INNER CITY GAZETTE

Mayor Amad clarifies R9,5 billion loan remarks!

A Motion of No Confidence delayed due to absence by coalition party members in recent council meeting

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr. Thapelo Amad, wishes to clarify remarks made during a recent interview on the SABC News regarding a loan to the City of R 9,5 billion.

The remarks by the Mayor were made in reference to the various discussions underway; and the numerous unsolicited proposals that have been directed to the City from a variety of stakeholders.

Mayor Amad was speaking to SABC News broadcaster, Sakina Kamwendo, when he said the Joburg is looking to secure a R9.5-billion loan to be used to improve service delivery and build a smart city.

The loan proposal referred to is but one of many unsolicited proposals advanced to the City following widely published reports on the City's financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic impact on ratepayers and the City.

The mention of the R9,5 billion loan facility was made as a mere example of the proposals received and not stated

as a final and concluded deal of the City. It was used within the context of the interview to demonstrate a collective will by the City leadership to steer Johannesburg and the Inner City around towards growth and development.

The City processes all proposals in line with the legal prescripts applicable to local government and considered by the relevant portfolio MMCs and Departments.

The Mayor and the Mayoral Committee remain committed to realizing a thriving City with stable finances, efficient delivery of services and an improved standard of living for the residents of Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, political parties in the city have also weighted in on the mayor’s interview. Action SA has tabled a Motion of No Confidence against Mayor Amad, scheduled for the 18 April.

The Council Meeting failed to convene due to some councillors from the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) other parties in the coalition were not

present, filing leave of absences. The Democratic Alliance has also supported the removal of Amad, saying he has publicly incriminated himself when he referred to the loan.

“The Executive Mayor has no business getting involved in these kinds of administrative processes. This is criminal and requires investigation. The DA caucus in Johannesburg will ensure that this instance of corruption is uncovered and dealt with,” said DA’s Mpho Phalatse.

The ActionSA and DA are set to seek legal alternative to remove the current administration.

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has called for the resignation of Mayor Amad. Leader of the party, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly stated that he has intentions of taking the City’s top seat.

“We must put the citizens of Joburg first and admit we have backed the wrong horse. Thapelo Amad has been asked to climb a mountain too high for him. It’s not just harming Joburg, it’s destroying him too. We will rectify this blunder. Amad should resign now. We apologise profusely,” McKenzie tweeted.

The career that counts – working with numbers!

Students with a qualification in accounting and bookeeping are in high demand in a wide range of industries (as long as money makes the world go around, there’ll be a demand for accountants and bookkeepers), improving your prospects of employment once you have completed your studies.

Bookkeeping provides you with skills that can be applied to many industries. As long as there are businesses in the world, your skill-set will always be needed, therefore you will always have potential to find a job. A qualification in bookkeeping is the best way to kick-start your career.

What do you learn from bookkeeping?

In simple terms, there are basic goals of bookkeeping: Keeping track of your income and expenses so that you improve your chances of making a profit. And collecting the financial information so that you can file all the necessary tax returns to SARS and local taxing authorities, e.g., the skills levy.

Having the ability to prepare an accurate financial picture of either your business or for that of the business that you work for, and keep records

organised, is essential to be a bookkeeper. In this career you learn the skills and then you implement them – these include how to create balance sheets, invoices, cash flow statements, income statements, accounts receivable reports, and more.

What would I do on a day-to-day basis?

On a day-to-day basis, Bookkeepers complete data entry, collect transactions, track debits and maintain and monitor financial records. They also pay invoices, complete payroll, file tax returns and even maintain office supplies. In small businesses you may be a one-man or one-woman team! It is essential to be a very well organised person.

“I love bookkeeping because I can help my clients become more financially sound. They know where their numbers are each month, and I can identify to them where the problem areas are, and where the success areas are at,” says Amanda H. Some people love to socialise and work as part of a team. If you are a person who prefers to focus on your own work, bookkeeping could be the career for you.

Here are some skills to develop to succeed in a career as a bookkeeper:

• Attention to detail. Attention to detail helps bookkeepers be accurate when handling their company's financial data.

• Critical thinking.

• Organisation

• Excellent communication.

• Numeracy.

• Time management.

