http://www.astrotech.co.za/training/HR/default.asp | Despite national efforts and campaigns to advance gender equity, few leadership positions are being offered to women both in South Africa and around the world. Liza van Wyk, AstroTech’s CEO, speaks on the importance of incorporating women in more leadership roles for increased prosperity in the business arena. Find out how much progress has been made in SA towards gender equity and how we can improve efforts going forward.
This presentation was given by Paraguayan Economist Fernando Masi at the Annual meeting of the Kansas Paraguay Partners, at the Dole Institute for Politics (University of Kansas). For more info about KPP please visit our website: http://kansasparaguaypartners.wordpress.com/
Like other prosperous American cities, greater Seattle currently finds itself in the unenviable position of possessing both enormous amounts of wealth and staggering levels of homelessness. These slides accompany the McKinsey & Company report that looks at homelessness in King County, published in January 2020.
Let's have a discussion about capitalism and socialism. This slideshare makes the case that what we need is more capitalism as it is the system that reduces poverty and actually delivers a better overall quality of life. Yes, there are improvements that can be made, but let's have that discussion before we make revolutionary changes that have not worked well in other places.
This presentation was given by Paraguayan Economist Fernando Masi at the Annual meeting of the Kansas Paraguay Partners, at the Dole Institute for Politics (University of Kansas). For more info about KPP please visit our website: http://kansasparaguaypartners.wordpress.com/
Like other prosperous American cities, greater Seattle currently finds itself in the unenviable position of possessing both enormous amounts of wealth and staggering levels of homelessness. These slides accompany the McKinsey & Company report that looks at homelessness in King County, published in January 2020.
Let's have a discussion about capitalism and socialism. This slideshare makes the case that what we need is more capitalism as it is the system that reduces poverty and actually delivers a better overall quality of life. Yes, there are improvements that can be made, but let's have that discussion before we make revolutionary changes that have not worked well in other places.
Henley Passport Index and Global Mobility Report 2019MYO AUNG Myanmar
https://www.henleypassportindex.com/assets/2019/HPI%20Global%20Mobility%20Report_Final_190104.pdf
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning. We advise wealthy individuals and their families with gaining residence and/or citizenship by assisting them to complete investments in their country of choice. We also have a thriving government advisory practice, in which we advise countries on assignments ranging from strategic consulting to assistance in the design and implementation of investment-related immigration programs. Each year, hundreds of wealthy individuals, families and their advisors rely on our expertise and experience in this area. Our highly qualified professionals work together as one team in over 30 offices worldwide. The concept of residence and citizenship planning was created by Henley & Partners in the 1990s and as globalization has expanded, residence and citizenship have become topics of significant interest among an increasing number of internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors. We believe every person should have the control to define their future and experience the freedom and peace of mind that dual citizenship has to offer.
Why the next decade will shape the century!adusault
A position paper on the forces converging into the next decade, which will create more volatility. We constantly underestimate changes and resist new conditions.
Subnational Governments Around the World: Part III country profilesOECD Governance
Part III Country profiles: Subnational Governments Around the World is a joint OECD/United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) study presenting presents the main organisational and financial indicators related to subnational governments in 101 federal and unitary countries worldwide.
For more information see
http://www.oecd.org/gov/regional-policy/
Registering for Growth: Tax and the Informal Sector in Developing CountriesDr Lendy Spires
Roughly half of all non-agricultural workers in developing countries work in very small enterprises with fewer than five employees. Indeed, between one-quarter and one-third of the non-agricultural workforce in most low- and lower-middle-income countries is self-employed (Gollin 2002).
Most of these micro-enterprises operate without registering as legal entities and, as a result, are a part of what is commonly referred to as the informal sector. Informal activity is estimated to comprise a much larger share of the economies of low-income countries – on average around 42% of GDP in a sample of 31 low-and lower-middle-income countries – than a comparable sample of 32 higher-income countries (22% of GDP) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).1 Why is such a high proportion of the labour force in lower-income countries employed in the informal sector? De Soto (1989) famously proposed that governments – and Peru’s specifically – push firms into the informal sector by raising the barriers and costs of formalization.
By excluding firms from the formal sector, these barriers stifle entrepreneurship and reduce the dynamism of the private sector. Others (Levy 2008) have claimed that the high levels of informality represent an escape by small firms. This ‘exit’ view leads to a vicious cycle: firms escape because the state does not make formal status appealing. For example, financial markets and courts may be dysfunctional, and public procurement processes may be corrupt.
But by being in the informal sector, firms avoid paying taxes that would provide resources the state might use to improve the provision of these goods, or to force firms to become formal. In this view, informality may still stifle entrepreneurship, as firms sometimes remain small deliberately to avoid attracting the attention of regulators and tax collectors. If high rates of taxation push economic activity out of the formal economy, one would expect to see more informal activity in countries with higher tax collections.
