Non-profit paving the road to non-violence
Western Cape non-profit organisation Mustadafin Foundation will be active agents of social change during 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children which starts on Wednesday, 25 November 2015. The Foundation alongside the South African Police Services (SAPS) will raise awareness on domestic violence and health and safety issues to empower women and children in the Delft and Tafelsig communities.
The national theme for this year’s campaign is: ‘Count me in: together moving a non-violent South Africa forward.’ Mustadafin Foundation’s focus is to create awareness on social, health and safety issues. They will also visit community clinics on 1 December 2015 for World Aids Day to discuss issues and raise awareness on HIV and AIDS.
“Together with the SAPS we will distribute pamphlets about rape, child abuse, drugs and human trafficking. There is a rise in rape, disappearance and kidnapping of children and women in the Cape Town communities. The aim of this campaign is to highlight the abuse that women and children face within their homes and communities,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, Director of Mustadafin Foundation.
According to a report published by Women’s Rights Organisation GenderLinks*, 39% of women in the Western Cape have experienced Gender Based Violence at least once in their lifetime and 44% experienced some form of violence in intimate partner relationships (emotional, economic, physical or sexual violence).
“We believe that empowerment and awareness of abuse and violence should not only be during 16 Days; our volunteers and community workers are active throughout the year to assist underprivileged communities where situations are dire,” continues Johnstone-Cassiem.
One such project is the Isibindi project in partnership with the National Association of Child Care Workers in Tafelsig which began in June this year. The project serves to employ local people and supervise and assist vulnerable children. Numerous families have benefited from this project where the majority of youth come from disadvantaged backgrounds and lack parental support.
Stitch by Stitch is another project the Foundation has pioneered which has made a valuable difference in the Tafelsig community. Women who have been victims of domestic violence are taught how to sew and make clothing, enabling them to generate an income and provide for their families.
“Violence against women is becoming an epidemic in South Africa and we all have a role to play in putting an end to this scourge. We encourage community members to seek help and report all domestic and violent crimes to the police,” concludes Johnstone-Cassiem.
For more information on any of the programmes or to donate, please contact Mustadafin Foundation on 021-633-0010 or visit their website at www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation.
*http://www.genderlinks.org.za/page/western-cape-gbv-indicators-project
BOOK: Reputation Matters - Building blocks to becoming the business people want to do business with
Building a reputation is all about consistency. Whether you are being unfailingly consistent or consistently unpredictable, you are in the process of building a reputation for yourself.
A consistently positive stakeholder experience builds reliability, which builds trust and ultimately establishes a strong and positive reputation.
It is important to have the right building blocks in place to build a solid reputation. This book will guide you on how to build your organisation's reputation, so that you can be the business that people want to do business with.
It views reputation from an academic and experiential point of view and focuses on ten dimensions that have considerable impact on an organisation's reputation.
It's not all theory, Reputation Matters is distinctly South African. It speaks directly to businesses operating in our challenging South African context, giving real life examples and solutions with every business person's experience.
Normal retail price R250 (incl. Vat). Order before the end of November 2015 and pay only R200 (incl. Vat)
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Western Cape non-profit grabs Community Builder of the Year Award
Ghairunisa Johnstone, winner of the Community Builder of the Year Award has faithfully served the Cape Town community. “At Mustadafin Foundation we inspire people to reach self-efficiency, self-reliance and independence. We are very proud of this award, as it represents exactly what we are aiming for – to build, uplift and grow the communities we operate in,” says Johnstone.
The Western Cape non-profit organisation initially started as a disaster relief organisation in 1986. They now also support 23 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres and feed 15 000 people per day. The Foundation also runs various programmes such as youth interventions, skills development, health care programmes and adult literacy programmes.
If you would like to be part of this change, please make contact with Mustadafin Foundation for volunteer opportunities.
For more information on Mustadafin Foundation, please contact them on 021-633-0010 or visit www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation
Sales focus key to sustainable B-BBEE drive
Is there a magical formula to send sales sky-high and achieve a lustrous B-BBEE scorecard rating all at once? No, there isn't – but [dot]GOOD has a canny, realistic strategy that offers a bold new solution to achieve these goals.
South Africa’s leading for-good marketing agency, [dot]GOOD has developed a unique platform that enables its clients to increase market share and build their brand, whilst earning B-BBEE points and delivering a real Return on Investment (ROI).
