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In2IT Technologies to Unveil Cutting-Edge Innovations

By
LnT Desk
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Tshepo Mokoena

In2IT Technologies, a leading global technology firm, in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), will be participating in GovTech 2023, taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre from September 12th to 14th. Following a highly successful event last year, In2IT is all set to captivate attendees once again with its latest advancements and solutions, aiming to foster digital transformation and inclusive growth.

 

At the previous edition of GovTech, In2IT Technologies left an indelible mark by unveiling their visionary Metaverse technology. This year, the company is geared up to welcome existing clients and potential new partners to their stand, promising an immersive experience into the realm of their latest innovations and services.

Mr. Tshepo Mokoena, Chairman of In2IT Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to return to GovTech this year and showcase our relentless pursuit of technological excellence. Our commitment to driving digital transformation and youth employment in South Africa has guided us to align our offerings with this year’s theme of ‘Platform economy for digital transformation and inclusive growth’. We believe in the pivotal role that OEMs play in this journey, especially in terms of the certification of their offerings.”

One of the key highlights of In2IT’s presence at GovTech 2023 will be their engaging skills gap dialogue. This session aims to shed light on the crucial role that OEMs play in driving innovation and skills development. By emphasising the importance of certifications in their offerings, In2IT continues its dedication to empowering South African youth and enhancing skill sets across the industry.

In a significant move to underscore their commitment, In2IT Technologies has proudly taken the Terabyte sponsorship at GovTech 2023. Attendees can look forward to exciting prizes and giveaways throughout the event.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the unfolding future of technology and innovation. Visit In2IT Technologies at GovTech 2023, stand #T03, and discover how the platform economy is shaping the digital landscape.

About In2IT Technologies

In2IT is a global technology services firm focused on providing IT Consultancy, Application Development and Maintenance, Technology Infrastructure Services, Programme and Project Management as well as Future Edge Services to its Clientele. We constantly drive towards anticipating the rapidly changing technology landscape and the impact on clients.

We are technology practitioners who work along with our customers to help streamline processes, ensure optimal usage of deployed solutions and deliver a high performance customer-centric service. We are driven by a passion to build innovative businesses for our clients. Our experience shows that if we serve our clients well, our own growth will follow.  With more than 80 global customers, we strive to be the first choice for world’s best talents. Through our Internal In2IT Academy, we are committed to continuous learning and giving our practitioners freedom to innovate.

In2IT is present across 9 cities in South Africa with more than 60% of staff complement as local nationals. We have an Africa Innovation Centre in Sunninghill, South Africa focused on Social Media, Mobility, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) and Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM). In2IT is a CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001:2008, ISO 27000 and ISO 20000-1 certified company

 

Classifying data effectively is the key to leveraging value from it

By
Iniel Dreyer
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Iniel Dreyer, Managing Director of Data Management Professionals South Africa (DMP SA)

As the understanding that data insights can drive leadership and innovation gains traction, businesses have become increasingly data focused. While data collection is nothing new, the reality is that many organisations have no idea what data they have, where it is located and how it can most effectively be leveraged. This scenario has become even more complex as businesses migrate to the cloud, creating more disparate data sources, duplication and data sprawl that can make gaining insights from data impossible. The key to solving this challenge is data classification, as part of an overall data management strategy, in order to gain control over data and enable it to be leveraged to drive business value.

What are we doing with data

Without a data strategy, data is often collected indiscriminately, and with more and more data sources, including a growing number of sensors, connected devices and more, data volumes have increased exponentially. Lack of centralised control also means data is often duplicated multiple times.

This leads to rapidly accelerating data storage costs, which are increasingly problematic, particularly regarding cloud migrations, where costs are directly related to volumes. In addition, data cannot effectively be used for analysis, which means it cannot drive proactive decisions or add value.

