My Office - March 2023

• Green trademarks • SOLAR - the pro's and cons INSIDE THIS ISSUE March 2023 THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STATIONERY, HOME AND OFFICE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION • New uses for sanitisers • Wood or wax - colour your world

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN SHOP-SA SHOP-SA is the Stationery, Home and Office Products Association of Southern Africa. This is a non-profit association which was established for the following objective: To promote and protect the interests of the Industry, the Association, and our members. How can we help you? 1. Providing information that may have an impact on your business. 2. Share information from the industry with you. 3. Create discussion forums and networking opportunities to foster a spirit of friendship and to encourage co-operation. 4. We also network with other associations related to the industry to stay informed and in touch with legislation and other external measures affecting business in our industry. 5. Provide brand exposure via our digital magazine, website and weekly newsletters. Information is collected from newsletters, media releases and stories shared by our members – if we know about it, you will know about it. Therefor we extend an invitation to members to share stories, tell us what you want to know about and help us give you the information you need to grow your business. Join us today and become part of a 107-year legacy! Find our more by sending an email to [email protected]

18 WOOD OR WAX – BOTH CREATE BEAUTIFUL IMAGES What can a pencil do for all of us? Amazing things. It can write transcendent poetry, uplifting music, or life-changing equations; it can sketch the future, give life to untold beauty, and communicate the full-force of our love and aspirationsAdam Braun 20 PAPER AND POURING – CREATING ART FOR YOUR SOUL Art has been part of human life for centuries – from rock art in caves to modern art on buildings. It is a way of expression but also has health benefits. 22 HOW TO SELL PROTECTIVE GEAR 23 NEW PROTECTIVE GEAR FOR THE OFFICE 24 LIFE INSURANCE – THE LOW DOWN It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! 26 BUDGET 2023 GIVES RELIEF TO HARD PRESSED SOUTH AFRICAN TAXPAYERS 28 CONSUMER ALERT: SALE AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR SYSTEMS AND GENERATORS 29 FUNDTECH 30 SOLAR POWER When load shedding started nearly 15 years ago, we all assumed that the situation would get better. However, we got it completely wrong and we are currently in a state of national emergency as regards the power supply in South Africa. 33 FOR THE LOVE OF TENDERS 35 NICE TO HAVE 36 ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS: WHAT ARE GREEN TRADEMARKS? 37 GREEN BOOKS TO READ 38 READS OUT THERE 40 BUYERS’ GUIDE 46 CONTACT DETAILS 48 CAPTION THIS! Send us your funniest caption My Office online magazine is the official magazine of the Stationery, Home and Office Products Association of Southern Africa (SHOP-SA). It was first published in 1916. The stationery and office supply industry is a fast-changing environment. We aim to write and select articles that will both inform and benefit readers, keeping them abreast of current and future market trends. FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1916 PUBLISHER SHOP-SA EDITOR Bronwen Jones - [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MARKETING Hanlie Delport - [email protected] FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Bill André - [email protected] NATIONAL OFFICE Design and Layout: Leandra Strydom New Membership: Hanlie Delport Johannesburg Office 21 Kroton Street, Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort, Gauteng Tel: + 27 82 908 2295 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shop-sa.co.za CONTRIBUTIONS Letters and editorial contributions are welcomed and should be addressed to the editor at editor@ shop-sa.co.za. Publication cannot be guaranteed and is subject to space and the editor’s discretion. THE LEGAL BIT Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy the publisher and editor cannot accept responsibility for supplied material. The opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of SHOP-SA. Copyright is strictly reserved and no part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Affiliations Contents March 2023 www.shop-sa.co.za | www.facebook.com/shopsa.za 2 EDITORS LETTER 3 GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES INFORMAL ECONOMY - NATIONAL LABOUR INSPECTION TASK TEAM 4 A FINE BUDGET – THANKS TO COMPANIES & INDIVIDUALS 6 SMALL BUSINESS WITH BIG SUCCESS 7. LOCAL INDUSTRY INFORMATION – 6W RESEARCH RESULTS 6W is a one stop market intelligence and advisory center, known for its business research and consulting activity. We found this report on our local industry and would like to test the results. 8 GOING GREEN IN YOUR OFFICE 10 GREEN IS GOOD – IS IT PART OF YOUR CULTURE? Companies often boast about how environmentally conscious they are – but when you ask them if they have a green policy and if it is part of their company culture to re-use, reduce and recycle they often have to admit it is more talk than action. 12 HAND SANITISERS - REPURPOSING THE EXCESS 14 WHEN IS IT WORTH INSTALLING A SOLAR SYSTEM 15 SHIFT HAPPENS Shared risk means that trust between the customer and the provider is being restored. 16 WHEN A FORMAL DISCIPLINARY HEARING IS NECESSARY Don’t forget to enter our competition on page 48 8 18 14

Editor's Letter 2 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Welcome to the March edition of My Office. We are already a quarter of the way through the year even though it seems like we were celebrating New Year just last week! We have the usual segments and some not so usual: in this edition we focus on all things green, with particular focus on Sola, what it costs to go this route as well as advice and a few pitfalls. We look at costs versus the return on investment for alternative power solutions as well as the tax benefits now on offer. Having a green policy for your business and what this entails, with a focus on the EPC certificate that many businesses have to display for their building. There are articles on the contents page and green trademarks and what they are. Now that we believe to be living a normal life again, many of you may still have excess stock in hand sanitisers lurking in your stores – we bring you some novel alternative uses for this. Protective gear is no longer limited to hard hats and gloves – we need to look at the office worker as well and we bring you some information on alternative protective gear. Our arts and crafts section shine a spotlight on paint pouring and paper quilling, two really creative art forms allowing you to create and explore whilst creating unique and beautiful works for your home or office or just for the love of it! And we have a section on pencils and crayons. The member spotlight focuses on Faller Trading this month, a small business making a difference in their community. Going green is an endeavour that we all pursue, so this issue is for you! Enjoy the read! Q1 of 2023 almost done Bronwen