We choose a career based on our interests and talents, so bookkeeping and accounting are careers chosen by people who love numbers. You do have to have an affinity for numbers, and not be afraid of them as so many of us are!

You also need to be a very organised person as the company will hand over data to you in bits and pieces, you need to make sense of everything and file and record in the appropriate places.

Attention to detail is a critical skill in this career. You also need to be able to request information, and give feedback, so written and oral communication skills are important too.

While it’s a formulaic type of career that is very structured, there are times when you will need to be

able to problem solve and use critical thinking to find a new approach or solution. Whether your interest lies in an in-depth understanding of financial accounting or you want to supplement your education.

Boston has something for everyone, from Bachelor of Accounting, Diploma in Financial Accounting , Higher Certificate in Accounting Practice, Payroll Administrator / Assistant Bookkeeper and more. Visit www.boston.ac.za

SUSPECTED CRIMINAL CAUGHT WITH UNLICENCED GUN AND STOLEN CAR!

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has arrested a male suspect in Hillbrow for possession of an unlicensed firearm and a suspected stolen motor vehicle. The arrest was made by the IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit on Tuesday, 11 April 2023.

According to reports, the officers received a tip-off about a grey Nissan Almera, which was allegedly involved in various crimes in Johannesburg CBD and Hillbrow. Upon receiving this information, the officers began patrolling the area.

While on patrol, the officers spotted the suspicious vehicle travelling along Esselen Street in Hillbrow. The vehicle had its number plates affixed upside down, which caught the attention of the officers. They immediately pulled the vehicle over at the intersection of Esselen and Quartz Street.

As the vehicle came to a stop, two males jumped from the car and attempted to flee. The officers managed to apprehend one of the suspects, who was found to be in possession of a 9mm firearm and a cellphone.

“Upon further investigation, the officers discovered that the number plate on the vehicle belonged to a white Toyota Hilux, which was being sought by the Dutywa SAPS in connection with a case. The suspect was immediately taken into custody and detained at Hillbrow SAPS,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was booked in for further investigation. The arrest of the suspect is a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in Hillbrow and Johannesburg CBD.

SUSPECT LINKED TO AIRPORT ROBBERIES NABBED!

A 31-year-old male suspect was arrested in Houghton by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit for possession of robbed property and an unlicensed firearm.

The arrest was made on Saturday, 08 April 2023, following a complaint received by officers on patrol in the inner-City.

According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, the officers received information about a white BMW, which was allegedly involved in an armed robbery in Bryanston and was travelling in Yeoville. The officers immediately spotted and intercepted the vehicle at Houghton Drive and St Patrick Road, Houghton, with a male suspect behind the wheel.

During the search, the officers recovered an unlicensed firearm in the suspect's possession. Furthermore, the robbed property which included an iPad, an iPhone, a laptop, four luggage bags and clothing, was found in the vehicle.

The owner of the robbed property was summoned to the scene and identified the recovered items, confirming that he and his family were robbed at gunpoint on their way home from the airport.

The suspect, who is believed to be a member of a gang linked to airport robberies, was arrested and detained at Hillbrow SAPS.

The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was seized and booked at the SAPS Aeroton pound.

The arrest of the suspect is a significant breakthrough in the fight against armed robberies in Johannesburg, and the JMPD has called on residents to report any suspicious activities to help curb crime in their communities.

NOTICE: THE JOHANNESBURG METRO POLICE (JMPD) Command Post Bus situated at Jorrisen str in the Braamfontein princinct has now been equipped with stamps to certify legal documents. Kindly bring your original documents and copies that you need to be certified.

Inner-City residents get relief as city waives interest on late payments!

The City of Joburg has recently taken a decision to waive the interest on late payments of municipal services for March and April 2023.

The MMC for Finance in Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero says, “We took a decision .because of the recent system maintenance on our Enterprise Resource Planning system, which led to a number of customers not receiving their monthly statements on time, resulting in missed payments”.

Customers are advised not to panic should they receive two bills in April, reflecting billing for both March and April.

The April bill will also include customers’ March balance, reflecting any outstanding or paid amounts.

This means that customers may have

a credit, or an outstanding amount, in their April statements, depending on each customer's circumstance.

Customers who had chosen a fixed payment due date may also receive their March statement this month, reflecting due dates that have already passed.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused during the system maintenance but it was necessary so that we henceforth improve our service delivery. No customer will be charged any interest except for those who owed the city as of 28 February 2023, prior to the system being unavailable”, explained MMC Morero.