However, just the opposite is the case. Across countries, there is a strong negative correlation between state revenue and informal activity. Indeed, another characteristic of low-income countries is that tax collec-tion by governments is very low. Government revenue 1 Estimates from Schneider, Buehn and Montenegro (2010). Taxes as a % of GDP 0 Shadow economy as a % of GDP Australia Austria Belgium Canada Chile Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Japan Korea, Republic of Netherlands New Zealand Norway Slovenia Spain Sweden Turkey United Kingdom United States Italy Figure 1: Taxes and informality, OECD countries Source: World Bank (2013)
There is lots of talk about minimum wage in Canada. Many political parties discuss the need to hike both the federal and provincial minimum wage. This presentation will discuss issues the impact on changing the minimum wage in Canada.
Trust and Public Policy: How Better Governance Can Help Rebuild Public Trust ...OECD Governance
Highlights brochure from the OECD publication "Trust and Public Policy: How Better Governance Can Help Rebuild Public Trust", which examines the influence of trust in policy making and explores the steps governments can take to strengthen public trust. oe.cd/trust-and-public-policy
Sarah Cliffe
New York University
ERF 22nd Annual Conference: Towards a New Development Agenda in the Middle East
Cairo, Egypt - March 19-21, 2016
www.erf.org.eg
More Property Rights, More Effective African Continental Free Trade AreaDavid Alenkhe
This policy paper will outline the reasons for why we recommend a single property rights protocol for ECOWAS; improving property rights in member states will result in a more effective free trade agreement with better results due to the many gains associated with more “live capital”.
More Property Rights = More Live Capital = More Effective Trade Agreement
Fewer Property Rights = Less Live Capital = Less Effective Trade Agreement
Henley Passport Index and Global Mobility Report 2019MYO AUNG Myanmar
https://www.henleypassportindex.com/assets/2019/HPI%20Global%20Mobility%20Report_Final_190104.pdf
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning. We advise wealthy individuals and their families with gaining residence and/or citizenship by assisting them to complete investments in their country of choice. We also have a thriving government advisory practice, in which we advise countries on assignments ranging from strategic consulting to assistance in the design and implementation of investment-related immigration programs. Each year, hundreds of wealthy individuals, families and their advisors rely on our expertise and experience in this area. Our highly qualified professionals work together as one team in over 30 offices worldwide. The concept of residence and citizenship planning was created by Henley & Partners in the 1990s and as globalization has expanded, residence and citizenship have become topics of significant interest among an increasing number of internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors. We believe every person should have the control to define their future and experience the freedom and peace of mind that dual citizenship has to offer.
Why the next decade will shape the century!adusault
A position paper on the forces converging into the next decade, which will create more volatility. We constantly underestimate changes and resist new conditions.
Subnational Governments Around the World: Part III country profilesOECD Governance
Part III Country profiles: Subnational Governments Around the World is a joint OECD/United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) study presenting presents the main organisational and financial indicators related to subnational governments in 101 federal and unitary countries worldwide.
For more information see
http://www.oecd.org/gov/regional-policy/
Registering for Growth: Tax and the Informal Sector in Developing CountriesDr Lendy Spires
Roughly half of all non-agricultural workers in developing countries work in very small enterprises with fewer than five employees. Indeed, between one-quarter and one-third of the non-agricultural workforce in most low- and lower-middle-income countries is self-employed (Gollin 2002).
Most of these micro-enterprises operate without registering as legal entities and, as a result, are a part of what is commonly referred to as the informal sector. Informal activity is estimated to comprise a much larger share of the economies of low-income countries – on average around 42% of GDP in a sample of 31 low-and lower-middle-income countries – than a comparable sample of 32 higher-income countries (22% of GDP) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).1 Why is such a high proportion of the labour force in lower-income countries employed in the informal sector? De Soto (1989) famously proposed that governments – and Peru’s specifically – push firms into the informal sector by raising the barriers and costs of formalization.
By excluding firms from the formal sector, these barriers stifle entrepreneurship and reduce the dynamism of the private sector. Others (Levy 2008) have claimed that the high levels of informality represent an escape by small firms. This ‘exit’ view leads to a vicious cycle: firms escape because the state does not make formal status appealing. For example, financial markets and courts may be dysfunctional, and public procurement processes may be corrupt.
But by being in the informal sector, firms avoid paying taxes that would provide resources the state might use to improve the provision of these goods, or to force firms to become formal. In this view, informality may still stifle entrepreneurship, as firms sometimes remain small deliberately to avoid attracting the attention of regulators and tax collectors. If high rates of taxation push economic activity out of the formal economy, one would expect to see more informal activity in countries with higher tax collections.