Economy w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 3 T he Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch has established the National Labour Inspection Task Team to target the Informal Economy sector of South Africa. The Task Team, which is a team of inspectors from different provinces given the mandate to come up with directives that will be utilised to conduct researched inspections in the informal economy, was established last year (2022) . “It is acknowledged that current South African labour laws are not adequately addressing employment conditions for workers in the Informal Economy sector. It is evident that workers in the Informal Economy Sector do not enjoy all the employment conditions or rights as those employed in the formal economy sector,” said Kope. In the new financial year, the Task Team will have a small set target to test compliance in the informal economy. The recommended inspections will not be obligatory. South Africa is hoping to become the first African country that have tried inspections in the informal economy. Kope said the term “informal economy” refers to all economic activities by workers and economic units that are – in law or in practice – not covered or insufficiently covered by formal arrangements. “Their activities are not included in the law, which means that they are operating outside the formal reach of the law; or they are not covered in practice, which means that – although they are operating within the formal reach of the law, the law is not applied or not enforced; or the law discourages compliance because it is inappropriate, burdensome, or imposes excessive costs to those who operate in the informal economy,” said Kope. Workers in the informal economy include both wage workers and own-account workers (self-employed persons). Most self-employed people are as insecure and vulnerable as wage workers and move from one situation to the other. Their lack of protection, rights and representation, often keep self-employed people trapped in poverty.� Government establishes informal economy National Labour Inspection Task Team

4 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Finance South Africa’s 2023/24 national budget was met with a favourable response by local employer organisations and international capital markets alike. In the immediate aftermath of the budget speech, the rand gained some lost ground and the country’s long-term bonds shed 10 basis points – nothing spectacular, but certainly a movement in the right direction. Unfortunately, South Africa was finally grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) two days after the budget speech, which sent the rand reeling to a level of R18.43 (at 22:00 on 24 February). Although grey listing is an embarrassment for the South African government, the FATF has at least acknowledged the progress that has been made in recent months to address strategic deficiencies in the regime to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. Returning to the 2023 national budget, a glaring omission was noticeable in the media’s reporting on the document. Although most commentators mentioned the tax revenue overrun of R93.7 billion, none of them emphasised the fact that this bonanza was made possible by the productivity of businesses and individuals, which led to positive economic growth in 2022. Incentives for renewable energy The most important announcement from a business perspective was the tax incentive for renewable energy installations, including solar and wind. Businesses will be able to reduce their taxable income by 125 per cent of the cost of an investment in renewables. It will be available for two years to stimulate investment in the short term. Importantly, there will be no threshold on the size of the projects that qualify. The strain on the country’s electricity supply will also be eased through a new tax incentive for individuals to install rooftop solar panels. The scheme will kick in on 1 March 2023 and will allow individual households to claim a rebate of 25 per cent of the cost of the panels, up to a maximum of R15 000. Over the past two years, a fundamental change has occurred in the ability of National Treasury and the SA Revenue Services to predict the outcomes of government’s revenues and expenditures, which has assisted the return to a more stable fiscal situation. Combined with a large measure of fiscal discipline, especially regarding the public wage bill and two successive years of large tax revenue overruns, the consolidated fiscal debt declined to 4.2% in 2022/23, with a further decline to 3.2% being projected over the next three fiscal years. Tax relief of R13 billion With another huge tax revenue bonus in the fiscal purse, it was not surprising that several noteworthy measures were announced to provide some relief to taxpayers, including the following: The transfer duty table is to be adjusted, allowing properties below R1.1 million to avoid any transfer duty payments. The personal income tax brackets will be fully adjusted for inflation, lifting the taxfree threshold from R91 250 to R95 750 Medical tax credits will also be increased by inflation The retirement tax tables for lump sums are to be adjusted upwards, leading to a new tax-free amount of R550,000 that can be withdrawn at retirement The research and development tax incentive will be refined to make it simpler and more effective and is to be extended for 10 years Assistance for crime prevention In commenting on the unacceptable level of criminality in the country, particularly at construction sites and in reference to the perpetrators of state capture, Mr Godongwana announced that the South African Police Service would receive R7.8 billion to appoint 5,000 police trainees per year. Government’s commitment to follow up on the state capture proceedings is reflected in the announcement that the National Prosecuting Authority is to receive R1.3 billion to support the implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission. Although government has absorbed a substantial portion of Eskom’s debt, this move has already been incorporated in the ratings reviews of international credit rating agencies, which effectively means that it is not credit rating negative. The onus now rests on government to move swiftly with further macroeconomic reforms, especially regarding deregulation and full or partial privatisation of the country’s logistics network. Beyond the task of reducing and eliminating electricity rationing lies enormous challenges to build more roads, repair the existing road, rail network, and improve the functionality of the country’s harbours. Dr Roelof Botha, Economic Advisor to the Optimum Investment Group A fine budget – thanks to companies & individuals

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 5 Finance Budget 2023/24 highlights • Taxation revenue overrun of R94 billion • Government debt/GDP ratio set to stabilise at below 74% • Primary budget surplus to be achieved in FY 2024 (excluding interest) • NPA to receive R1.3 bn for State Capture prosecutions • Emphasis on energy transition to renewables • Extension of the Covid relief grant • Renewed emphasis on public/private partnerships • Public sector wage growth limited to 1% • Tax incentives for rooftop solar power & other renewables • Plans to rationalise or close certain public agencies • Inflation-linked adjustments to tax brackets • No increase in fuel taxes ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Dr Roelof Botha, Economic Advisor to the Optimum Investment Group 18 March is global recycling day - will you be participating?

