circle of concern november issue

CIRCLE OF CONCERNMAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2014

Five reasons

why small businesses

fail

Is this a Modern day - Soweto

uprising?

Why climate change is both a science and moral issue?

Explore before you invest in JSE

RSA R19.50

BOOKS AND TALKS- Marvin Malaka

Social | Economic | Political Minded Leaders

CONTENTSNOVEMBER 2014

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Education , Politics and Social

Madiba fathered

the NationsForwarding the trend 6

Five reasons why small businesses fail. 9

Books and Talks with Marvin Malaka 20

South Africa’s NUCLEAR new build programme 7

Explore before you invest in JSE 28

Why climate change is both a science and moral issue? 25

Your talent cannot be hidden 23

20 years of democracy and we still have to march for tertiary education, is this a Modern day - Soweto uprising? 16

High school to Tertiary, the gap is mindboggling 13

HUMOR: #NOTSENZOSDAD

Johannesburg, Gauteng province: Statue of Nelson Mandela in Nelson Mandela Square, a shopping centre in Sandton. Photo: MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

State owned companies [SOC] and chapter institutions are among the sheltered monopolies/organisations which enjoy the umbrella provided by the government and legislations. These institutions are also subjected to unnecessary political intrusion. Even though most SOCs are protected, they are still failing to meet the expectations of its stakeholders most importantly the masses. It is understandable that the SABC screen never went blank but is the institution achieving its goal? The situation led to a greater demand of depoliticising these vital institutions. Political interference is the new stumbling block and it should be detached. The country rather have political intervention than interference.Depriving political involvement in important institutions will ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The nations has to acknowledge the underperformance of these organisations for the past years, surely 20 years. Most of these are still having problems of attracting highly skilled employees due to political pressure which in produce poor leadership. Currently Eskom is busy trying to safe its dwindling resources and keep the lights on which is seems impossible to some economic and energy experts. Depoliticising important institution does not necessarily mean that we remove government as the vigilant but to let these institutions to fly by themselves.The ideal is not to let the capitalists chew the crucial sectors but to ensure that required capital investment is made in exchange of control.

Editor's NoteEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Komane Golden | [email protected] EDITOR Molebogeng Mashobane | [email protected] EDITOR Kulani Mhlanga | [email protected] EDITOR Marvin Malaka | [email protected] AND SOCIAL EDITORHarold Ncongwane | [email protected] Maluleka Andrew SakoMichelle NchabelengLebogang MabothaThulani MasilelaSUBSCRIBTION Sako Andrew | [email protected] | 071 328 7107ADVERTISING Golden Komane | [email protected] | 071 328 7107PUBLISHER Circle of Concern Magazine

The TeamWith Managing Editor

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, its editor or its publishers. The mention of specific products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by Circle of Concern Magazine or its publishers in presence to others of a similar nature, which are not mentioned or advertised. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of editorial content, the publishers do not accept responsibility for omissions, errors or any consequences that may arise therefrom. Reliance on any information contained in this publication is at your own risk. The publishers make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the correctness or suitability of the information contained and/ or the products advertised in this publication. The publisher shall not be held liable for any damages or loss arising , incurred by readers of this publication or any/ other person/s. The publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability for any damages, including pure economic loss and any damages, resulting from the use of any service or product advertised in this publication. Readers of this publication indemnify and hold harmless the publishers of this magazine, its employees and servants for any demand, action, application or other proceedings made by any third party and arising out of or in connection with the use of any services and/or products or the reliance of any information contained in this publication.

EDITORIAL SPACEK

oman

e G

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Pictures in the magazine: Graphic Stock

NOVEMBER 2014

Depoliticising vital

institutions

FORWARDINGINSIGHT

Mmapiti Papola

ITU AND SOUTH AFRICA TO TEST NEW APPROACHES FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL CONNECTIVITY

Busan, 26 October 2014 – Arising from a meeting held during the ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference in Busan, Republic of Korea, H.E. Dr Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) of the Republic of South Africa, and Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, have agreed to collaborate on a project to test new, sustainable approaches to bringing broadband connectivity to rural post offices in South Africa and to support these post offices to deliver essential digital financial and other services to their communities.

