Business Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/category/business/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:35:20 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Business Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/category/business/ 32 32 New African App to Bridge Linguistic Divides, Cultivate Inclusivity – Empower Content Creation https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/vambo-ai-language-app/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/vambo-ai-language-app/#respond Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:35:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119565

An app developed by tech startup Vambo Technologies, co-founded by Chido Dzinotyiwei and Isheanesu Misi, stands as a pioneering language accessibility platform. It aims to empower users to seamlessly communicate,...

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An app developed by tech startup Vambo Technologies, co-founded by Chido Dzinotyiwei and Isheanesu Misi, stands as a pioneering language accessibility platform. It aims to empower users to seamlessly communicate, learn, and create content in various African languages, fostering cultural inclusivity and breaking linguistic barriers.

 

South Africa (04 March 2024) – When Chido Dzinotyiwei moved to South Africa from Zimbabwe as a child, language became both an obstacle and an opportunity for change. Her primary concern as an adult was children struggling with their mother tongue in new environments, facing challenges in pronouncing names, and finding it difficult to connect with the languages spoken in their surroundings.

Fast forward to today, the entrepreneur and Mandela-Rhodes Scholar, now based in Johannesburg, is on a mission with her business, Vambo Academy and project, Vambo AI, to address the vital language needs of African communities.

“Having moved to another country in my early schooling years, I had to learn a language in order to succeed at school and I had to learn other languages in order to make friends. I ended up having to repeat grade 4 because the only language I was fluent in at the time was my mother tongue [ChiShona] which was neither the local language nor the language of instruction”, she shared, detailing her own struggles with language barriers.

Vambo Academy, created in 2019, was initially a private language tutoring service conducted in people’s homes. It became a thriving endeavour until the pandemic abruptly halted the business. Faced with this challenge, Dzinotyiwei made a crucial decision for the continuity of the business by exploring the integration of technology into language education.

The same year Vambo Academy was created, Dzinotyiwei met her now co-founder, Isheanesu Misi, when he participated in a business pitch competition which she was hosting, called YouthSolve, aimed at solving unemployment. Although they initially lost touch, they reconnected three years later through social media, where Misi engaged with Dzinotyiwei’s content on language learning and technology.

Their shared ambition to build language tech led them to join forces and create Vambo AI. Derived from the ChiShona language, Vambo means ‘Origin’ or ‘Beginning.

“Language is part of our origin story as Africans, which is why we decided to build the “Origin” Academy and now “Origin” AI,” Dzinotyiwei said.

The shift towards technology was a natural progression for Vambo Academy, which promotes African languages through technical solutions. In 2023, Vambo AI emerged as an organic discovery for the co-founders while they were engaged in the development of a new app and feature, utilising the data from Vambo Academy.

“It was important to create Vambo Academy to curate a space where people – young and old – could reconnect with their roots through language, culture and heritage,” Dzinotyiwei expressed.

She then added, “the AI component allows us to do this in a different paradigm and reach more people through the use of technology that will ensure that Africa remains abreast with modern technology.”

Vambo AI, a multilingual generative AI platform, works by understanding multiple languages, including uncommon pairs, and being generative for content creation. Its goal is to empower Africans to engage in their languages, fostering a connection with the continent’s diverse linguistic landscape.

For example, a user can type in a question in Zulu and have it translated into Amharic.

With a strategic approach, the co-founders handpicked languages close to their hearts, starting with their mother tongue and broadening the spectrum based on valuable user feedback. Users can explore ten dynamic languages including Afrikaans, Amharic, ChiShona, English, French, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Kinyarwanda, kiSwahili, and Portuguese facilitated through www.app.vambo.ai.

Beyond language exploration, the nature of their work necessitates collaboration with a diverse array of individuals, including native speakers, academics, translators, creatives, and more. This has not only broadened their horizons but also forged impactful collaborations, particularly with schools seeking knowledge and language support.

However, the duo faced their fair share of challenges during the strategic planning and platform development phase.

