skyways magazine march 2015

march

2015

insight for executives on the movemarch 2015

TM

Your free take-home copy - exclusive to Airlink passengers

Franchising Plight of the southern ground hornbill Win prizes worth R29,000 Bring on the braai Tech review Inflight entertainment Exploring Swaziland

celebrating 20 years of p

ublishing excellence

How do we keep the lights on? pg 58

Power struggle

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PUBLISHED BY Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd.Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684, South Africa. 92 Campolino Road, Kyalami.Tel: 011 468 2090 Fax: 011 468 2091

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PUBLISHER Urs Honegger

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gerard Peter

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ISSN 1025-2657

PRINTERS BusinessPrint

march

2015

insight for executives on the movemarch 2015

TM


Franchising Plight of the southern ground hornbill Win prizes worth R29,000 Bring on the braai Tech review Inflight entertainment Exploring Swaziland

celebrating 20 years of p

ublishing excellence


How do we keep the lights on? pg 58

Power struggle

Watts the problem? pg 58

Light at the end of the tunnel?A nation without an energy supply is a nation in crisis. Impending power cuts turn off the switch on economic growth, create a plethora of social ills and cut the cord on improving everyones way of life. However, this climacteric for South Africas power supply provider is not only confined to our borders. It has a far-reaching impact on the region.

Eskom is a member of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and adheres to a bilateral trade agreement that has a common power grid between countries in the region. As such, it not only imports electricity but is also obliged to export to other SAPP countries. So, the effects of a strain on our power grid are felt beyond our borders as member countries are also required to implement load shedding to try and maintain a stable power supply throughout the region.

Green shoots are starting to appear in Africas economic potential, but these could be plucked early if industry and business cannot function at optimal levels. Power outages could mean a death knell for a continent viewed by many as the new economic frontier.

Still, every crisis brings about the opportunity of rising above the challenge. There are other proven and viable energy supply options that could keep the lights on. Many have been discussed for decades, but what is needed now is a decisive move to implement alternative power supply measures. Act now or darkness will surely prevail on a country, a region and eventually a continent.

Gerard PeterEditor-in-Chief

Skyways Magazine is published monthly and distributed via Airlink. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission of Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. Copyright 1994-2015 Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed in Skyways Magazine are not necessarily those of Panorama Media Corp or Airlink, and the acceptance and publication of editorial and advertising matterial in Skyways Magazine does not imply any endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described, whether by Skyways Magazine or the publishers. Skyways Magazine will not be held responsible for the safe return of unsolicited editorial contributions. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted and in appropriate cases to translate into another language. Skyways Magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material, which may not suit the standard of the publication, without reason given.Skyways Magazine is published by Panorama Media Corp on behalf of Airlink.

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Beira 00258-2 330 1570Bloemfontein 051 408 3139Bulawayo 00263-971 337/8/9East London 043-706 0211George 044-801 8401/02Harare (SAA Call Centre) 00263-4 794 511/2/3/4Kasane 00267 625 2354 Kimberley 053 838 2171Lusaka (Call Centre) 002601-254 350 Manzini 00268 233 50100/101/102/103Maputo 00258 214 65487Maseru 00266-22-350 418/9Maun 00267 686 5230Mthatha 047-536 0024Nampula 00258 262 16770Nelspruit KMIA 013-750 2531/2/3/4Ndola 00260-2612206Pemba 00258-2722 1700Phalaborwa 015-781 5823Polokwane 015-288 0166Port Elizabeth 041-507 7201 Pietermaritzburg 033-386 9286Richards Bay 035 786 1089Skukuza 013 735 5076Sishen 079 519 4606Tete 00258-2522 0394Upington 054-332 2161Vilanculos 00258 29382482

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31534 Airlink_FPFC Nelspruit Corp_Skywaysp.indd 1 2015/01/20 4:22 PM

contentscontents20 PAST FORWARD Celebrating 20 years of Skyways. WIN

a holiday worth R20,00036 SPOTLIGHT: FRANCHISING Opportunities, advice and a recipe

for success58 SWITCHED ON Energy reform and the game of chess

TAKE-OFF 10 Hot and happening Events calendar12 At your service Airlink introduces more convenient

flights on key routes14 Bits n bytes The world in brief18 Panorama Images from around the globe83 Flight schedule Comprehensive Airlink flight timetable

GREAT ESCAPES24 Local is lekker Unique city tours throughout

South Africa28 Size doesnt matter The many wonders of the Kingdom

of Swaziland32 Quality time Family-friendly accommodation options

EXECUTIVE DECISION40 Office life Four key workplace time

management habits42 Ask the expert Labour law made simple44 Safeguard The need for a comprehensive risk

management policy46 Wealth managment Building a profitable investment

portfolio48 App your life Fitness apps to get you in peak

condition50 Tech review Exclusive content from MIT

bits n bytes 14

game plan 42

24 road trip

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TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 STEEL & CERAMIC CHRONOGRAPHCara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAGHeuer,she defies conventions and never cracks under pressure.

TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 STEEL & CERAMIC CHRONOGRAPHCara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAGHeuer,

TAG Heuer Boutiques; Sandton City & V&A W

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contentscontentscontentscontents

crossing over 62

hot stuff 66

88 take note

TIME-OUT52 Mission critical The quest to save the southern

ground hornbill54 Well drink to that A locally produced rum takes on

the world62 X4 marks the spot BMWs new SUV lives up to the hype66 Licensed to grill Award-winning braai recipes. Win

Weber products worth R8,000!70 Sky cellar WIN a brandy and chocolate

pairing hamper72 Read right New book releases73 Brainteasers Try your hand at Battleship and Sudoku88 Poison chalice The sinister message behind the

song Delilah90 Bowled over 10 little-known facts about the game

of cricket92 Power to the people Poignant words about human rights93 Teeing off Power up your golf drive94 Tinseltown trivia How well do you know the Oscars?96 Talespin A birds eye view of South Africa

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The number of minutes it would take you to watch, back-to-back, all 25 seasons of The Simpsons

The number of countries that exist in the world today

12,144 196

around the world. The line-up will cover films about climate change, sustainable solutions, pollution, eco-friendly agriculture, wildlife conservation and more. 26 March-2 April 2015 Nationwidei www.southafricanfilmfestival.com

G A U T E N G

Hyundai Rock the RunRun, sing and dance to the beat with more than 10,000 athletes, families and friends

as they take to the Sandton streets with music stages positioned at key points on the scenic route. The event consists of 5km, 10km and 21.1km routes. All participants will then gain access to the massive

afterparty concert, at the same venue, featuring some of South Africas biggest bands and performers including Mi Casa, Matthew Mole and Mango Groove. 1 March 2015 Mushroom Farm Park, Johannesburgi www.rocktherun.co.za

Diamonds & PearlsBarnyard Theatre Productions proudly presents a tribute to two musical icons, Neil Diamond and Celine Dion, in an extravaganza of music and song. All the hits and more are featured with surprise dedications and duet performances. The show features a dynamic nine-piece cast who play music that is everlasting. 15 March 2015 Barnyard Theatre, Emperors Palace i 011 823 6933

CALENDAR

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

ICC World CupIts down to the business end of the tournament. Will India successfully defend their title or will the Aussies and Kiwis make the most of their home advantage? Also, can AB and the Proteas finally get rid of their chokers tag? Until 28 March 2015 i icc-cricket.com

N A T I O N W I D E

South African Eco Film Festival The festival features a wide selection of the best eco-documentaries from South Africa and

People use Twitter every month

WhatsApp messages are sent every day

284 million 30 billion196

W E S T E R N C A P E

Cape Town CarnivalTheCape Town Carnival is a glamorous celebration of African identity, showcasing the diverse communities and cultures of South Africa. More than 2,000 dazzling costumed performers and musicians will take to Cape Towns Fan Walk, entertaining viewers with magical floats and vibrant dance routines. 14 March 2015 Green Point Fan Walki www.capetowncarnival.com

Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2015The Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2015 is a luxury lifestyle and polo affair drawing socialites, fashion cognoscente, celebrities and equestrian lovers and takes place at

South Africas first and only wine and polo estate Val de Vie Estate. Enjoy

a 10-goal polo tournament showcasing the skill of the countrys top players with a flute of champagne in hand. 7 March 2015 Val de Vie Estate, Paarl-

Franschhoek Valley i www.vividluxury.co.za

EASTERN CAPE

SciFest AfricaSciFest Africa is South Africa's national science festival held annually in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. SciFest Africa features over 600 events including popular lectures, interactive exhibitions, workshops, educational theatre, field

trips, a soap box derby, a laser show, high school quizzes, Science Olympics, science shows, tours and even a FilmFest. 18-24 March 2015 Grahamstowni www.scifest.org.za

KWAZULU-NATAL

Decorex DurbanThis instalment of one of South Africas most highly anticipated home living exhibitions, Decorex Durban, will be celebrated in style as the expertly conceptualised event will feature a range of high-end exhibitors, workshops and demonstrations characterised by home trends and products at the forefront of their respective industries. 19-22 March 2015 ICC Durbani 011 549 8300

WORRIED ABOUT LOAD SHEDDING?