However, just the opposite is the case. Across countries, there is a strong negative correlation between state revenue and informal activity. Indeed, another characteristic of low-income countries is that tax collec-tion by governments is very low. Government revenue 1 Estimates from Schneider, Buehn and Montenegro (2010). Taxes as a % of GDP 0 Shadow economy as a % of GDP Australia Austria Belgium Canada Chile Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Japan Korea, Republic of Netherlands New Zealand Norway Slovenia Spain Sweden Turkey United Kingdom United States Italy Figure 1: Taxes and informality, OECD countries Source: World Bank (2013)
There is lots of talk about minimum wage in Canada. Many political parties discuss the need to hike both the federal and provincial minimum wage. This presentation will discuss issues the impact on changing the minimum wage in Canada.
Trust and Public Policy: How Better Governance Can Help Rebuild Public Trust ...OECD Governance
Highlights brochure from the OECD publication "Trust and Public Policy: How Better Governance Can Help Rebuild Public Trust", which examines the influence of trust in policy making and explores the steps governments can take to strengthen public trust. oe.cd/trust-and-public-policy
Sarah Cliffe
New York University
ERF 22nd Annual Conference: Towards a New Development Agenda in the Middle East
Cairo, Egypt - March 19-21, 2016
www.erf.org.eg
More Property Rights, More Effective African Continental Free Trade AreaDavid Alenkhe
This policy paper will outline the reasons for why we recommend a single property rights protocol for ECOWAS; improving property rights in member states will result in a more effective free trade agreement with better results due to the many gains associated with more “live capital”.
More Property Rights = More Live Capital = More Effective Trade Agreement
Fewer Property Rights = Less Live Capital = Less Effective Trade Agreement
MAKING TANZANIALAND POLICY INCLUSIVE-1.docxOnesmoEMinani
At first glance, there is much to like about Tanzania’s proposed draft National Land Policy 2016. It provides strong statements on equal access to land for both women and men and it has, for the first time in the history of Tanzania, recognized the rights of the most marginalized and indigenous communities, such as hunter-gatherers. Nonetheless, the draft policy still needs further improvements. It contains statements that are either unclear, or controversial and there are also missing statements and provisions, which would be well addressed by the drafting team if they were to engage further with stakeholders and seek additional public feedback and commentary.
The current draft policy acknowledges that the National Land Policy of 1995 was, “…hampered by ineffective policy implementation occasioned by ineffective land administrative machinery, lack of the implementation strategy, plurality of land institutions and limited political will” (pp 16). To address these shortcomings the drafters of the current draft policy state that they have followed the cabinet guidelines for policy formulation by having incorporated sectoral policies and paid attention to the national development framework, in having carried out consultations in eight zones, and in having drafted an implementation strategy alongside the new policy.
We focus here on suggesting improvements to key statements in the draft policy as well as setting out others which we consider to be currently missing. We think this could further strengthen the current draft policy in ensuring that it is inclusive and people-centered both in its drafting as well as in its implementation.
Although the new policy drafting process included consultations conducted in eight zones across the country, these were rather rushed and were not sufficiently inclusive. This has left many people uninformed about the policy and its formulation process. Even those who did participate were insufficiently prepared to be able to contribute meaningfully. For example, a first consultative stakeholders meeting took place in Dar Es Salaam on 18th April 2016, and only 48 among the over 100 invited stakeholders participated.
Although the secretariat leading the consultation process acknowledged the challenges that they faced in gathering the initial views of stakeholders, they nevertheless continued on with the rather compromised process. For example, as we write, only 21 civil society organisations (CSOs) have been invited to attend the first consultation event to be held on the 23rd November in Morogoro - among them are the better-resourced ‘big international NGOs’ (BINGOs). Most of these CSOs received confirmation of their participation around 6pm on 21st November, making some of them unlikely to attend due to logistical difficulties. The decision to invite a limited number of CSOs representatives at such short notice and after persistent requests by CSOs is not in line with the .Government’s commitment to inclusive and open..
Digital economy for Somalia how it can help the nationAli Mohammed
Somali Government should take the leadership and courage to recognize and reap in the unexplored benefits of digital economy and ICT so that Somalia can reach new heights as far as development is concerned. Somalia Needs a visionary who has the courage to take the first leap.
uicfise 8f Tea Par . A coherent and strong national leadership is an .pdfarchiespink
uicfise 8f Tea Par . A coherent and strong national leadership is an important A large population
is an important . The rise and fall of the Soviet military power shows that . A state is a political
entity with is one in which the national government is granted the preponderance of power under
the state\'s constitution- for example Japan ·According to the idea of“ \", states should possess
more than right to rule such as the wherewithal to provide political goods for its citizens Quasi-
states, which are political units that possess some, but not all. of the basic characteristics of a
state. Which of the following is one of them? ]
Solution
1.
To say we are in interesting times would be an understatement, the recent general election has
plunged us further into uncertainty. Putting aside the rights and wrongs of holding the election
and the unfolding political alliances it’s important to remember that on the ground people and
businesses are struggling to keep up with the changes and the potential impact. Most of us get on
with our lives despite the national turmoil. But the effect of that turmoil is to dampen investment
and decision making; which slows growth. Latest research by the Institute of Directors highlights
that 92% of respondents see current uncertainty over the make-up of the government as a
concern. There has been a negative swing of 34 points in confidence in the UK economy from
their last survey in May. This has serious implications for business growth, as how we interpret
and perceive our future, our risk aversion and our need to have good information to make
decisions can stifle our ability to act.