He further said that the city values its customers as a critical stakeholder. For more information contact the city Call Centre on 0860 562 874 or visit www. joburg.org.za.

Inflation rate rises to 7.1%!

The Inflation in South Africa rose to 7.1% in March, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) revealed recently.

This means South Africans will pay more for goods, especially food and non-alcoholic beverages.

According to the latest data, headline consumer inflation edged higher to 7.1% in March from 7% in February and 6.9% in January.

The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 1% in March, the most significant monthly rise since July 2022 when it was 1.5%.

“Food and non-alcoholic beverages and transport were the main drivers behind the annual and monthly increases,” the national statistics agency said.

Food

Stats SA said inflation for food and nonalcoholic beverages continued to accelerate, with prices increasing by 14% in the 12 months to March.

“This represents the largest annual increase since the 14.7% rise in March 2009, 14 years ago.”

In March, milk, eggs, cheese, sugar, sweets and desserts, fruit and vegetables, and “other food products” experienced upward inflationary pressure.

The milk, eggs and cheese product group witnessed its annual rate reaching 13.6% from the recent low of 3.7% in April 2022.

“The reading in March is the highest annual increase since February 2009’s print of 13.9%.”

Meanwhile, bread, cereals, meat, oils, fats, and fish bucked the trend, recording slower growth.

In addition, the annual increase for bread and cereals was 20.3% in March, down from 20.5% in February. On the other hand, meat inflation edged lower to 10.6% from 11.4% in February.

The prices of oils and fats decreased for the seventh successive month, dragging the annual rate to 16% from 16.7%.

Transport

The transport index, according to Stats SA, rose by 8.9% in the 12 months to March, down from the 9.9% annual rate recorded in February.

The downward shift was led by eight consecutive months of slowing fuel inflation, which reached 8.1% in March from 10.9% in February.

“This is much lower than the 56.2% peak in July 2022,” the agency said.

However, fuel prices rose by 4.5% between February and March due to the price of inland 95-octane petrol rising by R1.27 per litre.

School fees

Over all, school fees increased by 5.7% in 2023, higher than the 4.4% rise recorded in 2022.

Primary and pre-primary schools went up by 6.3%, while secondary schools

soared by 5.8% and by 5.3% for tertiary institutions.

In addition, textbooks cost 113% more, while school bags rose by 10.6%, which is the most significant annual increase since October 2009.

Other price changes

New excise taxes for alcohol and tobacco products came into effect in March, contributing to a monthly increase of 2.2%. Data for the first quarter survey of housing rentals are also included in the CPI for March.

Annual inflation for actual rentals was unchanged from December at 2.5%, while owner-occupied housing was 2.7% compared with December’s reading of 2,8%.

In March, inflation for household contents and services increased to 6.9% from 6.2% in February, which is the highest annual increase since June 2009.

Prices for appliances, tableware and equipment have also gone up by 7.7%.

Domestic worker wages increased by 1.2% in March from December, leading to a 5.2% annual rise – the highest since February 2019 when the same rate was recorded.

Prices for personal care items increased by 11.1% from 12 months to March. This is the highest annual rate since 12% in October 2009.

Finance MMC Dada Morero

New R800m fund to equip youth with digital skills!

The National Skills Fund is expected to launch a training package in digital skills for unemployed youth in the country.

This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter on Monday 17 April 2023.

According to the President, the move is aimed at ensuring that as investment into the digital economy continues to grow, South Africans are able to use their skills to take advantage of employment and economic opportunities.

“To boost the job creation potential of these investments, the National Skills Fund will soon launch a new model for demand-led skills development, which will provide R800 million to fund training for unemployed young people in digital skills.

“As we look to foster increased investment over the next five years, as the structural reform process continues to gather pace and as measures to end the energy crisis bear fruit, we will be able to further position ourselves at the forefront of the digital economy in Africa,” he said.

President Ramaphosa explained that over the past five years, significant investments have been made into the country’s digital economy – a boon that is driving the country’s development.

At the recent South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) alone, compa-

nies pledged at R81 billion to ICT and digital services projects in the country, bringing the total amount invested specifically in ICT since the first SAIC to some R200 billion.