Call us today!Barloworld PowerRental, Used & New Generators0860 898 000 | +27 11 898 0000www.barloworldpower.com

2014 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, Caterpillar Yellow, the Power Edgetrade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

Power Cuts Ads Skyways(213x137.4).indd 1 2014/11/28 3:31 PM

Airlink, the largest independent Regional Feeder airline in southern Africa, has added more convenience for its passengers with the introduction of additional flights in five of its key destinations. Additional flights have been announced on routes between Johannesburg and Nelspruit, Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Maputo, Cape Town and George and Cape Town and Kimberley.

Airlink now offers early morning and late afternoon flights between Johannesburg and Nelspruit. Morning flights depart Nelspruit at 06:55, arriving in Johannesburg at 07:50, daily from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays the first flight will now depart Nelspruit at 08:30 and arrive in Johannesburg at 09:25. Evening flights depart Johannesburg for Nelspruit at 18:05, arriving in Nelspruit at 18:55, Sunday to Friday.

With these flights Airlink will provide Mpumalanga-based business travellers with the opportunity to extend their business day in Johannesburg. With a choice of 88 flights per week between Johannesburg and Nelspruit, travellers will benefit from added convenience and the opportunity to connect seamlessly with domestic, regional and international flights. Airlink also offers direct flights from Nelspruit to Durban, Cape Town, Livingstone (Zambia) and Vilanculos (Mozambique).

The airline has also upped its offering between Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg. Airlink has introduced an additional flight utilising the 83-seater AvroRJ regional jet aircraft.

Afternoon flights will now operate Monday to Friday, departing Johannesburg at 15:30, 17:00 and 18:15. Flights from Pietermaritzburg to Johannesburg depart at 14:00, 17:00 and 18:25. This now provides travellers with a choice of five daily return flights between Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, Monday to Friday, with three flights on Saturdays and five flights on Sundays.

Furthermore, Airlink has also enhanced its flight schedule between Durban and Maputo. Now, same-

day return flights are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while mid-morning flights will operate

on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays will depart Durban at 06:45 and

16:00. Flights from Maputo will depart at 08:30 and 17:35. Mid-morning flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday depart Durban at 10:10 and Maputo at 11:45.

The new schedule operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays will allow travellers to enjoy a direct same-day business service between Durban and Maputo with the option to extend their visit to include an overnight stay.

Airlink has also further increased the capacity on its morning flights between Cape Town and George. Airlink currently operates their 83-seater AvroRJ regional jet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. In response to market demand Airlink will now also operate flights using the 83-seat aircraft on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Flights depart from Cape Town at 7:15am arriving in George at 8:05am and depart George at 8:30am arriving in Cape Town at 9:20am.

Airlinks schedule between Cape Town and George offers travellers a choice of 40 flights per week Monday to Friday, four flights on Saturdays, four flights on Sundays, and the freedom to go beyond on Airlinks flights from George to Durban, Cape Town to Windhoek, Kimberley, Upington, Nelspruit, and Skukuza.

Lastly, Airlink has increased frequency between Cape Town and Kimberley. Additional morning flights will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Airlinks Cape Town to Kimberley flight schedule will now provide travellers with a choice of same-day return flights Monday to Friday with an evening flight operating on Sundays.

Text and photography | Supplied

For more information, visit flyairlink.com or see the

flight schedule on page 83

More flights Airlink enhances flight schedule for five key routes

added convenience

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The number of active monthlyWhatsApp users worldwide

The average number of messages a WhatsApp user sends per day

700 million 43

take | off

The number of people who use Facebook every month

The number of people who use the photo-sharing service Instagram every month

1,35 billion 300 million

E N V I R O N M E N T

Giant snail stopped from creating a path of destructionA snail the size of a human hand was recently stopped from entering New Zealand by border officials, who say it could have caused huge environmental damage.

The giant African snail was stopped from sliming a path of destruction across the country, the Ministry for Primary Industries stated, noting that it could have wreaked havoc on New Zealands crop and forestry industries. It was declared by a couple at Auckland Airport after a flight from Madagascar, where they apparently collected it from a forest. And the snail wasnt alone it had brought its family along for the ride. When an inspector tapped the shell, a number of eggs fell out.

The giant African snail is an unwelcome guest in New Zealand because it eats the paint and plaster off buildings, destroys crops, and carries a parasite which can cause meningitis in humans. While hailing from a tropical climate, it can also survive in freezing cold temperatures by hibernating.

Source: BBC.com

H E A LT H

Risk of cancer down to luck say researchersMost types of cancer can be put down to bad luck rather than risk

factors such as smoking, a new study has suggested. A

United States team were trying to explain why

some tissues were millions of times more vulnerable to cancer

than others.

The results, in the journal Science, showed two thirds of the cancer types analysed were caused just by chance mutations rather than lifestyle. However, some of the most common and deadly cancers are still heavily influenced by lifestyle.

So is it time to light up, drink and eat what you want without a care in the world? It wont come as a surprise that the answer is no. All cancer has an element of chance a roll of the dice that decides whether your DNA acquires a mutation that leads to cancer.

The study shows that two thirds of cancer types are simply chance. But the remaining third are still heavily influenced by the choices we make. Too much booze, time in the sun or being overweight mean we are playing with a loaded die and the odds are not in our favour.

Source: BBC.com

B I Z A R R E

Would you like some fries to go with your bag of cash?A New Hampshire (United States) woman got a surprise at a Burger King drive-through: a bag full of cash instead of food. Janelle Jones says she discovered on the way home that the bag did not contain the sweet tea and junior spicy chicken sandwich that she had ordered Friday at the Rochester fast-food restaurant.

Jones called her husband and they decided to return the $2,631, which was a Burger King bank deposit. Matthew Jones says the couple briefly considered keeping the money, which they certainly could have used. But they decided it was only right to return the cash.

Source: Huffingtonpost.com

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300 millionThe total amount of sales that the game Grand Theft Auto made in just three days

R1 billion

T E C H N O L O G Y

Apps bigger than the Hollywood movie industryApps made as much money as Hollywood took in the US last year by raking in more than $10 billion.

Games such as Angry Birds and the mobile version of Facebook earned the developers behind them more than the efforts of the film industry, even with hits like The Hunger Games. Individual developers now earn more than some Hollywood stars and apps support more jobs in America than Tinseltown.

The study showed that total App Store revenues since 2008 now stand at $25 billion with no signs of slowing down. Industry analysts Asymco looked at the figures for apps sold by Apple through its iTunes service last year.

It found that the app industry is healthier than Hollywood even though last years hit films included Guardians of the Galaxy, The Lego Movie and the second Hobbit film. Producers behind huge apps such as Angry Birds, which has been sold more than 12 million times, earned Finnish developers Rovio Entertainment more than even the biggest stars like Tom Cruise.

The most popular free app in 2014 was Facebooks Messenger app, followed by messaging services WhatsApp and Snapchat.

Source: Daily Mail

take | off

The peak weight of Jon Brower Minnoch the heaviest man on record

The most weight ever lost by a human

635kg 419kg

S C I E N C E

Spray induces sleepHave you ever wished you could fall asleep by pressing a button? If so, then youre in luck. A new product, dubbed Sprayable Sleep, claims to send users to sleep within an hour after just two sprays on the neck.

