Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> 1-15 September 2005
Draft legislation currently serving before Parliament to amend the Road Accident Fund Act of 1995 contains several controversial clauses that some parties deem could be detrimental to general public interest.
The Law Society of SA (LSSA), including the Free State branch, is actively involved in debating the draft bill and endeavors to serve the interests of the public in the best possible way.
The most contentious proposed amendment is Section 17 regarding the liability of the Fund and its agents, proposing that injured parties' non-pecuniary loss shall be limited to the amount of R100 000 in respect of each claimant which shall be paid by way of a lump sum and only in those case where serious injury has occurred. The practical implications in this regard is such that without going into finer detail, the proposed amendments could have a serious negative impact on claimants.
Other contentious issues being dealt with include foreign claims (definition of third party), limitation on non-pecuniary loss, assessment panels and the determination of serious injury.
On the whole, the LSSA is of the opinion that the draft bill contains a considerable number of pitfalls potentially perilous to the public and that therefore every effort should be made to rectify these before the bill passes into law.
For more info, Almé Stanton of the Free State LSSA could be contacted at (051) 430 7369.
Algemene Jaarvergadering
Die Algemene Jaarvergadeing van die Prokureursorde van die Vrystaat vind plaas Vrydag, 28 Oktober 2005, by Oliewenhuis, Bloemfontein, om 09:30.
Op die agenda is veral voorgestelde konsepwetgewing rakende die Padongelukkefonds (POF), persoonlike sake wat die Orde raak en die verkiesing van nuwe raadslede.
Founded in 1996, Defensor Security (Pty) Ltd. is a top notch and accredited security enterprise rendering specialist guarding, electronic security and 24 hour armed response. As such Defensor is Free State-based and 100% South African.
Defensor offers an innovative and differentiated service to the market, as well as exemplary quality at an affordable price in an industry where quality sometimes comes at a high premium at the top end of the market, while at the bottom end cheap services are available from fly-by-night entrants.
In order to meet, maintain and improve the top standards Defensor Security have set for themselves, the company guides itself operationally by it's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) programme and coded value system.
Headquartered at Blignaut 6 Street, Hilton, Bloemfontein, the directors of the company are Molefi Litheko, Claudius Peterson and Stanley Mann.
In terms of security contracts, Defensor is the largest purely Free State-based security company, while it complies with all the statutory requirements for black empowerment, again the only of it's kind in the Free State.
Die standaarde waaraan ouditeure en geoktrooieerde rekenmeesters (GR) moet voldoen word steeds by die jaar strenger.
Dit is as gevolg van groeiende druk van buite op die professie om betroubare en akkurate inligting aan die publiek deur te gee.
Van die wetgewing wat onlangs gewysig is, sluit in belastingwetgewing, die maatskappywet, die FICA-wet (wet op openbaarmaking van inligting), asook FAIS-wetgewing wat spesifiek op finansiële adviseurs van toepassing is.
Volgens De Villiers Lamprecht, die uitvoerende amptenaar: sentrale streek van SAIGR (Suid-Afrikaanse Instituut van Geoktrooieerde Rekenmeensters), is die hoër standaard waaraan ouditeure moet voldoen 'n uitvloeisel van Internasionale rekenkundige skandale. “Dit beskerm die publiek, want dit is belangrik dat die publiek die inligting wat hulle van ouditeure ontvang kan vertrou.”
Ouditeure vervul volgens Lamprecht 'n regulerende funksie. “Hulle moet die ekonomie van die land aan die gang hou en riglyne aan maatskappye verskaf oor hoe om hulle organisasie in lyn met wetgewing te bestuur.”
Verder word Suid-Afrikaanse rekenkundige standaarde met die Internasionale rekenkundige standaarde geintegreer, wat nog verdere druk op praktisyns kan plaas.
'n Moontlike uitvloeisel van hierdie toenemende druk is dat praktyke meer tyd op oudits moet spandeer wat natuurlik meer kostes vir kliënte kan beteken.
Lamprecht het dit egter baie duidelik gestel dat die strenger standaarde nie noodwendig hoër tariewe beteken nie. “Dit is elke firma se keuse hoe die fooie gestruktureer word. Daar word gewoonlik met kliënte oor tariewe onderhandel en fooie word gebaseer op die hoeveelheid ure wat die werk in beslag neem, die vlak van kennis en vaardigheid wat die werk verg asook ander hulpbronne en tegnologie wat gebruik word.”
Hy voeg by dat dit 'n kompeterende bedryf is, met ongeveer 40 praktyke in Bloemfontein alleen. “Firmas sal kliënte verloor as hulle tariewe te hoog is en dit is belangrik om fooie markverwant te hou.”
Dit is hoe die nuwe geslag forensiese ouditeure gepas genoem word.
