Reimagining the supply chain for resilience

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23 June 2025

Reimagining the supply chain for resilience — Zaren Ramlugan, Specialist Solutions Manager at SYSPRO Africa

The world as we knew it has changed – and there’s no going back. For many and complex reasons, supply chain disruptions have become the norm rather than the exception, and the onus is on manufacturers to adapt and strengthen their ability to react in an agile manner. More than ever, manufacturers need to create highly responsive organisations that can flex for changing market conditions.

The recent introduction of large-scale tariffs by President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has upended markets worldwide and risks causing further supply chain disruption, pushing the cost of raw materials and supplies higher, as well as raising consumer prices and damaging household purchasing power – with potentially serious implications for the entire global economy.

While a resilient supply chain can withstand the impacts of both short-term and long-term disruptions, can recover quickly, and meet business obligations without significant impact on service levels, only 21% of respondents to a Gartner survey said they have a highly resilient supply chain. So, what can manufacturers to do strengthen their supply chains?

Embrace digital technologies

While the pandemic pushed many manufacturers to adopt digital technologies at an accelerated pace, the continued evolution of the global market and supply chain constraints mean that they must continue along this path. Digitising the supply chain is a competitive advantage and is necessary to create transparency throughout the supply chain and address effectiveness gaps. Organisations leading the way in digital supply chains have put in place governance and data management oversight and forged the creation of supply chain platforms.

Unsurprisingly, it’s in manufacturers’ best interests to mitigate supply chain disruptions such as delays, shortages, quality issues, or increased costs, as these can have significant impacts on business’s operations. ERP systems help manufacturers minimise the impact of disruptions by enabling them to monitor, analyse and optimise their supply chain performance and, importantly, to react quickly and effectively to changing conditions and customer needs.

Without data insights organizations are unable to see shifts along the supply chain and collaborate with customers and suppliers in real-time. With ERP solutions, industries can ensure a connected supply chain that integrates and executes actions by working holistically with each related department for example from assembly, to packing right through to logistics. ERP allows businesses to integrate disparate systems, unifies data silos and accelerates the development and deployment of new services which is critical in volatile times.

Boost resilience with reshoring

Although years of globalisation has meant that manufacturers looked far and wide for suppliers, more recently companies have been re-evaluating their supply chains, and more seriously considering their options to shorten supply chains and improve resilience through reshoring operations – bringing production closer to their home country or points of demand, a process only likely to be accelerated by the reintroduction of tariffs and the spectre of renewed trade wars. Manufacturers must look at their manufacturing processes with clear eyes and redesign the process to allow maximum agility for completing and fulfilling orders in a hyper-competitive marketplace.

A survey by Deloitte found that about 75% of companies were planning to accelerate their reshoring initiatives by building smart factories closer to home locations, or their customer points of need. In addition to the potential of lower costs, reshoring has the added benefits of geographical proximity, time zone alignment, shorter lead times and better service delivery. And while this may come with higher costs, with an increasing focus on ESG in the supply chain, customers are also looking for companies with transparent and carbon-efficient supply chains, along with products that are locally made.

Improve supply chain visibility

Manufacturers must be able to gather information and data all along the supply chain to understand with foresight what the challenges might be and the internal and external factors impacting on a business. Visibility across operations results in better data-driven decisions and helps resolve demand and supply imbalances. Manufacturers must know their supplier network and be able to assess where risk lies, and the likelihood of adverse impacts should a supplier cause a delay.

Adapting business processes and operations as global conditions change allows organisations to react quicker and manage the disruptions along the supply chain. Fit-for-purpose ERP software and IIoT data inputs from throughout the supply chain can help manufacturers better predict and prepare for supply chain volatility. However, without analytics and the resultant insights, the data will not deliver significant business value.

Use data and analytics from all points of the supply chain

Using data and analytics from all points of the supply chain to maximise efficiencies and outputs is critical. Yet research conducted by SYSPRO indicated that only 20% of manufacturing and distribution businesses have looked at investing in big data analytics in response to the ongoing disruptions. Without data insights, organisations are unable to see shifts along the supply chain and collaborate with customers and suppliers in real-time.

