SCC Insider - Edition 2

SCCINSIDER

BRIDGING SPANISH AND SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES AND INSTITUTIONS.

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

O N T E N T

Disclaimer:

Mr.MarcosPelegrin PresidentoftheSCCinSouthAfrica

Dear SCC Members and Friends of the Chamber,

As 2022 comes to an end – I take some time to reflect what has transpired during the last couple of years and how it has impacted and continues to impact all our lives

The SCC could not be more excited about the role we have been playing and continue to do so for our community

Our mission remains the same – to advocate on your behalf and to be the voice of business and support you. Part of being that means understanding the economic drivers that are critical to a healthy economy and working with the leaders to make that a reality for all businesses.

The pandemic proved to our members the importance of having an entity (SCC RSA) to advocate on their behalf We played a critical role in ensuring your voice was heard and that those taking the decisions understood the individual challenges and assisted the businesses to succeed during the pandemic and continue to do so towards recovery.

I firmly believe that 2022 has been a challenging but very important year for the Chamber, after several management changes, we are ending the year stronger than ever We have enjoyed the largest staff contingent that the Chamber has ever had and that has helped us to deliver a total of 24 activities to our esteemed members, even participating at the Spanish President visit to South Africa in October.

The Spanish community is relatively small in South Africa, however alongside the Spanish Embassy and the Economic and Commercial office, we are striving to meet the community’s needs in their respective business requirements

None of us know what 2023 will bring, but we do know that we are well positioned to provide the necessary assistance that you, our members and the community may require

The year 2022 was not the panacea we were all hoping for, however we made a lot of strides and implemented best practices that are helping our members and the community to move forward

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA PRESIDENT'S NOTE

Looking Forward, Never Back

Our main priorities through 2023 are: A strong economic environment requires a strong community We are truly fortunate to have leaders, business owners, educators, and citizens who realize that we all share the responsibility of creating economic success and contentment within our community

Business Strong - Creating an environment to further support our members while their businesses thrive Chamber Strong – Creating a stronger and more sustainable Chamber

As the Chamber‘s President, I am thrilled to work alongside our dedicated Board and SCC Team It is comprised of members who share the same vision for business growth, and I thank them for their support during this year

We are facing a continuously challenging economic era, filled with uncertainty and doubt However, this is also a time of opportunity – a chance to become more agile and align your business with customer needs in new ways These are the times when new, adaptive and creative ways of doing business are born!

A special word of thanks to all the Spanish interns who are completing their tenure with us (Javier Cortes Huertas, Javier Arenas Merino, Jokin Bilbao Galarza, and Francisco Moreton Diez) who adapted very well to the South African business community and offered their knowledge, skills, and expertise to the growth of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA in the year 2022 We wish them well for their future endeavours in their respective careers I cannot conclude this section without also thanking the rest of the team (Priority Shikwambana and Manuela Sanchez Aragú) who work tirelessly to support your businesses and the Chamber. I take this opportunity of wishing all of you and your loved ones well over the festive season and I look forward to supporting all of you in 2023

Marcos Pelegrin President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

“Collaboration gives the freedom to come out from the narrow scopes of life to the field of endless possibilities.” - Amit Ray

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the companies that have joined the Chamber as members in the past few months The Chamber is proud to have these companies in their respective industries as part of the extended SCC Family, and will strive towards building stronger relations between Spain and South Africa.

Áh! by Pablo Corroto Pradillo, is an international practice operating within the traditional boundaries of architecture and urbanism. A research and design studio which applies architectural thinking of advanced ecological structures to domains beyond Architecture, Project Design and Consulting are for us a means of investigating the development of cultures, influencing social behaviour whilst giving superior emphasis on detailed excellence on the engineering and functionality component of its application

PORCELANOSA Group is a holding company, and leading manufacturer of ceramic products, kitchen and bathroom furniture, as well as architectural solutions ranging from ventilated façades to ceramic installation materials Through product diversification, its eight firms have succeeded in expanding the firm throughout Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America.

Windtechnic Engineering SL is specialized in design, certification, and construction of precast concrete towers for the wind energy sector

Its main goal is to support and boost local content by expanding the use of precast concrete structures all over the world

Windtechnic was founded in 2013 to bring the know-how developed by its mother company, NORTEN EOLICA (Spanish precaster involved in wind since 2005), worldwide Since its creation, Windtechnic has been present in the South African market, collaborating in the success of several wind farms

SPAIN-SOUTH AFRICA BUSINESS FORUM

Jokin Bilbao Galarza | International Trade Advisor Intern at Spanish Chamber of CommerceinRSA

On 27 October, the Spain-South Africa Business Forum, organised by the Embassy of Spain and the Economic and Commercial Office, was held in Pretoria This forum had the presence of President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Government of Spain, Reyes Maroto, as well as the South African counterpart, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel

Pedro Sánchez's official visit to South Africa is framed in an international context in which the European Union has emphasized the need to bolster relations between Europe and Africa, as it becomes a continent of growing geostrategic importance globally

Subsequently, four Memorandum of Understanding have been signed: three on Industry 4 0, national libraries, and sport; and a fourth between COFIDES and its South African counterpart, IDC (Industrial Development Corporation), to strengthen their cooperation and invest in projects promoted by the private sector in various industries, particularly those contributing to a Just Energy Transition, Water, Infrastructure, Automotive and Agribusiness

In order to support these investments, exports and projects for Spanish companies, President Pedro Sánchez announced a financial package of up to 2,115 million euros over the next five years, through the various Spanish public financial instruments (FIEM, Cesce and COFIDES funds).

Spain aims to re-establish a solid alliance with African countries to face the contemporary global challenges, such as the climate emergency, the energy transition, the technological revolution, food security, migratory movements, and the fight against terrorism

For his part, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his country's need to continue exporting mining equipment and technologies, advanced manufacturing, alternative energy equipment, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and food processing equipment

Pedro Sánchez announces the availability of up to 2,115 million euros to support Spanish investment in South Africa.

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Regarding the energy sector, President Ramaphosa highlighted several measures taken by the South African government, including a regulatory reform to liberalise the electricity generation market, to make it more competitive and to attract private sector investments Furthermore, the country is also undertaking farreaching reforms in other network industries, such as telecommunications, ports and railways, and water infrastructure

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA is looking forward to being part of the journey to further deepen bilateral relations between the two countries

OPENINGTHEEASTERNCAPETOTHE WORLD

Jules Shefer | Relationship Executive, Global CorporatesatAbsaCIB

The Eastern Cape sits at the gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. For Absa CIB’s Eastern Cape regional team, that means creating locally relevant solutions with a global outlook

Do not be fooled by the Eastern Cape’s smalltown reputation The region’s two major ports –Gqeberha’s harbour and the deep-water Port of Ngqura – are gateways for expanding markets, linking major global players to a vibrant local supply chain.