Die rede vir hul ontstaan spruit daaruit dat om grootskaalse bedrog te pleeg, ontsettend ingewikkeld is. Derhalwe om dié misdaad te ontbloot, vereis hope konsentrasie, geestelike skerpte en meestal bogemiddelde rekenkundige vaardighede.
Die beroepsrigting is sowat 20 jaar oud, afhangend van joe jy daarna kyk, en dus ouer as verskeie IT-verwante beroepe. Die afgelope ses jaar het dit egter węreldwyd, ook in SA, só gegroei dat die aanbod van nuutopgeleide mense nie in die vraag kan voorsien nie.
Dis alles toe te skryf aan die skerp toename in handelsmisdaad, nuwe wetgewing daaroor en al hoe meer suksesse wat met forensiese ondersoeke behaal word. Normale oudits lę deesdae net sowat 20% van bedrog bloot, vandaar die nodigheid om forensies toe te tree waar vermoedens van groter oneerlikheid bestaan.
'n Konvensionele oudit word volgens 'n taamlik gestruktureerde ouditplan, 'n bepaalde roetine en begroting uitgevoer. In 'n forensiese oudit word egter geen vaste roetine gevolg nie en werk die span soos met 'n legkaart, waar die stukkies een-een gesoek en ingevoeg word.
Die merkwaardige suksesse wat al in SA behaal is dra tot die aansien en groei van die beroepsrigting by. In die gespesialiseerde handelshowe van Johannesburg en Pretoria is die skuldigbevindingsyfer bv. meer as 90%, terwyl die vervolgingsyfer gemiddeld nie eens 5% is wanneer dit deur die normale kanale geskied nie.
So, dis oor aan die syferspeurders!
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of South Africa (CPA) serves as a home for all qualified professional accountants who are in practice in the industry. CPA members provide accounting services and their certified training, knowledge of commerce and industry and relevant experience are proving of increasing value to clients.
The CPA was established in 1982 on initiative by the SA Institute of Charted Accountants, who realised a need for accounting support staff in commerce and industry and CPA was created to fill the gap.
Current membership of the CPA stands at approximately 5100, of which 78,5% are in public practice, making it the second largest accounting institute in South Africa. In 1995 the CPA was acknowledged as a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).
Membership to the CPA in South Africa depends on applicants obtaining a relevant degree, obtaining the necessary experience and competence to be recognised as a professional accountant and by successfully completing the Professional Evaluation as administered by the Institute. The service and standard of members is constantly maintained through a code of ethics and investigations.
CPA's involvement in South Africa contributes considerably to general economic growth and social development. An estimated 40 000 business entities receive assistance from CPA members in public practice.
For more information, visit www.cfa-sa.co.za or phone (011) 4860283 or e-mail admin@cfasa.co.za.
Konsepwetgewing wat handel oor magte van die Minister van Finansies oor die te stigte onafhanklike reguleringsraad vir ouditeure en oor die hantering van botsende belange by groot ouditeursfirmas met uitgebreide konsultasiebedrywighede, veroorsaak groot opspraak in die ouditeursbedryf.
Die doelwit van die wetgewing is die beskerming van die openbare belang en die integriteit van die ouditeursberoep in die lig van finansiële skandale en ineenstortings in Suid-Afrika en węreldwyd die afgelope tyd.
Die voorgestelde wetgewing maak voorsiening vir die stigting van 'n reguleringsraad met komitees om die registrasie van ouditeure en die handhawing van etiese en algemene ouditstandaarde te hanteer. Volgens hierdie bepalings sal slegs doetreffend teen 'n firma en nie net teen individue in die firma nie opgetree kan word indien al die vennote en aandeelhouers geregistreerde ouditeure is.
Daar word gevoel die voorgestelde wetgewing, hoe lofwaardig sommige doelstellings ookal, maak inbreuk op die outonomie van die bedryf en intense debatering oor aspekte van die wetgewing word tans gevoer.
OFM, Letsatsi Game Lodge and City Med day clinic recently gave away central South Africa's most exclusive radio prize a make-over worth R95 000. Entrants had to motivate in less than 20 words why they would like to win the make-over, consisting of a number of prizes.
Being awarded the package worth R95 000, was 57-year-old Mrs Margie Bester from Bloemfontein. An excited Bester, mother of four and grandmother of three, said that she couldn't believe it, but that she and her whole family are looking forward to the make-over.
Her prize includes salon and spa treatments, a flight over Bloemfontein, private dance classes, skincare products, shoe vouchers, a slimming and healthcare package, exclusive stationery, a touch of paint for her home, an investment package, sexy lingerie, the use of an all-new Audi A3, digital and photography memories, a new-look garden design, a Swaroski Crystal jewel set, and gift vouchers for handcrafted accessories! The cherry on top is corrective surgery to the upper chest.
The competition drew over 3 000 entries over the two weeks period it ran.
Heralding the start of Tourism Month 2005, which will be celebrated throughout the month of September, Deputy-minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi and SA Tourism chief executive officer, Mr Moeketsi Mosola hosted a select group of guests at the Tropicana River Lodge at Vanderbijl Park on the banks of the Vaal River.