Simultaneously, smart factories are providing more data points through IIoT devices than ever before and predictive analytics is becoming an increasingly powerful tool for manufacturers to anticipate downtime and supply chain snags. Predictive ERP enables organisations to use what-if scenarios and predictive analytics to inform powerful insights. Disruptions are not only more likely to be predicted but contingency plans will be in place and quickly implemented across the entire operation.

Build long-term sustainability

The goal is long-term sustainability in a volatile business environment, which is driving the need to adopt data-led decision-making across the supply chain. Manufacturers must drive increased collaboration and seamless connectivity across the entire organisation. Creating an environment of visibility across all operations, with the ability to act decisively and immediately, is a necessity. An ERP system that delivers actionable business insights solutions improves business performance and provides real-time, business-critical insights for quicker analysis, decision making and execution, and through that, a resilient supply chain that enables manufacturers to meet their business obligations – even amid economic turbulence.

While the world codes, we debate: Specno calls on SA lawmakers to join the AI economy before it’s too late

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LnT Desk

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23 June 2025

While the world codes, we debate: Specno calls on SA lawmakers to join the AI economy before it's too late — Daniel Novitzkas, Chairman at Specno

As the global AI revolution accelerates, Specno Chairman Daniel Novitzkas is urging South African policymakers to refocus national discourse on the future, not the past. In a sharp critique of current debates dominating the tech landscape, Novitzkas warns that South Africa is at risk of becoming a bystander in one of the most transformative economic shifts of the century.

“At a time when the rest of the world is setting strategic policy on artificial intelligence, we’re still caught in circular arguments about internet access,” said Novitzkas. “We need to speed things along, to ensure South Africa’s inclusion in a global economy that’s already leaving us behind. The opportunity cost of inaction, at present, will be enormous, and it will affect the opportunities available to South African youth in tech the most.”

His comments follow the 2025 Innovator’s Den Forum hosted by Specno in Cape Town on 29 May, where the central theme – Is South Africa ready for AI? – sparked honest introspection across the tech sector. With nations like the U.S., Finland and Italy already shaping AI laws and cracking down on deepfakes, South Africa has yet to establish a coherent stance on emerging technologies.

“We are not yet ready,” Novitzkas admitted. “But that makes it even more urgent that we start asking the right questions now. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s a creative sandbox. It’s the toolbox for our future, one that could empower South Africans to design solutions for local problems at global scale.”

The benefits are both immediate and far-reaching. From streamlining routine government services like those at the Department of Home Affairs, to allowing local entrepreneurs to generate professional-grade marketing content at minimal cost, AI has the potential to unlock significant productivity and innovation gains for our local economy, by generating revenue and creating much-needed jobs.

“What we need is regulatory vision, policy that enables innovation, not one that chokes it. If our frameworks keep chasing yesterday’s battles, we’ll never catch tomorrow’s breakthroughs,” Novitzkas added. “This isn’t about choosing between equity and innovation. It’s about building a digital economy where both can thrive.”

Specno’s call to action is clear: shift the national focus from reactive policymaking to proactive technology enablement, before South Africa is permanently sidelined from the AI race.

Everyday efficacy: Why preventive body skincare is the new daily ritual

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Eucerin

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23 June 2025

Title: Everyday efficacy: Why preventive body skincare is the new daily ritual

For many, body care begins only when skin starts to feel dry, tight, or uncomfortable. It’s a familiar cycle – irritation sets in, and only then do we reach out for relief. But what if skincare wasn’t just about reacting? What if it became part of your everyday ritual? A quiet but powerful act of self-care that helps prevent dryness before it even begins.

Preventive skincare is gaining momentum among South Africans, and for good reason. Much like brushing your teeth or applying sunscreen, daily body care can have a cumulative effect, helping you maintain healthy, resilient skin over time. Especially in today’s world, where frequent handwashing, hot showers and environmental stressors are part of daily life, our skin deserves consistent support. This growing awareness, coupled with rapid urbanisation and population growth, is also expected to fuel the expansion of South Africa’s cosmetics industry in the years ahead.

How to stop dry skin before it starts

Skin doesn’t just dry out for no reason. Harsh climates, low humidity, and repeated exposure to water or soap can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. This can lead to that familiar tight, flaky or itchy feeling. Once the skin barrier is compromised, it struggles to hold onto moisture, making dryness a chronic issue rather than a seasonal inconvenience.

That’s where preventive care comes in. Supporting your skin barrier before it breaks down is important. It starts with smart ingredients that hydrate, protect, and strengthen the skin.