“We have a lot of agriculture, automotive exports and imports, food, beverage and pharmaceuticals , ” says Jules Shefer, Relationship Executive in the Global Corporate Coverage team at Absa CIB, running off a list of diverse industries “And when you have these larger-sized businesses, you need an adequate support structure Their supplier bases are globally appointed but with a local presence, so that they have less risk from a supply chain perspective ”

She adds that, in order to undertake investment into Africa, clients have to invest in a great deal of research around the various regulatory and economic environments “As a strategic, longterm partner, we provide up-to-date macroeconomic research on our presence countries, as well as on-the-ground assistance with exchange control and other regulatory applications,” she says.

Local meets global

That blend of local and global relations reflects Absa CIB’s Global Corporate (GC) relationship model, which covers both the local subsidiaries as well as their global parents “While we are a client-led organisation, we are centre-enabled, having the capability to service our clients in the region through support and enablement from the Centre across product coverage and operations, to deliver solutions regionally,” says Shefer “This gives us the ability to be more responsive and accountable through our active engagement with our GC clients locally and at an HQ Treasury level ”

That enables distributed leadership, where Shefer and her Eastern Cape regional colleagues can provide tailor-made solutions for those clients, knowing that they have the in-house expertise to deliver “We have a relationship model with a single point of contact, so if I see a client and they require, for example, asset finance or trade finance, when I get back to the office, I’ll bring in the relevant specialist and we’ll prepare an application,” she says

All of that is underpinned by deeply entrenched, long-term client relationships – many of which span decades “We’ve retained those relationships by remaining relevant,” says Shefer, “and we’ve remained relevant through ongoing engagement, knowing what our clients’ requirements are, understanding their challenges and tailoring solutions to meet those requirements ”

AND INSIGHTS

It also comes with the years of experience that one finds in smaller areas like the Eastern Cape, where the regional team has a wealth of local, onthe-ground experience “We are like a family,” says Shefer. “My Portfolio Manager, Janine Benjamin and I have been working together for more than 20 years, and our Trade Specialist Azeeza Abrahams has been with the bank for as long as I can remember Our combined experience is quite incredible.”

Client-led solutions

This extensive experience has enabled the team to offer innovative solutions to the supply chain issues – related to the COVID-19 crisis and to the war in Ukraine – that have affected clients in the Eastern Cape

“We have been able to assist our clients manage these challenges by providing tailored working capital solutions and commodity hedges,” says Shefer “Load shedding is another challenge, with many of our clients looking for alternative energy sources We can assist them here as well – not only from a term funding perspective, but from an environmental, social and governance perspective as well We need to make sure that we are lending responsibly and that our funds are not going to be used to harm the environment or create social injustices in any way ”

And – as in Absa’s other Coastal Regions – Shefer and the Eastern Cape team are focused on working with clients to provide solutions that align with their clients’ specific needs, and that work best in their unique part of the world

WATER SECURITY & RENEWABLE ENERGYCONFERENCE2022

Priority Shikwambana | International Trade Officer Intern at Spanish Chamber of CommerceinRSA

On the occasion of the Conference on Water Security and Sustainable Renewable Energy 2022 which was held on 3 November, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Republic of South Africa, in partnership with Nedbank, gathered industry leaders in the public and private sector, to identify the opportunities to work towards a future of Water Security and Sustainable Renewable Energy

Energy sector

For the main address, the Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy Commercial Office in South Africa, Mr Isaac Martín-Barbero acknowledged Spain as one of the leading countries in sustainable renewable energy, as the scarcity of raw materials needed for power generation serves as an encouragement for the country to be constantly innovative in the industry Spain prioritizes ecological transition, proof of which is the high employability (60,000 employees) in the water and energy sectors After Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s recent visit to South Africa, the two countries are delighted to embark on a journey of partnership in sustainability, as revealed in the announcement of a financial package of up to 2,115 million euros from Spain into South Africa to boost climate proof investments over the next 5 years.

Mr Isaac Martín-Barbero, Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy-Commercial Office

Mr Amos Hadebe, Executive Head in Group Stakeholder Relations and Public Affairs at Nedbank, Ms Manuela Sánchez Aragú, General Manager at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA, Elelwani Pandelani, Head of Non Resident & Embassy Banking at Nedbank, and Katleho Mogase Public Affairs Manager at Nedbank

Mr Marcos Pelegrin, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA, Mr Isaac Martín-Barbero, Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy-Commercial Office, Ms Manuela Sánchez Aragú and Mr Amos Hadebe

From a FDI perspective, Deputy Director of Investment Promotion (Green Economy) of InvestSA and the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Africa (the dtic), Mr Cobs Pillay, reiterates that the dtic as well as InvestSA always aim to assist with broad challenges that may restrict or delay potential investment in South Africa The Department encouraged Spain to compete in the growing industry of Sustainable Renewable Energy, as the need for investment in this sector is rapidly emerging in South Africa, which offers plenty of room for growth for both countries

Water sector

Co-Author of “Barriers and opportunities for water reuse Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in South Africa” and Senior Consultant, Mr Brendon van Niekerk, outlined the risk of water shortages in South Africa It is foreseen that by 2030 the country will face a 17% deficit due to various reasons such as inefficient use, inappropriate infrastructure, the lack of maintenance of the existing infrastructure, water leakage losses, among others Mr Van Niekerk recommended the need for PPP legislation, as the challenges faced can be addressed through private financing Moreover, greater governmental stability between the different governmental levels and more training are recommended to speed up the approval of projects

From a Water Security Management perspective, Ms Arantxa Mencia, Vice President and Managing Director of Global Business Development of Almar Water Solutions, as well as Mr Luis Blanco, Director of Almar Water Solutions in South Africa, reiterated that water is an increasingly scarce commodity Hence, it is essential for both private and public investment to work hand in hand to address the emerging global challenges, both in water recycling and water desalination Therefore, Almar Water works to ensure that the entire world population has access to this vital resource and aims to invest in healthy partnerships with local entities in order to establish a more efficient way to execute projects

Mr Cobs Pillay, Deputy Director of Investment Promotion (Green Economy) of InvestSA and the dtic

Mr Brendon van Niekerk, Co-Author of “Barriers and opportunities for water reuse PPPs in South Africa” and Senior Consultant

Mr Luis Blanco, Director of Almar Water Solutions in South Africa

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA

AND INSIGHTS

In the breakaway sessions, Senior Project Advisor in Municipal Desk Transaction Advisory Service and PPP Unit at Government Technical Advisory (GTAC), Mr Themba Mdletshe addressed the status of the South African Infrastructure in the Water and Renewable Energy Sectors, with a clear statement that social infrastructure deserves clear attention from the government. Infrastructure Management and Planning is decentralized. Therefore, each sector is focused on its own interests with no common strategy. Project planning in many cases is non-existent or lacks clear objectives, which often results in projects getting blocked and not executed as planned, creating uncertainty for investors. Mr Mdletshe suggests a policy for change. To this end, projects have already been centralized and a clearer and more realistic plan has been created to meet all infrastructural needs Projects will no longer be analysed independently, but sectoral committees will be prepared to ensure that projects are properly monitored Lastly, investment security will be applied to avoid the unjustified cancellation of projects