“First, we found that there are limited resources available in Africa for building AI solutions. This includes data, infrastructure, and funding opportunities. We also realised that AI was more of an abstract concept to some of the people we were looking to serve. As a result, we had to rethink our approach and cater to our target market, enabling them to access the innovative and leading aspects of our solution,” Dzinotyiwei elaborated.

“Second, we had to apply our minds and think about how best to build the experience for our target users. One key lightbulb moment we had was when we realised that people are far better at recognizing languages within neighbouring communities or similar language groups than languages that were further removed,” she added.

For instance, a person whose native language is IsiXhosa is better at deciphering and understanding IsiZulu or Sesotho than they would be at doing the same for languages in other regions. To address this, Dzinotyiwei and Misi made it easier for the Vambo system to recognize languages through a free language detection software called Lingoscan by Vambo AI.

“Our model and any other models using that API can easily determine language and better cater to their users,” Dzinotyiwei said.

The co-founders discovered that establishing a company in language tech demands meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to building supporting infrastructure, particularly when aiming for accuracy and excellence.

Through feedback, users of Vambo AI, which is currently available for free, actively contribute to platform improvement.

“With our initial release, users would share examples that didn’t meet their expectations, and we would actively improve it. Now, users are not only using the platform for its initial purpose, but they are also creating and sharing new use cases within tourism, finance, immigration, enhancing what they are building.”

Dzinotyiwei shared an example of one user, Harvey Binamu, Director at Belenga Dev, a data researcher who utilised Vambo AI’s technology to integrate the plug-in to an SMS API allowing it to be used via text messages in the native language, unlocking another level of accessibility for the platform.

Vambo AI is in its beta phase at the moment and undergoing improvements.

However, to keep up with cutting-edge research in the field and actively address existing gaps, Dzinotyiwei and Misi consistently network with other stakeholders, forming a community to collaboratively solve common problems. Among them is their Responsible AI Advisor, Jonas Kgomo, who provides support and guidance, ensuring the development of AI that is safe for users and platforms while upholding the integrity of the languages offered by their business.

As the landscape of AI in Africa continues to evolve, it becomes imperative to examine the potential and challenges facing the industry. Taking this into account, Jonas Kgomo, the Responsible AI Advisor for Vambo AI, shared his perspective.

“Africa is home to a wealth of talent and innovation, and I believe that AI can be a powerful tool for solving some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. There remain global deliberation and democratic challenges ahead. I see opportunities for AI to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion. However, there are also challenges that need addressing, such as the lack of access to data, data sovereignty, and the need for oversight across AI applications.”

“Vambo AI’s focus on linguistic diversity and cultural inclusivity is essential for creating AI solutions that are relevant and useful to people across the continent. I’m excited to see what Vambo AI accomplishes in the years to come, especially in unearthing qualities of indigenous knowledge and reconciling the techno-linguistic gap,” Kgomo added.

Dzinotyiwei and Misi might be innovative in their own right, however, they are part of a cohort of African youth who are looking to AI to change the language landscape on the continent. One example is that of Ghanaian Danny Manu, a serial entrepreneur, designer and manufacturer of live translation earbuds that help individuals and companies break language barriers with their inventions.

Manu’s earbuds are available for purchase on Amazon and offer translation for 37+ languages.

Looking ahead, Vambo AI aims to expand its features, making the platform multimodal with voice capabilities, Internet search, and additional languages. The journey of language tech, as outlined by the co-founders, is a testament to the potential of African-led AI solutions.


Sources: Bird / Vambo / Kabod Group
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Desi Teams Up with Volvo Trucks to Drive Road Safety: Stop, Look, Wave! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/desi-teams-up-with-volvo-trucks-to-drive-road-safety-stop-look-wave/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/desi-teams-up-with-volvo-trucks-to-drive-road-safety-stop-look-wave/#respond Sat, 02 Mar 2024 09:58:38 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119465

Desi Koolen has partnered with Volvo Trucks to promote road safety through their ‘Stop, Look, and Wave’ campaign.   Johannesburg, South Africa (02 March 2024) – Desmond (Desi) Koolen, the...

