Pre-order the Galaxy S6 edge+ Now!

Samsung Electronics is excited to announce that pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 edge+, the latest addition to the Galaxy flagship range, are now open. 

The Galaxy S6 edge+ boasts impressive fast charging capabilities for wired and wireless charging, making the wireless charger pad the ultimate accessory for this innovative device.

The revolutionary new device offers an exceptional multimedia experience with its 5.7-inch curved Quad HD Super AMOLED screen. With 4K (UHD) video filming and Live Broadcast, Galaxy S6 edge+ users can instantly live stream full HD video straight from the smartphone through YouTube Live.

Customers can visit www.samsung.com or their network provider’s website to pre-order now. For consumers who are eager to get their hands on the latest technology, but don’t want to wait in a queue, pre-ordering is the perfect solution.

The stunning Galaxy S6 edge+ handset will be available in Namibia from September 2015, with 32GB or 64GB storage options in in Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum*.

Full details and product images are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com.

*May differ depending on network provider.

Engen Refinery successfully completes planned maintenance outage

The Fuels section of the 120 000 barrels-per-day Engen Refinery is up and running, following the completion of a 30–day maintenance outage at an estimated cost of over R150 million.

The planned outage forms part of the facility’s annual scheduled maintenance programme aimed at ensuring that it runs safely and reliably, says Engen Refinery General Manager, Jehan Zaib.

“The refinery’s zero tolerance on overdue statutory equipment and unplanned shutdowns has seen a steady increase in reliability over the past four years. This is necessary to ensure continuous supply of adequate volumes of fuel for the country,” adds Zaib.

Excellent performance

Maintenance Manager, John Naidoo, says Engen Refinery is currently running at 99.8%. “This performance will be maintained by ensuring that all work is done as per the planned outages.”

The outage ended with excellent health, safety and environment (HSE) metrics – there were no fires, health issues, falling object incidents or flogging injuries, as well as a leak-free start-up.

“We conformed to all legal requirements and ensured all our assets complied with routine testing of fitness for service and that all equipment is licensed to operate for its term,” adds Naidoo. “All safeguarding and protection equipment and systems were tested to ensure they function on demand. We also took the opportunity to address routine maintenance or services as recommended by the original equipment manufacturer, for critical equipment.”

During the outage period, 828 vessels were opened, with firm safety risk mitigation strategies in place. To demonstrate the refinery’s commitment to safety, the outage operated with participation from Engen safety officers and watchers, operations management and contractor management.

Furthermore, daily audits and walkabouts were carried out by Engen’s senior leadership, including the GM of the facility, operations and maintenance leadership, contractor leadership and members of Engen’s Safety department.

A great job

Zaib says the refinery is proud of successfully managing impressive timeline, budget and HSE returns, given the increasing scarcity of skilled resources. “This was an area of concern. The same individuals are sought-after main contractors for projects and shutdowns all over the country. To mitigate for that, we increased supervisory and foreman levels to ensure all tasks were adequately managed,” he adds.

Giving back

The refinery created an extra 2 472 extra contractor jobs during this time.

In addition, 70% of contracted personnel were from the Durban South Basin, mostly from Wentworth, the refinery’s immediate neighbour. “Engen is proud to give back to the communities where we do business, most notably the Durban South community where we are located,” says Zaib.

Outside of the maintenance outage, Engen remains firmly committed to maintaining a refinery that operates safely, at optimal efficiency and with the lowest possible environmental impact, says Zaib. “This enables us to continue with our anchoring job of ensuring a secure supply of fuel products for the country, thereby supporting economic activity.”

Real estate in Africa continues to drive growth potential, says Standard Bank

A growing consumer middle-class, powered by rapid urbanisation and shifting demographic trends is driving both property demand and growth opportunities in the real estate industry across the African continent.

“Increasingly, both foreign and local investors are seeing the growth potential of Africa, spurred by rising consumer spending of Africa’s developing middle class”, said Gerhard Zeelie, Head of Real Estate Finance (Rest of Africa) for Standard Bank. “Economic growth and ongoing investments in infrastructure are opening up previously inaccessible markets.”