The project will be implemented in cooperation with the Universal Postal Union as well as partners from industry and civil society. This project will support the national broadband policy – South Africa Connect - which aims to provide affordable, high-capacity and reliable connectivity to support advanced applications

and services for government, businesses and consumers, with a special emphasis on rural and underserviced communities.

This new collaboration also reinforces ITU's regional initiative to extend broadband infrastructure in Africa, as endorsed by the World Telecommunication Development Conference earlier this year.

Hailing the initiative, ITU Secretary General, Hamadoun I. Touré said “Broadband is a truly transformational technology. It can generate jobs, drive growth and productivity, and underpin long-term economic competitiveness.”

The problem is not the problem.

The problem is your attitude

towards the problem.Captain Jack

Sparrow

Source: www.doc.gov.za

NOVEMBER 2014

South Africa’s NUCLEAR new build programme.

ECONOMY

In accordance with the Nuclear Energy Policy for 2008 as well as the Integrated Resource Plan 2010-30, Government is committed to an energy mix that includes nuclear, coal, gas, solar, wind and hydro. Since the promulgation of the policy, and the IRP, efforts have been undertaken to hasten the implementation of this energy mix given the energy constraints that we currently face.

The aim is to put the country on a path where we have energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, higher rates of economic growth, job creation and an ability to attract more investors.

This year an Energy Security Sub-Committee of the Cabinet was created from the National Nuclear and Energy Executive Coordination Committee (NNEECC), Chaired by the President, and comprising of relevant Ministers. The work of the Sub-Committee focuses on the rapid implementation of decisions to achieve the energy mix.

Currently, South Africa generates 5% of our electricity from nuclear power, from the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant near Cape Town.

In this regard Government has reiterated that, in line with the IRP, we will add an additional 9,6GW of power from nuclear energy. To achieve this we will commence with the rollout of new nuclear build pogramme. A comprehensive new build programme should contribute to the industrialisation of the country, re-development of our nuclear industry, the creation of jobs, development of skills, and technology transfer. At the centre of the new nuclear build programme will be a concerted localisation plan that will ensure that existing South African industry participates to the maximum extent. Goods, services, and expertise for the construction of new nuclear power stations should be drawn as much as possible from South Africa.

The government is committed to ensuring that the new nuclear build programme is undertaken in a fair, competitive and cost effective manner. Future generations of South Africans should not be left indebted due to decisions taken today. Instead the new nuclear build programme aims to guarantee the future prosperity of South Africa. To date, over the past three decades South Africa remained the leader in the cutting edge research and development on nuclear technology. Our SAFARI-1 Research reactor at Pelindaba, maintains an impecable safety and environmental record, and has ensured that we remain the leader in the production of medical radioisotope that we supply to the world market. The reactor is also utilised in neutron activation analysis, neutron beam-line research, neutron transmutation doping and various academic programmes. During November to December 2013 a delegation led by the former Minister of Energy visited nuclear vendor countries around the world to begin exploratory talks about their experiences, and the potential support they could give to our new nuclear build programme.

NOVEMBER 2014

Source: Department of Energy

This has culminated in the current phase where we are signing Inter-governmental Agreements with the various vendors. On 22 September 2014, the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa signed an Inter-governmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Industry. Similar Agreements will be signed with other vendors as well. These Agreements set out potential frameworks of cooperation that each country foresees where or how they can participate in South Africa’s new nuclear build programme. They also mark the initiation of the preparatory stage for the procurement process that will be undertaken in line with existing laws and regulations. As we have indicated before, no information of relevance to the public will be withheld from the South African population. At the sametime we should appreciate that these Agreements contain proprietary information, shared in confidence by each vendor country. It may, therefore, not be prudent to provide details of the contents of the Agreements before we have signed with all the vendor countries. Furthermore, South Africa remains committed to the use of nuclear power because it is safe, environmentally friendly, and sustainable in the long run. Government stresses that our new nuclear build programme is also about revitalising the local nuclear industry so that we can actively participate in the global supply chain as an exporter of nuclear services and components.

