DEAR MEMBER

The past few weeks have been characterized by the most exciting, exhilarating, most amazing moments, very sad and extremely happy moments during matches played during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. World Cup Fever is still very much part of us….we as South Africans never cease to amaze, and we always rise to the occasion. We have shown on many an occasion that we are a country of miracles and that we are willing to make use of all opportunities coming our way and to make a difference. We as South Africans certainly have every reason to relish and celebrate our Proudly South African-ness and to take a bow at our nation’s ability to successfully host sports events of an international stature and this magnitude.

We rallied behind our national team, even when we knew it was an impossible task for them to win…..they bowed out with grace and honour by beating the ex-world champions. We once again were united as a nation by supporting the only African team remaining in the World Cup last week. We were blowing our vuvuzela’s, waving our flags like we were supporting our own team. Although our last hope for an African team to go through to the finals, were diminished when Ghana was knocked out of the tournament, but we still kept our spirits high and have continued to stay united as a continent supporting other teams that were in the Top 8, Top 4 and the Finals. We have supported this special event up to the last minute when the whistle was blown to finish off the final match on the 11th of July and the last World Cup Tourists and teams leaving South Africa. We showed the world and all the prophets of doom that we were capable to make this happen and be hospitable hosts.

The challenge going forward is to build on the legacy of the World Cup, we have to continue living and embracing the Proudly South African ethos and the spirit of Ubuntu, keep on building on this unified nation that we once again have become during build up to the World Cup as well as during the World Cup.

The spirit and unity that we have experienced and displayed as Proud South Africans, during the World Cup should once again inspire entrepreneurs, small businesses and individuals to take ownership of their own development and education. We need to further build and capitalize on the successes of the World Cup and increase our focus towards supporting our own. Because when you buy Proudly South African, you’re bringing South Africa a step closer to greatness creating more quality sustainable jobs.

I would like to call on all Proudly SA members to get involved in the 1-Goal Campaign, and to support this worthy cause in joining many others; governments, global leaders and celebrities who want to make a difference. The 1-Goal Campaign is focusing on providing education to approximately 75million children all over the world that has never had the opportunity to receive formal education.

What will you be doing on Mandela Day that you could pay forward to someone in need? Nelson Mandela International Day was adopted by the United Nations and encourages a global movement to take Mr Mandela’s life work forward. We would like to encourage all Proudly SA members to send us pictures and stories of your activities on Mandela Day.

On a more celebratory tone, I would like to congratulate Clarence, one of the most beautiful towns in the Freestate and also the first Proudly South African town who has won first prize in the annual Media 24 Best Town Awards. For those of you who haven’t visited this amazing little “dorpie”, you should make an effort to experience the beauty and spirit of this special little town. Local is lekker!

We would like to encourage you to let your unity continue to shine on Fridays. Every Friday will be Fly the Flag Friday. Keep on wearing your supporter shirt and blow your vuvuzela. Support our own and buy local, wear local, eat local, drive local, stay local, drink local, listen to local.

Be a responsible citizen and save energy and switch off when you can; use water wisely and sparingly, recycle and re-use.

On behalf of the Proudly South African Campaign, and all like-minded South Africans, we would like to convey our PROUD congratulations to SPAIN for their outstanding achievement by winning the World Cup for the first time in history. You are true ambassadors of your country! I am sure the whole Spanish Nation is celebrating with you!

It feels like an anti-climax with the World Cup all over now, but one thing we know for sure is that……..
We were able to deliver the best World Cup ever! Thanks to all South Africans that made this possible, it was an absolute united effort!
AYOBA MZANZI! AYOBA!

Yours Proudly
Dalene du Preez
Executive Manager: Marketing & Communications

Be Proudly South African. Buy local to create jobs!

New Members

Cast-A-Ways Polymer Castings (Pty) Ltd

Contact Person: Russell Burnett
Contact Number: 021-532 2788
Contact Email: info@castaway.co.za
Website URL: www.castaway.co.za

Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT)

Contact Person: Mark Volmink
Contact Number: 021-418 2575
Contact Email: mark@scat.org.za
Website URL: www.scat.org.za

Afropulse 492

Contact Person: Werner van der Westhuizen
Contact Number: 011-477 3217
Contact Email: andri@westhouseltd.co.za
Website URL: www.westhouseltd.co.za

Eco standard South Africa

Contact Person: Rayne Neave
Contact Number: 021 685 3040
Contact Email: rayne@ecostandard.co.za
Website URL: www.ecostandard.co.za

AccTech Systems (Pty) Ltd
Counted Among Top Finalists for the 2010 Microsoft World Partner Awards.

On the 24 June 2010 AccTech Systems (Pty) Ltd announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the Microsoft World Partner Awards in the Information Worker Solutions, Enterprise Project Management Partner of the Year award category.

NEMATANDANI HAILS THE FIRST EVER FAN WORLD CUP

The President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Mr. Kirsten Nematandani, hailed the Bafana Bafana Fan Club for organizing the inaugural and successful Fan World Cup. First of its kind, the Fan World Cup was held at the Halfway House Primary School in Midrand Johannesburg and has enjoined football fans from the world over, to pitch the football skills in a fun-filled 15 minutes per game tournament. This historic event is believed to be representing the ideals of the estimated 1 billion of football fanatics, who sought to add value in football.