Being broadcast on Morning Live TV, representatives from the Dept. of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, travel and tourism industry, journalists and SA Tourism were among those who attended the event.
Tourism month is celebrated annually to highlight the importance of tourism to South Africa's economy. Celebrations for Tourism Month, says Roshene Singh, manager of the domestic tourism portfolio at SA Tourism, are designed to encourage more and more South Africans to discover why this country is fast becoming one of the hottest international destinations.
To promote access to tourism and raise awareness of travelling in one's own country all nine provinces will host events during the month of September. Some of these events include the Joburg Arts Alive International Festival in Gauteng, the Winex 2005 event at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in the Western Cape, the 6th Awesome Africa Music Festival in Kwa-Zulu Natal, a golf week in North West Province, the Gariep Festival in the Northern Cape, a Tulip and Trout Festival in Mpumalanga, a Tourism Expo in Limpopo and an extensive free bus tour by Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape.
Tourism Month 2005 will culminate with a celebration on World Tourism Day (WTD), September 27, at the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein. It is expected to be an extravaganza of cultures, languages and experiences. Each year lesser known provinces get the opportunity to host WTD celebrations, giving them a platform to market their product offerings and to sell their province as a viable holiday destination to tourists and travellers.
“With tourism being the 4th largest contributor to our economy it's so apt that we have an entire month in a year that is dedicated to the celebration of tourism and travel,” said Deputy-minister Mabudafhasi.
As a highlight of Tourism Month, the FUNBUS will run between Johannesburg and Free State Province's Golden Gate National Park during the first weekend in September. Adventurous and fun-seeking South African travellers are invited to come along for the ride. There is a wide variety of Sho't left packages available for travel, with each one offering a unique experience.
“We are concentrating Tourism Month celebrations in the Free State this year, as it is one of our least visited provinces… yet has so much to offer the traveller,” says Singh. “One of the objectives of the Tourism Growth Strategy is to persuade tourists, both local and international, to discover all our provinces… not only the tourist hot spots of Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.”
South African Tourism's objective to stimulate domestic tourism is showing dividends. The successful Sho't Left campaign (representing a R20 million investment by SA Tourism) ended recently. More than 40 000 people responded to the TV show and call centre.
For more information on the provincial calendar of events and affordable Sho't left packages on offer, log onto SA Tourism website www.southafrica.net or call the call centre on 083 123 6789. Packages are also accessible via any ASATA travel agent countrywide.
Mnr. Marthinus Jordaan, gastehuiseienaar van Bloemfontein en bekende in die toerismebedryf in die Vrystaat, het pas gepromoveer met 'n doktorale studie wat interessante en baanbrekersinligting bevat oor o.m. kultuurtoerisme. Gedoen vanuit die hoek van die geskiedenis van die Jordaan-familie in Suid-Afrika, toon die studie aan hoe genealogiese navorsing tot betekenisvolle kultuurtoerisme kan lei.
Volgens die studie kan vier benaderings gevolg word: Eerstens, 'n holistiese benadering waar 'n toeris of besoeker die geskiedenis as geheel ontleed; tweedens, dié van lede 'n familie wat hul stamboom se volledige geskiedenis bestudeer; derdens, dié van 'n familie wat net belangstel in hul bloedlyn se verspreiding en kulturele erfenis belangstel; en vierdens, die benadering van familielede wat volgens die genealogiese register hulself nog nie in genealogiese terme kon koppel aan hul voorgeslagte nie. Argitektoniese nalatenskappe in terme van geboue in stede, dorpe of op plase kom ook te berde.
Voorts kan tydens roete-uitbeelding bv. die verskillende stadia van hulpbronontwikkeling weerspieël word wat Suid-Afrika beleef het. So kom bv. in sekere bloedlyne weer die sosio-ekonomiese oorgang na industrialisasie en verstedeling na vore.
In sy studie beveel Jordaan aan dat navorsing gedoen word om vas te stel of daar gebeure of tendense in Suid-Afrika gedurende 'n bepaalde tydperk was waarin die inisiatief van 'n betrokke lid van 'n familie gelei het tot 'n aspek wat nagevolg of verbeter is deur die opvolgende geslagte. Voorbeelde is die ontwerp/daarstel van 'n boustyl, 'n veeras, 'n boerderymetode, of 'n onderwys-aangeleentheid.
Faktore wat na vore kom tydens die beplanning van die kulturele erfenisroete van 'n familie, is murasies, tuine, lande, ou meulens, ou paaie, ens. wat die vergange teenwoordigheid van lede van die familie uitbeeld en wat tans vir lede van die familie bewaringswaardig is.
Vir meer besonderhede, kan Jordaan gekontak word by (051) 522 4770 of epos navorsing@mjsjordaan.co.za.
