Frontline Edition #1 Dec 2020

PUBLISHER OF FRONTLINE

Frontline Message from the Publisher Dear readers, The lockdown in 2020 has seen the end of many businesses and the birth of others. Frontline, a magazine on the economy of the South Coast, was born in these difficult times. With an eye for the time when the pandemic will be pretty much over, I set out to do something which I long felt was needed on the South Coast – a magazine about our local economy. There is much to talk about, ideas to explore, perspectives to share and people to get to know. In the process of setting out on this perilous journey, I got the chance to meet and talk with many different people; and I discovered that we are all much the same. We love the South Coast for everything that it offers! Sure, the region has its challenges; and this magazine was not intended to gloss over any of the issues at hand. But opportunities abound and we need to talk about that and hope that the optimism will be infectious. Then there are the people! I am convinced that the people of the South Coast can hold their own with people in any other part of the world. We have different cultures, different histories and experiences. There are those who are enigmatic, mysterious and eccentric. We have them all. And we love them all. This is what makes us who we are. I have also come across people, like me, who love information. Whether it is about people, their idea or just plain old statistics. So I’ve allowed my ideas to be played out in this magazine as well. Being primarily digital, this magazine will reach across boundaries and inform people in the ‘outside’ that we are a vibrant region with a natural beauty that can’t be matched anywhere else. I can say that – I’m a South Coast patriot! But it is true nevertheless; and we want people from across the country and across the world to come and visit us. I am also grateful for the support team that worked with me to make it all happen. A project of this nature needs a team! There is my wife, my daughter and my sons – all who were involved. Then there was Minnie, Gabriel and Roland. I am also grateful for the many who supported this vision through your contributions, your advertising and your time. Thank you! But most of all, I give glory to God for His grace that gave us the strength to see this project through. If you are one of the few to have a hardcopy edition, then hang on to it. These are memories in the making. Ivan Naidoo Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Publisher Editorial Team Design Concept & Layout Kingdom Business Solutions Ivan Naidoo Liam Naidoo Office 6, Staffordshire Place Rona Naidoo Sian Naidoo Coniston Road, Shelly Beach, 4265 Sian Naidoo Ivan Naidoo Cell: 081 722 8954 Email: [email protected] Marketing Photography Ivan Naidoo Credit to Justin Klusener of Justin Research & Statistics Minnie van der Merwe Klusener Photography for the cover Ryan Naidoo Gabriel Nzimakwe photograph and selected photography in EDTEA Roland Lemmer the magazine. Disclaimer: Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press; and while this publication is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. This publication is meant as a source of valuable information for the reader. 3

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Join the community that is entrenching our glorious Coast as a global holiday destination! TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE The South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a powerful geographical position as tourists are in search of wide open spaces that are clean, green and ecotourism-friendly environments. Led by the private sector this initiative not only focuses on our tourism products but also on our destinations’ unique selling points! Shining a light that has never been shone before on our perfect paradise! CATCH US ON To be part of this exciting initiative, contact Vicky Wentzel on +27 82 812 7944 or email Vicky on [email protected]. www.thesouthernexplorer.com

A conversation with Howard Kelly on tourism, crocodiles, Talking wine, art and other cool stuff.... Crocodiles and stuff with Ivan Naidoo of Frontline interviews Howard Howard Kelly Kelly, owner of Riverbend Crocodile Farm in Southbroom and a champion of tourism on The Southern Explorer has gone on to be one of the South Coast the most successful tourism route map initiatives in the country and as a result of Getting to know Howard Kelly assistance from Provincial Roads has become a well-known brand for the South Coast with Howard, you have been part of the local tourism signage on all the major roads in the region. economy for a long time! Riverbend Crocodile Farm has established quite a name for itself. However, The formalisation and the creation or Ugu many of our people do not know too much about South Coast Tourism (USCT) which is both you or your history. For the record, can you tell me a financially supported and indorsed by the little bit about yourself, your background and your district municipalities and predominantly involvement in the tourism sector? funded by Ugu Regional municipality has had a positive impact on tourism in the region. Both After finishing school, I qualified as a pharmacist and with a marketing and tourism development then pretty much by chance as a result of my father’s agenda USCT has administered tourism in the unexpected death my brother and I were brought region and is the envy of many similar regions in into the family business which was predominantly South Africa. agricultural. My late dad had started Riverbend Crocodile Farm in 1981 and together my brother and Since 1981, more than two and a I have over the last 40 years built the business half million people have visited initially as a tourist attraction but now as a feeder for Riverbend Crocodile Farm a more extensive commercial venture which my brother operates in the Midlands. Riverbend will be Let me then ask about your crocodile business. 40 years old next year! It is an iconic establishment on the South Coast. When did you get into the crocodile I now own and run the tourism and breeding side of business and why? the business while my brother owns and runs the commercial side – the two main export commodities My late dad went on holiday to Oudtshoorn – being the crocodile skins and meat. I have enjoyed that’s where the first crocodile farm in South the tourism side of the business and since our Africa is situated. When he came back from that opening in 1981 more than two and a half million holiday, he came up with this crazy notion that people have visited Riverbend. As pioneers in the we're going to start a crocodile farm. And as I industry my brother and I have been involved in a mentioned, it was just really going to be a number of crocodile projects worldwide and I have tourist attraction. been commissioned as a consultant in Spain, France, Cypress, China, the Czech Republic, the UAE, At that time, the CSIR did a feasibility for him Namibia, Tanzania and various products in South and they actually advised him that he was Africa. Some of this work has entailed consulting in wasting his money. the field of tourism. But he was quite a strong headed man. He was It went without saying that as an owner of a an entrepreneur so he was always trying and significant tourism attraction in the region that I risking things. It did become a great success - would get involved in local tourism. Initially, in the pretty well known. 1990’s as Chairman of Hibiscus Tourism and Margate Tourism then as one of the co-founders of the Southern Explorer Association (A route based regional tourism association) in 2003, later with the regional structure UTMA – Ugu Tourism Marketing Association and now finally serving on the board of Ugu South Coast Tourism as the Vice Chair. 13