Dark data like this is a burden, a cost, and a potential liability, rather than the strategic asset it could turn into. Businesses need to understand what data they have, where, why and what they can get out of it, otherwise they cannot leverage it for insight, and run the risk of falling foul of increasingly stringent laws around data.

Containing the sprawl

To use data as an asset, it is vital to proactively understand what data we need and what data we have, consolidate data sources, ensure that there are no duplicate copies of data, and have a strategy for extracting the data.

Critical to the ability to contain data sprawl and turn data into information, the business can utilisedata classification. Effectively categorising data helps businesses understand not only what they have but also what is important, how to prioritise data, and how to ensure that critical data types and locations are effectively identified and protected so that the risk around them is understood.

When data is classified correctly, data retention strategies are more effective, analytics is more impactful and data storage is less costly, because duplicates can be identified and weeded out and only data that is needed is kept. This also allows for far more effective insight and intelligence. Data classification should go hand in hand with data management and form a key part of the data strategy.

Working together

Data is not an IT problem, it is a business problem, because business needs to drive the decisions around what data must be used for, before IT can act as an enabler in delivering this. Business needs to understand what applications are generating what data and what information they require to drive decision making. Only then can IT and data management come together with business, to deliver the systems that will drive data classification in line with business requirements. Effective data management and classification relies on a central repository for accessing information, a single overview, and a single pane of glass for dealing with data to prevent sprawl.

All of this requires expert skills, which are typically in short supply and difficult to obtain in-house. Having the right data management partner can be invaluable, particularly as businesses migrate further into the cloud. Data costs can quickly spiral with a cloud-first approach, but with a classification strategy up front, these costs can be contained. A data management specialist will help businesses to identify the pitfalls, ensure that a well-designed strategy is in place and that data can be consolidated and managed from a single pane of glass with as few tools as possible. This will help to mitigate risk, minimise cost and ensure data is compliant and available for the essential analytics that drive business insight, innovation and intelligent decision making.

Selecting medical aid and gap cover to suit your needs

By
James White, Director of Sales and Marketing at Turnberry
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Medical aid is a must in South Africa for anyone looking to make use of private healthcare, as the cost for those who are not members of medical schemes is simply out of reach for most people. However, co-payments, sub-limits and medical expense shortfalls have become increasingly common, leaving people out of pocket even when they do have medical aid. As a result, gap cover has become an essential part of a comprehensive healthcare portfolio, but selecting the right product can be daunting. When it comes to choosing medical aid as well as gap cover to suit your needs, your life stage and your budget, the right advice is critical.

Step 1: Choosing a medical aid option

Selecting a medical aid scheme and plan option is a personal exercise, as there are many different offerings available from multiple providers and everyone’s circumstances are unique. The right plan depends on your individual circumstances, such as your age and your life stage, as well as your own health. It also depends on affordability and budget factors, as the cost of medical aid can be a significant expense. It is also important to consider any limitations, additional expenses, exclusions or waiting periods that could apply, which again depends on personal circumstances.

For example, a single, healthy 26-year-old with no children will have very different needs from someone in their mid-fifties with a chronic condition like blood pressure or diabetes, and a basic hospital plan might be sufficient for them, while the person with the chronic condition will need a more comprehensive solution. At the same time, a 26-year-old who is planning to start a family or who has children will also have different requirements from their medical aid. Sifting through the many different options to find the right one for you can be a challenging task, which is why brokers and financial advisors are available to provide advice.

Filling the gap

There are essentially three core components of gap cover, with the most important one typically being hospital expense medical shortfall cover, as this is where most out-of-pocket expenses originate. The other two essential components are co-payments and sub-limits. It is once again important to also look at exclusions, limitations and waiting periods imposed by the gap cover provider.

Once a medical scheme option has been selected, the ‘holes’ in your cover can be plugged with an affordable gap cover policy that will supplement the medical aid option you have chosen in terms of these three areas. If your chosen medical aid option includes large co-payments then it is critical for your chosen gap cover to have substantial co-payment cover, for example. All medical aid schemes and options differ when it comes to these elements, so it is vital to find a gap policy that fits well to supplement your cover.