The power of Urea, Ceramides and pH5

One of the most effective tools in the preventive skincare arsenal is Urea, a natural compound already found in healthy skin. It’s a moisture magnet, drawing hydration into the skin and helping the skin retain it.

Products like Eucerin’s UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Lotion combine Urea with Ceramides and deep moistuirisation improves the skin water binding capacity. This formula doesn’t just soothe dry skin but is designed to prevent it from drying out. With intensive moisture from the first application, deep hydration, and a stronger skin barrier that locks in lasting comfort, it delivers a triple-action solution for dry, vulnerable skin.

Similarly, ranges like the Eucerin pH5 range are specially formulated to maintain the skin’s optimal pH balance, which is important for skin resilience. Eucerin pH5 products help sensitive, irritation-prone skin stay calm, comfortable, and more resistant to environmental triggers.

Skincare as self-care

Incorporating preventive body care into your daily routine is more than just a skin decision, but also a wellness one. Taking a moment each day to nourish your skin encourages a deeper connection with your body and reinforces the idea that self-care is about intention, not indulgence.

Plus, the benefits are more than skin-deep. Consistently cared-for skin feels softer, more comfortable, and more confident. All day, every day.

The bottom line about skincare

You don’t have to wait for dry, uncomfortable skin to appear before acting. With the help of dermatologically proven ingredients like Urea and ceramides, Eucerin’s dry skin range empowers you to shift from reaction to prevention, turning skincare into an everyday act of protection and care.

Finding strength in struggle for gender equality and human rights

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LnT Desk

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23 June 2025

Finding strength in struggle for gender equality and human rights

The year 2025 marks 30 years since the landmark Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action was adopted in 1995. Despite rising anti-rights and anti-gender pushes, some progress on these bold promises gives hope and strength, to strive for achieving SDG5 fully by 2030 or earlier.

“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action this year, we are called to reflect not only on how far we have come but how far we must still go. The Beijing Declaration was a bold promise to the world’s women and girls that their rights, dignity and health would be non-negotiable, that promise remains unfulfilled,” said Nazneen Damji, Chief (ad interim), Governance and Participation Section, and Senior Policy Advisor, Gender Equality, HIV and Health, UN Women.

“Universal health coverage cannot be truly universal if it does not prioritise gender equality and human rights. Health systems that ignore the unique needs and barriers faced by women and girls are not only unjust, they are ineffective,” she said in her video message at a special Side Event alongside WHA78 organised by Global Centre for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Planned Parenthood Federation, Fos Feminista, CNS, and partners.

“We are facing a rising coordinated push back on women’s and girls’ health and rights, particularly their sexual and reproductive health and rights. In just the past few months we have seen drastic funding cuts, impacting not only civil society and governments, but also UN agencies that provide abortion care and life-saving HIV treatment. This is not just a budget issue, it is a crisis of political will. Let us be clear: sexual and reproductive health and rights are not optional, they are fundamental human rights and yet only 56% of married women aged 15 to 49 can make decisions about their own reproductive health. This is not a statistic, it is a reflection of deep-rooted structural inequalities and harmful social norms that continue to deny women agency over their own bodies,” said Nazneen Damji of UN Women.

The consequences are devastating:

– Every 2 minutes a woman dies from preventable pregnancy related causes

– In 2023, over 700 women died each day from complications that could have been avoided with access to quality care

– HIV incidents among adolescent girls and young women remains alarmingly high in parts of sub-Saharan Africa where they are more than three times as likely to acquire HIV as their male peers in at least 22 countries

Gender discrimination block access to healthcare

Racism, stigma, and gender-based discrimination within healthcare settings block access to healthcare services. “Survivors of gender-based violence also need access to healthcare services. But that is often restricted for a wide variety of reasons including financial barriers, lack of capacity of the health system itself to be able to respond, social barriers like stigma and discrimination, as well as because healthcare system is at times a site of violence itself,” said Fadekemi Akinfaderin, Chief Global Advocacy Officer, Fos Feminista (International Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice).

“I tend to think myself as a privileged person – an educated and middle-class woman – but when I had both my kids, I was denied access to epidural (epidural is a type of regional anaesthesia which is often given during labour and delivery to relieve pain). I was denied epidural in a health centre because the healthcare worker wanted me to give birth like a Hebrew woman,” said Fedekemi.