Working in partnership with the Imvula Education Empowerment Fund (a 100% black-owned broad-based trust that facilitates the education of bright but underprivileged young people at the fund’s Maharishi Institute), [dot]GOOD has selected and trained a group of enthusiastic and dedicated students to participate in a long-term volume driving campaign to promote the full range of Tastic products and build long term relationships with its consumers. Tiger Brands and its range of Tastic products is the first company to take up this product offering and participate in [dot]GOOD’s innovative promotion.
“As with all our campaigns, the Maharishi students were given thorough training (including a cooking lesson) and we then selected the best performing individuals based on their results in a written test and a role play exercise. They also receive a weekly refresher to keep product information top of mind,” says Michael Baretta, managing director of [dot]GOOD.
This unprecedented collaboration between [dot]GOOD and the Imvula Education Empowerment Fund constitutes a virtuous circle in providing practical training by creating real-world experience for the students at the Maharishi Institute (acknowledged to be one of the world’s most innovative educational institutions). At the same time, it offers a sustainable and financially advantageous brand-building solution for Tiger Brands and their range of Tastic products.
“As a brand leader with a strong heritage and affinity to all South African households, Tastic is proud to be the first company to participate in such an innovative promotion,” says Chetan Rajput, Category Executive – Rice and Pasta. “A major factor in our involvement was the fact that it provides us with an opportunity to comply to B-BBEE requirements whilst reaching sales objectives. At the same time it helps to contribute to a more positive outlook for current and future Maharishi students. We also like the fact that we’re able to continue to build on-going relationships with our consumers at the point of purchase,” adds Rajput.
“In the spirit of the Maharishi Institute, [dot]GOOD have thought out-of-the-box with this partnership and are demonstrating how B-BBEE can be used to really do good whilst doing well,” said Maharishi Institute founder Taddy Blecher.
[dot]GOOD work exclusively with socially responsible or sustainable brands and not for profit organisations and specialise in campaigns that bridge the gap between the greater good and the bottom line.
“We are looking forward to solving many more clients' business challenges with our customised solutions,” concludes Baretta. “Focusing on below-the-line / experiential marketing and public relations gives us the power to create a win-win without the spin.”
For more information about [dot]GOOD contact 011 447 0427 / info@dotgood.co.za or visit http://www.dotgood.co.za/. Join [dot]GOOD’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dotgoodmarketing.
Help your neighbour this festive season
Mustadafin Foundation initially started as a disaster relief organisation and has since evolved to being a servant of the communities in which it operates. Every year, the non-profit embarks on a great task to alleviate communities during the festive season and this year will be no different.
The little ones from the Foundation’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, crèches and feeding schemes come from poor, destitute and broken families. Most of them have never received a gift in their life. The non-profit is campaigning a toy run to bring seasons cheer to over 300 underprivileged children in Cape Town. The gifts will be distributed from 27 November 2015 up until 25 December 2015.
“We call on all Capetonians to be the change in these communities and help make the festive season a special one for all these children. Something I will never forget is when we gave a little boy a second-hand soft turtle toy – his first gift ever. He forgot about his food and cherished the toy the whole day. The impact of such a small gesture is immense in a child’s life,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone, Director of Mustadafin Foundation.
The Foundation is aiming to take its festive season plight to the next level this year and implement an ambitious project where 50 pots of hot food will be provided to underprivileged communities in the Cape Flats and surrounds on 25 December 2015. “Each pot of food can feed up to 250 people, which means that 12 500 residents, including children and the elderly will have a warm, full belly this festive season. We will also cook a special lunch for the Brooklyn and Tafelsig communities,” explains Johnstone.
It’s the duty of all of us to tend to our fellow citizens and make a difference where we can. “If you or your organisation are able to help, please make contact with us,” concludes Johnstone.
You too can make a difference by contributing your expertise and time or by providing funds. If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help? If you are able to help and donate toys, please contact Mustadafin Foundation on 021-633-0010 or visit www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation
Corporate lying has a disastrous effect on an organisation’s reputation. The communication management profession is under fire with recent worldwide corporate scandals. Prof Ronél Rensburg, Head of the Communication Division at the University of Pretoria has conducted research on this occupational hazard and will take conference attendees through the do’s and don’ts when dealing with media and how to protect and sustain the communication discipline.
“There are three universal rules when dealing with the media: do not lie; do not hide facts and; do not say “no comment”. It is communication management professionals’ responsibility to inform their organisations and CEO’s to avoid hiding, varnishing or embroidering facts, particularly where the media is concerned,” says Rensburg.
