IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO PICK UP A GOOD HABIT. SERITI’S WOMEN IN MINING PROGRAMME
It is all about guts and a drive to be self-sufficient and empowered.
This is the story of Ayanda Ngwane from Ombre Projects & Services (Pty), a projects and technical services company specialising in the mining sector. With more than twenty years in the mining environment, Ayanda used her experience and BTech degree in Extractive Metallurgy to start her business three years ago.
Ayanda Ngwane
This disciplined businesswoman with a keen interest in extraordinary science projects like Nasa’s quest to investigate Mars is one of twenty female entrepreneurs chosen by Seriti to undergo a holistic development programme aiming at empowering woman entrepreneurs in the eMalahleni/Middelburg area called the Women in Mining programme. This programme was launched in May 2022 and is being run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) for over eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women’s empowerment.
Ayanda’s goal is to use her coal logistics management experience gained in working for a major in the coal mining sector, to assist SME and junior coal producers that sell their products, and become reliable and compliant trading partners.
Growing up on the KZN South Coast where she attended boarding school from a very young age, she later united with her parents and became a Durbanite. She got her first taste of the mining industry in Randburg as a process technician for Mintek, a company specialising in minerals processing and metallurgical engineering products and services.
Being a keen reader of business-related books such as Stephen Covey’s “Seven habits of highly effective people” she believes it to further support her in the current training. In order to keep fit and to be able to assist when needed, Ayanda is taking up swimming lessons, conquering her fear and leaving her feeling more empowered.
While studying, she joined a commercial laboratory in the eMalahleni area with a focus on coal and this is where her path met up with those of the now-known company Seriti Power.
The Women in Mining programme endeavours to skill these beneficiaries and help develop their companies to grow, increasing their competitiveness and ability to attract further business. Ayanda says the training assists her in concentrating on being clear on her intent that which leads her to achieve her business goals. “The training helps me to manage my current clients in a more professional manner by being more structured, focussed and to clarify changes. It is a major eye-opener when you come to the realisation that you have to change your focus from climbing the career ladder in a company to the responsibility and skills needed as a business owner. The training allows us to better strategise on how we want to grow, create opportunities, building our brands and utilise our networking opportunities.”
As with many young businesses, she is also facing major challenges such as having access to the skills of reliable professional experts without having to employ those skills in a start-up business that has limited financial resources. These include IT services and financial management. She further hopes to benefit from the programme by “boosting my confidence to find ways to pursue my own success, and to contribute towards the betterment of the mining industry through the clients I service.” She also believes the training enables her to avoid the pitfalls of business by paying attention to small details.
CVC’s Project Manager on the programme, Orla Ollewagen comments on the value of the programme so far: “The blended approach of training workshops coupled with practical coaching and mentorship support has proven hugely valuable, notwithstanding the support the ladies have received from each other. I am excited to quantify the growth in each of the ladies as well as their businesses as a result of this approach.”
Marietjie School treated sponsors to a function at the school recently
If there is one thing that I have learned in all my contact with Marietjie School for learners with special education needs is that the school stands for hope, love and caring.
The children at Marietjie school look happy and enjoyed the concert that they performed for the sponsors and donors at their Sponsorship appreciation day that was held on 24 Nov 2022.
“This is a small way how we can say thank you to our sponsors,” said Mariane Ueckermann, Principal of Marietjie School.
Grade R: Choral verse – Mokey Babies
The sponsors were given a little opportunity to see what the school is about. There were 5 different groups that performed for the sponsors, and it was difficult to control one’s emotions as children, with various barriers in normal life, performed with passion and enjoyment.
As we arrived at the school we were all treated by the seniors of the school, they formed a long queue and everyone greeted us. At the entrance to the hall, each visitor received a small bag of cookies with a coffee sachet attached. The head boy greeted us in perfect Afrikaans, welcoming us all to the school.
The head boy spoke to the sponsors thanking them for their contributions to the school and what the school meant to him.
It would be difficult to single out one specific performance as each one had its own special way of entertaining the group.
Senior Choir
I would be using the word entertainment most probably out of context if I use it here as it was more of a window into the workings of the school. I would also not be true to myself if I say that I didn’t enjoy the items tremendously.
Bible Prose: Deaf learners
All the teachers should also receive a big word of praise. The performances showed dedication and love from their side. The results achieved at the school are phenomenal.
Gumboots
There are many learners at the school and the funds received from the government are not enough. Please consider supporting the school in any way that you can.
