Is online trading the key to riches in #Mzansi's economy?

Online trading for new and second-hand goods is on a constant up curve.

Online trading platform Gumtree has seen a massive increase in the past year and now carries more than one million listings.

Head of Core Business at Gumtree South Africa Claire Cobbledick believes when South Africa finally sheds itself of the data cost choke chain, growth in online trading will become explosive across the board.

"This already massive online trading economy is important and is under-estimated on formal analysis in several significant ways," she says.

The thriving trade in second-hand goods is a result of the search for value by consumers in the tough economic climate and, in many instances, it displaces retail sales.

"Car sales are a classic example of this. Last year, we estimate that previously-owned cars outsold new ones in South Africa by two to one yet almost all the sales data and awards shows and industry analysis focusses on the new metal on the showroom floors," says Cobbledick.

Car dealers seem to have adjusted to this shift and now operate cleverly and flexible in the previously-owned online space.

She says South Africans are only just beginning to appreciate how much potential value they have locked up in unused or unwanted goods.

"An Australian survey found that families could add 6% to their total household income by selling their unused goods online. And we estimate there's more than R1 billion lying around in South African homes in unused, good condition.

"Most importantly, the online space is the protagonist of a new economy in which anyone can become a retailer on their own terms. This phenomenon is in line with global trends and it could play a huge part in alleviating South Africa's massive unemployment problem," says Cobbledick.

How to launch your business on a shoe string budget and your #Smartphone

Smartphones have become so common in many parts of the world that we forget their significance at times. It is perhaps one of the greatest gifts to an entrepreneur looking to launch a business on little to no seed capital. If its functionalities are maximised, it's not far-fetched that one could launch and run a business from it successfully.   

"Now more than any other time in history, starting and running a business can be done with little to no seed funding. The digital age offers entrepreneurs the ability to launch and grow a business using a set of online platforms and tools that can be installed or accessed on your smartphone," says Jesse Weinberg, Head of the SME segment at FNB Business.

Weinberg gives us an idea of how one could go about using a smartphone to launch a start-up at little to no cost.

Business registration & certification – Entrepreneurs can register their businesses and apply for a business account on a bank's website. CIPC registration through a bank was launched by FNB in partnership with the DTI in 2012; it is now available through all major banks in South Africa at a minimal fee. This includes the creation of a company with the registrar of companies (CIPC) on your behalf.

Reserve a web domain and email address – One of the best ways to professionalise your business image from the start is to have a business website and business email address - it says that you are serious. Registering a web domain address is relatively cheap and easy through companies such aswww.godaddy.com andwww.Afrihost.co.za which also offer you the ability to setup an email account and even a website.

Cloud and App-based accounting software– With so many companies offering various software tools and solutions, it has never been easier to get yourself up and running so you can start invoicing and balancing your books right away. Many banks now even offer business customers accounting software as part of their value-added offering. FNB offers their Instant Accounting Solutions suite for free which enables business customers to import and reconcile their bank account transactions immediately, invoice clients and even issue payslips to employees.

Social Media – Never before has it been easier for a small business owner to compete with larger businesses in the digital marketing arena by creating and managing multiple digital campaigns right from their own smartphone. With mature social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, there are a whole bouquet of tools available to create, track and monitor campaigns with incredible precision. What's more is most of these platforms now even enable you to sell your products and services directly on their platforms. 

Cloud services – By definition, this is any software service that is available to its users via the internet or "the cloud" on demand. Cloud services cut costsbecause the business doesn't need to own its own physical servers, meaning no direct technology costs of owning servers or physical storage. For example an entrepreneur can access web-based productivity software such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Docs, or they can file and store all their documents online in the cloud and have access to them from anywhere with the likes of Dropbox, iCloud and OneDrive.

Website builders – The idea that a website has to cost a fortune isn't true; one can launch their own website online using an online website builder platform offered by many providers. Most platforms offer pre-created themes and templates either for free or at a minimal cost. You can personalise a theme to suit your business aesthetics, image and needs, when you are happy with it, you can simply launch it under your web domain URL. Most of these platforms offer plug-ins that are built for ecommerce, meaning you can link it to your account and sell online. Examples include www.Shopify.com andwww.Wix.com.