If the user wakes up in the middle of the night, another squirt will send them back to sleep, according to the products developers. Its creators, a Stanford University start-up, say that unlike sleeping pills, Sprayable Sleep will not cause people to feel groggy the next day.

Sprayable Sleep is the worlds first topical melatonin spray which helps you get to sleep when you need to without harsh, addictive chemicals or ineffective gimmicks, they boast. The human body is supposed to naturally produce melatonin when it becomes dark out. But constant use of electronic devices, which emit artificial light, can keep people from producing melatonin until later in the day. The average person needs 0.03mg of melatonin to help them fall asleep, though the majority of

melatonin pills have 100 to 300 times that.Sprayable Sleep works by seeping into

the body at a gradual rate throughout the night, imitating how the body produces melatonin. It allegedly contains 30 times less the amount of melatonin than most pills. The spray itself is a mix of melatonin, tyrosine and distilled water.

Source: Daily Mail

B I Z A R R E

Beggar accepts credit cardsA London beggar is funding a string of sunshine breaks by raking money off celebrities and millionaires using a chip and PIN machine so they can pay by bank card.

Damien Preston-Booth has the portable card reader to accept donations because the rich dont carry much cash. The 37-year-old, who is on benefits because he is too depressed to work, sets up camp outside upmarket nightclubs and restaurants in Londons Mayfair and regularly bumps into stars like Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne. And the rich pickings have helped him enjoy holiday breaks in Paris, Ibiza, Bruges and Monaco in the last year alone.

He reportedly earned 4,500 (R84,000) before Christmas and pocketed 1,000 (R17,500) in a single handout from a rich Arab woman out with her children on New Years Day. The chip and PIN machine is linked by Bluetooth to his Samsung smartphone, with the cash going into a PayPal account. The donor receives a receipt via text or email.

Source: Daily Mail

1603 15

419kgThe year Albert Einstein introduced his theory of general relativity

1915

From left to right: Second placed Bridge Street Brewery for its Celtic Cross Premium Pilsner; first placed Devils Peak Brewing Company for its Kings Blockhouse IPA; and third placed Mad Giant for Punk Hop

N E W S

Craft beer brewer winners announcedWestern Cape-based craft brewers took top honours at the second Annual South African Craft Brewers Competition, held recently at SABs historical World of Beer in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Cape Towns Devils Peak Brewing Company claimed the leading position in the beer category for its Kings Blockhouse, while Elgin-based Eversons Cider won in the newly introduced cider category for its Pear Cider.

The South African Craft Brewer Championship, which acknowledges the skill and craftsmanship of the countrys craft beer industry, has grown in popularity since the inaugural event in 2013, with a marked increase in entries.

Source: Supplied

77304 Avis Skyways Feb & March REVISED.indd 1 2014/12/24 10:30 AM

panorama

1803 15

This 29m-high Sleeping Buddha towers over the Wat Srisoonthorn Temple in Phuket, Thailand. This pose is

considered very important for Buddhists as it represents Buddha in the stage of dreaming. The story has it he

started dreaming after he stopped a six-year-long period of extreme self-mortification (in the hope of discovering

the truth about life). He had a dream that made him realise soon afterward that he had indeed reached the stage of enlightenment and was ready to help other people. The

statue is the largest of its kind in Phuket.

Time out

1903 15

2003 15

This year marks 20 years of Skyways magazine. Over the years, the magazine has evolved into the magazine you hold in your hands today. The look and feel may have changed, but Skyways remains true to its mission statement of informing, educating and entertaining our readers with our left-brain-thinking approach.

To mark this momentous occasion, each month during 2015 we will take you on a journey back in time and look at past issues and the content that was featured back then. We will also look at what made headlines at home and across the globe. This month, we feature 1998 and 1999.

Past forward Celebrating 20 years of Skyways

February: Faster internet and new consoles herald the golden age of the gaming industry. Today, it generates more money than Hollywoods movie industry

Township tours in Soweto are put firmly on the tourism map. Today, its a must-see attraction for every international visitor

Airlinks Jetstream proudly shows off its new livery at the time

Digital cameras gain popularity. The Sony Mavica used a stiffy disk practically the size of the camera. How times have changed

Some of these Airlink staff members still serve the airline with the same commitment

and dedication as the first day they started. Their youthfulness remains; its

just the hairdos that have changed

December: Skyways investigates alternative fuel methods in the automobile industry. Featured is the Toyota Prius, still one of the most popular hybrids on the road today

For 20 years the Talespin feature has entertained Skyways readers. The feature still holds its place as the sign-off page in every issue ever published

18 July: South African President Nelson Mandela caps his 80th birthday by marrying Graca Machel, the widow of late Mozambican president and black liberation leader Samora Machel

June 1998: France secures its first FIFA World Cup,

winning the coveted trophy on home soil. Interestingly,

most of the French squad was made up of

players of African origin

take | off

March: Skyways profiles Dubai and predicts the Emirates surge to modernity. The predictions were true as the Emirate continues to develop at the rate of knots

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March: From Mick Jagger to the Three Tenors, Skyways profiles the mega-stars who have visited our shores since the end of the cultural boycott

June: Skyways puts the spotlight on Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest geniuses who ever lived

November: Forget doomsday prophecies. The entire world is planning parties that will ring in the new millennium with a bang

10 January: The Sopranos debuts on HBO in the United States

December: The world heralds in the 21st century. Y2K is averted as a new era in technology connects the world like never before

Richard Pryor writes an open letter to the Office of the President urging the government to stop the elephant slave trade

November: Scientists warn about the harmful impact on health of genetically modified foods. Skyways breaks the news and gives both sides of the story

The worlds biggest acts play to sell-out crowds in South Africa. Sponsorship rules have changed since but the stars continue to come to the Rainbow Nation

Were you onboard an Airlink flight 20 years ago? Did you take home a copy of Skyways? Share your memories and stand a chance to win a holiday worth R20,000. Mail: [email protected]. Competition ends 30 September 2015. T&Cs apply.

2 June: South Africas second non-racial general election is held. A few weeks later Thabo Mbeki is sworn in as president

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Pietermaritzburg remains a key route on the Airlink network as it conveniently connects business to the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas

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A The moon distances itself from Earth by 3 to 4cm per year. This is because Earth rotates much faster around its axis than the moon around Earth, whereby the moon is slung away from Earth, so to speak.A This gradual distancing is so slow that the expanding sun will swallow Earth before the moon will really be too far away.A The swallowing of Earth by the sun will probably happen in about 4 billion years, but our planet will probably have become too hot to live on in 2 billion years.

Can you burn water?Olga Stevens, Johannesburg

N o, water is not flammable. In order to burn, matter has to react with oxygen and water doesnt do that. This is because water is

already a product of burning. A reaction of hydrogen gas with oxygen yields water. Further burning is not possible.

What would happen if we blew up the moon?Zaf Khan, Chatsworth

T his would not go unnoticed. For starters, life on Earth will probably become very uncomfortable because of flying moon debris making its way to our planet. Even if we survive that, the ocean tides would cease. They are partly caused by the moons gravitational pull and partly by the sun. Also, the angle of the turning Earth in relation to the sun would become more unstable. The moon keeps Earth under control. It can be compared with a discus thrower who turns around to throw a disc. The athlete is off balance the moment he releases the disc. The same would happen to Earth if the moon disappears. It could even mean that Earth could topple and the North Pole would end up somewhere in Africa. This would create havoc with the seasons and the climate.

Water is better suited to douse

a fire.

Q&

AFLASH

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THE FABRIC OF OUR NATION

PRESIDENTIAL FP 213X275.indd 1 2014/11/26 1:50 PM

CAPE TOWNCape Town City Bus ToursBig, red double-decker buses travel around the Cape, streaming audio through earphones in 16 languages, educating people about the places you drive past and stop at. You can hop off at any time if you want to take a closer look, and then catch the next bus.

