star Brands focuses particularly on solus usage – brands that consumers will not choose an alternative for. To put this in perspective, Kasi Star Brands evaluated 145 categories and 720 brands within the township sector, across the country. This year, only 32 leading Kasi Star Brands met the criteria to qualify as a truly Kasi brand – ones that have a loyal consumer following and have a sound commitment from consumers to buy only these brands within each category.

This year, they are proud to announce that Kiwi has come out as the overall winner, giving the Kasi market real value for money and delivering on their promise of quality and excellence across their product range.

The top 10 winners 1. Kiwi (shoe polish) 2. Coca Cola (non-alcoholic drinks) 3. Sunlight Liquid Soap (wash by hand) 4. Koo (tinned beans) 5. Dettol (liquid antiseptics) 6. Lucky Star (tinned fish) 7. KFC (fast food outlet) 8. Mageu Number 1 Milk (mageu/maheu) 9. Moir's (baking aids/essences/colour) 10. Shoprite (food retail/supermarket)

How to apply: To apply for this opportunity, dial *120*446# and follow the prompts (network rates apply) or visit www.shoprite.jobs. At present, this training opportunity is only available in Gauteng and the Western Cape. www.spotongmag.co.za

27

LIQUOR NEWS

THE TA VERN T ATLER

NEWS FOR T HE LIQ SAB k eepin UOR T g RADE Our tr o ur bee a when ders face m rs col it a costs, comes to ny challen d usin e g il and a legal elect lectricity: h es rical c igh lack o g the H o onn wm f ac We

sun

ectio ces kne beer c uch power direct w we could s to grid con ns old? is nee ly, but n n 't e c ded to s t o io solutio lve th we loo ns. serve is W n k p e s e r oblem went a or to in that didn d to new to a fe , green After ’t S s o t c a u o ll t s w . h t here w de And th er a lot t l A o f c r i a c l a s c o e a t olutio veloping a a o s t o r o v n u s bv erns i cerns ola n under looke n, n w s d at to r technolo ious choice t e i h a t re. We nd wh ow m with 1 we piloted gy as electr a ll u a w e c t v h e t ia it ic he re m in ord 0 taverns ice an and is ity constra te many of is being er d gen oney was able to se ir ints ar the b c becom e e c oncep to test the e o r ators ing sp ld as w ound access in t. The t g e o e n c k t l to heape l h ible. w e their t r and e world avern as how hav ep the bee n a as that we result m t r were i w h b n s o eir cu le to g re So, be stome asn't exact no light in c each t transform ly inv rs. that is ause elect a iting f r For th within vern or neithe always 100 icity isn't s ese lo a o c r s % m o a i s s l tav lutio ethi olar-p day to a gua ac chang o e the old beer, w ranteed, a ng susta ns were te ern owners busin wered beer r inable n l mpora , the es eally atter. Becau e wanted t d . w r W y h i t a e also ad en s that h tave nd we o even c r r n o a bee se is a wa e s n e n sulted that d lectric ’t electr ough rm r? ici month ity in orde id have acc p ower ty to r e as SAB ly expendit to determi ss to SAB fr three ne ure refrige i and e dges ration to run thin their ight units. gs suc l ights. h

28

www.spotongmag.co.za

beer is d l o c t action le limate t abou

c jus als for enewab It's not ev's 100+ sustasinedabeilleitcytrgicoity cisosmioenfsroamcrorss ooutr ovnalylue on em te to n AB InB purcha One of 100% of our uction in carb , we contribu nt of Energy e ls d e e e m r n t v r pa 5% epar to ha and a 2 ing these sola vision the D s e c r u e h so all By inst but to t chains. as an entity ls our goa outh Africa.

S has for

rimary p e h t e re icans a es such as th r f A h t Sou amm "Young ries of progr ia benefic ion of solar" th Africa. st t than ju ers t Of Sou installa n id more residen ,P aphosa

e ow ns d t e taver lped th in thes ones. We he umber of fee ls e n a n p ld d r e o n h c la a t o few nity ase the s commu as incre y with a talling But ins stomers happ oney as well as a sense of w m u make c taverns save l spots. There bience. m e a al world of thes t into the loc the general a nologic t. h n c d e e e t w v e t o th pr en tha w with hich im vironm s to gro untry and en safety w im a s ie o rewer ustomers, c frican B rc South A of helping ou in hope is space. th Watch

m Cyril Ra

The S

i s a K e f pirit o

es elebrat r that c si, e e b a is Ka n lager spirit e red r Golde ers with the fetime of sha io r e p u h t li S o a r ld b o m e G ro u Soweto gs together tr ndship born f and brin ing a deep frie s. t e celebra nd experienc a stories

rn and beer bo eto on its e h t r, e ow ag irit of S he olden L erior G g the true sp ling Towers. T o p u S ld b in o o t a o r a G r a C b o K o t t le e d Sow is ce Orlan us local artis he two i, s e a h K t , e k brewed ous landmar sioned famo t for one of t s a m a is a most fa nd has comm sign a new co w stands tall ural a e lt o r d u n b c r o r t e e e e w e iv t b letsan wers. The to ic and crea o M y p Pop ng to ing the icon street. o cooli Orland art represent very Soweto , the e f Soweto her, piece o t bursts from ncy of t a e r g a ib o h t v t the ople le. spirit aptures t bring its pe e of its peop c n ig s a e id h d r t p k s ly r t e id th en wo The art nection mom nguage and tsane’s art viv ork la n rtw ole a M e , h o t T l Kasi co essiveness of . e owerfu in Sow r streets the exp neage rooted t of Soweto’s weto such a p the a o li g With a ts the heartbe s that make S here – takin ary r w in e e y r r d y r p e r o la v e a e y t xtr in an . in an e r people ignage t the m looks a f Kasi pride fo presenting it d hair salon s t o n source ly ordinary bu barbershop a g y cause seemin is inspired b tion be of the a ir p s t in etic e of way tha e e aesth t sourc s a grea s, the creativ hetic is not on n a o t e w le t e o g s e S g e b u a e l str “I se t has . This politica om refront one tha despite ften at the fo another, it is h Africans – fr ountry. t o e u r k is o u li of o c area o be , for S trying t outh Africans reat reflection he people of . is t a h t t S see a g letsane just in ted by cultiva t to music, we . Soweto isn’t rica,” says Mo f r s A r a bly ou ple of South street the o mistaka lebrate It is un but in the pe , we ce han just o b a r , a o t of K Sowet is more alents , and of the t le. For us, this at represents e s u g p h in rs o t k e e t a h p r t a m e o of th i br “By a piece through adlala, our Kas people on a tower, it’s asi, in which ys Ndumiso M K a l a mura es, the spirit e take pride,” s . o t celebra e country can eto Brewing C h t w o s s S o t r ra ac wmaste the bre

www.spotongmag.co.za

29

PERSONAL FINANCE

E C N A R U S N I E F I L T WHAT IS CREDI

?

T I D E E N U O Y AND DO Be honest … do you always read every word of the fine print in the contracts you sign? You probably have this type of insurance and don't even know it.

30

www.spotongmag.co.za

V

“Everyone thinks this insurance is just in the case of death, but the vast majority of our claims are because of retrenchment,” she says. “And in some cases, your debt can be paid off completely if you have good credit cover.”

Don’t be afraid to do this. As the adage goes: “There is no such thing as a stupid question.”

Another common misconception is that you must accept the contract that is in front of you. Credit life insurance is optional in the sense that the credit provider can stipulate that you must have it, but they cannot dictate that you purchase their option.

ery few of us read the legalese in contracts. And those who do take the time to read each line might not necessarily understand the meaning. So, you can spend hours online poring over definitions, you could hire a lawyer to laboriously go over your contracts with you, or you can simply ask questions until the answers make sense to you.

One thing to look out for when you’re signing for any kind of credit - retail store cards, credit cards, personal loans, vehicle finance and home loans - is credit life insurance.

Heard of credit life insurance? Possibly not.

However, you’ve probably signed up for it several times in your life if you have any type of credit agreement with any financial services provider.

What is credit life insurance?

Essentially, it is insurance that protects you, the consumer, if you are unable to make payments for a number of predetermined and often common reasons on your credit loans. However, if most people don’t know what it is they don’t know what they can claim for!

Another source of confusion is that it could have a different name on every contract you’ve signed: it's called debt protection, credit cover, asset cover or credit life insurance, to name a few.

It is important that you ask about this cover before signing any important documents. While most people agree to have it included in some form, many don’t fully grasp what is included, how it works, or what your rights are.

What does it cover?

The key word here is “life”. You’re probably assuming this is just to cover your debt in the event of your death, right? Wrong.

According to Switch2 Credit Life, a division of the financial services provider Clientèle Life, this type of insurance is in place to pay off a consumer’s debt in the event of “death, disability, terminal illness, retrenchment, unemployment or other insurance risks that impair the consumer’s ability to earn an income or meet their debt obligations”.

In fact, divisional CEO of Switch2 Sasha Knott says that 80% of its claims are in the case of a client’s retrenchment.

“Credit life insurance is a really good product, but many people are paying too much. It’s essentially the consumer’s prerogative to choose their own credit life insurance that offers the most suitable benefits to them, at a competitive cost.”

What are your rights?

“Credit life insurance is a really good product, but many people are paying too much. It’s essentially the consumer’s prerogative to choose their own credit life insurance that offers the most suitable benefits to them, at a competitive cost,” Knott explains.

