Tag: sustainability

In an era of unprecedented environmental and operational challenges, South Africa's office parks stand at a critical juncture. Energy insecurity, water scarcity and ageing municipal infrastructure are no longer distant concerns but immediate challenges that demand innovative solutions.

Dedicated to supporting small businesses, I have been reflecting on two decades of change since 2005. What do small business owners, and mentors require in 2025 to thrive? What do future-proof business look like, and how can we ensure our programs remain both timely and relevant in an ever-accelerating world?

Navigating the current volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic landscape is crucial for businesses. This is essential to ensure uninterrupted trade and access to finance. Escalating geopolitical tensions and strained trade relations continue to test global economic resilience.

We note the decision by the Minister of Finance to increase the fuel levy by 4% - 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents for diesel. This increase will directly affect consumers. Transporters cannot absorb these additional costs without harming their bottom line and threatening business sustainability.

In 2016 Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum reflected on the intersection of technology and humanity. Schwab expressed concern about how technology like smartphones could affect our compassion and connection with others, possibly depriving us of meaningful engagement.

Family businesses are economic entities ideally positioned to lead in the stewardship of ethical and sustainable practices. Legacy and wealth protection have long informed family business strategy and decisions, stemming from the unique blend of family and business - the relational approach.

In an era where the intersection of finance and sustainability is becoming increasingly critical, blended finance stands out as an innovative tool driving economic and environmental objectives. Here is why these financial strategies are gaining traction, particularly in South Africa, and how they're shaping the landscape for investors, governments and society at large.

Imagine you had a time machine. But instead of a Delorean, it was an old-school Opel Corsa. If you stepped into a supermarket in 1999, you would notice bold, no-nonsense branding, straightforward labels and packaging that did the job without much fuss.

The TV licence system is on life support. Less than 20% of South Africans with a licence actually pay. The costs of chasing payments often outweigh the revenue collected. People simply don’t see value in funding a public broadcaster anymore. They have an endless stream of content available elsewhere. That said, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) still matters.

While Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) mammoth energy requirements have been widely publicised, its water footprint receives far less attention. World Water Day, celebrated on 22 March 2025, provides an opportunity to highlight AI’s lesser-known environmental impact - its water usage.