AFRICA’S BIGGEST SOLAR CHALLENGE LAUNCHED FOR 2024!
After a successful and most electrifying event, which took place in September this year, the Sasol Solar Challenge is back and promises a thrilling experience for solar challenge enthusiasts and communities across South Africa and abroad. The eight-day-long event will be travelling on South African roads from 13 until 20 September 2024 – demonstrating the power of solar energy as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in a real-world setting.
The return of the Sasol Solar Challenge was announced today during a virtual launch, which was officiated by the Owner and Director of the Sasol Solar Challenge, Robert Walker. The launch was attended by the event title sponsor (Sasol), followers of the Sasol Solar Challenge and various existing and prospective solar car teams from across the world, industry-based organisations and companies as well as members of the media.
Sasol Solar Challenge 2022
“We are thrilled to launch the eighth edition of the Sasol Solar Challenge. The event has become an important and great inspiration to thousands of scholars across the world as well as communities in South Africa,” said Robert Walker, Owner and Director of the Sasol Solar Challenge. “Our aim is to provide a platform to future engineers and scientists to demonstrate the power of solar energy and STEM education in a real-world setting. We look forward to hosting the solar car teams and traveling with them on the South African roads.”
One of the goals of the Sasol Solar Challenge is to impact communities along the route to embrace renewable energy and STEM education. Since its debut in 2008, the event has visited roughly 50 towns in eight of the nine provinces in the country and has inspired thousands of scholars, of whom some have expressed their interest in participating in the 2024 Sasol Solar Challenge. To maximise the impact of the Sasol Solar Challenge in communities and to inspire more scholars to pursue STEM education, the event looks to introduce a new route for the 2024 event.
“We always look at ways to improve the event in order to give a fun-filled experience to the communities along the route while also inspiring scholars to take on STEM subjects at school. Expanding the event to new towns across the country and introducing various engaging educational activities are one of the things that we look into when we plan for each and every Sasol Solar Challenge – is to ensure that we maximise the impact of the event in the country and globally,” said Walker.
Registrations for solar car teams and for expressions of interest to compete in the 2024 Sasol Solar Challenge will open on 01 February 2023.
About Sasol Solar Challenge
The Sasol Solar Challenge, (previously known as South African Solar Challenge) in its sixteen year (in 2024 since 2008), is a biennial competition that strives to be the ultimate test of technology and innovation. Engineering teams from around the world challenge each other to cover as much distance as possible as they travel on public roads from Gauteng to the Western Cape.
Local and international teams conceptualise, design and build solar-powered vehicles to drive across South Africa in the eight-day-long event while competing against each other, demonstrating and showcasing their design, manufacturing, and strategy skills. The challenge runs on public roads, sharing space with trucks and regular traffic, and passes through multiple small towns. The Sasol Solar Challenge was inspired by the World Solar Challenge which is now known as the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge held in Australia since 1987.
SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY AS WELL AS FOR IMPERSONATING GAMBLING BOARD EMPLOYEE
Nelspruit: 25 November 2022 – Dullstroom police successfully traced and arrested a 31-year-old male suspect in Benoni for allegedly impersonating a Gambling Board official as well as for an alleged robbery.
The suspect was arrested in the early hours of 23 November 2022 at about 03h20 am by the Dullstroom Detectives with the assistance of SAPS members from the Crime Prevention Unit and Crime Office in Benoni.
According to information, on 22 September 2022, the suspect and his fellow allegedly approached a foreign national businessman at the Sakhelwe location in Dullstroom and demanded to see the gambling licence. Thereafter it is said that the two suspects allegedly robbed the businessman of an undisclosed amount of cash as well as a gambling machine and then loaded it in a grey Hyundai sedan before they fled the scene. A case was opened, and an investigation was conducted which culminated in his arrest.
The arrested suspect, Sfiso Emmanuel Ndlovu appeared at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court today, Friday 25 November 2022 facing the said charges. His case was postponed to 02 December 2022 for a formal bail application meanwhile he remained in custody. The investigation continues and police are doing their best to locate the second suspect.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the efforts made by the police to successfully investigate and arrest the suspect.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Security guard killed whilst responding to cable theft at a sewage plant.
Voice clip by Colonel Donald Mdhluli
Nelspruit: 25 November 2022 – Police at Leslie are investigating a horrific incident which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, 25 November 2022 around 01h25 am. A 46-year-old security guard was brutally killed as he was apparently responding to what looks like a theft being carried out by criminal(s) at a business site in a sewage plant in Leslie whereby an electric cable was stolen.