There are also a range of value-added extras that gap cover providers may offer, including a casualty benefit to cover the expenses of a visit to the emergency room, counselling benefits and premium waivers. Again, the advice of a broker or financial advisor can be invaluable in helping you select the right gap cover policy to suit your needs as well as your chosen medical scheme plan and option.

One size does not fit all

The reality is that there is no single solution that will meet everyone’s circumstances, lifestyle, life stage, age, budget, and other needs. Everyone is different, and to effectively protect your financial future, it is essential to get the right fit. Expert advice can go a long way in making sure you have the best medical aid cover you can afford – and the services of a broker are included as part of medical schemes, so there are no additional fees for making use of this service. Your broker can also help you to find the most appropriate gap cover to fit your unique individual needs.

About Turnberry Management Risk Solutions Founded in 2001, Turnberry is a registered financial services provider (FSP no. 36571) that specialises in Accident and Health Insurance, Travel Insurance, and Funeral Cover. With extensive experience across healthcare and insurance industries in South Africa, Turnberry offers unsurpassed service to Brokers and clients. Turnberry’s gap cover products are available to clients on all medical aid schemes, as they are independently provided and are therefore transferable in the event of a change in the client’s medical aid scheme. Turnberry is well represented nationally, with its Head Office based in Bedfordview, Johannesburg with Business Development Managers in Cape Town and Durban. The Turnberry Team’s focus on outstanding client service comes from having extensive knowledge and experience in the financial services sector and is underwritten by Lombard Insurance Company Limited. Lombard Insurance Company Limited is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 1596) and Insurer conducting non-life insurance business.

Commvault Connections highlights the evolution of data protection and the power of cross-vendor collaboration

By
Commvault
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Commvault, a global leader in enterprise data management and data protection, once again hosts its highly anticipated Connections Live annual event in Johannesburg at the Houghton Hotel on 5 September 2023. The event brings together industry leaders, partners, local and international experts and customer to explore the theme “Data Protection Redefined”, covering the latest advancements in Modern Data Protection and Commvault’s industry-leading “Active Defence” and Cyber Resiliency capabilities.

“This year we are pleased to welcome four of our key alliance partners to share the event with us: Microsoft, Hitachi Vantara, Pure Storage and Exagrid. For customers, this presents a unique opportunity to see Commvault and our partners in action, see the coverage of our combined ecosystem and showcase the power of collaboration in addressing data protection and the evolving threat of cybercrime,” says Kate Mollett, Regional Director of Africa at Commvault and keynote speaker at the Connections Live event.

Each partner will have the opportunity to present at the event to showcase the bi-directional integration between Commvault and leading solutions. A panel will discuss the challenges facing the customer community and how Commvault, together with its partners, can solve for them, with case studies as reference. Commvault Regional Sales Engineering Leader, Nizar Elfarra, will explore the field of “Active Defence” and what it means for businesses, as well as how to secure, defend and recover with Commvault. The event also includes a welcome and keynote address by online content creator and renowned broadcast journalist Aki Anastasiou.

“Connections, as the name suggests, allows us to connect with our customer and partner community and be able to actively demonstrate the new features of our platform, including cyber resiliency solutions like Threatscan and Risk Analysis. We have evolved alongside the threat landscape, and Gartner recently recognised us as a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions for the twelfth year in a row. This event allows us to showcase our success as well as our strategy and roadmap for the coming year,” says Mollett.

Commvault Connections Live 2023 will deliver insight into the future of innovation in the use of data and its role in safe-guarding businesses while advancing their operational success, offering unparalleled learning opportunities and the chance to explore ground-breaking advancements in data protection and security. Register for the event here.

