Busting Aliens in Ikwezi
Learners from various schools in the Ikwezi area were eager to make their mark during Arbour week, earlier this month, by planting indigenous trees at their schools. In its bid to remain the greenest Province in South Africa, the Department of Environmental Affairs in the Eastern Cape together with the Ikwezi Municipality launched their “Alien Busters” initiative in the area, where they are taking strong action against Invasive Alien Plants (IAP). During Arbour Week 2012, the Alien Buster team visited selected areas and schools within the Ikwezi Municipality area educating the learners and community about IAPs and why it is important to eradicate them; topics such as the importance of indigenous trees, carbon dioxide imbalance as well as general appreciation and value for our environment also formed part of the information that was shared with the learners and community. Community members are encouraged to report anyone planting or selling IAPs within the Ikwezi Municipal area to the Municipality’s Community Services Directorate on 049-8360021
Job creation forms an important part of the Alien Buster project currently being undertaken in the Ikwezi Municipality area, where communities are being taught about the importance of eradicating Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) and planting indigenous trees such as the Spekboom. “The cactus type plants such as the torch cactus that has been brought in from Mexico are the greatest plant invaders in the area,” says Sizwe Mngwevu, Mayor of the Ikwezi Local Municipality. “These plants threaten and deplete our water resources, which are already very limited. It is important for us to educate communities about the importance of eliminating these invasive plants, and why they should not be grown at home.” concludes Mngwevu.
Community members are encouraged to report anyone planting or selling IAPs within the Ikwezi Municipal area to the Municipality’s Community Services Directorate on 049-8360021
Minister Blade Nzimande’s Application for Leave to Appeal against the Judgment is a waste of taxpayers’ money
Bloemfontein – Central University of Technology (CUT) is concerned by the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Blade Nzimande’s decision to appeal the case he lost in his attempt to place CUT under administration.
CUT approached the Minister, as it did in February 2012, with a view to resolving any concerns and outstanding matters through a less invasive paralegal process. Nzimande however refused and opted to exercise his right of election by filing an application for leave to appeal; thereby opting for a route that will waste more taxpayers’ money.
Anonymous letters submitted to the Minister by allegedly disgruntled employees in 2011, led the Minister to appoint an independent assessor, Prof Julian Smith, to investigate allegations of impropriety at CUT. The assessor purported to find intimidation, victimization and mismanagement of staff members as well as misappropriation of funds. These matters were however not substantiated even before the high court. Albeit the reports being unfounded, the Minister appointed an administrator. The high court ruled in favour of CUT’s application to set aside the Minister’s decision mainly due to the lack of supporting evidence presented by the assessor and the Minister in his court papers.
“Spending more time in court is an unnecessary pursuit for CUT that is working hard to maintain its emerging status as a ‘cut above the rest’. Any further expenditure of taxpayers’ money in litigating this matter is unnecessary,” says Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice Chancellor of CUT. “We have taken and are continuing to take all the necessary steps fathomable to investigate and manage the issues and we have appealed to the Minister to allow CUT’s Council to pursue the matter out of court. We continue to be optimistic and look forward to his favourable response,” Mthembu concluded.
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
Central University of Technology endorses free and fair elections
Bloemfontein - Results of the recent Central University of Technology (CUT)’s Student Representative Body (SRC) elections between SASCO (South African Student Congress) and the Pan Africanist Student Movement of Azania (PASMA) are earmarked to be confirmed next week.
The results of the elections that took place on 22 August 2012 at CUT’s Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses remain unconfirmed following their announcement by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on 24 August 2012. This as a result of concerns raised by some groups of students regarding the IEC’s management of the election process.
“Corporate and cooperative governance, fairness and transparency are of utmost importance to the University and we are taking the matter very seriously,” says Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof Thandwa Mthembu. “It is for this reason that we put our trust in the regional IEC to ensure that free and fair elections take place at our University when Student Representative Councils are chosen, and have been doing so for the past three years.
“When some student groups raised their concerns on Friday, 24 August, I addressed them personally, informing them about the process of investigation that would ensue. I subsequently launched a preliminary investigation on Monday 27 August when all the aggrieved parties presented their grievances regarding the management of the elections by the IEC. It was agreed by all parties involved that there will be no inauguration of the elected Student Representative Council until the IEC report has been received and the preliminary investigation concluded. I must express my utmost appreciation of the cautiousness and maturity of our students who have confidence in our system and are always willing to give management a chance for engagement, and who respect facts and evidence and the rule of law.
