Get these #Android apps now to accelerate your startup business

Are you looking to set up a small business of your own? Get started by choosing the right digital tools and technologies to help you be more efficient and effective wherever you are. Here is a selection of great Android apps that Alcatel recommends for Small Business Week.

Business Plan

This app allows you to create a business plan with ease, either alone or in collaboration with your business partners. The app helps you by:

Teaching you how to think about each section of your business plan
Giving you the tools to map out your business plan and share it with friends and co-founders
Enabling you to ask an online entrepreneur community for advice
Get it here.

Weebly

Weebly makes it easy to create and edit a website, blog, or online store from its app interface. Use the intuitive drag-and-drop website builder—designed for touchscreen—to create an attractive and customised online home for your business. You can:

Monitor site activity in real-time, for example, blog comments, site traffic, store orders and more from one interface
Process and fulfil orders, add products, check inventory, and receive notifications when a new order is placed
Instantly accept payments from Stripe, Square, or PayPal
Create a blog and stay connected to your visitors
Get it here.

Evernote

Evernote gives you the tools you need to keep your work organised:

Write, collect and capture your ideas as searchable notes, notebooks, checklists and to-do lists
Take notes in the form of text, sketches, photos, audio, video, PDFs, web clippings and more
Organise your receipts, bills and invoices
Get it here.

Free Invoice Generator

Free Inovice Generator enables you to instantly create invoices on the go. All you need to do is complete the invoice and print or download as a PDF file. There's no need to sign in or sign up to use the app.

Get it here.

Slack

Slack is a collaboration platform that brings all your communication together in one place. It is real-time messaging, file sharing, archiving and search for modern teams. It's a great way to drive collaboration when employees aren't always in the same building. It also integrates with many tools that businesses already use, such as Dropbox, Trello and Zendesk.

Get it here.

Google Docs, Sheets and Slides

Apps included are word processor Docs, spreadsheet editor Sheets, and presentation maker Slides. Managing even complex documents is relatively simple and the suite is compatible with Microsoft Office files, so you can transition between your desktop computer and your mobile device.

Get them here.

Zoho

Zoho CRM Mobile Edition lets you access your CRM data anywhere, anytime from your mobile phone. This enables you to stay on top of the latest business developments, collaborate with your team and make the right business decisions, no matter where you are.

Get it here.

Business Card Maker

This app allows you to create, save and share your own professional digital business card. The business card can also be used as your digital identity and and e-card.

Get it here.
 

DJ Cleo on the hunt for new rapper

There is no doubting that South African hip hop is on top of its game. So many artistes have amassed both wealth and fortune on the hip hop sphere.

Now talented multi-award winning veteran producer DJ Cleo is searching for a "fresh and young rapper" to work with on a "massive" new hip-hop project.

"I have always produced hip-hop artists including Pitch Black Afro and Slikour.

"I am looking to expand my footprint in the hip-hop space and want to work with someone who is fearless. If the collaboration works, I want to help them launch their career," he said.

DJ Cleo said he was looking for someone who was "free-spirited".

"I'm looking for a rapper who is not scared or rigid. Someone who is free and won't be scared of putting their energy into music without holding back."

Interested artists can submit their music to www.djcleo.co.za

Survivor Chenin Blanc 2016 gets big award

Overhex Wines International's Survivor Chenin Blanc 2016 was announced as one of only 4 Chenin Blancs to score a Top 100 victory at the recent National Wine Challenge – incorporating Top 100 SA Wines – as selected by a stringent wine judges' panel, chaired by Master of Wine (MW) and UK wine critic, Jamie Goode.

This stellar performance was announced at a premier event held in Cape Town on Tuesday, 25 April, during which South Africa's Top 100 wines were recognised and awarded.

The National Wine Challenge is a premier fine-wine-only event, held annually, and seeks to identify South Africa's finest wines, from a selection of over 500 entries, which a panel of wine judges taste and rate to extract what they deem are representative of the country's Top 100 wines. 

In addition to being one of only few Chenin Blancs to be included in the Top 100 Wines list, the Survivor Chenin Blanc 2016 also received a Double Platinum rating, indicating a score of 91+/100.

The Survivor Chenin Blanc 2016 is a barrel-fermented wine, made from grapes sourced from the acclaimed Swartland wine region. This wine has collected its fair share of awards this year and in addition to the Top 100 rating, the Survivor Chenin Blanc 2016 also scored 4 ½ Stars in Platter's Wine Guide, received a 91/100 rating in the internationally acclaimed Decanter Wine Magazine and walked away with a coveted South African Airways (SAA) wine listing.