According to the information at the police’s disposal, after the incident was reported to a particular security company, a vehicle was dispatched for investigation purposes and it was driven by the said guard. The Police at Leslie were also alerted about the incident in progress and the members went to the premises as per the information provided.
Leslie wastewater treatment plant
Upon arrival at the scene, the police were met with the gruesome scene of the lifeless body of the guard. Emergency Medical Personnel were also summoned to the scene. On closer observation, police discovered some cartridges on the scene.
The slain security guard is reported to have sustained serious injuries on his throat. The security officer was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics. Preliminary investigation suggests that a personal firearm belonging to the victim could have been stolen as well during the incident.
Further than that, police discovered that an electric cable was also stolen during the said incident. Currently, a murder case is being investigated with an additional theft charge (of electric cable). The family of the security guard is yet to identify the security guard. No one has been arrested so far however police are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrator(s) is/are swiftly brought to book.
Police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the attack on any of the law enforcement agencies. “We will use all available resources to hunt down, ensuring that those who are involved in the security officer’s murder feel the might of the law” warned the General.
ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TOO AND HERE IS HOW YOU CAN EVALUATE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.
Many animal welfare and other NPO/NPCs suffer from catfish syndrome……they will live in survival mode in the mud for years. Many think their cause is just so great that everyone should fall to their knees and donate. Are they willing to be held accountable by the public and constantly improve their organization? It is important to choose to support reputable organizations and help hold them accountable.
The Paw Company is a registered NPC and part of what we do is to train animal welfare organizations (free) on the business side of things and to hold those who work with animals accountable. It is from this perspective that I write today’s post.
Animal welfare is like the Mafia, if you are in, you never get out! If you can’t get into the trenches (hats off to them), many people donate money to the cause or help in other ways, which is necessary too. Sadly, most of the public does not even know or understand half of what is going on in animal welfare and this post serves to help you make more informed decisions and for organizations to re-evaluate their effectiveness.
You won’t believe how bad the politics are in a tough and already over-emotional industry and that is a recipe for bad decision-making. Believe it or not, there are narcissists, backstabbers, jealous and insecure people in animal welfare and then there are those who hoard animals, those who are fronts for breeders and pet shops, even among registered animal welfare organizations.
New animal welfare organizations frequently pop up and there are a few main reasons why:
1. There is a need – so no other organizations in the area fulfill this role.
2. The individual was concerned about the workings and ethics of the organization they volunteered at, so they left and started their own organization.
3. Sadly EGO and spitefulness are others.
Remember, it can look great on social media, but what questions should you be asking as a supporter? What goes on behind the scenes? Just because the organization is registered does not mean their intentions are pure. Due to mismanagement and fraud by some organizations, the rest have to work extra hard to prove they can be trusted.
Animal welfare – Image of volunteers from www.pexels.com
SO, WHAT DO I MAINLY LOOK FOR IN AN ORGANIZATION?
In my opinion, the biggest reason animal welfare organizations fail, is due to leadership, well the lack thereof. How strong is their leadership?
What do they stand for and do?
How often do they need to get new committees, volunteers, or members? This is one of the best indications of how an organization is run and how ethical they are. Do they take care of their employees/volunteers? Animal welfare is a physical and emotionally draining job, so do they have a support system in place? You have to know your team, train your team and support your team!
Are they growing? Are they doing more than the previous year? Are they growing their support base and building better relationships? Are they improving their team?
How well do they plan ahead? How critical do they evaluate their progress, adapt and improve, or do they just say ‘’let’s see if it works’’ without planning? An organization shouldn’t start planning for 2023 only in 2023!
How many animals enter into their care, how many are adopted, how fast, and how many healthy animals are put to sleep? We understand that we can’t adopt our way out of this massive overpopulation crisis, but what have they done to improve the adoption success rate? Are they hoarding animals?
Do they vaccinate, deworm, and sterilized animals in their care? What is their health protocol when an animal is surrendered to them? Sterilization is also key in addressing the problem, so are they doing regular sterilization drives?
If they have kennels, what are they doing to prevent kennel stress? In what condition are the kennels? In which conditions are they keeping the animals? They need to always abide by the 5 freedoms of animal welfare. If they use foster homes, what are the policies and procedures in this regard?
What does their man (women) power look like? Is this used as an excuse and for how long have they used this excuse? If it is a problem, then what are they doing to change that?