“We had hoped to receive the IEC report earlier this week but unfortunately there has been a delay from the IEC as they have their own internal procedures and processes that need to be followed. We look forward to getting clarity on this impasse once we have been presented with the IEC report and concluded the preliminary investigation” concludes Mthembu.
Thapelo Mosina, Provincial Commissar of the PASMA and Thembekile Tsatsa Party Agent for SASCO both confirmed that they agreed with the decision and view taken by CUT management to stop further processes relating to the SRC election until the full report is obtained from the IEC and the preliminary investigation has been concluded.
Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein has positioned itself as a leader in many fields ranging from learning programmes to research, rapid prototyping and manufacturing. Through its technological innovations CUT aims to contribute towards the social-economic development in the region as well as in the rest of South Africa, Africa and Internationally.
The existence of duly elected SRC’s within higher education institutions is legislated by Higher Education Act, No 101 of 1997 (as amended). The SRC’s are an integral part of governance structures of our public higher education institutions. They serve as an organ that advocates for students’ interest. Most importantly they serve as students’ own platform which enables them to contribute meaningfully in the transformation of universities. For the past three years CUT has been privileged to make use of the technical and professional expertise of IEC with a view of building confidence and credibility of the SRC Elections on CUT grounds. Guided by SCR Constitution duly approved by the university’s council and Statue members of the SRC are elected into office by legitimate students.
Getting rid of aliens
In its bid to remain the greenest Province in South Africa, the Department of Environmental Affairs in the Eastern Cape together with the Ikwezi Municipality are taking strong action against Invasive Alien Plants (IAP) with their “Alien Busters” initiative in the area.
Invasive Alien Plants are plants that have been introduced to areas that are outside their natural habitats, and pose a threat to the indigenous plant species. Communities and natural ecosystems worldwide are under siege from the growing number of destructive invasive alien species such as agricultural weeds, insect pests and even disease organisms.
IAPs are one of the greatest causes of the extinction of plants worldwide. Some of the problems caused by these plants are that they use more water than the vegetation they are invading and cause a drastic reduction in the volume of water that reaches rivers, dams and can even stop streams to flow altogether.
The Ikwezi Municipality’s‘ Alien Buster 2012’ initiative is currently aimed at clearing 528 hectares of invasive plants in the Ikwezi Municipal area over an eight month period creating 150 jobs to assist with poverty alleviation in the area. The 150 jobs are spread throughout the wards of the Ikwezi Municipality:
- Jansenville – 101 jobs;
- Klipplaat – 25 jobs;
- Waterford – 12 jobs; and
- Wolwefontein – 12 jobs
Road shows were hosted earlier this year throughout the Ikwezi Municipal area. The road shows were interactive and fun while at the same time educating communities about the importance of eradicating IAPs. Pertinent topics such as: What are IAPS? / Why do we have to remove these plants?/ the different categories of IAPS as well as the different types of IAPs that are found in the Ikwezi Municipality area were discussed with the members of the community. Community members were also informed about the different ways of controlling and managing IAPs.
“The cactus type plants such as the torch cactus that has been brought in from Mexico are the greatest plant invaders in the area,” says Sizwe Mngwevu, Mayor of the Ikwezi Local Municipality. “These plants threaten and deplete our water resources, which are already very limited.
“During Arbour Week 2012, the roadshow team will be revisiting selected areas within the Ikwezi Municipality area on 6 and 7 September 2012, where we will be planting indigenous trees including Spekboom succulents, which have been sequestrated for climate change, in the areas which have been cleared of IAPs.
“Job creation forms an important element for us during this initiative. It is important for us to educate communities about the importance of eliminating these invasive plants, and why they should not be grown at home.” concludes Mngwevu.
Community members are encouraged to report anyone planting or selling IAPs within the Ikwezi Municipal area to the Municipality’s Community Services Directorate on 049-8360810
Use the media to build your reputation; if you control the interview you control your reputation!