About Commvault

(NASDAQ: CVLT) is a global leader in cloud data protection. Our Intelligent Data Services protect customers’ data in a difficult world. We provide a simple and unified Data Protection Platform that spans all your data – regardless of whether your workloads live on-premises, in the cloud, or spread across a hybrid environment. Commvault solutions are available through any combination of software subscriptions, integrated appliances, partner-managed offerings, or Software as a Service via our Commvault-built Metallic portfolio. In addition, integrations are available for O365, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and other leading business applications. For over 25 years, more than 100,000 organizations have relied on Commvault to keep their data secure and ready to drive business growth. Visit www.Commvault.com or follow us @Commvault.

Hyde Park Corner is filled with breakfast gems

By
LnT Desk
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George's Grill

As the sun rises over the bustling city, you could awaken to the tantalising aromas of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. Amidst the urban frenzy, Hyde Park Corner emerges as a haven for breakfast aficionados, offering an array of delightful options to kickstart the day every day of the week. From the charming ambiance of Olives & Plates to the classic appeal of Woolworths Cafe, the artistic flair of Just Teddy, and the elegant allure of Le Parc by tashas, Hyde Park Corner’s culinary landscape is a paradise for morning enthusiasts. And now, George’s Grill can also be added to its esteemed collection of breakfast and brunch spots further enhancing its reputation as a culinary haven within the city.

With the ever-escalating weekday traffic in mind, Hyde Park Corner has transformed into more than just a shopping destination; it’s a strategic culinary hub that invites you to beat the rush and indulge in a serene and sumptuous breakfast experience. Imagine a productive morning meeting over freshly baked croissants or artisanal avocado toasts, all set against a backdrop of tranquillity and sophistication. Whether you’re gathering with colleagues, catching up with friends, or seeking a serene start to the day, Hyde Park Corner’s breakfast and brunch spots offer the perfect setting to embark on a journey of delectable flavours and meaningful conversations from as early as 7am every morning.

Explore the diverse gastronomic offerings that await at Olives & Plates (from 7am Monday to Saturday and 7.30am on Sundays), where Mediterranean-inspired dishes are elevated to an art form. Woolworths Café, a household name synonymous with quality, brings a touch of nostalgia to the table from 8am daily with its hearty breakfast options. The whimsical and imaginative creations at Just Teddy add a touch of playfulness to your morning (from 7.30am Monday to Saturday and 8am on Sundays), while the refined elegance of Le Parc by tashas transforms breakfast from 8am daily into a truly opulent experience.

And now, Hyde Park Corner proudly introduces George’s Grill to its esteemed breakfast lineup from 8am from Friday to Sunday, from 8.30am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 9.30am on Wednesdays, extending a warm invitation to early birds seeking a hearty breakfast that fuels the day ahead. With its reputation for culinary excellence, George’s Grill promises a symphony of flavours that caters to diverse palates.

So why confine breakfast meetings to the boardroom when you can gather at Hyde Park Corner’s early morning culinary gems? With an enticing variety of breakfast and brunch venues, Hyde Park Corner promises an enchanting start to the day, free from the constraints of traffic and congestion. Discover the essence of morning indulgence in a serene and sophisticated setting, where every dish is a celebration of taste and togetherness.

Telkom shines a spotlight on Phenomenal Women in Tech

By
LnT Desk
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7. Mathebe Molise – Founder of Beauty on TApp

Telkom Introduces the “Phenomenal 11,” a distinguished selection of women from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector who embody the epitome of women’s potential, transcending adversity to achieve greatness. These women were carefully chosen and recognized as exceptional women who have demonstrated remarkable prowess.

As Women’s Month draws to an end,  Telkom has taken a stance on showing its unwavering dedication to women, through a unique opportunity to spotlight this initiative as one that will not only foster a stronger bond with our brand but also underscore Telkom’s resolute commitment and deep respect for women.

In today’s world, there are an array of challenges that our society, both locally and globally, grapples with – many of which disproportionately impact women. Take, for instance, the pervasive income disparities, the alarming unemployment rates, and the dearth of business funding opportunities. These obstacles weigh heavily on women, perpetuating a cycle of disempowerment when left unaddressed.