Some of the key African countries that are realising opportunities for real estate investment include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia. Although lower commodity prices had impacted on growth forecasts for some of these countries, there is still a shortage of quality real estate assets, he said.

However, real estate investments in African markets are not without risk, Mr Zeelie warned. Among which were the impact of unpredictable regulatory changes, complex legal regimes, volatile local currencies, and limitations on investment timeframes and exit strategies.

In particular, regulatory uncertainty precipitated by the ever-shifting policy environment is impacting negatively on investor sentiment, he noted. “It creates a climate of risk aversion, with some investors reluctant to commit themselves to developments with long planning horizons. Instead they hedge their bets by adopting wait-and-see approaches.”

Yet, despite these risks, many investors and developers were taking a long-term view to a market’s macro-economic outlook, rather than viewing short-term cyclical shocks in isolation.

However, investing in Africa is by no means a one-size approach, each market has its own specific dynamics and opportunities, he said.

“Investors must remember that the continent is not a single, homogenous jurisdiction. Investors often make the mistake of regarding Africa as a uniform landscape but it’s critical to identify the countries and sectors that offer the best opportunities and match them with their own expertise.”

A key factor to consider is the long term sustainability of generating foreign currency returns in markets which are experiencing increasing commercial and regulatory pressures to move to local currency economies.

Yet, in a number of markets across Africa, demand for high-quality retail, office and residential space continue to outstrip supply, he said.  International and local developers are looking to increase their exposure across markets in Africa, and for opportunities to establish a strong retail foothold in cities where little or no formal retail existed.

“We are seeing the scale of developments growing rapidly, with increasing participation from local developers who are seeing and starting to capitalise on opportunities in this space,” Mr Zeelie said.

Mobile typing is faster and more spacious with Zagg keyboards now in South Africa

Sophisticated, sleek and functional Zagg keyboards for iPads and tablets are now within reach thanks to Gammatek, a leading distributor of branded technology accessories in South Africa.

The company has just introduced the Zagg range of folios and keyboards to its bevy of smart mobile device accessories.

“Zagg keyboards turn iPads and tablets into productive business and networking devices, making it easier and more convenient for people to type, send emails and do their work on the go,” says Zev Cherniak from Gammatek.

Amongst the Zagg products now available in South Africa is the Zagg Folio the iPad Mini and iPad Air 2. The Zagg Folio is a super thin, protective, wireless and Bluetooth enabled keyboard. Its unique hinge holds the screen firmly in place at virtually any angle while spacious keys make it easy to type faster and more accurately. It features a powerful battery that keeps the folio going for up to three months between charging.  The Zagg Folio hinged keyboard cases come in two variations: with and without backlight.

Key features:

·      Multi-angled – The unique hinge offers 135⁰ of viewing angles, just like a laptop.

·      Ultra-thin – At a mere 6.9mm, the folio is one of the thinnest keyboards available.

·      Protective – A leather textured cover protects the iPad and keyboard, and looks good at the same time.

·      Spacious – Designed to deliver up to 30% more typing space than most tablet keyboards, the Zagg Folio offers increased comfort and efficiency.

Another super iPad keyboard solution for people on the move is the Zagg Slim Book Keyboard for iPad Mini and iPad Air 2. The Slim Book is a detachable wireless and Bluetooth enabled keyboard which holds the screen at a range of angles and allows for four different modes: keyboard mode, video mode, book mode and case mode. The Slim Book is powered by one of the world’s most powerful batteries to keep it going for up to two years between charges.

Key features:

·      Multi-angled – The unique hinge offers 135⁰ of viewing angles, just like a laptop.

·      Ultra thin –The Slim Book is easy to carry around with you wherever you go.

·      Bright – Backlit, island-style keys maximise space for faster, more natural typing even in low-light conditions.

For smartphone users and users of small tablets (up to eight inches) there is the Zagg Universal Pocket Keyboard. A clever, foldable wireless, Bluetooth enabled keyboard and stand, the Zagg Universal Pocket can be used with a variety ofmobile devices. It is the easiest on-the-go solution to smartphone typing. Delivering over 85%of the size of a desktop keyboard, the Pocket enables fast, efficient typing and then folds up into a compact, protective, travel-size case that easily fits into pockets and purses. Unlike other folding keyboards, the Pocket folds between lines of keys to preserve comfortable key spacing.