What kind of cover can you expect to potentially receive?

In the event that you are unable to work for a period of time, whether you’ve taken ill and are physically unable to work, you are taking maternity leave, or you have been retrenched from work, you will be able to claim from your credit life insurance. Whatever amount is approved will be paid directly to the lender.

For example, if you were to be hospitalised for a week or more, you could potentially receive up to a full monthly instalment on your debt. When you take maternity leave, whether you have given birth or legally adopted a child, your debt payments could be covered in full for up to two months.

If you are retrenched from your job, your debt payments could be covered for up to a year if you become unemployed or unable to earn an income through no fault of your own. If you do claim because you were retrenched, the benefit will fall away when you are employed again and earning an income.

How much will be paid in any of these circumstances is, however, dependent on the type of package you have with your chosen service provider.

What does this cover exclude?

There are, of course, limitations to what you can claim as well as how often you may make a claim. In terms of disability or maternity cover, you can only claim once for each of these within a 12-month period with Switch2, for example.

There are also some circumstances for which you cannot make a claim. For example, you may only make a retrenchment claim if you were unaware that you would be retrenched and if you were dismissed through no fault of your own.

You may also not claim if: the loss of income or retrenchment is related to an unprotected strike; if you received sufficient notice of your retrenchment; if you resign, retire or choose to accept a voluntary retrenchment or redundancy package or termination of employment; or if you elect to not work.

For more information visit: www.switch2.co.za or e-mail info@switch2.co.za or call 087 700 0022. www.spotongmag.co.za

31

#TOBACCOBILL

D E W A L F Y L P E E D S I COisBaIthLreLat to rights of individuals, NEWeTnt’Os inBteArfC erence usiness Governm bad for small b d an rs e n w o y rt e private prop

Courtesy of the Free

Market Foundation

A

coalition of 14 associations, representing more than 1.3 million South Africans working in the restaurant, tavern and hospitality industry, and in small business, have written to government to voice their collective dismay over the extreme measures proposed in new tobacco legislation.

“The Department of Health’s proposed measures to tighten smoking regulations under the Draft Control

32

www.spotongmag.co.za

of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill are excessive and infringe disproportionately on the fundamental rights of individuals and private property owners. They are unconstitutional and have damaging economic implications,” says Leon Louw of the Free Market Foundation.

The regulations, if approved, will see an effective ban on smoking in any public place and will make the dedicated smoking areas in public

establishments – required by existing regulations – obsolete, despite the hundreds of millions of rands spent by small businesses to construct these areas. Smoking will be prohibited in any “enclosed” public or workplace, or in a private home if one employs a domestic worker, engages in commercial childcare, schooling or tutoring, or any other place that is within a “prescribed distance” of an operable window, ventilation inlet, entrance or exit of such private homes or enclosed places. The

Minister may designate any other place as a non-smoking area if they “consider it appropriate”.

The Minister, in other words, will have the power to ban smoking outright throughout South Africa, a fantasy the current health minister has had for a long time.

These provisions fall foul of the section 1(c) requirement in the Constitution (the Rule of Law provision) that prohibits the delegation of law-making power from Parliament to an executive functionary. There are no objective criteria in the legislation that tethers the Minister’s power to prescribe distances or designate new non-smoking areas. All that is required is that the Minister subjectively consider it appropriate.

Of concern to the FMF is the impact of the regulations on businesses, especially within the hospitality industry, incorporating restaurants, bars, nightclubs and casinos.

No provision is made for smoking establishments at all, which means that if the regulations are passed into law, establishments which cater to smokers only will be banned and put out of business. The consequence this law will have on domestic employment is also an open question. Smoking is prohibited outright in private homes which employ domestic workers: It does not matter whether the employee is only there once a week or is never exposed to the smoke.

Will South Africans choose to continue employing these individuals, who form a substantial part of our workforce, or will they choose their own personal freedom? These are key questions the health department has not considered, as evidenced by the absence of a published socio-economic impact assessment on the bill.

About the FMF The FMF is an independent, non-profit, public benefit organisation, created in 1975 by pro-free market business and civil society national bodies to work for a non-racial, free and prosperous South Africa. As a policy organisation it promotes sound economic policies and the principles of good law. As a think-tank it seeks and puts forward solutions to some of the country’s most pressing problems: unemployment, poverty, growth, education, healthcare, electricity supply, and more. The FMF was instrumental in the post-apartheid negotiations and directly influenced the Constitutional Commission to include the property rights clause: a critical cornerstone of economic freedom.

For more information visit www.freemarketfoundation.com

The FMF raises concerns over what are deemed to be acceptable limits for government to impose on the conduct of its citizens. “We should not lose perspective on the question of how restrictive a society we want to create,” says Louw. “How far do we want to allow government to trespass on our constitutional rights and reduce individual autonomy, especially to the extent of controlling what can be perceived as self-destructive behaviour? How can we allow laws that will undoubtedly harm our country’s economy by putting people out of business and make our unemployment situation even worse?”

The main provisions of the Bill: • Ban the display of tobacco products in all formal and informal retail and wholesale outlets • Ban the sale of tobacco products through vending machines • Introduce a complete ban on indoor smoking, including the removal of closed-off designated smoking areas (25%) in which many businesses have invested

• Ban smoking in homes where a domestic is employed • Severely restrict outdoor smoking areas • Introduce so-called plain or standardised packaging which requires the wholesale removal of all branding from tobacco products • Regulate e-cigarettes and other new generation products in the same way as traditional products

www.spotongmag.co.za

33

NEW RETAIL PRODUCTS

F L E H S E H T N O NEW DELI DIPS AND PATÉS

Add something new to your party menu with these delicious Mediterraneanstyle fresh dips, premium pàtés, fragrant pestos and tantalising terrines. With more than 25 flavours to choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s taste buds.

EDIBLE FLOWERS

Add a splash of colour with edible flowers: they can be used in salads or drinks, and look amazing on cakes.

They are also available in a selection platter consisting of the following favourites: creamy peppadew, hummus, sundried tomato pesto and tzatziki.

NEW AND IMPROVED GOURMET SOUPS Hearty and flavourful ready-to-eat gourmet soups are made from only the freshest ingredients and are available in single servings and family packs. There are four tasty new flavours including Moroccan Lamb, Pumpkin & Bacon, Steak & Stout, and Minestrone. Some of the tried and tested favourites with new and improved recipes include Chicken Noodle, Butternut, Biltong and Pea & Ham.

GOURMET VEGETABLES Perfectly portioned gourmet vegetables to add to salads or enjoy as a healthy, crunchy snack. Perfect for lunchboxes!

40 NEW CHEESES

For more information visit: www.checkers.co.za.

Some items may only be available at selected stores.

34

www.spotongmag.co.za

Checkers recently added 40 new cheeses to its extensive and awardwinning range. The new additions include a selection of exclusive Nature & Moi vegan cheeses that are free of dairy, lactose, soya, palm oil and gluten. Also be on the lookout for a new chocolate chip cheese!

OUMA Rusks has introduced a new and delicious special edition to their legendary range - Lemon Cream. The iconic double-baked biscuit, which is perfect when dunked in a cup of something warm, has over the years become a part of South Africa’s culinary heritage. This is the rusk that has captured the heart of a nation, so the addition of this locally loved flavour combination will take a classic favourite to the next level.

OUMA Rusks’ Special Edition Lemon Cream variant is currently on retail shelves across the country in a 450g pack. If you’re a morning, afternoon, or even midnight dipper, this wholesome treat is just for you.

For more information visit: www.rclfoods.com

URY DAIRY MILK B D A C IN D E R E V O C O ORE 6-PACK! NOW AVAILABLE IN A – EPIC NEW SCORE STRIKER GER ENERGY GAME CHAN WITH A CITRUS BOOST Bursting with a juicy citrus taste, new Score Striker has a double shot of guarana to double your power and keep you on track. It is a real game changer with a healthy dose of B vitamins, and is taurine-free for the great aftertaste that Score fans have come to love.

New Score Striker is available in mega 500ml cans in leading outlets.

For more information visit: www.drinkscore.co.za.

What happens when everyone’s favourite biscuit and chocolate come together? They form a meltin-your-mouth, delicious treat you won’t be able to get enough of!

Last year, Oreo Biscuits launched the delicious OREO covered in Cadbury Dairy Milk biscuit and this year they will be launching a bigger pack for fans who just can’t get enough!

If you haven’t tried them before, Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolatecoated Oreos are positively drool-worthy and now you will have enough to share the joy with those around you. Look out for the Oreo covered in Cadbury Dairy Milk 6-pack in participating stores nationwide.

For more information visit www.mondelezinternational.com www.spotongmag.co.za

Recommended retail prices at time of going to print – prices subject to change at retailers’ discretion. Images: Manufacturers and distributors.

CUIT TREAT – IS B W E N E IT R U O V FA YOUR RUSKS OUMA LEMON CREAM

35

RETAIL INVENTORY HEADER

K C O T S L I A T E R L ESSENTIA ACE QUICK COOK SAMP

ACE MAIZE MEAL For decades, South African mums have al trusted ACE maize me s, ou lici de a e vid to pro creamy starch to complete any family t meal. It’s not just abou e wid the d an ur flavo variety of hearty meals you can make with r ACE. It’s also about ou ty ali qu to t en tm mi com ’t and nutrition. You can e Th te… tas e Ac an beat Taste of a Mom’s Love.

za

www.acemaizemeal.co.