Dit is wat praktiese ervaring al getoon het die resultaat is van kwalifikasies behaal aan die Skool vir Toerisme, Gasvryheid en Sport van die Sentrale Universiteit vir Tegnologie, Vrystaat. Die Skool spesialiseer in die ontwikkeling van bedryfsleiers, ten opsigte waarvan al bewys gelewer is dat hulle binne die eerste drie jaar na afstudering vinniger as hul eweknieë in beroepe vorder.
Die Skool bied die driejarige nasionale diploma en die vierjarige graad in Toerismebestuur, Gasvryheidsbestuur en Sportbestuur aan. Studente word ook vir 'n periode van ses maande tot een jaar binne plaaslike en internasionale firmas geplaas vir praktiese ervaring. Die skool se nagraadse navorsing fokus op organisasie-ontwikkeling en bemagtiging en het in hierdie verband verskeie buitelandse meesters en doktorsgraadstudente.
Die Direkteur van die Skool, prof. Daneel van Lill, sę omdat kwaliteit vir die skool prioriteit is, word eerstejaarsinname beperk tot 130 studente om individuele aandag te verseker. Die Skool se personeel van 30 kundiges, wat twee professore insluit, het 'n sterk bedryfsagtergrond, terwyl die Skool wyd betrokke is by die opleiding van personeel in die toerisme-, gasvryheid- en sportbedrywe, asook by konsultasie en geleentheidbestuur. So bv. is toerismebestuurdosente sowel as studente betrokke by toerisme-ontwikkeling via gemeenskapsopleiding in die bemarkingsbeplanning, geleentheidsbestuur, e-stelsels en die strategiese beplanning van Mangaung Toerisme.
Afgestudeerde studente van die Hotelskool is gesog by internasionale maatskappye, asook as dosente by ander universiteite en kolleges. Die Hotelskool se jaarlikse Voedsel-en-Wynfees is alom bekend in die Vrystaat, terwyl die Sunday Times se “It's my B&B” e-reeks oor gastehuisbestuur wat deur die Skool ontwikkel is, sowat 25 000 inskrywings gelok het. Voorts werk sportbestuurdosente en studente nou saam met die Vrystaatse Sport Instituut, Bloso en Topsport Vlaanderen in gemeenskapsopleiding. Sportbestuurstudente is ook nou betrokke by die ontwikkeling van gestremde sport, terwyl hulle gereeld optree as afrigters en spanbestuurders van Vrystaat provinsiale sportspanne.
Van Lill wys daarop dat 'n bykomende aansporing is dat studente wat vir 2006 inskryf, gekwalifiseer sal wees vir geleenthede wat die 2010 Sokker Węreldbekertoernooi in Suid-Afrika bied.
Vir meer inligting skakel Yolanda Scorgie by tel. (051) 507 3114, faks (051) 507 3363 of e-pos: yscorgie@cut.ac.za of besoek webwerf: www.cut.ac.za.
The development of the extensive tourism residential project at Awimaweh Resort & Conference Centre near Thaba Patshwa between Tweespruit and Hobhouse in the central Eastern Free State is well on track. Situated at the Armenia Dam, the development includes inter alia between 300 and 500 serviced sectional title stands, a health hydro with luxury rooms, shopping facilities, restaurants, a conference venue with breakaway rooms and a whole range of sports and outdoor facilities. More detail from Mr Neels Bothma at 082 413 8486 or awimaweh@mweb.co.za.
Discover SA is 'n reisonderneming wat in Augustus 2002 deur Francois Neethling begin is en sedertdien gegroei het tot 'n verskaffer van dienste landswyd.
Die onderneming is hoofsaaklik 'n busoperateur met sy eie vloot, maar word ook waar nodig van sub-kontrakteurs gebruik gemaak. Enige georganiseerde groepe word vervoer, soos bv. vir skole, toeristegroepe, sportspanne, kerke, ens. Hoewel Discover SA in Bloemfontein gesetel is, kan dit busdienste verskaf vanaf enige vertrekpunt in Suid-Afrika.
Discover SA het ook 'n motorhuurafdeling en 'n reisagentskap, terwyl dit ook safari's reël.
Vir meer besonderhede skakel Neethling by (051) 444 4622 of epos info@discoversa.net.
The second and expanded edition of Tourism in South Africa in the new millennium, a comprehensive and monumental work on the subject by Marthinus Jordaan, Free State tourism entrepreneur and expert, is now available at all leading bookstores. The ISBN number is 0-620-27749-1.
The second edition has 60 contributors covering 79 sections and containing 451 pages. 14 Sections of the first edition have been revised. The new edition also includes a new section called financial resources, while also new is a section on the Southern African Association of Tourism Professionals, as well as an index of abbreviations and acronyms, are also being introduced.
The book covers amongst others topics such as the World Tourism Organization (WTO), main components of the tourism industry, history of the tourism industry in South Africa, Tourism Business Council of SA, tourism legislation, provincial tourism marketing boards and departments, nature-based tourism enterprises, cultural resources base, travel services, training services, information services and sport tourism.
