Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) honours South African business tycoon and founder of Black Like Me Limited
Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is the first higher education institution to award an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration to Dr Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba, Founder of Black Like Me.
Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), as an institution of higher learning focused on social and technological innovation is honoured to add a giant in the business world to its Alumni, Dr Herman Mashaba, at the Honorary Doctorate Award hosted at CUT on 12 March 2013.
From humble beginnings selling products including insurance, fire-detection systems and household goods on a commission basis from the boot of his car for almost two years, Dr Mashaba got his big break in 1983 when he found a job selling hair-care products on a commission basis for a Johannesburg-based company. He had finally found his niche, and within 19 months had made up his mind to start manufacturing his own hair-care products. With his wife, three partners and a R30 000 loan, Dr Mashaba set up production in a 200 m2 Small Business Development Corporation unit in Ga-Rankuwa, in the then homeland of Bophuthatswana. He named his business Black Like Me, and the first bottles of his products hit the shelves in February 1985. The rest, as they say, is history!
Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony on 12 March 2013, Dr Mashaba said, “I would like to thank CUT for the honour that is bestowed upon me this afternoon. This came as a total surprise and I feel humbled by CUTs recognition of my efforts. I had always wished to study further and obtain my doctoral degree in political science to become a political scientist of note. My dreams of acquiring a university degree were shattered in 1980 when I was doing my second year at the University of the North due to political disturbances of the time. Unfortunately I had to abandon my studies and decided to focus my energies on a business venture to get back my freedom.
“Education has been close to my heart; hence I have always invested heavily in helping people to achieve the best in what they do. As I receive this award, I need to make a special appeal to all South Africans particularly within academia, to work hard toward finding workable solutions before it is too late.”
Vice Chancellor and Principal of CUT, Prof Thandwa Mthembu commented, “Dr Herman Mashaba is one of the few notable figures in this country who epitomizes the true meaning of an entrepreneur. He is truly a role model and inspiration to our youth. As a university, we have decided to honour Dr Mashaba for his immense contribution to business in this country. He is a self-made entrepreneur who holds a conspicuous space within business for having distinguished himself amongst his peers and transcended the challenges of growing his business ventures in an environment that was less conducive and less supportive to emerging entrepreneurs like him to enter the mainstream economy.”
Today, Dr Mashaba is an internationally recognised businessman with investments in various sectors of the South African economy, including real estate, financial services, exhibitions and events, insurance brokerage, bulletproof materials, security, fuel distribution, cleaning services, facilities management, merchandising, and media planning and buying. His recently-launched autobiography, Black Like You, has been met with critical acclaim and much interest from the media and public alike.
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Financial Year End – Something To Fear Or Look Forward To?
The President’s recent State of the Nation Address highlighted a fundamental challenge facing South Africa’s economy – an expected GDP growth too low for job creation. Over double the GDP growth of 2.5% is needed to create work for some of the country’s 42% unemployed.
In order for our economy to prosper, the President made it clear that Government needs the support of all South Africans, and in particular, SME entrepreneurs. That said support is easy to call for but operating a successful business is no small task as many owners can confirm. And it’s not helped by the obstacles offered up by a changing economic and consumer purchasing environment. So how can business owners ensure they’re operating most effectively?
February is the financial year-end for many businesses and the perfect time for owners to take stock of what happened over the last 12 months. To do this well, numbers need to be crunched and the results analysed to determine successes and failures and for many, year-end is the first time this happens.
“While a monthly review is considered the very least that a ’good’ owner should do by way of watching the key metrics, financial year end is better than nothing. Figures are your objective business barometer to assess what has worked and what needs to change”, according to Business Growth Expert, Industrial Psychologies and internationally-accredited Business Coach, Kathi Clarke.
“Businesses need facts, not gut feelings, thoughts, opinions or impressions to be able to know objectively which growth strategies and marketing initiatives worked and more importantly how well, so that they can do more of it in 2013. Not to know these numbers is like driving your car at night without headlights – foolhardy and dangerous.”
Fundamental areas which matter include:
- What was the acquisition cost of each customer for each marketing initiative? If it is less than the profit on the first sale then it’s a great strategy that can be safely duplicated over and over again...and if not, then stop it - you’re losing money!
