Ray-Ban Rocks at Oppikoppi
Caption - Visionary Bewilderbeasts sharing their vision through the #EnvisionSeries at this year’s Oppikoppi Festival in Northam, Limpopo. A unique opportunity for festivalgoers to communicate their vision for the future was created by giving visitors to the Ray-Ban Top Stage large magnetic boards and magnet words to create a message depicting their vision for the future. Photographs were then taken of these messages and displayed to create an impressive Envision Gallery, which was viewed by thousands of festival-goers. The project was managed for Ray-Ban by EnOv8 brand and event activation specialists.
To promote their ‘Envision’ campaign at the popular Oppikoppi Festival, and following on the success of the previous two years at the Festival, Ray-Ban once again enlisted the help of event activation specialists EnOv8 to create a memorable brand experience for festival-goers.
At this year’s Oppikoppi Festival, which took place from 08 to 10 August near Northam in Limpopo, visionary Bewilderbeasts were invited to hang out at the Ray-Ban Top Stage, with “the best view of the festival”.
Those who ventured all the way up the Ray-Ban stage, certainly did enjoy a great view, as well as shorter bar queues, a free sunglass-cleaning service and a fantastic line-up all weekend long. Artists performing on the Ray-Ban Top Stage included diverse talents such as Jakkals Unplugged, Nick Turner, Black Cat Bones, Tamryn Jones, Arno Carstens and Flint Meet Spark.
But there was more to ‘Envision’ than great local talent and a spectacular view. The Envision Series honours the strength it takes to be true to yourself and to freely express your beliefs and personality. The EnOv8 activation team also created a unique opportunity for festival-goers to communicate their vision for the future, allowing them to interact directly with the Ray-Ban Envision campaign.
Large magnetic boards and magnet words were used to create a message depicting the individual’s vision for the future. Photographs were taken of the visionary with their message. These were then printed to jumbo size and displayed to create an impressive Envision Gallery, which was viewed by thousands of festival-goers, many of whom took their own photos of the gallery, thus taking a piece of the campaign home with them.
As any brand specialist will tell you, managing a campaign of this scope is by no means any easy feat, but with many years’ experience under the belt, EnOv8 are undoubtedly one of the best in the business.
“We are really proud of the relationship built with Ray-Ban and the immense success of the brand activation campaigns EnOv8 have implemented for the brand since 2011,” says EnOv8 Managing Director Nicole Rollings. “For all of these events EnOv8 manages the activations, liaises with the event organisers prior to the event, coordinates photographers, promotional staff and other service providers and manages all aspects of the campaign to ensure the brand is represented accurately. It is challenging, exhilarating and extremely rewarding!”
According to Rollings, Oppikoppi in particular has proven an excellent way for Ray-Ban to continue their support of the local music scene while at the same time engaging the public in a fun and unique way.
“We have now worked on several brand activation campaigns for Ray-Ban and look forward to continuing to build the relationship into the future.”
Thera van’t Hof, Ray-Ban and Persol Brand Manager, South Africa, says that when it came to choosing an agency to implement the activation ideas at Oppikoppi this year, she knew that EnOv8 would be the best agency to work with once again.
“Nicole and her team are very passionate about what they do, and just as passionate about our brand as we are,” said van’t Hof. “They always have great ideas to add to the mix and I knew I could be at ease knowing that our brand was in excellent hands during this big event. Once again they proved me right!”
Oppikoppi festival-goers can upload their visionary story at http://www.ray-ban.com/southafrica/neverhide/envision by 31 August 2013. Ray-Ban South Africa will choose a vision to bring to life.
For more information about EnOv8 contact the EnOv8ive Team on 021 4040 645 or visit www.enov8.co.za
CUT Responds to Internationalisation in a Changing World
Is higher education responding effectively and quickly enough to internationalisation challenges and developments?
Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is looking forward to hosting the 17th International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) Conference 2013, from 21 to 24 August 2013 at Bloemfontein Campus, with the aim of answering the emerging question about higher education’s response to internationalisation in a changing world.
IEASA, a non-profit organisation, was established as a result of the need for universities and universities of technology in South Africa to respond to international educational trends.
The theme for the conference will be the ‘Internationalisation in a Changing World: Higher Education’s Response’.
The conference will focus on knowledge sharing with discussions on best practices, challenges and opportunities, and the critical role leadership and support services has to play in successful internationalisation.
Further interesting topics will include the interlinking role of indigenous knowledge management, the transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and special student issues, such as Xenophobia, ethical considerations and other diversity challenges.
The IEASA Conference will open up international contacts and will focus on creating cross-border partnerships, which will benefit students of tertiary institutions and will contribute to South Africa’s status as a competitor and participant in world markets.
As part of its internationalisation strategy, the university continues to reach out to students and academics from SADC states, Germany, Belgium, Finland, The Netherlands and China. These partnerships ensure that our students are not only industry-ready, but that they have a global perspective to their studies and an understanding of international challenges and opportunities.
To register for the 17th International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) Conference 2013, please contact 051-507-3912 or email ieasa2013@cut.ac.za for more information.
For more information about CUT please contact 051 507 3820 or visit www.cut.ac.za.
More about CUT
CUT is a leader in many technology fields ranging from learning programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) a broad field in which CUT has about 45% of its enrolments, much higher than many other South African universities. Further, CUT’s research and innovation leadership in many areas, more especially in rapid prototyping and manufacturing is world class. The latter has been honoured by both the Medical Research Council (MRC) as part of its National Medical Device Platform and the National Research Foundation (NRF), with the latter having granted CUT a Chair in this area. Through its social and technological innovations CUT aims to contribute towards the social-economic development in the region as well as in the rest of South Africa and internationally.
ROOTS – that’s where it all begins
Think once, think twice, then...think again! This was the message for the evening when ROOTS representatives sang words of encouragement for the youth and community to help them focus on their futures.
Last night over 70 local active community members attended an inspiring community initiative event driven by the Thabo Community Action Trust (TCAT) and powered by The Culture Corporation at Mangaung Sun’s Windmill Casino. The event marked the official public launch of the ROOTS Traders Club and Youth Road Shows which aim to help equip the communities of Thaba’Nchu and Botshabelo with the entrepreneurial knowledge and mentorship needed to achieve a prosperous future.
The festivities began with a choreographed dance by the energetic ROOTS Road Show members, and cheerful messages of optimism were relayed through music, dance and presentations.
The ROOTS initiatives signify the start of social positive change from grass roots level in the Thaba’Nchu and Botshabelo areas, and the show was put together by the community, for the community.
Chairlady of the Thabo Community Action Trust, Yasheen Sookdeo comments, “The launch event epitomises what we hope to achieve, and that is to bring the communities together in the shared vision of economic prosperity through socio-economic up-liftment initiatives. This is an exciting time for the Trust and we are on our way to making a lasting difference in these communities.”
Having gone through a rigorous process of qualifying to be a ROOTS Traders Club member, seven identified club categories (retail, sewing, cleaning, farming, logistics, food and manufacturing) earned loans provided by the TCAT. In a unique lending programme, these members are able to loan money from the pot but are required to pay it back before more money can be loaned by other ROOTS Trader Club members. This makes members and their immediate community accountable for their debt.
Guests were reluctant to leave but exciting opportunities lie ahead.
If you would like to support these initiatives or become a ROOTS Trader Club Member, please contact Nicole@culturecorp.co.za.
The ROOTS Youth Road Shows and ROOTS Traders Club are entrepreneurial development initiatives sponsored by the TCAT and powered by The Culture Corporation. For more information about the TCAT, the ROOTS initiatives and The Culture Corporation, visit www.thabotrust.com or www.culturecorp.co.za
CUT Engineering walks away with prestigious award for the 2nd year!