“Guided by our brand’s ethos of “Leaving no one behind” in a digitally connected world, it’s essential that we take proactive steps to showcase our profound acknowledgment of the struggles and successes of these remarkable women.  It is also important for us to call on South African women to forge their path in key economic domains, leveraging technology to emerge as entrepreneurs and leaders in their own right” stated Chief Marketing Officer at Telkom, Gugu Mthembu.

“Our commitment to championing the growth and empowerment of women in South Africa has remained steadfast. True to our brand’s philosophy, we’re dedicated to illustrating the tangible outcomes of our devotion by celebrating women who are achieving incredible feats through Telkom Future Makers, Telkom Foundation, and within our very own company, as well as among our customer base. This celebration will embrace women from all walks of life,  through a Phenomenal 10 High-Tea, a momentous event to honour these women as the inaugural members of the Phenomenal 11 cohort” Mthembu continued.

This event will not only be a remarkable milestone but also the birth of a lasting initiative that Telkom aims to carry forward in the coming years.

The stringent criteria for the Phenomenal 11 selection was:

  • Exemplify innovation in digitally enabled industries
  • Exhibit a pioneering or substantial impact in their respective sectors
  • Resonate with diverse consumer interests

Honourees this year include:

  1. Mamello Mofokeng (28) – Chief Executive Officer at Saturated

An entrepreneur, data scientist and philanthropist who in 2019, was accepted into AlphaCode Explore, a data science focused financial technology entrepreneurship programme, where her business was selected as a top 4 business to be incubated by Rand Merchant Investment backed incubation programme — AlphaCode Incubate.

2.Queen Ndlovu  (54) – CEO and Founder QP Drone Tech

As the CEO and founder of QP Drone Tech, Queen Ndlovu has revolutionized the drone industry in South Africa and beyond. The company has made a difference in the country already, despite the sluggish uptake of drone technology. In March 2022, QP Drone Tech launched a project in Alexandra that saw its drones fly over the suburb and assess its vulnerability to disaster.

3.Baratang Miya (50) – CEO of GirlHype

Baratang is the CEO of GirlHYPE, an NPO that empowers women and youth from underrepresented groups in the ICT sector in South Africa. She has partnered with organisations like UN Women, Mozilla, TechWomen, SiliconCape and Technovation to develop women’s digital literacy.

4.Emma Sadlier (38) – Founder and CEO at The Digital Law Company

South Africa’s leading expert on social media law. Her company, the Digital Law Company, specialises in education and advising corporates, employees, schools, parents, teachers and universities on the legal, disciplinary and reputational risks of social media.

5.Thembiso Magajana (28) – Founder of Social Coding

Thembiso is a self-described Inclusion Activist and Technophile who partners with corporates, government, and family foundations to help bring digital inclusion to Rural Communities.

6.Zandile Mkhwanazi  (29) – CEO of GirlCode

Zandile is the Founder and CEO of GirlCode, a social enterprise aimed at empowering young girls and women through technology. Over the past 8 years, GirlCode has grown to be the largest women in tech led educational organisation in South Africa impacting over 60 000 girls and women.

7.Mathebe Molise (38)  – Founder of Beauty on TApp

Mathebe is the dynamic South African entrepreneur behind Beauty on Tapp, a ground-breaking digital platform that is revolutionising the beauty industry in South Africa. She was an Investment Banker before she founded the business. ​

8.Lindiwe Matlali (43) – CEO of Africa Teen Geeks

Lindiwe is the Founder and CEO of Africa Teen Geeks; Africa’s largest nonprofit computer science education latform and Apodytes an award-winning technology company.

9.Emma Dicks (27)  – Director at Code Space

Emma is a director at CodeSpace, an education institution that specialises in teaching coding & software development. CodeSpace has received global acclaim for its highly effective initiatives that foster diversity in the tech world.