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Desi Koolen has partnered with Volvo Trucks to promote road safety through their ‘Stop, Look, and Wave’ campaign.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (02 March 2024) – Desmond (Desi) Koolen, the young South African sensation who captured hearts globally with his infectious charm and remarkable talent, is once again making waves, but this time, it’s not just with his soulful voice.

Partnering with Volvo Trucks, Desi is amplifying a message of safety and awareness on the roads through their new campaign: “Stop, Look, and Wave.”

You may remember Desi from his viral rendition of James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good),” which catapulted him to internet stardom, even catching the attention of Hollywood’s elite like Wayne Brady, Keri Hilson, and Will Smith. Originally shared by his proud mother, Adele Koolen, the video quickly garnered over 1.2 million views, spreading joy and positivity across the digital landscape.

Desi’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Good Things Guy, known for spotlighting inspiring stories of hope and goodness, was the first to share Desi’s story with the world. Since then, his infectious energy and undeniable talent have graced the pages of numerous local and global publications, even affording him the opportunity to rub shoulders with the esteemed Springbok rugby team.

Now, Desi is harnessing his influence for an even greater cause – road safety. Teaming up with Volvo Trucks for their innovative “Stop, Look, and Wave” campaign, Desi is using his platform to educate both children and parents on the importance of vigilance when sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

The essence of the campaign is simple yet profound: instead of merely glancing left and right, individuals are encouraged to STOP, LOOK, and WAVE. By taking these extra precautions, they not only ensure their own safety but also enhance visibility for truck drivers, who often have a higher vantage point on the road.

Watch the video below and remember, the next time you find yourself at an intersection, think of Desi’s message: Stop, Look, and Wave.


Sources: Desi Koolen | Volvo Trucks 
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South Africa’s Largest Private Renewable Energy Plant Greenlit for Construction https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/south-africas-largest-private-renewable-energy-plant-greenlit-for-construction/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/south-africas-largest-private-renewable-energy-plant-greenlit-for-construction/#respond Thu, 29 Feb 2024 04:49:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119387

South Africa’s Impofu wind farms, the largest private renewable energy project, set for construction after years of planning and community collaboration.   South Africa (29 February 2024) – In a...

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South Africa’s Impofu wind farms, the largest private renewable energy project, set for construction after years of planning and community collaboration.

 

South Africa (29 February 2024) – In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, South Africa’s landscape is set to embrace its largest private renewable energy plant yet.

The Impofu wind farms, nestled in the picturesque Kouga region of the Eastern Cape, have been granted the green light for construction, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s renewable energy journey.

Scheduled to commence in March 2024, the construction of three 110-megawatt (MW) wind farms signifies a monumental leap towards a greener, more sustainable energy future. The project, spearheaded by Red Cap Energy, not only highlights the commitment to renewable resources but also represents a collaborative effort between stakeholders and the local community.

Jadon Schmidt, the Business Development Manager at Red Cap Energy, reflects on the journey leading to this milestone, saying, “Since 2013, we’ve signed up 87 separate parcels of land for the powerline and spent years negotiating with farmers to lease land on which to build wind turbines.”

Local landowners have played a pivotal role in the development process, showcasing a remarkable spirit of cooperation and foresight. Vernon Basson, owner of Vergaderingskraal, recounts his involvement, emphasizing the importance of leveraging local knowledge to navigate the intricacies of the landscape.

“The whole process has been pretty smooth,” says Basson, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to sustainable development.

The Impofu project’s significance extends beyond energy production, fostering economic growth and sustainability within local communities. Xolile Peter Lamani, Chairperson of the Reebok Rant Worker’s Trust, speaks of the tangible benefits derived from the project.

“The extra income from the turbines is going to help us keep our livestock healthy and deal with drought during the summer,” says Lamani, highlighting the transformative impact on livelihoods and agricultural resilience.

Despite encountering challenges along the way, including environmental considerations and logistical hurdles, Red Cap Energy’s unwavering commitment to sustainability has remained steadfast.

Red Cap Energy’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy development have set a precedent for future projects, reinforcing their commitment to driving positive change in the energy landscape. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast dedication to sustainability, Red Cap Energy and many other incredible Renewable Energy projects in South Africa continue to pave the way towards a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.