“The [SAIC]…provided a huge boost to the country’s digital economy. In addition to significant investment commitments in data and telecommunications infrastructure, there were also announcements about investments in the mining, manufacturing, energy, property, logistics and food and beverages sectors.

“While all these investments contribute to economic growth and job creation, the investments in the digital economy will, in addition, propel our country into a new era of innovation and progress. Not only is the digital economy important for growth, but it is also vital to the provision of key services such as education, social services and health care.

“Several recent tech surveys indicate that higher speeds and improved mobile and fibre infrastructure are helping to narrow the digital divide. This is the result of stepped-up investment in the digital economy in recent years. Faster fibre and 5G rollout makes our economy more competitive as more connectivity solutions help businesses emerge and expand,” he said.

The ICT sector has seen some significant improvements over the past five years including:

• The Equiano subsea cable announced at the 3rd South Africa Investment Conference in 2020 was launched by Google last year.

• Amazon Web Services, Teraco and Dimension Data have made investment commitments of R21 billion in the past five years

• In 2021 Vantage Data Centers, a USbased company, announced plans to build its first African campus in Johannesburg.

• Africa’s Data Centre Market recently reported that South Africa is fast becoming a hub for cloud hosting

President Ramaphosa said although these developments are a boost, there are challenges, such as load shedding, that are hampering the growth of the ICT sector.

“To take advantage of this inward investment and see it increase, we have to urgently resolve the electricity crisis and the theft and destruction of ICT infrastructure. These were among the issues raised by investors and mobile network operators at this year’s investment conference. We are working with business and other social partners to address these challenges and improve the operating environment.

“We are also forging ahead with the structural reforms that are so critical to efforts to improve our economic competitiveness. For example, the conclusion last year of the first high-demand spectrum auction in over a decade will substantially increase connectivity and lower the costs of both voice and data services,” he said.

Speaker urges inner-city residents to comment on proposed tariff increases!

The Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Colleen Makhubele is reiterating her plea to residents to comment on the proposed increases for property rates, electricity, water and refuse amongst other services during the 2023/24 IDP, Budget, Rates and Tariffs annual review sessions.

“On Saturday 1 April 2023, we had our first robust IDP meeting in Finetown Region G and I stressed the importance of scrutinising the proposed increases because they have a direct bearing on your finances come 1 July 23. These meetings provide the opportunity to agree or disagree with the City’s proposals before being tabled at Council for approval and implementation”, says Speaker Makhubele.

As the person responsible for public par-

ticipation in the city, she said that “Joburg was mindful of the impact of annual increases especially on the poor, pensioners and even private learning institutions categorised as business or commercial”.

The average increases proposed for the 2023/2024 financial year for services are as follows:

• 5.3% average property rates increase

• 7% average proposed refuse increase,

• 9.3% residential post-paid and prepaid water and sanitation increase

• 18.64% for average electricity increase

In an effort to shield the poor and particularly pensioners, the city proposes the following interventions:

• Increase the number of pensioner beneficiaries from 28 000 to approximately 50 000 pensioners.

• The property threshold for pensioners

qualifying for the pensioner rebate, be adjusted from R2.5 million to R1.5 million for all pensioners from age 60 to 69 years.

• Income levels for pensioners be increased from the lower amount of R11 305 to R11 904. The higher amount from R19 377 to R20 404.

• All pensioners will get a rebate and pay on the balance of the values of the properties that exceed the R1.5 million.

• Pensioners aged 70years with a property value of not more than R2million will be granted 100% rebate with no consideration of the income.

• If the property value exceeds R2million the pensioner will be expected to pay rates on the value more than R2million.

• The pensioner rebate benefit will be granted for the duration of the current valuation roll. Pensioners will be re-

quired to reconfirm/re-apply, at the end of the duration of the current valuation roll that lapses on the 30th of June 2023.

• Pensioners applying for expanded social package are now required to complete the pensioner’s application form to qualify for the pensioner rebate.

• The first R300 000 of value of all residential property to be excluded from rating

• Child headed family/household with a property value not exceeding R1.5 million will receive 100% rates rebate

• Privately owned schools, colleges and universities which are categorised as business and commercial qualifies for a rebate on application up to 30%

A copy of the 2023/24 IDP document and schedule of Regional meetings is on the city’s website www.joburg.org.za.