Rev. Lulamile Bodla Talking Crocodiles and stuff “We are now the single oldest commercial crocodile farm in South Africa” NHBRC & MBA Registered We are now the single oldest commercial crocodile farm in South Africa out of the eighty-seven registered crocodile farms. There are two elements to crocodile farming, tourism and the commercial aspect which involves the export of the two commodities namely the skins and meat. Geographically, Riverbend is situated in one of the best crocodile breeding regions in South Africa and our mild winters and subtropical climate allows our breeder crocodiles at Riverbend to produce approximately eight and a half thousand crocodiles each year. These adult breeder crocodiles double up as a tourist attraction. The commercial operation, which is where those crocodiles are reared, is up in the Midlands. My brother and my nephew run that operation near Wartburg in the KZN Midlands. Crocodiles will be reared until they get to slaughter size, which is a metre and a half after 28 months. European buyers purchase these skins which are tanned in Italy. While crocodile meat used to be exported, a dramatic increase in local demand has seen the total South African Crocodile meat production now being consumed locally. In 1993, I was nominated to serve on the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group and now currently serve as the Vice Chair for East and Southern Africa. My responsibilities are closely related to the Crocodile conservation and crocodile trade in these regions and lends itself to interesting field work with wild crocodile populations. Would I be right in saying that you're more than just a crocodile farm and a tourist attraction even with your export business? There are the agricultural enterprises you're involved in? On a small scale I am involved in banana farming but besides crocodiles and bananas I have involved myself in other business entities closely related to my personal interests. In 1995 I went to Cape Town to study for an MBA full time – the most incredible year of my life. I got to meet some incredible people and made some really good friends. At that point I considered possibly going into the corporate world, but I am passionate about certain things and I'm passionate about the South Coast. I am also a firm believer in “being happy in what you do”. The MBA equipped me well to offer my services as a crocodile industry specialist and consultant and I have had great fulfilment in completing projects all over the world. Many of my new business interests are related to my personal interests. I'm a great lover of music and art. I have an art gallery and I buy and sell art. I also appraise art for insurance or estate purposes and have been fortunate over the years to have worked with some leaders in this field namely Stephn Weltz. 14

Talking crocodiles and stuff, Rev. Lulamile Bodla and wine and art with Howard Kelly NHBRC & MBA Registered Wine Cellar at Riverbend Crocodile Farm I do understand that there is a definite plan to get the tourism sector going again after the lockdown. And can you Howard on the Ugu Tourism Sector tell us a bit more about that plan? Now, the tourism sector, as with all of the other economic We've been pretty proactive in trying to stay ahead of the sectors, have been through turbulent times before and during curve and, with the greatest respect, staying ahead of other Covid-19. Can I ask what defines the local tourism industry in regions in adopting a post-Covid strategy. terms of factors that affect it? And do we have control over these factors? The first thing that we realized and what Covid has brought to the fore is the fact that social media and the way we I don't think we are unique in any way and the market that this advertise and promote has changed dramatically. The days of tourism sector supported was predominantly the domestic tourist offices are pretty much over and so we've adopted a market. The one failing of this region is, we do not have access strategy where we're going to become more reliant on a tech to any significant safari parks, we are not a big five area. environment, a call-centre approach. Having said that, we have excellent facilities down here which compensate for that – like Lake Eland in the Oribi Gorge area. A lot of people get the information from their tablets or their The real attraction however for foreigners, as we all know, is cell phones these days and so social media has become huge the big five. as opposed to the traditional way of marketing. However, we make up for it tenfold by having, without a As an area we are very well placed with our early research. shadow of a doubt one of the best tourism climates in the Information coming out of all countries suggests that the way world (mild winters and beautifully warm summers) and best people travel and visit is going to be completely different. beaches in South Africa. The concentration of Blue Flag Health safety has become a priority, and so people are beaches in this region is unsurpassed and warm bathing wanting to look for places where they have that assurance waters and pristine beaches are a recipe for the “best beach that if they visit that region, they're going to be safe in terms experience” in South Africa. of their health. The South Coast is an area which is rich in its diversity and, as And obviously the open spaces and the outdoor activities in a prominent golf destination and, of late, the addition of some this region lend themselves to that. exciting new tourist attractions in the hinterland, we have all the ingredients for a hugely prosperous tourism industry. The effects of Covid have been significant and we will have to fight to remain a leading domestic tourist destination with tourism service excellence being the single most important differentiating factor in thriving in this sector. The real trick is to get everything to work properly. That's the real challenge. You know, you can have the best facilities and the best attractions in the world. But, at the end of the day, service is what's really important. It’s the key ingredient. I think that is where we have a lot of work to do. It's not just about the people involved in tourism. There has to be a culture that has to be created over time for the whole community, the whole region where they understand the value of tourism. Because, with the greatest respect, the two economic drivers in this region are agriculture and tourism and together with the ideal climate we have got it all right here. 15