Continue....

ECONOMICS

Trending at TwitterNOVEMBER 2014

#NOTSENZOSDAD PICTURES FROM TWITTER

Five reasons why small businesses fail.

Business acumen

Strategieselevator p

itch

BUSINESS NOVEMBER 2014

Komane Golden


Business catastrophe haunts everyone including the families of the both employers and employees. Most of small businesses fail or cease to operate within the first period of five years. Let us look at five reasons why small businesses fail to prove sustainability concept. We have seen industry experts unearthing the causes of business failure but people never understood the fiction.

Business failure do not

only hurt direct entrepreneurs but imparted fear into aspiring young entrepreneurs. Falling is not the main issue but learning why most entrepreneurs failed is the critical point that need to be hard-pressed. One of the world-renowned motivational speakers once said, “You can knock me down but you can never knock me out”.

We cannot attribute business failure to lack of capital only; there are loads of reasons why businesses fail mostly small and medium ones. Andile Khumalo, the founder of MyStartUpSA.com (an online network platform for entrepreneurs in South Africa) said, “You will fail”. He directed these words to 100+ entrepreneurs at IAMANENTREPRENEUR session at Pretoria.

1. Ignorance It is easy to say it does not matter but is not easy to avoid the consequences of ignorance. Most entrepreneurs are not will to learn the basics of everything in their businesses because they can always hire someone to do it. You do not have to become an expert or take formal education to familiarise yourself with everything in your business, you can still ask your employees or business partners to show you maybe how the IT system works.

Imagine been asked IT related question and you have no clue of what are they talking about. Be careful of that because whenever you present your business to investors they will not only ask you how you are going to make money but they will refer to your operations to ensure that you are not telling them anecdotes. Do not be ignorant and never cease to ask why and how.

2. Detaching education from

entrepreneurship


Detaching education from entrepreneurship have to be condemned. There is an expanded definition of education not the dictionary connotation. In business, learning is like talking or walking you are required to do it almost every day.

Entrepreneurs must learning basic skills of almost of everything. For example, you are a qualified engineer and you start a garage business but you do not know how to read financial statements. You can still outsource accounting system but you have to be able to interpret the final product. Institutions like Gordon Institute of Business (GIBS) offer executive qualifications and give you an opportunity to learn more about your business.

Online courses can help you as well because they are free; just find a personal computer with access to internet. Premature entrepreneurs fail to get investments because of crappy elevator pitch. You need to equip yourself with such. Private investors do not care of how many jobs you create. You still need to acquaint yourself with the bad side of entrepreneurship

3. Negligence of Strategic

level


At the Gauteng provincial launch of NYDA, SEFA and IDC, I asked an eye-opening question to CEO of IDC. The question was as follows, “what these institutions (referring to IDC, SEFA and NYDA) are going to put in place to ensure that entrepreneur focus more on strategic level not operations?” As an entrepreneur, I have been learning the ambiguities of business people.

Moreover, realized that they working for the business not on the business. As much as operation is important to get the product done, strategic level is also significant to get the product to market and attract more customers. Negligence of strategic level does not only lead to business failure but also limit growth. It is understandable that start-ups do not have enough staff and executives turn to do administration as well. DO NOT WORK FOR THE BUSINESS, WORK ON THE BUSINESS.

Access to funding is an issue to most start-ups, mostly when they cannot explain their ideas in structural way to potential investors. What really fascinates investors is digits plan nothing more nothing less. They fail to get investments because of crappy elevator pitch as I said above.

Capital simply means having cash to buy equipment, pay employees and cover start-up costs. How to get the funding is an issue for those who sell dreams as well. Money is not what we all need as entrepreneurs but mentorship is also need. You may have access to capital but without proper mentorship and guidance making it is difficult not impossible.

There are free mentorship via National Youth Development Agency (NDYA) and Small Enterprise Development Agency. In terms of funding, you can visit websites of the following institutions, NYDA, SEFA, Motsepe Foundation, IDC, government departments and venture capitalists.

