GET TO KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES
UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
VACANCIES
Q2 AWARD WINNERS
WELLNESS CORNER
MIND MONEY ME
TECH CORNER
CHRISTMAS DRIVE OUT OF OFFICE
STAFF RECIPE
JUST FOR FUN
STAFF SUBMISSIONS
TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS
p. 4
p. 9
p. 10
p. 11
p. 12
p. 14
p. 15
p. 17
p. 18
p. 20
p. 21
p. 22
p. 23
Benjamin Lidchi Sales Executive
Jesse Jackson Sales Development Representative
I am a highly driven, highly motivated and highly disciplined individual who is striving to live a healthy lifestyle which includes running, cycling and throwing around weights.
I learn every day and try to be 1% better every day. I come from a family of 6 children. I pray to g-d every day and live with gratitude.
I love soccer/football and I love interactions with people and having conversations with substance.
I grew up in the Vaal and went straight into working after Matric.
I partook in any and all sports available to me - from competitive fishing to rock climbing and dancing (Hip-Hop).
My dancing led to invitations to compete internationally and be a part of an event hosted in SA at Suncity called Battle of the Giants.
My hobbies include fly fishing, poker and playing pool.
I am a major BMW fan and prefer a braai with mates over going to a club event.
Sales Development
Representative
With a background in Public Relations and Electrical Engineering, I bring a mix of creativity and problem-solving to everything I do. While I’m naturally reserved, I’m also assertive when it counts, and my calm and intuitive approach helps me connect with people and understand their needs. I love learning from and working with others, it’s one of the things I enjoy most about being part of a team.
Outside of work, you’ll find me indulging in comfort food, listening to music, or dancing in the rain (it’s my happy place!). Purple is my favourite colour because it stands for royalty, and it reminds me to carry myself with grace and confidence.
Sales Development
Representative
As the youngest of four, I’ve always been surrounded by family. With two brothers and a sister, there’s never a dull moment.
I’m a huge sports fan, though you might cringe if you hear me talk about my love/hate relationship for Arsenal.
I’m always looking for ways to stay active, whether it’s hitting the gym or just getting outside. And I love meeting new people and building connections with others.
Claries Wolmarans
Sales Executive
With a heart for adventure and love for the outdoors, I’m always seeking new experiences. Hiking, gardening, and exploring with my little ones inspire me.
Giving back is important, and I enjoy volunteering. You can also find me at air shows or practicing mindfulness.
This curiosity and commitment to giving back fuel my approach to work, where I strive to innovate and make a lasting impact. I’m excited to bring my skills and passion to Merchant Capital
Partnerships Marketing Manager
I’m a mom to a mini-me (aka salary-eater) and slave to my three fur babies (with a fourth, an adorable French bulldog who’s stolen my heart, hopefully joining the crew soon!).
Since graduating from Wits University (Class of 2014), I’ve been navigating the corporate world. Colour coded spreadsheets are my love language, and planning is my therapy.
Outside of work, you can find me binge-watching Friends (for the millionth time), obsessing over true crime docs, or getting lost in music – my happy place.
Sales Operations Coordinator
I am a friendly, shy person who loves to do anything creative such as painting, drawing and creating mosaics.
I studied law and have worked in Operations mostly in the Telecoms industry.
I am an avid Harry Potter fan and I enjoy the outdoors.
I am a young and ambitious Computer Engineer recently graduated from Tuks.
I’m passionate about bringing the wildest ideas to life using technology.
I enjoy playing padel and watching football. I’m excited to be joining this incredible team.
Gabriella Cori HR Consultant
I am Engineer reincarnated as a Product Manager in Augend, a company doing great things which I’m honoured to be a part of.
My hobbies are reading, writing and being physically active. I love God and my family and look forward to learning everyone’s unique stories when time permits.
Let’s rock!
I would describe myself as a passionate, disciplined, and resourceful individual.
I started in the recruitment/ talent acquisition/ people space since my tertiary studies and have remained in this field ever since. I have, in addition , had the opportunity to also experience other business areas, such as investment, blockchain, fintech, import, and wellness, however I default to the people space, which is the most challenging but the most rewarding!