The national situation we are seeing unfold, in terms of lack of clear majority for either side, and
regardless of eventual party outcome, will be a government relying on a brokered deal to get
things through parliament which will exacerbate this uncertainty and the impact of Brexit fears.
So where can we look to for leadership?
A recent blog by the World Economic Forum has highlighted that in many places the nation state
is looking outdated, and even dangerous. Where power is too centralised and focussed on
national interests, policy is disengaged from the local, from the day to day lives of people and
businesses. The populist movement we are seeing globally is a reaction to this; dissatisfaction
with the way countries are governed creates turbulence in the current way of thinking and doing,
and challenges political structures. Shifting of decision making to a more local level eases
tensions as people see change locally and impact can be seen quicker. Cities are therefore
emerging as key leadership nodes, galvanising action and responding to local need. Focussing on
regional economic growth and giving powers and funding to local delivery structures to improve
growth can help alleviate the social and political tensions that have led us down this unfortunate
path to instability.
Half of humanity lives in cities and urbanization is set.
A bout my some Think, there are a good simple for improve agricultural research system in current and future. However, The ability of Stainable Development, there are well up to the budget along with good planning and good activity planning Processing appropriate existing in local and livelihoods appropriate of population in many location of area on that country and The importantly, is well to population in rural can used can do themselves. And also, about the management marketing system is a very importantly because it as the key factor of the Stainable Development on future.
Future of government - An initial perspective - Cheryl Chung, Lead Strategist...Future Agenda
An initial perspective on the future of government by Cheryl Chung, Lead Strategist, Futures Division at Ministry of Transport, Government of Singapore. This is the starting point for the global future agenda discussions taking place through 2015 as part of the the futureagenda2.0 programme. www.futureagenda.org
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of insecurity on business activities in Kogi State.
Questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from targeted groups in the population. The findings of this
study suggest that the security situation in Kogi state has become a major challenge for investors, and this could
pose a threat for its economy with implication for investment and job losses. The present security challenge could
diminish the state’s ability to command local and international respect. The study recommended among others
that government of Kogi state should overhaul the security agencies in the state to meet the current security
challenges. Provision of new infrastructure as well as mending of dilapidate ones should be carried out in the
state. It should be ensured that the major cities have functional street lights to enhance security. Similarly, the
state government should create more job opportunities for the teeming number of unemployed youths.in the fair
value hierarchy would increase comparability in accounting practice among entities.
South Africa ranks in the top four most giving nations, we explore a new platform for social justice and accountability; and a recent survey suggests MOOCs are failing to educate the poor.
Why Is Your BMW X3 Hood Not Responding To Release CommandsDart Auto
Experiencing difficulty opening your BMW X3's hood? This guide explores potential issues like mechanical obstruction, hood release mechanism failure, electrical problems, and emergency release malfunctions. Troubleshooting tips include basic checks, clearing obstructions, applying pressure, and using the emergency release.
"Trans Failsafe Prog" on your BMW X5 indicates potential transmission issues requiring immediate action. This safety feature activates in response to abnormalities like low fluid levels, leaks, faulty sensors, electrical or mechanical failures, and overheating.
Symptoms like intermittent starting and key recognition errors signal potential problems with your Mercedes’ EIS. Use diagnostic steps like error code checks and spare key tests. Professional diagnosis and solutions like EIS replacement ensure safe driving. Consult a qualified technician for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Comprehensive program for Agricultural Finance, the Automotive Sector, and Empowerment . We will define the full scope and provide a detailed two-week plan for identifying strategic partners in each area within Limpopo, including target areas.:
1. Agricultural : Supporting Primary and Secondary Agriculture
• Scope: Provide support solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Target Areas: Polokwane, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou, Makhado, and Giyani.
2. Automotive Sector: Partnerships with Mechanics and Panel Beater Shops
• Scope: Develop collaborations with automotive service providers to improve service quality and business operations.
• Target Areas: Polokwane, Lephalale, Mokopane, Phalaborwa, and Bela-Bela.
3. Empowerment : Focusing on Women Empowerment
• Scope: Provide business support support and training to women-owned businesses, promoting economic inclusion.
• Target Areas: Polokwane, Thohoyandou, Musina, Burgersfort, and Louis Trichardt.
We will also prioritize Industrial Economic Zone areas and their priorities.
Sign up on https://profilesmes.online/welcome/
To be eligible:
1. You must have a registered business and operate in Limpopo
2. Generate revenue
3. Sectors : Agriculture ( primary and secondary) and Automative
Women and Youth are encouraged to apply even if you don't fall in those sectors.