“These are not isolated issues rather these are symptoms of a global system that continues to devalue the lives and health of women and girls. The newly released World Report on the Social Determinants of Health Equity confirms that gender discrimination blocks access to healthcare even when user fees are removed. Women especially those who are young poor migrants or from ethnic minorities, still avoid care because of abuse and mistreatment,” shared Nazneen Damji.

UHC is fundamental to reducing health inequalities

“We are seeing a global push back against gender equality and the principles of human rights to health which are inextricably linked. In my mandate as a UN Special Rapporteur on Right To Health, I have recommended a human rights approach for many of the thematic areas recalling the political declaration of the UN High Level Meeting and resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly 2019 on Universal Health Coverage under the theme “Universal health coverage moving together to build a healthier world.” I stress and underscore that universal health coverage is fundamental to reducing health inequalities, and ensuring just, peaceful and inclusive societies,” said Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Right To Health and Executive Director, Centre for Global Health Policy & Politics.

Dr Tlaleng added: “The world is experiencing protracted war, humanitarian crisis, economic crisis, climate crisis, genocide, all of which had an impact on the right to health. Inequality, violence, stigmatisation, discrimination and criminalisation, all are incompatible with the realisation of the right to health and therefore impact universal health coverage. Delivering on UHC in an era of push back against gender equality and human rights must consider that every human being is entitled – with no discrimination – to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, and also a life conducive to living of dignity.”

Women’s rights groups are often the first responders delivering lifesaving services

“We must recognise the vital role of women’s rights groups which are often the first responders delivering life-saving health care protection services and psychosocial support to survivors of violence. Yet their ability to serve those most at risk, especially women and girls facing intersectional discrimination, is becoming severely hampered by shrinking funding and growing backlash,” said Nazneen Damji.

Despite challenges, progress towards gender justice gives us hope and strength

Governments committed to a political declaration at the recently concluded 69th UN Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. “This political declaration is reaffirming governments’ commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action. This is a powerful reminder that women’s health remains a key priority on the global agenda. It is a moment of renewed momentum and we must seize it,” said Nazneen Damji of UN Women.

She added: “Over the past two decades, we have seen real gains, for example:

– The number of women using modern contraception has doubled

– Unintended pregnancy rate has declined by 19%

These are victories worth protecting but to sustain this progress we must invest in and scale up the best practices that got us here. We must ensure that UHC is not just about coverage, it must be about equity, rights, and justice – that means guaranteeing access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services including contraception, safe abortion, maternal care and HIV prevention.”

But, how can we protect these gains made towards gender equality and rights, and advance progress without increased domestic financing for health systems? We need to ensure that women’s health services are integral to health benefit packages, and are protected and full funded. Organisations and movements that defend women’s rights by putting women and girls at the centre of health policy – and not as passive recipients but as leaders and decision makers – must also be protected and fully resourced.

“The Beijing Platform for Action 1995 gave us a roadmap. Now, 30 years later, it is time to deliver because health for all, must mean rights for all,” rightly says Nazneen Damji.

Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024). She also coordinates SHE & Rights initiative (Sexual health with equity & rights). Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla or read her writings here www.bit.ly/ShobhaShukla)

In the township economy, even a printer can be a powerful tool

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LnT Desk

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23 June 2025

In the township economy, even a printer can be a powerful tool

South Africa’s overall unemployment rate currently stands at around 32% with the youth population facing a high rate of nearly 45%. Despite these challenges, many young South Africans continue to show ambition and creativity in various fields. They are finding innovative ways to pursue their goals and dreams often with little to no support.

With better access to essential resources like affordable printing for job applications, these individuals have the potential to turn ambition into achievement.

A report by Youth Capital noted that the average young jobseeker in SA spends R500–R1,000 a month looking for work, a chunk of that goes to printing documents.

That is before you factor in the time and money it takes to get to the printer. Similarly, small businesses struggle scraping together the capital to print signage, promotional material and everything else needed to make their business a success. Whether it’s trying to apply for work, launch a small business, or promote a local service, access to affordable professional printing can be a gatekeeper to opportunity.