TASTY AROMAT NATURALLY ily! The new Aromat

e fam west member of th giving Say hello to the ne awaken your food, to d ne ecially desig de ma is at th ing on as Naturally Tasty is sp ur with real se vo fla bay tic d en an th au rlic of ga , it a burst eric, onion of mushroom, turm ial ific art no d, de ad from a good blend G rally Tasty has no MS atives. leaves. Aromat Natu rants and no preserv lou co ingredients, no

za

www.acemaizemeal.co.

VANISH STAIN REMOVER With three times more benefits than bleach and perfect for white and coloured clothes, s Vanish preserves fabric all at ive ect and is eff wash temperatures.

For better results, treat all stains immediately before they dry. www.vanish.co.za

RAMA MARGARINE

and heaps of vitamins Great taste, versatility these are what makes ds: aci ty and essential fat Pe . rfect for spreading, Rama a family favourite l also contains essentia cooking and baking, it nt wa u yo en wh it Try u. oils that are good for yo es, ich dw to your san to bring delicious taste p and for delicious pa r ffie flu r, the oo for sm made sure that Rama o als ’ve baked treats. We vides your family with Medium Fat Spread pro 3s needed for healthy 9 vitamins and Omega nt. growth and developme www.rama.co.za

germed, coarse maize ACE samp is a white, de starch component product. It is ideal as the etables. Cooks in veg d an at of a meal with me at taste and no gre e 30 minutes, with the sam saving you time s, ive vat additives or preser and electricity.

www.aromat.co.za

WDER RAJAH MEDIUM CURRY PO h Rajah

e wit Sishebo taste adventur Take your family on a e tablespoon you will on g din ad ly on By er.

Medium Curry Powd your dish. r and enticing aroma to add a rich, warm colou powder to r has been added to the Turmeric and coriande dium Curry Me jah Ra th Wi . flavours ry for the enhance its mild, fresh cur ced up a perfectly balan Powder you can serve ds! bu te tas ir with the family. So, experiment www.rajah.co.za

BISTO ORIGINAL GRAVY POWDER

k-in sauces rs, Bisto gravy and coo For more than 100 yea a homeof t for com d an ss ousne be used has provided the delici can to Bis ient product. cooked meal in a conven n stews, casseroles and thicke to brown, season and perfect gravy. soups and makes the www.rfg.com

DANONE YO-JELLY

Danone Perfect for the kiddies, ng option cki sna at gre a Yo-Jelly is me, at yti an that can be enjoyed e product iqu un A . go the on home or sensation te tas fun that combines the h benefits of alt he d ste tru the h of jelly wit rry, granadilla, be aw str in yoghurt. Available . ap a and ricot flavours pineapple, creme sod www.danone.co.za

36

www.spotongmag.co.za

S E G A R E V E B BRAND NEW NEW LIQUOR PRODUCTS

NEW FITCH & LEEDESE CRAFT COLA SETS TH STAGE FOR PREMIUM SPIRITS Fitch & Leedes, the bespoke range of authentic mixers, is taking the enjoyment of cola to another level with the launch of its new Craft Cola.

Made in small batches using quadruple-filtered water for purity and the finest ingredients available, new Fitch & Leedes Craft Cola takes a bow as the perfect accompaniment to premium spirits. Fitch & Leedes Craft Cola is finely balanced to ensure the best taste representation of what was intended by the master distiller.

Y NEW SCOTCH WHISK LAUNCHED IN SA Cape Town-based premium drinks company Truman & Orange is behind the launch of Bannerman’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky – a welcome innovation in the largest spirits category in SA, and one dominated by multinational companies.

Bannerman’s Finest Scotch Whisky is a Speyside-style Scotch Whisky, produced and blended in Scotland, just outside Edinburgh. Bannerman’s is made using older, more complex malt whiskies, which give it a bolder, more complex flavour than other blends and help create its exceptionally long, smooth finish.

Bannerman’s is made using a uniquely slow distillation process which ensures longer contact with the copper still, creating its beautifully fruity flavours. Aged in oak casks, Bannerman’s maturation uses a high proportion of sweet Spanish sherry casks to create an unusually smooth, rich character.

Available at all good liquor stores. For more information visit: www.trumanandorange.com 38

www.spotongmag.co.za

FITCH & LEEDES PINK TONIC NOW ALSO SUGAR-FREE Life is a bed of roses with new sugarfree Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic. Bringing you all the taste without the sugar, it is the perfect fit for a low kilojoule G&T when paired with a masterly crafted premium gin.

Pretty in pink with whiffs of rose petals and fresh cucumber, the new sugar-free Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic is a delightful alternative without compromising on taste.

Fitch & Leedes can be found at leading purveyors of fine beverages, boutique wine shops, selected deli’s, fine dining establishments and cocktail bars.

For more information visit: www.chillbev.co.za

ESERVATIVES R P O N , S R E N E T E E NO SUGAR, NO SW E NEW SELTZER ESSENCE IN THE NO-NONSENS Seltzer, the brand that introduced flavoured water to South Africans, has added even more sparkle to its range.

New Seltzer Essence – surprisingly honest real sparkling water – is available in three enticing natural flavours: Pink Grapefruit & Strawberry, Green Apple & Mint, and Watermelon & Mixed Berry.

Families can now confidently enjoy the range’s goodness, knowing that they don’t have to worry about the dreaded sugar high or any of the other harmful effects of sugar.

Health and fitness fanatics can add Seltzer Essence to their daily routine with no fears of it disrupting a carefully planned and controlled diet or training regime. And, for those who are consciously cutting down on sugar, but dreading a life of blandness, the water promises all of the taste and none of the sugar. Seltzer Essence is available on shelves across the country.

For more information visit www.seltzer.co.za

ESSENTIALLY T IN U Q A IS H T R O W WIX SOUTH AFRICAN GIN Wixworth is a quintessentially South African gin artfully balanced and distilled in small batches for maximum consistency. Handcrafted and infused with six natural botanicals including juniper berries, coriander, cassia bark, angelica root and orange peel, Wixworth’s distinct earthy flavour is emphasised by Renosterbos. Ingredients are sourced naturally and hand-picked to achieve a deliciously refreshing and distinctive flavour.

The result is an exquisitely balanced, delicately fragranced gin that's crisp and dry with hints of spice and zesty citrus notes.

Enjoy the classic Wix & Tonic – Wixworth Gin and Tonic Water with a lime wheel over ice. Wixworth Gin is available at all major retail outlets nationwide including Liquor City, Pick n Pay, TOPS at SPAR and Makro.

For more information visit: www.wixworth.com www.spotongmag.co.za

39

LIQUOR NEWS

K A E R T S G N I N N I N A W ds season BRANDSbratO ing a bumper awar See who is cele

S THREE BUNNAHABHAIN WIN N DOUBLE GOLDS AT SA IRITS FRANCISCO WORLD SP COMPETITION Specialty Scotch single malt producer Bunnahabhain has won three double gold medals at the prestigious 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the United States.

The double golds were awarded to the Islay distillery’s 12- and 25-year-old single malts.

Known for its un-chill filtered single malts that offer a richness of colour, aroma and flavour, the distillery is one of the only Islay producers to make use of a natural spring water source and unpeated barley in the production of most of its single malts, imparting a very gentle profile to the range.

Bunnahabhain, founded in 1881, is pronounced Bŭ-na-ha-venn and means "mouth of the river" in Scots Gaelic, referring to the Margadale River that flows close by.

LANC STRIKES B IN N E H C E C N E V O R GRANDE P WINE SHOW Y H P O R T L A U T U M GOLD AT OLD Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate has struck gold with the maiden vintage of its new single varietal Chenin Blanc at the 2018 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.

Crafted in a vibrant, fruit-driven style from Helderberg and Franschhoek fruit, the Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 is elegant and dry with flavours of stone fruit and hints of tropical notes. This wine captures the classic characteristics and purity of Chenin Blanc in a manner that is accessible, yet complex.

In addition to the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show gold medal, the Grande Provence Chenin Blanc has been selected for British Airways First Class lounges at South African airports.

TRIUMPHS 7 1 0 2 O W T N LE G IA CONSTANT E CHALLENGE IN W L A N IO T A N R E T AT IN The Constantia Glen flagship white blend has taken centre stage with the 2017 vintage bringing home a gold medal from the 2018 International Wine Challenge (IWC) held in London.

Full of praise for the Constantia Glen 2017 TWO, the judges described this Sauvignon Blanc /Sémillon blend with its “great length and potential to improve for 3 years” to show “amazing white fruit with acacia complexity, fresh honey and a hint of vanilla”.

The International Wine Challenge is considered one of the world's finest and most meticulously judged wine competitions. This year, thousands of wines from a total of 55 countries were assessed blind and judged for their faithfulness to style, region and vintage.

The IWC gold medal, which equates to a score of 95/100, is the latest international accolade to take pride of place in the Constantia Glen hall of fame.

The 2017 vintage, a blend of 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Sémillon, includes 5% of Sémillon matured in a locally crafted clay amphora.

40

www.spotongmag.co.za

UM CLASS E S U M S IN W G R E B N E STE MUTUAL TROPHY AT THE OLD TROPHY WINE SHOW Steenberg has received the highest recognition for the ageability of its cool climate wines by clinching the Trophy for the Best Museum Class Sauvignon Blanc at the 2018 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.