10.Tao Boyle (24)  – Co-Founder at Foondamate

Tao is the co-founder of FoondaMate, which is built as a chat-based AI-Powered learning bot that helps students get fast, easy and safe access to study materials and help via open chat platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

11.Michaela de Bruyn – Tech Savvy Business Analyst

Is a dedicated Tech professional who has evolved from being a Data Analyst and BI Analyst into a seasoned Business Analyst. With a rich background in various aspects of the tech field, she’s embarked on an exciting journey of innovation and growth.

“This year, we take pride in celebrating women who have excelled in the following categories; Telkom Futuremakers, ICT, Content Hubs, E-Commerce, EduTech and Social Enterprises.  As we end this Women’s Month, let us stand together in saluting the extraordinary women who have shattered ceilings, defied norms, and illuminated the path for a future where women’s achievements know no bounds” concluded Gugu.

Tags:Mamello Mofokeng : Telkom :Mathebe Molise:Emma Sadlier :Lindiwe Matlali:Thembiso Magajana

Donovan Goliath To Host The 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards

By
Platinum-club
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Donovan Goliath

Anticipation is in the air with just a few more sleeps until the “Purple Carpet” is rolled out to welcome the who’s who of content creation to the second DStv Content Creator Awards, in association with Samsung Galaxy on Saturday 9 September in Sandton.

The night promises to be electric; not only will all the winners be announced, applauded and celebrated, but the awards itself is going to be an energetic and extraordinary two-hour show packed with live dance performances, music from South African legends Black Motion, laughter, poetry and the awarding of the first content creator OG.

Award-winning comedian and content creator, Donovan Goliath, has been confirmed as the host for the night. Donovan made it onto stage last year to receive his DStv Content Creator Award trophy; this year he will own the stage as the host and is again a nominee in two categories, namely the Sol Content Creator and Thumb-Stopping Awards.

The awards will welcome back Bontle Modiselle Dance Studio, who will be joined by the nominees in the first-ever Dance Award category: 250Machine, Adriaan Hughes, Justin De Nobrega, Kelly KiKx and Mr NT.

Just some of the presenters who have been confirmed include Kim Jayde (last year’s winner of the Fashion & Style Award); one of South Africa’s hottest emerging young artists and illustrators, Seth Pimentel aka African Ginger, rapper and TV presenter, Moozlie and talented actress, VJ and production manager, Farieda Metsileng (or you may know her as content creator Pharoahfi).But there are plenty of surprise appearances and performances planned, so you don’t want to miss a minute.

If you can’t make it to The Galleria in Sandton on 9 September, be sure to watch the glitz and glam of the Purple Carpet live on the awards’ TikTok from 18:00-19:00.

How temporary employment services support the Renewable Energy Supply chain

By
Donné Nieman
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Donné Nieman, Sales Director: Western Cape at Workforce Staffing

The move toward renewable energy solutions in South Africa is gaining significant traction as more and more businesses and homes look to move away from the grid in the wake of intensified load shedding. This is spurring the growth of a whole new industry – the supply and manufacture of components for renewable energy solutions, which is also taking off locally. However, the renewables supply chain is complex and many-faceted, and to support this growth, the right labour is essential. A specialised and experienced Temporary Employment Services (TES) partner is an invaluable asset.

More than just solar panels

While solar is one of the most popular solutions currently in South Africa, the renewable energy supply chain is made up of many more elements. This includes an entire value chain of components from manufacture to transport and the logistics of getting them where they need to be. As South Africa (and the world) gear more toward sustainable energy practices, this industry is booming, and we are starting to see more and more components manufactured and assembled locally.

We also have a burgeoning independent power sector that needs support, from the construction of plants to deployment and ongoing maintenance. Labour, as always, is an integral component of any industry, but the renewables sector is fraught with challenges. This includes a lack of skilled resources, challenges with sourcing labour in more remote areas and the massive administrative effort required to find, hire, onboard and manage a large labour force. A TES provider makes the ideal partner to support the growth and development of alternative and renewable energy solutions.