This lack of access can be particularly damaging in the ‘township Kasi economy’ where innovation and ingenuity can be stifled by the inability to turn ideas into reality. The Kasi economy refers to the informal and small business activities within South Africa’s townships. As a vibrant and under-celebrated powerhouse, the Kasi economy is responsible for roughly 17% of South Africa’s total employment, with a consumer market worth billions. It’s here that the real ingenuity of South Africans shines. But even the most determined entrepreneurs can be held back by something as basic as the high cost of outsourcing promotional materials. That’s where Epson’s SureColor series of large-format printers is making a tangible difference.

“Township economies are bursting with ideas, what’s often missing are the tools to turn those ideas into businesses,” says Joel Chetty, Sales Manager, C&I at Epson South Africa. “By enabling local entrepreneurs to produce their own signage, branding, and marketing materials, we’re giving them the power to change their circumstances.”

Many township businesses rely on external printers for flyers, signage, and promotional materials, a costly dependency that eats into already tight margins. Bringing printing in-house not only reduces expenses but also unlocks new income opportunities. For many young entrepreneurs, access to reliable printing is the difference between a side hustle and a sustainable business.

“As someone who’s worked with crafters across the region, I’ve seen how the right tools can turn creativity into real income. With Epson’s sublimation printer and Cricut’s smart cutting and heat tools, township entrepreneurs can produce professional-quality products from branded mugs to custom T-shirts, right from their living rooms,” says Jowilna Nolte, Consumer Marketing Manager at Cricut MET&A.

It’s time to start seeing townships not just as under-resourced areas, but as investment-ready ecosystems. Doing that means moving away from a system that gives people fish and moving towards one that equips them with fishing rods. When you put the right tools in people’s hands, printers included, they don’t just print CVs. They print a future.

Is password-based security ending?

By

Doros Hadjizenonos

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23 June 2025

Is password-based security ending? — Doros Hadjizenonos, Regional Director at Fortinet

The password is no longer a fortress in and of itself. In a landscape where attackers effortlessly bypass traditional defences, passwords have become more of a revolving door to a greater security fortress – one that needs to be built on resilience, not strength.

For years, password length and complexity were the cornerstones of cyber-hygiene. Today, however, attackers are outmanoeuvring that strategy. FortiGuard Labs recorded over 100 billion stolen credentials traded on underground markets last year – a 42% surge fuelled by massive ‘combo lists’ harvested from past breaches. These lists enable cybercriminals to automate credential-stuffing at scale, meaning a single leaked username and password can unlock numerous corporate accounts in seconds.

Human behaviour compounds the problem. Approximately six in ten people still reuse passwords across personal and professional accounts, while the average user juggles nearly 170 logins. It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to create and remember 170 unique, complex passphrases. Faced with this cognitive overload, weak habits emerge: recycled passwords, sticky notes, and temporary credentials that persist for years.

Attackers exploit this reality, primarily through phishing. Roughly 70% of stolen passwords originate from phishing campaigns, and the rise of AI-generated lures has made fraudulent emails and fake login pages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate ones. South African organisations, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often lack the resources to filter every suspicious message, making them attractive targets.

Why complexity rules are losing their punch

Most corporate password policies still rely on complexity: a combination of 12 characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols, and mandatory resets. While complexity does slow brute-force cracking, its effectiveness diminishes once credentials are stolen or phished. Complexity increases the effort required for a direct attack, but it’s futile against attackers who purchase valid logins on the darknet.

Four priorities for South African defenders

Make Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) mandatory, everywhere. Industry studies indicate that MFA blocks over 99% of automated credential abuse. However, adoption across Africa remains around 50% and is often lower among SMEs. An organisation’s security is only as robust as its weakest privileged account. Therefore, every administrator console, VPN, and SaaS dashboard must be protected by an additional factor.
Accelerate the shift to passwordless access. FIDO2 hardware keys, mobile passkeys, and platform-based biometrics cannot be replayed or phished. Organisations that pilot password-free logins typically experience a reduction in help desk calls and fewer account takeover alerts. These benefits should encourage broader adoption in South African organisations.
Deploy enterprise-grade password managers. While passwordless solutions mature, most businesses operate in a hybrid environment. Password managers generate high-entropy passwords, securely autofill them, and audit reuse, while providing the governance logs increasingly required by regulators.
Integrate identity intelligence into a broader security fabric. Fortinet’s Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) approach correlates leaked-credential intelligence with network telemetry. This enables automated credential resets when an employee’s email address appears on a combo list, preventing criminals from exploiting those credentials. Combined with AI-driven phishing protection, this approach minimises opportunities for attackers.