The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2011 is a true expression of Steenberg’s terroir and gives real meaning to sense of place. It was the last bottling under the Reserve label to be crafted from the oldest Sauvignon Blanc block on Steenberg farm. This vineyard block now finds its home in Steenberg’s Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc.

AD OF SA NEDERBURG IN THE LEIN 'WORLD'S WINERIES FEATUREDE BRANDS' MOST ADMIRED WIN TOP 50 LIST Nederburg has done it again! The Paarl winery again features in the esteemed World’s Most Admired Wine Brands top 50 list by Drinks International, a UK-based publication, for a third consecutive year. In 41st position, Nederburg is the highest placed of the three South African wineries featured on this year’s list.

The judging panel comprised a broad spectrum of global wine professionals, including commercial buyers, importers, wine professionals, masters of wine, journalists and wine educators.

Last year, Nederburg was the only South African winery to appear in this globally recognised ranking, and in 2016, the first time the winery was featured, it shared the honour with one other South African wine brand.

According to the organisers, to make it into the international line-up of the top 50 wine brands demands consistent or improving quality; a reflection of region or country of origin; a responsiveness to the needs and tastes of target audiences; excellent marketing and packaging; and a strong appeal to a wide demographic. www.spotongmag.co.za

41

TAVERN REVIEWS

E C I V R E S R U O Y T A s ading liquor trader

Spotong chats to le

ERN V A T E N O N I L L A tion: NTHA ll | Organisa rd Goosebe

Owner: Richa

LUCKY’S INN

NTHA le | Organisation:

Owner: Lucky Dikgo

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I started my tavern in 2002. I lost my job and needed to do something! I bought two cases of beer and never looked back. I am very lucky to be in an area where there are only five taverns in operation so my business is always thriving. I am also grateful to be able to offer employment to my three employees.

How do you encourage your patrons to drink responsibly?

Lucky Dikgole, owner, Lucky's Inn

42

www.spotongmag.co.za

I only open at 10am. I will never serve anyone before that time and my patrons know that. I encourage my patrons to eat a meal as soon as they enter my doors.

I make sure that my menu is affordable and water is available throughout the tavern. I also provide entertainment in the form of TVs and pool tables where

Richard Goosebell, owner, All in One Tavern

we can challenge each other so there is more to do than just drink.

What are your thoughts on the Liquor Amendment Bill?

I believe that we should do as much as we can to eradicate underage drinking.

I think that the correct drinking age should be from the age of thirty! I have seen what liquor does to underage drinkers so I am all for the new law which will stop these youngsters from drinking too much.

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

I would like to convert my tavern into a bottle store where the patrons and other taverns can buy directly from me. A tavern and shebeen is a very big responsibility because you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your patrons. A bottle store will be easier to manage.

Location: 1202 Baloi Street, Sinqobile, Mogale City

Images: Tavern Owners

de? into the tavern tra ant.

How did you get operating restaur vern into a fully ta e th se oo ch de to ca tion rn almost a de I would like the op at I serve and not I started my tave d an f el ys th m er work for type of custom a y. ago. I wanted to ly but offer them t into this industr ge to e m focus on liquor on e ov dr that y M . en e. th back since dining experienc I haven’t looked popular! ry ve d an g bi is tavern back to your How do you give e th m fro t ar ap vern community?

What sets your ta ur area? yo in s e rn ve ta e rest of th 16 every year. Th ve I go big on June I gi so e m to nt an rta s, alcohol price youth is very impo the kids, buying I have competitive d a big braai place. r an ck by cooking fo ry he tc in-house bu with ba planning special d ed an ck ts pa is en e es ac pr pl y em m th , need ds en ek we Over the I do help those in I ns because this is events for them. e us ca be ll we e as Th hundreds of patro ar od is amazing! ughout the ye fo ro e th th d an be to place am able to. ays full of cars! parking lot is alw et, rius Mhlongo Stre tavern?

Location: 198 Da re plans for your tu fu n ve ei ha nt u fo yo nd Do , Ra Ext 7, Mohlakeng tavern. y m r fo s an pl g Yes, I have bi my entually change My dream is to ev

RN NGHALAMONA TAVE n: BVFBA ka | Organisatio

Owner: Evonne Mda

u face in this What challenges do yo industry? been the issues My main challenge has since my husband h wit al de to that I have had problems e was a sole trader. I hav uor licence liq my of al ew with the ren name. I lost his in s since everything wa that we had nts me ee agr dit cre all of the gled with ug str e with suppliers and hav n, led to tur in , ich wh ck sto ing replenish ving for lea ers tom cus some of my regular to l fighting get my other taverns. I am stil it was. Another ere business back to wh my area. It just in me cri the is challenge never seems to end!

your patrons to How do you encourage drink responsibly? ictly from 10am – My tavern hours are str d don’t operate an 12am so we stick to it those hours. I of de tsi ou r and sell liquo and make ing nk monitor everyone’s dri everyone. to ble ila ava is sure that water ryone eve so d cke My kitchen is well sto ir the ing joy en are y eats while the encourages them alcohol and my menu al. me all sm or to have a big

Evonne Mdaka, owner, Nghalamona Tavern

Drive, Location: 26 Nombela urg ksb Bo s, oru slo Ext 6, Vo

on What are your thoughts l?

Bil t en dm Amen

SELINA’S INN

FBA | Organisation: BV e ek Ts a lin Se r: ne Ow tavern trade?

How did you get into the grew from I started 12 years ago and biggest the of e on te there. I opera help of my the h taverns in my area wit . ers family memb cult customers?

How do you handle diffi my tavern. If We follow strict rules at d, we put them han of t someone gets ou odd occasion out immediately. On the nk, we put dru too is where someone s and take icle veh r ou of e on them in door. If we nt fro ir the them straight to y drunk, ead alr is ne eo som t see tha them and they we just refuse to serve ally. We are get the message eventu gle patron at sin ry eve responsible for . day the of d the en

the Liquor

changing the I am in agreement with . It is better for 21 to age ng nki legal dri . run g lon our youth in the ns for your Do you have future pla tavern? rs we would Yes. In three to five yea bigger and ses like to make our premi much ern tav the ke ma expand and an e hav y more spacious. I alread and TVs h wit n tio sec t en entertainm packed y tel olu abs pool tables that gets nice to be uld wo it so s nd over weeke start with that section.

Street, Location: 2963 Mokgara s oru slo Vo Ext 1, Basothong,

Images: Tavern Owners

tavern trade?

How did you get into the ’s tavern which I It was my late husband ng in August of ssi pa inherited after his rted it so we could 2016. My husband sta but he was killed ess sin have a family bu a robbery at our after he responded to ily business and I fam r ou tavern. It is still r and nephew who have my son, daughte ay running of o-d y-t da assist me in the the tavern.

apart from the What sets your tavern ur area? rest of the taverns in yo ff and patrons Keeping my family, sta nce to me rta po im ost utm safe is of ngs that thi the so safety is one of the rest. I m fro art ap ern sets my tav all patrons, rch sea o have bouncers wh ern and tav the d un aro s era CCTV cam have can ns tro pa armed response. My ing that rry wo r eve ut ho wit e a good tim ppen. something bad may ha

Selina Tseke, owner, Selina's Inn

www.spotongmag.co.za

43

TAVERN REVIEWS

VIC’S JOINT

LTA | Organisation: SA e an ob oh M or ct Owner: Vi

o the tavern trade?

How did you get int own tavern in I decided to open my ging and I wanted an ch 1994. Times were and my family to to work for myself income. Business ble ensure a sustaina wn since then but I has been up and do o. d all those years ag rte am glad that I sta age your patrons to How do you encour drink responsibly? at only those over I have a strict rule th ed to drink in my ow the age of 21 are all s any irresponsible tavern so it minimise sure that there ke drinking. I always ma sip on in my tavern is water available to able menu which and I have an afford ns to have a meal tro pa encourages my ing. I also have while they are drink like peanuts to le tab ch snacks on ea encourage eating. ghts on the Liquor What are your thou Amendment Bill? regards to the In my opinion, with ose over the age of th ly on e, ag drinking

ed to drink legally!

25 should be allow age where you can That is the mature nsibly and not po res enjoy drinking e you. Regarding allow it to overcom I have made all of , as are the smoking tavern already so those changes in my nt. lia mp co is my business ck to your How do you give ba community?

donate money to In many ways! I often kids always need as a schools in my are have a funeral something. When we the families to ow all I , in the township chairs and open my use my tables and need the space. ey tavern doors if th ne 3, Location: 550039 Zo lpark bij er nd Sebokeng, Va

Victor Mohobane, owner, Vic's Joint

E MAMOKHETHI’S PLACation: SALTA hethi | Organis

Owner: Miriam Mok

o the tavern trade?

How did you get int in November of I started the tavern sband. I remember hu e lat 1998 with my o cases of Hansa! starting with only tw ok a chance, not to t jus At the time we uld grow into what knowing that it wo growing and has ll sti is it is today. It siness which I can become a family bu ildren one day. ch n ow pass onto my

Miriam Mokhethi,

44

owner, Mamokethi'

www.spotongmag.co.za

s Place

ern apart from the What sets your tav in your area? rest of the taverns sic I have the best mu The entertainment! st be e th ing be for n and we are know chill out and relax. spot in the area to trons with respect pa r We also treat ou e in the tavern. The vib and they feel safe are e os th ink th I d an is always happy y we have so many the main reasons wh

we see on a daily regular patrons that home away from basis. It feels like a home. plans for your Do you have future tavern? expand. I consider Yes. I would like to dium-sized at the my tavern to be me growing slowly and are we moment but than before. I want seeing more patrons e so everyone will ac to create a bigger sp at “happy” vibe th t bu le tab or mf be co e. inu nt will always co ck to your How do you give ba community?

my customers My community and approach me for n know that they ca one is in need, I am ANYTHING! If some t need money or jus ey th there. Whether . on ted un be co simple advice, I can ayi Street, Location: 1527 Tw eniging Evaton North, Vere

TAVERN REVIEWS

®

MMOP'S TAVERncN alves Vincente ho Go

Owner: Jose Agostin

How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I own and operate the shop next door to the tavern. I purchased the double-storey property where the tavern is situated.