Sources: Red Cap 
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Standard Bank Launches Achieva™ Exchange: Empowering First-Timers! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/standard-bank-launches-achieva-exchange-empowering-first-timers/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/standard-bank-launches-achieva-exchange-empowering-first-timers/#respond Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:05:04 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119262

Standard Bank’s Achieva™ Exchange empowers first-time job starters by sharing essential resources and experiences.   Johannesburg, South Africa (27 February 2024) – In a bid to uplift communities and celebrate...

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Standard Bank’s Achieva™ Exchange empowers first-time job starters by sharing essential resources and experiences.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 February 2024) – In a bid to uplift communities and celebrate personal milestones, Standard Bank has initiated a groundbreaking movement called Achieva™ Exchange.

This innovative endeavour aims to redefine how we support one another, particularly during significant life transitions. The initiative encourages individuals across Gauteng to contribute items that have assisted them in their initial forays into the workforce, thereby empowering others embarking on similar journeys.

Scheduled for Saturday, 02 March 2024, at Soweto’s Maponya Mall, Achieva™ Exchange promises to be a transformative event. Unlike traditional market gatherings, this initiative transcends mere commerce, embodying the essence of communal support and collective advancement.

With unemployment rates hovering at over 40% in South Africa, the need for initiatives like Achieva™ Exchange has never been more pressing. Standard Bank recognises this challenge and seeks to address it by providing practical assistance to future job seekers through this commendable initiative.

Under the overarching theme of “First Job,” Achieva™ Exchange invites contributions that cater to the essential needs of individuals embarking on their inaugural employment experiences. From clothing and electronic devices to stationery and laptop bags, all donations are welcome as long as they are clean, presentable, and functional.

Drop-off points have been established at various Standard Bank branches across Gauteng, including prominent locations such as Johannesburg’s CBD (5 Simmonds Steet, Selby, Johannesburg), Fourways Mall, and Sandton City Mall, among others. These branches serve as convenient collection points for donations leading up to the event.

Motlatsi Mkalala, Head of Middle Market at Standard Bank, expresses the institution’s enthusiasm for the incredible initiative: “Achieva™ Exchange offers a fresh perspective on celebrating personal milestones. Empowering others through the symbolic sharing of personal milestones, participants go beyond their individual journeys to enrich and uplift others.”

Mkalala extends a warm invitation to all members of the community, regardless of their banking affiliations, emphasising the initiative’s aim to foster a spirit of collective impact and shared growth.

The launch of Achieva™ Exchange builds upon the success of Achieva™, Standard Bank’s middle-market offering introduced last year.

This comprehensive suite of solutions and services is designed to accompany customers through life’s significant milestones, from acquiring that first degree to purchasing a home or car and beyond.

“As a bank, our aim is to enable our customers to continually improve their life circumstances, enabling every generation to live better than the last,” affirms Mkalala. “With Achieva™ Exchange, Standard Bank underscores its commitment to empowering individuals on their life journeys, turning dreams into tangible realities.”

For more information on Standard Bank’s Achieva™ offering and Achieva™ Exchange, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.standardbank.co.za/achieva.

Standard Bank’s unveiling of Achieva™ Exchange marks a significant step toward creating a more supportive and empowered society. By encouraging the sharing of resources and experiences, this initiative embodies the spirit of community upliftment and solidarity, setting a commendable example for others to follow.

As individuals come together to celebrate their achievements and support one another, the ripple effects of this movement is poised to make a lasting and positive impact on countless lives.


Sources: Standard Bank 
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Atlantis Teens Empowered After Being Bitten by the Business Bug! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/atlantis-teens-empowered-after-being-bitten-by-the-business-bug/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/atlantis-teens-empowered-after-being-bitten-by-the-business-bug/#respond Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:14:59 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118996

Teens from high schools in Atlantis, where opportunities are limited, got to experience a super practical initiative where they were taught and experienced running their own businesses! In South Africa...