- What were the conversion rates of leads to clients for each of your sales team members and the business as a whole?
- What was the Return on Investment (ROI) on each of your different product / service lines…and which one/s should you be concentrating on to increase sales in 2013?
- Were you consistently profitable?
- Was there sufficient cash in the bank to pay your expenses, suppliers, team, tax and cost of sales and if not, what will you do to change this?
- What will it “cost” you to grow?
“Just knowing these is a great start,” Clarke continues, “and presents business owners with information that they can use to begin fixing what needs to be fixed. To do this most effectively will take a plan of action, some SMART goals, measurables in place to check the progress and someone to hold the business owner accountable to ensure the task at hand gets done!
“These habits done consistently are a big part of what separates successful from unsuccessful businesses during economic winter and will position any SME better to aim to grow by at least 10% in 2013.”
For more information on how to analyse your financials / help your business grow, contact Kathi Clarke on kathiclarke@actioncoach.com
Too Many Cooks Spoil a Brand's Facebook Page
Admin rights to a brands’ social media channels have been distributed like candy at a kids party to departments who may not have the specialist skills required to tackle such a unique brand engagement platform. The result? Mixed brand tones and language which confuse fans.
Social media platforms are just that – social. The users of these channels are looking for informative content which resonate with their lifestyles. A conversational tone which engages with its audience is some of the unique tactics needed to captivate an existing following and encourage further followers to join the network.
Another problem to consider when too many people have been given admin rights to a brand’s social media networks, is when posts are made which are off-brand, off strategy and irrelevant to their industry, which could have detrimental effects on a brand’s reputation. In this case, the post made may attract negative comments by fans questioning the brands motives for such a post, which could lead to a string of comments as long as a page. Does a brand then delete the post or is it best to leave it? At which point can a social media page be deleted, and when should it be left?
Many industry leaders have warned about the consequences of deleting unfavourable comments made by fans on their wall but no best practise has been shared about how to tackle an undesirable admin post.
Lisa Sharland, Account Director at Reputation Matters indicates, “Social media best practices are still debatable, but it is proposed to implement the same principals of deleting an admin post as when dealing with negative comments. Where possible, adverse admin posts should remain on a brands’ Facebook page - if they have attracted comments by fans - but may be defused with a strategic comment by the admin shedding light on the situation. Not all scenarios are the same and some may have to be rectified with a simple apology. Make it known that as a brand, you acknowledge the mistake and have learnt from it – brands should never have opinions on topics which do not relate to them.
“Alternatively, if the post is identified quickly as off-brand and potentially risqué and no comments have been made as yet – then delete, pronto,” advices Sharland.
For more information on how to strategically manage your social media and resultant reputation, contact Reputation Matters on 021 790 0208 or admin@reputationmatters.co.za
Central University of Technology (CUT) Free State, truly a cut above the rest
Bloemfontein – It is that time of year when tertiary institutions welcome back their students and open their doors for the next academic year. Central University of Technology (CUT) did just that last week when their Welkom and Bloemfontein Campuses were officially opened by CUT Chancellor Dr Boet Troskie. In line with being an innovative institution and setting the pace for other universities; CUT’s opening took the form of a ‘State-of-the-University’ address. Earlier in January students were encouraged to let Prof Thandwa Mthembu, CUT Vice Chancellor and Principal, know via social networking sites Facebook and Twitter what they wished him to focus on during his address.
The concept of a State-of-the-University Address is a CUT innovation, which was first started in 2012, and serves as an important platform to give an account to all CUT stakeholders on the university’s progress over the last year and affirm the institute’s vision for 2013 and beyond, including the strategic mobilisation programme, as informed by Vision 2020.
The address was presented by Mthembu who recommitted CUT to provide quality first-rate education that nurtures the various tangible and intangible talents, imparts high level skills and enhances the intellectual capabilities of our young people. The address also focused on demonstrating the university’s commitment to social and technological innovations for the socio-economic development of the central region of South Africa.
“Today is not just about opening the university, but a demonstration of public accountability to our students, their families, our staff, our stakeholders and partners,” continued Mthembu.
Only 17% of youngsters between the ages of 18 and 24 constitute all university students in South Africa. “The future of knowledge generation, innovation and wealth creation in this country is the shoulders of these young people; and beyond that, university of technology students, only make up about 3% of this 17%; making CUT students truly unique and part of the new generation university for the 21st century that focuses on innovation and high level skills for the workplace.