The people component is essential

When it comes to providing labour to support the energy industry, there are certain specialist requirements. A provider with experience in manufacturing is invaluable, but the manufacturing of energy components can be a challenge all on its own. A TES partner with experience in both manufacturing and green energy solutions, with an understanding of the urgency and pressures of the sector, is essential.

With the right TES partner, enterprises across the value chain, from manufacturing to transport, construction to transmission, and supply to maintenance, will be supported with effective labour to help them meet South Africa’s energy demand. A reputable and experienced TES partner will have the ability to recruit effectively and in line with compliance requirements, removing the administrative burden of this hiring process.

A TES provider will also take on the human resources component of the labour they supply, including payroll, disciplinary procedures and more, leaving enterprises free to focus on managing and growing their business. In addition, the right TES partner will be in a position to identify talent and upskill them to enable them to grow within the value chain, adding to the further sustainability of South Africa’s energy industry.

 

Capture the colours of the season

By
LnT Desk
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Sony announces the launch of the wide-angle zoom lens G Master™ FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) as a 35mm full-frame α™ (Alpha™) E-mount lens that covers focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range.

With spring around the corner, the cream of South Africa’s content creating crop will be itching to upgrade their equipment and capture the colours of the season. Fortunately, the launch of the new Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is exactly what photographers and videographers who are interested in elite lenses with descriptive power and high-speed AF (autofocus) have been looking for.

The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II makes it possible to get the most out of Sony’s advanced camera bodies, allowing users to shoot everything from sweeping panoramic shots of the Drakensburg, to high intensity action shots at Konka. 

With the expansion of the range with this wide-angle zoom lens, a maximum aperture of F2.8 second-generation[ii] zoom lens will be available, along with standard (24-70mm) and telephoto (70-200mm). These lenses, which are each the world’s lightest,[iii] have excellent resolution performance, further strengthening the Alpha system, creating rich and varied shooting environments.

World’s smallest and lightest1 high-resolution F2.8 wide-angle zoom lens

Thanks to a new optical design that effectively arranges the extremely high surface precision XA (extreme aspherical) lens, the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II achieves high resolution with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range. This is made possible by creating an aspherical shape with a higher degree of freedom than before. In addition to the stunning G Master bokeh expression with a wide angle, it offers an outstanding close-up performance throughout the zoom range, that minimum shooting distance of 0.22m and a maximum shooting magnification of 0.32x. Furthermore, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II suppresses ghosting and flares to capture clear images even when a strong light source comes into the frame. This is the world’s smallest and lightest1 wide-angle zoom lens with a total length of 111.5mm and a weight of approximately 547g, which is about 20% lighter[iv] than the previous model.

Extraordinarily fast and precise AF that brings out the best in advanced bodies

The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II includes the latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that effectively works on high-speed drive. It achieves quiet AF that is suitable for both still images and movies, and is up to twice as fast as conventional models4. Even with high frame rate videos where focus shifts are noticeable, the subject is tracked with high precision. When combined with the α1 camera body, high-speed continuous shooting[v] at up to 30 fps is possible with high-speed, high-precision, and quiet focusing.

Operability and reliability for comfortable shooting of both still images and movies

Sony’s FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II offers comfortable operability and excellent still image and movie shooting performance that meets the needs of professional and advanced amateur users. By reducing focus breathing during video recording compared to previous models, it is possible to achieve high-quality image expression without fluctuations in the angle of view. In addition, it suppresses the movement of the centre of gravity during zooming and enables stable shooting, so you can shoot comfortably with a gimbal. Operability has also been improved with features such as an aperture ring that can be clicked on/off with a switch, and two focus hold buttons that can be assigned a desired function from the camera body.

