Thursday, 23 April 2015

Nu Metro Menlyn Park Gets Some AngelBerry

Theres a new kid on the frozen yogurt block and its starring right at the cinema! cinema

UK based frozen yogurt franchise AngelBerry, is now available in South Africa. AngelBerry is a brand new, premium yogurt that is low in carbs and 100% natural, making this frozen yogurt the best guilt-free option when those cravings hit.

AngelBerry has the perfect menu for whatever the weather or occasion. Their menu includes a variety of delicious frozen yogurts and toppings, blenders (smoothies), parfaits, cones and freshly-made American-style pancakes.

With over 60 different frozen yogurt flavours on offer, there is something for all tastes. From good old favourites such as Vanilla, Strawberry and Belgian Chocolate to wicked indulgent flavours such as Strawberry Cheesecake, Crème Brulee and Apple Pie. Of course the fruit standards such as mango, kiwi, banana and granadilla are also available.

A big part of AngelBerrys offer and differentiation is their big focus on a low-carb, stevia-sweetened range of flavours. Stevia, a plant-derived sugar substitute that contains no calories and is sweeter than sugar but better for you. The AngelBerry Stevia range currently includes Vanilla, Chocolate, Wild Berries, Cookies & Cream and Mango.

AngelBerry recently announced its partnership with Nu Metro Cinemas to open the first AngelBerry cinema store at Nu Metro Menlyn Park in December, with official launch details to be announced shortly.

"Nu Metro Cinemas is excited about the partnership with AngelBerry, which will offer cinemagoers a delicious, health-conscious treat to savour while going to the movies. It all forms part of our aim to give customers a fun and unique movie experience not found anywhere else in SA including catering options beyond the expected fare," states Nitesh Matai, Nu Metro Cinemas marketing executive.

"I am extremely excited to introduce AngelBerry to the South African market. AngelBerry offers a premium fro-yo that is a cut above the rest. It is a low calorie, low carbohydrate product designed for diabetics, weight-conscious and generally health-conscious consumers, but with a supremely premium taste, making it a first for the SA frozen yoghurt industry. We are also very excited to partner with Nu Metro as this gives consumers the opportunity to indulge in the delicious guilt - free desert whilst watching their favourite movie," says Managing Director of AngelBerry SA, Pregasen Francis.

AngelBerry is now available at Shop 21, Kyalami on Main and Nu Metro Cinemas Menlyn Park.

State Awards TEMIC To Manufacture Poynting's DigiAnt

Tshwane East Manufacturing Incubation Centre (TEMIC) is one of the companies that has been awarded the "Supply and Delivery of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Outdoor Antenna and related accessories" USAASA tender.

Launched in 2014, TEMIC was established through a joint venture undertaking between Poynting Antennas (Pty) Ltd (Poynting) and Lawrence Global Manufacturing primarily for the local production of the DigiAnt digital television antenna.

Being a leading antenna manufacturer that designs, manufactures and sells cellular antenna products and related equipment mainly to the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, Poynting CTO, Dr Derek Nitch is the mastermind who designed this novel antenna and it has been patented worldwide.

"We are excited that the DigiAnt is part of the digital migration," says Poynting SkunkWorks Unit Manager and TEMIC CEO, Eduard Walker: "DigiAnt is the first new type of television antenna invented in roughly fifty years and offers unsurpassed performance. It can be collapsed using swivels to allow for a packaging size of around ten times less than equivalent antennas. Most of the antenna consist of precast aluminium parts making mass production repeatable and easy while allowing full local production by TEMIC"

The production of the DigiAnt marks a milestone in South Africa's progress towards digital migration and it brings great opportunity for social and economic development in the Tshwane East area.

Through the enterprise development programme of TEMIC, SMMEs will be incubated to partake meaningfully in the business and manufacturing opportunities emanating from the massive Broadcasting Digital Migration to be implemented in South Africa as well as other African countries. The Incubation Centre will also promote the development of small businesses involved in the production of high pressure aluminium die casting and steel fabrication products.

Dr André Fourie, CEO of Poynting says that TEMIC is passionate about moving digitalization forward in Africa: "We are proud that a South African designed antenna will form part of providing low income citizens with access to educational content, information and entertainment.  By being part of the digital migration TEMIC will make a long term difference to all South Africans via access to digital TV content, but also by TEMIC establishing new high tech manufacturing capacity and building new companies in our industry via its business incubation activities."

How Do You Sell Ice To An Eskimo?