Conclusions

The event ended with a constructive and insightful panel discussion which was spearheaded by Mr Thiago Almeida (Sector Lead: Power and Infrastructure at Nedbank) and engaged by Mr Sean Phillips (Director General of the Department of Water and Sanitation), Mr Zakhele Mayisa (Head of Infrastructure, Water & Telecom Finance at Nedbank), Mr Themba Mdletshe (Senior Project Advisor in Municipal Desk Transaction Advisory Service and PPP Unit at GTAC) and Mr David Richard Buytenhuys (Business Development Manager at Grupo Cobra)

This conference served as a catalyst to share knowledge and ideas that would be implemented in the quest for sustainability

Mr Themba Mdletshe, Senior Project Advisor in Municipal Desk Transaction Advisory Service and PPP Unit at GTAC

Mr Themba Mdletshe and Sean Phillips

Mr Thiago Almeida, Sector Lead: Power & Infrastructure at Nedbank and Mr David Richard Buytenhuys (Business Development Manager at Grupo Cobra Africa)

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Exhibitors

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA was pleased to host 3 companies as exhibitors at the Water Security and Sustainable Renewable Energy Conference 2022 The following companies presented the unique products and services offered, which added value to the conference, and have great potential to address the challenges faced in the global environmental sphere.

The Solar Power Café

The Solar Power Cafe is an outlet for designed hybrid solar power system for the domestic market, specialising in installations up to 300kVA The company is a family business, consisting of a highly qualified father and daughter management team Michelle Lingham achieved her first RE qualification as of July 2020 as an Energy Transformation Expert and has completed qualification number 2 as Co-Benefits specialist in Renewable Energy, with Renac in Berlin, Germany Quiet, fully automated Back-up

Advanced

Benefits of using Solar Power:

Using solar power permits you to generate your own power throughout the day You can use it to power big appliances such as the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, swimming pool pump,

plug points, a TV etc The Solar Power Café can help you choose the loads best suited to run off dedicated solar during the day

The execution of this is obviously dependent on the amount of sunshine available and the size of the installation. The Solar Power Café executes at a minimum of 4kWp for the solar panel array, which produces at least 20kWh on a full sunshine day

For business owners, The Solar Power Café ensures that business operations are uninterrupted and no production losses are incurred due to power outages The computer network, internet connection, printing, motors, fans, pumps and other essential electrical loads to your business can be run off solar power during the day

For more information on the Solar Power Café, visit their website hereunder

Village Water Filters SA

Village Water Filters manufactures bucket water filters that purify water to make it safe by removing all the dirt particles and 99 999% of hazardous organisms like cholera, typhoid, e coli, and botulism, among others The Village Water filter bucket provides everyday access to clean and safe water for families, connects to any garden tap, borehole tap, JoJo tank tap or plastic bucket There are no chemicals utilized, it requires no maintenance and requires no replacement parts

Ms Michelle Lingham, Founder and CEO

Ms Ninky Shuenyane, Founder and Managing Director and Ms Morwa Sako

This product is ideal for disaster management programs, CSI, and camping as well This initiative can contribute so much to the rapidly emerging era of water security and will benefit many communities that struggle with the access to clean water and sanitation

Benefits of using Water Filter buckets:

Cooking with clean water: The nutritious value of food increases by approximately 40% from cooking with clean water

Improvement of hand-washing with clean water: This act reduces stomach complications/ diarrhoea.

Saves Time, Saves Money, Improves Health: Reduces the risks of diseases from the use of unclean water (reduces trips to clinics and hospitals, ultimately reducing the absence from work and school).

Versatile: Easy and convenient connection for drinking bottle, tap (garden/kitchen), Jojo tank, borehole tap, hippo roller lid

Suitable for camping and hiking: All your clean and safe drinking water needs on the go

For more information on the Village Water Filters, visit their website hereunder

TAAG Angola Airlines

TAAG Angola Airlines (TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola ) is a state-owned airline and flag carrier of Angola The airline offers domestic services within 18 destinations in Angola, and 16 international destinations in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The airline now offers a direct flight to Spain, Madrid (see page 16 for more information)

TAAG presents itself as a leading company for modernisation of aerial transportation in Angola, through a reliable and financially sustainable operation that promotes Angola's image all around the world

Operation Security & Reliability:

TAAG ensures the following:

A strict compliance with all operational safety, safety and quality rules in all of TAAG's operations; A strict collaboration with national and international regulatory entities;

A total commitment to punctuality and reliability in our operations; Passenger Service Excellence: Passengers are served in a professional and courteous manner.

TAAG adapts the features of its services to the needs of its passengers Environmental Awareness: The promotion of measures of environmental awareness within the Company.

TAAG works to minimise the environmental impact of its operations by adopting environmental accountability criteria; e g the cutlery and crockery used in the hospitality services is environmentally friendly, and the airline is currently working towards amending the environmental accountability criteria, and aligning it with the emerging era of Sustainable Renewable Energy

For more information on the TAAG Angola Airlines, visit their website hereunder

Values and benefits of TAAG Angola Airlines:

Ms Yvonne Skerritt, Regional Sales Manager

WHERE IS THE ARCHITECTURE OF OURCITIESHEADING?

PabloCorrotoPradillo|FounderofÁh!

If I have learnt anything from my trips, living and professional experiences all around the world, it is the importance of interaction; the interaction between everything, even between concepts and not its definition by itself

When I write about interaction I'm talking about relationships, connections, and this is what it's all about The relationships between people, between the environment and people, and the connections between the objects that make up the environment has a name: ECOLOGY

Ecology is a branch of science that studies the relationships of different living beings with each o t

Why start with this and not with the title of this article or even with: Sustainability and Architecture of the future of our cities?

Henceforth, to advance or create a future, it is necessary to know the past; the history; and the origin of things Therefore, to be or commit to sustainability, it is necessary to know the relationships and interactions that make a system, any system, sustainable In this sense, architecture has been and will continue to be a medium that brings together a substantial amount of interactions from which we can learn to apply to other disciplines and other aspects of our immediate reality

Architecture is not the only medium that will lead us to sustainability However, since our buildings and cities represent such a significant part of any culture (socially, economically, environmentally and even philosophically), it is the most impactful tool that will lead us to sustainability. It has become a good starting point with which to generate sustainable systems or ecologies However it is vulnerable to over-exploitation and failure to innovate in different directions, thus becoming an enemy to sustainability. An analysis is therefore necessary to ascertain whether it is indeed good in all scenarios

Essentially, let us answer the question that gives the title to this article: Where are we going? What are the reasons and the motives why Architecture has become an essential material to achieving sustainability?

“Philosophy takes shape: other forms of sustainability”

We need to understand as a society the importance of architecture in sustainability, its methodology and its ability to influence the development of cultures and social behavior, both from a technical and philosophical perspective

We could give three fundamental reasons that reveal where we are going; three reasons that have produced the evolution and fundamental role of architecture as a generator of sustainable ecological systems in our contemporary cities:

The rise of green capitalism. The circular economy craze Social change

Towards green capitalism

Green capitalism (or eco-capitalism) recognises that capital and profits are equally dependent on environmental protection and sustainability The construction sector can pave the way towards green capitalism by adopting models that place people and planet alongside profits. The use of green materials has a ripple effect on the design of buildings and cities, addressing environmental challenges at the scale of the unit However, to achieve the full benefits of green architecture along with functionality and cost-effectiveness, a strong level of design integration is required.