“CUT is committed to supporting our students’ educational endeavours. We see our role as a partnership with our students; we are well-equipped and poised to provide students with tools and an enabling environment in which they can flourish and achieve their own intellectual vision and career path. In return as part of the partnership, we require that the students also play their part by being determined, self-disciplined and diligent; and that they are hard and smart workers ready to master the subject matter of choice on which their future career will depend.
“We listen to the needs of our students and take to heart the recommendations and suggestions that they have. Over the past three years, approximately R 250 million has been invested in various key facilities for students through generous contributions from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and CUT Council towards this investment
“Our greatness and our idyllic place as this ISLE OF INNOVATION lies in our students' discovery of knowledge and pursuit of truth through quality education, research and innovation, deep engagement with society, and value-adding strategic partnerships.
“We have anchored our vision in achieving this greatness – and look forward to walking the path with you and transforming our university, our region and our country to greater heights in the process, and endeavour to continue being a CUT above the rest ” concluded Mthembu.
For more information about CUT visit www.cut.ac.za. CUT is also on Facebook and Twitter (@cutfsonline)
Caption: Central University of Technology CUT, Free State, Chancellor Dr Boet Troskie. officially opened the academic year of the Welkom and Bloemfontein campuses at the end of last week.
Caption: Central University of Technology (CUT, Free State’s academic year opening took the form of a ‘State-of-the-University’ address by Prof Thandwa Mthembu, CUT Vice Chancellor and Principal. The concept of a State-of-the-University Address is a CUT innovation, which was first started in 2012, and serves as an important platform to give an account to all CUT stakeholders on the university’s progress over the last year and affirm the institute’s vision for 2013 and beyond, including the strategic mobilisation programme, as informed by Vision 2020.
Photographer: Irvin Howard
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 Africaand internationally.
Vision 2020 – by 2020, CUT, Free Sate shall be an engaged university that focuses on producing quality social and technological innovations in socio-economic developments, primarily in the central region of South Africa.
For more information about CUT visit www.cut.ac.za
Driving Competitive Advantage in the Green Economy – 14 February 2013
Businesses know that in order to stay ahead of the pack, green initiatives are the order of the day; however very few have any idea where to start investing and how this will give them a competitive edge.
Lloyd Macfarlane, Director at Alive2Green has indicated that this is exactly what is going to be addressed at this year’s third annual Green Business Seminar that will be taking place in Ekurhuleni on 14 February 2013. Experts in the field of “Greening” and sustainable operations will address these questions and guide companies on how to set themselves apart in the much needed green economy.
“We look forward to sharing knowledge and strategies that are used by companies to remain environmentally responsible while continuing to drive competitive advantage in their respective industries,” explains Macfarlane.
“Experts and leaders in the green economy will be guiding the events presentations and panel discussions. We’ll also be introducing modules which will encourage dialogue around the sustainability of their business practices, which will also demonstrate leadership, strategy, and ethical reporting.
“We’ll also share ideas on how delegates can develop and grow their new, environmentally responsible organisation. Guidelines for sustainable operations, products and, and leveraging strategies will also be discussed,” explains Macfarlane.
This will be the third Green Business Seminar. Alive2Green started the series for Sustainability Week in June 2012 to demystify the notion of Green Business and encourage organisations to choose environmentally sustainable practices.
For more information contact: Tel: 021 447 4733 or e-mail: smanuel@alive2green.com and visit www.greenbusinessjournal.net
Reputation matters when investing in public relations
In today’s fast paced world of competing for exposure for your product or service; in convincing stakeholders why your company is better than the competition, or to encourage a specific call to action, organisations are realising the importance of strategically managing their communication and the importance of effective brand management. The days of traditional ‘public relations’ with parties, promotions and the “Spray and Pray” approach for media exposure is long gone.
However, as more businesses realise the importance of communication management, so more and more ‘public relations’ companies are also popping up; they are a dime a dozen promising heaven and earth, but ultimately have little skill or a limited data base to maximise media liaison and opportunities for your hard earned investment, which in the long run negatively impacts on the reputation of the industry.