Successful business people know the power and importance of the media. However, very few know how to conduct interviews that have an impact. Often during interviews the focus can get side tracked, and before you know it, the interview is over and you’ve not had a chance to get your message across.
Reputation Matters understands the media environment and what makes it tick. With this knowledge, we are able to provide insight into what journalists are looking for and provide tips and tricks of the trade for spokespeople to conduct confident media interviews.
What does the session include?
The two hour introductory session provides an overview of:
- What is reputation management?
- An overview of print, radio and television media
- Media etiquette, e.g. how to interact with journalists
Please join us...
Date: Thursday, 13 September 2012
Time: 08:30 for 09:00
Venue: Fire & Ice, Protea Hotel, Melrose Arch
Cost: R285 (incl. Vat) per person.
RSVP: Friday, 07 September 2012 - info@reputationmatters.co.za / 011 317 3861
International PR network ECCO signs up South African consultancy Reputation Matters
South Africa and London, August 2012 – Reputation Matters, a specialised consultancy with seven years’ experience in the South African corporate communications market, has joined ECCO International Public Relations Ltd, a leading global public relations and marketing services network.
ECCO is headquartered in London and has independent, owner-managed agencies spread over 40 countries worldwide. With representatives in major global markets, the network has strengthened its reach in the emerging economy of South Africa.
Reputation Matters has excelled in the South African Public Relations industry by delivering communication and marketing solutions that enhance organisations’ corporate reputation. The company was recently rated the number one Reputation Management Company in South Africa in June 2012 by TopSEO and took a bronze award at the 2011 Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) PRISM Awards in the category Corporate Communication. Reputation Matters boasts a diverse team that believes in quality service, the value of clients and making an impact.
For Regine le Roux, Managing Director of Reputation Matters, membership of the ECCO network brings with it valuable global reach for the agency. "Being part of the ECCO network will allow us to provide our clients with global expertise and communication support whilst still providing the specialised services we are renowned for. We believe that the synergy with the ECCO network will give us an even greater edge when it comes to setting the pace in the local market."
Reputation Matters has a national footprint in South Africa, with representation in most of the provinces, and particular expertise in green issues, retail and technology. As a strategic corporate reputation management consultancy, they understand the value of strategy and have years of experience in creating clear, adaptable and results-oriented strategies whilst providing guidance and hands-on innovative communication solutions to help build and grow their clients’ reputation. The partnership with ECCO offers Reputation Matters access to more than 40 markets worldwide and a large portfolio of multinational clients.
Sara Render, Chairman of ECCO, comments that, "ECCO is pleased to receive Reputation Matters into the network as it facilitates ECCO’s presence in Southern Africa. All our members are independent owner-managed businesses with a strong track record of good client retention and excellent work. Reputation Matters meets the criteria as well as, importantly, having principals with an international mindset. South Africa is an important addition for ECCO clients as a strong emerging market. We are thrilled to have them on board.”
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Women Who Wage the Ware on Waste
The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is delighted to announce the appointment of two women into the key roles of President and Vice-President of the organisation following the recent elections of new council and committee members. The IWMSA is proud to rank amongst its members, a number of women who are not only exceptionally well educated and experienced, but also passionate about the important role that good waste management practices play in improving both our society and our environment.
The IWMSA bids a fond farewell to their former president, Stan Jewaskiewitz, who made an enthusiastic and dedicated contribution to the organisation during his tenure, and welcomes Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman as the new President and Dr Suzan Oelofse as the new Vice-President.
Nxumalo-Freeman, who has stepped up to the role of President from her previous role as Vice-President, says, “I would like to see the IWMSA becoming increasingly instrumental in facilitating dialogue as well as action amongst key stakeholders in the industry; encouraging others with the same vision and concerns to work together for the greater good.” Nxumalo-Freeman is also intent on tackling issues from the ground up. “We need to ensure that empowerment seminars, workshops and training interventions are brought right down to grass roots level in order for individuals to better understand where they fit into the value chain; to really grasp the fact that waste is a resource and that a sustainable living can be made by nurturing these resources appropriately,” she explains.
Nxumalo-Freeman has worked hard at changing the way the public perceive women in the waste management industry and the results are self-evident. She believes strongly that the IWMSA needs to work closely with regulatory authorities to create a higher set of norms and standards in the waste management industry and attributes her success to hard work, perseverance and the support of family and friends.