The Red City Tour departs every 15 minutes and makes 12 stops on its 90-minute journey. You can see the Table Mountain Cableway, District Six Museum and the Castle of Good Hope, and as an added bonus you

can catch the free Yellow Downtown tour, which offers a further seven stops.

The Blue Mini Peninsula tour departs every 20 minutes and takes you through 14 stops over the course of two hours and 15 minutes. The free Purple Win Bus tour is included, which can extend your trip by four stops. See Kirstenbosch, World of Birds and the Imizamo Yethu Township. Prices from R150.Visit www.citysightseeing.co.za for more.

Learn a bit of Western Cape history on a sight seeing tour

a journey through South Africa will allow you to absorb the breathtaking landscape, or marvel at the infrastructure or resurgence of certain areas. But taking a guided tour can teach you so much more. You can experience the culture and history and learn little-known facts about places you perhaps drive past every day. Here are some good places to start.

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Look localExperience South Africa in a different way with one of these day tours

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Cape Winelands Day TourDay tours or group tours are a great way to experience South Africas finest wines, so you can get to know your favourites (and drink a little more of them than you would if you were driving yourself!). Requiring a minimum of four people per booking, youll be chauffeured in an air-conditioned vehicle by a registered tourist guide. The price includes wine tastings at four vineyards where you can sample red, white and dessert wines and ask your guide anything you want to know. Choose between Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West. Pricing between R600 and R750 per person.For more visit www.winetourscapetown.com

Table Mountain hikeYou will be collected from your hotel and taken to Table Mountain, where an experienced nature guide will educate you on the local fauna and flora, and tell you the local legends. For fitter hikers, a trip to Skeleton Gorge along the top of Table Mountain ridge is a popular choice. Make your way through forest and fynbos and take a stroll along the top of the mountain. Afterwards, either descend down via Platteklip Gorge, or if youre a bit tired, take the cableway to the bottom, where youll be driven back to your hotel. There are a number of different routes to choose from, which can take you on either gentle or more challenging hikes that last anywhere from two to eight hours.Pricing starts at R450 per person.For more visit www.tablemountainwalks.co.za.

Robben Island tourLearn about the multi-faceted, 500-year history of the island. The tours run four days a week, four times a day and depart from the V&A Waterfront. The tour lasts three and a half hours, which includes the ferry trip over. Once on the island, you will meet your tour guide on the bus to the facility. The tour guides are former political prisoners from the island, so they are very knowledgeable. See the graveyard of people who died of leprosy, the lime and bluestone quarries, the army bunkers and the maximum security prison, where you can view Nelson Mandelas cell.Price: R280 per adult.Visit www.robben-island.org.za for more.

JOHANNESBURGJohannesburg Red City Bus ToursMake 12 stops over two hours, or hop off to see the sights as you go, catching a later bus to carry on with your tour. Starting at the Gautrain Station, you make

your way past Ghandi Square, Carlton Centre, Gold Reef City, the Apartheid Museum, Newtown, Constitution Hill or take the Mining District walk, listening to the educational audio in any one of 16 languages. You also have an option to add the Soweto Combo, a two-hour tour of Soweto in a taxi that begins at Gold Reef City and stops at Diepkloof, Orlando Stadium, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilikazi Street and Kliptown.Prices start from R150.For more visit www.citysightseeing.co.za.

Soweto bicycle toursGet a bit of exercise and experience Soweto at street level with a guided half- or full-day bike tour. Eat local burgers (kota), visit a shebeen where you can drink traditional beer with the locals, and leave with a different perspective, having learned some history too. Its eco-friendly and unique. Choose between two-hour, four-hour or full-day tours.Prices start from R430 per person.Visit www.sowetobicycletours.com for more.

Cradle of Humankind tourThis half-day guided tour runs daily and takes you through some very important archaeological discoveries. See the sites where Mrs Ples and Little Foot were found, visit the Sterkfontein Caves and see the New Scientific Exhibition, which includes fossils, geographic formations and a reconstruction of a mined cave, all in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.Price: R1,500 for two adults.For more visit www.daytours.co.za.

Mrs Ples was an important archaeological find

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Sun City and Pilanesberg full-day tourTake a safari with a registered tour guide through the Pilanesberg National Park and visit Sun Citys Valley of the Waves. Its a sort of bush and faux-beach tour, allowing you the best of both worlds. Entrance fees are included.Price R1,580 per person.Visit www.daytours.co.za for more.

KWAZULU-NATALMarket toursDurban is home to many cultural markets, and no area more so than Warwick Junction, the citys main public transport interchange. Here you can experience nine distinct street vendor markets, and between 5,000 and 8,000 stalls. The Victoria Street Market was established in 1910. It features small stalls featuring jewellery, spices, skinned products and traditional arts and crafts. Visiting the Bovine Head Cooking market will see you watch women cleave meat from a cooked cow head (a Zulu delicacy), and eat it with traditional bread. Otherwise you can stock up on fresh produce at the Early Morning Market, where 670 stalls offer fruit, vegetables, flowers and live poultry.Price: R100 per person.For more visit www.marketsofwarwick.co.za/ tour-details.

Shakaland tourThis full-day excursion takes you through the history of the proud Zulu culture and customs. Visit the largest Zulu kraal, and have lunch while sampling traditional Zulu beer. Youll be entertained by dancers and can watch the building of traditional huts, and witness the artistry of creating traditional crafts and weapons. Finally, you can visit an iSangoma for authentic traditional healing.Price is R1,370 per person. For more visit springbokatlas.com.

Drakensberg World Heritage TourThe stunning scenery of the Drakensberg mountain range forms the backdrop for this full-day tour. Visit Giants Castle and take a walk to see some Bushmen paintings in the nearby caves, which date back thousands of years. Enjoy lunch and return to Durban via the Nelson Mandela capture site, where a world-class sculpture of the struggle hero can be admired. Youll be educated on the areas history and significance by an experienced tour guide. Price is around R1,900 per person.For more visit www.dosomethingdifferent.com.

BLOEMFONTEINBloemfontein City TourSee the capital of the Free State Province and seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal from a new angle with a guided tour. Hear about the citys origins, development and current status while visiting Naval Hill, the Anglo Boer War and Womens Memorial Museum, President Brand Street, the National Museum and old and new shopping malls.Price available on request.For more see www.siyayatours.co.za.

Kimberley City TourThe capital of the Northern Cape has much to offer in terms of historical significance. Learn about its diamond-mining past, how Cecil Rhodes made his fortune, and the roots of the De Beers corporation. See the Big Hole, experience the Sol Plaatjie Museum and visit the William Humphrey Art Gallery.Price available on request.For more visit www.siyayatours.co.za.

PORT ELIZABETHCultural Encounters TourThe Eastern Cape is steeped in culture and traditions. Using guides born and raised in the area, you can get an in-depth insight into the lives of the Xhosa people, learning about their spirituality, traditional foods, music and crafts. Start your four-hour experience with a brief overview of the history of the city, then visit South End Museum, a homestead in a township and a local market where traditional medicines are sold. Eat a meal with a Xhosa family, and finish off with drinks at a local tavern.Price: R450 per person.Visit www.ezethutours.co.za for more.

Text | Deanne Dudley Photography | Media Club South Africa

Sun City was developed by hotel magnate

Sol Kerzner and was opened in 1979

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SwazilandSmall in size but big on tourism appeal

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All South African banknotes are accepted throughout Swaziland and its currency is linked on a one-to-one basis to the rand. Although passports are required for travel to Swaziland, visas and vaccinations are not. During April, visitors can look forward to cool weather, low humidity and little to no rain.

Things to remember

the Kingdom of Swaziland may be the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in terms of natural beauty and tourist attractions. Whether it be mountainous scenery or adrenaline-pumping activities, Swaziland presents wonderful experiences for any visitor, making it a holiday to remember.

With the number of public holidays and long weekends coming up in March andApril, Swaziland offers a safe and accessible international family holiday destination with a unique African flair. The Kingdom has a range of affordable and quality accommodation options to suit your budget and style and there are many wonderful activities available to keep the kids busy during their stay.