The book can also be ordered directly from the editor at fax: 051 5221610 or tourism@mjsjordaan.co.za.
According to statistics from Stats SA the total tourism arrivals in South Africa for April 2005 have fallen by a marginal 1,7% from the same month last year, reaching a number of 574 364. Overseas arrivals have decreased by 3,8% to stand at 145 926.
The biggest decreases were seen from Europe and Asia, with the latter remaining the largest source of overseas tourists. Overall, European arrivals were down 4,7%. The largest source market countries for the month were the UK, Germany and the USA. Countries which saw growth were the US, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and Spain, the latter having showed the largest increase in arrivals, up by 52%.
Of the total overseas tourists, 92,6% said they visited South Africa for holiday and 3,3% visited on business.
Die onderhoud op papier moet seker in Engels wees, want die Fakulteit is al tot 'n groot mate geďnternasionaliseer, maar skryf nou in iets anders as in Afrikaans oor 'n Vrystaatse boerseun wat Dekaan van die Fakulteit Ekonomiese en Bestuurswetenskappe van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat geword het!
Kom ons tref egter 'n kompromie en gee die onderhoud met prof. M.J. (Tienie) Crous gedeeltelik in Afrikaans en gedeeltelik in Engels.
Tienie Crous is today the Dean of the Faculty Economic and Management Sciences of the University of the Free State comprising almost 5 800 students and some 300 staff members on three campuses. As such the Faculty is primarily responsible for training and educating the leaders of business and government of tomorrow, especially in the central part of South Africa. Given the unparalleled high demands of modern-day society, then exceptional leadership is required from the person at the helm.
This is all the more true when considered that government leaders of today are part-time students at the Faculty - both the current Premiers of Free State and Northern Cape provinces, Mss. Beatrice Marshoff and Dipuo Peters respectively, are currently doing part-time courses at the Faculty.
This fact was not mentioned by Crous during the interview, but what he did state unequivocally was: “I run the Faculty like a business enterprise. There is no other way, given modern-day requirements.”
“If we as a region and as a country have to find our rightful place in the fast-shrinking world, we have to produce the best qualified and equipped human material to serve us in both the private and public sectors”, Crous says. “That is the basic premise of this Faculty and is also why increasing emphasis is placed on adult learning and pro-active socio-economic research like what the School for Management and the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) are respectively doing.”
Kom ons gaan egter terug na die heel begin en rapporteer dat Tienie Crous in die distrik Ventersburg gebore is, op die dorp gematrikuleer het en Weermag-diensplig gedoen het voordat hy eers by die destydse Barclays Bank en toe by Senwes gewerk het. Daarna is hy universiteit toe en het B.Comm en HOD aan Kovsies verwerf. Een jaar by die Vrystaatse Provinsiale Administrasie, voordat hy 'n paar jaar by die destydse JBM Hertzog inBloemfontein onderwys gegee het.
Hy het deeltyds verder studeer en uiteindelik 'n doktorsgraad in kleinsakebestuur verwerf. Na sy aanstelling as lektor by die Vrystaatse Universiteit vorder hy deur die range tot professor in 1993 en Dekaan in 1999. Crous het reeds een termyn van vyf jaar as Dekaan voltooi en is tans besig met sy tweede vyfjaartermyn.
In sy huidige pligte is hy só betrokke by bestuur van die Fakulteit dat hy slegs in die MBA-kursus 'n bietjie klas gee. Kry ook min tyd vir persoonlike navorsing, hoewel hy by geleentheid referate by kongresse lewer.
It is for Crous, who specializes in strategic management, of cardinal importance that the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences stay on the forefront of the latest in subject knowledge and technological applications. For instance, in his lecturing to MBA students a computer programme for virtual business management is utilized, where students have to take responsibility for their own simulated business decisions, be it good or bad. In this regard the words of renowned Netherlands business consultant, Bob de Witt, is for Crous highly relevant: “Why are we celebrating success? Why don't we celebrate failures?”
Crous says the higher education environment has changed drastically, with much more state regulation. A university cannot afford to rest on its laurels, but has to be entirely business-driven. The two outstanding requirements being demanded is, firstly, to be an agent of change and, secondly, to provide business leadership. Businesspeople play a pivotal role in the direction South Africa is going and ought to be going.
Wat homself betref, sę Crous, geniet hy die uitdagings geweldig. Hy het 'n passie vir kleinsake-ontwikkeling, terwyl sy droom is om die Fakulteit die leier op die gebied van ontwikkelingsbevordering te maak (“promotion of development”).
Crous is married and has two daughters - both already tertiary qualified and working.
Gunstelinggereg? “Nie iets besonders nie. 'n Braaitjop bly egter bobaas!”