Don’t overlook the human firewall

Technology alone cannot address a behavioural challenge. Fortinet’s recent research reveals that 70% of South African organisations lack basic cyber-awareness training. Regular simulations that train staff to identify spoofed login pages and report suspicious messages are a cost-effective, high-impact defence layer. Leadership must champion these programmes and mitigate security fatigue by ensuring policies and training are perceived as empowering rather than punitive.

Resilience and resistance

Passwords will remain part of the authentication landscape for the foreseeable future, but their role is evolving. Attackers understand that breaching identity is cheaper and faster than exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, and the darknet’s thriving credential economy provides sophisticated tools to even the least skilled criminals. South African businesses that adopt ubiquitous MFA, passwordless pilots, robust vaulting, and continuous exposure management will make that economy less profitable.

Currently, with lower barriers to entry for aspiring cybercriminals, the critical question is no longer “Is my password strong enough?” but “Is my identity architecture resilient enough to withstand inevitable credential compromise?”

Strength lies not in a clever string of characters but in layered, adaptive controls that assume any single factor can and will fail. That is the mindset that keeps businesses, and their customers, safer in a world where credentials are the currency of cybercrime.

From ‘average’ to ‘empowered’: coaching programme for first years create pathways to success

By

LnT Desk

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20 June 2025

From ‘average’ to ‘empowered’: coaching programme for first years create pathways to success — Coaching Concept

South Africa’s student dropout rates remain worryingly high, with a recent study revealing that as much as 60% of students drop out in their first year of studies. And while most people might attribute those dropouts to students failing multiple subjects, the reality is that there’s a quieter group who are slipping through the cracks: students who are doing “just fine”. They’re not failing, but they aren’t thriving either.

These are the so-called “orange students”, according to Margi Boosey, Academic Manager at IIE Varsity College, who are passing, but want more. In this case, a student achieving 60% might want to push their grades to 75%, while another may want to improve focus, manage anxiety or simply make a friend. But without the right support, these students often plateau or quietly disengage. Some eventually drop out – not because they aren’t capable, but because no one noticed they needed help.

A coaching model that meets students where they are

In response, IIE Varsity College launched its Goal. Set. Success programme, a first-of-its-kind coaching initiative aimed at supporting first-year students across ten campuses and the institution’s online centre. The programme offers one-on-one professional coaching during second semester to help students build confidence, set meaningful goals and stay on track with achieving them.

“After a lot of observation and research, we recognised that support shouldn’t just exist as a reactive measure,” says Boosey. “There are students who appear to be coping, passing adequately and seem to be doing fine, but you’ll find they still need guidance, structure and someone in their corner to help them push a little further, whether it’s academically, emotionally or even socially.”

After applying, students are matched with a professional coach and over the course of three coaching sessions within the semester, they work together to set personal and academic goals. These could centre on improving marks, finding balance, joining a sports team, or simply raising a hand in class.

Beyond marks: mindset shifts and meaningful change

Many students who participated in the pilot phase of the programme reported better time management, reduced anxiety and higher marks. “Her biggest breakthrough was finding her sense of grounding,” reported one coach of a participating student. “She feels more in control of her life, as she is now prioritising her time and learning to achieve better balance.”

Another student, after struggling with depression, said she “now feels she has a purpose and aim and something to look forward to.”

Coaches have also reported “phenomenal results” not only in the academic arena, but also in students’ self-belief, self-confidence and their ability to manage relationships and stress.

“The coaching helps them realise they’re not just passengers in their own lives,” adds Boosey. “The goal is to help them shift from a mindset of ‘this is happening to me’ to ‘I have choices. I’m in control’. Rather than allocating institutional resources to students on the edge of failure, this programme centres on providing support to the motivated, average-performing ‘orange’ students to help them tap into their incredible potential.”

To learn more about the Goal. Set. Success programme and how it supports first-year students, visit www.varsitycollege.co.za.

BrightRock and Henley Launch World First Change Science Institute

By

LnT Desk

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20 June 2025

BrightRock and Henley Business School Debut Advanced Change Science Institute

In a powerful and timely collaboration, BrightRock, the needs-matched life insurer, with academic partner Henley Business School Africa, officially launched the Change Science Institute on 18 June 2025 at Henley’s Johannesburg campus, ushering in a world-first multidisciplinary platform focused on equipping individuals with the tools and insights to navigate change.