What Does the PARKTRONIC Inoperative, See Owner's Manual Message Mean for You...Autohaus Service and Sales
Learn what "PARKTRONIC Inoperative, See Owner's Manual" means for your Mercedes-Benz. This message indicates a malfunction in the parking assistance system, potentially due to sensor issues or electrical faults. Prompt attention is crucial to ensure safety and functionality. Follow steps outlined for diagnosis and repair in the owner's manual.
The Octavia range embodies the design trend of the Škoda brand: a fusion of
aesthetics, safety and practicality. Whether you see the car as a whole or step
closer and explore its unique features, the Octavia range radiates with the
harmony of functionality and emotion
What Are The Immediate Steps To Take When The VW Temperature Light Starts Fla...Import Motorworks
Learn how to respond when the red temperature light flashes in your VW with this presentation. From checking coolant levels to seeking professional help, follow these steps promptly to prevent engine damage and ensure safety on the road.
Learn why monitoring your Mercedes' Exhaust Back Pressure (EBP) sensor is crucial. Understand its role in engine performance and emission reduction. Discover five warning signs of EBP sensor failure, from loss of power to increased emissions. Take action promptly to avoid costly repairs and maintain your Mercedes' reliability and efficiency.
What Could Cause The Headlights On Your Porsche 911 To Stop WorkingLancer Service
Discover why your Porsche 911 headlights might flicker out unexpectedly. From aging bulbs to electrical gremlins and moisture mishaps, we're delving into the reasons behind the blackout. Stay tuned to illuminate the road ahead and ensure your lights shine bright for safer journeys.
Fleet management these days is next to impossible without connected vehicle solutions. Why? Well, fleet trackers and accompanying connected vehicle management solutions tend to offer quite a few hard-to-ignore benefits to fleet managers and businesses alike. Let’s check them out!
Your VW's camshaft position sensor is crucial for engine performance. Signs of failure include engine misfires, difficulty starting, stalling at low speeds, reduced fuel efficiency, and the check engine light. Prompt inspection and replacement can prevent further damage and keep your VW running smoothly.
𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙨. 𝙒𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙪𝙨.
Over the 10 years, we have gained a strong foothold in the market due to our range's high quality, competitive prices, and time-lined delivery schedules.
1. 18 Tuesday, December 11 2012 BUSINESS REPORT
Opinion&Analysis
W
HERE do South Africa’s
wealthiest people live? A
report from London-
based consultancy
WealthInsight sheds some
light on their geographical distribution.
With 36 multimillionaires, Sandhurst
accounts for the largest proportion of Jo-
hannesburg’s ultra high net worth individ-
uals (UHNWIs). Bryanston accounts for
the second-largest percentage, “although it
is a significantly larger suburb than the
likes of Sandhurst, Hyde Park and West-
cliff”, the report notes.
“The area known as Sandton, which in-
cludes Sandhurst, Sandown, Morningside,
Hyde Park, Melrose, Atholl and a number
of other suburbs, is home to over half of
Johannesburg’s UHNWIs.”
The report also notes that a number of
South African companies moved their
head offices to Sandton, following a rise in
crime in Johannesburg’s city centre be-
tween 1990 and 2000. “Most notably, the JSE
moved to Sandton in September 2000 from
the central business district. Sandton has
continued to grow strongly between 2000
and 2011 and is considered to be the bank-
ing and wealth centre of South Africa.”
Central Cape Town accounts for the
highest proportion of that city’s UHNWIs
(17 percent). The bulk of these are based in
the Waterfront Marina, Higgovale, Green
Point, Oranjezicht and Tamboerskloof.
According to WealthInsight research,
Camps Bay, in second place, is home to the
largest number of South African homes
worth more than R20 million, while
Clifton, in third place, is home to the
largest number of South African homes
worth over R50m. Clifton is also the most
expensive residential area in the country.
Clifton and Bantry Bay in particular
are hotspots for wealthy foreign billion-
aires who own some of the largest proper-
ties in these areas. The report notes:
“These individuals are not included in our
count as they are based in other countries.
Other wealthy Cape Town areas with more
than one billionaire include Hout Bay,
Newlands, Upper Claremont, Kalk Bay
and Simon’s Town.”
Mangaung
It is perhaps the nature of political parties
to talk with a forked tongue. It invariably
involves the use of words with lots of
letters which bamboozle the author of the
message as well as those who are intended
to receive the message.
Take, for example, the Economic Trans-
formation and Rural Development and
Land Reform chapter on resolutions taken
at the June policy conference of the ANC.
This forms part of a lengthy document on
“Recommendations from the 4th National
Policy Conference, June 2012”.
This is an important chapter because
its contents will be debated at next week’s
national conference in Mangaung. It notes
that the State Intervention in the Mining
Sector (Sims) report carried a number of
policy recommendations concerning own-
ership and control “that can be processed
at the (Mangaung) conference”.
Intriguingly, last week the Government
Communication and Information System
got into hot water when it suggested that a
task team on the iron ore and steel sector
had recommended that export taxes should
be imposed. The Department of Trade and
Industry said these taxes were intended
only for the scrap metal sector.