Member Spotlight 6 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Small business with big success I ncluded in the offering was a broad Stationery range which was a fairly new area of expertise and learning. The retail arena is a very challenging and demanding area to be involved in, but a great learning area to develop one’s knowledge and experience. Prior to becoming involved in the Stationery business, I always had a fascination for the broad and varied ranges available and all the different price-points on offer. Stationery stores always had an exciting appeal to me. Being involved in the Stationery business presents many rewarding challenges - starting with selecting from many different sources and brands, to scheduling purchasing to ensure securing the right stock to meet your incoming orders, to packaging and distributing to your customers. To grow a business each year demands a lot of resource preparation and targeted marketing efforts. After finishing my retail career, I looked for another avenue to pursue, and with my knowledge of the stationery business, I made contact with a few schools in my area with a view to helping them to source their requirements. This has turned out to be a very rewarding challenge. It has grown from initially sourcing and supplying a few products at competitive prices, to a substantial business where I now supply a few schools with their bulk stationery and textbook requirements, as well as supplying school and grade specific packs across their primary and high school needs. As most of our school business is concentrated around the November to January Back to School period, we will soon be offering an online scholastic and basic business range to keep us busy throughout the year, and to create a wider presence for our business. Our motto has always been to offer great quality at great prices and judging by the annual increases we have achieved, I think we have lived up to our promise. The number of repeat customers we have had over the years bears testament to this. Our challenge is to maintain and grow our promise going forward. We have over the years built up solid relationships with our suppliers who have helped with making our task so much easier. We salute those suppliers who have done such a great job under extremely difficult circumstances over the last few demanding years. We are extremely fortunate to have such a wide variety of product to choose from. I give great credit to my wife and children who have been involved in different ways over the years in helping to make the business succeed as it has. At certain times of the year the business becomes a very taxing round the clock exercise, but when time allows I like to indulge in watching live and televised sport as a form of relaxation. If asked for advice as to how to make your business successful, I would volunteer that the main ingredients are to be prepared for the long haul, ensure your preparation is beyond expectation and try to continuously better your understanding of your customer needs. We thrive by accepting and winning challenges. Kensington Stationery – Stationery for everyone [email protected] • 40 Orion Street, Kensington, Johannesburg 2094 � Paddy spent most of his career in the Wholesale and Retail trade, one day an opportunity presented itself which allowed him to own and run his own multi-department retail store.

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 7 Local Industry Local Industry Information – 6W Research Results F rom the report there is a huge demand for quality yet affordable stationery products in the South African market. Key trends identified are a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable stationery products, and the increasing popularity of digital and electronic products, and the increasing use of social media. The challenges include intense competition, low profit margins, and the threat of counterfeit products. The good news is that growth is expected in the industry due to remote work trends, changing consumer preferences, and government initiatives to promote education. The South African Stationery Market has seen a number of developments in recent years. There is a demand for eco-friendly and sustainable stationery products, and companies are responding by introducing products made from recycled and biodegradable materials. Improved technology and digitisation have led to a shift in the way people work, and the stationery market adapted according to the demands of consumers. Companies are now offering digital solutions and services which include online collaboration tools and cloud-based storage solutions. The growing education sector, with increasing enrolments in schools and universities, drives demand. The ecommerce market in South Africa is growing rapidly, and stationery companies are now offering online sales channels for their products. Companies are investing in product design and development to differentiate themselves from their competitors and to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Additionally, technological developments have resulted in an increased demand for electronic stationery products, such as scanners and ink cartridges. S ou th A f ric a S t a ti one r y M a r ke t Syn opsis The market is expected to grow on account of the increasing adult literacy rate, increasing disposable income, healthy economic growth, and changing consumer preference. The government of South Africa is putting great effort into improving and developing the current education system in the country. The S ou th A f ric a S t a ti one r y M a r ke t size is ex pec te d t o g r ow du ring 2020 -2026 . The paper segment is dominant in the stationery market revenue share in South Africa due to the rising demand for various paper products such as notebooks, printing paper and also due to demand for quality packaging. During the first quarter of 2020, the Stationery Market witnessed a decline in economic growth owing to the pandemic. However, during the second half of 2020-2026, the Stationery Market in South Africa is anticipated to recover. The office segment is leading the stationery market revenue share owing to the growing urban population and increasing demand for stationery products in the corporate sector. The education segment is expected to hold a large revenue share in the stationery market over the upcoming years in South Africa on account of the rising number of new educational institutions and Universities.� SHOP-SA would like your feedback and opinion about the information. Please write to [email protected] 6W is a one stop market intelligence and advisory center, known for its business research and consulting activity. We found this report on our local industry and would like to test the results.