As Vice-President, Oelofse’s responsibilities will be to serve IWMSA members by creating excellent networking, information sharing and learning opportunities. Oelofse is determined that the IWMSA should have the edge when it comes to awareness of new developments regarding waste regulation in Southern Africa. She intends to closely monitor developments in the industry and to promptly disperse information to members where relevant. With a PHD from RAU and experience as a principal researcher at the CSIR, Oelofse’s goal is to find innovative ways to engage Government on waste management issues.
The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view itThe IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management. For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za
Green Home and Lifestyle Fair to provide solutions for a sustainable future
Commuter bicycles, electric bicycles, self-propelled wheels and straw bale houses – are these the answers to a sustainable, eco-friendly future? These are some of the exciting initiatives that will be discussed at the this year’s Green Home and Lifestyle Fair taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 28 – 29 July 2012.
Public lectures and workshops will be conducted at the Fair, which will also feature an exhibition showcasing more than 100 eco-initiatives for a sustainable future.
Households and members of the public interested in making an eco-conscience difference are invited to attend lectures aimed at providing interesting and implementable solutions to be more environmentally friendly. These sessions will be presented by energy-, water- and home-waste solution experts.
Opportunities for the youth, in terms of careers and job prospects through the green economy, will also be focussed on during the Fair. “It is important for the youth of our country to be made aware of the exciting opportunities that exist in the industry,” says Gordon Brown, Director of alive2green.
The Green Home Fair forms part of the Sustainability Week, which also features the Green Building Conference, and in-depth Seminars on Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Water, Vision Zero Waste, Sustainable Transport & Mobility and Green Business.
Sustainability Week has been earmarked as the largest gathering of stakeholders to address matters of sustainability under one roof; and combined with the Green Home and Lifestyle Fair, is able to connect further and share more knowledge with the public.
For more information on the Green Home and Lifestyle Fair e-mail: info@greenbuilding.co.za / Tel: 021 447 4733.
We can all contribute to a greener economy in World Environment Week
In keeping with the spirit of World Environment Week, encompassing World Environment Day on 05 June 2012, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) supports all endeavours, both personal and commercial, to observe this year’s theme titled ‘Green Economy: does it include YOU?’
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines the Green Economy as one that results in ‘improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.’
Sadly, many feel helpless in the face of the overwhelmingly challenges faced when managing our waste. There is simply no doubt that the refuse we generate has an unimaginable impact on all areas of our lives. Few of us stop to think about the transportation of waste, for example, or the collection thereof, and how that is managed; how do we safely transport certain hazardous wastes? How do we minimise the use of non-renewable energy sources in the transport process? How do we ensure the safety of those who work in this field?
Stan Jewaskiewitz, President of the IWMSA says “There is no question that the role played by communities and their awareness of environmental matters can help to develop possible partnerships and even influence legislation. We, as a nation, are in dire need in our quest to deal with an ever increasing population and the amount of waste generated as a result. Yes, the ‘Green Economy’ includes ALL OF US and we must ensure that we are mindful in all aspects of lives. In exactly the same way that food, and other goods which travel a shorter distance from farm or factory to table are more economically sustainable and ultimately generate a much smaller carbon footprint, so too is this a consideration when transporting and collecting waste: for instance, there is presently some debate as to how transport distances influence the ecological benefits of recycling.
On the plus side of the seemingly enormous challenges in this arena, there is room for a great deal of creative and entrepreneurial thinking, something South Africans do well. Opportunity definitely beckons when it comes to working out practical, environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions to waste collection and transport issues.
Jewaskiewitz concludes, “The IWMSA keeps a close watch on developments in waste management around the globe with a view to keeping our members as informed as possible. We encourage all South Africans to become more aware and more enquiring as to how the systems around us work. Mindfulness goes a long way towards change for the better and it really only needs to be one simple step at a time. This is the aim of the IWMSA: to encourage citizens at large to become more educated and aware of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste at source.”
The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.
The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management. For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za
Reputation Matters rated the number 1 Reputation Management Company in South Africa, by topSEOs
We are delighted to have been rated the number 1 Reputation Management Company in South Africa by topSEOs for the third consecutive month in a row. (http://www.topseos.co.za/reputation-matters)