Bloemfontein, Free State: Ms Aucamp, a Master’s student in the Department of Information Technology at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) will join a selected group of students from South Africa universities as a recipient of Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Award. This bursary was awarded for her outstanding academic performance and exceptional qualities. Congratulating Ms Jenny Aucamp is (left) Dr Daryl Balia, Director of Academic Planning Unit and Prof. Herman Vermaak, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (right).
Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Engineering walks away with the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary award for the 2nd year!
Ms Aucamp, a Master’s student in the Department of Information Technology at Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) will join a selected group of students from South Africa universities as a recipient of Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Award. This bursary was awarded for her outstanding academic performance and exceptional qualities. Now, a new member of this exclusive ambassadorial group from CUT, Ms Aucamp will travel to the United Kingdom at the end of 2013 on an all-expenses-paid trip.
This is not a first academic achievement for Ms Aucamp; in 2012 she was awarded the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award for best Academic Performance at BTech level. “This is confirmation of the quality of graduates we as a faculty deliver” said Prof. Herman Vermaak, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.
The objective of the Travel Bursary is to broaden the views of young South Africans through travel, engagement, and each member will be expected to do a presentation at the Goodenough College in London, where they will be hosted for close to a month. The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary has been in existence since 1951, and so far CUT has been represented three times, Ms Aucamp is the fourth. In 2012 Mr Mphikeleli Jele was awarded the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.
“It is a great honour for CUT to have one of our students winning the ABE Bailey Travel Bursary. The group of bursars will be given the opportunity to equip themselves with exceptional leadership qualities and strong service ethic. A greater understanding and co-operation among those with various language and cultural backgrounds, and to foster enterprise, commitment and effective participation in a common future are just some of the items on the agenda”, said Prof. Henk de Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic.
For more information about CUT please contact 051 507 3820 or visit www.cut.ac.za.
More about CUT
CUT is a leader in many technology fields ranging from learning programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) a broad field in which CUT has about 45% of its enrolments, much higher than many other South African universities. Further, CUT’s research and innovation leadership in many areas, more especially in rapid prototyping and manufacturing is world class. The latter has been honoured by both the Medical Research Council (MRC) as part of its National Medical Device Platform and the National Research Foundation (NRF), with the latter having granted CUT a Chair in this area. Through its social and technological innovations CUT aims to contribute towards the social-economic development in the region as well as in the rest of South Africa and internationally. For more information about CUT visit www.cut.ac.za
Combat unemployment to generate future success
Bloemfontein, Free State: The group representing companies; National Health Laboratory Service, ETDP SETA, Eduloan and South African Breweries (SAB) have exhibited at CUT’s growing Career Fair for the past five consecutive years. The event aims to link students to industry, giving them the opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers, explore different companies, get more information about various industries, and learn more about job opportunities to combat unemployment of CUT students.
Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) helps combat unemployment with its annual Career Fair – connecting graduates to industry jobs.
A record number of companies, including First National Bank (FNB), South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) registered to take part in the annual graduate recruitment event, hosted by CUT on 24 – 25 July 2013, at the Boet Troskie Hall, CUT Bloemfontein Campus.
“The career fair is a great networking event that we at CUT host annually to bring potential employers under one roof to interact and network with our students,” said, Prof Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, Dean of Academic Development and Support in her address at the official opening of the Career Fair.
The first career fair in 2006 brought about only 16 employers. In 2013 the fair has attracted over 41 companies to showcase their portfolios and career opportunities for CUT students. It gives students the opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers, explore different companies, get more information about various industries, and learn more about job opportunities.
“We have built strong relationships with government, business and industry and I am glad to say we broke the record this year in terms of a record number of employers who are involved in the Career Fair 2013. I am sure that our students will be recruited and considered for employment after these two days,” Monnapula-Mapesela concluded.