1. Make sure the market wants what you’re selling

You may think your product or service is fantastic but will people buy it?  Businesses that know who their customers are and what customers are going to respond to, hit the bull’s-eye every time.

2. Target those who value what you’re selling most

People are paying for quality and service so all efforts should be made to convey your dedication to quality and service.

3. Clearly communicate the benefits of your products

Are you able to clearly and quickly articulate the benefits you’re offering? Features describe the product while benefits reinforce what the product does for the consumer. For example, a feature of a car is an airbag, the benefit is increased safety during high impact car accidents.

4. Understand how your customers buy

Do you know your customers? Do you have demographic and lifestyle information on your best customers? Do you know whom you want to target and who is most likely to purchase from you?

 5. Differentiate on value, not price

Is your product better value than your competitor’s offering? If so, are you clearly and persistently communicating that to your target buyers?  If not, how can you improve it?

 6. Listen twice as much as you talk—listen hard, sell soft

Customers will tell you what they want, need and are willing to pay for. Just ask them and listen carefully to the answers. Consider focus groups, surveys, Web feedback or polls.

 7. Make it easy for your customer to buy from you

Have you ever felt that a business is not really interested in your business?  It can be difficult to speak to someone, no one to provide you with critical product information or no quote/pricing information being provided.  Identifying obstacles in competitor’s sales processes can provide a huge opportunity.

8. Sell to the person, not the company

People buy from people. Showing an genuine interest in your customer, understanding their requirements and providing a solution will make your sell so much easier.

9. Awesome service equals repeat sales!



About Exceed UK

Exceed UK is an accounting and consulting  firm based in the UK.  They have business growth protocols and resources especially tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. Contact Exceed UK (www.exceeduk.co.uk) today to learn how they can help you grow a more profitable business on +44 (0) 1784 439 955.

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Revamp Your CV And Land Your Dream Job

By Francine Mashabela

The source of frustration and desperation for many people, especially the youth, is the difficulty to find work. Unemployment remains a huge problem in South Africa and this requires government and business to continue to work together to find solutions. There are a few things you can do for yourself though to improve your chances of landing that dream job.



This week we look at how you can position yourself and stand out amidst hundreds of job applicants applying for the same position as you are by revamping your CV and making it work for you.



Your CV is your marketing tool. A couple of years back, Professor Jonathan Jansen, Rector of the University of the Free State pointed out in his letter addressed to the jobless graduate, a few mistakes which may be costing you the opportunity to get hired. If your CV is too long, not presentable, has grammatical errors, has inconsistencies and recounts your life history, you are committing mistakes that will land your CV in an unattended pile like so many others.



Your personality and strengths should shine through in your professional profile. A short paragraph describing your strengths and work ethic as well as your career goal will help you to stand out. Also take note that employers want to see that:



 You have the required skills to handle the job. So customise your CV to reflect the relevant skills. If you don’t have the necessary experience, Careerealism.com advises that you stress your education and other skills that will show the prospective employer that you can do the work and will hit the ground running. Use the time while looking for work to improve on your technical as well as soft skills (people and life skills).

 Will go the extra mile in your job. You can reflect this through volunteering your services while waiting to get that job. Volunteering will give you valuable experience, which will come in handy when you finally get that job.

 You are proactive. Project initiatives of your own will show the prospective employer your strengths and value-add.

 You take pride in your work. Your CV should be presentable and concise.



Keep the length to two pages. Don’t forget the cover letter, which should be to the point, reflect your relevant skills and show you off as enthusiastic and passionate about your work.



If you haven’t mastered the skill to achieve the above with your CV, it is advisable that you invest in having your CV professionally written. P.S What is most important in this whole process is that your stay positive and determined throughout. Make it happen for yourself.



Twitter: @ FranMashabela, Email: francine.mashabela@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Uniquely U Personal Development and Career Management Services,

Blog: careeronpoint.wordpress.com



Francine Mashabela is a Career Guidance Practitioner and founder of Uniquely U Personal Development and Career Management Services, a company dedicated to assisting individuals and groups with tools for personal development and career growth. She uses her experience in HR and education and training to help clients reach their dream career goals. Francine is also a radio presenter at Impact radio 103 fm.

Four Things You Need To Know To Grow Your Business

The four ways to grow your business are:

1. Increase the number of customers of the type you want to have

2. Increase the number of times customers come back

3. Increase the average value of each sale

4. Increase the effectiveness of each process in the business (or, increase your productivity)

That’s it. There are no more.