Talking crocodiles, and wine and Rev. Lulamile Bodla art, and survival with Howard Kelly The hospitality industry has to be very creative in NHBRC & MBA Registered coming up with a whole lot of protocols that will ensure that those people feel safe when they get Spring Wine Festival at the Riverbend Crocodile Farm here. And I have no doubt that we'll be able to achieve that. The approach that I have had from my I am however a little bit concerned about the period own business perspective can be summed up in one from Easter to next December season, next year, word - survive. because I do think that the real effects of job losses, retrenchments, salary cuts, bonuses that have now been We just had to survive this period. And then after consumed, UIF payments that have dried up will be felt that, we had to basically revive. We had to look at during this period. Unless we see significant growth in ways of changing the way we did business by reviving the economy, there will be a tough period ahead of us procedures, looking at things in a completely different until we can come out of it towards the end of next year. light. And it will never be business as usual. Howard’s Advice to the Embattled Tourism Then the third phase, which we will go into now, will Sector be to thrive. Now, in the tourism sector locally, I'm aware of many In your best estimation, how long do you think it businesses that have closed shop. Many people are would take for the tourism industry to get back on its selling up and they can't simply sustain the businesses feet to pre-Covid levels and probably then gain anymore. If I had to ask you to impart some words of momentum from there? wisdom to those who are discouraged or who are contemplating closing, what would you say to them? This is obviously something that I think about quite a lot, not just from a broader perspective, but from a It's a difficult one because it really depends on your own personal business perspective, in terms of my personal circumstance. What I do know is that if you capacity getting myself into the future. have a little debt and you're able to ride out the storm, then you need to ride out the storm, you need to survive. Where are we going to go and what are we going to The last thing you want to be doing is making a rash sale. do? So I honestly believe that there'll be a depression in the industry that will last for a minimum of 18 It's probably the worst time to be selling because of months. I don't think we're going to achieve the levels prices. It's a buyer's market at the moment. Having said that we had previously discovered overnight. that, I don't particularly think what's happened is a bad story. I think for the next 18 months, we'll have a market that is still going to be under a little bit of pressure, I think that there were businesses who were marginal and then I really think the success and the turnaround and the Covid effectively was the straw that broke the will depend very, very largely on our government's camel’s back. I haven't heard of any successful big tourist economic turnaround. operations that have closed. I know a lot of them are going through a tough patch, but the consensus is that You know, at the end of the day, whether we like or we need to ride out the storm. not, tourism and travel are not essential activities, nice to have, but it's not a must have. So if there's a The big emphasis and the immediate thing that you have shortage of money, it will ultimately affect tourism. to attend to, is you have to look at the cost side of your There's no question about that, because it's business. You've got to slash your expenses. And something that people can do without. tragically, that may mean that you have to look at certain divisions of your business that are not profitable and you I haven't seen the details of the recovery plan, but our have to basically mothball those sections of your key focus must be to create jobs. It must be one that business. is able to grow the economy. I am projecting for the period December 2020 to the end Easter 2021 a drop of 15% - 25% of our normal trade. 16

Rev. Lulamile Bodla Crocodiles and stuff.. Howard on the Reasons for Holidaymakers to come to the South Coast Snake demonstration We have, without a shadow of a doubt, the best beaches in South Africa. And so if you It would entail possibly some retrenchments in certain NHBReCn&joMy tBhAeRoecgeisatneraendd you enjoy the beaches, instances, but you can't afford in a time like this to carry there can be no better place to live than down loss-making divisions. You really have to stop the here. bleeding, so to speak, with a view of being able to open them up when things improve again. We have lots of open spaces. There's a wonderful lot of golf courses done here. If But the last thing I would do or suggest that you should you're a golfer, or if you are into bowls or do is, unless it's essential to your financial survival, to tennis, if you’re sporty, mountain biking, trail throw in the towel and sell up. At this time, you need to running .... every manner of sport is well pay special attention to your key assets whether it is catered for in this region. So if you're an staff, services or infrastructure. outdoor person, this is a place that you love. Ivan: There were many financial relief packages out We don't have congestion. And all of these there, which may have seemed like a blessing. But people from Johannesburg, that's one of the they've often come in the form of loans, which at some big boxes that they're ticking. You don't have to stage or the other will need to be repaid. The concern wait in the queue to get into a restaurant. You there is that while it may be a short term blessing, the don't wait in traffic jams. You don't feel that ultimate thing is that you're going to need to pay back. you are being crowded and, post-Covid, it's How do you see that aspect in the tourism sector? going to become an absolutely important issue. Howard: I'm of the same opinion as you are. I've avoided The fact that we have lots of open spaces, we applying for any of the financial relief which would entail are a place that lends itself to automatic social a repayment later. I've been blessed in that I could afford distancing. And it would be a place that would to do that. I understand that there are some people, and I be easy to go on holiday because you know feel bitterly sorry for them, that have had no other that you're going to be safe. option but to take the opportunity and get some financial relief and will, as you say, have to look at repaying those And then the final one is affordability. We are loans at some stage. still an incredibly well priced region. And I don't mean cheap when I say that. I mean that, value My closing question. You’ve mentioned some already, for money, what you get down here is but can you tell what the holiday-makers can expect incredibly good value. I'm talking about from the sector? property. I'm talking about your living expenses and I certainly think you're going to see a lot I’ve met some incredible people who have moved to the more people are attracted to our area in the region since lockdown and in discussion with them they future. have reminded me of some of the salient unique features of our area. Firstly, we have an incredible environment Crocodile hatching that's from a weather perspective. You can't find a better place to live. We have very, very mild winters with a period during February and March that can be a little hot and sticky but generally speaking, we have a very mild climate down here, which is fantastic. It lends itself to all the outdoor activities that we have here. 17

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The Lament of aRev. Lulamile Bodla Growing Business A Talk with Mosinki Sereeco, Director of Kabash (Pty) Ltd, on the Challenges facing Small Rural Businesses Kabash (Pty) Ltd has been around for a few years but has recently come into the spotlight as a provider of essential services. Tell us how you were able to use the covid-19 pandemic to refocus your company. The company has been around for almost six years. Although Covid-19 was a disaster in many ways, we had a great opportunity as a company to focus on cleaning and hygiene which was needed at this time. With my background, having come from the Department of Health, it was my opportunity to contribute my efforts in the fight against Covid-19. Kabash was offered a job by the Department of Education to fumigate and disinfect a number of schools so that the schools will be ready to resume for classes. Every time a school would discover a case of Covid-19, they would close the school and we would come in and give direction in terms of cleanliness. So we were doing three things - deep cleaning, after that we would disinfect and then we issued a certificate. We also issued a certificate of compliance. So the Covid-19 pandemic helped shape the company but it also gave the company some challenges. It required that we revisit our vision, mission and our purposes a company. So we did very well in terms of helping the schools to comply with Covid-19 pandemic hygiene protocols. As business operating from a rural area, you're obviously faced some challenges. Can you share some of these with us until you tell us how you overcame these challenges. One of the challenges is that the information about business is not available to everyone. So when you're doing business in a rural area, people immediately perceive you as a rich person and not as a person who’s starting up something from within the community. We also don't have resources easily available. One may have to go to town because there's limited internet connectivity. Some of those services are not available in the rural areas. Also, if you run your business from a rural area, you are subject to the culture of the place where you stay. There's a chief who implements his own tradition in terms of business. So in order for you to do your business, you have to comply with the rules that the chief would make in his area. There is no freedom for small business to grow in rural areas because there is no support. 34