Family is my no 1 value. My Italian heritage has provided me with a strong set of personal and work ethic…and a natural ” trader/ entrepreneurial “ ability.
My 2 favourite hobbies are kick boxing and yoga. Travelling and experiencing different cultures is something that also feeds my heart and soul.
Ryan Cohen - 01 Feb
John Gessau - 16 Feb
Starvey Mathabatha - 28 Feb
Rickey Gittelson - 29 Feb
Noela Maurice - 03 Mar
Sandile Zwane - 20 Mar
Leandri Nel - 21 Mar
Ntando Tshabalala - 29 Mar
Thandie Blaai - 04 Apr
Brent Downard - 08 Apr
Nokuhle Mahlati - 09 Apr
Morongoa Mathabatha - 15 Apr
Lindelani Masikane - 18 Apr
Luyanda Dlungwana - 24 Apr
Alfred Ruwanda - 27 Apr
James Burt - 28 Apr
If you know of any highly talented people who would like to be a part of the A-Team, please forward their CV’s to HR for future potential vacancies!
A massive congratulations to our Q2 Award Winners!
A TEAM PLAYER OF THE QUARTER
Sihle Moya
ACCOUNT MANAGER OF THE QUARTER
Saajid Carrim
Sales Executive of the QuarteR Manelisi Mthiyane
UNDERWRITER of the QuarteR Kiara Rakee
Red light therapy (RLT), known by its scientific term, photobiomodulation (PBM), has been around for years. Still, only recently has it evolved from a niche biohacking and pain management tool into the mainstream wellness zeitgeist, and it is having a moment!
Many models and celebrities swear by RLT for its non-invasive anti-aging effects, which boost circulation and oxygen to the skin, promoting collagen production and reducing wrinkles, sun damage and scars.
While research is ongoing on the effectiveness of specific RLT treatments beyond beauty, RLT has shown promise in treating various conditions, from speeding up wound healing to addressing hair loss and even enhancing brain function, potentially improving mental clarity.
Perimenopause and menopause had significant moments in 2024, which led to many headlines that explored women aged 35 and older’s growing interest in longevity and wellness. One way to encourage longevity and healthy aging is through strength training, which is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly among women and older generations.
According to the Mayo Clinic, strength training can help preserve and enhance lean muscle mass that naturally diminishes as one ages. It is celebrated for improving metabolic health, maintaining bone density, reducing symptoms of chronic diseases, sharpening thinking skills, and even enhancing quality of life.
With growing scientific insights and a rising awareness of its crucial role in overall well-being, gut health remains a cornerstone of optimal health within the wellness community.
Gut health is not just about digestion— it’s about boosting immunity, preventing chronic illnesses and more. This has led to a surge in demand for gut health supplements and treatments.
Alongside this, it is believed that this year, more individuals will move beyond supplements, embracing whole foods and minimally processed diets to reduce health risks like obesity and depression while incorporating naturally derived probiotics for a holistic approach to wellness.
Don’t forget to check out the Merchant Capital Mind.Money.Me wellness portal to access a wide variety of resources to help you on your wellness journey.
Most people aren’t using tech to its full potential. We scroll through our phones, click random buttons, and hope for the best. Meanwhile, there are hidden tech tricks that could save us hours, reduce stress, and even make us look more tech-savvy than we really are!
We’ve all been there. You’re in a foreign country, staring at a sign that looks like hieroglyphics. Or maybe you’re trying to read a handwritten note from your doctor (seriously, why is their handwriting so bad?).
Well, your phone camera is your secret weapon. Did you know that you can use your phone to scan and translate text instantly? And it’s not just about translation — you can copy text from images, identify plants, and even solve math problems.
How It Works:
On Android: Open Google Lens. On iPhone: Use Live Text in the camera app.
There’s a whole world of shortcuts out there that can save hours of your life.
Here are two fun ones:
Ctrl + Shift + T: Ever accidentally close a browser tab? This shortcut reopens the last closed tab. It’s a lifesaver.
Windows + Shift + S: Take a quick screenshot and copy it to your clipboard. No more fumbling around with the “Print Screen” button.