The bottom half of the property was empty and I wanted to put it to good use. I am very close to the community that I operate in and they actually gave me the nickname “Mmops” because of my big Portuguese nose and that’s what I decided to name my tavern! Opening a tavern on the property was the best option for me and I knew it would be a success. I applied for a license, which took me two years to get. I don’t really have challenges because we have only been operating the tavern for 16 months.

It has been smooth sailing so far and gets VERY busy over weekends.

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

I haven’t been with Club 10 for very long but I do see exciting things in the future with our partnership. I can say that the specials at Liquorland and Jumbo are very good. I make my purchases with cash only. I never use credit so I know that the stock is mine immediately and I don’t owe anyone.

What are your top-selling liquor brands?

I mainly sell quarts and beers and ciders.

Mmop's Tavern I don’t really sell the hot stuff but my top sellers are definitely Castle Lite, Castle, My community knows that I am more than Black Label and Heineken. willing to assist in any way that I can.

As a tavern owner, how do you give Location: ERF 1175, First Floor, back to your community?

No 75, St George’s Street, Bloemfontein, Free State I donate a lot of money for many different causes within my community.

GE N U O L T N E M IN A T R E MAKHATHINI ENT Owner: Qibin Yan

How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?

This used to be my uncle’s tavern. I used to operate a bottle store but took over the running of Makhathini in 2014. I don’t have challenges operating a tavern in my area. I have a big tavern and many regulars so my place is always full. A tavern is a vey lucrative business to operate in Jozini so I have no complaints!

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

They have definitely assisted me in bringing more patrons though my doors.

It helps that I am the only Club 10 tavern in this area and Club 10 is known for bringing famous DJs into taverns to play and having big promotions. I have only been with Club 10 for six months but my patrons are excited for me to start hosting big Club 10 events.

46

www.spotongmag.co.za

Makhathini Entertainment Lounge

What are your top-selling liquor brands?

My top sellers are Hennessey, Johnnie Walker, Heineken, Savannah and Castle Lite.

As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?

I would say that I give back by having an open-door policy at my tavern. I let everyone come in and I prefer that no-one

is hanging around on the street. Even if the patrons purchase their liquor somewhere else, they are still free to come inside and enjoy their drinks and my music. I keep everyone safe that way and entry is always free!

Location: Shop 4, Makhathini Entertainment Centre, Jozini, KZN

KWA COKE TAVjaEnaRN Magun

Owner: Nowandile

How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I started operating as a shebeen in the nineties because I wanted to be self-sufficient. I grew so big that I applied for my tavern license in 2010 and finally received it in 2012.

My challenges before I received my license was the constant raids by the police which thankfully stopped as soon as I got my papers. My main challenge right now is the big number of shebeens and taverns which are in operation in Philippi.

Kwa Coke Tavern

What role has Club 10 played in the success of your business?

I am lucky that I am one of only two Club 10 taverns in my area which makes my place stand out. Club 10 has assisted me with displays for my tavern and I am able to run cheaper promotions because of them. My prices are always cheaper than the average prices and I am grateful to them for that.

What are your top-selling liquor brands?

My top-sellers in spirits are Viceroy, Spiced Gold, Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label, Black & White and VAT 69. My top-selling beers are Heineken, Budweiser, Amstel, Black Label, Hansa and Castle Lite.

As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?

I organise soccer tournaments and pool tournaments for the kids in my community where I use my own pool tables. I also feed the street children often and that is something that I will continue doing for many years.

Location: 19181 Ndibela Crescent, Philippi, Western Cape

D.J. TAVERN

khonto

Owner: Joseph A M

How did you get into the liquor trade and what challenges do you face in this industry?

I have been renting DJ Tavern for five years. The owners refuse to sell the tavern! My challenges right now is getting ownership of a tavern so that I can call it my own. I also struggle to obtain credit and I have a problem with the breweries who don’t deliver on time sometimes. and I am situated on a busy road so the Club 10 partnership definitely attracts What role has Club 10 played in the more patrons than I had before. success of your business?

What are your top-selling liquor brands?

The Club 10 liquor prices are reasonable My top sellers are mostly the quarts in the so I can compete with the other seven taverns that operate around me. Luckily, beer brands. Each time I run a promotion on the quarts, it does really well.

I am the only Club 10 tavern in the area

DJ Tavern

As a tavern owner, how do you give back to your community?

I give back to my community by hosting soccer and pool tournaments for them which is a lot of fun for all of us. I donate money when asked and buy food for the mentally challenged.

Location: Stand No 150 Mganduzweni Trust, Hazyview, Gauteng

www.spotongmag.co.za

47

LIQUOR INVENTORY HEADER

S K C O T S R A B L IA T N TEN ESSE BUDWEISER

BLAAUWKLIPPEN 10 YO POTSTILLED BRANDY

A rare complex brandy with whiffs of vanilla, cloves and rich fruit flavours. Made from Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin y Blanc wines, the brand ed in an old copper till dis le ub do en be has ally used at Oude potstill which was origin rve neat or on the Se Molen in Stellenbosch. al. me rocks after a om www.blaauwklippen.c

THE SINGLETON 12 YO SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

rtion of Matured in a high propo small portion a h wit ks cas k oa American to balance the of European oak casks easy-to-enjoy liquid. The result is an it aromas, a fru sh single malt with fre d a creamy an e lat pa yed ne sweet ho easy to drink, d an sh lingering finish. Fre y sweet. then soft and pleasantl m

www.thesingleton.co

SPYTAIL SPICED RUM

used with ginger and Spytail is a dark rum inf taking adventurous on, spices aged to perfecti ry voyages. drinkers on extraordina ageing of ion Based on a tradit ginger sh fre h wit ls rre ba rum in d and use inf is it , and other spices in a rum an be rib Ca h wit ed blend ac gn Co the in ery family distill years ng usi nce Fra of s ion reg of distilling know-how. www.spytailrum.com

CRYSTAL HEAD VODKA rless spirit.

A clean, clear and colou aromas in gra al utr ne se, On the no of citrus. Silky with a delicate touch ture with a hint smooth yet creamy tex . Dry, clean illa of sweetness and van the finish. on ion sat sen ing and warm a.com

www.crystalheadvodk 48

www.spotongmag.co.za

st iconic One of the world’s mo wed bre ing be w no is beers B’s SA at in South Africa de of Rosslyn Brewery, outsi died, bo mdiu Pretoria. A me can eri Am sp cri ul, urf flavo h wit d we bre style lager, it is d an lt ma y rle ba st the be p a blend of premium ho . ies variet

INVERROCHE GIN

www.budweiser.com

le Inverroche Gin is doub es of distilled in small batch cialised spe a ng usi s, 250 bottle ohol alc ere potstill process wh and ed dri h wit s use vapour inf in a ing ult fresh botanicals, res ured vo fla y sel en int d an complex a is y iet spirit. The Amber var intriguing handcrafted blend of fresh the flavours, combining with ica Afr of ls ica floral botan ia and Ind m fro spices and berries fulld an ced lan ba ll Europe. We palate the on th bodied, it is smoo . ish fin rm wa , with a dry www.inverroche.com

REDDS Unleash the crisp, natural taste of Redd's Original! The rush of effervescent bubbles that sizzle on your tongue and the fresh aroma of juicy red apples with a touch of citrus. Now that’s CRISPAAHHHH! www.redds.co.za

LIBERADO er Liberado is the first be to ng uri vo fla a uil Teq h wit . ica Afr uth So in be brewed n An easy-drinking, golde premium beer, it offers of the pure refreshment ing rat ila exh an beer with taste of Tequila the flavouring. Liberado is re call to come alive - a da life live d an to stand up courageously. www.beliberado.com

GLENFIDDICH 12 YO SINGLE MALT WHISKY

finest American Carefully matured in the rry oak casks she bourbon and Spanish wed in oak llo Me rs. yea 12 for at least harmony of te ple marrying tuns for com ur. vo fla aroma and A single malt Scotch whisky with distinctive h fresh pear, creamy wit subtle oak flavours d and a long smooth an mellow finish. www.glenfiddich.com

CASTLE MILK STOUT

ured lt to extract a full-flavo Using a dark roasted ma toffee, butterscotch and of brew, with strong hints rich ness is balanced by a coffee, its natural bitter trolled con lly efu car the is te taste. The key to its tas the redients. Barley malt is combination of fine ing r taste rke da the g din ad lt basis, with roasted ma round tose, caramel and hops notes. Maize extract, lac a smooth, flavourful stout. for off the perfect formula o.za www.castlemilkstout.c

SAFETY MATTERS

1 BOOwThicSh jo1b0 GUM ? boots suit Which

W

ith Wayne being the largest manufacturer of gumboots in Africa, we know that there’s a lot more to gumboots than what meets the eye. We take a look at five of the most common questions around gumboots and selecting the perfect pair for the job.