Naturally sourced materials do not require energy-intensive manufacturing methods, unlike those produced industrially Their negligible carbon footprint helps to control energy consumption, develop renewable energy and build local circular economies

A shift towards green capitalism requires a deep understanding of natural materials, especially in their local contexts. New materials are being complemented by the rediscovery of old ones such as rammed earth, straw bales, bamboo and stone, all of which are non-toxic, safe, durable and versatile At the same time, the age-old skills of generations of builders need to be re-examined to lay the foundations for an appreciation of vernacular building practices

Towards a circular economy

Circular construction is a buzzword: contemporarily everyone claims to be circular In practice, however, recycling rates worldwide are below 9%, with not enough secondary material to meet demand The circular economy redefines the way the world consumes and produces goods and services It is an economic, but also a social framework that seeks a shift in the consumption of finite resources and seeks to eliminate waste and pollution The transition to natural architecture has come to the forefront of design conversations, with an emphasis on reuse, repair and recycling of materials

Environmental challenges are driving research into the use of locally collected resources and sustainability to encourage the reuse and recycling of materials Energy saving and ecofriendly practices inherent in natural architecture can also be hybridized by using technology to optimize material properties. The potential of the latest generation of bio-based building materials will drive the transition to a carbon-neutral, healthy and circular built environment

Societies must preserve and strengthen local architectural cultures and promote a diverse range of building solutions that can be used in multiple contexts and scales This requires a review of our economic and social model, revisiting the relationship between humans and their environment Natural materials not only call for an ecological way of building, but also for a new way of living

Towards a social paradigm shift

The current ethos of "green" architecture is narrow and manifests itself as technological attempts to improve the energy efficiency of a building This social paradigm, especially in architecture, seems fixed in the modernist movement that built structures that were decontextualized and disconnected from their surroundings The old harmony between humans and nature remains a relic of the past, when it could navigate social change towards an ecologically balanced world.

As Winston Churchill said, "we shape our buildings, then they shape us" Architecture forms a framework around how we live, our actions, our health and our social relationships. To stimulate a change in society's values, it is vital to change the architecture that shapes our daily behavior

The green revolution will bring about a change in economic and social structures and therefore influence the built environment. Green architecture is not a single miracle, but one element of a wide range of strategies A truly green form of architecture can and must contribute to the next paradigm of sustainable environmental transition.

We must emphasise the need to return to our ancient worldview of humans as an integrated whole in the biosphere The buildings of the future must be alive, the product of a circular economy, consuming its own waste and residues like any living ecosystem

The role of architecture in achieving sustainability and combating climate change goes beyond controlling building emissions or using sustainable materials

TAAG’S EXCITING NEW AIRCRAFT BRINGS FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TOGETHERTHISFESTIVESEASON TAAGAngolaAirlines

A Boeing 777 aircraft will be joining TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet this festive season From the 16th of December, the Johannesburg–Madrid route gains this mighty aircraft, which will provide an increased capacity to successfully meet travelers’ needs, connecting loved ones over the busiest time of the year

For those needing a vacation, TAAG’s new aircraft addition offers the chance to go on a spectacular Spanish holiday whilst traveling in comfort and style This Boeing 777 will fly passengers from Johannesburg to magical Madrid with ample seating space, ensuring that the whole family is included.

The opportune timing of TAAG’s capacity upgrade over December means that travelers can experience Madrid at its best, when its grand plazas, palaces and striking architecture sparkle with impressive light displays for the festive season Famous for its premium retail, Madrid is the perfect place for festive shopping Other seasonal draws include Christmas markets and fairytale ice rinks Together with exceptional c i i h i l M d id h

TAAG Angola Airlines’ Boeing 777 aircraft opens up a whole new world of availability and experiences, bringing peace of mind, convenience and new travel opportunities to those who want to fly over this bustling period. Its expanded capacity empowers TAAG to reunite families and friends over the time of year when being together is the priority for many

TAAG airlines additionally offers a network of destinations in Europe via Madrid allowing passengers to travel on a codeshare basis to London, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan, Geneva, Zurich, Brussels and Porto This includes domestic destinations in Spain namely the cities of Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Vigo, Malaga, Bilbao, Valencia, and Seville Choose TAAG to reunite with friends and family and explore the wonders of the world over this festive season!

SA’S SUPERFOOD PRODUCER GETS FINANCIALBOOST

OriginOrganics

The range of Origin of Moringa products are available in Dis-Chem and Pick n Pay stores across the African continent and selected local pharmacies as well as a major online player in the health foods / superfood space

Founded by Julian de la Hunt and Llewellyn Marshall in 2018, Origin of Moringa was created with the dual purpose to both develop communities as well as create a range of nutritious food using the many health benefits offered by the moringa tree.

The boost in sales, one of the few companies that saw an increase in sales during the hard lockdown periods caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, is a combination of not only the nutritious product that they sell, but the variety available

Origin of Moringa doesn’t just sell the moringa powder in its pure or capsule form, but also sells a health tonic, tea, moringa infused salt and pepper, health bars, porridges, soup, sugar-free peanut butter, lollies and hot chocolate drinks, rusks and a range of cosmetics – all infused with the superfood

Says de la Hunt, one of the reasons why the business has been able to increase its presence and sales is the company’s ability to innovate and create new products that hold the nutritious value of what is referred to as “green gold” Moringa is packed with proteins, nutrients, vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B-6, folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc

Two years ago, the business sourced funding from financial services provider, Fedgroup Fedgroup Impact Farming is an investment platform where South Africans can invest directly in a moringa tree on one of Origin of Moringa’s organic farms and earn proceeds from the sale of the tree’s harvest. Moringa trees are available at R100 per tree Investors can expect an average profit of 10% per annum over the three-year investment term, with returns starting out low and ramping up over time as the trees mature

The Fedgroup Impact Farming funding platform, is a world first Created not only to allow investors to gain exposure to tangible assets, but also to create innovative funding opportunities for farmers whose needs have been left unmet by traditional finance avenues.

“Origin of Moringa was founded to build communities and provide nutritious food We chose to partner with Fedgroup and its Impact Farming platform because the business holds the same values as we do Not just in fair business practices but also their commitment to playing a positive role in every interaction that they have,” says Marshall

SA superfood company, Origin of Moringa, has more than tripled its sales year-on-year since its products reached South African supermarket shelves three years ago.