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Cop in court for defeating the ends of justice!

A 34-year-old detective constable will be appearing in court on charges of defeating the ends of justice after the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team arrested him on 14 April 2023.

This comes after he tried to book out a Zimbabwean national businessman Frank Buyanga from custody.

“It is alleged on Friday, 14 April 2023, the investigation officer received a call from Johannesburg Correctional Service notifying him that another police officer, a constable wants to book out the accused, Buyanga for investigation.”

According to the statement released by Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, the investigating officer then immediately requested the prison warders to delay him as he and his colleagues drove to the facility.

“Upon arrival, the constable from Mondeor Detectives was presented and further questioned where it was discovered that he had no case connected to the accused. The member has been arrested.”

According to the Hawks, the businessman is facing charges of fraud and Contravention of the Immigration Act. He was charged on 28 November 2022 and was refused bail as the accused was also wanted for kidnapping in his country of origin.

EllIS PARk STADIUM TRAGEDY COMMEMORATED!

As Tuesday, 11 April 2023, marks exactly 22 years since the Ellis Park tragedy, where 43 football fans lost their lives including many others injured in a stampede.

The incident was triggered by huge crowds at a league match between traditional rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) joined South Africans in honouring their memory and those affected by the tragedy. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said the loss of so many lives remains a painful experience and should never happen again.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the families,” the SAFA President said.

“It is now 22 years later. The stadiums are not meant for people to die, it is an arena for celebration and joy, not for death. Their spirit remains with us and we remember them together with members of their families,” he continued.

The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but eyewitnesses said on the day there were many thousands more inside the ground, estimated to be double the limit the facility can handle. The Ellis Park Stadium incident is the worst sporting accident in South African history.

The final inquiry into the incident concluded that a major cause was bribed security personnel admitting fans without tickets into the stadium and poor crowd control.

Kaizer Chiefs also took to social media to share their condolences to the families of 2001 tragedy. The team also took a moment of silence during training in Naturena in remembrance.

“To the 43 football loving fans that never made it home that night, we will never forget you! May your souls continue to rest in peace,” the club tweeted.

Orlando Pirates also shared a heartfelt video in commemoration on their social media, showing all the names of the late spectators.

BEAUTY HUB CONTINUES TO GIVE HOPE TO CITY YOUTH!

On Saturday, (01 April 2023), the Gauteng Department of Social Development partnering with The Beauty Hub Academy, First National Bank, and Loreal South Africa gave hope to unemployed young people across the five corridors of Gauteng during a thrilling hair and beauty talent show held at Judith’s Paarl Golden Village Hall near Bertrams, Johannesburg.

Hundreds of young students flocked to the Golden Village Hall to showcase their talent and creativity. The hair and beauty show provided an exciting showcase of innovative and imaginative hair, beauty and make-up creations all compiled by The Beauty Hub Academy students. Many of them coming from the humble beginnings were excited to see their exceptional skills and creativity in their respective categories being recognized.

The innovative concept blended the physical fashion show at the Golden Village Hall coupled with some catwalks showcasing the creations of nine teams of students.

The winner of the talent show walked away with a whopping R8000, with each member receiving R1000 through FNB sponsorship. The winning team will also get a hamper with Loreal Products that value R30 000.366

The second place team received R800  each member where R500 will be deposited into their savings account and R300 as a voucher. Again, the second-place team received Loreal products that value R7500. Lastly, the third place received

R600 each member from FNB and also gets Loreal products worth R3500 for their creations.

According to the founder and manager of the Beauty Hub Academy Ms Vuyelwa Gama the talent show ceremony was a celebration of excellence in the hair and beauty industry and also to demonstrate the flair, creativity and exceptional talents of their current cohort of budding hairdressers, beauty therapists and make-up artists students.

She expressed her gratitude toward the Gauteng Department of Social Development for partnering with them to better the lives of young people through skills development.

“I am extremely proud of all the students within our Hair and Beauty academy for demonstrating such hard work and dedication today. All of the contestants’ work has been of an incredibly high standard.  We understand that our students always love taking part in the Hair and Beauty showcase and thoroughly enjoy the experience of seeing their work being demonstrated like this. Well done and thank you to all students, models and staff at The Beauty Hub Academy who took part in making our talent show a success.” Said Gama.

