the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
by Jenny Reid
Employee fraud, previously called Insider fraud refers to when an employee of your company lies or steals from the company, this could refer to stealing money, maliciously taking access to company assets, or even workplace recognition. Any kind of fraud can negatively affect a company, but employee fraud is becoming a bigger concern than it has been in the past.
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by Sasha Knott
South Africa is facing an unemployment crisis, but there is much you can do to secure a job. South Africa is grappling with a significant challenge to economic growth: the shortage of critical skills, even basic ones such as crafting effective CVs. With a high unemployment rate and growing demand for specialised expertise, collaboration among students, educational institutions, and public-private partnerships is essential to bridging this skills gap.
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by Thembe Khumalo
Over the past seven years, we've loved working with nonprofits across various critical impact areas; from human rights and gender equality to environmental and civil protection. One thing we've consistently noticed is that while these organisations are passionate and dedicated, many don't fully grasp the transformative power of a well-crafted brand strategy. The truth is strategic branding and communication aren't just for commercial businesses — they're vital tools that can amplify a nonprofit's impact and help fulfill its mission more effectively.
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by Margaret Hirsch
My boss is 27, why is that so strange? Mostly because I am 74 and have been my own boss for the past 45 years. What made me do this, the law! I qualified as a Realtor in Florida but the law states that you have to work for a broker for two years before you can start your own business. I thought I would battle to get a job but to my surprise I have been offered over 250 jobs! That was really amazing. I didn’t even have to go for the interview, I would have the job if I wanted it. After sifting through most of the offers, I narrowed it down to 3, the biggest company in the USA, a boutique smaller company and then a brand-new company run by a 27 year old.
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by Daphney Klopper
In Africa, women’s unpaid labour is a powerful yet often overlooked force driving the economy. This essential work includes caregiving, household chores, and community support. The ILO (International Labour Organisation) and one.org Africa estimates Women’s unpaid work to be at 10% -39% of a countries GDP. To put this into perspective, this contribution is more than three times that of the South African agricultural sector (2.83%) and rivals the industrial sector (24.68%) Stats SA 2023.
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by Bella Ikeme
In the fast-paced business world, where strategies evolve and markets transform, the significance of brand marketing cannot be overstated. A recent study by the Marketing Science Institute underlines the profound impact of effective marketing governance on overall business performance, emphasising the strategic importance of the board's oversight on marketing matters. The study revealed that boards with at least one marketing-experienced director witnessed a three-percentage point increase in total shareholder return. Their "outside-in" perspective complements the internal operational focus of typical board members. The invaluable "been there, done that" perspective these directors offer on rebranding initiatives, strategic partnerships, and customer insights adds a layer of depth to board discussions.
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by Thembe Khumalo
When Apple launched its legendary "Think Different" campaign, it didn’t just promote a product—it showcased a mindset that has defined the company’s success for decades. This campaign, with its bold celebration of creativity and innovation, exemplifies the power of innovative thinking and how being willing to step outside the box can result in high-value ideas. By daring to think differently, Apple not only redefined its brand but also set the stage for transformative growth that would shape the tech industry for years to come.
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by Vuyelwa Gxakushe
Budgeting is the backbone of any successful marketing campaign. It’s not just about allocating funds—it’s about ensuring those funds are used effectively to achieve your goals. As a marketing manager, I’ve walked that tightrope between over-budgeting and under-budgeting more times than I care to admit. Both extremes come with their own headaches, and getting the balance right is crucial to not only hitting your campaign targets but also ensuring the long-term success of your business.
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by Bella Ikeme
A few days ago, I read an article by Ery Dimitrantzou of Cority titled “What’s the difference: ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR”. I agree with her views on the matter but because we ESG In Action Africa get that question a lot, I have decided to use a case study to help drive home the points she made:
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by Thabisile Mabele
Navigating the marketing landscape as a young 23-year-old has been an exciting, challenging, and enriching experience. From my early days of exploring the marketing field to where I am now, I’ve come to realize that growth in this industry is not just about climbing the career ladder but also about personal development, learning, and embracing new opportunities.
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by Gemiene Mueni
Passion is like a spark; it lights a fire that spreads. It's pure energy, the kind that comes straight from the heart. Leading a team for the first time can be a wild ride with no safety net—just you, your instincts, and a bit of excitement mixed with a dash of "What did I just sign up for?" My journey in leadership has often felt overwhelming, like stepping into a role far too big for me. It became clear that I needed to engage in some deep personal work to navigate these challenges.
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by Sibongile V. Mthimunye
What a journey it has been since I fully worked in my business in 2021 September. Before then I registered the business in May 2020, but continued working as a Corporate Executive. However, circumstances changed and allowed me to be a full-time employee of BWGL Group in September 2021. What started as me paying homage to my mother who was a cleaner and me being curious about the hygiene and cleaning space, has now become a fully-fledged business and has created several job opportunities for women and the youth from underserved communities.
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by Jenny Reid
In a recent article, there was much controversy about a politician who had been writing Doctor before his name for many years. On further investigation, he was a “doctor in the ministry of counselling” from Trinity International University, Ghana’s campus in South Africa in 2008. “Trinity is not accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority, the National Qualifications Framework, or the Council on Higher Education for Higher Education Qualifications. Trinity is also not accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Committee, although the ‘university’ operates out of Ghana.” Due to the institutions’ lack of accreditation or importance outside of a church, South Africans thought that this “Doctorate” should not count. Nor should this politician refer to himself as a doctor. This poses the question, how relevant is a qualification if it does not bring the required skill set to the party?
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by Paula Quinsee
What does it take to be an empowered woman? When it comes to juggling careers, family, and social obligations, it's easy to put our own development on the back burner. However, the truth is that investing in your personal growth is not just a luxury - it's a necessity for creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Here's why now is the time to prioritize your self-investment and some practical considerations to keep in mind.
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by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Cross-border transactions play a crucial role in global commerce by allowing South African businesses to extend their reach and participate in international markets. However, these transactions present distinct legal challenges that need to be handled carefully to ensure compliance and reduce risks. South African businesses involved in cross-border transactions must navigate a complex regulatory environment.
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by Sarah Dusek
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey, it’s this: success requires us to think bigger. Far too often, I meet female entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas who aren’t dreaming big enough. We hold ourselves back by playing small, thinking that modest goals are more achievable. But the truth is, by limiting our ambitions, we’re not only underestimating ourselves—we’re also undercutting the potential of our businesses.
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by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles with stakeholder management have become essential for present-day organisations looking to succeed and make a positive impact. This is because ESG is more than sustainability reports, it’s a compass through which an organisation can navigate its relationships with stakeholders.
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by Ntsoaki Sibiya
I think most of us can agree that you cannot do life alone. You cannot take certain journey’s alone and you cannot advance in your entrepreneurship endeavours alone. The power of partnerships also applies to mentorship. Mentorship is a transformative force that guides entrepreneurs through challenges, offers wisdom, and fosters growth. As an entrepreneur, a mentor's guidance will provide you with clarity, accelerate your learning, and instils confidence. Their support and perspective illuminate paths which help you to nurture your talent, unlock your potential, and shapes both your personal and professional success. There are many value adds to finding a mentor and to understanding the context of mentorship (leveraging the experiences of those who are further along than you are).
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by Lori Milner
Happiness is subjective because we all have different rules for what it will take to be happy. I am not here to give you a magic formula but rather to offer a set of questions to help you understand what it means for you.
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by Jenny Reid
Employee Screening is an ever-evolving process, no employee screening policy should be cast in stone and remain that way long term. This process should be regularly reviewed and updated to evolve as the human risk factor evolves.
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