How much time and effort or money do they spend on education? Prevention is better than cure and our success in prevention lies in education and sterilization. What are they doing to change the root cause of the problem? Are they proactive or only extinguishing fires as they arise?
What is their attitude in general? What are their typical excuses for not helping? Is it an ego trip or is it really about the animals? How is their relationship with other welfare organizations and the public? This for me is also a very good indicator of their attitude. Do they say thank you to their supporters? Are they open to input from skilled individuals?
Do they come across as professional? Branding is important for any organization, so do they take pride in their brand? Do they have a constitution or Memorandum of incorporation, proper paperwork, policies, and procedures in place? Do they keep records and statistics and are they willing to offer them to the public? If they use public funds, being transparent should not be debatable!
Are they a kill shelter or a pro-life organization? If they are a kill shelter (we do have a massive overpopulation crisis), what are they doing to change that? Deciding whether to euthanize or not, is tough, but can they be objective when making these decisions?
Are they willing to steal, break rules and lie when it suits them, or do they have integrity, and are they always honest? We have to always keep our side clean!
I want to elaborate on two other important aspects.
ADOPTION POLICIES – If they do adoptions, it is crucial to evaluate how responsible they are. Do they have proper adoption applications, home checks, sterilization contracts, and adoption contracts, and do they follow up on surrenders and adoptions? If they don’t do the above, especially home checks, then they are just a pet shop! Are they willing to say no to an adoption application? Do they give animals to people whose other pets are not sterilized? What the average person considers a good home, is not always one!
Some organizations do bids on animals for adoption and then some are fronts for breeders and pet shops, those who encourage breeding, and those who breed themselves. Never trust them! This is the biggest hypocrisy in animal welfare.
Animal welfare finance- Image from pexels.com
FINANCE – Is the time or money you donate making an impact or going down an abyss because the organization you support is not managed well? Are they just covering holes or is there a proper plan in place as well as a budget? Are they financially transparent about how they spend the money you donate? Some only fill their own pockets.
Are they transparent about their financials? What do they spend money on and how do they prioritize spending? Is fundraising a priority for them? It sounds stupid, but if they don’t invest (time or money) in learning how to properly fundraise, then it is not a priority. Again, this is provided to them for free.
These registered NPO/NPCs have regulations to abide by, including having an annual general meeting where they also have to give feedback on operations, including financials. You as the public need to hold them accountable, so please attend these events so you can be sure your donation brings true change. Join as members where you can to have voting rights too. Before you just blame them for not helping, do your homework! Organizations need to be held accountable and we encourage you to support only reputable organizations locally, nationally, and internationally.
If you don’t know which organization to contact for what, contact me through The Paw Company. If you think an animal welfare organization or vet is not doing their job or is negligent, let me know too so we can investigate further.
A hot, sad, and controversial topic doing the rounds currently is about the call to ban Pit bulls. Next week we will share our take on the situation, but please report any animal abuse/cruelty to your nearest SPCA. If you are scared of your dog, then surrender them to the SPCA or shelter immediately. Please don’t harm them.
BUSINESSWOMAN STANDING HER GROUND IN THE TOUGH WORLD OF ENGINEERING. SERITI’S WOMEN IN MINING PROGRAMME
“Don’t limit your ability just because you are a woman” Zoe Sibawu (The Women in Mining programme)
Eastern Cape born and bred businesswoman Zoe Sibawu moved to Mpumalanga twelve years ago and has been taking on the local mechanical and civil engineering landscape since 2008. Her company, Ezobuhle Trading Enterprises in eMalahleni now specialises in plant hire and particularly in 100-ton multi-axle lowbeds.
Zoe Sibawu
Zoe is currently undergoing business training and mentoring as part of Seriti’s sponsored Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) The Women in Mining programme, which was launched in May this year. This programme was developed and is being managed by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months.
CVC’s Managing Director Wybrand Ganzevoort, says the programme’s twenty entrepreneurs will be skilled and their companies developed to grow, thus increasing their competitiveness and ability to attract further business.
It is especially this aspect of the programme which appeals to Zoe as she hopes to improve herself thereby benefitting the company and its fifteen employees. As with so many businesses, the last two years proved to be challenging and impacted negatively on the company’s order book. According to her, she has already learnt much about improving her company’s processes and procedures and she wishes to learn more about marketing the company’s services and obtaining financial opportunities. On top of learning from the mentors and trainers, the entrepreneurs in the programme benefit from sharing contacts and best practices.