Present at the official opening was Dr Herman Mashaba, a CUT alumnus and Founder of Black Like Me. Mashaba presented his personal tribulations and triumphs as a young man growing up in the old South Africa where opportunities for development were far and few in between. Unlike the youth of today, Mashaba said that he and many of his peers never had the same opportunities to attend a university of their choice.
CUT Human Resources Management students also assisted with the preparation of student recruitment by managing a CV Clinic, where they gave advice on CV-writing to other CUT students.
“The annual Career Fair is not only limited to graduate recruitment, but also an opportunity for attendees to build strategic partnerships and address the business development needs of the Free State Province,” says Prof. Henk De Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic of CUT. “This event helps to generate an industry-ready workforce.”
For more information about CUT please contact 051 507 3820 or visit www.cut.ac.za.
More about CUT
CUT is a leader in many technology fields ranging from learning programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) a broad field in which CUT has about 45% of its enrolments, much higher than many other South African universities. Further, CUT’s research and innovation leadership in many areas, more especially in rapid prototyping and manufacturing is world class. The latter has been honoured by both the Medical Research Council (MRC) as part of its National Medical Device Platform and the National Research Foundation (NRF), with the latter having granted CUT a Chair in this area. Through its social and technological innovations CUT aims to contribute towards the social-economic development in the region as well as in the rest of South Africa and internationally.
The building blocks of a good reputation
In an increasingly competitive market, staying ahead of the competition is a challenge all organisations face and a great reputation is more important than ever. Managing your company’s reputation strategically is vital for every multinational and every small to medium enterprise from Cape Town to Kosi Bay.
What is Reputation Management and how can organisations get it right?
Reputation management is first and foremost about building relationships with a company’s key stakeholders, which includes communicating with employees, engaging with clients, reacting to investor concerns, collaborating with government and partnering with the media and everything in between.
Annette Jansen van Rensburg, Account Manager at Reputation Matters (PRISA PRISM Award Winners and TopSEO for 2012) says that the personal experiences, perceptions and expectations intrinsic in relationship building is what complicates the reputation management process.
“It is important for organisations to realise that different stakeholders make different assessments and not all stakeholders share the same view of what your company’s reputation is”, says Jansen van Rensburg. “The values of these groups differ and change over time - what was important yesterday may not necessarily mean as much today and can even be of no significance to some stakeholders”.
In an increasingly turbulent economic environment and due to the changing perceptions of key stakeholders, decisions should be based on extensive research. It also necessitates that the organisation is open to the opinions of their internal and external stakeholders.
The only way to secure information about stakeholders’ perceptions and expectations is to request it through research and evaluation, which ranges from informal research in the form of regular conversations, to focus groups and questionnaires.
So why is research so important when planning to engage with your stakeholders?
Annette shares the top five reasons research is invaluable and non-negotiable when planning a communication strategy to increase a brand’s reputation amongst its stakeholders:
1. INTERNAL INFLUENCES – Employees are the most important stakeholder group of any organisation and undoubtedly the most critical of the organisation’s actions. By knowing what is important to the internal stakeholders and by addressing employee concerns and expectations head-on, the organisation’s reputational core will be steadfast and strong.
Internal research will also assist in gauging whether or not employees understand the vision and mission of the organisation, which will help align all messages and get all the employees on the same page. This is extremely important as coherency will impact employee performance and ultimately make or break the organisation’s reputation and business. With a sturdy foundation and a focussed internal force behind the organisation, there is no crisis it cannot withstand.
2. BENCHMARK FOR BETTER – Knowing what an organisation’s external stakeholders’ relationships are with its competitors, gives it the advantage of knowing what it is up against and what it needs to do to exceed the experiences stakeholders share with its competitors.
3. PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE – The majority of organisations often assume what their stakeholders find valuable and what they want to be informed about, yet each stakeholder group is unique and requires tailored messaging that speaks directly to their needs. This means that research is vital to ensure that each stakeholder receives messages that are relevant and valuable to them and are not bombarded with messages the organisation thinks are important.
4. STAKEHOLDER EXPECTATIONS – Again, each stakeholder group has different expectations in terms of the way they want to be engaged. Therefore corporate communication often fails due to organisations communicating through the wrong channels, at the wrong time, at the wrong frequency, in the wrong tone or with the wrong message, which ultimately means that the carefully constructed messages never reach the right target audience.
5. PROACTIVE APPROACH – By researching stakeholders’ expectations and having an in-depth understanding of their requirements, equips organisations with the knowledge and tools to communicate proactively, rather than reacting to stakeholder criticism or changed expectations.
The RepudometerTM is a reputation measurement tool developed by Reputation Matters, which scientifically measures an organisation’s reputation. This research tool helps analyse all aspects of an organisation that has an impact on its reputation and provides insight into each of the elements listed above, which assists in developing a communication strategy that speaks directly to its target stakeholder group.
“The value of research is immense, but the value of regular research is immeasurable. By reassessing your organisation’s reputation, you will be able to evaluate what is and what is not working and whether your stakeholders’ expectations have changed. This gives an organisation insight that can be used to tailor communication initiatives to stay current and relevant,” concludes Jansen van Rensburg.
For more information on managing and investing in your reputation, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za or call 011 317 3861. We are also on Facebook www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters and Twitter @ReputationIsKey
About Reputation Matters
Reputation Matters is not just another PR company, we are so much more! We measure five core dimensions of the organisation using our unique RepudometerTM research tool to understand what is building or breaking down the reputation. We have been looking after reputations for the past eight years, with at least a threefold return on investment for our clients. Reputation Matters joined ECCO International Communications Network in 2012 and represents the network in South Africa.
For more information about reputation management visit www.reputationmatters.co.za. We are also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters and Twitter @ReputationIsKey
Sustainability Week Help improve your home and planet at the Green Home and Lifestyle Fair 27 - 28 July 2013, Sandton Convention Centre
We all want to make a green contribution to save energy and water, and recycle our waste but all too often it seems like hard work – The Green Home and Lifestyle Fair promises to provide visitors with practical tips, technologies and techniques to be more environmentally astute. Alive2green will be hosting the fair during sustainability week at the Sandton Convention Centre from 27 – 28 July 2013.
Join the events at South Africa’s leading green expo and learn how you can make your home and planet ‘green’. Whether it’s guidance on what to wear, eat, drive or buy, the Green Home and Lifestyle Fair will have the answer!
Experience an array of environmentally friendly solutions from some of the top eco product and service providers. These offerings include everything from energy efficient appliances for your home to energy efficient cars, eco fashion tips, recycling, eco travelling options, green economy careers (Friday 26 July 09.00-12.30), water smart technologies and eco décor.
The exhibition highlights include green home building and interiors advice; an exciting Eco Car Show for driving enthusiasts; the Miss Earth Eco Fashion Show (Saturday afternoon) for the fashionista’s; insight on how to save energy and water and how to recycle waste – insight for the whole family!
Activities during the Green Home and Lifestyle Fair include:
- Talks on eco fashion and a fashion show
- Youth and the Green Economy
- Talks on saving electricity, water and recycling
- Efforts against rhino and other forms of poaching
- Afternoon groove bar
Entrance to The Green Home and Lifestyle Fair is R50 for over 18 year olds. All net proceeds will be donated to participating charities.
For more information on Sustainability Week and details on the program for The Green Home and Lifestyle Fair please visit www.sustainabilityweek.co.za or contact alive2green at info@alive2green.com or 021 447 4733
Mustadafin Foundation and Pick n Pay fill 6000 hungry bellies on Mandela Day
Caption: Mustadafin Foundation and Pick n Pay partnered on International Mandela Day to give far more than 67 minutes back to disadvantaged communities across Cape Town. 6000 hungry bellies were filled after 18 huge pots of delicious food was cooked at Pick n Pay’s head office in Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth, and distributed in the communities across Cape Town.