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Teens from high schools in Atlantis, where opportunities are limited, got to experience a super practical initiative where they were taught and experienced running their own businesses! In South Africa where the job market is straggling on, knowing how to run a business is one of the most important lessons our youth can be taught:

 

Atlantis, South Africa (21 February 2024) — Learners from high schools in Atlantis got to be part of the Loshkin Economiz initiative—a chance to dip their toes in the world of entrepreneurship!

Developed by the non-profit enterprise Taking Care of Business and iKamva Youth as well as volunteers who have experience in the finance industry, the programme ran over 8 months, and the business bug certainly bit the young cohort.

For young people in Atlantis, where unemployment is major and crime is prevalent, providing young people with practical skills to break out of tough life cycles before they get into them is all important. As such, the initiative played a very big role in teaching the learners all the basics they needed to know about starting their own businesses as well as other skills essential for any active member of the economy: ethics, self-identity, presentation skills and money management.

Taking Care of Businesses that have helped shape many lives for the better, donated clothing, jewellery and accessories from their Resell Programme for the groups of learners to sell. The money they raised soon became seed money to help them start their own businesses!

TCB’s Nicky Edwards shared that she was delighted with the transformation she saw in the learners. “During this programme, I saw these learners blossom. They went from timid or disinterested to engaged, confident and open to learning.”

The groups of learners were in the running for a big prize based on their entrepreneurial achievements. Team ‘The Money Chasers’ made an impressive profit of R1655 selling popcorn, scrunchies, water bottles, mugs and biltong, while ‘The Multi-taskers’ Team earned a profit of R2915 selling muffins, biscuits, popcorn and lemon squares.

They got to go to the Ferris Wheel at the Waterfront, enjoyed a shopping spree at Taking Care of Business and ventured from Sea Point to Hout Bay, topped with a prized fish and chips lunch.

“The learners were very grateful for the outing and for exposing them to things they were not used to or would not have had the opportunity to enjoy,” shared Nicky. 

Hopes are high that the teams will continue to flex their business savvy muscles, as many of the teams from previous runs have. According to Celeste Erasmus (one of the programme trainers) who commented on how many learners part of the 2022 cohort are still running their businesses, it comes down to the valuable skills shared.

“Learners are realising that they don’t have to wait around for a job to come along or rely on handouts. When you are self-employed you can care for yourself. The power is in their hands to run a successful business and to provide for themselves.”


Sources: Supplied 
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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How “Will You Be My Valentine?” Turned into R100k for Charity! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/how-will-you-be-my-valentine-turned-into-r100k-for-charity/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/how-will-you-be-my-valentine-turned-into-r100k-for-charity/#respond Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:47:41 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118664

A corporate Valentine showdown went viral on X (Twitter) earlier today and before long, R100,000 was raised to provide school lunches for South African children in need.   South Africa...

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A corporate Valentine showdown went viral on X (Twitter) earlier today and before long, R100,000 was raised to provide school lunches for South African children in need.

 

South Africa (14 February 2024) – We all want to hear that oh so romantic “will you be my Valentine” question from the ones we love (or from the one we want to love us) and when it happens, it’s goosebumps and butterflies! That was the case for Liberty, who asked the question and got a big YES!

This morning, Liberty, which is running the #DriveHope campaign, used their online presence to see if they could help more South Africans, in the name of love – of course. They X’d (or tweeted – we never know) at KFC drawing attention to their similarities, in the hope of connecting and sharing the love with South Africa.

The Liberty team asked the KFC team, if they could be Valentine sweethearts and if KFC said yes, Liberty would donate R50,000 towards a cause of their choice.

Naturally, KFC came back with a YES and a loving gift to give in return. They offered to match Liberty’s donation which is set to be sent to the Peninsula School Feeding Association. That is an outstanding R100,000 which will be used to help feed school children in need!

This is the perfect example of when corporates get it right! And funny enough, it’s not the first time we have seen showdowns like this on social media. Remember the time when Burger King SA gave McDonalds SA a Christmas gift? Or the time Woolworths was blackmailed into donating to charity?