Mosinki Sereeco on the challenges facing small rural businesses Rev. Lulamile Bodla You do work with several government departments. The government continues to emphasize that the Do you feel that securing these contracts is a tedious informal and small business are key providers of affair? After all it includes doing proposals, employment as they keep the economy running. But quotations and tenders - all of which require a large somehow it seems that some of the government laws amount of resources. Is this side going well with are not necessarily working in favour of small you? bNuHsBinReCs&seMs.BIfAyRoeugicsoteurledd, what would you do to change that situation? I would say it's not. We don't have a choice for now. If The community is growing and some of the existing it is on the table, we have to use it and try to live with laws do not cater for these changing circumstances. it. It's very challenging to work with different One of the things that the government can do is departments within the government because there rotation. They must have a register of all small are laws that are preventing small business from companies and rotate the work among them. growing. If a company gets a 3-year tender, they should not automatically get an extension for another six years. For example, you do a quotation or a tender and you’d This opportunity must go to another company. And be told to bring a bank statement so that they can see they must do this rotation geographically so that it will how much you got. This is one of the things the cover all areas. government needs to attend to. As a small business Government must also assess the performance of a there is a possibility that you don't have money in the company. If a small business is performing well, this bank. So if you get a quotation of, say, R150 000 and business needs to be supported because it's creating you go to the supplier, they want 50% payment up more jobs. front. That is R75000 – and you don't have it. So you lose the job because you don't have anything. Magnificent views at Oribi Gorge What would you change with regard to the way government works with service providers? The government must make a distinction between small business and big business. If a government department says it needs to see a bank statement, that means the job is reserved for big business. What does that mean? If you are a small business, you will stay small. Quotations and tenders in government are not fair. If the government wants to see small businesses grow, it has got to change its policies to accommodate small businesses. Kabash is a growing company and you have been providing some good services to several government departments. How many people have you been able to provide employment for in the past five years? In the past 5 years we have provided work for more than 32 people in the role of porters at the Port Shepstone Hospital over a period of 8 months. That was a great achievement for Kabash. There were another 15 relievers employed so that makes 47 people. Unfortunately, the Port Shepstone Hospital contract came to an end. Recently we employed five permanent people for the Kabash Recycling project. I’m now working on improving their salaries.

The Lament of a Growing Business Mosinki Sereeco on the challenges facing small rural businessesAre you proposing something like what theNow, when a quotation is put in, it’s like a CIBD does? We they put different rankings and cover quote so that they can get the job. You Rev. Lulamile Bodlalevels where a small business can actually risewill know that’s the situation we are struggling in it's a ranking. This business can then operate with in South Africa. It's a demonstration that at the level of its expertise and performance. those regulations don't work. Exactly! I'm also believing that we must help There are people who are in government small businesses to specialise. Small businesNseHsBRCd&oiMngBAwoRrekgifsoterrgeodvernment. They get their who generalise waste a lot of time and money pay every month, they get their pension find doing quotations. And why? They know they and all the benefits and they are doing won’t get the job business with government. It means there is a gap in those regulations. If they do cleaning, then specialize in cleaning. Likewise, if manufacturing or distributing or Business people get what I call ‘leftovers’ from plumbing, then specialise in those areas. those who know how to fill the document; There are many small emerging businesses from those who know how to disqualify you looking to establish themselves as you did without empowering you. many years ago. You've obviously had your Kabash is obviously trying to be a very challenges and you’ve learnt by experience. compliant company and you obviously have What advice can you give to them? got a vision of where Kabash is going. Can They need to have a relationship with you just share that Vision a little bit with us? businesses in that area that have gone ahead of Our vision is to be a leading Cleaning and them. Through this relationship they will be able Hygiene services contractor know for to get the assistance they need. excellence in service, cost leadership and the ability to exceed client expectations. I also believe that if a company has had, say, 10 years’ experience, they can be incentivised to We are committed to use innovative methods, mentor new emerging companies. Instead of a high quality products and provide exceptional company just growing and creating wealth for customer service. We also want to give back themselves, they should be able to help the 10 to society through the development of people, other companies in their area that are starting creation of jobs and a transfer of skills. We up. This can be achieved if we incentivise these will engage the philosophy of continuous growing and experienced companies. improvement driven by the integrity, I like the concept. It's similar to an incubator, teamwork, and innovation. but it's an informal type of incubator with the The vision grows. We started with the vision experienced person shares his knowledge and that we wanted to offer excellent service. In resources and helps everybody else. I think it's doing what we do in our current business an excellent idea. model, we want to have businesses come back Now, the economic environment is largely to us after having worked with us. At the shaped by government regulations, and there same time, they are also investing in the are many regulations. Are these regulations community through us. helping you or are they limiting you? If you had New opportunities are coming our way and it to change anything, what would you change? requires that we continuously revisit our Let me say that those regulations are not vision. helping us. They are really against us. It’s about excellence and being the best we My suggestion is that those people who are can. working in supply chain of these government We are giving that service to the community. departments should be holdings workshops to When I serve a client, I do it in a way that they teach people how to fill the documents. They can call me back and also recommend me to are not supposed to hold the information to others. themselves. 36