Gama reiterated that The Beauty Hub Academy aims to cut the umbilical cord oof poverty especially in the most impoverished families.

“It has been an unforgettable day, filled with incredible talent, innovation and creativity.”

Gama added that the showcase gave students not only the chance to demonstrate the practical skills they have learnt throughout their course, but also the opportunity to interpret a brief, work in a competitive environment and experience the teamwork, organisational and customer service skills needed in order to succeed in the fast-paced, dynamic and ever-evolving hair and beauty industry.

The Director for Sustainable Livelihood and youth Development, in the Gauteng Department of Social Development Ms Mbali Ndlovu, highlighted that as the department they are excited to see Beauty Academy expanding its private partnership saying it is for the benefits of students.

We are excited to see Loreal joining us because they are a big role player in the hair and beauty industry and we strongly believe that they will help us tackle youth unemployment in our province through upskilling young people”

Ndlovu said they are satisfied to see that the budget that government spent to the Beauty Hub does not go to waste but help this young people to acquire an important skill that will enable them to create jobs for others.

Loreal South Africa promised to be continuously involved in the training of young students in the academy to grow and become professionals in the hair and beauty industry.

Five digital business trends to keep up with consumers in 2023!

egies. Only then will they be able to continue to keep up with the rapid pace of today’s consumer,” she says.

As a reputable software innovator with over 25 years of financial industry expertise, Comcorp is determined to advance business efficiencies and increase productivity through digital processes, whilst minimising risks associated with not doing proper consumer due diligence.

Trethewey unpacks some of the top trends for consumer-facing businesses who are focused on improving their digital foundation and processes.

1.Responsiveness to Gen Z

It’s

This is core for any business regardless of whether it has a B2B or a direct-toconsumer offering. The population is rising, with millennials and Gen Z who grew up with mobile telephony and the internet of things, now maturing into primary income earners / customers. Not being able to appeal to them and maintain relevancy in their lives is a major concern. Those businesses who don’t take radical steps risk not just losing significance, but at worst, becoming completely obsolete.

Tech Correspondence

What’s even harder to fathom though, is that most of these platforms only came into existence two decades ago. As Shanaaz Trethewey, chief operating officer for Comcorp South Africa explains, one of the main reasons for this rapid growth is our insatiable desire for instant gratification and feedback.

“Digital business is a very real part of our daily lives because we want to work faster, respond to problems faster and adapt to changes faster. The only way to achieve this is with technology, and it has become a non-negotiable that companies have the right people, processes, and culture to execute their digital strat-

Technology is part of the fibre of businesses and the foundation of any business’s value proposition will, no doubt, be based on how technical solutions bring easier, more responsive, and greater value to the end consumer.

2.Balancing fast consumer onboarding with compliance

Today's consumers want to complete most of their business online. They dislike physically applying for services such as opening a new account, applying for credit, filing insurance claims, or signing up for medical care. Despite all the efforts to digitally transform customer experiences, one process remains a challenge – customer onboarding.

Businesses battle to satisfy customers

Gl ASFIT PARTNERS WITH DISkY TO MAkE VEHIClE lICENCE REGISTRATION MORE CONVENIENT!

Taking the hassle out of vehicle licence registration, the process has been made quick and easy through a partnership between Glasfit and the Disky automated WhatsApp renewal service.

With the ever-increasing demand for vehicle licences, the process can be time-consuming and tiring, leaving vehicle owners vulnerable to penalties for non-compliance. However, with the reliable and affordable Disky service, vehicle owners can now complete the process quickly and conveniently through a streamlined digital platform.

To take advantage of this convenient service, vehicle owners can simply visit the Glasfit website at https://shop.glasfit.com/disky/ and follow a few easy steps:

1. Scan the QR code or click the “Renew Now” Button

2. Select ‘Instant Quote’

3. Upload a clear photo of the licence disc

4. Add additional vehicles to the basket if needed

5. Make a payment using a credit/debit card, Capitec Pay, Ozow or Zapper

6. Licence is delivered to your door

Licences can be renewed for all vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, trailers and caravans. With this new partnership, vehicle owners can now avoid the inconvenience of standing in queues and benefit from a reliable and efficient digital service that simplifies the vehicle licence renewal process.