International Mandela Day was a memorable occasion in Cape Town as Pick n Pay employees accompanied Mustadafin Foundation to cook and distribute food to nine areas around Cape Town.
The event was in celebration of our country’s father, Madiba, and Mustadafin Foundation facilitated the cooking and distribution of the food to impoverished areas. Each of the eighteen pots held 100 litre of delicious soup with bread and crisps that fed 6000 people. The Pick n Pay staff peeled and chopped veggies, stirred cauldrons and cleaned up since 08:00 on the day, working hard to make a difference. Pick n Pay accompanied the Mustadafin team to deliver the soup to the needy.
“It was a privilege to work alongside Pick n Pay on this project and to help others give 67 minutes of their time in making a change. We are also so grateful to Pick n Pay for donating R10 000 of food vouchers to us which will go a very long way in helping the needy this winter,” comments Ghairunisa Johnstone, Founder of Mustadafin Foundation. “A big thank you also goes to Premier Foods who donated 1800 loaves of bread for the day.”
Pots of soup fed hungry tummies at Overcome Heights in Retreat; Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain; Zille Heights in Lotus River; Egoli in Phillipe; Masekane, Camp Road in Strandfontein; Khayalitsha Section B/C and Heinz Park where residents were grateful for the delicious meal.
Although it was a rainy day, the joy of giving could be seen on every appreciative face!
For more information contact Mustadafin Foundation on 021-633-0010 or visit www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation
ABOUT MUSTADAFIN FOUNDATION
The Mustadafin Foundation was established in 1986 as a result of political unrest and violence in the Crossroads Township. Crossroads, at that time was isolated and violence that erupted was due to faction fighting. It had a devastating effect on the local community, particularly women and children.
In order to support the community, a group of professionals offered their expertise, skills and resources. They provided medical care, trauma counselling, accommodation, food and clothing. This group encompassed such a wide range of people working constructively towards a common goal that it was decided to formalise the situation in the hope that this initiative could be maintained – this saw the birth of the Mustadafin Foundation.
CUT Awarded For Entrepreneurial Action
Sandton, Johannesburg: (left) Nhlanganiso Sibanda, and Maraka Lefera, BTech students in Human Resources Management at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) with an award won by Entrepreneurial Action by US (ENACTUS) CUT, a group of students who use entrepreneurial initiatives to serve their community. ENACTUS CUT was awarded five trophies at the annual ENACTUS national competition for students that took place in Sandton, Johannesburg over the weekend.
Students volunteer a 100 hours of their time to combat unemployment, scarce resources, lack of sanitation and malnutrition in Bloemfontein and Welkom regions.
Entrepreneurial Action by US (ENACTUS) Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), a group of students who use entrepreneurial initiatives to serve their community, walked away with five trophies at the annual ENACTUS national competition for students that took place in Sandton, Johannesburg over the weekend.
“The ENACTUS national competition encourages students to transform lives and enable progress through entrepreneurial action for a better, more sustainable world,” says Prof. Crispen Chipunza, ENACTUS CUT project leader and associate professor in Human Resources Management at CUT.
From 27 competing institutions, ENACTUS CUT received fifth overall place and placed second in the Local Economic Development category sponsored by Harmony Gold.
ENACTUS CUT entered two projects, namely the Lefa La Rona Project and the Hare Kopaneng Project.
The Lefa La Rona project assisted a primary school in Chris Hani, Bloemfontein to combat their high water bill, high unemployment in the community and malnutrition among Grade R learners.
With the help of ENACTUS CUT, the school started a garden, which resulted in malnutrition dropping from 10% to 5% under Grade R learners. Four community members, who now play a pivotal role in maintaining the vegetable garden and irrigation, were also trained in Environmental Awareness by CUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, to assist with job creation in the community and cutting down on water usage.