Is it clever marketing? Maybe. But that’s R100,000 worth of full bellies in South Africa – so it’s really the children who win in the end. Whether it’s Driving Hope or Adding Hope, it’s inspiring hope in South Africa that matters most.

Love it!


Sources: X – Linked Above
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Aptihire: Innovation in the South African Job Market! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/aptihire-innovation-in-the-south-african-job-market/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/aptihire-innovation-in-the-south-african-job-market/#respond Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:35:04 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118551

Revolutionising the hiring process of SAICA trainees with AI-powered placements is here… and it’s called Aptihire!   South Africa (13 February 2024) – What started as a casual conversation about...

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Revolutionising the hiring process of SAICA trainees with AI-powered placements is here… and it’s called Aptihire!

 

South Africa (13 February 2024) – What started as a casual conversation about how unbelievable it is that lockdown had put universities and the world on pause ended up being the first step in creating UNLOCK – the “Uber” of tutoring – as I called it in my interview with one of the founders, Luke Tollman in 2020.

But that was four years ago, and Luke has been up to something else since then… yes he has started something new, something that is revolutionising the hiring process of SAICA trainees with AI-powered placements.

I call this the “2024 P-Net for young professionals”. Not sure it will stick.

Let’s see what Luke says:

The Good Things Guy podcast, originating in 2014, stands as a platform radiating positivity and inspiration across the airwaves. Created by Brent Lindeque, this podcast serves as a reservoir of uplifting narratives and heartening stories from diverse corners of the world.

At its core, the Good Things Guy podcast is a celebration of the human spirit, highlighting acts of kindness, resilience, and generosity that often go unnoticed in the hustle of everyday life. Through engaging interviews and insightful discussions, the podcast unveils the remarkable deeds of ordinary individuals making extraordinary impacts in their communities. Beyond just storytelling, the Good Things Guy podcast fosters a sense of connection and belonging, inspiring listeners to embrace kindness and make a positive difference in their own spheres of influence.

It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties, there exists a wealth of goodness and hope waiting to be discovered.


Sources: Aptihire
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Western Cape Celebrates Rise in Average Hotel Occupancy over December 2023 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/wc-hotel-occupancy-december-2023/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/wc-hotel-occupancy-december-2023/#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:30:52 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118267

December 2023 proved to be a busy one in the Western Cape; reports show that there was a rise in the average hotel occupancy over the holiday season.   Western...

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December 2023 proved to be a busy one in the Western Cape; reports show that there was a rise in the average hotel occupancy over the holiday season.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (07 February 2024) – Hotel occupancy in the Western Cape in December 2023 stood at 73.4%, up from 71.6% in December 2022, compared to 62.4% for South Africa in December 2023, slightly up from 62.2% in the same month in 2022.

This puts hotel occupancy in the province a full 11% higher compared to the average for South Africa during December 2023.

This is according to data compiled by the South Africa Hotel Review.

Commenting on the impressive results, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger noted that,

“The Western Cape is topping many bucket list-destinations globally. The growth in hotel occupancy across the province is very good news for our provincial economy and job creation because more tourists mean more jobs.”

Of particular interest is that hotel occupancy at 5-star hotels in Cape Town outperformed all other major South African cities measured, with impressive occupancy rates of 73.6%, followed by 5-star hotels in Kwa-Zulu Natal at 70.8%, and South Africa as a whole at 69.1%.

“We are on a mission to double the number of tourists to the Western Cape, by 2035. This aim is one of the core undertakings of the Western Cape economic action plan, ‘Growth For Jobs’, which plots our course to realising a jobs-rich, inclusive, diverse and thriving economy that is growing by between 4% and 6%,” continued Minister Wenger.

“We continue to celebrate the different aspects of the record-breaking tourism summer season in the Western Cape, with much more to come no doubt. This good news would not be possible without the incredibly warm welcome given to visitors by our tourism and hospitality businesses. We are a destination in demand, and I extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every Western Cape resident, business and visitor who made this season such a success,” concluded Minister Wenger.