Regine le Roux, Managing Director at Reputation Matters (PRISA PRISM Award Winners and Number 1 Reputation Management Company in South Africa 2012 and January 2013*), provides the following advice for organisations to consider when they do decide to invest in a communication management company. There are many areas to consider, but ultimately it boils down to three ‘R’s – Roadmap, Resources and Results.
Firstly, the ROADMAP – does the communication agency make an effort to understand your organisation and do they ask about your business goals? If the agency does not have an integral understanding of your organisation they will not be able to put a comprehensive communication roadmap i.e. strategy and goals into place to help you achieve your business goals. It is also important to understand what services the agency offers; will they be able to provide you with a comprehensive communication solution that will help you to reach your business goals?
In order for the agency to implement the communication strategy, it is important that you know which RESOURCES will be assigned to work with you. You need to know whether it is a one-man-show or whether there is a team who will be assigned to you. There are pros and cons for both scenarios. The main concern to take into consideration with a one-person entity, is to know what the contingency plan is if something happens to the person managing your communication; when it comes to a team, very often senior members close the deal and then the communication plan gets assigned to a junior or intern. You need to make sure that you have a rapport with the person or team that you will be working with and that they resonate with your organisation’s core values.
Finally, ask about RESULTS – how will your return on investment be measured? How will you know whether your communication initiative was truly successful? Clear measurable goals are therefore key at the beginning of every campaign. It is also important to know how often there will be communication to discuss progress and issues to ensure that the results will be achieved or to put contingency plans in place. It is also recommended that you get references and feedback from current and previous clients about the public relations agency, so that you know what to expect.
For more information about managing your communication and ultimately investing in your reputation, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za or call 011 317 3861 (Jhb) or 021 790 0208 (Cpt). We are also on Facebook www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters and Twitter @ReputationIsKey
* Rated by TopSEOs
About Reputation Matters
Reputation Mattes 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
Let your New-Year’s resolution be to not have resolutions for your business
Now that the novelty of the New Year has worn off, how many of your New-Year resolutions have survived the first four weeks of 2013? According to a survey conducted by Franklin Covey, 35% of New Year's resolutions are broken before the end of January. For this reason, Kathi Clarke, international award winning Industrial Psychologist and Business Growth Expert, advises business owners against setting New-Years’ resolutions for their businesses and suggests that business owners rather take the ‘smart’ option of setting very specific, measurable, achievable, result-orientated and time-bound goals for their businesses.
“Good business happens on purpose,” says Clarke. “The beginning of the year is a good time to establish priorities for the next twelve months. However, before business owners can set themselves goals, it is important that they ask and answer these three pertinent questions,” explains Clarke.
“Can you answer without any hesitation, ‘what is it that makes what we do/sell special, different and better to ensure that more wallet share gets spent with us than our competition; in short what is our unique selling point (USP)? When I ask business owners this, their response more often than not is, ‘delivering a high quality product or service’; ‘service excellence’ or ‘quality workmanship’ While this may be true, unfortunately it is not sufficiently compelling as it is what all other businesses are also saying. Unless you as a business owner can clearly articulate exactly what sets you apart from your competition research tells us that you will have a watered-down marketing message that will not compel prospects to buy from you.
“The second question is, ‘do you have a business or a job?” Too often business owners make the mistake of assuming that because turnover and profitability are sound, they have a business. The real test is to ask yourself whether the business would continue to run if you were not there. If the answer is no, you have a job which is fine as long as you stay healthy and able. However, if you find yourself needing to sell out, you’ll very quickly appreciate that you don’t have an asset but a liability that either now can’t function or isn’t worth a reasonable asking price without you.
“This brings us to the third question, ‘do I have a winning team in place?’ Investment in a team and resources to consistently deliver your service/product is key to reducing dependency on you as the owner. It is also pivotal to helping you free up your time to work on as opposed to in the business and enjoy the lifestyle that you went into your own business for in the first place.
“Comprehensive, clear answers to these questions will contribute to the setting and ultimately achievement of your goals for a successful 2013;” explains Clarke
Kathi Clarke is an international award winning Industrial Psychologist, certified ActionCOACH Business Coach, business growth expert and owner of Building Best Business. With over 25 years’ experience, Kathi has been successfully helping clients to up their profitability whilst maintaining a healthy work life balance. She also finds the time to offer her services probono to NPOs.