TSHISA BATHROOMS

Since the new democracy the government has build thousands of RDP houses to eradicate the backlog of housing shortages that are experienced all around the country. The only drawback is that these houses do not have hot water or a bath due to the lack of electricity supply to these RDP houses. One company that is trying to correct this imbalance is Tshisa Bathrooms and Proudly South African is proud to welcome this extraordinary company on board.

“Together we can do more!”

The Department of Agriculture in cooperation with Lephalale Municipality hosted a farm workers awards on the 25th of May at Bela Bela to recognize and award human excellence.

Government Communication Awards

The search is on for the best communicators within government who fit the criteria of excellence in communication. Entry forms are available from the GCIS website on www.gcis.co.za and the closing date for entries is 29 October 2010.

Directors and managers become easy targets

As the laws continue to flood the business arena in South Africa, evidenced by approximately six new acts every month over the last ten years, it is surprising just how many directors and senior managers remain oblivious to their increasing risks that are attached to their role as a company officer. Indeed, these company officers, also known as fiduciaries, have both common law and statutory obligations to protect and serve the best interests of their companies, amongst other onerous duties.

CAN YOUR COMPANY REALLY AFFORD NOT TO DO A KAP SURVEY?

It’s essential to establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices of employees with regards to HIV/AIDS through workplace research. A KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) survey, which is a form of workplace research, is a simple way of gathering standardised information from a large number of people through the use of an anonymous questionnaire. The survey can take as little as 10 minutes of employees’ time, and can be conducted in multiple ways, such as: an Internet-based questionnaire, a paper-based questionnaire or answering questions using an electronic handset.

THE EYES OF THE WORLD ON THE NEPAD TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT

The key role of cross-border transport – road, rail, air and maritime - in the development of Africa's Transport infrastructure will top the agenda at the second annual NEPAD Transport and Infrastructure Summit 2010 and Africa Expo to be held on 13-15 October at the Gallagher international convention centre in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.

NEPOTISM

Undoubtedly favouritism of any sort generally evokes negative feelings; and this is mostly when it happens in the workplace where people can clearly see, or they experience its negative affects. Perhaps one of the reasons why favouritism is so controversial, otherwise known as nepotism or cronyism in the workplace environment, is because it tends to defy logical thinking and is replaced by selfish, emotional behaviour. Both can wreak havoc in a business and amongst its employees.

NEW CEO FOR ESKOM

The Board of the power utility, Eskom, has appointed Brian Dames as the new chief executive. He assumed he’s new position on the 1st of July 2010.

Eskom has been without a CEO Since November 2009 after Jacob Maroga offered to resign during a board- meeting clash with his chairperson Bobby Godsell.

SAQI Training Programme for 2010

All courses offered by the South African Quality Institute are presented in association with other course providers and are available to all organisations including SMMEs and corporates. SAQI can assist with the training of a company's workforce and all training packages can be run in-house at cheaper rates.

A special 10% discount applies to SAQI members.

STRIKES AFFECTING ECONOMIC GROWTH

The recent strikes and deadlock between Transnet and the unions has raised cause for concern. These strikes had an adverse effect on the agricultural, forestry and fishery industries and added pressure to the already vulnerable sectors.

WHAT REALLY MAKES YOUNG SOUTH AFRICANS TICK?

The Sunday Times Generation Next is the leading annual urban youth brand preference and consumer behaviour survey. Now in its sixth year, the study polled the opinions of 5,839 young South Africans (ages 8-22) in 2010 and covers a wide range of key issues impacting on their lives including homelife, media & tech consumption, spending habits, well-being and future aspirations.

Competition Winners

2010 Badges Unlimited

Anneline Wyatt
Managing Director
Stormsriver Adventures PTY LTD

Feathers of Knysna

Fiona Budd
Managing Director
The South African Ballet Theatre

BULL’S EYE ADVICE ON HOW TO BEAT THE DEBT CHALLENGE - STEP 6

Negotiate lower bank fees

Bank charges have been a point of contention in South Africa for some time now. In 2006, transactional-fee income represented one third of our banks’ total income: R34.5 billion. This is an astounding figure.

WORLD CLASS SUMMIT IN SA TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY

History was made on July 7th when a major sporting event hosted a political summit in Cape Town. The 1GOAL Education Summit has created a platform for world leaders to discuss how they will achieve the 1GOAL of providing education for every child by the next FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Mandela day celebration

All proud citizens have been called to take action on 18 July 2010, to take part in Nelson Mandela day. On this day people have been requested to devote 67 minutes of their time to making a positive change in this world by giving of themselves. Whether it is reading to the elderly, cleaning up schools or distributing food and blankets to warm the hearts of the needy. Your contribution is important in making a difference.

World Population Day (11 July 2010)

11 July 2010 marked World Population Day as recommended by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The focus for this day was on the urgency and importance of population issues. Issues such as the overall development plans and programmes of government and a need to find solutions to different challenges.

SOCCER’S LEGACY OF LAUGHS

For most visitors, the best South African souvenirs they take home will be great memories of a safe trip and the hospitality of South Africans. I’ve spent the world cup in Cape Town and seen tourists wandering around with expensive recording equipment strapped to their tummies, looking as vulnerable as the limping zebra at the back of the herd. Recipe for disaster, ne?