Energy Performance Certificates It is compulsory for buildings that exceed 2000m2 in the private sector to have an energy performance certificate or EPC displayed at their premises. At the moment tis requirement is only applicable to office buildings, places of entertainment (e.g., restaurants), places of instruction (e.g., schools, colleges, and universities) and places where theatrical or indoor sports activities take place need an EPC. What is an EPC? At its most basic, an EPC is a measure of the energy performance of a building that is expressed on a certificate as a rating. This rating uses letters from A to G, with A being the best, denoting very low energy consumption per square meter and G the worst possible rating associated with very high energy consumption per square meter. To determine the energy performance rating of a building, all sources of energy consumed in the building must be considered. This includes all forms of electricity, whether from the national grid or from a solar system, as well as fuel consumed by on-site generators, gas, or even solid fuel like coal used in the building. Let’s look at an example. If two buildings with the same net floor area both consume 1,200,000 kWh per year, but one building acquires 800,000 kWh from the grid and 400,000 kWh from a solar plant, while the other building acquires all its energy from the grid, they will both have the same EPC rating. Unfortunately, despite getting one-third of its energy from a renewable source does not affect the rating for the building. However, the certificate will display the ‘energy mix’ of a building. The certificate will clearly indicate that the building with the solar PV plant is less dependent on the grid. The EPC, therefore, provides transparency and visibility to tenants with regards to property owners’ investments in solar upgrades to their buildings. Only SANAS accredited EPC Inspection Bodies can issue EPCs. The value of an EPC An EPC may be regarded by some as a grudge compliance measure. On the flip side, it is an invaluable decision-making tool for improving the energy performance of buildings and property portfolios. For example, if a portfolio of 10 buildings comprises eight buildings with reasonably good ratings and two buildings with bad ratings, it is more likely that improvements that reduce the energy consumption of the two ‘bad’ buildings will yield better returns on investment than spending money on the buildings that are already performing well. Although the impact of the display of an EPC on tenants and prospective buyers is difficult to ascertain, it is fair to anticipate that it could play a significant role, as has been demonstrated in countries where EPCs are more established; for example, it is not difficult to imagine that a building with a poor energy performance, as expressed on the EPC, could be more challenging to sell than a building with a good rating. Making your building more efficient � Energy-efficient lighting: Install energy-efficient LED light bulbs and sensors that automatically turn off lights when a room is not in use. � HVAC optimization: Ensure that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are properly maintained and use energy-efficient equipment to regulate the temperature of the building. � Efficient insulation: Proper insulation can help to reduce heating and cooling needs, and thus the energy required for heating or cooling the building. � Energy-efficient windows: Installing energy-efficient windows can help to keep the temperature of the building stable and reduce the need for heating or cooling. � Use renewable energy: Install solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity and reduce reliance on the grid. � Use smart thermostats: Install smart thermostats that can be programmed to adjust the temperature based on occupancy and time of day. � Water-saving fixtures: Install low-flow toilets, urinals, and taps to save water and reduce water bills. � Green landscaping: Plant trees and other vegetation around the building to provide shade and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building. � Use environmentally friendly products: Choose environmentally friendly products for cleaning and other tasks in the building. Using fewer chemicals is always a good practice and opting for those that are environmentally friendly is even better, allowing for waste water to be used in gardens. � Promote sustainable practices: Encourage employees to participate in sustainability efforts such as recycling, composting; these can be implemented at your offices or office park. Recycling paper can bring in extra revenue for your company, but also separating rubbish into bins whether to get additional revenue from a recycling company or allowing informal pickers to take the refuse away will be a saving on landfills and potentially earn an income either for the company or informal sector. Going Green 8 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Going Green in your Office The energy consumption and how you drink your tea can be an indication of how sensitive you are about the environmental impact of your business.

Going Green w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 9 Paper Cups vs. Ceramic Cups in the office Ceramic cups and paper cups both have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using them in an office setting. Here are some pros and cons of each: Overall, choosing between ceramic and paper cups in an office setting will depend on the specific needs and priorities of the office. If sustainability and reducing waste are a priority, then ceramic cups may be the better choice. However, if convenience and practicality are more important, then paper cups may be the better option.� Ceramic Cups: Pros: Reusable: Ceramic cups can be used multiple times, reducing the amount of waste generated by the office. Durable: Ceramic cups are less likely to spill or break than paper cups, reducing the risk of spills and accidents. Stylish: Ceramic cups come in a variety of colours and designs, making them a more aesthetically pleasing choice than plain paper cups. Ceramic Cups: Cons: Washing: Ceramic cups need to be washed after each use, which can be time-consuming and require additional resources like water and soap. Fragile: While they are more durable than paper cups, ceramic cups can still break if dropped, leading to the need for replacement and disposal. Storage: Ceramic cups take up more space than paper cups, requiring additional storage Paper Cups: Pros: Convenience: Paper cups are quick and easy to use, reducing the need for washing and maintenance. Recyclable: Many paper cups are recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option than non-recyclable ceramics. Space-saving: Paper cups can be stacked and take up less space than ceramic cups. Paper Cups: Cons: Waste: Paper cups are disposable, creating more waste that needs to be managed and potentially contributing to environmental problems. Spillage: Paper cups are more likely to spill and create accidents due to their lightweight and flimsy structure. Lack of Style: Paper cups are often plain and have limited design options, making them less visually appealing than ceramic cups. At additional cost they can be customised though.

Green is Good 10 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Keep it simple. Your green policy or environmental policy does not have to be a thick document and it should be easy to execute. As consumers become more aware of their responsibility in terms of the environment, and base their decisions on their opinions regarding the matter, they may also start asking suppliers for proof that a green policy is in place. The easiest way for most to contribute to the protection of our natural resources is to encourage increased recycling. By recycling in the shop or office and by adding a word of encouragement to all packaging – Please recycle this packaging – you show that you are aware of the impact your business may have on the environment. Re-use and reduce is also an easy step – even in the company. Get water jugs and glasses for the next team meeting in stead of handing out bottled water. Serve coffee in ceramics rather than paper cups. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels in the rest rooms. You may argue that washing detergents add to pollution – if you use water for handwashing and eco-friendly detergents you are safe. Help your customers. By offering solutions to your customers for when your product needs to be recycled you are also letting them know that you are serious about the environment. Say for instance that you sell pens – if you show your customers ideas of what to do with the pens once they have run dry they will be keen to donate to an artist or project. Pencil shavings, for instance can be used as compost, mulch or pest deterrent. You can also use old pencils to tag your plants in the vegetable garden or make a nice fire now that winter is approaching. Pencil coasters is also a great idea and will make nice gifts – you can offer workshops in partnership with a craft shop and inform your customers about it. If a formal collection of old items, like ewaste and paper recycling, is available you should have their contact details on hand so that you can redirect customers to the recycling companies for your products. Companies often boast about how environmentally conscious they are – but when you ask them if they have a green policy and if it is part of their company culture to re-use, reduce and recycle they often have to admit it is more talk than action. Having a Green Policy for your company confirms the company’s statement about its commitment to doing business in a sustainable way and to treat environmental issues relevant to your business as high priority. GREEN IS GOOD – IS IT PART OF YOUR CULTURE? ACKNOWLEDGEMENT https://harmony1.com/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT https://thecheekyhomemaker.com ACKNOWLEDGEMENT https://www.amazon.com ACKNOWLEDGEMENT https://inhabitat.com