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Ivan Naidoo gets to interview Heidi Thuynsma, of Simms Arms in Uvongo There are “gun people” and there are “non-gun people” For people who are not used to working with or handling guns, guns have always been seen as weapons which cause injury and death. Yet, guns are so much more! Tell us about the recreational side of guns and also the important role it plays in protecting people in danger. You are quite right. Guns are so much more than just “guns”. There are “gun people” and there are “non-gun people”. The hunters and the non- hunters. The lovers and haters. Many individuals consider purchasing a firearm for the reason of self- defence in mind. This would be in the form of a handgun. People choose guns as a means of self-defence for one main reason: guns are a means to stop bad people from doing bad things to good people. Can a gun guarantee your safety? No, but it can give you the ability to defend yourself and your family against an armed, physically superior, or mentally unstable attacker, should the situation call for it. In reality, the majority of crimes committed, and injuries sustained, are mostly caused by those individuals who are in possession of firearms illegally, and not by the legal firearm owners and law obliging citizens. Hunting is often seen as cruel to those who do not hunt themselves. However, it is because of controlled hunting that wildlife in many countries are sustainable and flourishing. Hunting is also a very large part of conservation that many individuals are not aware of, and because of controlled hunting, and the funding it generates towards conservation, our wildlife can be preserved and enjoyed by generations to come. The passion for firearms has really grown over the years, with many forms of sports shooting evolving. Many of the gun haters do not know anything about guns, or have never shot a gun themselves. I therefore urge the haters to try it first before making a decision. Many times you would find that it is more out of fear of the unknown than a real hate for guns.

Like so many other things in life, there is a right gun forRev. Lulamile BodlaTactical and semi-automatic rifles require you to belong the right purpose. Tell us about the different guns you to a sport shooting association to be able to obtain a have and what they could be used for. license, such as a shooting club. These are also becoming a very popular choice with many firearm enthusiasts. There are many types of firearms, and each type serves There are many gun types to choose from, and in most a specific purpose. cases can be customised to suit your own personal preference, as well as your intended use. Most firearm owners have a handgun for self-defence. Handgun sport shooting has really evolved in recent Getting a gun licence is part of the process of owning a years, and the different disciplines of competition may gun. Can you briefly give an outline of what the process require that the person need more than one handgun of gNeHtBtiRnCg&a MguBnAliRceegnicsteeirnevdolves? for different classes of competition. The licencing process to legally own a firearm is as There are many different types and calibres of hunting follows: rifles, depending on the species and size of the game that will be hunted, be it large game such as Buffalo and 1.You will be required to go for training at an Eland, medium sized game such as Kudu or Nyala, or accredited firearm training facility, in order to apply small game such as Impala or Springbuck. Each calibre is for a Firearm Competency Certificate. Each firearm specific to the size and species of game which you type requires a different license, and this will be intend to hunt. discussed with you at the training centre, with regards to what firearm, or firearms, you would like Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting has also taken the to apply for a licence for, and the training that will be world by storm in recent years, and those enthusiasts required. that take part in the sport usually have either custom, purpose built rifles which carry a hefty price tag, or a 2. After your training is completed, and you have very specific, highly priced rifle from a recognised passed the required theory and practical tests, you manufacturer which has been manufactured with the will be required to apply for a Firearm Competency sole intention of shooting at extreme distances. These Certificate with the SAPS, where a thorough rifles can be shot accurately at distances never before background check will be completed on you, the even dreamt of, in most cases well above 2 miles! applicant. Shotguns for vermin control, bird shooting, as well as 3.Once the Competency Certificate has been awarded clay pigeon shooting are also a very popular choice by to you, you will then have the right to legally own a many individuals. firearm. Semi-automatic shot guns have also become a must- 4.You may then purchase the type of firearm for which have with law enforcement and private security your Competency Certificate corresponds (handgun, companies, as well as avid sport-shooters taking part in shotgun, rifle etc.), and apply for a Firearm Licence sport shooting competition. Anyone that has shot a with the SAPS. semi-auto shot gun will agree they are also lot of fun to shoot on the range. 5.Once your Firearm Licence has been approved by SAPS for your firearm, and you have received your Firearm Licence Card, you may then collect your firearm. Contd.

SIMM’s not only sells guns, you also have an indoor Rev. Lulamile Bodla Peet has been passionate about guns for the better shooting range. How do people get to use this facility? part of his life I would imagine. Can I ask how this passion is translated into serving your customers. We at Simms Arms are so fortunate to be a one-stop shop, being able to offer our clients: Peet Thuynsma, owner of Simms Arms, has been passionate about firearms since childhood. • Firearm training through the on-site firearm training facility His passion has definitely grown over the years, and he has been extremely privileged to have obtained a • The firearm shop, which sells a large range of host of invaluable knowledge and expertise from firearms, ammunition, holsters and cases, gun safes, skilful friends over the years relating to firearms. accessories, and cleaning and maintenance items to Through the years, Peet has also built relationships name but a few with other firearm enthusiasts from all over the world, due to their shared passion of all things firearm and • Outdoor and hunting related gear and clothing hunting related. • A six lane indoor shooting range When one door closed, another was opened in the form of Simms Arms going on the market for sale in Our clients also have the benefit of purchasing a 2019. As it happened, it seemed only fitting that the firearm, and completing their firearm training with their dream of becoming the owner of a firearm and own firearm in the indoor shooting range, or to simply ammunition dealer too good an opportunity for Peet practice and become familiar using their new firearm in to pass up and make a reality. Being the owner of the indoor range, while waiting for their firearm licence Simms Arms has given him the pleasure and privilege application to be approved. By the time the firearm to share his deep love, passion and knowledge of all license is approved, our clients are confident in handling things firearm and hunting related with everyone that their own weapon, which is a huge benefit. walks into Simms Arms. Peet loves sharing his wealth of knowledge with anyone that comes into the store. For those individuals who are already licenced firearm People from all walks of life, locals and visitors alike, owners, we offer a membership program to the Simms have found Peet to be their number one go-to guy Arms indoor shooting range. What this entitles you to is when it comes to any information they might need a reduced cost per month or year to use the shooting about firearms. range, when compared to paying to use the shooting range at each visit. It also entitles you to use the indoor shooting range after hours and over weekends. Visit our 6 lane, 15 meter Indoor Shooting Range! We stock: 039 315 6390 Rifles Handguns SHOP NO. 3, UVONGO CENTRE Second-hand: We buy MARINE DRIVE, UVONGO and sell second-hand guns. Accessories: Silencers, magazines, etc. Gun Stuff: Ammo, cleaning equipment, hearing & eye protection & supplies. The Other Stuff: Sniper Camo Clothing, Boots and Shoes, Knives and Multitools, Maglite Torches, Warthog Sharpeners, Tactical gear, Bullet Proof Vests with kevlar panels and Pepper Spray and more!