"These platforms and tools, when used effectively, can empower you to take your product or service from an idea, to a huge online audience. The best part of it all is that these are easy platforms to master right from your smartphone. An entrepreneur can also use the analytics tools built into most of these platforms to get deep insights into who their customers are, allowing the entrepreneur an opportunity to improve and grow the quality of their offering. It's a new digital business world out there, and by embracing the power of your smartphone, you can take full advantage of it." Weinberg.

Making cleaning greener and smarter #GreenWorx

For the last decade, South Africa has been on an educational journey, as the market began to embrace greener living, cleaner results and smarter practices. The planet is finite, and its resources are limited. In legal terms, there's a saying that "ignorance of the law is no excuse" – the time has come where ignorance of our effect on the planet could be our own downfall. This is why the best time to be an #ecowarrior is now.

Many of the chemicals in traditional domestic and commercial cleaning products cause harm to the environment and the people exposed to them. These harmful chemical products contain surfactants that are not biodegradable, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and endanger both human and environmental health.

In the last quarter of 2017, Green Worx Cleaning Solutions launched its online store, offering consumers the opportunity to purchase truly green, enzymatic cleaning products in a few easy steps. The manufacturer previously focused on the industrial market, but recognised the need for an effective, environmentally friendly solution backed by real accreditations and a decade of experience.

According to John J Coetzee, CEO at Green Worx, the company's mission is to live the philosophy of "bio-excellence", using innovation to provide solutions that will improve the quality, performance and safety of products, with a constant focus on its environmental impact and meeting consumer needs. "Our vision is to provide biotech solutions, finding better ways to get things clean. Our focus is our strength, striving daily to find the right balance between compassion and competitiveness."

In their natural environment, bacteria produce hundreds of enzymes in response to the organics present in their environment. They produce extracellular enzymes that break down proteins, starches, fats, oils, greases, urine, esters and toilet tissue into smaller particles outside the bacterial cell. The bacteria then transport the smaller particles across their cell membrane for use as an energy source and for building of new cellular components. Since bacteria detect the organics present as potential food and produce specific enzymes to breakdown these organics, it is a very efficient system.

"Enzyme-based cleaners are especially useful for biofilm removal (this is a hood that bad bacteria hide under, which chemical cleaners can't penetrate)," adds Coetzee. "Bacteria are somewhat difficult to remove with traditional alkaline or acid cleaners. Enzyme cleaners are more effective on biofilms since they work as proteases by breaking down proteins. After washing, the biodegradable surfactants and enzymes will break down and can safely be absorbed back into nature.

Morne Morkel to call it a day #ProteaFire

Standard Bank Proteas fast bowler, Morne Morkel, has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the four-match Sunfoil Test series against Australia starting in Durban on Thursday.

The 33-year-old has played 83 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals and 44 T20 Internationals in a successful career spanning 12 years. He has taken 294 Test wickets - including seven five-fors - and is currently the fifth highest all-time wicket-taker for South Africa in Test matches. He has an impressive tally of 529 wickets across the three formats.

Explaining his decision, Morkel said: "It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter. I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward.

"I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my team mates, Cricket South Africa, and my family and friends for the support over the years. I still feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead. For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia."

#OpenView to introduce new channel #eBella

OpenView continues to bring quality entertainment to over one million homes, with an additional channel being added to the bouquet. eBella, the new member of the eFamily of channels, will premiere on Monday, 5 March 2018. Viewers can expect a wide array of inspirational content that reflects the lives and stories of women from around the world. 

eBella is all about women and celebrating their prominent influence in the global landscape. The choice selection of the channel's premium local and international content offering reflects women in today's society as empowered and bold individuals. Whether it's an award-winning series, indulgent lifestyle show or a ground-breaking movie, everything on eBella will satisfy viewers with a dose of guilt-free entertainment.

Marlon Davids, MD of e.tv, says the new channel will bolster the eFamily of channels' impressive offering. 'e.tv has always celebrated our supreme women through campaigns and programming and now we can extend this messaging into an entirely new channel. eBella is a strong addition to the OpenView platform, and we know that our viewers are going to indulge and enjoy the content immediately,' says Davids. 

eBella will feature much-loved telenovelas from around the world, including So Much Love aka Tanto Amor, Qubool Hai, and Fatmagul. There will also be a lifestyle and reality shows galore on the channel, with Secret Guide To Fabulous, Princess, The Dog Whisperer and Beverley's Full House already available as the channel launches.
 