Let’s talk passwords. If you’re still using “password123” or your pet’s name, we need to have a serious chat. In 2025, cybersecurity threats are everywhere.
The solution? Password managers. It’s like having a digital vault that stores all your passwords securely. You only need to remember one master password, and your password manager takes care of the rest.
Tools We Recommend:
• LastPass
• 1Password
• Bitwarden
Congratulations to Charl on the birth of his son, Carlo Johan van Staden.
Jesse’s Miniature French Poodle, Troy.
METHOD:
STEP 1
If you’re looking for a healthy, simple and delicious meal then this recipe is as close to perfect as you can get! Full of Mediterranean flavours: olives, tomatoes, cucumber, avocados, and chicken for a complete meal in a salad bowl!
Marinade/Dressing:
• 40ml olive oil
• 60ml lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
• 40ml water
• 40ml red wine vinegar
• 8g fresh parsley
• 1g dried basil
• 4g garlic minced
• 1g dried oregano
• 3g salt
• cracked pepper to taste
• 450g skinless boneless chicken thigh or breasts
Salad:
• 200g Romaine lettuce or Cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
• 1 cucumber large, diced
• 2 Roma tomatoes diced
• 1 red onion sliced
• 1 avocado sliced
• 50g pitted Kalamata olives or black olives, sliced
• 2 lemon wedges to serve
Whisk together all of the marinade/dressing ingredients in a large jug. Pour out half of the marinade into a large, shallow dish. Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as the dressing later.
STEP 2
Add the chicken to the marinade in the bowl; marinade chicken for 15-30 minutes (or up to two hours in the refrigerator if time allows). While waiting for the chicken, prepare all of the salad ingredients and mix in a large salad bowl.
STEP 3
Once chicken is ready, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a grill pan or a grill plate over medium-high heat. Grill chicken on both sides until browned and completely cooked through.
STEP 4
Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes; slice and arrange over salad. Drizzle salad with the remaining UNTOUCHED dressing. Serve with lemon wedges.
Why don’t skeletons fights each other?
BecauSe they don’t have the guts!
I have keys, but no locks and space, and no rooms, you can enter but you can’t go outside.
The Easter Island heads have hidden bodies.
Those iconic stone heads - you know the ones. In the 2010s, archaeologists found that two of the Pacific Island figures actually had torsos that measured as high as 33 feet.
Can You Guess The Name Of The Movie?
The answer will be announced in the next edition
A FOCUS ON SAFETY – FOR THE 2-LEGGED AND 4-LEGGED FAMILY MEMBERS
by Leandri Heysteck
CLICK HERE to get Life360 for family members
My gran wants to live independently, but she’s getting old and doesn’t always hear her phone ringing and forgets to let us know she’s safe. We found Life360 to be incredibly useful to track our loved-ones, whether it’s an auto message letting us know that gran arrived home safely, or that Gerrit arrived at work, or giving our parents the opportunity to track us on a long road-trip or using the tile trackers to find lost keys or wallets – it’s now an integral part of our lives.
STREETWISE PETS
We were out walking the dogs one day, and a massive tree got uprooted and crashed into a nearby stream. A fellow- dog-walker lost her dog that day due to the scare. He was found, but only the next day in a very dense thicket in the park.
The tile solution mentioned above is appropriate for keys and wallets, but not pets as the tile tracker uses your phone’s GPS capabilities through a Bluetooth connection. For our pets we need a stand-alone GPScapable device. The Streetwise products come with their own SIM and app to let you track your pets.
You can set a home radius (so get alerts if they leave the premises, track them via GPS on the app like you would family members in life360, call the device to have it ring if you’re having trouble finding your pet and – some models – even let you talk to your pet through the tracker – very useful when you need them to come back to you and they’re out of earshot.
The Let Them Theory will forever change the way you think about relationships, control, and personal power
The Elephant in the Brain explores the hidden motives behind our actions, arguing that selfinterest and social status drive much of what we do, think, and say.
The Pivot Year is a book that offers daily meditations and practical advice for individuals going through a transition period or seeking personal development.