Sources: Press Release
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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World Cancer Day: Cancervive Gives Hope to Rural Communities! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/world-cancer-day-cancervive-gives-hope-to-rural-communities/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/world-cancer-day-cancervive-gives-hope-to-rural-communities/#respond Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:48:37 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118246

Every year, South Africans celebrate victory over cancer through the efforts of organisations like Cancervive, which educates rural communities about early detection and debunking myths, supported by initiatives like SPAR...

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Every year, South Africans celebrate victory over cancer through the efforts of organisations like Cancervive, which educates rural communities about early detection and debunking myths, supported by initiatives like SPAR Group, fostering hope and understanding about the disease.

 

South Africa (06 February 2024) – The words ‘cancer’ and ‘celebration’ aren’t often heard in the same sentence, but the fact is that every year thousands of South Africans emerge victorious after a battle with the disease and continue living fruitful lives.

Observed annually on the 4 February, World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that cancer remains a leading cause of death globally.

But, as with most things, the more you know about cancer, the more likely you are to understand and work through the implications of dealing with it, says Helen Barrett, National Advertising & Promotions Manager at The SPAR Group when discussing how Ray Cassiem, an Education Buddy at Cancervive, has lived with life-threatening cancer for 18 years.

“As a community-based retailer serving people across our nation, The SPAR Group concentrates our social involvement on selected projects and organisations that impact nutrition, health, and education. Cancervive, an example of how a single person can launch a movement that educates and inspires others, is an inspirational organisation that we have been proudly supporting since 2011.”

“Acknowledged as one of the world’s most dynamic cancer awareness campaigns, Cancervive uses music, dance, and storytelling to inform and educate people about cancer and the importance of early detection.”

“What is particularly important is that much of their work is done in rural communities where information is not readily available or easily accessible, and that the activities are conducted in the participants’ home language,” says Barrett.

Posters at clinics may not be enough, access to information is not only important to prevent cancer but for early diagnosis.

Cancervive ensures that cancer education is original and that all understand how early detection and knowing their bodies could save their lives. By openly addressing all types of cancer and using activities rather than lectures to encourage participation. Cancervive also debunks the common myths and social stigmas surrounding cancer in rural areas.

Uniquely, Cancervive adds an element of celebration to its education mix by involving cancer survivors in actively spreading the message that the battle against cancer can be won.

Cancervive’s flagship event is an annual 10-day motorcycle ride across South Africa. More than 60 cancer survivors, supporters and crew embark on a mission to spread awareness, educate, and deliver the message of hope and encouragement to thousands of school children and community groups along their route.

At stops along the way, Cancervive campaign members share their stories, celebrate life, and recognise that a cancer diagnosis does not have to mean a death sentence. Openly talking about cancer in our communities, may reduce the stigma attached to the disease, which may encourage people to test and allow those with the disease to be more open about it.

Cancervive also honours those who have lost their battles and raises funds to help fight the disease and provide care to the most vulnerable.

The SPAR Group practically assists Cancervive by covering travel, food and accommodation costs as they move from site to site, reaching out with a message of hope to people in rural areas and township gatherings.

“SPAR, with its presence in hundreds of communities across the country, believes that help begins at home – in this case, through our locally-owned family stores that give help where it is most needed. Often their work, and the organisations they work with, do not get the attention and support they deserve, and we’re doing what we can to change that,” says Barrett.

To find out more about Cancervive, visit https://www.cancervive.co.za.


Sources: SPAR Group | Cancervive 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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16 Days is Not Enough! Women Need to be Safe in South Africa Every Day! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/16-days-is-not-enough-women-need-to-be-safe-in-south-africa-every-day/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/16-days-is-not-enough-women-need-to-be-safe-in-south-africa-every-day/#respond Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:38:50 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117992

365 days against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Uniting for women’s safety beyond annual campaigns! Because 16 Days is Not Enough!   Johannesburg, South Africa (05 February 2023) – Every year,...

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365 days against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Uniting for women’s safety beyond annual campaigns! Because 16 Days is Not Enough!

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 February 2023) – Every year, between 25 November and 10 December, speeches are made, interventions are launched, marches are attended and hashtags are created to condemn violence against women. 