The definition of entrepreneurship was in a jar for the past centauries. I believe that we can go beyond dictionary definition of the term entrepreneurship. You cannot use entrepreneurship and capitalist interchangeably because they are different but do have some similarities.

You have to go to business with an understanding of what you want out of it. There is nothing wrong in being a capitalist. One of the wrong perception about entrepreneurship is taking from the consumer. Maximising profit and minimizing costs, yes I agree but let me introduce you to my business philosophy.

4. Lack of Funding and mentorship

5. Fallacy of entrepreneur

ship

Golden Komane’s Business PhilosophyAs an entrepreneur, watch your thoughts and sayings. Do not take from the customer rather exchange value in return. This can be done in different many ways, including becoming philanthropist. It is all about growing customer loyalty first then sell you product/service to them.

High school to Tertiary, the gap is mindbogglingTransition:

Encountering the truth is

sometimes dispiriting. What we study now might not be relevant to the next generations due to the changes, mostly brought by technology and economic transition. One might ask, why are we learning something that will be valueless in 20 years’ time? This doesn’t mean everything will be scuffled out, NO! It means the approach will change but the principle will remain the same.

This has raised a good question which needs an answer not question on top. Why are we teaching our learners in the way that is not in line with the tertiary education?The gap between high school and tertiary education is worrisome. Learners should be prepared for the cross-over, mostly at the technological side. The picture of tertiary has to tabled before FET learners to ensure that they do not join the line at the tail.

Imagine seeing computer for the first time at varsity and you don’t know how to use it. This created a huge problem for people from destitute areas and families. The computer-based assessments which most universities use, have to start at grade 11 at least, not above that. It will give learners an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the technology and its terms before joining the layer cake.

EDUCATION

Komane Golden

Students (from left) Byron Groves, Munier Albertus and Jesse Abrahams hang out on the steps at the University of Cape Town, Western Cape. Photo: Jeffrey Barbee, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

NOVEMBER 2014

The great sources are not found in the Harvard reference books but they are seen with naked eyes. This appeared in my first year of BCom (Accounting Sciences) at University of Pretoria, some of my fellow classmates were struggling with operating computers in general. They didn’t know how to use the student portal which is the great source for students, a place where all your study materials and updates are located. Then deprived students had to learn how to use computers first and trust me they missed out varsity experiences because their palms were full.

To cut the story short, stakeholders have to join hands in ensuring that matriculants are prepared for the new stage of education. It is compulsory that we close the gap to safeguard the enjoyment of varsity life and culture. Good things are not only learnt in class. I am not going to pin point individuals to fight against this unsolicited gap, it is everyone’s duty to protect the right to education. This article have to challenge people or organisations responsible for our educations system to come up with alternatives if the solution is not attainable at this moment. Write me a letter if you would like to add on this article for the next issue.

EDUCATION

Potchefstroom, North West province: Students at the University of North West. Photo: Hannelie Coetzee, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

NOVEMBER 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

20 years of democracy and we still have to march for tertiary education, is this a Modern day - Soweto uprising?

EDUCATION NOVEMBER 2014

By Harold Ncongwane


A lot has been said about how we have been liberated as country and that we have one of the most comprehensive constitutions that govern this country. However much has been questioned about the education status of this country.

In his address in University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus in June 2013 last year, President Jacob Zuma said “Every child should be at school, we need to empower South Africans, all of them, and education should be taken seriously”.

Furthermore, education was classified as one of the top five priorities that need great attention from government in terms service delivery. The most important question is, are we really addressing the crises in our education system, namely the availability, affordability and accessibility of tertiary education?

We can all agree that education and skills are vital engines for employment and both economy growth and development. Developed countries like China and Germany acknowledge the importance of technological and engineering skills as important for the development of the economy.

In contrast, South Africa has resources, however we don’t have the capacity and technical skills to convert raw material into final products. We often rely on other countries to provide well trained specialist to assist us to purify gold.