The Survivor Chenin Blanc 2016 has a recommended retail price of R110.

World Economic Forum kicks off in Durban tomorrow #WEF2017

The 2017 edition of the World Economic Forum on Africa returns to South Africa this week. This exclusive club of jet-setting haves of this world, better known globally for its annual January get-togethers in Davos on the Swiss Alps, is set to descend on Durban on the altruistic mission to "help Africa achieve inclusive growth".

The WEF is scheduled to start in Durban tomorrow. The meeting will discuss initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth in Africa.

More than 1 000 business, civil society and government leaders – including 10 heads of state – from more than 100 countries and 620 organisations will attend this year.

President Jacob Zuma, along with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Finance Malusi Gigaba, is expected to welcome the delegates officially.

Leaders from other countries who will attend include: Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of Zambia; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of Mauritius; Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet, Prime Minister of Gabon; Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of Namibia; Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda; King Mswati III, King of Swaziland; Macky Sall, President of Senegal; Wolfgang Schäuble, German Federal Minister of Finance; and Brigitte Zypries, German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy.

It is quite fitting that this meeting returns to South Africa, a country of stark contradictions where millions of have-nots live in squalor and deprivation, often a stone's throw away from a few living in the lap of luxury, and to Southern Africa, the most unequal region on the continent.

The men and women in sharp suits at Durban's International Convention Centre this week will be reminded that all their efforts will come to nought if the three related and mutually reinforcing developmental challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment - are not tackled hands on!

All set for TOPS at SPAR Wine Show Jo'burg for the fist time at #MonteCasino

Welcome to Winederland where the stars are red, white and wild! Kicking off the 2017 national tour, the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show is back in Johannesburg, and for the first time at Montecasino, to present its 12th spectacular "pourformance" of South Africa's most loved wines and bubbly from 25th – 27th May 2017.

The wonderful world of wine awaits those who crave a bit of magic and plenty of adventure. After searching the far reaches of the Northern Cape's dry arid regions and the lush Western Cape's winelands, the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show's selection of the best of the best is sure to entertain your senses in a wine show like no other.

Among signature experiences is the exclusive Café Cru Sparkling Wine Bar hosted by Miguel Chan, head sommelier for the Tsogo Sun group where visitors can immerse themselves in the glitz and glam that's synonymous with bubbly. Also on show and back by popular demand, is the interactive and edutaining Wine Theatre. There's also a range of VIP packages over and above general access this year. Think exclusive and private tastings of premium wines and fine food pairing, VIP lounge access, a special gift, snacks and canapés, and, and, and….

Named the best consumer exhibition in its category at the 2017 AAXO's Organiser and Exhibitor Awards, this year's TOPS at SPAR Wine Show is in a league of its own and encourages all wine lovers, from casual wine drinkers to pros, to taste and buy the country's best bottles directly from the wine producers at cellar door prices.

Tickets are available online with new ticketing provider, Ticketpro. General admission is R120 online or R140 at the door. It includes a tasting glass, all tastings and access to the wine theatre and a map to help navigate the show. For prices of all other VIP packages please go to www.wineshow.co.za.

Details:

-          Dates: Thursday 25th May – Saturday 27th May 2016

-          Time:

o   17h00 – 21h00 (Thursday & Friday)

o   15h00 – 21h00 (Saturday)

-          Venue: Montecasino, Johannesburg 

Boity Thulo thrilled to be hosting new motoring show #ChangeDown

South African motor heads are in for a treat!

That is the promise of renowned media personality Boity Thulo who has hinted that she will bring her A game to Mzansi Magic's new 13 part motoring and lifestyle show - Change Down.

Speaking to Sunday World, Thulo who also co-hosts popular e.tv musical show Club 808, said that she will be authentic.

"We're taking viewers across the country showing them motoring trends in ekasi, right through to the suburbs. Viewers must just fasten their seatbelts and gear up for a roller coaster motoring experience featuring celeb guests," she said.

If you are a car fanatic, then this show is for you. Don't miss Change Down tonight at 7pm on Mzansi Magic DStv channel 161.

Gift Ngoepe makes history as the first African to play in the #MLB

Baseball, baseball, baseball!

The sport has gradually grown throughout Africa and on Wednesday evening, history was made at the PNC Park in Pittsburgh when Gift Ngoepe became the first African to play in the Major League Baseball.

The Polokwane born hard hitter played a staring role in the Pirates 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs

"We finally have someone from Africa that made it to the big league. Representing my country and continent and them pushing me every single day is awesome support and love from them," Ngoepe told MLB.com just after the match.