Family tiesFor the ultimate Swaziland family experience, combine practical accommodation with adventure and education, and enjoy an overnight stay in one of the many traditional beehive huts. The huts can be used as an adventurous and cultural alternative to the many traditional tented campgrounds. For those who prefer the comforts of home, book a weekend in one of the Kingdoms luxury huts, which have been converted into comfortable double or twin rooms, complete with electricity, en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

The majority of the nature reserves, parks and wildlife sanctuary areas within Swaziland offer the option of comfortable, self-catering accommodation, which allows families to travel within their budget. From campgrounds to log cabins in the bush, upmarket chalets in the mountains and luxurious riverside tents on wide wooden decks, self-catering family accommodation can take any form in this diverse destination.

Look to the many local markets in Swaziland to find fresh produce and traditional cuisine and if you cannot find what you need there, Swaziland also boasts a large shopping complex in Mbabane, complete with well-stocked big chain supermarkets. Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant and good quality meat and dairy products are readily available at reasonable prices for South African visitors choosing this self-catering option.

Whether you choose to stay at any of the internationally renowned hotels or one of the smaller, local hotels, your family will enjoy a comfortable stay that will suit any budget. A unique, warm and welcoming sense of hospitality awaits you at any of Swaziland's guesthouses, where a bed-and-breakfast stay allows the whole family to start the day off with a delicious home-cooked meal.From stylish, upmarket, colonial-style properties to home stays with the members of the community, you are spoiled for choice.

Childs play Keeping the children busy is certainly not a problem. During summer, the rivers become a floating playground and adventure seekers of all ages are seen gently bouncing down rivers in inflatable tubes or shooting the rapids in white water rafts. Mountain biking trails have been established all over Swaziland, including trails through many of the parks and reserves, where children are able to cycle along the nature trails, getting up close and personal with the wildlife in the area.One of the most spectacular ways to see Swaziland is on horseback, and outrides through the mountains or plantations are available for all ages and for riders of any level including those who have never ridden before.

Adrenaline rushSwaziland is an ideal holiday destination for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts and outdoor explorers. The countrys mountains, valleys, rivers and other natural wonders make it the perfect choice for those seeking adventure.

Those who want to get beneath the surface of Swaziland can try caving as an innovative activity. However, being indoors is not on everybodys itinerary and visitors can also experience Swaziland a few feet off the ground. Malolotaja Nature Reserve is home to Swazilands first and only treetop canopy tour. This

See the natural wonders of the country on two wheels or horseback

Small in size but big on tourism appeal

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is located in the Sihlotswane Gorge, where one 50m suspension bridge and 11 wooden platforms have been affixed to the steep sides. The Kingdoms highlands, mountains and gorges also offer opportunities to both climb and descend a number of rock faces.

Another way to experience a remote area of Swazilands beauty and picturesque scenery is to try tubing or white river rafting. Trips are on the Bulungapoort section of the Usutu River, between Sidvokodvo and Siphofaneni, in the centre of Swaziland. This is a secluded and inspiring stretch of river.

Swaziland is a popular destination for golfing holidays and has two championship-standard 18-hole courses: the Royal Swazi Spa Golf Club and the Nkonyeni Golf Estate. It is also an ideal destination for fishing lovers, as the sport is available at a number of dams, reservoirs and rivers around the country.

You can experience the countrys many and varied highlands, forests and reserves on foot. There are paths and trails in many locations across the country, allowing for hikes from a couple of hours to many days in duration, giving access to places and views that are inaccessible by vehicle. Another great way to explore Swazilands stunning landscapes is by mountain bike. The Kingdom offers visitors spectacular mountain bike trails in a number of locations, includingMhlambanyatsi, Hawane,Hlane,Malolotja, Mbuluzi and Shewula.

With stunning landscapes of mountains, valleys and forests, a plethora of wildlife and vacation options to suit any holidaymaker, Swaziland offers the best of Africa in one small country.

Text | Info courtesy Swaziland Tourism Photography | Shutterstock

Sights and soundsSwaziland is one of the few remaining executive monarchies in Africa and embraces and upholds its own unique and ancient traditions. Every year, the famous Umhlanga (reed dance) and Incwala traditional ceremonies involve tens of thousands of Swazis, and attract visitors from all over the world.

The Nsangwini Rock Shelter is the largest example of San art in the country and is said to provide the most comprehensive display in Swaziland. Four thousand years ago, the San people used this Highveld area for spiritual rituals and for recording iconic moments in their lives through etchings on

the ancient rocks. The paintings are remarkably clear, and informative interpretations are given by members of the Nsangwini community, who manage and maintain the site.

The greater Piggs Peak is found in the northern parts of the country. With a long and interesting history, the town is most famous for its gold deposits. Located midway between Mbabane and the Kruger, it makes a convenient pit stop, with shops, banks, filling stations and other basic amenities. It is a good base from which to explore the northwest.

A visit to the Ngwenya glass factory is a must.

Here you will see glass blowers creating everything from tableware to animal figurines, all from 100% recycled glass. This award-winning enterprise now exports all over the world.

Located in the southeast of Swaziland, Mkhaya Game Reserve offers acres of unspoilt wilderness and a haven to the endangered species who roam the magnificent African bush. The reserve is home to four of the Big Five, including black rhino. Visitors can also spot the pure Swazi Nguni breed of cattle, roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, white rhino, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo and crocodile.

Fly Airlink direct to Sikhupe. See the flight schedule on pg 83 for details

www.flyairlink.com

How to get there

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Elephant Point Ad Skyways.indd 1 2014/11/11 1:12 PM

Living in the lap of luxury The One&Only was not voted #1 Best Hotel in Africa for nothingYoud be forgiven if you feel like a celebrity when you step into the One&Only Cape Town. In fact, you start to feel like a real VIP before you even set foot in the hotel. It gives a completely new meaning to the words ultra luxury.

Ahead of my much-anticipated visit to the Cond Nast Traveller Best Hotel in Africa, I felt slightly overwhelmed. The attention to detail from the minute you make your booking is highly efficient. By filling in a simple form you can decide which type of pillow youd

prefer (feather, foam, non-allergenic anyone?) and even the scent you would like for said pillow. Yes, there is even a menu for that!

You can select which vehicle you would like to fetch you from the airport (and even organise a helicopter if youre partial), pre-order celebratory cakes and wines, choose your bathrobe size, decide which local or international newspapers youd like delivered to your suite daily, book spa and personal training sessions and even organise babysitting services.

Upon hearing I was bringing small children, baby bathrobes, a nappy bin and an array of baby products were provided, as well as a roll-away bed for them to sleep on. A baby bath was placed inside the giant, free-standing tub and I had the option of ordering a bottle steriliser and plug protectors.

The door to my suite was opened and it took me a minute to take it all in. A giant bathroom, with a massive shower, double vanity, lots of closet space and a free-standing bathtub gave way to a massive room, with two queen-sized beds, a lounge area and a balcony, with the most magnificent view of Table Mountain.

Everything screams luxury from the coffee station

time just never seems to be on our side. The constant pressures of our work environments often mean that we spend less time with our families. So, if you are planning a break away from the rat race, why not also spend quality time with your family? Deanne Dudley found these family-friendly accommodation options.

away from homeFamily-friendly accommodation options in the Western Cape

The Kids Only Club keeps the little

ones amused

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which boasts a Nespresso machine and wide variety of teas to the giant twin beds with crisp, white linen. The fruit platter, bottle of South African wine and South African tasting platter (with biltong, fruit dainties and trail mix) were a lovely added extra.

We had a tour, which included the KidsOnly Club, a supervised play area for children aged four to 11. There were daily crafts and activities, a reading area, a TV area and plenty of toys to keep them occupied. For children under four, you do need to hire a babysitter ahead of time to supervise them either at the KidsOnly Club or in your room.

We saw the One&Only Island, which is gorgeous and immediately makes you feel like youre in a tropical location. At its heart is the largest heated infinity pool in South Africa, surrounded by beautiful plants, the One&Only spa facilities and the 40 Island suites. You get questioned when you walk onto the Island, asking which room number you are from, which prevents people simply entering without staying there.