THECOSTCOMPETITIVECORROSION

SOLUTION

ColumbusStainless

When choosing metals for longevity and low maintenance, stainless steel is the obvious choice This is due to its distinctive corrosion resistance, long life giving characteristic in various aggressive environments whilst maintaining its original properties and aesthetic appearance. Columbus Stainless is the company that is spearheading the manufacturing of this material in South Africa and has been in operation for more than 50 years

Columbus is a member of the Spanish-based Acerinox S A Group of Companies and Africa's only producer of stainless steel flat products Founded in 1966, Columbus Stainless is the only fully integrated, technologically advanced, singlesite stainless steel producer. The plant is based in Middleburg – Mpumalanga and produces a wide range of Austenitic, Ferritic, Utility, and Duplex grades of stainless steel suitable for most applications and has the melting capacity of 1 000 000 tons per annum to supply stainless steel flat products (coils, plates, and sheets) to various final customers, distributors, engineering shops and mines globally (e g in Africa, Europe, the United States, Asia, etc )

Corrosion can be defined as the process of gradual destruction of materials by a chemical reaction with their environment It degrades the useful properties of metals and structures including strength and their structural integrity as a result of mass loss and inevitably perforation Most metals and metal alloys tend to revert to their natural stable states from exposure to moisture in the air For example, carbon steels are made up of iron and a combination of other alloying elements Without any surface protection, they tend to form a coating of rust (iron-oxide) which is brittle and exfoliates, exposing a new fresh surface of the steel to be attacked by the immediate environment This cycle continues with devastating effects on equipment and structures Stainless steel has a unique advantage in that a thin, tenacious, and self-repairing passive chromium oxide layer forms on the surface of the steel This oxide layer gives the steel its unique corrosion-resisting properties in most environments The steel must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium for this passive layer to form. Stainless steel is known for its superior corrosion resistance and is mainly used in the bare mill finish without the need for additional protective coating systems to enhance corrosion protection

Columbus Stainless produces the three main families of stainless steel namely; standard and utility ferritic, austenitic and duplex stainless steel The main properties and successful applications are listed below, indicating their strengths and versatility in a wide range of applications

Ferritic Stainless Steel: Commonly known as plain chromium steels Ferritic stainless steel contains at least 10 5% chromium, additional alloying elements to improve corrosion resistance, strength and welding properties can be added for the various grades.

Common examples are 430, 409, 441 and 444

Standard ferritic grades, e g 430 are used mainly for aesthetic applications like cutlery, cookware as well as applications like roofing, cladding and decorative trims Grade 441 which contain additional alloying elements like niobium and titanium for stabilisation and higher strength at high temperature, is mainly used in robust applications like in the automotive industry for exhaust pipes and catalytic converters

Molybdenum containing ferritic grades, e g 436 and 444 exhibit higher pitting and general corrosion resistance Because ferritic stainless steel grades are resistant to stress corrosion cracking, they are used in applications where their austenitic equivalents (i e 304 and 316 respectively) cannot be used like hot water systems

Utility Ferritic Stainless Steel: 3CR12® is a low cost utility ferritic stainless steel developed by Columbus Stainless and used widely throughout the South-African mining industry as a cost effective solution to corrosion in a wide range of structural applications It has excellent properties in wet-abrasion conditions due to its superior strength, moderate corrosion resistance and good slideability Applications are widespread and include materials handling environments in mines and coal wash plants. It is used for applications such as ore cars and wagons, chutes and launders as well as shaft steel work, chimney stacks, ducting, roofing and cladding (most commonly poultry and piggery buildings), walkways including grating, hand rails, stairs, electrical boxes and security fencing It is also widely used in sewage processing plants and municipal water storage tanks

Successful Application: 3CR12® Coal wagons and life cycle costing case study.

In 1985, trial coal wagons were manufactured out of 3CR12 in the hot rolled and annealed (HRA) surface finish. These wagons are used to transport coal between Ermelo and Richards Bay They have a payload of 80 tons and make the journey roughly five times a week Before 3CR12, the wagons were made from Cor-Ten, but these only lasted 8-12 years, with refurbishment required after five years Over the years, inspections of these coal wagons have been conducted, of note, the study done in 2012, after 27 years of service The wall thickness of these coal wagons was measured using extensive ultrasonic thickness measurements. The mild steel wagons recorded corrosion-abrasion wear rate of 160 micrometres per annum (160μyr) Compared to mild steel, the metal loss of 10μyr was recorded for 3CR12 wagons in this application. From these measurements, 3CR12 coal wagons in this environment have a predicted total life of 65 years Mild steel wagons would have to be replaced roughly 8 times in this time period, significantly increasing costs and potential lost production time.

Austenitic Stainless Steel: This family of steels contain iron alloyed with chromium and nickel for improved properties. They have excellent formability and fabricability and exhibit good strength properties both in cryogenic and very high temperatures These grades are used extensively in the food and beverage industries, petrochemical industries, high temperature application – due to great oxidation resistance

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA

Standard austenitic grades, e g 304, contain high contents of chromium and nickel Typical example is grade 304 which has great success in applications demanding high hygienic properties such as in agriculture and abattoirs (including dairy processing and meat handling equipment, food and beverage storage tanks); catering and hospitality (cooking utensils, food processing equipment, cold storage; and health care industries for medical equipment and surgical tools) The regulatory safety requirement in these industries is that there must be no measurable chemical reaction between the metal surface and the product (e.g. food). This ensures the product is not contaminated with metallic constituents or corrosion products

Molybdenum containing austenitic grade, 316, exhibits increased general and localised corrosion protection and is used in more aggressive environments. Main applications include the manufacture of tank containers for the bulk transportation of chemicals, gases and corrosive liquids; processing tanks in the chemical and petrochemical industries; Pressure vessels.

Heat resisting grades (309 and 310S) contain much higher chromium and nickel contents than the standard austenitic grades for improved high temperature oxidation resistance and can maintain reasonable strength at very high temperatures. They are successfully used in heat exchangers, heating elements, burners and combustion chambers and electrical elements

Duplex Stainless Steel: Duplex stainless steel grades contain a mixed microstructure of austenite and ferrite They have characteristic high strength, resistance to stress corrosion cracking and superior corrosion resistance Popular grades include lean duplex 2304 and standard duplex grade 2205. Successful applications are in the paper, pulp, chemical, petrochemical and mining industries for various processing equipment and storage tanks Their superior corrosion resistance can withstand even harsh marine environments.

South Africa boasts a wide variety of large industries, including power generation, mining, farming and manufacturing To support these diverse industries, the steel industry lies at the helm Stainless steel has proven itself as a multifunctional and adaptable metal of choice and has proven successful in many application and offers great value to the manufacturing industry. It remains a cost competitive, low maintenance material of choice contributing to long term sustainability; being 100% recyclable and manufactured using recycled material Columbus Stainless is proud to have contributed to the development of this material over five decades and will continue to do so as Africa and the whole world continue to grow Indeed the future of manufacturing is Stainless

EXCESSIVE SPEEDING AND THE LAW -ACOSTLYPURSUIT!