Ngoepe began playing the sport aged three and has previously played for South Africa at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

While budding soccer players across the continent look up to the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Yaya Toure and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for inspiration, baseball hopefuls have a new light to look at.

Thembi Seete waltzes into radio #MassivMetro

"Its about time, to listen to Thembi.. Yeah yeah"

Yeah that's right! In a glamorous entertainment career spanning well over 20 years, Thembi Seete has decided to waltz into the radio industry.

The Rhythm City actress will co-host a mid day afternoon show alongside comedian and Isibaya actress Celeste Ntuli and veteran media personality Zola on DJ Sbu's new radio venture, Massiv Metro.

"I feel like I'm finally ready to conquer the mic. This is something I've always wanted to do for a very long time. I was approached to do Massiv Metro and after a lot of convincing, I agreed. I am still very nervous but I have been going to workshops and I am starting to accept myself and finding my feet," she told the Sowetan adding that she will remain as authentic as she has always been.

It definitely will be interesting to hear her voice on radio again... Well, not as a musician this time around.

Be sure to catch Thembi on her show - The Takeover with Thembi Seete - from 4-5pm every weekday on Massiv Metro from Tuesday.

Bottomless Craft Beer Festival lands in #Soweto

The 1st annual Bottomless Craft Beer Festival is happening in the historic suburb of Soweto, Johannesburg on 30 April 2017.

A celebration of good friends, great food and epic brews, the festival promises to tantalise the taste buds of attendees while their cups runneth over with homegrown flavours. This interactive platform allows visitors from far and wide to sample a multitude of beers produced by microbreweries, while they also enjoy the finest gourmet street food Soweto has to offer.

The event spectacular focuses on supporting and promoting small local breweries by encouraging them to be innovative, experimental and explorative with their mixes and creations, thus bringing interesting new beers to the market for the South African public to enjoy.

Other fun activities at the event include foosball tables, table tennis, cornhole and beer tasting and pairing, as well as a banging DJ line up to get the party started.

The festival has also partnered with Uber South Africa to help ensure that everyone gets to the festival and back home again safely and in style. Patrons can use the code BCBF to get R50 OFF their first ride.

Tickets cost R250 and can be purchased with the Zapper mobile payment app. This safe and secure app can be downloaded for FREE from the app stores of Apple, Android or Windows phones, and gives users R25 off their first transaction.

Ticket price includes:

– 1 x entry to the fest

– 1 x food meal voucher coupon,

– 1x collectible glass and

– Limitless craft beer sampling.

The Zapper QR code to pay can be found on the Bottomless Craft Beer Festival 2017 Facebook page, or on the day. All tickets purchased with Zapper can be collected at the designated Zapper desk at the festival venue.

Date: 30 April 2017

Venue: Soweto Equestrian Centre, Rockville Soweto.

Time 11am-7pm

5 reasons to buy life insurance while you're still a young adult

You're under 30 years old, you don't have any children yet and you're in prime physical health. You might think that you don't need life insurance yet, but the truth is that there is no better time to invest in life cover than when you're young.
 
Taking a life insurance policy early in your life is a step towards responsible financial planning and a great investment in your future and your legacy, says Bryan McLachlan, Managing Director of Absa Instant Life. What's more, it's easier than ever to go online and buy affordable cover in 15 minutes, with no fuss and no medical checkups.
 
He offers five reasons why millennials should think about buying life cover:
 
1.       A policy costs less when you're young and healthy
When you buy insurance at a young age, your insurer will see you as a low-risk client and offer you a lower premium. You'll benefit from that lower premium for the 20-year duration of the policy, meaning that you'll already be affordably covered by the time you buy a house or have children.
 
2.       You can get something back if you don't claim
Many life insurers pay back a proportion of your premiums at the end of a specified period or at the end of the duration of the policy. Absa Instant Life, for example, pays back up to 20% of your premium every 10 years if you don't claim. This can be a nice windfall to contribute to your bond repayment or your children's education.
 
3.       Leave a legacy for the people you love
Even if you don't have children, you may have someone in your life who depends on your income. Perhaps you have bought a house with a long-term partner or a spouse. If something happens to you, their financial future will be assured.
 
4.       Take care of your debts
Depending on your circumstances, your family might have signed surety for debts such as your vehicle repayment, your bond or your student loan. A life policy can take care of these debts, leaving them with one less thing to worry about.
 
5.       Many life policies also offer cover for disability or critical illness
One of the best reasons for young people to buy life cover is to provide for themselves if they are unable to work as a result of a critical illness or accidental disability. Work Disability Cover will work for you when you are unable to work and provide for yourself. It will ensure you and your dependants can maintain your lifestyle if you become disabled or ill.