We are confronted by a shortage of medical practitioners versus an overwhelming number of health cases and in the public health sector. So if this is evident to everyone, then how come are we still lacking behind, are public officials failing us? During the 1976 student uprising, students had to march against the oppressive systems that denied them necessary resources to live their dream in full capacity. In the modern age we observe the same behaviour by our students fighting for the same rights to education.

If a tourist were to come to our country and be taught about the 1976 and 2014 incidents without being given the years, he or she is mostly likely to be confused and think that these incidents happened in the same era. Where are we going as a country?

Tshwane University of Technology students protesting- TUT Correspondent

In the past 12 months we have seen gruesome events in platforms that are meant to address the consequences of the Bantu education act namely universities. We have seen multitudes of students flocking to their university to unleash their anger over financial constraints in the Department of Higher Education and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) since their fees and accommodations were not paid. These incidents occurred in one of the most influential universities in South Africa namely, University of Kwa-zulu Natal, the Venda University of Technology and the recent incident in the Tshwane University of Technology. What is common in these cases is the protest for funding for education

– something that should be a basic right as reflected in the freedom charter. The NSFAS’s chief executive, Msulwa Daca, informed the Parliament that the department can’t meet the funding demand. This in itself is quite interesting since there are fewer students who meet the admission requirements to study at a university level. Quite often students are excluded from financial assistance, this would mean that their dream of becoming future engineers, medical doctors and technician vanish in the air. In worst cases we see students’ fees being paid, but however prescribed books and allowances not being covered. It is will sound like am begging the question when I ask how does one study without a prescribed books.


In the 2014 state of National address ,president Jacob Zuma also mentioned that The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) budget was increased to R9 billion to meet the rising demand. However we still see a large number of students protesting for financial assistance. Are we managing the funding well enough to cater for the majority of our students? Could it be that we need to reinvest in financial accountants and budget planners in training them on how to manage the financial budgets.

Are we training enough auditors to check irregularities and overspending in the public sector by officials. Do we have enough capacity in the HR departments to hire the right people with the right qualifications, who have work ethics and put others first? These questions emphasize that we need to invest more in education.As a closing remark, the government needs to look at other ways of generating money to fund education.

As a developing country we need to invest in education, train our own professionals, generate technicians, inspire our scientist and empower our teachers. One cannot end this article by not quoting one of the most influential leaders in the times of black movement against oppressive systems Nelson Mandela who once said “education is the most powerful weapon to change the world”Article by Harold Ncongwane- Social and Educational [email protected]


BOOKS & TALKSMarvin Malaka

Life is about setting goals but most importantly life is about pursuing the goals you’ve set for yourself. Success favours the brave. Think outside the box and follow the road less travelled, the key word here is think. Here is a story of two entrepreneurs who are a perfect example of the above mentioned statement:

Once upon a time there was a

social entrepreneur who aspired to be a public speaker; he claimed that ever since he was born his passion has forever been motivating people. He apparently started at the age of nine to building a name for himself within the community as a credible speaker; he speaks at schools, hospitals and other state institutions. The good part about this person is that he has already organised a couple of seminars within the community to the benefit of the people.

The importance of doing an environment study or what is well known as a market research should never be underestimated especially in the ever changing business environment writes, Marvin Malaka.

COLUMN NOVEMBER 2014


Wherever he goes people can easily recognise him and call him by his name even the young ones, but he bemoaned the fact that he has been doing these talks for free without any form of remuneration. He decides that he would like to charge for his talks, which is a good idea. He went the route less travelled by many entrepreneurs the route I would gladly call the wilderness. He started by offering his services for free and at the same time he was slowly but surely building a name for himself as a public speaker.

Fast forward to the future he one day wakes up (wacky wakey) and right there and then he decides that he wants to write a book actually not one book but two books. Both books will focus on people centred motivation. Ideas are good because they are children of the minds but at the same time we should be able to regulate our minds by saying this I mean that let us try to focus on one initiative at a time.

The entrepreneur was clear from the onset that he wants to speak all of a sudden he wants to write books.