Spellas Lengert Kübler Braun Incorporated (“SLKB”)

Section 59 of the National Road Traffic Act (“the Act”) states that it is an offence for a person to drive a vehicle on a public road at a speed in excess of the general speed limit, which for urban roads is 60 kmh, roads outside an urban area but which are not freeways are 100 kmh and 120 kmh for freeways

Law enforcement officers will issue an offender with a ‘ticket’ for speeding if caught driving in excess of the prescribed speeds above In these instances, offenders are given the option to make payment of the fine imposed or contest the charge in Court. These so-called minor traffic offences are also referred to as admission of guilt fines Where an offender chooses to pay the fine, he admits his guilt to the offence, without having to appear in Court

However, for offenders who speed in excess of 30 kmh in urban areas and 40 kmh outside urban areas and freeways of the prescribed speed limit, the Act regards as in a serious light and makes no provision for a payment of an admission of guilt fine. Law enforcement officers are required to arrest offenders and criminally charge them with reckless and negligent driving, in terms of Section 63 of the Act

An offender is either summoned to appear in Court or imprisoned and may then be released on bail The offender will have to appear in Court and face criminal prosecution of the alleged offences Section 35 of the Act prescribes that, offenders who are convicted of this offence shall have their licence suspended for a period of at least six months on their first offence, five years if it is their second and ten years if it is their third offence

Lastly, if an offender is convicted of reckless and negligent driving, Section 89 of the Act further empowers the Magistrate to impose a fine or term

of imprisonment The offender will have a criminal record, which remains for life unless expunged

What about the ‘AARTO’ Act? In a nutshell, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act has been promulgated with the purpose of administering traffic offences, which are previously dealt with by the criminal law system AARTO will prescribe most traffic violations as infringements, subject to fines and demerit points, whilst only the more serious offences will be subject to criminal prosecution, where a court appearance would be necessary

Although the AARTO Act intends to decriminalise certain traffic offences, it will however implement a points demerit system, in which one’s driving license is suspended for three months for every point exceeding the threshold for demerit points Three suspensions will result in the cancellation of your license with the resultant effect of having to re-do both learner’s and driving tests Despite the AARTO Act having been implemented, the points demerit system has taken effect on 1 July 2022

THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF DIGITAL MARKETING – WHAT RUBIX CUBE HASLEARNTINTHELASTFEWYEARS

RubixCubeDigital

Here are Rubix Cube´s quick tips on the world of digital marketing, based on our fruitful and exciting experiences since 2017.

Our first pro-tip:

Always remember that consumers are constantly being bombarded with content so instead of spamming them with low quality content or sharing too much too quickly, rather become consistent in your posting. By scheduling posts and focusing on quality over quantity, you will maintain your professionalism and give consumers time to process and appreciate your content This will keep your business´ online presence competitive and avoid crowding your brand with unnecessary posts

Our second pro-tip:

The more you know, the better It is essential to have clearly defined your target audience in order to design content that appeals to them and creates an impressive customer experience This knowledge will also dictate the best digital channels to market through to directly reach these desired consumers Your valuable idea, business, or product is unique and deserves a unique marketing strategy, which means that researching your competition is essential in ensuring that your strategy is a step ahead of the rest

Our third pro-tip:

There are only up-sides to seeking professional assistance Seeking expert advice for digital marketing will give your business a competitive advantage, allow your marketing to reach new customers and markets faster, and optimize the business´ existing services It will also allow your business to grow multiple revenue streams and explore cutting edge capabilities and solutions If this appeals to you and your business, click here to schedule a consultation with Rubix Cube.

For more information on the Rubix Cube Digital, visit their website hereunder

ENJOYTAX-FREESHOPPINGDURING YOURHOLIDAYS

ZappTax

Anyone whose main residence is outside the European Union has the right to a VAT refund on purchases made in the EU and taken home, in their luggage, to their country of residence

While tax-free shopping is a great and profitable option for non-EU residents, the process used to be complicated and cumbersome.

ZappTax has made it its mission to facilitate the VAT-refund process so that everyone who is eligible can simply take advantage of their right to save.

Why use ZappTax?

Simple, fast, and easy process

You can download the app and create your profile When shopping, simply ask for an “invoice including VAT in the name of ZappTax”. All merchants are legally obliged to issue such an invoice on request All you need to do is take a photo of each invoice and upload it to the ZappTax application

Applies to all your purchases, with no maximum, even your on-line purchases

Once you’re done with all your purchases, you are a few clicks away from generating your tax-free form. You will need to validate this tax-free form when leaving the EU: from France and Spain, you can scan the document directly from your smartphone at a self-service terminal; in Belgium, by showing your passport to the customs officer

Our international team is here to help you on every step of the way, we are available via in-app chat, email (support@zapptax com), phone, and social media

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA EVENTS

SCC UPCOMING MEETING AND EVENTSCALENDAR2023

DATE MEETING / EVENT

Friday, February 10 SCC 1st Board Meeting

Monday, February 13 European Trade and Investment Networking Event Cape Town

Friday, February 17 SCC Gala and Awards Dinner

Thursday, February 23 EU Chambers Budget Presentation with Mazars - Speakers

Wednesday, March 8 International Women's Day - Leadership on the Couch with IE and ABSA

Thursday, April 20 SCC 2rd Board Meeting in preparation for AGM

Tuesday, April 25

Takatso Lunch Event: FSACCI & SCC

Mar/April (TBC) The Presidency Investment Conference for South Africa

Thursday, May 25 Africa Day with IE Business School

Friday, May 26 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Sunday, June 4

June (TBC)

F1 Spanish Granprix Race in Barcelona at Casa De España

Virtual Networking With the Spanish Chambers in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Senegal & Tangiers Members

(NB*) Dates are a subject to change and more topics will be added

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA EVENTS

DATE MEETING / EVENT

Friday, July 21

Wednesday, July 26

SCC 3rd Board Meeting

Knowledge Café : Managing Projects using PPP - Prof PD Rwelamila

TBC EU Delegation Discussion with Mr Roberto Cecutti - Firs Counsellor, Head of Trade & Economic Section Delegation of the EU to RSA

Thursday, August 17 (TBC) Current State of South Africa in preparation to for 2024 - Speaker Moeletsi Mbeki

Friday, September 15

September (TBC)

Tuesday, October 3

Friday, October 27

SCC 4rd Board Meeting

Round Table with Spanish Agri Association with Ambassador & ABSA

EU Golf Day Johannesburg at Randpark Golf Club

EU Golf Day Cape Town at Westlake Golf Club

October (TBC) Round Table Discussion with International Affairs Ministry & DTIC and Invest SA

Sunday, 12 November Spanish Festival Paella & Tortilla de Patatas Competition

Friday, 17 November

SCC Last Board Meeting

(NB*) Dates are a subject to change and more topics will be added

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA RESEARCH THECIRCULARECONOMYMARKETIN SOUTHAFRICA

ICEXEspañaExportacióneInversiones,E.P.E.

The current global trend is heading towards an economic model where the traditional linear economy, “take-make-dispose” system, is heading towards an end. This new economic model, which transcends across all sectors, is a new turning point for many countries and their economies, including South Africa

South Africa is currently in the process of taking profound decisions regarding its future development Following the global trend of green and inclusive development, the country may be facing what will be the cornerstone of a postcrisis economic recovery

While the circular economy is gaining traction internationally, the rise of circularity in the world's major economies (Europe, North America, and other countries such as China) will inevitably face the consequences for extractive-based economies such as South Africa. The implementation of a circular economy at the national level offers opportunities in the face of future resource constraints and volatile international markets, while unlocking the socioeconomic benefits (particularly job creation) associated with economic growth This implementation also offers opportunities to develop local value-added industries and to compete in export markets that impose increasingly stringent environmental requirements on products.