These four factors will give you critical focal points for growing your business. When combined together, they also give you enormous leverage. For instance, given that you could increase each one of the factors above by just 10% (not too difficult a task), the total combined effect of that is an impressive 46.4% increase in your business.

Is it possible to do that? Yes, it is.

By applying the four ways to grow judiciously, you can make that percentage increase not just possible, but highly probable. Exceed UK can help you discover dozens of strategies to help grow your business. And it all relates back to these four ways to grow.

About Exceed UK

Exceed UK is an accounting and business advisory firm based in the UK.  They  have business growth protocols and resources especially tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. Contact Exceed UK (www.exceeduk.co.uk) today to learn how they can help you grow a more profitable business on +44 (0) 1784 439 955.

Super Heroes Première in Joburg #AvengersJozi

Johannesburg, where the super hero movie Avengers: Age of Ultron was filmed last year, will also be the host of the movie’s premiere on 22 April. Shooting the movie in the city confirmed the status of Johannesburg as a leading filmmakers’ destination with investments that will benefit the city’s economy.

“Johannesburg is a premier global, all year round business, filming and leisure destination for local, national and international audiences as well as the gateway to Africa. It is a world-class African city offering world class facilities and skills,” says Ruby Mathang, the City’s MMC for Economic Development.

Various roads in the central business district were closed when the movie was shot between 14 and 24 February last year by Walt Disney International. He also thanked residents for their patience and support during the shoot. “The trust that Walt Disney and Marvel has shown in filming in Johannesburg, elevates the City of Johannesburg’s profile. We could not have achieved this without the co-operation of the people of Johannesburg and the professionalism of the city’s film industry.”

Mathang congratulated the film community of Johannesburg for delivering such excellent service to the producers of The Avengers during filming that showed that the City of Johannesburg is home to world class film professionals. “We have the infrastructure and technical expertise that international filmmakers can rely on to efficiently and cost-effectively produce their films, as well as a historical past and a future that inspires many script writers to develop captivating stories and use our city to create fascinating visuals,” he said.

As well as excellent infrastructure, ideal weather for filming throughout the year and a diversity of accessible locations, Johannesburg is also an affordable destination. Mathang expressed the city’s commitment to creating an environment in which the private sector can thrive and confidently invest in the film sector. The film industry is important for economic growth in the city, as well as its reputation as a world class African city and business hub.

The latest in the Avengers series starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, James Spader and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, opens in South African theatres on 24 April. South African audiences can look out for the Johannesburg skyline as well as amazing inner-city action in key sequences when earth’s mightiest heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.

“The value of film to the City is significant, with the Gauteng film industry contributing some R2.5 billion ($ 360 million USD) to the economy of the province.  Therefore this film is important to Joburg from both an economic, revenue-generating perspective, as well as a branding and marketing angle,” says Mathang. “The previous Avengers film was viewed by an estimated 200 million people worldwide and we’re hopeful that even more fans will flock to see this film, ensuring that destination Joburg becomes a household name!”

Rugby Bonanza To Descend In Soweto

The City of Johannesburg in partnership with Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation as well as the Soweto Rugby Club, will again host a rugby tournament at the Braamfischer Multipurpose Complex in Soweto, from 24 April.

The Soweto Rugby Tournament will be preceded by a diner to honor the success of this tournament which has produced 13 professional rugby players since its inception 23-years ago. Cllr. Chris Vondo: MMC Community Development in the City of Johannesburg said the City is proud to host the Soweto Rugby Tournament dating back to its inception.

“Rugby is one of the key Transformative codes which we believe has to be replicated across the City. It is an ideal platform that is building and nurturing future champs and stars that continue to take sport to the next level in this country”, MMC Vondo added.

Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms Molebatsi Bopape said:  “It is encouraging that 4 years-on the Soweto Rugby Tournament is growing stronger and is becoming one of the prominent sporting highlight in the township. It is not only about the festivities of the tournament but the product thereof, where national stars such as Victor Seketekete and Malungisa Nkosi started”.

"As the home of champions, Gauteng should be leading in producing future stars for our sport from all corners of our province and this tournament is a platform to unearth more of these. It gives us hope and assurance that there’s a solid foundation to identify and find talent as well as continue influencing the transformation of rugby in our country”, added MEC Bopape.

The Soweto Rugby Club was formed in 1992 following the unification and revival of clubs that existed before within this area. Since then, players who started their career at this club have been featured in prestigious competitions in the country such as Vodacom Cup, Varsity Cup as well as Varsity Shield.