1. What industries are gumboots used for?

2. What is the difference between PU and PVC gumboots?

PVC gumboots are versatile, durable and provide reliable protection against a wide range of substances and even greater resistance than PU to the harsher acids, oils and chemicals that are present in some industrial environments. Wayne’s range of premium polyurethane (PU) gumboots is fast growing in popularity due to their compelling benefits.

There are many different types of gumboots based on the industry and application that they’ll be used for. Wayne Longer lasting – they can last up to three gumboots are divided into four ranges: times longer than PVC gumboots.

Mining, quarries and construction: • Lighter in weight.

Heavy-duty gumboots, most of which • Stain resistant. have a steel toe cap and midsole for • More flexible. added protection.

• Better breathability and hygiene.

Food processing & hygiene: • Overall more comfort for the wearer.

Suited to numerous applications within the food processing, hygiene, cleaning and medical industries due to their antistaining and slip-resistance properties.

Agriculture & forestry: Engineered to tolerate the specific tough terrain and dangers associated with the agriculture and forestry industries. NB: PVC gumboots are not suitable for veld or forest fire conditions and people who work in these conditions require more specialised footwear.

General-purpose use: Gumboots that provide everyday protection for domestic and light industry applications.

3. How long should a pair of PVC gumboots last?

This will vary depending on their application. Based on deep-level mining, where boots are subjected to the worst possible conditions for up to 12 hours per day, mines require a shift-life of 90 shifts (approximately three months).

In general, Wayne gumboots exceed this time, especially if they have been properly cared for and not subjected to physical damage or high concentrations of chemicals, solvents or oils.

4. How do you select the right specs for the job?

Specifications are theoretical by nature in that they relate to controlled laboratory conditions and should therefore only be used as a guideline. Working conditions are variable and tests should therefore be conducted in the specific areas where the boots are to be used to ensure that the correct specs are aligned to the application. Steel toe caps and penetration-resistant midsoles are the exceptions, as these are designed to provide adequate protection.

5. What is the correct way to care for gumboots?

Taking the correct, regular care of gumboots can greatly affect their lifespan and the wearer’s foot hygiene and comfort. Gumboots should be cleaned as often as possible to avoid the build of bacteria or germs. Clean the exterior of the boot with mild soap and water. Never use chemicals or solvents, as these will make the boot brittle, causing it to crack. Use mild soap, water and a scrubbing brush to remove soil build-up in the sole tread pattern. Wash the boot interior with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. To dry, place the boots in direct sunlight, where there is good air circulation, like outside. Never use heat to speed up the drying process. A clean pair of absorbent cotton socks should be worn every day.

Fast fact: All Wayne gumboots come with a knitted nylon sock liner instead of a brushed nylon liner to prevent the absorption of moisture and make them easy to clean on the inside.

50

www.spotongmag.co.za

RECIPES

Y A D E G A IT R E H E T A R B E L E C RECIPESwTarO ns it’s braai time! ming up and that mea The weather is

I

t has become a tradition for South Africans from all walks of life to use National Heritage Day as an opportunity to celebrate the uniquely South African “braai”.

Mi Casa’s lead singer, aspiring chef and restaurateur, J’Something, shows us how to whip up a Castle Milk Stout-inspired dish – marinated sirloin steaks and sriracha butter: the braai edition.

EAKS & MARINATED SIRLOIN ST Method SRIRACHA BUTTER • Make the butter first by adding the softened Difficulty: Very easy Serves: 2 (or double up quantities for more guests) Hands-on time: 15 minutes Total time: 5 hours (includes marinating time, but add braai time) Oven temperature: braai

Ingredients For the steak • 2 thick-cut sirloin steaks • 1 ½ cups Castle Milk Stout • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp salt • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 30ml olive oil • Salt and pepper, to season For the butter • 120g butter, softened • 2 tbsp Castle Milk Stout • 1 tsp sriracha sauce • ¼ tsp salt

K” E O K S A “ D N A R E G R U KUDU B ON THE COALS For the “askoek”

R

oodeberg is South Africa’s legendary red wines that has been bringing friends together since 1949. Chef Mynardt Joubert, who knows a thing or two about local food heritage, shared one of his mother’s fireside recipes to enjoy with the wine – a delicious kudu burger and "askoek" made on the coals.

Prep time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Servings: 8 – 10 burgers

Ingredients For the patties • 1kg kudu or beef mince • 500g pork mince • 2 large red or white chopped onions • 60g chopped parsley • 100g tomato paste (2 packets) • 1 carrot, grated • 1 cup bread crumbs • 2 extra large eggs • 1 tablespoon NOMU African rub • 1 teaspoon scorched coriander • Salt and pepper

52

www.spotongmag.co.za

•

•

•

•

•

• •

• •

Makes 10 - 12 rolls • • • • • •

1kg flour 50ml canola oil 1 packet instant dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon salt 450ml lukewarm water

Method • For the patties, mix all the ingredients together and divide the mixture into 10 balls. Roll the patties, wrap in cling wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour.

• Fry in a pan with a little oil or on the open fire until medium cooked and allow to rest.

• For the "askoek", put the flour in the middle of a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Place yeast, sugar, oil and salt in the flour mixture and form a well again.

• Pour the water little by little in the middle of the well and mix flour slowly until all water is used. Knead the dough for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until soft and elastic. Cover the dish, place in a warm place and let it rise until doubled in volume.

• Remove dough and gently roll out on a floured surface to about 2cm thick. Cut into squares. Leave a little to rise again and place directly onto moderate coals, covering the

butter, Castle Milk Stout, Sriracha sauce and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Lay a piece of cling wrap on a flat surface and scoop the butter in a long line onto the cling wrap.

Fold the cling wrap over the butter and form into a tight log. Tightly wrap the log with the cling wrap and refrigerate to set, about 30 minutes.

For the steak, stir together Castle Milk Stout, garlic powder, salt and Worcestershire sauce in a shallow bowl big enough to accommodate steaks.

Add the steaks, cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, turning occasionally to marinate both sides.

30 minutes prior to cooking, remove the steak from marinade and pat dry. Allow to sit at room temperature for the remainder of the 30 minutes.

Sprinkle the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.

Braai steaks for four minutes on one side then flip and fry on the other side for another 4 minutes (for medium rare. Cook longer if you want your steaks medium or well done).

Transfer steaks to a cutting board and allow to rest for five minutes.

Serve steaks with a generous slice of Sriracha butter. top with a layer of the warm ash. Bake until they sound hollow to the touch.

• Dust off the ash before serving.

• Serve the burgers with green leaves, cucumber spaghetti, caramelised onions and spicy mayonnaise on top of an “askoek”.

COCKTAILS

INGd! longer days A TOurAglSasTs toTwOarmSerPwR eather an Raise yo tails for Spring sipping. with these perfect cock

Don Papa Spiced Old Fashioned • • • •

50ml Don Papa oak-aged rum 8ml spiced Demerara sugar syrup 5 dashes Angostura bitters Stir and strain. Spritz with orange zest oils.

The Bee's Knees

The Twisted Martini Adding a couple of drops of orange bitters puts a new twist on the classic dry martini.

• • • •

50 ml Wixworth gin 10ml Cinzano Bianco 2 drops Toscello orange bitters Garnish with a lime twist and present in a chilled martini glass.

The Collins While there are numerous legends surrounding its origins, just about everyone agrees that this sweet and sour cocktail is one of a kind.

• • • • •

The name of this cocktail dates back to 1920s America, when the phrase “the bee’s knees” was used to describe something (or someone) truly beyond the ordinary.

• • • •

37.5ml Wixworth gin 25ml honey water (1:1 ratio) 25ml lime juice Garnish with a lemon twist.

Riviera Fizz • 2 parts Malfy Con Arancia gin • 1 part peach liqueur • Shake ingredients over ice.

Strain into a martini glass, add a splash of soda and garnish with a (Sicilian) orange twist.

50ml Wixworth gin 25ml lemon juice 25ml sugar syrup Soda water Combine ingredients and garnish with a lemon wedge.

La Bella Vista • • • •

2 parts Malfy Con Arancia gin 3 parts fresh grapefruit juice Soda water Pour gin over ice in a highball glass. Add grapefruit juice and a splash of soda.

Stir and garnish with a fresh wedge of (Sicilian) orange.

www.spotongmag.co.za

55

K R A M E H T T I H T A H T THEC VOigusNisEa winner on every front VEHICLE REVIEW

The JM

By Damian Murphy

In previous Spotong reviews of affordable Asian imports, including JMCs, despite the obvious successes, there have been plenty of crosses to go with all the ticks we have made next to each of them.

The Vigus drives very well. The turbo diesel engine delivers ample power (88kW), plenty of torque (290Nm) and is nippy, responsive and fun to drive. The model we tested comes in 4x4, but you can also get a 4x2 version, LX and SLX versions.

However, with the new JMC Vigus, we finally feel like we have found a real contender for a bakkie to replace the stalwarts in the market at the moment. We cannot attest to the Vigus’s longevity or how it will hold up under the scrutiny of day-today life, but what we can tell you for certain is that its current price range, there is simply no competition.

The Vigus has leather seats, power steering, air-conditioning and all other basic amenities to make it a winner in our books. Prices start at R201 880 for the bottom-of-the-range model and can get into the high R300 000s, but all things considered, you will find it impossible to match the JMC Vigus offer.