Yet the policy recommendations say
specifically: “The state should develop
strategies to identify and manage strategic
minerals in the national interest. Instru-
ments to support beneficiation and compet-
itive pricing of these strategic resources
include the use of targeted export taxes.”
Now we know how the authors of the
cabinet briefing document came up with
this idea, which was hastily contradicted
by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The policy document also says some of
the Sims recommendations “do not require
consideration by [the Mangaung] confer-
ence… but will be referred to NEC legkotla
(sic) for auctioning (sic: actioning)”.
Any ideas that policy positions could be
sold by the ANC national executive com-
mittee to the highest bidder must, at once,
be cast from the mind.
Denel
Trade union Solidarity said yesterday it
had received verbal confirmation that all
523 aircraft specialists at Denel
Aviation/AMG would be retrenched be-
cause of the cancellation by the SA Air
Force (SAAF) of its contract for aircraft
maintenance with the company.
This follows the Department of Defence
giving Denel Aviation/AMG notice in June
last year that it would cancel this contract.
However, negotiations were then held to
amend and possibly review the contract,
but the SAAF last month reviewed its de-
cision and disclosed it would not proceed
with a new contract with the Denel unit.
These events raise a number of ques-
tions, not least of which is who will be
providing aircraft maintenance services to
the SAAF from April, particularly as these
skills are unlikely to be freely available.
This raises another issue highlighted
by Solidarity: the possibility of the SAAF
taking over the employment contracts of
some of Denel’s technicians. Solidarity
stressed this issue had not been raised by
the SAAF and, in such an event, a section
197 notice of the Labour Relations Act
must be issued for the transfer of contracts
of employment, with the act also stipulat-
ing that employees’ conditions of service
and remuneration must be kept on the
same level when transferred.
“We are concerned that the air force, to
cut back on expenses, will wait until all the
employees have been retrenched before ap-
pointing some of them on a lower salary to
do the same work,” said Solidarity
spokesman Jack Loggenberg.
It must surely be illegal in terms of the
Labour Relations Act for the SAAF to at-
tempt this. Surely the Labour Department
would not allow private companies to get
away with this and must ensure the SAAF
complies with the act – as it is supposed to
do with all other entities in the country.
Edited by Peter DeIonno. With contributions from
Ethel Hazelhurst, Donwald Pressly and Roy
Cokayne.
I
N SOUTH Africa, the advancement of
women is part of the democratisation
of the country and gender equity is a
significant force for directing attention
to socioeconomic policies designed to
meet human needs.
Yet even as the nation is involved annu-
ally with the 16 Days of Activism Against
Gender Violence to raise awareness about
all forms of violence against women, the
energy and attention given to Women’s
Month each August and festivities associ-
ated with International Women’s Day on
March 8, the struggle for gender equity is
a worldwide effort highlighted month after
month. These celebrations and milestones
continuously draw attention to the claims
of women for economic independence and
political equality.
It is a pity that beyond the high-profile
activities to advance gender equity,
progress in bringing women into leader-
ship and decision-making positions
around the world remains far too slow. And
when women do make it, there often re-
mains an undercurrent sneering of hostil-
ity and a hint of sexism that somehow
public leadership is still best left to men.
In South Africa, women make up 52 per-
cent of the population, 41 percent of the
working population yet only 14.7 percent of
all executive managers and 7.1 percent of
all directors in the country.
We remain a patriarchal society that
still values clear-cut gender role differ-
ences. Men are the dominant sex and are
expected to control the home with the hus-
band culturally accepted as the ruler of
family and regarded as the formal author-
ity to which the wife and children must
ultimately respond. These roles are
extended to the work environment.
In many instances, the husband’s role is
authoritarian and he assumes responsibil-
ity for maintaining the family structure by
whatever means he feels are justified. The
wife’s role is taking care of the family and
remaining dependent on her husband to
protect the family structure. This culture
can be found in legislative structures,
boardrooms and workplace floors. In short,
we still value and respect patriarchy.
Nevertheless, in 18 years of democracy
our country has made significant progress
to advance women towards the achievement
of legislated gender equality. So far, less than
a third of MPs are women. Also women com-
prise 40 percent of national government
ministers and deputy ministers.
As we celebrate gender equality and
women empowerment as one of the cor-
nerstones of democracy in South Africa, it
is gratifying that our society is aware that
without gender equality our maturing
democracy could not achieve the desired
results. As long as women remain side-
lined in the economic and political main-
streaming, our country will struggle to
achieve true economic and social freedom.
It is also gratifying when considering
the fact that the UN has set a target of
30 percent of female legislators, that 20
countries including South Africa, have
reached or exceeded that goal.
According to a UN study, countries that
have achieved above 35 percent threshold
of women legislators include Rwanda with
48.8 percent followed by Sweden at 45.3 per-
cent, South Africa at 40 percent, Norway at
37.9 percent, Finland at 37.5 percent and
Cuba and Spain at 36 percent each, while
Costa Rica, Austria and Germany among
others have 30 percent to 35 percent.