If you pay serious attention to this story you will come to realise that the entrepreneur is lacking something. He is lacking definiteness of purpose he fails to focus (follow one course until successful) rather he wants to do many things at once and they all have the potential to hinder his growth and progress in the market place.

On the other hand we have another type of entrepreneur who has been around for a while. And it is safe to say that he has seen it all since he has always been a go to person when one needs business advice. Although he has not been doing these on a professional level he has managed to put bread on the table for his family.

One day he decides to start a cleaning services company after doing market research he came to find out that there are gaps within cleaning services environment. He sat down and drafted a business plan and also outlined a number of services he would like to offer his potential clients in the market.

Given the opportunity this guy can start anytime and offer you his services which include being a handy man amongst other things. His business does not require much to kick start. After studying his business plan and market focus carefully he comes to the conclusion that all he needs is (R5000) to get his business off the ground.

He then picks up the phone and schedules an appointment with me. He tells me Marvin I would like to see you, I have these business idea I would like us to discuss. Knowing very well that am a self-driven person who embraces challenges and who’s always on the look-out for opportunities for betterment of society he contacts me and I avail myself. Now here is the difference I charge R250 per hour for my sessions.


I then set down with the entrepreneur for a full hour discussing the business, accessing the SWOT analysis (the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and threats that may exist to hinder the progress of this brilliant idea). We then came to the conclusion that the opportunity that exists outweighs the threats and we both decided to get the idea off the ground. For starters the entrepreneur pledged that he will manufacture pamphlets, business cards and billboards for starters. He realises that first of all he needs to do ground marketing and a lot of awareness campaigns in the form of advertising. The next big thing for him would be to buy gazebos and tents and banners to market his business in shopping complexes, filling stations and other public areas. The entrepreneur has already started his journey.

And he would like me to head the marketing aspect of his company, which gladly agreed.What I like about this entrepreneur is that he is ready to start with or without capital.

Now I would like us to observe the difference between this two aspiring entrepreneurs: The latter has a business idea but lacks capital but that is not a problem to him thus far. He has realised that he needs a minimum of R5000 for his business to be a legally registered entity. He is willing to work his bud off to meet with potential sponsors or donors although he has not yet decided how much he is willing to offer the investor he is ready. This shows that proper, planning, prevents, poor, performance.The entrepreneur is ready to go through what I had highlighted before he is ready to go thru the wilderness for his business to grow. This are the kind of people investors won’t mind to invest in because he is not waiting for opportunities to come knocking at his doors he is ready to go out there to chat a way forward for his business grow.

On the contrary the former has built a name for himself as a public speaker. He now wants to write a book but remember not one book but two books. My verdict this entrepreneur needs to get his priorities right by atleast focusing on one initiative at a time. Moral of the story follow one course until successful (focus).

Think outside the box and follow the road less travelled, the key word here is think.Follow me on Facebook – Marvin_on_Media Email me on [email protected]

Your talent cannot be hidden!

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We have all heard the question time and time again. And quite frankly, many successful people are continuously trying to figure that out. At the end of the day, it comes down to following: your passion and doing whatever it takes to achieve your dreams.

Dreaming isn’t doing is just wasting time drawing pictures in your mind. I am not saying we shouldn’t dream. It will only become a problem if we take long to do it and suffer conscience. Picture if we were to write about you in our entertainment section as the best singer, dancer and whoever you have been dreaming to become. Wouldn’t it be nice? Yeah! It would.

I once attended a magazine launch and everything was organised very nicely. There was a girl they randomly asked to perform a poem and to be honest in my mind I thought she was going to be an embarrassment.

As a matter of fact she performed like a professional with background music even wowed me! The point I am trying to make is that something doesn’t need to suit you to be perfect. Most of the time I have heard people saying: “She is suit to become an actor” and as she grew up they saw and believed that through her looks she would become a wonderful actor.