This year’s tournament will feature 4 semi pro rugby teams, 4 development teams, 6 under-13 teams as well as 4 senior women teams from across South Africa. The teams will do battle for the crown and pride of development, growth and high performance of township and rural rugby, however the most important will be the tournament’s potential to produce the next Victor Seketekete or Malungisa Nkosi from the grass roots.

The teams are from 4 provinces and Gauteng has 4 teams- Eldoronians Rugby Club from Eldorado Park, Eersterus, Atteridgeville as well as the Soweto Rugby Club. From Kwazulu Natal is Seskhona Rugby Club, North West –Matlosana Rugby Club and from Free State- and Harmony Rugby Club as well as Eye of The Tiger Rugby Academy.

The format of the competition will be the Super 8 senior teams that will split into 2 groups of 4 teams to play against each other after the top 4 teams and bottom 4 has qualified on Saturday, 25 April. The 2 teams from each group will go on to play the on the 26th April cup, plate, shield & bowl semi final on Monday, 27 April will be Bowl, Shield, Plate and Cup Final. The 25th April will be dedicated to the under 13 tournament and Women Rugby.

“This initiative has influenced and encouraged clubs like Soweto Rugby Club, Matlosana Rugby Academy to focus on Club Development the past 2 years hence we have taken stance to support and create more awareness about Junior Club Rugby Programmes and Women’s Rugby Programme. Since 2012 Soweto Rugby Club has been producing not less than 4 Women to represent in the Golden Lions Rugby teams.

"Our legacy for 2015/2016 is to start under16 women development teams in Soweto, as well as spread our net and expand our development programme from Braamfischer to Meadowlands and Orlando East etc.” says Mzamo Mjekevu Chairman Soweto Rugby Club.



The Tournament has played in Soweto 4 years in succession since 2012 where Soweto Rugby Club has lost two finals against The Eye of The Tiger Rugby Academy, and the winners were against the best of the country’s top clubs.

World Business Leader: Taking Business To The Next Level

With a Masters degree in Corporate Law, extensive legal training and Global Remuneration Professional certification, Advocate Nasreen Dawood brings a richly unique skill-set to one of Southern Africa’s most respected and largest remuneration consultancies, 21stCentury. Advocate Dawood already consults to over 500 organisations but for the assertive and ambitious KwaZulu-Natal born Executive Director, this is but one piece of a remarkable journey for the company.



“I wear many different hats and I have diverse commitments on my plate,” Advocate Dawood is clear. “I spearhead the establishment of government business within the company; I also consult as an Executive Director and I assist with vetting legal contracts as well as being a board member. My portfolio also means that I ensure corporate governance management at board level and I am responsible to advise on relevant legislation.”



With a comprehensive legal background, Advocate Dawood has a one-of-a-kind take on remuneration. She has the ability to research and interpret laws and regulations, offer guidance and communicate the findings. Her analytical skills are also a force to be reckoned with.



Based in Rosebank, Johannesburg, her areas of work include consulting in all aspects of human resources including but not limited to remuneration strategy and policy, performance management, remuneration and reward systems and human resources policies. Advocate Dawood is also responsible for job evaluation and advising on the application of equal pay legislation and its implications to companies.



Advocate Dawood’s   experience in Government work and Government business and more especially combining legal and remuneration as she explains “Makes me a hybrid creature,”



This “hybrid creature” is driving growth when it comes to the 21stCentury brand. Her vision is to see the company become a leading consultancy for Governments across Africa. “Being involved with Government business means that one really can make a positive difference for the good of the nation. This puts 21stCentury in a unique position to contribute to a difference in the country because we see the implementation of the recommendations we make.”



Describing 21stCentury as a “trail-blazer” and a leader in “specialised solutions”, Advocate Dawood sees the company as one that bridges gaps when it comes to legal and remuneration matters.



Whilst Advocate Dawood acknowledges that she works in a man’s world, Nasreen says that women in the world also need to make a choice whether they want a career, a family or both and stick to that decision. For her, the choice has been to follow her gut. It’s because of this that it’s not simply 21stCentury that’s the trail-blazer, but this company Executive Director too.



For more information on 21st Century visit www.21century.co.za



To talk to 21stCentury and to discuss thought provoking content contributions, please contact Sarah Martin on (011) 467 9233.

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Being Savvy With Your Dishwasher: Samsung

In a busy modern world, consumers require home appliances that offer seamless solutions. The modern dishwasher is just one example of a product that has evolved to meet this changing need.