A recent article by PRWeek (August 2015) highlighted Rensburg’s findings and it is astounding how many PR professionals and CEO’s lie and hide facts to try and look better in stakeholders’ eyes.
Rensburg continues, “It all comes down to ethical communication – communication and PR professionals have the power to build or break down an organisation’s reputation. By being truthful and not hiding any facts, especially during a crisis, enterprises can build a solid reputation with all stakeholders.”
This fascinating and crucial topic is just one of many which attendees can look forward to.
Regine le Roux, Managing Director at Reputation Matters, says, “There will be a multitude of inspiring speakers – both local and international. We encourage all business owners and communication professionals to attend and start investing in a solid, ethical-driven reputation.”
The event is endorsed by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), and members will receive CPD points for attending.
Other speakers for the day include: Andrew Boraine, CEO of the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP); Huma Gruaz, CEO of Alpaytac – USA; Mothobi Seseli, CEO of Argon Asset Management; Mzilikazi Wa Africa, Journalist at the Sunday Times; Nicole Webb, Founder and Director of Impact Communications in Australia; Norbert Ofmanski, MD of On Board - Poland and; Lutz Cleffmann from ECCO International Communication Network in Düsseldorf, Germany.
For more information on the conference, please email conference@reputationmatters.co.za. Alternatively visit www.reputationmatters.co.za or call 021 790 0208. Reputation Matters is also on Facebook www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters and Twitter @ReputationIsKey.
Argon Asset Management scoops two IAIR awards in Milan
Argon Asset Management has added two more awards to their trophy cabinet, with international recognition at the 16th annual IAIR Awards ceremony, held in Italy last week at the headquarters of Borsa Italiana (London Stock Exchange Group). “We are so proud and humbled by the continuing global recognition,” says Mothobi Seseli, CEO of Argon Asset Management. “It is significant for a South African firm that is relatively young, to have won these international awards. These awards link with our vision to be an African investment firm with global standards,” said Seseli.
A CEO Summit held before the awards ceremony brought corporate leaders together to discuss leadership, skills and visions for growth. Argon Asset Management CEO Mothobi Seseli joined a panel discussion with CEO of Zurich Sigorta, one of the top insurance companies globally and Brynhild Vinksei, Chief Marketing Officer of Xstream, based in Denmark.
The digital age has transformed a nagging worry into something far more challenging; the majority of CEOs say they are looking for a wider mix of skills than they have in the past. Businesses desperately need hi-tech innovators and ‘hybrid’ workers who understand not only their own sector, but complex digital technology as well. In a context of general growth and optimism, the financial volatility, the trend of overregulation and the geopolitical uncertainty represent disruption’s causes, but also new opportunities. From these starting points, the debate began, with reference to the recent PwC 18th Annual Global CEO Survey, a key document that facilitates the understanding of CEOs’ expectations and strategies for the next months.
After the CEO Summit which was viewed around the world via livestreaming, the Award Ceremony recognized CEOs and top executives of the year and excellences in Corporate, Legal, Broker, Asset Management and Sustainability fields all over Europe and Africa. Argon Asset Management secured a double victory with two awards for Best Asset Management Company in Africa 2015 and Best Asset Management Industry CEO in Africa 2015 awarded to Argon CEO and co-founder Mothobi Seseli.
For more information about Argon Asset Management, please contact 021 670 6570 or email info@argonasset.co.za or visit the website www.argonassetmanagement.co.za
World-class reputation conference to be held in Cape Town
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” – Warren Buffett.
Reputation management company, Reputation Matters will host a riveting one-day conference on the nuts and bolts of building a positive reputation on Friday, 06 November 2015 at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Cape Town. Local and international speakers including Andrew Boraine, CEO of the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) will grapple with the key building blocks associated with reputable organisations.
Just as you are inseparable from your shadow, so an organisation cannot be severed from its reputation. An organisation’s reputation precedes success or failure.
Why is reputation such a powerful force? Regine le Roux, Managing Director at Reputation Matters says, “Understanding reputation is a strategic imperative; it is something which is influenced by every dimension and activity of an organisation. It's a virtuous circle: A positive, strong reputation attracts and keeps top employees. Having the right team on board helps you to improve your service or product offering, which helps you to attract the right kind of attention. As a result, people will invest in your offering and ultimately you will be able to see how a good reputation positively impacts your bottom line.”