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 11 Green is Good Create the culture. It is important that your company’s green policy should also create an awareness amongst your employees about ways they can reduce waste. It starts with educating the staff about how they can help the company achieve its green goals. Have a recycling program and add reminders to key places in the office to keep people aware of the campaign. You can even encourage staff members to car pool to work or organise a clean-up of the environment around the office. We have become so used to trash in the streets that we often don’t see it anymore, but you can take a day a month and do a clean-up. Not only will the area look better, but your team will have fun outside and the neighbouring businesses may decide to join in. What should your policy include? Firstly, you need a declaration of the company’s commitment to the environment. Then give a brief description of what your objectives are and how you hope to achieve this. The document should inspire people to change. The website Common Objective listed the following points that are usually included in a green policy: � Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and other requirements � Laying out the importance of environmental issues to the company � Assessing the environmental impact of operations and supply chains � Reducing pollution, emissions and waste � Reducing the use of all raw materials and energy � Raising awareness, encouraging participation and training staff in environmental matters � Expecting similar environmental standards from all suppliers and contractors � Assisting customers to use products and services in an environmentally sensitive way. � Consulting with the local community � Communicating environmental aims and objectives to employees and external stakeholders. In the words of Bill Nye “To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.” If each of us do something towards creating a greener tomorrow we will see change in the health and lives of those around us. � ACKNOWLEDGEMENT https://www.commonobjective.co/ If you are planning to do a clean-up event or any other environmental event you can register if on the Earth Day website. EARTH DAY 22 APRIL 2023 Invest in our planet!

Hand Sanitisers 12 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Many businesses may be left an abundant stock of hand sanitiser that they are unable to return to the supplier, so with this in mind, here are a few suggestions on alternative uses. Some of the uses are more personal hygiene related, but many can be incorporated in the office. Either way, it may be useful to advise staff of alternative uses and allow them to use the remaining stock, rather than letting it go to waste. Remember though that hand sanitiser is primarily intended for use as a personal hygiene product to clean hands and reduce the spread of germs – but here are a few alternative ideas: Office and home use � Cleaning surfaces: Hand sanitiser can be used to clean surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and other surfaces that may harbour germs. Apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to a clean cloth and wipe the surface thoroughly. � Removing sticky residue: Hand sanitiser can be effective in removing sticky residue left by labels or tape. Apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to the area and rub it gently until the residue is removed. � Use to get stains off of walls or counters: hand sanitiser is great for getting stains off of walls and counters. It is even strong enough to get permanent marker off of hard surfaces. Just be sure that your counters are able to withstand the rubbing alcohol that is in it. � Cleaning jewellery: Hand sanitiser can be used to clean jewellery, particularly rings and other items that come into close contact with your skin. Apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to a clean cloth and use it to clean your jewellery. � Polishing Silver: Sanitisers can also cut through the tarnish formed on the surface of the silver. In addition to removing the tarnish, it polishes silver objects as well. For cleaning silver with a sanitiser, squirt a few drops on a soft fabric and gently clean the silver surface with it. � Use to get stains off of clothes or other material: Hand sanitiser is at great at getting out stains on clothing or household material like couch cushions and curtains. It’s important to test a small area first to be sure the colour is staying put and not bleeding or changing in any way. � Can be used cautiously to help start a fire: The alcohol in hand sanitiser is highly flammable so it can be used to start a fire. It is important to use caution and only have adults do this. � Use to clean chrome and stainless steel: Another great use for hand sanitiser is cleaning and shining chrome. It also does a great job on stainless steel appliances as well. � Use to clean cell phones, books, or any hard surface: Nothing picks up more germs and finger prints then cell phones or remotes. Hand sanitiser is a great way to clean these surfaces and kill the germs. It can even help clean book covers and make them look shiny and new again. � Use to help clean public restroom toilet seat: If you’re out and use a public toilet, a seat cover is not always available. If you don’t have a seat cover you can clean the seat with tissue paper and hand sanitiser. � Cleaning White Boards: The alcohol content in hand sanitisers can help you remove permanent markers and other stains from your whiteboards. So, next time you have a meeting or a class, make sure you start it with a ‘clean slate’! � Cleaning Spills: Food spills are the worst as they can leave behind a greasy or sticky residue on floors. However, you can wipe off the residue easily with hand sanitisers and dusters. Drop a sufficient amount of hand sanitiser over the spill and start to rub it with a microfiber cloth. � Removing Settled Dust: Removing settled dust from stored and forgotten stuff is hard, especially wax-based products like candles. Hand sanitisers can easily remove dust from these surfaces and products. So, next time you come across something in your closet covered in dust, you know what to do. � Removing Paint: From spoiled brushes to stained floors and surfaces, hand sanitisers can easily help you scrape off paint stains. First, scrape off the paint with the help of a spoon. Then. clean off the residue with hand sanitiser and a rag. � Cleaning Glass: Hand sanitisers can help you clean any glass surface, including your sunglasses, car mirrors, and your glasses’ lens as well. Just like you clean your phone, clean the mirror surfaces likewise. Using this on car mirrors and glass will help reduce fogging! Personal use � Soothing insect bites: The alcohol in hand sanitiser can help to reduce the itchiness and swelling caused by insect bites. Apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to the affected area to relieve the symptoms. � Use to kill stubborn foot odours: Most people have strong foot odours, especially after a hard day’s work. Even after you shower and wash your feet it may be hard to clean all your little nooks and crannies. Any place germs can hide and cause difficulties for you they will. Hand sanitiser is a great way to help not only kill the germs that are hiding, but it helps keep your feet fresh and odour free between showers. � Help reduce inflammation in pimples: Use cautiously, so you do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, but hand sanitiser can be used to help reduce pimples. The alcohol in it will help kill the germs and help it to dry out. � Deodorant Substitute: As hand sanitiser can kill odour-causing Hand Sanitisers- Repurposing the excess Not long ago searching for hand santiser ranked high on search engines as we all tried to ensure we use the best possible sanitiser available to protect ourselves against COVID-19. Now you hardly ever see people sanitising before entering a store or restaurant.