Maybe your dream isn’t in entertainment but the steps to get there aren’t always the most glamorous. It might mean working for free as an intern, or putting in your dues at a boring entry-level position because it may be a great stepping-stone to your future dream job

TALENT PAGE NOVEMBER 2014

By Dikoketso Noko

Why climate change is both a SCIENCE and

a MORAL issue?Morality has to do with what, one

think is right or wrong. How we ought to behave when maximizing our lives, as there is no philosophical justification that supports personal egoism, where one cares for only him/herself and harm others. The principle of utility by the great philosopher Emmanuel Kant, suggests that the greatest good is the one that benefits society as a whole not just as a single entity. In this scenario, it mean to start from understanding the science behind climate change then making ethics our law of judgment in our moral behaviors.

Therefore, global climate change is both a science can be seen as a problem from both a scientific and moralistic perspectives. The complexity of science brings along many challenges and uncertainties. However in the past centuries it has been difficult to prove the science theory behind climate change until major changes in climate and environmental conditions started trending.


By Ofentse Maluleka

NOVEMBER 2014BUSINESS

What is climate change? In general sense, it is the frequent but gradual change in climate conditions which results in the earth being too cold and too hot at some times. Climate change is the atmospheric science concerning the properties of the atmospheric layers. I believe most of us find ourselves talking about this phenomenon and we are not aware that we actually debating about this. In our debates we often talk more about global warming and cooling but not the actual causes of this climate change phenomenon. I always find it very challenging when people ask me, what is climate change and why is it happening? Because there are many agents of climate change, some are direct and others are indirect.

In the lower atmosphere we have the Troposphere and then followed in a sequence by Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere and the Exosphere. As an environmentalist, I always try to find simple explanations about environmental issues, so that those who don’t have the background of environmental sciences can be able to understand and participate in the debate for change. Although a scientific definition of climate change is a science we cannot ignore but take as our departure. Using the system analysis makes it easy to break down the concept of the atmosphere into pieces and debating them individually. Science without sense is meaningless, we have to change human perceptions first by alliterating them. Because sense is another force behind environmental issues.


Let us consider the science, the elucidation of basic terminologies like aerosols, ozone, stratosphere, troposphere, acid deposition and radiation and greenhouse. Ozone which is the layer responsible for regulating the earth’s temperature, it consists of millions of tiny ozone molecules which serve as our blanket dealing with ultraviolet radiation received from the upper atmosphere.

Already there are different gases in the atmosphere, the greenhouse gases namely Cfcs (chloroflourocarbon), water Vapor and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) which are available in trace amounts. Increasing them makes hard it for controlling warming and cooling of the earth. Aerosols are the particulates that reach the lower atmosphere (troposphere), in a form of dust and ash from natural and human activities (Goudie 2014:220). These are volcanic ash, air pollution and dust from transformation of land to agriculture or other developments.

These aerosols react in the atmosphere to produce secondary pollutants, which in turn be will deposited on the environment as wet deposition (acid rain) and dry deposition (Acid dust) (Middleton 2008:237). This deposition is very harmful to humans and our ecosystem especially to marine ecosystems (Animals living in the sea). Because it causes eutrophication (acid water), which suffocates the marine species.

Aerosols traps the radiation received from the sun, from going back into space which leads to the earth being too warm (Goudie 2014:221). Again it can absorb little or no form of energy from the sun, making the earth so cold. Radiation is the amount of heat or energy received from the sun to regulate the temperature of the earth. All this happens in the stratosphere, where the ozone layer gets depleted by secondary pollutants from aerosols that reacted in troposphere.

Let us dwell deeper

Have you ever felt this itchiness on your skin when it is exposed to the sun? That is the trapped ultra-violet light striking the earth with large quantities, which can possibly cause skin cancer and make it difficult for other species to survive.

This could again cause crop failure and can alter the community found to exist in the ocean, eliminating a large number of species. Flooding, which is associated with the build-up of aerosols in the atmosphere can cause damage to infrastructure and loss of livestock.

Drought is another issue associated with aerosols, less water being available due to long periods of no or less precipitation (rain). Global warming changes the sea properties by speeding up evaporation and the melting of ice caps which results in sea level and flooding of coastal environments (Goudie 2014:270). The ice caps helps in regulating the earth temperature.