Sport/oefening? “Fietsry. Laat bietjie links lę in die winter, maar in die somer trap ek dat dit klap. Ek het die Argus fietsren al 'n paar keer voltooi.”
Stokperdjie/vrye tyd? “Ek vrek oor sweis. Het my eie werkswinkel by die huis en het my lapa eiehandig gebou. Alles egter net vir huishoudelike konsumpsie.”
Music taste? “Classical. Baroque.”
In line with the positioning of Shoprite-Checkers Group of Companies as the largest food retailer on the African continent, Shoprite-Checkers in the central region of South Africa is forging ahead with its targeted strategy to create the best possible deal for the consumer in the region.
Two-pronged approach
According to the Divisional Manager for Shoprite-Checkers in central South Africa, Jaco de Swardt, a two-pronged approach to the market is being followed by applying respectively the Checkers and Shoprite brandings. This means that although they are members of the same group of companies, Checkers and Shoprite are two distinct brands with two different types of stores, each with its own focus, location and service.
The Checkers brand is structured to cater for customers in the upper-income groups and does target the living standards measurement 7 to 10. Thus this chain of supermarkets provides a product range suitable for the discerning shopper in a world-class retail environment. As such it focuses more strongly on fresh produce and provides a wider range of choice food items to a more affluent clientele, offering in the process strong lifestyle departments such as for wine, cheese, meat, etc. The Checkers brand boasts two store formats, viz. supermarkets and large-format hyper stores.
The focus of the Shoprite brand, on the other hand, is on the lower income segment of the public consumer market, offering quality food products, especially fresh produce and value-added products in a high standard but no-frills shopping environment at most competitive prices.
Best quality / lowest price
On the whole the Shoprite-Checkers Group of Companies enjoys a reputation for offering best-value merchandise to consumers at the lowest prices, as a matter of fact independent market research studies have repeatedly confirmed that the Group remains the price leader in its field. The low-price policy is being realised by continuously finding ways to reduce costs in the supply chain. The Group buys in bulk directly from both local and overseas manufacturers, cutting out the middle-man and operating technologically advanced distribution centres.
This is being complemented by offering the lowest prices by regular special offers and by the cheapest monthly shopping bill. Backed by leading-edge technology, consumers are offered clean and hygienic stores, as well as a modern store layout to ensure fast and efficient service, contributing to a memorable shopping experience.
Drive in central South Africa
De Swardt says the basic objective of the Checkers and Shoprite brands in the central region of South Africa, covering the Free State, Northern Cape, Lesotho, part of North West province and Botswana, is to expand their positioning in their respective target markets as the preferred brands.
To support this for starters, Shoprite-Checkers has a strong decentralised regional office in Bloemfontein, managing seven sub-regions, each in line with a regional manager overseeing five to seven Checkers and Shoprite stores located in its sub-region. Each store has again a branch manager in charge.
There are altogether 11 Checkers stores and 25 Shoprite stores in the central region, providing jobs to some 4500 people. In its field in central South Africa, Shoprite-Checkers has the largest market share.
Checkers
De Swardt says the new objective is to take the store to the people and therefore it is planned, as regards Checkers to upgrade existing stores continuously, while establishing new ones in upmarket residential areas, of which the new Checkers in Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein, is a prime example. De Swardt says this new store reflects the new image of a progressively and compacted-packaged convenience store customised for its surrounding consumer public.
The Checkers Hyper in Fleurdal, Bloemfontein is again tailor-customised for that particular surrounding residential environment.
As regards upgrading, the parking area at the Checkers store in Westdene, Bloemfontein, has recently been extended with an additional 65 parking bays. The Checkers stores at Welkom, Sasolburg and Kroonstad have also been renovated, while new extensions at the Fleurdal Checkers Hyper are in the pipeline.
Over the next two years another four new Checkers stores in the region are being envisaged, two of which would be at Kimberley and Preller Square, Bloemfontein, respectively.
Shoprite
As for Shoprite in the central region, the policy is foremost to establish new stores in residential areas where the company has hitherto not done business. These areas include Thabong, Rocklands, Botshabelo, Galeshewe, etc., as well as two new stores in Lesotho - one at Leribe in the north and the other at Mafeteng in the south.
Contribution to regional economy
According to De Swardt, the substantial contribution which Shoprite-Checkers is making to the economy in the central region of South Africa is clear from the facts and figures mentioned above, especially in terms of jobs being maintained, salary spent, opportunities to suppliers, contractors, and sub-contractors, money turnover generated, etc.
Each new store being established, creates some 120 new permanent jobs, while it is estimated that all the expansions planned by Shoprite-Checkers in the central region would increase its current staff component with approximately one-third.
Another facet is skills development, particularly in-service training of employees. Shoprite-Checkers has in fact currently a purposeful drive underway to identify managerial material amongst its employees and to develop this to maximum potential. In this the focus is sharply on black economic empowerment, the company being fully compliant with government legislation and guidelines. De Swardt mentions, however, that for Shoprite-Checkers merit remains as the cornerstone for final consideration of candidates.