Key features:

·      Natural and spacious – Offers over 85% of the typing space of a desktop keyboard.

·      Portable – Its unique foldable design allows the Pocket keyboard to compress into a simple, compact size so that it can easily slide into pockets and purses.

·      Smart – Magnets keep the Pocket folded neatly and help maintain battery life by automatically turning it off when closed.

·      Convenient – A built-in stand secures smartphones and small tablets at an ideal viewing angle for simple and convenient use anywhere.

These must-have Zagg keyboards are available at leading retail outlets. For information on your nearest stockist please contact Gammatek on 011-201 0800.

Learners to attend summit in Sweden

The Department of Water and Sanitation will on Friday take three learners from Matlhari High School in Limpopo to participate in the World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden.

The three learners, Camilla Mashele, Nhlonipho Nukeri and Hlengi Makumbila will attend the summit from 23 till 28 August.

The learners will represent South Africa in the World Water Prize competition after winning the South African Youth Water Prize competition earlier this year.

“At a tender Grade 10, the three learners from the rural village of Shikwambana in Limpopo proved to be a force to be reckoned with as they beat the odds and came up with a brilliant scientific project,” the department said.

The project is aimed at water conservation through the reduction of water leaks in households and overflow of water in reservoirs using cell phone services.

The learners will compete against some of the renowned technologically advanced countries like China through the presentation of the project.

The learners have been awarded laptops and bursaries from the Department of Water and Sanitation to study any water related course at a South African university of their choice.

The South African Youth Water Prize Competition is a competition run by the Department of Water and Sanitation aimed at aspiring young water scientists in high schools across the country.

As part of the competition learners are tasked with coming up with innovative technology that will assist the water sector in alleviating water shortages and improve water related service delivery.

– SAnews.gov.za

WesBank embarks on initiative to ensure businesses don’t suffer from load shedding

The crippling effects of ongoing load shedding have been felt in every sector and more businesses are searching for solutions to curb losses.

In an exciting development, WesBank, South Africa’s leading financier of moveable assets has signed an agreement with industry leader Turner Morris to assist local businesses in minimising the impact of electricity load shedding.

The venture will see WesBank offering finance packages for businesses to purchase all stationary prime and standby generators generator in the Turner Morris business line-up.

“It is an unfortunate reality that load shedding is here to stay for the next few years, but we’ve seen that South African businesses are tenacious and want to adapt to challenging conditions in order to remain profitable,” says Gerald Burton, CEO of the WesBank corporate division.

“Here at WesBank we also like to adapt to what the market demands, and have come up with a solution that reduces the immediate financial impact of buying a generator. Our Turner Morris finance packages are suited to all businesses – coffee shops to factories.”

The International Monetary Fund has already forecast that South Africa’s GDP will only grow by 2.1% in 2015, and energy experts have estimated that load shedding can seriously affect the economy. It is estimated that ten hours of stage one load shedding, per month, could cost up to R20 billion, while more severe stages could see that figure climb to as much as R80 billion per month.

The Turner Morris standby generators are available to meet the power demands of a wide range of businesses (vets, hairdressers, motor dealerships, cinemas, fisheries and other commercial industries that manufacture goods and services). The business generators are designed to be installed permanently on-site, and have fuel tanks that will provide a stable power supply for up to eight hours. They are equipped with world-class engines from either Perkins or Cummins and are recognised as reliable assets for any business. Additionally, they are backed up by full support throughout South Africa and the rest of Africa.

WesBank offers finance for all business generators stocked by Turner Morris, with models that have outputs ranging from 12.5kVA to 2 000kVA. The generator finance deals for the selected models are structured over 60 months, and at an indicative interest rate of 12%. Instalments, including all associated fees, are R3 075 per month for the 22kVA model; R4 345 per month for the 66kVA model; and R5 510 per month for the 110kVA model. However, terms and conditions do apply. Turner Morris offers installation of all its generators, which will activate a one-year/2 000 hour warranty. Installation also includes an automatic mains failure panel and an automatic transfer switch, to ensure seamless operation when grid power is lost.