Looking for the signs in the science

NOVEMBER 2014BUSINESS

That is just the science behind this global climate change phenomenon, what we need to instill in humans is the ethics of environmental protection. The biggest root cause of environmental issues is population growth and environmental issues are interrelated and connected. So working in a systems approach would mean not necessarily to control by to guide human behavior. To make a transition from anthropocentric to bio-centric approach, to value nature and taking care of it as we do about ourselves. As Paul Taylor, the great philosopher once put it, “an attitude of respect for nature”. Because what seem to be the drive towards those issues is the sense of Morality. From my knowledge of economics, economic development is when we have many contributors to our economy and economic growth is when we have activities that contribute bigger proportions to our economy and if this is not balanced there are high chances of economic failure. Natural resources are our economy and we have to use them so that we use them sustainably.

Air is a commodity, we use it to dispose our waste (gaseous waste) and if use more of it without care we will eventually run out of clean-air, leading to human and environmental health hazards. So we have to use it wisely and sustainably so it supports us for a longer period. We have to invest more in this commodity by polluting less and mitigating our impacts. We have to eliminate greed and share our economic gains with nature by rehabilitating and protecting. There should be moral checklist on our actions, to investigate whether the benefit our earnings are long term or short term.For example, agriculture provides the world with different range of food. But unsustainable agriculture has negative environmental impacts, excess fertilizers (nitrates gas), animal waste (methane gas) and machinery (carbon emissions) contribute to climate change. Having the knowledge of such science and the application of environmental ethics in agriculture can provide food for even longer periods and for a greater number of people with less or without any contribution to climate change.

A way forward is to form awareness campaigns about environmental ethics and environmental science systems to instill sense in communities. Sense will then proceed and motivate good morals. Because what you think is what you do, if you think right then you will do good.

Our role as human-beings in the climate change

ReferenceGoudie A, 2014. The Human Impact on the natural environment: Past, Present and Future. Seventh Edition.UK: John Wiley and Sons, LtdMiddleton N, 2008. The global Casino: An introduction to environmental issues. Fourth Edition. Great Britain: Hodder Education

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There is really a lack of information about process of investing and what to invest in and how one can empower self about investments. It is important that individuals go out there and do research about investments. I do not believe in “one size fits all”, so this will not benefit everyone but getting out therefore doing more research might be a very good start. Empowering yourself with the in’s and out of investments could help you get rid of the middle man. The irony is that commercial investors are the ones that tell the individuals that investing directly to the JSE is risky, while they are the ones who take your money and invest in JSE. In this article I will give you some tips that will prepare you when you are planning to invest in the JSE.

By Andrew Sako


Investment 1011. A good investment plan needs to suit your personal circumstances. An independent financial adviser can help you to formalize a plan and choose products and funds that are appropriate for you.

2. To invest on your own, you will need passion, time and skill to select shares that you believe will do well.

3. Fee structures differ among managers, but generally all fees and expenses (including the investment management fee and the costs of operating the unit trust) are accounted for in the price of the units.When choosing a unit trust you should look at its objectives, long-term performance and fee structure to understand what you can expect going forward. It personal investment goals, risk profile, time horizon, current portfolio composition and the amount of money you have to invest. However, we can still compare some of the options, highlighting their benefits and shortfalls. You may be charged other fees though, such as brokerage fees, trading costs and other levies.

You will have to go through a licensed broker, who buys and sells the shares on the JSE for you. However if you invest by yourself you will not have to pay investment management fees, but you will also not benefit from the manager’s expertise.

You may consider topping up your current RA. In addition to tax advantages, investing in an RA protects your investment, as you cannot usually access your money before you retire (at age 55) and you can still choose between different unit trusts.

If you choose to buy units in an equity unit trust, a professional asset manager will invest your money in a selection of shares which he or she thinks will perform well (and are in line with the fund’s objectives). Minimum investment amounts vary among fund managers. However, your money will be pooled with other investors’ money, which will allow you to gain exposure to a wider range of shares with less money than if you invested in shares directly. Unit trusts can be a cost-effective option. But it is important to look for one that offers value for money.

How to do it the right way

Explore before you invest in the JSE

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