After opening our complimentary wine and looking out at the sunset over the mountain, we had a dilemma. Do we eat at Nobu or Reubens (both within the hotel)?

Both restaurants have received rave reviews and are equally desirable. Having had sushi the night before, and having missed out on eating at the Reubens in Franschhoek when we were there, we made our decision. We headed down to Reubens for dinner. It was a wonderful culinary experience. The food doesnt sound awfully fancy, but its simplicity may just be the key to its success. We enjoyed our dinner, the wine selected from the multi-tiered wine loft, and our buffet breakfast there the next morning, which has every type of food you can imagine.

I dont believe I have ever experienced luxury on the scale that I did at the One&Only. So if you are looking for an experience to remember for a lifetime, you really cannot go wrong with the One&Only.

One&Only Cape Town is just one of many in a chain around the world. You can find others

in Mexico, the Bahamas, Dubai, Mauritius, Maldives, Australia and soon in Montenegro,

China and Saudi Arabia.

To find out more, or to make a reservation, call 021 431 5888 or visit http://capetown.

oneandonlyresorts.com.

Stylish and elegant, the One&Only exudes luxury

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Luxury stay at Lawhill Of creature comforts and convenienceEven the most directionally-challenged person could find the five-star Lawhill Luxury Apartments, as I found out when I tentatively drove my rental car in the general direction of the Waterfront in Cape Town. In fact, if you just follow the Waterfront signboards, youll simply arrive there with no effort on your own part.

Lawhill is one of several apartment blocks surrounding the One&Only Island. It is the newest of the lot and has direct access to the V&A Waterfront. It is pristinely kept and efficiently run by a very competent and friendly team of staff.

To give you an idea of how proactive they were upfront, they asked if they could organise cots for my children, and even sent me a shopping list so that they could stock my apartment ahead of my arrival.

The apartment itself comes fully fitted with modern finishes and all the comforts of home. A washer, dryer, flatscreen TV, touch top stove, dishwasher and even heated towel rails are at your disposal. The two-bedroom apartment has one king-sized bed and twin beds in the other room. The block-out curtains ensure that no light makes its way in come morning. Perfect for lie-ins (or so I imagine for people without toddlers!). The lounge area is spacious, with comfortable couches and a sliding door that opens up onto a balcony.

Taking in the sightsLooking out over the island, and with Table Mountain right in front of you, you really couldnt ask for anything more beautiful. Sundowners on the balcony was a perfect way to end off the days, and waking up to see the morning light reflected on Cape Towns

iconic mountain was something special. Staying in the apartments somehow makes you feel

more relaxed and at home than being in a hotel. You can cook your own food whenever you want to, and come and go as you please. There is plenty of space to move around, so you never feel cramped, and the environment is conducive to a stress-free holiday, with the privacy that staying in your own apartment affords.

I stayed in a two-bedroom apartment, but there are also one- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as two three-bedroom penthouses. Some units even have splash pools. My experience was an overwhelmingly good one, and I could not lavish enough superlatives on Lawhill, which I view as perfect for business and holiday travel due to its convenient location and luxurious but comfortable apartments. It was an all-round pleasant experience.

Text | Deanne Dudley Photography | Supplied

Fast facts: 28 apartments and two penthouses

Five pools for all guests to use

Two-bedroom apartment roughly 110m2

Bath products organic and beautifully scented

Eco-friendly in an unobtrusive way (timed geysers and

so forth

To contact them, visit www.lawhillluxuryapartments.

com, call 021 418 2138 or email reservations@

lawhillluxuryapartments.com.

Lawhill is upmarket but still very comfortable

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Economic cycles have an impact All economies are cyclical and as you will be aware from experience there are times of prosperity (that can last many years) and there are times when global, national and local factors result in economic slowdowns (which can also last many years).

What impact will a change in the economy have on your prospective business? Typically luxury products and services as well as non-essential services and goods will

What is a RIYOT? Its the acronym for Repent In Your Own Time. The point being, if you pick the wrong franchise in haste you could be regretting the decision for a long time. All the information here is based on direct experience, near-misses and the stories we have heard from the trenches.

RIYOTAVOIDING A

Key factors to consider when choosing a franchise opportunity

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suffer more than those seen as cost-saving or essential items or services.

Consider the demographicsMost franchises start from a single business in a single area. The success of that initial operation and perhaps a subsequent pilot are often the basis for the entire franchise operation. However, the area the business started in and the area you will operate the franchise

in are likely to be different (different mix of houses to businesses, blue collar to white collar workers, high income to low income, different levels of competition and the like). Evaluate the impact of these differences on the earning potential.

Changing the goalposts Some franchise operations only succeed due to the influence of the founder or the current owners or management team. What would be the impact of a change in the owner or manager of the business? Do you think the product and operating model would work equally well regardless of who owned and operated the franchise group?

The right structure New ideas and approaches to business are an essential and necessary function of the franchisors remit for the long-term survival of the franchise. Ask about their experiences and how they intend to stay competitive over the long term. What ideas have they got for product or service growth? What flexibility will you have as a franchisee to change the product mix, marketing or pricing strategies?

Keep an eye on profit margins When reviewing financial forecasts for the business you will need to establish the net profit after any franchise fees are paid. Often numbers are quoted that look great, but do not include the franchise fees you will be paying out monthly. Depending on the franchise these can include both fixed amounts and percentage fees based on turnover.

You may think that a fast food franchise will rake in the cash but this is not always the case

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The products or services on offer from the franchisor should have some element of uniqueness about them which is exclusive to the franchisor and ideally patented.

If your franchisor is not offering a unique product or service, then it is highly likely you will already have or will soon be getting direct competition from other

franchises, independent retailers and chain stores. Factor this in when looking at the income levels quoted by your franchisor. If a competitor opens next week, will your income potential halve?

Do the researchA good franchisor will permit you to speak to any of the franchisees they have up and running. They will give you a list of the franchises and you can choose the people you wish to speak to. Due to the pressures of running a business, not all existing franchisees will be willing to see every potential new franchisee. Bear this in mind, but do try to speak to as many as possible, ideally five or six.

Take a good look at the booksYou can further help mitigate the risks of buying and operating a franchise by looking at audited financial statements. However, this does not guarantee success and conversely less proven franchises can work very well. Furthermore, the more established a franchise is the more of a premium you will have to pay for it.

A good franchisor will encourage you to visit their headquarters and will encourage you to work with them for a day. They will give you all the information you ask for and will not pester you for a decision. Ideally, your franchisor will go a stage further. If they truly want you to succeed they will vet your suitability as a franchisee and not just check that you have the money.

Text | Courtesy of The Franshise Expert Photography | Shutterstock

Getting the basics rightInvesting in a franchise can be an

excellent way to go into business while

having the security of a tried and true

business plan for success. It can take

much of the trial and error out of the

equation that independent business

owners often go through, because

instead you can work from a template

of an already proven business model

and focus your time on perfecting your

operation.

When deciding whether a franchise

business is right for you, its important

to know the basics, such as how they

function and what you can expect from

your franchisor-franchisee relationship

before you jump in any further.

A franchise is a form of business

ownership where you are halfway

functioning as your own boss, as a

business owner, but also working within

an established organisation and system.

Franchising offers business owners the

ability to work for themselves, but with

the security of an existing framework and

support to help them achieve success.

However, franchising is not a magic

formula, and franchisees will still have

to have strong entrepreneurial skills and

the dedication to ensure the business

functions to the best of its ability.

For the privilege of working within the

franchisors system, the franchisee must

pay certain royalties and fees back to the

parent company, and there can be a lot

of variation from one organisation to the

next, so its best to do research in order

to get the franchise business agreement

that will work for you. At this stage in the

process it is extremely important to have

an experienced franchise lawyer to help

you negotiate contracts. In return for this

financial exchange, the franchisor can

provide support, marketing, and the initial

framework to get the new franchise

owners business started. A franchise

attorney would be able to assist you

in creating a comprehensive franchise

evaluation report.

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Business smartsDispelling some common franchising myths

Even though the concept of franchising is popular, there are certain erroneous beliefs about this business concept which at times mislead investors and entrepreneurs. Here are certain myths related to franchise opportunities and the actual facts behind them.