Community development
De Swardt points out the huge involvement by Shoprite-Checkers in local community development, of which the following are some examples:
Nutrition schemes for schools, hospitals, HIV/AIDS support centres, institutions for the aged and the disabled, etc.
Sports sponsorships, especially to support previously disadvantaged learners and schools.
Since the majority of the Group's customers are women, they remain the major beneficiaries of its Social Investment program. In line with this principle, the Group sponsors the Shoprite-Checkers Woman of the Year Award - the country's premier accolade for women and which also entails finalists from the central region.
The central region is also involved with other major national Shoprite-Checkers projects e.g. the National Children's Fund, the Cuppa for Cansa fight against cancer, one of the sponsors of the annual Transformation Africa Day of Prayer, etc.
In the Free State specifically Shoprite-Checkers on request of the Nelson Mandela Foundation embarked on a sustainable project to supply pre-fabricated mobile classrooms to previously disadvantaged schools in the province.
Worth mentioning is also that in 2004 former president Nelson Mandela unveiled a plaque at Rebatlathuto Secondary School at Koppies celebrating the Group's donation to the Free State Department of Education.
De Swardt also draws attention to the fact that each regional manager in the central region has his or her own program in place for various aspects of community involvement and upliftment, while on central divisional level matters are being dealt with by the public relations officer, Margaret de Koker.
Consumer - customer - first
In summary, De Swardt says that, in line with corporate policy, it all revolves in the central region around offering the consumer - the Shoprite or Checkers customer - the best under the most pleasant conditions at the lowest price. At the same time the Group, inextricably linked to also central South Africa, contributes to the nurturing of stable economies and the social upliftment of people in the region.
De Swardt says that, in conclusion, synergy by roleplayers and stakeholders is of pivotal importance and to this end he is extending an open invitation to everybody who is relevant, sincere and willing to co-operate in the best development interest of the central region.
First and foremost remains, however, the consumer public in the region - their needs and expectations - and therefore De Swardt and his entire staff keep an open door to anybody from the consuming public who wishes to communicate anything about a product, facility or service of Shoprite or Checkers in the central region, to do so at tel: 051 430 1981, fax: 051 448 5629 or e-mail: jdeswardt@shoprite.co.za.
Covering an area which stretches from Ventersburg in the south, to Hoopstad in the north and Boshof in the west and including the vibrating Goldfields of the Free State, the Lejweleputswa region offers a wide variety of tourism jewels - some already glittering and some waiting to be discovered.
Existing jewels
Amongst the existing jewels are the following :
The Phakisa Race-way between Welkom and Theunissen - world-renowned for its MotoGP races and other motor-racing events. The asset has great investment potential, as well as to become the centrifugal force for secondary tourism hub development around it.
The Flamingo Casino at Welkom is an attraction in itself.
Jewellery manufacturing from gold beneficiation at the Jewellery School in Virginia.
Tikwe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre at Virginia.
Aventura Aldam Resort & Conference Centre, with the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, at Allemanskraal Dam.
The Goldfields Tourism Route starting at Welkom.
The Anglo Boer War Cemeteries at Brandfort, including different sites of Boer, African and British graveyards.
The Winnie Mandela House at Brandfort.
The Winburg Voortrekker Monument.
The 1956 Women's Pass Resistance Site next to the old Magistrate Court in Winburg.
The Arts & Crafts Route and Tavern Tours in Welkom.
Excellent nature reserves, such as Sandveld, Willem Pretorius, Rustfontein, Soetdoring and Erfenis Dam.
Many private game farms and nature reserves, often offering a host of additional outdoor activities.
The salt pans at Soutpan.
Numerous exquisite B&B's, hotels, restaurants, etc.
These are merely some of the main ones - there's lots more!
Jewels to be discovered
Jewels to be discovered include the following possibilities :
An extensive waterfront development on the banks of the Sand River at Virginia
A fully-fledged tourism centre at Welkom
Further developments around the Phakisa Race-way
Possible goldmine underground tours at Welkom, Virginia and St. Helena
A community-run game project at Boshof
Opportunities for investment and development in the accommodation, conferencing and tour operating sectors
Plus much more waiting to be explored !
Tourism part of Development strategy
Based on extensive research and consultations, the tourism sector in the Lejweleputswa region has been identified as one of the propellants having the best dynamism to assist in taking regional development significantly forward. Whilst integrally linked to other economic sectors in the region, an unique brand of tourism applications such as events tourism, mining-orientated tourism, game farms / zoological gardens and business tourism, offers exciting entrepreneurial opportunities.
Join the drive !
The District Municipality invites all stakeholders, in the private and public sectors - as well as specifically all investors and entrepreneurs, to join them in the drive towards maximum development of the tourism jewels of Lejweleputswa..
Latest developments
• Completion of excellent accommodation facilities at the Basotho Cultural Village.