The launch event, held in a dynamic panel discussion format, was hosted by respected journalist Rob Rose, Editor of Currency News, and attended by an engaged and diverse audience of academics, business leaders, scholars, media professionals, and changemakers from across South Africa. The discussion explored the origins, purpose, and impact of the Change Science Institute, and featured insights from BrightRock CEO, Suzanne Stevens; Henley Dean, Jon Foster-Pedley, and Professor Nicola Kleyn.

Introducing the Change Science Institute

The Change Science Institute is a first-of-its-kind South African platform that aims to draw together different strands of behavioural science, psychology, neuroscience, and leadership theory, translating academic insight into practical tools people can use to navigate change in everyday life. Its purpose is clear: to help individuals become more resilient, self-aware, and change-fit through the usable, credible, and empowering application of change science.

From designing tools to help you understand your change personality and level of change-readiness, to offering expert-led learning opportunities , the Institute’s aim is to bridge the gap between science and people’s lived experience.

BrightRock’s purpose

Speaking at the launch, Suzanne Stevens, CEO of BrightRock, shared the company’s long-term vision for the Change Science Institute and how it connects to BrightRock’s broader mission:

“At BrightRock, we’ve always believed life insurance should evolve with people’s needs, because in life, change is inevitable. Our purpose is to help people navigate change in their lives and the Change Science Institute is a natural extension of that thinking. It’s about giving people agency and confidence as they face life’s transitions, whether personal, professional, or societal. We’re proud to bring together academic excellence, behavioural science, and our deep community insight to help individuals navigate transformation not with fear, but with resilience and optimism.”

Stevens also reflected on BrightRock’s Change Exchange platform, a digital community established over 12 years ago, which has reached over 2 million South Africans annually, shared 2,500 stories of personal change, and cultivated a community of more than 200,000 users.

Henley Business School’s Academic Rigour

Henley Business School plays a critical role as the academic and research partner of the Change Science Institute, bringing international credibility and local insight to the initiative. Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean and Director of Henley Business School Africa, shared the school’s motivation for joining forces with BrightRock:

“Business schools today have a responsibility far beyond skills training. Our role is to promote ethical, evidence-based thinking that can empower individuals and transform societies. Partnering with BrightRock to launch the Change Science Institute enables us to do just that. This initiative brings science into daily life. For Henley, our alumni, and the broader South African context, this is about building a community of capable, conscious changemakers.”

The launch also provided an opportunity to explore some of the themes from Henley’s newly released white paper: “Logos, Pathos, Ethos: Why Science Matters for Business.”

The paper is a timely reflection on the erosion of public trust in science and the growing need to champion evidence-based thinking. The paper reinforces the very ethos of the Change Science Institute, where science, business, and society intersect for the greater good.

The Explorer’s Perspective: Prof Nicola Kleyn

Professor Nicola Kleyn, former Dean of GIBS and the Rotterdam School of Management, has also joined the initiative in her role as the Change Science Explorer at the Change Science Institute, tasked with bridging the academic, human, and cultural layers of change science.

“This new role marks a deeply personal and professional evolution for me,” said Kleyn. “Having spent my career navigating the intersection of academia and practice, joining the Change Science Institute allows me to ask big questions and help translate the answers into something real for people. Change doesn’t have to feel abstract or overwhelming, when understood through science, it becomes something we can engage with and learn from.”

What’s Next

The Change Science Institute aims to develop tools, learning programmes, and resources. Users can already engage with a range of self-directed learning tools on its website. These tools are designed to support individuals at all stages of life to deepen self-knowledge and equip people to tackle change more confidently.

To access the CSI modules and tools visit www.changescienceinstitute.co.za.

Steers Takes to the Skies: Iconic Wings and Chips Meal Delivered by Drone for the First Time

By

LnT Desk

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20 June 2025

Steers Takes to the Skies: Iconic Wings and Chips Meal Delivered by Drone for the First Time — Iconic Wings and Chips Meal

Who said chickens can’t fly? Steers makes sure that theirs do with a drone delivery of their recently launched wings and chips meal. In light of their newly launched, 3 full chicken wings & chips , Steers took the assignment a little too seriously by literally flying their chicken wings & chips to its customers.