BankservAfrica Economic Transaction Index (BETI) shows growth

The BankservAfrica Economic Transaction Index (BETI) showed growth of 2.4% on the past year, surface evidence that economic activity is fairly stable. However, the growth is off a low base, following the impact of the strike season in July last year, which hit the South African economy hard. “The headline BETI number therefore hides a decline in economic activity in July 2015 as both quarter-on-quarter and month-on-month activity decline,” said Mike Schüssler, Chief Economist at Economists dotcoza. “The decline however is just not as much as July 2014, making the annual increase the largest in two years.”

The BETI remains extremely volatile, with three of the last six months indicating declines and the others showing increases.

The harsh reality of lower commodity prices and power shortages indicate a declining start to the second half of the year for the South African economy, Schüssler added.

“The economy is on something of a wild rollercoaster ride, and there is no hiding the fact that activity is fluctuating with the short term up-and-down nature showing a clear lack of real direction.”

As a co-incident indicator, the BETI has a close relationship with Gross Domestic Product which indicates that while quarterly growth in the economy should be weak, the annual change should still be around 2%.

Most of that growth however was in the fourth quarter of 2014 which, impact aside, had a 4% annualised change. Activity measured by economic transactions via South Africa’s payments operator BankservAfrica has been very volatile over the last two years, indicating uninspiring economic performance.

“All this mercurial activity indicates that the only stable trend is very weak growth. The increasing risk from lower commodity prices and infrastructure constraints indicates a higher likelihood of even weaker growth or indeed decline,” says Schüssler.

“Economic activity changes with no clear trend make for risk reduction decisions. But this in itself can lead to even lower growth in the economy. Other economic indicators also paint a mixed picture with the PMI indicating slow growth compared to declining vehicle sales.”

The actual number of transactions via the BankservAfrica system - as measured by the BETI - shows a 2.1% increase over the year to R86.3 million. The average value per transaction grew at 5.4% in nominal terms to R8 433 per transaction.

The standardised value of the BETI transaction increased by 7.5% on a year ago to R693.45 billion for July 2015, while the standardised transaction value in June 2015 totalled R709.6 billion, indicating the volatile nature of economic activity within South Africa at present.

The BETI may seem stronger but the headline growth is effectively built on quick sand, Schüssler added.

Umlilo set to add fire to screens

The much-anticipated and sizzling Umlilo is back on the small screen for a second season on Monday, 10 August at 9PM.
 
Umlilo offers both a heart-stopping mystery, and a deep emotionally charged family drama. The series follows the Simelanes, a moderately affluent Johannesburg family headed by the dynamic patriarch Mnqobi  Simelane (Hamilton Dhlamini), a self-made businessman  in his 40s , who is in a polygamous relationship.
 
In the season one finale episode, Dumile (Nokuthula Ledwaba) and Spikiri (Daniel Hadebe) finally discovered that Khwezi (Nomzamo Mbatha) is not who she says she is. Dumile tried to stop the wedding between her husband, Mnqobi (Hamilton Dhlamini) and Khwezi with the evidence she dug up, only to discover that Khwezi found incriminating evidence against her: A sonar scan of the baby Dumile once carried. Dumile therefore had no choice, but to allow and ‘bless’ the marriage of her husband and his nyantsi.
 
In Season 2, Khwezi joins the other two wives and Mnqobi’s daughters, Andile (Omuhle Gela) and Phindile (Fezeka Katise) in their new house. Just when Khwezi thought she’s finally silenced her number one threat, the drama continues. Mnqobi’s first wife, Celebsile becomes  suspicious and Khwezi, and her uncle (Welcome Masoja) realize they have a new threat on their radar, especially after their plan to murder Dumile fails. Khwezi is determined to keep her past buried, while she continues her plans to destroy the Simelane clan.
 
“Season One was a humbling hit; we received an overwhelming response from our viewers. Season 2 promises even more sizzle. The production team has turned on the heat with a bigger and broader entertaining plot to keep viewers glued to their screens,” says Monde Twala, e.tv’s Managing Director.  
 
The verdict is still out on whether Khwezi will be successful in her quest for revenge on Mnqobi Simelane. 
 
Don’t miss Umlilo, every Monday at 9PM on e.tv.