The proposed golf estate at Clarens is coming closer to reality with investors having already committed considerable funds to kickstart the project. This development couldn't have come at a better time for the bustling tourism sector at Clarens.
Completion of more accommodation facilities in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, thus increasing the number of beds available for visitors in the park. There is also a new rest camp with nine chalets which will either be five or four star-graded, making it the only of its kind in the country.
The amalgamation of Qwa Qwa National Park and Golden Gate National Park brought about substantial financial muscle to propel tourism growth in that part of the region even though uncertainty remains about the communities living in the park.
The restoration of the Klerksvlei Museum in Qwa Qwa National Park will undoubtly become a much frequented site by visitors.
Upgrading and updating of tourism signage is well on track. The district municipality has set aside funds for this purpose, while funds have earlier been allocated from the national poverty alleviation fund.
Upgrading of tourist information centres within the district boundaries: Clarens Museum is to be converted into the local Tourist Information Centre, while Dihlabeng Local Municipality has given permission to Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality to develop this museum and renovate the interior without a negative impact on the precious items already in the museum.The Association for Disabled People still operating a craft centre in the museum, will form part of the tourist information centre and will thus gain more exposure to visitors traversing the region. Also of note is that the Harrismith Marketing Bureau offices (Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality) has been supplied with new computers as well as shelves for brochures and pamphlets.
The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality has entered into a joint venture with the CSIR in developing the old Ficksburg High School into a one-stop tourism centre. Phase 1 of the project will be finished before the end of September, with tenants varying from crafters, sculptors, a coffee bar, weavers, a fully-fledged restaurant, a shop, conference halls and a bus terminal. At least one national bus company has already indicated their willingness to stop-over at the centre.
As for the future, the Thabo Mofutsayana District Municipality has received a commitment from the national poverty relief fund for the implementation for the following developments:
New hiking routes.
Accommodation at Metsi Matsho (Swartwater) Dam
Feasibility study on development of a cable way up the Sentinel Peak ( study to be funded by DBSA)
Development of a car park at the foot of the Sentinel Peak
Tourism strengths
This region is not for nothing known as the “adventurer's paradise”! It is abundantly endowed with natural beauty, catering for a seamless variety of interests. The strengths of the region are captured in the following:
Geographical location right in the centre of SA, where national road linkages criss-cross.
A wonderful climate conducive to sports tourism.
Abundance of water for water sports of every kind.
Scenic beauty - landscapes, mountains, valleys, sandstone formations, etc - as only to be seen in this region.
Richness in cultural tourism, including the Basotho Cultural Village, Bushman rock art, the Anglo Boer war memorials and battlefields and other fascinations of generations long gone by.
Challenges faced
There remains a lot of work to be done by both the district municipality and the local municipalities, as they are entrusted with the function of developing, promoting and marketing of tourism facilities, activities and attractions.
Challenges faced by local government are amongst others:
Transformation of the industry to enable black people to access and take part in the tourism business through interventions and skills development.
Transformation of the industry to accommodate female entrepreneurs in the core business of the tourism industry.
To successfully implement the projects being budgeted for in the Integrated Development Plans of the respective municipalities.
To brand the region and market it properly, thus increasing visitors' volumes.
To increase the slice for the region from the domestic tourist flow.
Events planned forTourism Month 2005
Participation in the Getaway Show in Randburg
Heritage Day celebrations at Basotho Cultural Village
Grading awards for 10 accommodation facilities assessed by the Tourism Grading Council of SA
Hand-over of Thabo Mofutsanyana Flea Market to Maluti A Phofung Local Municipality
A tourism workshop for SMME's with focus on youth,to be presented 16-17 September at Bethlehem by Dithlabeng Local Municipality.
New plans
Capacity Building
Due to increasing requests from communities within the Thabo Mofutsanyana region, the district municipality has earmarked a substantial amount of funds to put a minimum of 10 ladies on a training course within the accommodation industry. More than this number could, however, be taken through, but the District Municipality has to run this as a pilot project in order to be able to monitor and assess progress of new entrepreneurs emerging within the accommodation industry.
The district municipality has embarked on a campaign to get local facilities graded as quality assurance to visitors. This can only be achieved by assisting those producers that are unable to pay for grading fees and other costs related to the grading process, with initial payment and one year membership. Such facilities have been selected according to the scorecard system of the district municipality with a view to determine whether they do qualify for assistance.
Outdoor electronic advertising
As one of modern-day advertising methods, outdoor advertising is being perceived as expensive and not affordable. However, the district municipality has decided to take the advertising world by surprise and it will be launching our first ever outdoor advertisement to be flighted on 10 plasma screens at the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport over a period of one year. The advertisement will cover various attractions of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District to market the Eastern Free State as a tourist destination.Meanwhile other marketing and advertising campaigns will be continued unabated.
Tlo bone - come and see - kom kyk!!!
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