Fluorine coating is applied to the front lens, so dirt adhering to the lens surface can be easily removed. The dustproof and splashproof design allows you to use the camera safely even outdoors[vi], giving you greater freedom in shooting.

Availability

The new FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) will be available in South Africa from September 2023.

Certification of Female Artisans as Qualified Technicians

By
LnT Desk
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This Women’s Month, Samsung is shining the spotlight on and celebrating female artisans that participated and recently graduated from the 24-month SETA-accredited Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Apprenticeship programme.

This apprenticeship has since its inception been driven through a successful public, private partnership (PPP) – under Samsung’s multi-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (“EEIP”) working in close collaboration with the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre (EASTC), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).

The main objective of this Apprenticeship programme is to increase the prospects of the country’s youth, more importantly young, female artisans for employability or entrepreneurship. It was started and sponsored by Samsung when the company became aware of the country’s critical shortage of technicians to service consumer electronics and hand-held devices in the market.

The thriving collaboration between private sector and government is helping to achieve the common objective of empowering young female artisans through innovation and is providing them with the necessary training in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills to enhance their chances to do better for themselves.

These incredible, female artisans who participated and graduated from this programme, which started in June 2020, have managed to complete all the apprenticeship requirements, including trade-testing, to be certified by EWSETA as qualified technicians. When asked about their experience during and after the programme, this is what two recent, female graduates had to say:

Mmakena Mavis Molele, who currently stays in Tembisa but is originally from Limpopo said: “When I finished matric, I didn’t have money to study further. I was lucky enough to find an advert on social media on the Samsung EEIP EASTC Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Apprenticeship programme. I applied and was accepted. I learnt a lot from this programme. My skills now include; how to install an aircon; I can also do fault-finding on freezer and cold rooms; and I also learnt soft skills such as how to be a team player.”

Mmakwena believes that her life is much better now that she is a qualified artisan. The skills and qualifications she received have improved her level of awareness. “I’m grateful to Samsung and EASTC, because I was able to open my own business as a result of of this opportunity. Becoming a successful entrepreneur has been a life-long dream of mine”, she said.

“I would like to encourage other young women to also pursue their dreams. My belief is that if you do what you love, then success will follow. Also, if you go into a field similar to mine, then you need to use your hands to market yourself because your skill and how good you are will become your tools for success,” Mmakwena emphasised.

Innocentia Nkopane, a 37-year old mother of three – originally from Lesotho but was raised in Diepkloof, Soweto said: “In 2019, I saw an advert on the Technician Apprenticeship programme. I applied and was accepted. Before participating in this programme, I didn’t have any skills and could not do anything worthwhile with my hands.”

Innocentia is currently unemployed, however with the expertise that she acquired from the programme, she can now fix and service fridges as well as install and service aircons. Even though she does not have her own tools as yet and has to borrow some from neighbours – she is now able to do some work within her community and get paid for it. The skills that she has obtained from the programme have had some positive ripple effects. “I am now able to support my family with the money that I make using my hands. I am also busy saving some of this money so that I can buy my own work tools in the near future,” she adds.

“The future is very bright for women who want to become artisans because these days, there are organisations that are willing to assist women to open their own businesses. With a bit of dedication, passion and determination,you will find that there’s endless opportunities out there. Young women just need to stand up and empower themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to survive,” said Innocentia.

Samsung has a 10-year plan that is driven under its EEIP programme, which aims to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan (NDP) and overall transformation of the country’s economy. This also includes the need to empower women as well as increase female influence and participation by changing the male-dominated landscape of the electronics industry, ensuring that women contribute greatly to the country’s 4IR objectives.

Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Operations, Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “We are very proud of the incredible results that have been achieved from this programme so far. This Apprenticeship is helping to push our agenda of women empowerment, inclusivity and equality. As a company, we firmly believe that the future is female and that all businesses, and our industry as a whole, will benefit greatly from placing women in positions of influence and at the forefront of the 4IR agenda.”

 

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