Now is the time to gear up your business’ success for 2013 by working ON the business as opposed to IN the business
With the Festive Season almost upon us, many business owners find themselves looking back in dismay and frustration at too many unaccomplished goals for 2012. Low profits - if any, worrying about covering monthly costs and little quality family time is the bleak truth for many business owners who had a very different vision in mind of their lifestyle when they first started out.
“At least 72% of businesses fail because the owners work in the business, as opposed to on the business,” says Kathi Clarke, international award winning Industrial Psychologist and Business Growth Expert. “For greater business success in 2013, business owners should take stock of their business before the end of the year by critically assessing their performance in five fundamental areas,” advises Clarke.
“Firstly know where you are going. Thriving businesses are defined by the owner having a clear destination in mind and knowing what the end result looks like. Research shows that by articulating the purpose of the business, you exponentially increase the chance of your business’ survival and most importantly, success.
“Secondly you are a key component to your business, therefore knowing yourself is pivotal. It is critical to be aware of your weak points, what your strengths are, and most importantly how to play to them. Having a sober, objective appreciation of one’s own disposition and capabilities can be the biggest asset for a business owner, and is worth investing in.
“There is no shame in admitting you don’t know everything, and as a business owner, wearing many hats to keep the boat afloat is the initial reality. However, thirdly - know what you don’t know, and invest in the skills of others that can do something better than you e.g. an accountant, a labour lawyer etc. and leverage off their expertise to the benefit of your business.
“Fourthly know if it’s working or not by consistently measuring your business’ success. The outcomes will allow you to make informed decisions, and help you to fix problems as opposed to spending time on fixing symptoms. Diligently measure your turnover, cost of sales and expenses every month; know which marketing strategies are working and understand how much your customer acquisition costs are. These all seem like basic facts, but it is surprising how few businesses actually know what theirs are.
“Finally, know what to do with what you know - knowing something is not the same as knowing what you will do with that knowledge. It is tempting to collect information, ideas and strategies as tickle-the-ear stuff, but it is worthless if you do not formulate a comprehensive plan of action to improve what you do. ‘Who’s going to do what by when?’ is a wonderful question to ask after every seminar, intervention, meeting or last page of a good business book!”
Clarke urges all business owners, “Gift your business with these five fundamental steps by penning down a plan of action for 2013, so that you can hit the ground running in January; your business will thank you in the long run”
Kathi Clarke is an international award winning Industrial Psychologist, certified Business Coach, member of actionCOACH, business growth expert and owner of Building Best Business. With over 24 years’ experience in successfully helping clients to triple their profits whilst maintaining a healthy work life balance, Kathi also finds the time to offer her services probono to NPOs.
Central University of Technology still free from Government administration
Bloemfontein – In the Free State High Court earlier today, 21 September 2012, the Department of Higher Education and Training was granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal after unsuccessfully attempting to place Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) under administration.
Earlier this year the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Blade Nzimande’s decision to place CUT under administration was set aside in the Free State high court due to unsubstantiated findings by the assessor, Prof Julian Smith that the Minister had relied on. Even though CUT has taken all the necessary steps possible to investigate and manage the issues and has appealed to the Minister to allow CUT’s Council to pursue the matter out of court, the Minister still opted to appeal the ruling.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, “Through our endeavours, we have shown deep respect and appreciation for having been entrusted with the privilege of leading this university to push the frontiers of social and technological innovation in the central region. We remain committed, focused and on track to do this through a number of innovation platforms we have built over the years and recently. At CUT we look forward to working with all stakeholders including the Minister of Higher Education and Training to advance socio-economic development in this region.
“We hope that the Supreme Court of Appeal will bring closure to this matter so that CUT continues to ensure that the University is held in high esteem in South Africa as well as internationally through research, innovation and quality graduate output,” concluded Mthembu.
Based on an agreement between both the Minister and CUT the court ordered that the present status at CUT remains as is pending the conclusion of the appeal – this effectively prevents the Minister from any attempts to take over control of the administration and or governance of CUT until such time as the appeal has been finalized. The appeal will be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal on a date to be allocated by the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
For more information about CUT visit www.cut.ac.za
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