South African research currently reveals a clear trend towards the development of this particular economy In fact, both its top leadership and a wide range of national legislation, economic tools and state support directly support economic initiatives and processes in which the principles of the circular economy are readily applicable

Traditionally, the circular economy has been linked to the waste sector, offering alternatives

to the traditional method in which waste is managed Ninety per cent of waste generated in South Africa is still landfilled, which translates into business opportunities for the sector, although many of these will not be accessible to Spanish companies.

This is mainly due to the following factors:

The amount of waste traded by South Africa is relatively low, and often part of the international operations are between neighbouring countries Opportunities in this respect are therefore limited

Management of the waste sector is mainly carried out by public bodies and companies, which in many cases collaborate with large private companies established in the country, leaving few alternatives for the entry of new companies

Finally, informal activity plays an important role in the value chain The informal sector is made up of so-called "waste pickers", citizens who independently, mainly as a subsistence activity, collect and sell waste It is estimated that there are currently between 90,000 and 215,000 waste pickers in the country

South Africa trades a small amount of the waste it manages with other countries, in fact, in 2017, South Africa managed approximately 55 6 million tonnes of general waste, of which 400,000 kg was for international trade activities (export and import), which is a relatively very small amount. In fact, an estimated 131,196 tonnes of general waste was imported, representing less than 1% of the total general waste generated in South Africa in 2017, while 690,050 tonnes was exported, accounting for 3% On the other hand, South Africa imported an average of 168,592 tonnes of hazardous waste per year, representing less than 1% of the total hazardous waste managed

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA RESEARCH

Thus, while improving waste management is essential, its scope for increasing circularity is limited, leaving little scope for new business opportunities Moreover, the South African economy needs to develop a new national development model that involves the progressive abandonment of its extractive orientation of nonrenewable resources for export and energy generation, a model that could provide new possibilities for Spanish companies

South Africa remains one of the most coalintensive economies, and one of the main greenhouse gas emitters Therefore, the main opportunities for applying circular economy principles are in resource-intensive sectors, which are also the country's key sectors, such as mining, agriculture, water and energy

Sergio

Merino Romeo.

Click here to read full report.

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA RESEARCH

THEENTREPRENEURSHIPECOSYSTEM INSOUTHAFRICA

ICEXEspañaExportacióneInversiones,E.P.E.

The South African entrepreneurship ecosystem is one of the most promising on the African continent The country has stronger support institutions than much of the rest of the continent, a stable entrepreneurial ecosystem and a growing rate of start-ups and raving success cases In 2020, 660 start-ups were created in South Africa, higher than the previous year

South Africa is Africa's most industrialised economy, has a highly developed financial sector and has the most mature start-up ecosystem in Africa Entrepreneurship in South Africa is a key economic lever to achieve economic growth in the country, given the need to reduce unemployment, more especially youth unemployment, and inequality through wealth creation

Therefore, the government has recently recognised the important role that start-ups and SMEs can play, and is offering an increasing number of incentives and grants to encourage entrepreneurship in the country However, the country must overcome structural challenges affecting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, such as the dual economy, understood as the existence of two separate economic sectors within the country; the lack of infrastructure development and the low quality of education

Meanwhile, the private sector has been at the forefront of strategies aimed at job creation and business growth in South Africa There are a growing number of entities and associations that encourage the creation of new businesses, through access to finance, training or mentoring

In terms of South Africa's international positioning in entrepreneurship, international rankings reveal that the country lags behind most developed countries, but has the most advanced

entrepreneurship ecosystem on the African continent It is the only African country in the StartupBlink study's global top 50 and, regionally, Cape Town and Johannesburg are ranked as the second and third most attractive cities on the continent

In terms of South Africa's international positioning in entrepreneurship, international rankings reveal that the country lags behind most developed countries, but has the most advanced entrepreneurship ecosystem on the African continent It is the only African country in the StartupBlink study's global top 50 and, regionally, Cape Town and Johannesburg are ranked as the second and third most attractive cities on the continent

Two types of entrepreneurship ecosystems can be found in South Africa On the one hand, the ecosystem located in Johannesburg and Pretoria, in the Gauteng province, where 45.5% of start-ups are concentrated, and which operates on the basis of government investment and private sector funds directed towards entrepreneurship On the other hand, Cape Town and Stellenbosch ecosystem in the Western Cape, where 50% of the companies are based This market is more akin to the more mature ecosystems, made up of angel investors and venture capital, rather than government funding

Among the most successful South African startups are those with a high technology component and those that aim to improve the current state of the economy or society and seek solutions to existing challenges in the market One of the most outstanding and, fastest growing success stories in the country are Yoco, a financial technology company that sells dataphones and online payment services that aims to contribute to the financial inclusion of small establishments; and

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA RESEARCH

Sweep South, which offers jobs to disadvantaged individuals through a cleaning app that connects service seekers with cleaning professionals

With regard to the South African entrepreneurial profile, the unequal distribution of wealth in the country generates two different types of entrepreneurs. On the one hand, there are individuals who take advantage of existing opportunities in the market; these tend to be middle class and educated On the other hand, there are those who undertake business out of necessity, with a lower percentage of people with education and income

In terms of financing methods, start-ups have different options depending on their stage of development and their financing needs. Thus, in the early stages of the company, when the business plan is being outlined, the most common sources of funding are subsidies, through public programmes to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; angel investors; and crowdfunding. As the company starts to generate revenues, venture capital and bank loans become more important as sources of financing

Funding, both in terms of the number of start-ups that are supported, and the total amount raised, has generally increased year on year, especially in the last three periods, and 2022 is expected to be a record year for South Africa The ecosystem has a growing angel investor network, which needs to be stimulated, a small but established venture capital industry, and a nascent venture capital network Venture capital investment in South Africa has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years In 2022, an estimated €81 million was invested in 122 entities in 167 funding rounds, 12% more than in 2019.

The fintech sector is the fastest growing sector, although the five sectors that attracted the most investment by number of deals were software, financial technology, enterprise products and services, consumer products and services, and healthcare

In order to boost the start-up ecosystem, South Africa has a variety of incubators and accelerators, such as Bandwidth Barn, the oldest

incubator on the continent There are also a variety of associations and platforms that organise a wide range of events, workshops, networking events and provide coworking spaces across the country These associations offer practical information on entrepreneurship and are a good opportunity to expand the network of contacts and facilitate access to funding.

While funding available to start-ups is increasing rapidly, access to finance is one of the main challenges to the growth of entities in South Africa. Banks are more likely to place capital in post-development stage entities, while the public sector is making greater efforts to assist startups with appropriate incentives

In order to set up successfully in South Africa, an entity must comply with South African law. This starts with registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), as well as with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for tax collection

In terms of the main trends among start-ups, the financial sector, information technology, consumer discretionary, communication services, tourism and healthcare are particularly relevant Both start-ups in these sectors and all other companies will be influenced by a process of digitalisation and an increased importance of products with environmental characteristics

South Africa is a country of opportunities, with experience in successful innovative and technological projects It has a strategic and geographical comparative advantage that can be leveraged for success It is positioned as a priority destination for start-ups but needs to take urgent steps to combat structural challenges. The country needs to become more competitive, boost infrastructure, improve skill levels and take advantage of existing opportunities

Click here to read full report.