When it comes down to the nasty business, you need ... South Coast’s very own PI NHBRC & MBA Registered There’s a dark side to life, an underworld of sorts, that and everything in between. A timely belies our normal life. It’s a world of crime, corruption, lies intervention requires evidence and verification. and other types of mysteries. He even takes on debt collection and asset Most individuals, families and businesses are faced with recovery cases. such issues. They cause pain, torment and financial loss. During his time in the SAPS, Jacques received If you have such a situation, who do you turn to discreetly many awards for good work, including investigate and come up with evidence to prove your Detective employee of the year for KZN in case? 2018 and he came 2nd in the National Excellence Awards for Detective Officer in the The South Coast has its very own PI who takes up such same year. cases. Meet Jacques Buys. He’s very much our very own Magnum PI – if you recall the TV series. Or maybe a Now retired from the SAPS and active in his Sherlock Holmes. newly formed business, JB Private Investigations, Jacques works closely with the In this world though, the reality is much more stark and SAPS and all other authorities to do his work dangerous. With 30 years of experience as a SAPS within the framework of the law. detective, Jacques knows the game. His list of cases reads like a crime and espionage novel and includes farm If you have had the good fortune not to have murders, planned murders (for insurance claims), house experienced any of the issues raised above, robberies, business robberies, armed robberies, you probably know someone who has. Now cash-in-transit robberies, rapes, abductions and you can tell them, “I know a guy...” kidnappings. He can trace missing persons, do background checks and even get evidence of cheating spouses. If your business is suffering losses through criminal activity and your suspicions need to be confirmed, Jacques can do that too. Have you ever wondered how your low-earning employee can take a trip to the Far East for a holiday; and drive a Mercedes Benz? At the same time have you noticed that your stock count just does not seem right? Business corruption at all levels is costing many billions of rands of losses. This ranges from the petty theft by employees the white collar crimes that takes place in boardrooms; 41

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There is a slowdown in the importing of garments We need to be very mindful when having to quantify because the pandemic had a global impact and that. We are operating within the ambit of a formal and therefore there is currently a tendency by the local informal sector where the informal sector cannot be retailers to procure locally, especially during these discounted. The formal sector, which are those times. That an opportunity for a revitalisation of the companies registered with the National Bargaining industry right there. Although there will be casualties Council, we can quantify. But the informal sector is hard post-Covid in terms of the social distancing in the to quantify. But I would imagine that there is a thriving workplace and the ability of factories to carry on informal sector. These are the small business optimum operations; with some of them not enterprises, like your cooperatives, in places like operating at full capacity. They are all still expected Izingolweni that must be a part of the audit to fully to comply with the national health and safety establish the numbers. protocols in the workplace. But otherwise, I anticipate a kind of resurgence or a revitalisation of The social impact is that when people have jobs, it gives the sector. them a sense of dignity, a sense of ownership, a sense of being. And if they have that kind of ethos where by And I'm optimistic that when the fabric rebate system simply having a job gives you a sense of pride and kicks in, we will be able to advance the interests of dignity, I'm sure that it creates a value system of its own the clothing and textile industry and that will that has a direct social impact. If you don't own the contribute to the advancement within the national house or you don't own a bed, you won't value these framework; and dovetailing that with the Ugu district. things. How many people do you estimate that the Ugu But because you are now gainfully employed and you clothing and textile industry employs? And do you have access to those kind of items in your life, it know what the social impact of this employment in actually increases your understanding of the value of the community? these things. This in itself has a tremendous social impact. The Apparel & Textile Association of SA To come back to the numbers, I would say it is about was formed in 2009 in Port Shepstone, KZN, and has 8000 in the greater Marburg area. evolved into a national employer association with membership in Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng and The Apparel & Textile Association of South Africa KwaZulu-Natal. serves the clothing and textile industry in South Africa through advocacy, strategic positioning, The organisation serves the clothing and textile sector training and skills development and ensures that through: they are represented at all levels in our government.  Representation on the National Bargaining Council for the NHBRC & MBA Registered Clothing Manufacturing Industry. Tel: 031-2012407  Provides support measures and interventions for its Email: [email protected] members. 15 Brand House, Unit 6, 2nd Floor,  Informs members on market reports and statistics on raw Charter House, Berea, Durban, 4001 materials. PO Box 10740  Facilitate meetings with government agencies for Port Shepstone, 4240 members to access grants and funding support. Our objective is to organise, promote  Works with FP&M Seta to advance the skills development and unite the clothing value chain in in the sector. South Africa  Advise members on labour related issues.  Represent member interests at the CCMA and offer labour consulting advice.  Offer members a recruitment and selection services from within its database of employment seekers.  Being a member of ATASA means that members Bargaining Council Compliance Certificates are valid for a period for 1 year and not 6 months. Call us! We would love to hear from you! 44