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 13 Hand Sanitisers bacteria and germs, it can be a perfect substitute for deodorant in an emergency. � Disinfecting make-up brushes: Dirty make-up brushes can be a cause of skin infections or acne. Therefore, cleaning them regularly is essential. Hand sanitisers can effectively clean and disinfect make-up brushes. To do it, wash your brushes thoroughly. Then, rub the brushes with the sanitiser and let them air-dry. � As a Nail Polish Remover: Sanitisers, especially alcohol-based ones, can help you remove nail paint as well. For the method, apply some sanitiser on the nails and let it sit for a minute. After that, clean the nail with the help of a cotton pad. Finally, apply hand cream or lotion to keep your hands and nails nourished. � As a Hair Gel and Dry Shampoo: A small squirt of hand sanitiser can also replace your hair gel. In addition to setting your hair, hand sanitisers act as dry shampoo as well. They can easily make your hair look fresher and cleaner. Rub a small quantity in your palms and apply it in your hair before it dries. � Disinfecting Minor Wounds: Got a paper cut or a small bruise, while you can’t reach an antiseptic liquid? Don’t worry, dabbing some hand sanitiser on minor wounds can help disinfect the bruise or wound immediately. So, carry a bottle of a hand sanitiser wherever you go. � Can be used on pet baskets and litter trays to kill odours Whilst hand sanitiser may be effective at removing certain types of stains, such as ink or oil-based stains, due to the alcohol content in the product. However, it's important to note that hand sanitiser is not specifically designed for stain removal and may not be effective for all types of stains. Additionally, using hand sanitiser to remove stains may cause damage to certain fabrics or materials. If you are attempting to remove a stain, it's also a good idea to test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the entire stain to make sure that it won't cause discoloration or other damage. Try a couple of the tips out and see if they work for you, as many of us have an abundance of sanitiser left over, finding a purpose for it would be fantastic! However, it's important to note that hand sanitiser is intended for use on skin and may contain ingredients that are not safe for other surfaces or applications. It's always a good idea to read the label. �

Solar System 14 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 When is it worth installing a solar system A solar system may add between 4% - 8% to your home’s value, so if you have a home worth less than R3M, you may not see a return on investment, given that the average solar installation will cost between R180k – R250k. There are however other energy solutions available that will also add an increase and you may see a return on investment when you sell as the initial cost of implementation is lower. If you are planning on staying in your home for a 5 - 10 years, the system will essentially pay for itself. The benefits regardless will for many outweigh the cost of the installation or the potential return on investment. R200,000 solar installation versus home value increase Home’s value 3% increase Loss/gain 4% inecarse Loss/gain 8% increase Loss/gain R1 million R30,000 -R170,000 R40,000 -R160,000 R80,000 -R120,000 R2 million R60,000 -R140,000 R80,000 -R120,000 R160,000 -R40,000 R3 million R90,000 -R110,000 R120,000 -R80,000 R240,000 R40,000 R4 million R120,000 -R80,000 R160,000 -R40,000 R320,000 R120,000 R5 million R150,000 -R50,000 R200,000 R0 R400,000 R200,000 R6 million R180,000 -R20,000 R240,000 R40,000 R480,000 R280,000 R7 million R210,000 R10,000 R280,000 R80,000 R560,000 R360,000 R8 million R240,000 R40,000 R320,000 R120,000 R640,000 R440,000 R9 million R270,000 R70,000 R360,000 R160,000 R720,000 R520,000 R10 million R300,000 R100,000 R400,000 R200,000 R800,000 R600,000