For 16 days, we are outraged – proclaiming that enough is enough – and yet, violence against women continues, unabated.

In 2019, 1st for Women Insurance, The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the UN Women officially launched the 365 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) mobilisation campaign to ensure that the national crisis gets the attention it deserves, not just for 16 days but for 365 days a year, every year (or 366 this year).

And that’s why you’re reading this article today. It’s a reminder that there is a war being raged on women’s bodies and their safety is under constant threat.

16 Days is Not Enough! Women Need to be Safe in South Africa Every Day!
Photo Cred: 1st for Women Insurance | Supplied

Here are two things you can do today to fight back because we all have a role to play in ending this epidemic.

Give Help. Get Help.

1st for Women Insurance, through the 1st for Women Foundation, has been actively fighting women’s abuse since 2005 and has raised over R98 million for women’s abuse causes, making a tangible and sustainable difference to the lives of many victims and survivors.

Seugnette van Wyngaard, Head of 1st for Women says that women abuse is a complex, multifaceted issue that cannot be fought in isolation and that only by coming together and joining forces are we able to eradicate this scourge against our society. 

“Awareness alone cannot create change, it requires action too. One of the ways you can be the change is by pledging to fight women abuse, and then giving help to one of the many organisations in South Africa that are fighting against women abuse,” says van Wyngaard.  

The For-women.co.za platform is an online resource that consolidates women abuse fighting efforts in one place. It also enables survivors to find the right help, quickly. 

Speak Up

Awareness and education is another fundamental tool in the fight against women abuse.  By sharing resources aimed at ending GBVF, you can play your part.  

One of these resources is a tech-enabled solution called SPEAK UP® which was launched by the TEARS Foundation, 1st for Women and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), in conjunction with the Department of Basic Education (DBE),

SPEAK UP® was created to enable and provide South African youth with sex education on their cellphones and assists users in making informed decisions about their sexual health.  This a digital tool offers a series of short, interactive and animated videos, with subtitles, in case the user needs to watch the video in private.  The videos, which are available free of charge on zero-rated sites, can be accessed by dialling *134*7355# and selecting option 3,” says van Wyngaard. 

Stories Ons Plek - Women Irish standing together
Photo Cred: On File | Supplied

But what if putting an end to women abuse in South Africa means that you say: enough is enough? TEARS offers the following advice for victims of GBV:

  • It is not your fault:  When you are in an abusive relationship, you might find you blame yourself for it, because your partner manipulates you into believing it is your fault. Abuse is never your fault. There is nothing you could do or say that would make it okay for someone to hurt you in any way. 
  • Do not feel guilty:  Feeling guilty about the abuse can also make you feel shameful about opening up to others about it. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You did not choose to be in a relationship with an abuser. It is not your fault.  
  • Make notes:  Write down everything you can about the abusive incidents when your abuser is not around. Take screenshots of any abusive messages they send to you.  If you are being physically abused, take pictures of the marks on your body, and go and see a healthcare practitioner. The evidence can help you when you need to file a report with the police or get a protection order.  Even if you have not written anything down before, write down what you remember from previous abusive episodes. You might already have messages as proof, keep those too. Just remember to keep those notes and images out of your partner’s sight. 
  • Safety planning:  This a crucial step for someone involved in an abusive relationship. 
    • Do not tell your partner that you are leaving them. 
    • Trust your instincts.
    • Practice how to get out safely, with your children.
    • Teach your children that violence is never right, even when someone they love is being violent. Tell them that neither you, nor they, are at fault or are the cause of the violence, and that when anyone is being violent, it is important to stay safe.
    • Put together an emergency bag with money/credit cards/debit cards, extra keys, medicine, and important papers such as birth certificates.  Keep it somewhere safe and accessible.
    • Consider speaking to a trained domestic violence counsellor to create a detailed safety plan.

However you plan to fight women abuse, do it all year round. It is also not something that can be addressed at specific times of the year – it needs to be front and centre in our minds at all times.


Sources: 1st For Women Insurance | 16 Days is Not Enough
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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