The second project, Hare Kopaneng, addressed the need for business setup and management skills in an area where there was a lack of sanitation, operation of unregistered businesses, no infrastructure for business transactions and business owners lacking financial and business management knowledge.
Through the Hare Kopaneng project, businesses in the area saw close to a twofold increase in customers, unemployment has been reduced, there has been an improvement in family income and the municipality provided dustbins and refuse bags, which improved health and environmental conditions the area.
“The ENACTUS CUT students have also committed to a second phase to ensure the sustainability of the projects,” says Prof. Chipunza. “They are not moving through communities and leaving them to sustain the improvements themselves, our students will go back and further develop these projects to the point where they are self-sustainable.”
ENACTUS CUT’s Lefa La Rona and Hare Kopaneng projects also received recognition in the Capacity Building category, the Sustainability category and the Business Solutions for Community Development category, during the ENACTUS national competition.
For more information about CUT please contact 051 507 3820 or visit www.cut.ac.za.
More about CUT
CUT is a leader in many technology fields ranging from learning programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) a broad field in which CUT has about 45% of its enrolments, much higher than many other South African universities. Further, CUT’s research and innovation leadership in many areas, more especially in rapid prototyping and manufacturing is world class. The latter has been honoured by both the Medical Research Council (MRC) as part of its National Medical Device Platform and the National Research Foundation (NRF), with the latter having granted CUT a Chair in this area. Through its social and technological innovations CUT aims to contribute towards the social-economic development in the region as well as in the rest of South Africa and internationally.
Green Building Conference 24 – 25 July 2013 at Sandton Convention Centre Passive House Expert –Glenn Murdoch
This year boasts the seventh annual Green Building Conference which forms part of Sustainability Week, and leading environmental media and sustainability company, alive2green, has confirmed a stellar line-up of green building experts for the two day conference. Introducing passive house expert, Glenn Murdoch (above).
A pioneer of the Passive House Standard in New Zealand, Glenn Murdoch’s impressive credentials as the Chair of the Passive House Institute New Zealand and Design Director of Vicus Design Group speaks volumes about the calibre of experts confirmed to speak at the Green Building Conference on 24 – 25 July 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Thousands of buildings were reduced to rubble in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, and although not traditionally an eco-built city, the devastation provided an ideal opportunity for designers to rebuild the city using green building techniques. Murdoch was at the forefront of the campaign to get Christchurch back to its former glory, by successfully implementing the European Passivhaus concept in New Zealand for the first time. Not only will he share his unique experience at the conference, but he will prove the ease at which many other countries may adapt and use the building model to their success.
As a result of his experience, Murdoch is now one of New Zealand’s most accomplished designers in the area of passive house design. His talk titled the devil is in the detail will guide participants through the passive house design process with particular importance paid to the attention to detail during the process. Murdoch will share his experience on making projects energy efficient from brief right through to completion and how energy-saving techniques and materials may benefit an energy deficient country such as South Africa.
Gordon Brown, Director of alive2green comments, “As hosts of the Green Building Conference, we are honoured to welcome international experts such as Glenn Murdoch to South Africa. With regulations for energy efficiency in buildings now firmly in place our designers will certainly benefit from insights of designers from elsewhere who have gained advanced experience in achieving similar standards.”
“I am delighted that Glenn has accepted to speak at this year’s Green Building Conference: as many people know, I am a great fan of the Passivhaus concept and believe it has huge relevance to the South African building sector” said Llewellyn van Wyk, Chairperson of the Green Building Conference 2013.
Murdoch is one of more than ten experts speaking at the conference, and for more information about the Green Building Conference, visit http://alive2green.com/greenbuilding/green-building-conference-2012/ or contact e-mail: info@alive2green.com Tel: 021 447 4733