Mónica Olaso Ozaita

SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH AFRICA RESEARCH

WHATARETHEBENEFITSOFUSINGA RECRUITMENTAGENCY?

PolyglotGroup

It happened. Your best worker has handed in their resignation – the clock is ticking – the countdown is on. You need someone to replace them, but who? Where do you even begin?

The hiring process is a laborious task, depending on your industry, your candidate requirements, and the role; it can range from a week, to seven months for c-level positions. In addition, there is the added issue of it being a candidate-driven market Candidates call the shots and it is up to you to entice them

There are many factors to consider when hiring. You need to be aware of industry salary averages and expectations, you need to think about what kind of candidate you want and, more importantly, for your bottom line – how much time can you dedicate to this process without hindering your company’s workflow and productivity?

You might turn to a recruitment agency If we stripped it to its bones, a recruitment agency matches an employee to an employer. That’s in its simplest form, however; a recruitment agency does so much more The benefits include; time saved, better alignment, competitive edge and reach

1. Time Saved

To get the best employee, you need to invest your time. As mentioned earlier, time can vary dramatically depending on multiple factors Whatever end of the spectrum you are on, time is going to be spent – you are in control of how much The benefit of using a recruitment agency is that they can take that burden off your shoulders They minimise time spent by you, undertaking the numerous and necessary tasks required to select an ideal candidate.

A recruiter being a third-party also helps you stay realistic and can act as a time-keeper in a sense, letting you have a higher chance of getting the most qualified candidate. 57% of Australian HR managers concur, stating that a lengthy hiring process has resulted in them losing a qualified candidate to another opportunity Time and money are inextricably linked It can be difficult, even impossible, to balance one with the other in the hiring process, without external help

Therefore, how does a recruitment agent help, besides taking on those manual tasks? A way to look at it is that a knight’s quest can at times be no different to a fool’s errand Clarity is what a recruiter can help you find There is always going to be a dream employee in your mind However, if you cannot differentiate between what is essential to your company and what would be an added-bonus, you are going to find yourself in one of two scenarios:

A candidate who fits all the requirements on paper but does not suit the company culture No candidate at all

A recruiter helps you understand what is out there in the market and what is essential to the role, and what isn’t

In addition, time is saved in regards to filtering A recruiter plays as the middle-person who ensures that the candidates you see are closely aligned to what you require With the average corporate job posting receiving 250 resumes, it’s not surprising that a study by MRI Network found that unqualified, junk resumes from job boards were the most common issue for 23% of employers, when it came to finding qualified talent

2. Better Alignment

If I asked you to describe yourself, you wouldn’t be alone in struggling just a bit to figure out what to say However, if I asked you to describe a colleague or a friend, you would more than likely have a much easier time describing them An external point-of-view can help you identify and conceptualise what you and your company need. Company culture is an incredibly important factor to consider Someone could have all the requirements, but if they can’t resonate with your company’s ethos or are unable to cooperate or fit in with their team, this will not be a sustaining relationship.

A misalignment between your brand and a candidate is a serious issue Values are extremely important, they don’t need to match perfectly between employee and employer, but if they are conflicting – it will be costly. According to the U S Department of Labor, the cost of a bad hiring decision could be up to 30% of the individual’s yearly potential earnings A recruitment agency can prevent that misalignment from happening through understanding your company and vetting candidates

Recruitment agencies interview and assess candidates prior to short-listing them to be viewed by a company. A two-step process involves, firstly, an interview which will let recruiters assess a candidate’s competency for the role based on their previous experience Secondly, skills tests and psychometric assessments are employed Psychometric assessments are designed to measure intellectual capability and their personality traits in relation to the position This type of in-depth vetting exponentially increases the chance of a better company fit

3. Competitive Edge

We are in a candidate-driven market. Candidates have the upper-hand which leads to high competition between companies The pressure is on, and recruiters can help significantly According to Zippia, 89% of applicants accept a job faster when contacted by a recruiter.

Another big benefit of using a recruitment agency is the knowledge and connections they possess A recruiter’s job hinges on connections and a large candidate pool. A recruiter’s connections can give you a competitive edge when attaining top talent They can provide you with salary guides and give you market insight so that your company can get the best talent – before other companies

In addition, C-level hiring is especially difficult without a recruitment agency C-level candidates are one of the hardest groups to reach and to place The candidates themselves don’t have time to actively job search, and it’s especially difficult for hirers to find and identify good ‘potential’ clevel executives that aren’t at that level yet It’s important to hire a candidate based on their history, leadership qualities, personality and their ability to grow into the role The higher and more niche you go, the smaller the candidate pool becomes, and consequently, the harder it becomes to find the right talent

Recruitment agencies have the ability to find talent that is not necessarily obvious Having a candidate that has years of successful experience in the c-level sphere in a different company does not necessarily make them a good fit for yours This is supported by Ron Johnson’s (former Apple Retail CEO) 17-month tenure at JCPenney Although on paper Johnson seemed to be what JCPenney needed in regards to revitalising their image, he was wholly unsuccessful He failed to understand the company’s culture, brand and couldn’t differentiate between his Apple customers and JCPenney consumers

A recruitment agency identifies a candidate’s value and can take into account what they can offer as a means of growth for your company A recruiter has the knowledge and time to consider that. Their connections with senior people in the industry assist significantly in discovering hidden talent – talent that your competitors may not have considered, or even know about!

4. Reach

A big problem we have at the moment when it comes to hiring, which is a symptom of a candidate-driven market – is passive talent. So what do I mean by that? Passive talents are those that are currently employed, not looking for work, but would accept a good job offer Not the easiest to find and they account for a massive 70% of the market

However, they provide the most opportunity for you As they aren’t actively job searching, you won’t have to compete with other companies A recruiter can significantly help with reaching those hidden talents . As it’s their job to be aware of current and upcoming trends and news within the industry, they will be able to source talent that you may never have even considered

In addition, recruiters within the industry have amassed a massive pool of high-quality candidates As mentioned earlier, a good recruitment agency establishes good, long-lasting relationships Having someone, in this case a recruiter, who already has a rapport with the candidate, you are more likely to reach them. We as humans don’t like to delve into the unknown; having a mutual acquaintance can be assuring, and makes us more likely to consider and accept an offer or at the very least, a meeting

CONCLUSION

I’m not going to lie, the idea of using a recruitment agency is a contentious topic, controversial even. Everyone has an opinion, and usually it’s either one extreme or the other, which is usually spurred on by past experiences As with any industry, there are good and there are bad apples

However, it must be said that recruitment agencies are very powerful tools in attaining talent They have a wealth of knowledge that can be and should be utilised by your company Their job is to find what you’re looking for and match it with someone who is a Good Fit for your organisation. They are there to help. To not even consider a recruiter or agency to help you, you are shutting the door to many possibilities – most that could have been an even better option for your company