Investing in a top franchise concept means success Going for an established and easily recognisable top franchise option has got many benefits. But this never guarantees that you will enjoy success. A lot depends on the kind of training and ongoing support you will receive from the franchisor. Only when you are able

to offer quality services to your customers, will success come your way.

Franchising business is less expensiveRemember, in a franchise business you need to invest money in an appropriate location plus you need to pay franchise fees and royalties to the franchisor for using their trademark and business model.

You dont need legal adviceTo ensure you understand all legal and financial liabilities it is advisable to get help from a lawyer before you sign any papers. This will ensure the smooth functioning of your franchise business.

There are some more franchising myths, but never forget that the benefits of franchising are immense. These benefits cannot be ignored and if you really wish to get the best value for your money, start looking for top franchise opportunities in the market.

Text | Arno Visagie

Franchising is a good way to enter the business world. From top franchise business owners you get the support to understand a business model and how to run it in a successful way.

We need to constantly look for ways to work smarter with our clients and focus their attention on their key business activities to ensure optimisation of growth and profitability. There are four key habits that we can apply when the going gets tough.

1Tighten your beltBe conscious of maximising your time effectively and plan your day to meet with multiple clients. By limiting travel time, you can be more productive in preparing for the next meeting or checking your inbox.

2 Rethink your behaviourA wise man once said: Give your best to your best. Loyal behaviour often goes a long way ask yourself which clients are supporting you and what additional value added services you can offer them in order toguaranteetheir ongoing loyalty and a mutually beneficial relationship.

3 Identify the critical activities and prioritise their applicationCreate a to-do list for the month or for the year and divide the items up monthly to make them measurable

and realistic. From the list, select the top six items that you have to achieve daily which will allow you to reach your monthly and yearly objectives. Continuously review your workload, keep multitasking to a minimum and set realistic deadlines in order to be productive.

4 Plan to be productiveIf you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Book your diary two weeks in advance to manage stress levels and help avoid a last minute crisis that may arise. A good idea would be to colour code the appointments to see your activities at a glance and ensure that you reach your monthly or yearly goals.

Having activities listed in a calendar means the day starts with what you have planned to do. Far too often our inbox determines our to-do list, making us less productive. In order to survive in a tough economic environment it is important to plan your work to help you adapt to change, be proactive with business activities and be more client-focused.

Text | Neville De Lucia Photography | Shutterstock

Neville De Lucia is the New Business

Development Director at Dale

Carnegie, Gauteng

For more business advice and tips, visit

officelife.co.za

In the current downturn of the economy, people want to know what to do when times are tough. The truth of the matter is that when markets are buoyant, clients are often more optimistic and open to change. As a result they will be far more comfortable to try new things or implement initiatives and projects. In times of uncertainty, clients are more risk averse and not likely to be enthusiastic about change.

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A stitch in time

Four key workplace time management habits to apply when the going gets tough

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What parties do not understand is that it is not up to the arbitrator to ask for proof or to call witnesses. Arbitrators are not allowed to accept the truth of a partys testimony merely because the party says that it is true.

All arbitrators are required to follow the rules of procedure and principles of justice during the arbitration hearing. These requirements include the paramount principle that the arbitrator must base his/

her findings primarily on the facts presented at the arbitration hearing.

It is not up to the arbitrator to bring the evidence or to show that the evidence brought constitutes proven fact. The arbitrator merely creates the environment in which the parties can present their evidence if they have brought it with them. In this sense the arbitrator acts as a master of ceremonies.

The process starts when opening statements are made by each party, outlining what they intend to prove. The parties then present their cases via witnesses, documents and other evidence. If the employer goes first, then each time the employers representative is finished questioning one of his/her witnesses, the employee has a right to cross examine that witness. The arbitrator has the right to ask the witness questions for clarity and the employer is allowed to re-examine the witness, but only regarding the issues raised during cross examination.

Once all the employers witnesses have been heard the

thousands of cases are lost at arbitration simply because the loser failed to bring his/her proof to the arbitration hearing. As a former arbitrator I frequently heard the employer or the employee say, while testifying, If you want the proof I can tell you where to get it or Mr Smith will back me up if you want to call him or I didnt realise that you would not believe me.

Its best to seek the advice of an

experienced labour law expert before fighting your case

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Game plan Win your case before you go to arbitration

lvan lsraelstam is Chief Executive of Labour Law Management Consulting. He may be contacted on 011 888 7944 or [email protected]. This article first appeared in The Star.

employee presents his/her case according to the above-listed steps. Each party then presents a closing statement and the arbitrator adjourns to assess the evidence and to make the award.

While the arbitrator is required by law to give you, via the above process, every opportunity to present the evidence that you have brought, you are likely to lose the case if you do not take full advantage of this opportunity.

For example, in the case of NUM obo Shata vs East Rand Gold and Uranium (1998, 11 BALR 1430) the arbitrator found that the employees dismissal was fair because the employee had failed to prove that there was good reason for his absence from work. It was not good enough for the employee to state that such proof existed.

In NUM obo Ndoyiyana vs MCC Contractors (Pty) Ltd (2001, 11 BALR 1195) the employee alleged that he had good reason for his absenteeism. However, he did not bring this evidence and lost the case.

In De Beer vs Joshua Doore (2003, 6 BALR 695) the employee accused the employer of constructive dismissal for failing to carry out its promise to promote him. The employer denied that the employee had been told that he would be promoted and claimed that the employee had in fact been found unsuitable for the post in question. As the employer failed to bring proof of this it lost the case and was ordered to pay the employee compensation equal to nine months remuneration.

Thus, in many cases, a party may lose, not because there is no evidence, but because he/she failed to bring the evidence to the arbitration hearing or because the evidence was not properly presented and converted into proof.

The arbitrators role is to manage the flow of evidence during the hearing but not to bring the evidence. His/her duty is to collect the evidence brought by the parties and then adjourn the proceedings to evaluate the evidence.

Therefore, if you are an employer or an employee party and you have an arbitration pending you must immediately obtain advice from a reputable labour law expert on how to gather all the evidence needed at arbitration. Use the labour law expert to make sure that your evidentiary documents, tapes and other evidence are carefully sorted into the right sequence. Get assistance from the expert as to how to prepare your witnesses in a legal yet effective manner and ensure that your witness evidence dovetails with your other evidence. Learn from the labour law expert how to anticipate what evidence your opponent is likely to bring and how to counteract it.

To buy the e-book Walking the New Labour Law Tightrope, please go to www.labourlawadvice.co.za.

Text | lvan lsraelstam Photography | Shutterstock

Skyways Feb15 REPRO NEWp.indd 1 2/5/15 11:15 AM

For example, a project activity in a particular network needs a new technology to be developed. The time given to those tasked with the project is just six months. However, the techies think that a nine-month time period is more feasible.

If the project manager is proactive instead of reactive, his team will develop a contingency plan right away. This way, they develop solutions before the life of a project is likely to come to an end. On the other hand, if the manager is reactive, then the team under him does everything, but not what they should do in order to reduce future uncertainty and risk factors.

The biggest motto of an effective risk management system therefore is to reduce the risk related to unseen future events and mitigate the magnitude of those risks.

What are the benefits?Apart from identifying risk, risk management systems have been developed to do more. They must quantify the

risk and foresee the effect on the project. The outcome of the system is either acceptable or unacceptable.

Now, this acceptability or unacceptability of a risk is generally dependent on the tolerance level of risk for the manager responsible.Risk management when set up as a continuous, disciplined process of problem identification and resolution, smoothly supplements other systems such as organisation, planning, budgeting and cost control. Organisational shock and surprises go down because this system is more proactive than reactive.

Continuity mattersConsistency is essential in risk management too. Risk management is a continuous process. Once the team along with the manager identify the possible risks that might impact the success of a project, they must figure out the ones that are most likely to occur. This process is based upon past experience the probability of occurrence, gut feel, lessons already learned and the historical data archive.

The most critical point is that the risk management system must be taken as a continuous process, and as such must not be done only at the start of a project, but all through the lifespan of a project. If a project is estimated to last for three months, risk assessment must be done at the end of the first and second months as well. New risks, at every stage of a project, will be identified, quantified, managed and recorded for future reference.