This sector faces certain unique challenges in Let me let me ask you about a scenario that happened the district. Can you tell us what some of the probably about a decade ago when there was a mass challenges these businesses face in the sector? dumping of cheap Chinese clothes into the industry. It decimated the market. Since then there have been some There are challenges, but there are offsets to trade agreements and new restrictions in place. These mass the challenges as well. On the South Coast, we imports have since stopped or slowed down. Does this are referred to by the National Bargaining provide this industry the opportunity to revitalise itself? Council's framework agreements as being a non-metro area. Non-metro area attracts a 25 It is common knowledge that we were both reckless and per cent discount on wages compared to an irresponsible in our international trade agreements where area like Durban. the focus was on commodities. And we know China has been at the forefront of that that importation of goods into So basically the wage rates in Durban and the the country. wage rates in Port Shepstone will differ in the sense that we have a logistical problem where When I say both reckless and irresponsible, you cannot have we need to travel to Durban access services an international trade agreement that only focuses on and goods. We will need to buy cottons and commodities and not people. As a result, we saw the needles from there and we will also need to decimation of jobs in the industry, in fact it killed the local transport our goods to Durban. It's a logistical textile industry because there was no need for us to produce expense. Then, of course, your downtime in cloth to make garments as garments were coming in already terms of machine parts and that kind of thing. made. So those disadvantages will be offset by the ... you cannot have an international trade discount on wage. I think that that strikes a fair agreement that only focuses on balance in my mind. commodities and not people. The Ugu District is well placed... Now that we have passed that stage, it is a fervent attempt to revitalize or to reindustrialize our sector and to be able to So generally the playing field is quite level restore it to the very vibrant industry that it once was. because of the agreements that are in place regarding the Ugu Clothing and Textile sector. There is a slow, concerted and concentrated effort to Is it on a growth trajectory? And if so, what reindustrialise the sector. Why is it important for us to does the future look like for the industry? revitalise the sector? It creates jobs. The clothing industry is very labour intensive. It creates jobs for females with limited I would say certainly I can say that in the or no skills as a point of entry into formal employment growth path for this industry, the Ugu District where otherwise they would not be employable in any other is well placed in terms of its geographical formal sector of the economy. location. The major Distribution Centres for PEP and Edcon are in Prospecton. Although we We know for a fact that unemployment has put a strain on understand Edcon’s challenges, I'm sure that government in terms of its social spending. Now the sector Retailability who is set to take over Edcon and can offer jobs in meaningful numbers; and 99 percent of the TFG being set to take over Jet, will use those employees in the industry are female who are more often facilities that were existing prior to the demise than not breadwinners in their homes. of Edcon. From Port Shepstone to Prospection is under an hour. As a result, we have this opportunity to restore the pride and dignity of people who are now in gainfully employed It therefore becomes a viable option for the jobs. retailers to look at the non-metros as they have the ability to be more competitively in price. The discount on labour is not the only part. The other challenges are the same everywhere, whether you are in Durban or wherever. Coupled with the duty rebate on fabric, it will enhance the South Coast as well as other non- metro regions as well to become competitive in their marketing strategies, etc. 45

As the chairman of ATASA(Apparel and Textile ATASA has a national influence but not many people Association of South Africa), what role does the know that it has roots right here in Port Shepstone. organisation play in ensuring that the industry is protected or that the industry is operating at an ATASA was formed in Port Shepstone. It was known in optimal level? those days as the Coastal Clothing Manufacturers Association because of its coastal location as a focus The reason for the formation of ATASA is to be able to group. As the organisation grew it required a name organise mostly around the small to medium change because it needed to represent the enterprises in this sector where we believe that, in the membership. It needed to lose its coastal identity past, it was a very neglected and manipulated sector in because of this national footprint. terms of the CMT concept. I’m proud to say that ATASA was born on the South The CMT concept in some circles it is jokingly called Coast. I think that the clothing industry must thank the the ‘cut my throat’ industry. That was the nature of the employers of the South Coast for being able to take up beast; where there was a reverse option on price this cudgel and to be able to advance their interests points. There was no scientific way of calculating the nationally. cost of the CMT price. It went to the lowest bidder. I believe that you were a central figure in putting it all ATASA didn't believe in that business model as it led to together. a very non-compliant footprint as the CMT businesses were not able to comply with basic minimum wage. It's always part of a collective. It is always a collective approach, a collective wisdom that actually advances As a result, at ATASA we decided to be able to create the interests of our sector. the interventions at the level of the National Bargaining Council where a level B compliant status I might be one individual that might have been putting was created; and this paved the way for exemptions in the collective together, but the actual development companies which were under duress. So that we rests with a collective. created what we call the ‘enabling space’ for companies to continue to trade and to be able to have ‘phase-in’ agreements where they phase themselves into compliance as opposed to having to close them down. I’m proud to say that ATASA was born on the South Coast. So our role at ATASA is not only in the context of CLOTHING CONTACT US wages and working conditions in the Bargaining MANUFACTURERS Council. We have a skills development program that Hudson Rd we offer to our members to be able to have a labour We’ve Lot 1540, force that is suitably skilled. got you Marburg, covered! Port Shepstone, These skilled workers go into these businesses to make 4240 them more versatile in taking on garments that they Suppliers of have never made before. undergarments to Saroj Reddy major chain stores 039-685 6595 An example of the role of ATASA is its liaison with the across the country. economic cluster in terms of the Production Incentive Rajen Naicker Grants, and also to create policy matters like the fabric 082 728 8110 rebate issue, educating employers in this sector, especially the small to medium enterprises. Naven Reddy 082 772 1099 Most of these small to medium factories know how to construct a garment but they lack the other business acumen. We want to empower and develop private employers to be able to have sustainable businesses. 46