Link to video: https://youtu.be/eC4F5BdB308

What started off as a normal day for some Steers’ consumers, quickly turned into a moment of surprise when their meals were delivered to them in the store by a Steers drone. This interactive idea by Steers had customers gushing with excitement and intrigue because many had never had their meals flown out to them before.

Known for their iconic flame-grilled taste, the Steers 3 full wings & chips comes in four sizzling flavours namely BBQ, Lemon & Herb, Mild and Hot – guaranteed to make consumers fly back for more.

Flame-Grilled. It just tastes better .

Why microdosing is the future of injectables

By

LnT Desk

-

20 June 2025

Why microdosing is the future of injectables — microdosing

Move over frozen foreheads and overfilled lips, there’s a new aesthetic philosophy taking centre stage, and it’s all about subtlety. Microdosing, the art of administering botulinum toxin and fillers in ultra-low doses, is rapidly redefining how we think about “tweakments”. Far from the dramatic transformations of years past, today’s patients are seeking small, strategic enhancements that whisper, not shout.

“The biggest trend in aesthetics right now is restraint,” says Dr Alek Nikolic, aesthetic medicine specialist and founder of the Dr Alek Nikolic practice. “People aren’t looking to change their faces. They’re looking to look more rested, more confident, and yes, more natural. That’s where ‘microdosing’ comes in.”

What is microdosing?

Microdosing has been popularised recently as a new trend in wellness and beauty circles, even though the practice has been around for decades.

Microdosing in aesthetics refers to the use of smaller quantities of injectable treatments, often botulinum toxin or dermal fillers, distributed across more injection sites. Rather than freezing a whole area or filling as much as possible, microdosing aims to soften, refresh, and prevent, without erasing expression or overcorrecting volume.

Also known as “baby Botox” this technique is increasingly favoured by younger patients, some men, and those new to injectables. But it’s not just a Gen Z phenomenon; more experienced aesthetic patients are also gravitating toward this nuanced approach.

“It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about preserving what makes you ‘you’ – correcting ratios and enhancing one’s natural features – a more polished version,” says Dr Nikolic.

A shift in beauty culture

The rise of microdosing reflects a broader cultural shift in the aesthetics industry. Thanks to social media transparency and a more educated consumer base, patients are steering away from the overdone, one-size-fits-all look.

Instead, they’re asking smarter questions: How will this age? Will I still look like myself? Is this treatment preventative or corrective?

Microdosing answers these questions with a reassuring yes. It allows for customisation, earlier intervention, and less downtime, all key concerns for today’s busy, image-conscious patients.

Dr Alek Nikolic takes microdosing one step further and places his own spin on it. “Achieving natural results, improving one’s facial ratios, and enhancing natural features, is more than just adding small amounts. Even a small amount in the wrong place can lead to an unnatural appearance. Natural results and microdosing are more about using the correct amount in the correct place when treating the face”.

Botulinum toxin microdosing typically involves reduced doses and treating certain muscles while avoiding others across the forehead, crow’s feet, or neck, which in turn reduces fine lines while maintaining movement. Dermal fillers, meanwhile, can be strategically placed to gently contour cheekbones, refine lips, or restore hydration without bulk. Additionally, one can place small amounts of dermal filler in certain support points of the face to naturally lift the jowls, neck, and recontour the jaw line, without adding huge volumes to the face, explains Dr Nikolic.

Who is it for?

Microdosing is ideal for:

First-time injectable users who want to ease into injectables
Preventative users in their late 20s or early 30s
Men seeking discreet improvements
Anyone who values natural expression and subtle enhancements

What does this mean for the industry?

The popularity of microdosing is already shaping how aesthetic centres and doctors approach patient care. It’s no longer about cookie-cutter packages or “area pricing,” but about creating highly customised treatment plans, often with a lighter touch and more natural enhancements.

“It’s not just about the volume of product, it’s about the precision,” says Dr Nikolic. “Microdosing forces us as practitioners to be more intentional, more artistic.”

The age of subtle “tweakments” has arrived and microdosing is leading the way. In a world that’s slowly letting go of filtered perfection and embracing individuality, precision placement is the new more. It’s smarter, safer, and, perhaps, more beautiful.

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