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 15 Shift Happens Shared risk means that trust between the customer and the provider is being restored. Shift Happens O ur customers are navigating a plethora of challenges and opportunities in an increasingly complex and digital market with the threat of disruption ever present. Who can they trust to guide them through this? Trust is the foundation of the adaptive ecosystem. This might sound like a blinding flash of the patently obvious, but we arrived at this because in the transactional and industrial economy we have for a long time broken down trust by the direction and way goods and services flowed through the value chain and were sold. In a transactional world we largely expect the customer to pay upfront for the product or service. Whether the customer implemented, used or derived value from the product or service became the customers challenge because the seller had moved on to the next transaction. In other words, risk passed to the customer the moment payment was made. Technology has placed vast amounts of information within reach of the customer and along with the ubiquitous availability of products have shifted the power from the manufacturer to the customer. They have demanded that the manufacturer share in the risk by only paying for usage and gave rise to a whole new as-a-service business model. Technology again played a role in making the monitoring of usage possible. Shared risk has meant that the trust is being rebuilt. What is evolving now are models where customers are only willing to pay for impact achieved and the risk pendulum now swings all the way into the solution and service providers’ camp. This restores trust and the focus shifts to evolving a longer-term view of deriving customer benefit. The sale becomes only the starting point of building a much deeper collaboration between the provider and customer to achieve impact. This shift is not trivial and is fraught with challenges, but the technology is evolving that enables customer and provider to work together in a much richer engagement to solve for impact. The whole organisation of the provider now focuses on delivering impact and has to work together – remember no one gets paid if there is none. Now, let’s consider the adaptive ecosystem again. We are asking several companies within the ecosystem to share their intellectual property to jointly solve a customer challenge. We then need to figure out who gets what once the customer pays for the usage for now and later for impact. The adaptive ecosystem does not build bespoke solutions and solutions evolve around changing customer needs. Most of our contracts are written around discrete products and services and we have a lot to learn about regulating the intellectual property used by the customer to solve his problem. Trust is therefore going to play a critical role in the evolution of the adaptive ecosystem. Trust between providers, trust between providers and customers and trust within organisations will need to be nurtured and built. Building trust within an organisation is a vulnerable and fragile process – doing it across business boundaries will require very different thinking to what currently is the default. � ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Opinion Piece by Anton Herbst

When aformal disciplinary hearing is necessary S everal months ago, I wrote an article in which I cited the case of AUSA obo Melville vs SA Airways Technical (Pty) Ltd (2002,6 BALR 573). In that case the arbitrator quoted the following finding of Brassey: “…….. The Code Of Good Practice: Dismissal in Schedule 8 ….. makes it clear that, while the process can be informal, the employee should nevertheless be told what case he has to meet and be given a proper opportunity to prepare and present his response.” While it is clear that the above-mentioned Code of Good Practice provides that the disciplinary hearing need not be formal section 188(1)(b) of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) requires that the employer has the onus of proving that a dismissal was procedurally fair. The key question is ‘How can the employer go about proving that the dismissal was procedurally fair without using formal processes to ensure fairness and to demonstrate that the procedure was indeed fair?’ for example, The Code of Good Practice does accord the employee the following procedural rights: � The right to be informed as to what the charges are – Proof would be a written charge sheet, receipt for which has been signed by the accused employee � The right to a proper opportunity to prepare - Proof would be a written notice of hearing, given to the employee well in advance of the hearing, receipt for which has been signed by the accused employee well in advance of the hearing date � The employee’s right to be heard and to present a defence – proof would be minutes of the hearing showing that the employee had a chance to state his case, use an interpreter and representative, bring witnesses and cross-examine evidence brought against him/her Consequently, once one introduces the use of records such as minutes, hearing notices and charge sheets one is converting the disciplinary process into a formal one. In my view this conversion is reinforced by the need to separate the complainant role from the presiding officer role in order to eliminate bias. However, it appears that my view is in conflict with that of one Labour Court Judge. In the case of Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Handicapped vs CCMA and others (2006, 9 BLLR 833) the finding of the Court suggests that avoiding of bias at a disciplinary hearing is not a requirement. Other findings that came out of this case are as follows: � Video coverage does not have to be absolutely conclusive to be accepted, it need only satisfy the balance of probabilities requirement � The procedure bringing about a dismissal does not have to be a formal enquiry unless the parties have agreed that it will be a formal hearing I am in agreement with the honourable Court as regards the principle of balance of probabilities and as to the fact that The Code of Good Practice does not require a formal hearing. I have, however, explained why, in practice, it is very difficult for an employer to comply with the requirements of The Code Of Good Practice without using the mechanisms of a formal process. This is necessary, not because the Code says so (which it does not) but rather to make sure that the employer can satisfy its onus of proving that it has complied with the content and spirit of that Code. As regards the apparent finding that an unbiased chairperson is not necessary at a disciplinary hearing, I respectfully believe that, if the Court really meant to say this, its decision cannot be correct and will be overturned sooner rather later. I would prefer to believe that the Court only meant that the test for bias of the chairperson should not be as stringent as that applied in criminal law. My view is based on the fact that The Code of Good Practice requires that the employee is afforded the opportunity to present his/her case, and the central core of labour law requires fairness. I submit that no employee can present his/her case fairly before a biased chairperson. To allow biased chairpersons to chair internal disciplinary hearings and then dismiss employees would make a mockery of such hearings. The employee would lose his job and livelihood unfairly and could then lose his/her house, car and other assets while he/she is waiting for the labour law process at CCMA and Labour Court to take its course. Allowing such a situation would be akin to allowing a kangaroo court. In summary, the employer’s onus to prove that all the employee’s rights have been complied with makes a formal and expertly controlled disciplinary hearing essential. This holds true even if the only procedural rights an employee has are those few specifically provided for in The Code of Good Practice. While the officials who carry out the corrective procedure do not need to be lawyers, they do need to be well skilled in disciplinary. procedure in order to make sure that each and every legal right of the employee is strictly adhered to. Therefore, managers must either be thoroughly trained in disciplinary process or the employer must hire a reputable labour law expert to chair its hearings. To book for our seminar on NEW CHANGES AND DANGERS IN LABOUR LAW please phone Lee on (011) 787-5445 or 082456247.� 16 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Labour Compliance and then disciplinary – ensuring you don’t transgress an employees rights and protecting your business

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 17 Labour ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Dr Ivan Israelstam www.labourlawadvice.co.za For more information you can contact Dr lvan lsraelstam, Chief Executive of Labour Law Management Consulting. He may be contacted on 0828522973 or on e-mail address: [email protected]. To get a free viewing of our ongoing Labour Law Debate go to www.labourlawadvice.co.za and click the Labour Law Debate item in the menu.