And what would your message be to any new business or The basis of a new narrative must be: “You cannot have stable business in an unstable society” even a business that wants to expand and get bigger in the You cannot have stable business in an sector? What advice can you give to them? unstable society and therefore the societal ills and challenges must be My advice to enterprising businessmen that want to go into equally addressed together with the any kind of business, let alone the clothing and textile business challenges and is becoming sector, is: Please do it with your eyes open and become increasingly incumbent upon us to be aware of your statutory obligations. Be aware of the kind of able to factor that into our daily thinking. challenges that the industry has, no matter what sector, because there is no business sector that comes without its It's a far cry from the days gone by, but it challenges. NiHsBaRvCe&ryMimBpAorRteagnitstnearreradtive that must be A very important point about statutory obligations: Don't heard within all cycles of business, not open a business and then say ‘I didn’t know that I must pay only in the textile sector, but the UIF’, or “I didn't know I must pay the minimum wage.’ economy in general. The same for Workman’s Compensation, VAT, tax, etc. So To answer your question of how you get become aware of your statutory obligations so that you in touch with the ATASA. Our offices are factor into your business plan those kinds of obligations. situated at 15 Brand Road, Berea on second floor of Charterhouse. Our email ATASA, I would think, is looking to bring in more and address is [email protected]. Tel: 031- holding businesses under the wing so that what you do 2012407. becomes more meaningful. If a business in this sector wanted to get to know more about ATASA and to tap into You can be able to get in touch with us the services and support, how can they contact your through the Bargaining Council for the offices? clothing manufacturing industry or ATASA directly if you were wanting to Before I answer that question, I think it's important to be know more about our services. In able to understand the agenda or the objectives of ATASA. addition to those that I have already It’s mission statement is to promote, unite and enhance the mentioned, our services include advice value chain in South Africa also. on labour, on arbitration and conciliation and that kind of thing. Also equally important in that narrative is that ATASA believes that there must be transformation in the sector in The bigger companies can employ a HR terms of the Black Industrialists Support measures that was manager, they can employ an IR announced by government. ATASA takes that very, very practitioner, but the smaller companies seriously. And for the want of creating a more inclusive cannot. So therefore, we plug that gap by approach, the transformation agenda cannot be ignored or providing these services at no extra cost left behind. to members. Photograph by Justin Klusener Photography 47

ADNOTES KNOCKS AT UGU DISTRICT AS COPPER BOWS OUT NHBRC & MBA Registered AdNotes is a 100% black youth owned telecom company licensed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to operate and provide Internet services. AdNotes build and manage Telecommunications Networking Infrastructure including Fibre Optic and Wireless Networks that are the backbone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We are prioritising the use of TV White Spaces to provide internet services at Ugu District, the TVWS refers to the unused TV channels in any given area. With AdNotes TVWS deployment, these vacant channels can be converted into wireless broadband internet. This innovative technology has the ability to connect even Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s unconnected communities in the rural and township areas. Contd. Internet connectivity now reaches the rural areas...!

South Africa's digitisation journey is gathering steam as Our intention is to assist affected areas with voice and Telkom's wholesale division, Openserve, announces data services. We tested our ability to lay fibre optic moves to decommission its copper network on an since December 2018. We have clients like Umzumbe area-by-area basis in favour of new access mediums Municipality on our wireless offering then embarked such as optic fibre. AdNotes has made a strategic on a journey with ICASA in 2019 and received our full move to relocating the head office to the South Coast ISP license this year, 2020 before Covid 19 landed on of KwaZulu Natal. The South Coast is heavily our soil. connected by copper-based solutions i.e. Telkom / Openserve (refer to the State of ICT report). We have also been testing VOIP services in Pinetown NsHinBcReCJ&ulyM2B0A2R0e.gWisteerneodw know that if we can bring While Openserve cannot currently provide a fixed date connectivity (data) into a customer's premises we can for any area, limited decommissioning of the copper- help those customers with voice services and port based POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) has already their Telkom number over to our VOIP services. commenced in communities where POTS services are delivered over the affected copper. In practical terms, Although the open-access network provider the decommissioning of Openserve's copper network establishes a connection to a consumer and allows in an area will mean that residents will lose access to ISPs to compete to provide services to the consumer the home phone line that has faithfully served them over that line, our goal is to build our own network for years as well as the ADSL data connectivity service. infrastructure. The decommissioning of copper-based Openserve has made it clear, however, that this will telecoms technology will indeed be something of a not be done until an alternative connectivity solution is headache for many consumers, however the fact that available. copper’s time has come to an end was plainly obvious during lockdown when we saw how vulnerable the Because Openserve is the wholesale business unit of technology was to theft. The South Coast without any Telkom, and provides wholesale products and services doubt will continue to be affected by this to other licensed telecommunications service decommissioning process. Our role going forward is providers like AdNotes through an open access to bring to customers AdNotes alternative fibre or network, this is an opportunity for residents in a wireless connection. decommissioned area to exercise greater choice in their selection of voice and data service providers. Just to conclude, it should be our responsibility to advise consumers to remember that it is Openserve Copper is dead! decommissioning the copper network and not Telkom’s retail division while AdNotes is to build a robust network infrastructure. Photograph by Justin Klusener Photography 49

off load shedding Solar savings in South Africa compared to the rest of the world? Most areas in South Africa average more than 2 500 hours of Jan Landsberg sunshine per year. According to the South African Department of Energy, most areas in South Africa with an average solar-radiation level range of between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 per day which is better than Europe with the means you could save more in South Africa for investing with a solar system compared to Europe. Despite places such as Europe only having around 1 000 hours of sun per year (1 Sun hour = 1000Wh/m2), these areas have been successful in installing the majority of the world’s solar power with the average cost of a 3.6 – 4kWp* solar system in the UK for £6,672. Compared to South Africa for R100k and R200k. This coupled with the solar revolution the world markets as well as South Africa are currently experiencing. akingT the LOAD Today the average cost of grid power in South Africa average around R1.85/kW, while we can generate from the sun one kilowatt for less than R0.50. The savings speak for itself. Solar options in SA There are many solar options available in South Africa that could generate savings and independence, but we have broken it down to 3 main systems: Solterra Grid-tied systems This type of solar system can subsidise, from the sun, your energy bill up to 100% depending on your budget and requirements. These types of systems are also capable of feeding converted sun energy back into the main power grid by matching their corresponding phase and frequency. This type of system is a good starting point when you want to go solar. The disadvantage is that it does not supply battery backup in case of power outages. Keep in mind that systems always need to be modular so you can easily expand or add backup power later. Solterra Multi Hybrid systems or Back-up systems These types of systems are ideal for users who want to subsidise their energy bill as well as have backup for essential items during power outages. Hybrid solar inverters are a perfect choice for buyers who are encountering frequent power outages, faults and excessive load shedding. If you only require backup power or UPS type of systems, this can easily be done and to any size or requirement, while solar panels can be added to this later on. 50