Not only has OpenView added eBella, the platform will be growing its unique content offering with the addition of more channels in the near future, catering to viewer demands for more quality television viewing.   

eBella will premiere on OpenView on 5 March 2018 on channel 109.

Do you have what it takes? Entries now open for Mr ICON Gauteng 2018 #MrIconGauteng

The GeeJunction Pty Ltd would like to announce the first Mr ICON Gauteng Pageant which is scheduled to take place on Friday, 30 November 2018. The pageant was founded to provide a platform for young men in Gauteng to showcase their capabilities in leadership and community building.

The individual who will be crowned as Mr ICON Gauteng will dedicate his time to serving the Gauteng Province through charity work, youth empowerment initiatives and other incredible acts of kindness. This pageant will prioritize in building strong, confident, passionate and ambitious men. The contestant's skills, attitudes and behaviour will be put to the test to determine the deserving candidate.

The managing Director and the Founder of GeeJunction Pty Ltd, Mr.Godfrey Mphatswe is calling young men between the ages of 18 and 30 to enter this competition. Gee, as he is affectionately known is one of South Africa's self-made businessman and Mr South Africa Finalist for 2016. He was declared Mr SA Board member during the Mr SA 2016 competition. Amongst many other achievements, Gee is the Face of Bogart 2017, a model and an ambassador for Door of Hope for the unprivileged children.  

The closing date for Mr ICON Gauteng 2018 entries is Saturday, 31st March 2018. The entry form is accessible on this link http://geejunction.co.za/app.html or login towww.geejunction.co.za
For more information please see the Mr ICON Gauteng facebook page (MR ICON Gauteng) and Instagram handlemricongauteng.

Michelle Obama's much anticipated memoir to be released in November #Becoming

Michelle Obama's memoir, one of the most highly anticipated books in recent years, is coming out Nov. 13.

The former first lady tweeted Sunday that the book, to come out a week after the 2018 midterm elections, is called "Becoming."

"Writing 'Becoming' has been a deeply personal experience," she said in a statement. "It has allowed me, for the very first time, the space to honestly reflect on the unexpected trajectory of my life. In this book, I talk about my roots and how a little girl from the South Side of Chicago found her voice and developed the strength to use it to empower others. I hope my journey inspires readers to find the courage to become whoever they aspire to be. I can't wait to share my story."

She and her husband, former President Barack Obama, last year reached a joint agreement with Penguin Random House for their respective books.

The deal is believed to be well in excess of $30 million. "Becoming" will be released in the U.S. through the Crown Publishing Group, a Penguin Random House division that has published works by both Obamas.

Memoirs by former first ladies usually sell well, with notable works including Laura Bush's "Spoken from the Heart" and Hillary Rodham Clinton's "Living History." Michelle Obama's memoir is expected to be a major commercial and cultural event.

She is admired around the world and has never told her story at length. Her only previous book was a 2012 work on gardening, "American Grown."

The book will be published simultaneously in 24 languages, from Swedish to Arabic, and Michelle Obama expects to promote "Becoming" in the U.S. and overseas. She will also narrate the audio version.

According to Crown, Obama is working with a team of assistants, but that every word in the finished text will be hers.

"As first lady of the United States of America - the first African-American to serve in that role - she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world," Crown said in a statement.

"In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her-from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address."

Barack Obama, who has written the million-sellers "Dreams from My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope," has not yet scheduled his memoir. He is expected to focus on his eight years in the White House.

Pabi Moloi to host #PowerWeekendBreakfast on #Power987FM

POWER 98.7 is proud to announce improvements to its line-up which coincide with its fifth birthday. These improvements have taken into account our audience feedback to strengthen our meaningful conversations while retaining key talent. Effective 5 March 2018, listeners will wake up to the voice of celebrated and award winning broadcaster Bob Mabena on POWER Breakfast. He will be joined by the current POWER Drive presenter Thabo Mdluli from 06h00 to 09h00 on weekdays. Current host of POWER Breakfast, Thabiso TT Tema will take on POWER Drive with an extended hour from 15h00 to 18h00.

Our listeners also expressed a need for in-depth business news and economic content. The station answered in current host of POWER Hour, Ayabonga Cawe who will take an extended version of POWER Business from 18h00 to 20h00. Ayabonga has a wealth of experience in economic policy, research, and advocacy.

