GET TO KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES
UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
WE’RE HIRING
Q1 AWARD WINNERS
A WORD FROM OUR A-TEAM PLAYER
WELLNESS CORNER
TECH CORNER
HERITAGE DAY
HERE WE GROW
OUT OF OFFICE
STAFF RECIPE
JUST FOR FUN
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Leandri is an adventurous spirit, drawn to water sports like scuba diving, water-skiing, and wakeboarding. Her love for animals extends beyond enjoyment of training them, exemplified by achieving K9 good citizen status.
Traveling has broadened her perspective, having lived in the UK and explored countries like Bhutan, UAE, and Croatia.
She indulges her curiosity through informative programs like those on Discovery Channel, fostering a mindset of continuous learning and problem-solving. Her hobbies include vegetable gardening and small-scale chicken farming.
Sandile Zwane was born and raised in very small town in Swaziland. He is the middle child of 3 boys and a proud father of 2.
He is an avid basketball fan, and his music of choice is Hip Hop and Deep House. There’s usually more to learn when listening than talking and through his kids he’s learnt the art of patience.
On weekends, he’s in shorts and flip flops stretched out on his couch watching endless re-runs of The Blacklist or maybe some Big Bang Theory (Bazinga!!) sipping on something cold and shouting “Stop fighting”!
Contract: Lead Capturer
Born in a little-known corner of Soweto (Emdeni), he has always had a unique perspective on life. As a 26-year-old with a fraternal twin brother, he’s come to embrace the playful sibling rivalry, often declaring himself the eldest of three — a testament to his spirited personality.
His early years were marked by significant adversity which shaped his resilience and determination to succeed. With his passion for technology and a relentless drive to learn, he earned himself a spot at the prestigious University of Pretoria, South Africa’s leading engineering school, where he studied computer engineering. Though he couldn’t complete my degree, his knack for understanding anything with a chip has become his greatest asset.
He’s a tech innovator at heart; and thrives on problem-solving. His journey reflects the belief that true success isn’t solely measured by traditional milestones but by the impact one makes along the way.
Contract: Senior Account Manager
Lusanda re-joins the MC team on a contract basis. Most of us know Lusanda rather well, but for those who don’t, here is a little bit about her.
Did you know that Lusanda’s name is Xhosa, and translated into English means “the family is growing”? Lusanda is the second born amongst her siblings.
She enjoys reading, cooking, and is a Big Bang Theory addict! She also enjoys a quiz or two and will be showing off her knowledge at the MC Quiz Days!
Senior Solution Lead
Desmond has been married for 20 years with 2 kids- a boy and a girl. Sadly, he is no longer the tallest person at home, but he is learning how to cope with this!
His career started off in the financial services industry, where he spent a solid 10 years. Desmond then moved into the Telecoms and telecoms related space for a further 15 years.
Not only has Desmond maintained a career in the corporate world, but he as explored other ventures that align to his passions. Desmond loves farming and even owns his own farm in Hartbeespoort. He often times escapes into the open space for refuge.
In addition to this, he has successfully established a laser, cnc, embroidery and branding company in 2019.
Robert Mc Lean - 05 Nov
Dintle Ntshihlele - 07 Nov
Christina Mooki - 08 Nov
Wendy Cowper - 10 Nov
Mondli Thwala - 18 Nov
Faith Ruwanda - 20 Nov
Lethokuhle Mathebula - 22 Nov
Khanyisiwe Ntshangase - 07 Dec
Charl van Staden - 12 Dec
Dylan Hirshowitz - 19 Dec
Tehya Buys - 22 Dec
Princess Mokoatle - 22 Dec
Franco Heslinga - 22 Dec
Matthew Taylor - 24 Dec
Tamara Barnard - 28 Dec
Daniel Moritz - 29 Dec
Konrad Beck - 30 Dec
A TEAM PLAYER OF THE QUARTER
Shernay Seale
ACCOUNT MANAGER OF THE QUARTER
Saajid Carrim
Sales Executive of the QuarteR
Manelisi Mthiyane
UNDERWRITER of the QuarteR Nolwandle Fodo
1. What inspires and motivates you each day?
Working at MC is inspiring, knowing that what we do impacts the growth of real people and their businesses. Reading success stories from our Merchants is also inspiring.
Working in an environment where there is continuous growth and learning opportunities keeps me motivated and excited.
2. What advice will you give somebody who is striving to progress in their career?
Work hard, be consistent, and you’re never too old to learn.
3. What personal characteristics do you believe have contributed toward your success?
A willingness to learn and always being happy to help and support others.
4. How do you foster a positive and productive mindset within yourself and your team?
Reminding myself about our “why” and starting each day with a positive mindset. Working in a high performing environment also contributes to having a productive mindset.
5. Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have had a significant impact on your personal and professional growth?
I was recently part of the LEAD programme, this has had a significant impact on the way I think and approach both work and my personal life. One of the many interesting things I learnt is that you get new brain matter everyday and we can re-wire our brains, this has encouraged me to start each day with a positive mindset.
6. Do you have any habits or routines that you follow daily that you believe contribute to your high performance?
Nothing in particular, but I do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle which is beneficial to both our minds and bodies.
In today’s fast-paced world, building and nurturing social connections can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, with a little effort and intention, you can find and cultivate new social circles that enrich your life. Here are some effective strategies to expand your social network.
• Discover Your Target Audience in the Real World
To form meaningful connections, it’s important to identify where like-minded individuals gather. Think about your interests—whether it’s art, fitness, or book clubs—and seek out places where these passions thrive. Engaging in activities you love not only allows you to meet new people but also sets the foundation for genuine connections.