The UN study shows that the number of
women presidents and prime ministers
has increased during the past decade.
Several countries, including Liberia
and Malawi, now have women as heads of
state. Let us not forget New Zealand, Ger-
many and several others.
The UN concludes that it would take
women until 2040 to reach the quota of
30 percent in legislatures across the world.
So why is it that despite the progress we
have made, women are considered less
legitimate as leaders? Is it that we assume
leadership is for men, and only exceptional
women can compare with ordinary men in
such roles? As I said earlier, the history of
male domination is centuries old. Patriar-
chal and male power has shaped the
construction of leadership, its culture, dis-
course, image and practice for centuries.
Deterrents to women’s advancement
are many. They include perceptions of
lack of general management and line expe-
rience, less exposure to assignments that
involve risk and high visibility, difficulty
in adapting to the corporate culture and
lack of a clear career strategy. These are
perceptions, not reality.
Gender stereotypes play an active role
in prejudice and discrimination against
women. According to traditional gender
roles, men are seen as dominant, independ-
ent, competitive, capable of leadership and
interested in business. On the other hand,
women are seen as submissive, dependent,
caring, good at domestic tasks and child
rearing, less competent than men and
unsuited for authority or leadership.
Other chauvinists believe the reasons
why women do not move into the higher
echelons of executive positions may also
be related to pressures inherent in the job
situation, including the pressures of the
job itself such as long work hours, a fran-
tic work pace, responsibilities, demands,
and the burden of making important deci-
sions, not forgetting the pressure of family
obligations such as managing demands in
life outside work, work-family dual roles,
and work non-work role conflict.
But we all know that stereotypes die
hard and that the economic, political and
social empowerment of women offers the
surest way to broader prosperity and social
stability. Our continent, and indeed the
whole world, cannot hope to escape its
troubles until such time as women assume
their proper role in society.
There are examples that women are
capable leaders. Liberia has re-elected the
first woman president in Africa, the Nobel
Prize-winning, Harvard-educated and for-
mer UN executive Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
She has now been joined by President
Joyce Banda of Malawi, who has proved to
be a strong and decisive leader.
Here at home there are capable women
leaders. Who will forget the hard-fought
election of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to
the powerful role of the chairperson of the
African Union Commission.
Women have great potential in the busi-
ness and corporate environment as they
possess natural soft skills such as emotional
intelligence, multi-tasking, organisational
proficiency and communication skills that
are invaluable in the business world.
Unfortunately, there is not enough
effort being exerted to fully develop the
leadership potential of women, which is
one of the reasons why there are very few
women holding high-level positions in the
corporate and political world.
Women leaders should raise the aware-
ness on unequal distribution of opportuni-
ties and subsequently encourage business
community and governments to offer appro-
priate training for the skills development
and career advancement of women.
We must address the prevailing imbal-
ance in terms of opportunities available to
women to cultivate dynamism and gener-
ate greater activity in the investment sec-
tor. There is a need to implement various
corporate initiatives such as change man-
agement, culture transformation, strategy
execution through cross-functional teams,
organisational design and organisational
vision and mission.
Common attributes found in successful
women development programmes include:
■ Senior management engages in and is
committed to planned women leadership
development.
■ Organisations invest time and money in
developing and rewarding high-potential
women talent.
■ Women with leadership potential are
identified and told they are chosen.
■ High-potential individuals are offered
challenging developmental job experiences,
including job rotations, lateral moves, spe-
cial projects, task forces or committee
assignments that stretch their experiences.
■ Mentors and coaches from the ranks of
senior executives provide support.
■ The process is systematic, offers
rewards and becomes part of the organisa-
tional culture.
All sorts of discriminations being faced
by women in every sphere of life must come
to an end to pave the way for the smooth
flourishing of women leadership at all lev-
els. As the struggle for women advancement
continues, women should remain united
and create relations among themselves,
improve their leadership quality, and ac-
quire more knowledge and experience for
ensuring women rights and their greater
access to every sphere of the national life.
Liza van Wyk is the chief executive of AstroTech
Training, a provider of leadership development
training.
W
ITH less than four weeks
left, reaching an agree-
ment to avoid the negative
short-term economic im-
pact of the so-called fiscal
cliff might be beyond the ability of the
strained US political system.
Averting the $600 billion (R5.2 trillion)
in automatic spending cuts and tax hikes
scheduled to take effect in January, re-
quires one side to give ground on a core
belief: either for the Democrats to allow an
extension of lower tax rates on top earners
or for the Republicans to accept a return to
higher rates for those taxpayers.
Both parties agree that any deal will
include increased revenue. They disagree
over the form of that revenue.