The Vigus we tested was the Single Cab 4x4 SLX with a 2.4 litre engine. There is also a double-cab version and a petrol engine, but the model we tested was the top-of-the-range version and we were highly impressed. The first thing that struck us was the size. The load bay was enormous.

It felt like it was big enough to pack all the competition in the back and ship them off to the junkyard. The interior space was ample and comfortable for both passengers and although it lacked loads of interior storage space, you didn’t feel cramped and you could still store the essentials behind the seats.

56

www.spotongmag.co.za

*all prices are correct at time of print

Z I B R U O Y W #GRO TECHNOLOGY

extra money rn ea D N A ts en ym pa Accept card

O

ffering your customers the option of paying by card offers them convenience and maximises your sales.

Here are two ways to start.

for your SME

– EFTPOS CARD MACHINESIN NEVER MISS A SALE AGA Does your business accept card payments? Make sure you give your customers the option to pay by card and never miss a sale again. We offer affordable rates and quick processing, no matter what your business type or size.

Here are some reasons why you should consider a card machine: 1. Increase sales Turnover increases by 50% when you start accepting card payments.

2. Lower bank fees Less cash on hand means lower cash deposit fees.

4. Better security Decreased risk of cash robberies which is safer for you and your customers.

5. Track record and access to capital Funds from card payments are directly deposited into your bank account, enabling you to get better payment terms with suppliers and get a loan to grow your business.

We have a range of card machines and will help you decide which machine best suits your business for the best price. Give us a call on 0861 00 44 44 or visit www.eftpos.co.za to find out how we can #growyourbiz.

3. Attract more customers Customers are likely to choose your shop over those that don’t take cards.

RN KAZANG TERMINALS - EA Y COMMISSION FROM EVER TRANSACTION Kazang is one of Africa’s leading micropayment processing services that offers a safe, fast, mobile and flexible way to accept micropayments and sell prepaid services to your customers. Via a single wallet on a secure device, your customers can buy essential services such as prepaid airtime, data and electricity, and local and international money transfer. Customers can also make DStv payments, buy Lotto tickets as well as Hollywoodbets and other gaming vouchers. Besides building a loyal customer base, you'll also earn commission from each transaction.

58

www.spotongmag.co.za

Some of our services include: 1. Vending solutions Sell airtime and electricity vouchers to your customers in areas with no GPRS connectivity.

2. Bill payments Offer account payment services for companies such as DStv. 3. Wallet top-ups Allow your customers to top up their Hollywoodbets mobile wallets.

4. Money transfer Send money to Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe from South Africa with Mukuru.com.

5. Stock ordering & payment Stock ordering and payment services for underserviced areas.

Give us a call on 011 581 6700 or visit www.kazang.com to find out how we can #growyourbiz.

STOKVELS

, G N I V L O V E E R A S STOKVEL S N R U T E R D L U O H S SO Want to

ad on for expert advice

l group savings? Re maximise your stokve

S

tokvels have evolved over the years. Apart from becoming more common, they have also branched out to attract new target audiences. Originally traditional community-based savings groups to buy predominantly bulk food and groceries, stokvel groups are now being created to pay annual school fees, buy property and even invest on the JSE.

“We are seeing more stokvels looking for ways to create longer-term sustainable wealth for themselves and their loved ones. At the event, we shared insights into how some of the stokvels have been able to do this – showcasing the power of people investing together. One such example is a flourishing stokvel that has taken the initiative to purchase a B&B and run it as a business.”

Stokvels have proved to be a very successful alternative to formal savings. The National Stokvel Association of South Africa (NASASA) estimates that the stokvel economy is worth R49-billion, made up of 11.5 million people across 810 000 stokvel groups.

Cele shares his advice on how stokvel groups can maximise their savings:

But there are many stokvels in South Africa that aren’t maximising their collective saving power. In-depth research by Rudzani Mulaudzi into 36 stokvels – titled "From Consumers to Investors" – revealed that the majority of members were not aware of how the money they generated could be invested or put to better use.

Having recently engaged with several stokvel groups at the Pick n Pay Community Stokvel Indaba in Durban, Papi Rapolai, the general manager for wholesale and stokvel at Pick n Pay, says that many were unaware that their money could be working better for them. “The feedback from the attending stokvel groups was very positive. The indaba empowers groups with knowledge and enables members to understand how best they can maximise returns on their savings.”

Aimed at empowering stokvel groups to take charge of their money and get more rewards for their members, Thami Cele, the head of savings & investments at Absa Retail and Business Banking, says stokvel groups were very receptive to the financial education programme information that was shared, with many opting to sign up for the programme.

Research the various stokvel savings solutions available in the market and compare the benefits: A stokvel group should be clear on what purpose they are saving for in order to align their needs to a product that will be the best vehicle to help them reach their goal.

Save your savings securely: Avoid keeping stokvel savings as cash and where possible, arrange to do a direct transfer for purchases.

Save a portion of the savings for long-term investments: This will ensure stokvel groups benefit from compound interest (interest on interest).

Shop for great value: Use credible service providers when buying food and groceries. Research and engage with retailers to see what is on offer to the stokvel group. It is important that groups understand all the added value benefits available, such as a free delivery service.

Collaboration is important, concludes Rapolai. “Engaging with stokvel groups allows us to have better insights into what their needs are so we can deliver product offerings relevant to their evolving needs.” www.spotongmag.co.za

59

STOKVELS

S L E V K O T S G IN IS N R E MOD IS LUCRAT’sIVInveEstment Group is using The Ingcebo Women y their stokvel technology to simplif

I

t’s been a busy season of growth for the team at StokFella and there have been a number of highs, not least recently being named the winner of the Finovation 2018 award. While this acknowledgement is a tremendous achievement for the team, it would not have been possible without the support of its most important contributors: you.

The men and women who belong to stokvel clubs across South Africa and who have used the method of collective saving to get ahead, just as your parents and grandparents did before you. The difference now is that you’re smarter, more tech-savvy and more aware than ever that time is money and so you make use of all the tools you can to save you time and energy and simplify the stress of modern living.

However, don’t take our word for it. The founder of the stokvel Ingcebo Women’s Investment Group recently shared her story with us. You may see yourself in her story: The stokvel was founded in December 2017, says founder Silindile Lesenyane: “Our stokvel started last year in December when we had our first meeting, but we didn’t really get going until March this year. As black professionals and businesswomen, we realised the value of stokvels to change our economic futures. We decided to form this group to change the narrative of stokvels, which are usually for groceries or rotating income among members, and rather to use the stokvel as a means to create and preserve wealth through acquiring wealth-creating assets such as property.”

One of the challenges you may have experienced with your stokvel is managing meetings, coordinating with one another’s schedules and staying on top of members’ contributions – especially if your members are spread out across a region. Silindile explains that this had also been one of their challenges: “We had been battling to get our stokvel going because of conflicting diaries and staying in different provinces, so we didn’t have the time to go to the branch to open a normal stokvel account, and therefore we couldn’t start making the contributions. One of our members started using the app when she joined the BrownSense stokvel. She saw how easy and convenient the app was to use and she recommended it to the members and we started using the app from there.”

Modern life is full of stress and challenges – particularly around time and particularly for women who often work and also manage children, school and home priorities. Silindile agrees: “As women we balance work, school and business priorities and since most of us are mothers as well, our time is really precious. We appreciate the options that are available to make monthly contributions via EFT, or at retail partners such as Pick n Pay and Checkers, where you can make your stokvel payment when you do your groceries run, or even directly on the app. You can log on to the app and you can see

60

www.spotongmag.co.za

how much you owe, you can view the statement and details about the next meeting. If you don’t want to log on to the app you also get alerts when there is activity on the group, for example, when a member makes a payment and the very cheeky reminders that are sent to all the members when a member hasn’t paid their contribution.”

What benefits has the group experienced so far from going digital in its approach to stokvel management? Lesenyane says: “We started as a group of three friends and we battled to get going. Once we started using StokFella it created a transparency that we all appreciated. This enabled us to invite other friends and they saw that the stokvel was operating professionally and on a professional platform. We are now ten members and all the members are contributing regularly, and we exceeded our own expectations of how quickly the stokvel would grow. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this had it not been for StokFella. The convenience of making payments, the availability of statements at the click of a button and the amazing support that we get when we contact the support team for any issues or queries are among the best features.”

“We started as a group of three friends and we battled to get going. Once we started using StokFella it created a transparency that we all appreciated."

Lesenyane recommends StokFella because of the transparency it creates among group members: “Stokvels are all about trust and StokFella helps as one can’t be too careful these days. Stokfella creates transparency in that you always know what’s going on with the funds in the group as all members get a notification when a member tries to take the funds out. If you want to take your stokvel to the next level, then you have to use StokFella. The technology is there to make life easy for you, there is no need to go to the bank for anything as everything is done on the app.”

Every stokvel has a long-term vision and strategy and Silindile’s group is no different. You need to know where you’re going with your group saving in order to reach your goals. Silindile says that the app is going to be a strategic partner for them for the managing of the admin and finances of their group well into the future. “We will continue to use the platform to raise the funds that we need in order to build our property portfolio that will create wealth for us and our families.”