One needs to properly balance risk and

reward when it comes to embarking

on a new venture for your business

A risk management system is an easy yet effective process of identifying, quantifying, analysing and responding to risk factors throughout the life of a project, and is in the best interest of its goals and objectives. An effective risk management system simply means taking control over possible future events. This must be very proactive, not reactive.

Roadmap to successA risk management system needs a proactive rather than reactive approach

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Risk response is the most important aspect of a risk management system. Planning for risk response generally includes avoidance, which means eliminating a specific threat, usually by eliminating the cause. Furthermore, mitigation reduces the expected monetary value of a risk event by reducing the probability of occurrence. Lastly, an organisation must accept the consequences of the risk. This is often accomplished by developing a contingency plan.

By developing a contingency plan, the risk management team brings in a problem-solving process. The end result is simply the best plan that can be put in place at a moments notice.

Risk assessmentRisk assessment consists of risk identification, analysis and prioritisation.

Risk identification involves identifying items or events, such as changes in customer requirements or development technologies, which might have a significant negative impact on the project. These items or events might be identified through risk identification checklists, through reporting by project participants, through comparison with historical data, or through contingency planning to accommodate Murphys law.

Risk analysis employs decision analysis, cost risk analysis, schedule analysis, reliability analysis, and similar techniques and models to analyse identified risks.

Risk prioritisation employs quantifying the risks and risk exposure, and using statistically based decision mechanisms.

Take controlRisk control consists of risk management planning, resolution and monitoring.

Risk management planning uses information buying, risk avoidance, risk transfer and risk reduction to achieve its goals.

Risk resolution techniques include appropriate staffing decisions, detailed multisource cost and schedule estimation, monitoring, prototyping, requirements benchmarking and simulation.

Risk monitoring provides timely risk visibility and resolution. It incorporates techniques such as milestone tracking, tracking of top risks, and regular risk reassessment. Risk management plans, like human resource initiatives, are living documents that will be updated as new risks are identified and addressed.

Text | Alice Rosie Photography | Shutterstock

Risk management consists of two broad categories of activities, namely risk assessment and risk control

Skyways advert.indd 1 2/5/2015 7:24:32 PM

In addition to addressing goals, objectives and risk tolerance, I recommend exploring five investment strategies designed to enhance potential returns and to attempt to minimise volatility or risk.

1Pay attention to the theoryThrough research, technology and tools the Efficient Frontier has been established. This is based on Nobel Prize winner Harry Markowitz and his research on combining various asset classes. This combination of asset classes creates an optimal blend called the Efficient Frontier. This blend can be tailored for conservative through to aggressive investors. The right balance of various asset classes is what provides an efficient amount of growth while minimising risk. It uses the theory of

combining Low Correlation asset classes. This provides a balance in the event of the asset classes experiencing a sudden correction. When this happens, the opposite asset class usually experiences a slight uplift and growth, thus providing market appreciation while minimising overall portfolio risk and volatility.

2 Blend growth and value styles Growth managers tend to select fast-growing growth markets. On the other hand, value money managers tend to buy companies on sale, meaning companies that are traded at a discounted price relative to their overall value. The growth manager attempts to buy companies that should continue their appreciation and growth due to their favourable market position or market sector. The value manager wants a particular company that is out of favour to rebound and receive appreciation in that event. The goal of investing is to buy low and sell high. This blending of styles allows one to achieve growth when the market rallies and provides stable long-term growth with fundamental investing through value managers and companies.

Your investment portfolio should be

reassessed annually to ensure that you

are getting the most bang for your buck

There are many ways to improve investment portfolios for higher potential returns. Most important is to identify the goal of each investment. By clearly identifying the goal, the timeline and the amount of volatility or risk that is acceptable and viable, an effective portfolio can be addressed or built.

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informed choiceFive strategies to build and improve your investment portfolio

An

3 Think beyond bordersGlobalising your portfolio with the proper blend of international companies can actually reduce overall risk while potentially enhancing returns. This is done to diversify away from currency risk and to allow participation in the global economy and developing areas of growth. Our economic environment is definitely a world market today.

There are opportunities abound overseas. It is suggested that a small percentage of your portfolio be invested in the international marketplace based on your overall risk tolerance. It must be noted however that international investing involves additional risks such as currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards and possible economic instability.

4 Continually rebalance your portfolio According to research and historical per-formance, overall portfolio returns will be most strongly influenced by your asset allocation. Once allocated, returning to your original or updated asset allocation is crucial. This means keeping the proper percentage of your overall portfolio in each respective asset class. Over the course of time, high growth areas may have a higher percentage of the portfolio allocated if they have increased in value quicker than the rest of your portfolio. Rebalancing to the original allocation is a disciplined way to lock in its gains and keep your risk tolerance consistent with your actual portfolio allocation. I recommend rebalancing at least annually.

5 Consider the impact of taxes Maximising real returns is crucial to your portfolio. Real returns are measured by taking total returns and subtracting the impact of inflation and taxes. Making strategic moves in taking gains and losses becomes important to maximising your overall long-term return. Tax-deferred investments can prove to be an excellent way to accumulate wealth. Consideration of income and capital gain taxation are important elements to enhance your real rate of return.

The investment world can be complicated and difficult to manage. These strategies require careful planning and efficient utilisation of good tools to analyse and provide research. With proper direction and implementation, investing effectively can be achieved in our turbulent market.

Text | Joel Magruder Photography | Shutterstock

UIF COMPLIANCE AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

The Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, 2002 requires every employer to contribute 2% of remuneration in respect of each employee who works for 24 hours and more. The employer contributes 1% and the employee contributes 1%.

The employer is expected to provide the UIF with both the declaration and the contribution amount, on or before the 7th of each month in respect of every employee. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all employees are registered with the UIF.

The Fund has leveraged on technological advances to improve its operational systems to the benefit of its clients. The u-Filing system is an online service that is convenient, user friendly that employers can use to declare and pay contributions.

U-Filing provides the following benefits to employers and agents: Improved service delivery; A secure and convenient online service; Instant updates and access to uFiling data; and Reduced data errors. To activate as a uFiler the employer must have the UIF reference number. When opening the web page the user must logon to www.ufiling.co.za then click on Activate my uFiling account and select either domestic; commercial or agent to complete the activation process. The system will guide the user through the activation process.Once the activation process is completed, the user will immediately receive an email notification confirming his or her login details.

If you need more information on uFiling

VISIT: WWW.LABOUR.GOV.ZAOR: WWW.UFILING.GOV.ZA

CALL CENTRE NUMBER: 012 337 1680TOLL FREE NUMBER: 0800 843 843

Fitbit Free The recently updated Fitbit app brings you even more features than before, with no band required. Fitbit tracks your activity, diet, body and sleep to help you reach your fitness goals, and now includes Challenges and MobileTrack features for friendly competition with up to 10 friends or family members.

Track RunnerThe award-winning Track Runner app is packed with run-centric features. Track your run, analyse your performance and train smarter with intervals. The app tracks your heart rate so you can train in the right zone, provides interval workouts, and analyses your stride rate.

MisfitThe Misfit app, along with the Shine fitness and sleep tracker, inspires you to live an active life. Wear Shine anywhere on your body and it automatically tracks your activity and sleep. Discover your daily activity and set goals to improve your life. With wireless syncing youll spend less time plugging in and more time moving.

Bing Health and FitnessThis app includes calorie, step and GPS activity tracking, workout videos, a symptom checker and great articles from trusted sources to help you stay healthy and fit. Set your daily calorie goal, record what you eat, get nutritional information for over 300,000 foods, and choose from

hundreds of workouts and exercises with step-by-step instructions, photos and videos.

Adidas miCoach Train & RunTurn your phone into a personal coach your smart running companion, using GPS and real-time voice coaching to pace you through your exercise, regardless of whether youre indoors or outside. In addition, get access to hundreds of strength and flex exercises to achieve your fitness goals.

Active FitnessActive Fitness is a fitness, health and activities tracking app and social network of more tha

skyways magazine march 2015

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