“Investing in the right appliance ensures that you are able to save both time on the task at hand, as well as conserve water usage,” says Michael McKechnie, Divisional Head for Digital Appliances at Samsung SA. “There are a myriad of options available to consumers, so it is important to consider the latest technology and features that will assist in making the cleaning process as enjoyable and convenient as possible.”

For example, the Samsung 14 Place Dishwasher is energy efficient and comes with a Power Wash Zone which leaves casserole dishes and pans sparkling clean, without the need to pre-clean them by hand. Increased capacity with the Smart Cutlery Tray makes unloading easier by eliminating the necessity of packing items one at a time. Further to this, the height of the upper rack can be adjusted to create more space for large utensils.

McKechnie offers the following need-to-know tips that will ensure the effective use of the product:



Be organised

Do not overload the machine as this may result in dishes still being dirty. Use the spacing that was created to divide the dishes effectively and ensure that the plates are placed on the bottom rack. Avoid double stacking between rows as this will block proper water streaming.



The top section is designed for cups, glasses and bowls, which should all be placed face down so that water can spray upwards. It is advisable to have plastic items on the top rack, as water emitted from the appliance is usually very hot and could cause some items to warp if they are placed at the bottom. Also remember to pack your wine glasses carefully; if they bump together they may break.



Use the correct cycle

A standard dishwasher will offer at least three wash cycles: light, normal and heavy (pots and pans). Each cycle is different in speed, water temperature and pressure, as well as the number of washes and rinses it emits.



Many dishwashers also boast a soil, dirt or clean sensor, which monitors the wash and rinse cycles and the level of dirt in the water, adjusting the cycle until the dishes are clean. Often these sensors are automatic, but some dishwashers require them to be selected before starting a cycle.



Be wise with the detergent

Powder detergents should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid clumping from moisture. It’s also important not to buy too much detergent at one time, or it won’t be as effective. A good rule of thumb is to only buy enough detergent for two months to ensure it remains fresh.



Powders may be preferable to gels as they rinse well and do not cause build up. If build-up does occur, white vinegar is a good rinse agent, allowing your appliance to work optimally. Simply add a cup of vinegar to the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle to keep the dishwasher smelling fresh.



“Innovation in the kitchen is not just about creating a product; it is about giving people the power to discover new experiences. We continuously anticipate trends and changes in lifestyles and behaviours to develop a deep understanding of our customers in different markets. With these insights, Samsung is inspired to continue to create new products or categories that are tailored across all of our markets.”

Africa T20 Cricket Cup Launched

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today launched the 16-team Africa T20 Cup which will be the African curtain-raiser to the 2015-16 season.

Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia have accepted invitations to compete in the event with the other participants being the 12 CSA Affiliates as well as Associate Member, KZN Inland.

The tournament will be a World Cup-style competition, consisting of four pools of four teams each with the winners of each pool advancing to the semi-finals and eventually to the final.

Easterns (Sahara Willowmoore Park), North West (Senwes Park), Griquas (Diamond Oval) and Free State (Mangaung Oval) will be the venues for the four pool matches and some of these venues will also host the semi-final and final depending on which teams advance and based on an assessment of the quality of venue hosting during the pool stages.

The tournament will run from September 4 to October 4.

All Franchise players will play for the province at which they are contracted although a limit of four has been placed on the number to be fielded at the same time. This limit would not include the contracted Protea  players who are restricted to one in the starting XI. In addition, all teams will be required to field at least two under-21 players.

Transformation targets will be the same as that which applies for the CSA semi-professional competitions (six players of colour and three black Africans).

“This tournament is an exciting new concept for our cricket,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. “It should provide impetus at the start of a season with exciting and competitive playing opportunities plus revenue generating potential for each team.

“We are keen to lead the way in developing an Africa-wide competition.

“With international Twenty20 matches to follow against England and Australia later in the season, this tournament will provide an early start for players to stake a claim in next year’s ICC World Twenty20 squad.

“A key differentiator is for each team to include two under-21 players which will give rising stars the chance to play with our fully fledged professionals. It is an important factor in developing talent that emerging players can learn from the best.

“I am delighted that SuperSport will be providing live and full coverage of 10 playing days, including the semi-finals and final, and thank them once again for their fantastic support of South African cricket,” concluded Mr. Lorgat.

CSA has also announced the appointment of Makhaya Ntini as the Africa T20 Cup Ambassador.

“I am both delighted and honoured to be invited to fulfil this role,” Ntini said. “The development of African cricket is something that is very close to my heart and I welcome this important initiative.”