If you would like to try StokFella, download it on the Google Play store or the App store or simply visit www.stokfella.com for more information.

www.spotongmag.co.za

61

STOKVEL NEWS

E H T IN S W E N T S E T A L E H T

D L R O W L E V STOK ing stokvel trend

s join the grow Groceries and holiday

ITH ABSA TO PICK N PAY PARTNERS W OKVEL ACCOUNT LAUNCH THE GROCERY ST

A

s stokvels continue to grow in popularity, Pick n Pay and Absa have partnered to launch a new Grocery Stokvel Account to cater for groups who are saving for groceries or other store-bought essentials.

Papi Rapolai, the general manager for wholesale and stokvel at Pick n Pay, says there was a gap for a savings solution that would address stokvel members’ need to save for groceries safely and securely, but one that also provided a competitive interest rate on savings.

Rapolai says that based on Pick n Pay’s experience in working with stokvels, many groups miss out on earning interest from their annual savings or earn a very low rate. “Stokvels tend to keep their savings at home – which holds the risk of theft – or their savings are deposited into accounts where the interest rate isn’t tailored specifically for them. For example, banks tend to pay higher interest rates for balances greater than R100 000, but many stokvels save between R20 000 and R50 000 annually, which generates a lower rate of interest.”

With the new Grocery Stokvel Account, stokvels are able to earn a very competitive interest rate on balances of as little as R50 and spend their stokvels’ money safely and conveniently at Pick n Pay, where they receive further savings on groceries.

“The account also doesn’t charge monthly management fees or for the first Absa ATM or in-branch cash deposit each month, so money saved goes to building the stokvels’ value,” says Rapolai.

62

www.spotongmag.co.za

Stokvel groups will also receive great discounts on their purchases. “Last year we launched the Smart Shopper Wholesale Stokvel card. This provides the same Smart Shopper benefits as well as grocery and product promotions.”

Rapolai adds: “The Grocery Stokvel Account is an easy-to-use solution for stokvels: when the time comes to withdraw savings, the customer visits an Absa branch and places a notice of withdrawal with the bank. The money is then paid directly into a Pick n Pay account and the funds are available to spend at a Pick n Pay store within 24 hours. Our collaboration with Absa means stokvel members don’t ever have to take the risk of carrying large amounts of cash again.”

Other benefits include free delivery for purchases over R30 000 within a 15km radius, a further saving for stokvels. A Pick n Pay Stokvel Champion is also available to stokvel groups to assist with telephone orders and other related queries, and instore assistance with separating and packing groceries.

“We’ve listened carefully to our stokvel customers. We’re confident this new tailored solution is perfect for their needs and will help create great value for them. We would encourage stokvel groups to check whether they are receiving competitive interest rates and purchase discounts on their hard-earned savings,” concludes Rapolai.

For more information on the new Pick n Pay / Absa Grocery Stokvel Account solution, visit: https://www.absa.co.za/ personal/save-invest/products/grocery-stokvel-account/

New to Flight Centre

Inspiring debt FREE travel memories

ES FLIGHT CENTRE LAUNCH STOKVEL FOR TRAVEL

I

n the spirit of stimulating travel among South Africans, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has launched a Travel Stokvel concept.

The Travel Stokvel concept is simple, explains Lance Nkwe, FCTG's marketing manager for emerging markets. “Aspiring travellers create their own stokvel group to contribute towards their dream holiday. By participating in the stokvel, members receive expert travel advice, as well as exclusive discounts and promotions that are not available to other customers.”

Nkwe explains that members of the stokvel may decide to travel as a group, take turns to travel or contribute towards a family member or friend’s honeymoon, for example. “There really is no one-size-fits-all reason why you would choose to create a stokvel group for travel.”

With a minimum of three and maximum of 30 members, signing up for the Flight Centre Travel Stokvel is a straightforward process. Simply complete an application form, which can be found online, and include the signature of each member, deposit the minimum amount of R500 and your stokvel is up and running. “Provided the amount of R500 is retained in the account at all times, stokvel members can withdraw the funds for any use at any time, not just to book travel.

“Stokvels are set up to help with emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. This is why Flight Centre decided to eliminate any red tape surrounding the process with no credit checks or difficult approval processes to access the funds. What’s more, stokvel members can be assured that it's a secure way to contribute to a future holiday.”

Open your Stokvel Club today!

Stokvel travel is aimed at creating the opportunity to travel for ALL South Africans. The objective is to make travel a reality through a Stokvel solution.

This platform allows for individuals to contribute at their own pace and travel when they are ready to.

BENEFITS OF TRAVEL THROUGH STOKVEL • Expert travel advice • Travel discounts • Easy to use no credit checks • Easy access to Stokvel funds

Stokvel made easy?

1.

2.

3.

Call or email the Flight Centre Stokvel Team. 0877 40 5154 stokveltravelrsa@flightcentre.co.za

Complete an application form with all club members’ details.

Make your first deposit of R500 minimum.

Determine monthly contribution.

4.

5.

6.

Receive monthly updates on Stokvel balances.

You will have the ability to make withdrawals.

When you are ready, book the holiday of your dreams.

Travel your way Call 0877 40 5154

stokveltravelrsa@flightcentre.co.za

FC_STOKVEL_ADVERT_FEB18.indd 5

2018/07/10 11:21 AM

Stokvel members can also determine how much they want to contribute at any given time by making a deposit into their stokvel account by EFT or at your nearest Flight Centre store.

Based on how much has been contributed to the stokvel, members will receive information about an exclusive selection of holidays cherry-picked for them. If any of the members wishes to travel, he or she will need the approval of at least two signatories, with at least one of the signatories being the stokvel chairperson, treasurer or secretary.

The launch of the Travel Stokvel furthermore provides travel opportunities for South Africans who may not have been able to travel previously and strives to build a true culture of travel in South Africa.

For more information visit www.flightcentre.co.za/stokvel

www.spotongmag.co.za

63

EVENTS

!

T U O S S I M 'T N DO 6-8 SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER 15 SEPTEMBER & 20

#JOIN US FOR TEA MORITING PARK, TEMBISA, JOHANNESBURG

Empowering township entrepreneurs with skills, enterprise development and access to market, Township Entrepreneur’s Alliance (TEA) is a platform where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can engage, learn, access mentorship, and acquire the skills necessary to start and operate a business. TEA was developed out of a need to develop and grow township entrepreneurs so that they have longlasting sustainable and profitable businesses that will create employment.

The TEA events are driven by the power to connect, develop and grow entrepreneurs and consist of three elements: CONNECT: Networking, the moment possibility meets opportunity DEVELOP: Strategic entrepreneurial training on various elements of the business, inspirational talks and training GROW: Focus is on the entrepreneur, growth is measured by profitability, job creation and business growth For more information visit: www.joinusfortea.co.za 011 056 6762 / 073 091 0370

1-2 SEPTEMBER

SOWETO WINE AND LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL

THE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO AND BUY A BUSINESS EXPO TICKETPRO DOME, NORTHGATE, JOHANNESBURG

SUPPLIERS’ DIRECTORY BBF SAFETY GROUP 031 710 0605 www.bbfsafety.com CENTURION SYSTEMS 011 699 2400 www.centsys.com CLUB 10 031 713 8100 www.club10.co.za DIAGEO 010 003 8100 www.diageo.co.za/en/ GAUTENG PROVINCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 011 355 8000 www.ecodev.gpg.gov.za GRANDPA 011 745 6000 www.gsk.com

The Small Business Expo, running alongside #BuyaBusiness Expo, is devoted to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, providing an invaluable platform for small businesses to market their businesses and interact with prominent business leaders and representatives from companies. The Small Business Expo is presented by Reed Exhibitions in partnership with the Eskom Development Foundation and its Business Investment Competition.

The expo is supported by the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Minara Chamber of Commerce and is endorsed by the Black Management Forum (BMF) and approved by the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO). Participants at the expo will benefit from strategic business workshops in the Nedbank Money Matters Theatre, the Standard Bank Women in Business Theatre and Eskom’s “Powering your World” Theatre. Small business owners will also find service providers including tax specialists, accountants, IT support, marketing experts, business coaches and more at the Small Business Expo showcasing the Business Services Expo.

HEINEKEN 010 226 5000 www.heineken.com/za HINO 011 355 8000 www.hino.co.za JMC SOUTH AFRICA 011 668 0300 www.jmcsa.co.za MONDELEZ SOUTH AFRICA 086 022 3287 consumersa@mdlz.com NESTLE RICOFFY 011 514 6000 www.nestle.co.za NHBRC 080 020 0824 www.nhbrc.org.za OASIS 012 807 1984 www.oasiswater.co.za PAYCORP 011 531 5300 www.paycorp.co.za SOWETO GOLD 010 226 5000 www.sowetogold.co.za

The #BuyaBusiness expo caters for entrepreneurs interested in business opportunities, buying into proven business concepts, or wanting to expand their current business portfolios.

For more information, visit: www.smallbizexpo.co.za

SOWETO THEATRE, JABULANI, SOWETO Two days of wine, food, music and fun festivities WINE: Meet winemakers, learn the ABCs of wine, enjoy wine and food demos and taste wines from across the globe.

TRAVEL: Discover leading travel destinations and services, hotels, attractions and Sho’t Left holidays to plan the ultimate getaway.

FOOD: The ultimate “foodies” festival, discover and inspire your inner Masterchef with live demos, tastings and artisanal foods.

LIFESTYLE: Artists, crafters, fashion designers and entrepreneurs showcase alongside leading lifestyle brands For more information visit: www.sowetowinefestival.co.za www.spotongmag.co.za

65