Republicans look to limit deductions
that mainly benefit people with high in-
comes, while extending the 35 percent top
income tax rate. This could raise about
$800bn over 10 years if the deduction cap
is broadly applied, but considerably less if
tax breaks such as for charities are left
untouched.
US President Barack Obama’s plan
raises twice that much through higher tax
rates and limits on deductions for house-
holds with the top 2 percent of incomes.
Our view is that financial policy must
operate on two time tracks: providing
near-term support for the still-fragile
recovery, while driving the political system
to address the long-term imbalance. We
propose to let all tax cuts expire and offset
the negative economic impact.
Increased revenue comes mainly from
higher tax rates rather than from a broader
tax base. The higher rates affect all income
levels; the alternative minimum tax hits
millions it was never intended to reach.
To avoid a recession, we propose tempo-
rary tax and spending measures to boost
near-term demand without making
choices between the agendas of the two
parties. We see this last point as essential.
Getting past the cliff with the least
damage to the economy requires not mak-
ing choices about fundamental long-term
issues in a lame-duck setting. This means
that our proposal does not separate upper-
income tax brackets from other tax rates as
sought by Obama, but neither does it ex-
tend all rate cuts as sought by Republicans.
Instead, all tax rates go up.
Our proposals are explicitly temporary.
We propose a one-year, $200bn tax refund to
support household spending, with rebate
checks of about $1 200 for a couple and an
additional $600 a child sent out in the first
half of next year. We would add $50bn for
spending to rebuild roads, repair and mod-
ernise public schools, and fund scientific
research. An additional $50bn would go to
financial relief for states.
Finally, we propose to extend the legisla-
tive patch that prevents the alternative-
minimum tax from hitting tens of millions
of households and the Medicare “doc fix”
that averts sharp cuts in payments to doc-
tors serving senior citizens. We also advo-
cate turning off the sequester put in place
in August last year that means some
$100bn in automatic spending cuts.
All of these proposals together reduce
the contraction from the cliff by $300bn
and add $300bn to offset the rest of the
financial tightening and provide the
economy with a near-term stimulus.
This is not a “least common denomina-
tor” approach; the fiscal cliff isn’t avoided,
as tax rates rise and expenditures de-
crease in ways that are painful for all peo-
ple. Yet, it is better than a stalemate that
threatens recession. – Bloomberg
Fiscal cliff
avoidance
beyond the
US system
❚❚ DILBERT ❚❚ DIARY
Super rich flock to Sandton, Cape Town central
Empowering women leads to broader prosperity
BUSINESS
WATCH
Sandton,whichincludes
Sandhurst,Sandown,
Morningside,HydePark,
Melrose,Athollandothers,
ishometooverhalfofthe
city’ssuperwealthy.
TheUNhassetatargetof
30 percentoffemale
legislatorsand20countries
includingSouthAfricahave
achievedthatgoal.
GENDER
EQUALITY
THE OFFICE Christmas party is an opportunity for
employers to reward staff for all their hard work
throughout the year with one night of festive fun.
But some firms may consider cutting out the free
booze in future, after researchers claimed hangovers
cost UK businesses almost £260 million (R3.6 billion)
in lost work hours over the party season.
According to the research, commissioned by web
travel firm lastminute.com, about a quarter of
employees work for fewer than four hours the day
after the annual Christmas party because they are
suffering ill-effects from the night before.
Of the 1 500 people, one in 10 admitted doing
something they regretted, such as spreading gossip
and kissing senior members of staff. – Daily Mail
Office party hangovers costly
LAST
RESORT
Bradley Belt,Jared
Bernstein,William Gale
and Phillip Swagel
You can write, fax or e-mail a letter to:
The Editor, Business Report, PO Box
1014, Johannesburg 2000
Fax: (011) 838-2693
e-mail: brletters@inl.co.za
Include daytime telephone numbers
and full address.
Pseudonyms are not acceptable.
The editor reserves the right to edit or reject letters
DIRECT ENQUIRES TO:
JHB NEWSDESK 011 633 2484
You can send feedback, complaints or
suggestions to:
e-mail: br.editor@inl.co.za
❚❚ CONTACT
Liza vanWyk
❚❚ QUOTEOFTHEDAY
You get the best out of others when you get the best out of yourself. –
HarveyFirestone,AmericanbusinessmanandthefounderoftheFirestoneTyreandRubber (1868-1938)
RUGGED exteriors and cocky poses are a given for
pin-up calendars, but these models are a whole new
breed as they prance for photographs for the world’s
first calendar for hens.
The calendar features ravishing roosters set to
bring some egg-citement to farms across Britain.
The poultry pin-up calendar is a reply to new re-
search, which shows the presence of cockerels calms
hens and make them feel safer, resulting in better
quality eggs. The Happy Egg Company therefore
decided to put together a 2013 calendar to bring some
cockerel love to lonely hens in the UK.
The calendar includes an “American Beauty”
style shot of a cockerel surrounded by red rose petals
while another poses in front of a mirror. – Daily Mail
Cocky calendar to ruffle feathers