Current POWER Business host, Andile Khumalo, leaves the mic to focus on his growing business schedule. Due to popular demand, the hard hitting POWER Perspective with JJ Tabane, has been allocated an extra hour and will now air from 20h00 to midnight, from Monday to Thursday. The rest of the daytime programming including POWER Talk with Iman Rappetti and POWER Lunch with Aphelele Somi remain unchanged.

The station is introducing another weekend talk show, POWER Weekend Breakfast, which will present a combination of lifestyle and wellness driven content. It will be hosted by Pabi Moloi on Saturday and Sunday. POWER News Assignment Editor, Neo Leeuw, will present POWER Week from 09h00 to midday on Sunday. She will be joined by other media practitioners and newsmakers. Together, they will bring the POWER listener in-depth analysis and updates on what's making news headlines.

Dianne Hawker, previous News Editor at Tiso Blackstar joins the station as Head of News. Outgoing editor, Denzil Taylor will now focus on the station's news capacity building, including training and mentoring of news talent and special projects such as documentaries.

The station also welcomes additional broadcasting heavy hitters.  Mzo Jojwana joins POWER 98.7 as Head of Programming.  He served as 702's Programme Manager for the past 5 years. Alan Matthews, also with 702 until recently, joins the group as MSG Group Sales Operations Manager.Lulama Mqina, current Head of Productions at Primedia Group, joins MSG Group Sales as the Managing Director.

Why you should consider using a #Nokia #smartphone

Android is a name that is now synonymous with smartphones, not just in Mzansi but the world over. And this is not surprising considering the phenomenal reception of the Android Operating System over the years.

According to the Worldwide Smartphone OS market share released by IDC in Q1 2017, Android enjoyed a massive 85% of the total smartphone OS market, iOS had 14.7%, with Windows left with a paltry 0.1%.

Just like everyone likes to be associated with something great especially when it is continuously successful, several smartphone manufacturers now make low, mid and high-end smartphones running on the Android Operating System.

However, it may interest you to know that as at today, Nokia is the only major smartphones player committing to a 100% pure approach to Android. Cool right? Yeah!

Here are three reasons why you should consider one of the Nokia smartphones that run on pure, secure and up-to-date Android.

You can tailor your phone to your life.

As the name suggests, one thing about pure Android is that it is pure – Just as Google intended it. The implication of this is that your Nokia Smartphone is free from pre-installed apps and hidden processes eating up your battery life. There is a perfect match between the apps you use in your daily life and the apps on your phone. You, therefore, can tailor your phone to your life, save your battery from unneeded apps killing it in the background, increase energy, enhance memory and free up space for more of what you love.

Monthly Security Updates

Monthly security updates come as standard with Nokia Smartphones running on pure, secure and up-to-date Android. What this does is that it helps keep your phone as secure as possible.

Regular Updates of Android OS

With Nokia Smartphones, rest assured you are ahead of the game as the phones will launch on the latest version of Android. Customers get to experience Android features and innovations from Google with Nokia's regular updates.

Picture this!  You wouldn't let a stranger put a fridge in your living room, so why would you want a phone with apps you didn't ask for? As humans, we need order and we crave peace. We deserve phones that don't say you are out of storage when you take a selfie and this is exactly what you get with Nokia smartphones running on pure, secure and up-to-date Android.

#PRASA introduces #Joburg to #Musina train service

South African transport minister Joe Maswanganyi on Friday launched a new passenger train service between Johannesburg and Musina for long distance-travelers to commute directly between Gauteng and Limpopo. 

At the official launch at Johannesburg Park Station, Maswanganyi said that the intention of the department of transport was to provide cheap and affordable public transport.

"Many people spend most of their income on transport, so that is the reason we are launching this service because we believe it is more affordable and safe. We are not saying that other modes of transport are not affordable," he said.

The train will be operated by Shosholoza Meyl, a division of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

Maswangayi said that there will be more launches and installations of Shosholoza Meyl across South Africa and across the borders, but that did not mean taxis and buses were not recommended as they work with the train service.

He said that the outline routes -- like Johannesburg to Mafikeng and Botswana, and Johannesburg to Nelspruit and Mozambique -- will be launched as well the new route from East London to Mthatha, and Durban to East London.

The Johannesburg to Musina train will also be used by Zimbabwean customers crossing the border after alighting in Musina.

"The train will have a dining car that provides meals, tea/coffee, refreshments, TV screens, Wi-Fi access, showers, a dining hall, and also charging facilities enabled to attract more youth," Maswanganyi said.

 African News Agency/ANA