Zoe has only positive comments on the programme and her fellow trainees. “Speaking to these ladies, I realise I am actually doing fine and that us women are much stronger than we think.”
Her career was launched when she landed a position as a trainee engineer at a dolomite mine. She recalls that when she registered the company as a young, part-time student in mining and mineral processing, she landed a contract but lacked the finances. Her mother and high school sweetheart – now husband – stepped in to ensure she had the financial needs to see the contract to fruition.
In 2019 her husband, a civil engineer, joined her in the business. Although Zoe jokes that she is still the boss – at the office and at home, she is full of praise for her man being the “civil brains” of the business and sharing the load of business and caretaker of the children and home.
This vibrant businesswoman and mother of three young daughters enjoy travelling, especially to the Garden Route, taking walks to relax and loves to watch science fiction movies.
Zoe’s advice to other women who wants to start a similar business is to “accept it won’t be easy. You must have perseverance, thick skin and always give your best in what you do. You will be doubted but don’t let that bring you down or discourage you from your dreams. And when you feel overwhelmed, which you will when things aren’t going well, take time to breath, re-evaluate your plan and be kind to yourself.”
Seriti’s ESD programmes aim to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain-ready businesses that can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise the scale and drive supplier diversity in their supply chain.
Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement & ESD Lead said: “Seriti continues to introduce initiatives aimed at developing communities surrounding our operations and the Women in Mining ESD programme is one such initiative. We base our Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) policies and actions to support the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) strategy in order to redress historical socio-economic imbalances.
Through this Women-focused programme, they believe they are able to grow and sustain Women entrepreneurs, enabling them to enter the economy and augment the creation of employment through their successful businesses.
This programme will be run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment.
Saps Mpumalanga launched their Safer Festive Season 2022 on 15 November in eMbalenhle
The Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lt General SD Manamela said that she wants to assure the residents of Mpumalanga that they are ready with resources and vehicles and human bodies that will be deployed this festive season.
“We are aware that criminals will be using all opportunities this season to break into and rob places,” said Manamela, “there are hotspots such as malls and our borders that are going to be fully packed with vehicles and people that are going to be crossing the border.”
Manamela also said that they must address the issues of rapes and murders that are taking place.
She also said that the liquor outlets must also play their parts as they will be opened longer and younger people will be visiting them, drinking alcohol. People must not be drinking the whole night.
She also said that people carrying money must be aware of those that can rob them of their hard-earned cash. “This is one of the reasons that we must be visible this season,” said Manamela.
A lot of patrolling with stop and search will be done. There will be various places on our roads that will be targeted such as the N4, N12 and N17 as well as Delmas and Grootvlei areas where there are high jackings. Trucks are being hijacked in the areas. Greater police visibility would ensure a Safer Festive Season
Bushbuckridge and Kanyamazane areas will also be targeted where there is a high number of CIT’s (cash in transit).
Manamela also mentioned the security clusters that will be helping with securing houses and businesses. She also said that the CPF will also be playing a big role by providing information to the police.
She also said that the traditional leaders are also playing a big role by assisting the police and they cannot do their work in rural areas if they don’t engage them also.
Manamela said that they are proud of their relationship with the taxi associations and that they have relationships with all the role players in the province.
New vehicles have been allocated to the province and a large number of trainees will finish their training in the next few weeks and will join the forces on the ground.
The Bulletin asked the Commissioner about the attention that will be given to the Numbi road. “Numbi road is one of our hotspots,” replied Manamela, “there are continuous operations on the Numbi road. We also have security companies partnering with us in the area.”
The Flying Squad have also been patrolling that road full-time. SAPS presence will be intensified during this period as more people will be using that road. The attention given to Numbi road will not stop after the festive season.
Mngomezulu said that by-laws were passed that will be enforced by the 7 local municipalities. He also said that these municipalities have appointed by-law enforcers to help enforce the by-laws.
“We are working with traditional leaders and pastors and will be holding prayers and forum events where we will be praying for a Safer Festive Holiday,” said Mngomezulu, “we will also encourage the communities through our CPF’s to report crime when it happens.”
They will also be embarking on a “Know your Neighbourhood” campaign. You need to know who your neighbours are.
“We have also asked the municipalities to ensure that the lights are working to help the police in their work. They struggle to do their work in the dark, especially in informal settlements.”
The Safer Festive Season launch was concluded with a parade that included the police, traffic officials and security clusters.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