To find about more about this solution visit https://shop.glasfit.com/disky/ or follow Glasfit on Facebook or Instagram

with an easy, streamlined process while protecting themselves from fraud. Compliance is there for a very real and relevant reason. All business roads lead to the end customer, making it crucial that correct checks and balances are intact.

It’s imperative that we ensure the end user is who they say they are, with valid credentials, to protect ourselves but also provide consumers the assurance that they aren’t subject to identity theft.

Most consumers want to do their part and authenticate themselves when applying for a loan, a car, or a phone. It’s more about “how” it’s done that makes all the difference to them. A seamless and embedded compliance procedure is the solution – reducing the friction in what can be a clumsy or cumbersome confirmation process.

3.Permission-based data sharing

The financial sector in South Africa may be a bit far from the reality of open banking where consumer’s financial data is easily accessible. However, the growing trend of being able to access other forms of information, with consent, is one we cannot ignore.

Today’s consumer is used to having their data stored virtually, if on their phone, on an app or in the cloud. Businesses will need to adapt their processes and understanding of how data, financial or not, can be accessed so they can respond to their client’s needs seamlessly.

4.Biometric identification & increased regulatory vigilance

Biometric identification has been around for several years, with products like iris recognition at the forefront of the delivery of identity checks. Biometrics will become critical as widened anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism legisla-

tion comes into effect in Feb 2023. Increased regulatory vigilance affecting a wider range of financial and non-financial companies means having to implement stricter consumer due diligence, including identification and verification. Biometrics will therefore become even more necessary.

Also, exploring its use in industries outside of traditional financial services, allows businesses to engage with potential customers and gain assurance that staff on the ground are working with whom they should be.

5.Responsible lending

Easily obtainable credit increases the risk of consumers over-extending themselves. Objectivity, consistency, and a quick response time is something all businesses need to consider, as failure to do so will cause a negative impact later on, as consumer’s affordability decreases. Businesses have a duty to assess the consumer credit risk profile via directto- source information, both from an expense and from an income verification perspective. Responsible lending is a marriage between ensuring effective identity verification, and the complete/ accurate affordability assessment. Having those seamless processes line up will allow some businesses to rise above the rest as we progress into the new year.

Trethewey concludes: Although cumbersome digital processes can limit the ability of businesses to grow – the solutions to solve these challenges are not so far from the doorstep of local businesses. A solid digital foundation, securing credible partnerships and implementing innovative software, is the way of sustaining growth plans.

For more information visit www.comcorp.co.za

hard to think of life without technology. From being able to stream movies on Netflix, asking Alexa to play our favourite songs or just being able to Google the weather, latest soccer scores or answers to life’s most puzzling questions – technology is playing a central role in the way we work, play, and do business.

Shanaaz Trethewey, COO for Comcorp South Africa

Countdown to the 2023 Netball World Cup begins!

Wednesday, 19th April marks 100 days to go to the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 (VNWC2023) which is scheduled to be hosted on African soil for the first time.

The VNWC2023 will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 28th July – 6th August 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), with 16 of the world’s top netball nations, including the hosts South Africa, competing.

Following the successful Netball Friday launch in Tembisa on 14th April as initiated by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, and the unveiling of a multi-purpose facility at Ronnie Louw Sports Grounds in Hopefield on Tuesday 18th April, there are a number of upcoming activations planned in various provinces to mark 100 Days to Go which will be spearheaded by various Provincial Governments and Municipalities.

In the Western Cape, the City of Cape Town is hosting a netball tournament with the objective of creating awareness and driving the message of rallying sup-

port for the upcoming VNWC2023.

Whilst in the province of Limpopo, where the President of Netball South Africa Cecilia Molokwane hails, they have planned a mini world cup tournament for schools taking place at the Ngwako Ramatlhodi Indoor Sports Centre.

Remarking on the Local Organising Committee’s readiness to host the global event, Priscilla Masisi, Tournament Director for the VNWC2023, said: “This 100 Days to Go milestone will assist in providing all of us with an opportunity to encourage the 16 nations participating in the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 to mobilise their supporters so that they can come and get behind their teams.

“We therefore encourage all of the supporters to buy their tickets to attend this first ever Netball World Cup on African soil.”

Tickets and travel packages can be purchased by visiting the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages available.