So how does one build and maintain a solid reputation? “It helps to get advice from the experts,” smiles le Roux, which is why we're hosting our inaugural reputation management conference on 06 November 2015 in Cape Town.”
Featuring influential speakers from South Africa and around the globe, the conference will walk attendees through the key elements of building and fostering a reputation. Best practices and case studies shared will equip attendees with a basic understanding and exciting ideas that they can customise for their particular business case. As le Roux puts it, “With our tools, team and track record, we can help companies to take their reputations to the next level.”
World-renowned motivational speaker Braam Malherbe will be the master of ceremonies for the day and promises to inspire attendees with his infectious energy and passion.
“A company’s reputation can be tarnished in seconds, and we invite all businesses to come and share in the wealth of knowledge speakers have to offer,” concludes le Roux.
The fantastic speaker line-up includes: Andrew Boraine, CEO of the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP); Mothobi Seseli, CEO of Argon Asset Management; Mzilikazi Wa Afrika, journalist at the Sunday Times; Prof Ronel Rensburg, Head of the Communication Division at the University of Pretoria; Huma Gruaz, Founder and CEO of Alpaytac Communication in the USA; Nicole Webb, Founder and Director of Impact Communications in Australia; Lutz Cleffmann from ECCO International Communication Network in Düsseldorf, Germany and; Norbert Ofmanski, Managing Director at Onboard Communication Agency in Poland.
For more information on the conference, please email: conference@reputationmatters.co.za.
Early bird bookings close at the end of September.
Click here to register.
For more info on managing and investing in your reputation, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za or call 021 790 0208. Reputation Matters is also on Facebook www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters and Twitter @ReputationIsKey.
Adults rise above daily challenges through the gift of literacy
Mustadafin Foundation is helping adults in gang ridden areas in the Western Cape to rise above daily challenges through their adult literacy programme.
In communities where struggles and poverty are rife, learning to read and write later in life takes a certain amount of courage and will-power. Originally implemented as far back as 1988, Mustadafin Foundation’s adult literacy programme has helped over 1000 illiterate adults aged from 17 to 60 years in Athlone, Crossroads, Montrose Park, Philippi and Heinz Park to read and become more confident and independent.
The programme, run by Mustadafin Foundation’s Literacy Coordinator, Jasmina Salie takes place every week, for up to four hours at a time at the Foundation’s centres in Delft and Sherwood Park.
“The programme starts with a six month pre-abet course, which is equivalent to Grade R to 3. Students can then move on to abet classes which is the equivalent to Grades 4 to 6. Thereafter, they can complete their schooling up until Matric. The foundation phase of learning is very important, so we teach each student in their mother tongue and adapt to their unique method of learning,” explains Salie.
The Delft programme currently has 11 adults in the class and they are showing significant progress. One enthusiastic student mentioned that she is now able to help with her children’s administration and homework – something she could not do previously.
“It is wonderful to see the change this programme has had in these adults’ lives. We cover reading subjects and also discuss daily struggles in class, from domestic violence, drug abuse and HIV. The class becomes a support group where they give and receive advice to handle the challenges they face each day. As a result they have developed confidence through learning but also know that they are not alone in their trials,” reflects Salie.
At the Sherwood Park centre in Manenberg, the learners are a little bit older and struggle with concentration, making the learning process longer. “The area is afflicted by gang violence leaving people in a constant state of shock and trauma, however shootings and drugs in the community haven’t deterred them from learning and pursuing their goals,” says Salie.
Many of the women in the class have sons and family involved in gangs. One woman in the programme has already made progress with her son by building up her confidence and setting an example for him.
“It is so refreshing to see how the literacy programme has helped these people. One gentleman in the group is very pro-active in seeking out his education and wants to be a librarian one day. He is pursuing his goals and wants to help the youth do the same,” mentions Salie.
After the students complete the programme, Mustadafin Foundation helps them further by assisting with job opportunities.
“I always say to my students that if you are committed, change will come – and that’s exactly what they are proving,” concludes Salie.
Ghairunisa Johnstone, Founder of Mustadafin Foundation has put out an appeal to Capetonians for assistance, “There is a very high demand for this programme and without residents’ help we won’t be able to continue with this much needed programme. If you are able to help, please make contact with us.”
If you are able to help out with funding or if you would like to find out more information, contact Mustadafin Foundation on 021-633-0010 or visitwww.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation.