• Host a Meetup
Organizing a meetup can be a fantastic way to bring people together. Choose a theme or activity that resonates with your interests—be it a game night, hiking trip, or a cooking class. Promote your event on social media platforms or community boards. This not only attracts participants but also positions you as a connector within your community, increasing your chances of making new friends.
• Join Local Groups
Joining local clubs or organizations is another effective strategy for meeting new people. Whether it’s a sports league, volunteer group, or hobbyist club, these environments foster camaraderie and shared experiences. Participating in regular meetings or events helps you build relationships organically, allowing friendships to develop naturally over time.
Once you’ve identified potential new friends, it’s time to take action.
• Exchange Contact Info for a Future Hangout
When you meet someone interesting, don’t hesitate to exchange contact information. This simple step is crucial for transitioning from acquaintances to friends. Suggest keeping in touch, and mention a specific activity you could do together in the future. Having a plan in place makes it easier to follow through.
• Make Plans in the Moment
While future plans are important, making spontaneous plans can lead to memorable experiences. If the conversation flows and both parties seem interested, suggest grabbing coffee or attending an event together right then and there. The excitement of spontaneity can help solidify a budding friendship.
It’s equally important to nurture your current friendships. Here’s how to enhance your existing social circles.
• Say Yes to Things You’re Invited To
When friends invite you to events or gatherings, say yes! Even if you’re hesitant or busy, showing up can lead to new experiences and connections. It also signals to your friends that you value their invitations, strengthening your bonds.
• Reach Out Often
Regular communication is key to maintaining friendships. Make an effort to check in with friends through texts, calls, or social media. Sharing updates or just saying hello can keep the connection alive. The more you reach out, the more you’ll reinforce your friendships.
• Set Up a Party, Event, or Fun Night Out
Take the initiative to host your own events. Whether it’s a casual dinner, game night, or a themed party, creating opportunities for friends to gather can invigorate your social circle. It also provides a platform for friends to meet new people, further expanding your network.
• Bring Co-workers into the Real World
Your work environment is a great place to form friendships. Suggest team outings or casual after-work gatherings to break down barriers and foster deeper connections. By interacting outside the office, you can build camaraderie that enhances both your professional and personal life.
Building a fulfilling social life requires effort and intention. By actively seeking out new connections and nurturing existing relationships, you can cultivate a rich tapestry of friendships that enhance your life. Remember, friendships don’t just happen—they are built, one connection at a time.
Founded in 2007, the iPhone Photography Awards is the world’s first and longestrunning iPhone photography competition.
We have listed the 2024 winners and their incredible submissions below:
Grand Prize Winner Erin Brooks of the United States received the Photographer of the Year Award for her image titled ‘Boy Meets Shark’, captured on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
1st place in Photographer of the Year was awarded to Glen Wilbert of the United States, for his image ‘Life Guard Camp’, captured in Huntington Beach, California, capturing the organised chaos and energy of lifeguards in training.
Second place in Photographer of the Year went to Anthony Maureal of the United States, for his image ‘Pupils’, captured at Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia, illustrating the quiet focus of young monks as they meditate in the ancient temple.
Finally, Wenlong Jiang of China was third, capturing the vastness and intricate structure of an indoor space. A lone figure provides a sense of scale and solitude within the grand environment in Fujian, China.
As you know, Marketing has been working hard to shape the future of our brand, and the Here We Grow brand campaign is the next exciting step. This campaign isn’t just about refreshing our look - it’s about reaffirming who we are as a purpose-driven company.
It highlights our core belief that “when our merchants win, we win,” reflecting our deeper commitment to standing by our clients, not only when they need quick funding solutions but also when they’re ready to take bold, transformative steps to grow.
We’re excited to finally tell you about our video, a project that has been a long time in the making! After many iterations and refinements, we’ve crafted a powerful story that truly embodies our mission.
In the video, we follow the inspiring journey of a business owner who takes a leap and buys her dream restaurant with the support of Merchant Capital.
It’s a powerful example of how we help entrepreneurs turn their ambitions into reality, reminding us that our work goes beyond numbers. It’s about empowering people and helping businesses thrive. Keep your eye out for when it’s ready – it’ll give you goosebumps!
19th November
Congratulations to Brent Downard on the birth of his son, Oliver!
Congratulations to Lethokuhle Mathebula for buying his first car!
Congratulations to Tehya Buys who got married on August 16th, and for buying her first home!
Want to bake an impressive dinner party dessert with minimum fuss? Try these easy-to-make Molten Cakes.
METHOD:
STEP 1
• 100g butter, plus extra to grease
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 150g light brown soft sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 50g plain flour
• Single cream, to serve
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Butter 6 dariole moulds or basins well and place on a baking tray.
STEP 2
Put 100g butter and 100g chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of hot water (or alternatively put in the microwave and melt in 30 second bursts on a low setting) and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly for 15 mins.
STEP 3
Using an electric hand whisk, mix in 150g light brown soft sugar, then 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by ½ tsp vanilla extract and finally 50g plain flour. Divide the mixture among the darioles or basins.
STEP 4
You can now either put the mixture in the fridge, or freezer until you’re ready to bake them. Can be cooked straight from frozen for 16 mins, or bake now for 10-12 mins until the tops are firm to the touch but the middles still feel squidgy.
STEP 5
Carefully run a knife around the edge of each pudding, then turn out onto serving plates and serve with single cream.
Which days are the strongest? Saturday and Sunday.
The rest are weekdays.
Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5 per cent.
A study in 2018 found that wearing a necktie can reduce the blood flow to your brain by up to 7.5 per cent, which can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, and cause headaches
MR. LEE HAS 4 DAUGHTERS. EACH OF HIS DAUGHTERS HAS 1 BROTHER.
HOW MANY CHILDREN DOES MR. LEE HAVE?
Can You Guess The Name Of The Movie Based On One Quote From The Film?
The answer will be announced in the next edition