Pencils and Crayons 18 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Wood or wax – both create beautiful images What can a pencil do for all of us? Amazing things. It can write transcendent poetry, uplifting music, or life-changing equations; it can sketch the future, give life to untold beauty, and communicate the full-force of our love and aspirations- Adam Braun Pencils and crayons are tools that are commonly used in art and creativity, especially during early childhood education. However, their usefulness extends beyond just early childhood and can continue throughout one's life. In this article we will explore the significance of pencils and crayons in art and creativity from kindergarten to adulthood. Early childhood development During early childhood education, pencils and crayons are some of the first tools that children use to express themselves creatively. Pencils and crayons are versatile, inexpensive, and easy to use, making them ideal for children who are just discovering their creativity. It allows children to experiment with colours, shapes, and textures, which helps to develop their fine motor skills and handeye coordination. Furthermore, these tools encourage children to express their emotions and feelings, which is crucial for their emotional development. As children grow older and progress through their education, pencils and crayons continue to play an essential role in their creative expression. They learn to use these tools to create more complex and intricate drawings, which requires them to develop their observation and technical skills. As they begin to experiment with different materials and techniques, they develop their artistic abilities and their creative problem-solving skills. Essential design tool Pencils and crayons are not only useful for early childhood education, but they are also an essential tool for adult artists and designers. Pencils and crayons are widely used in sketching, drawing, and designing because of their ease of use and versatility. It allows artists to create preliminary sketches and designs before committing to a final product, which helps them to refine their ideas and improve their creative output. Additionally, pencils and crayons can be used to create a wide range of effects, such as shading, blending, and texture, which makes them ideal for producing high-quality artwork. Combining with digital Moreover, pencils and crayons are still relevant in the digital age, as they can be used in conjunction with digital tools such as tablets and graphic design software. Many artists and designers use pencils and crayons to create initial sketches, which they then scan and import into their digital software to finalize their work. This combination of traditional and digital tools enables artists and designers to create work that is both beautiful and technically advanced. In conclusion, pencils and crayons are important tools that promote creativity and artistic expression, starting from early childhood education and continuing into adulthood. They are easy to use, versatile, and cost-effective, making them accessible to all individuals who wish to express their creativity. Additionally, their usefulness extends beyond just traditional media, as they can be used in conjunction with digital tools to create exceptional works of art. Therefore, it is essential to encourage children to use pencils and crayons during their formative years and to continue to promote their use as a valuable tool for artistic expression throughout their lives.

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 19 Pencils and Crayons � Faber-Castell - Faber-Castell is a well-regarded brand of coloured pencils known for their high-quality pigments, smooth texture, and excellent blendability. They are often used by artists and designers, and are available in a wide range of colours. � Staedtler - Staedtler coloured pencils are known for their high-quality lead, which produces a smooth and even colour. They are often used for technical drawing, but their colour range and blendability also make them popular among artists and designers. � Derwent - Derwent coloured pencils are known for their wide range of colours and their ability to produce fine details. They are popular among both professional artists and hobbyists for their versatility and affordability. � Koh-i-Noor - Koh-i-Noor coloured pencils are known for their high-quality pigments and excellent blendability. They are often used by artists and designers, and are available in a range of colours and sets. � Prismacolor - Prismacolor coloured pencils are known for their soft and smooth lead, which makes them ideal for blending and layering. They are popular among artists, illustrators, and designers for their colour range and ability to produce vibrant and detailed artwork. � Crayola - Crayola is a well-known and popular brand of wax crayons, known for their bright colours and smooth texture. They are available in a wide range of colours and are suitable for both children and adults. � Staedtler - Staedtler is another popular brand of wax crayons in South Africa, known for their high-quality pigments and durable design. They are often used in educational settings and are known for their ability to produce vibrant and consistent colours. � Faber-Castell - Faber-Castell wax crayons are known for their smooth and creamy texture, which makes them easy to blend and layer. They are available in a range of sizes and are often used in both art and educational settings. � Maped - Maped is a French brand of wax crayons that is gaining popularity in South Africa. Their wax crayons are known for their vibrant colours, ergonomic design, and durability. They are available in a range of sizes and are suitable for children and adults. � Pentel - Pentel is a Japanese brand of wax crayons that is also available in South Africa. Their wax crayons are known for their smooth and creamy texture and vibrant colours. They are often used for both art and educational purposes.

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash Photo by ALAN DE LA CRUZ on Unsplash Photo by Samir Bouaked on Unsplash Photo by Samantha Fortney on Unsplash Arts and Crafts 20 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Art has been part of human life for centuries – from rock art in caves to modern art on buildings. It is a way of expression but also has health benefits. A rts and crafts are an expression of creativity that has been practised for centuries. However, these practices not only enable people to express themselves, but also provides a platform for people to create something beautiful and useful. The process of creating art and crafts can also be therapeutic, allowing for relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. As old as life itself Art has been an integral part of human life for centuries from cave paintings to modern-day masterpieces. It has not only served as a form of entertainment but also a source of relaxation and creativity. So, in fact creating art is not only enjoyable, but it also has numerous mental health benefits. As so many people are working remotely, home has become the office too. Finding a hobby or pastime that helps you to relax into and focus on can be a stress reliever. There are many different arts and crafts options so finding one that suits you and gives you enjoyment is a fun journey of experimentation. Many art forms have been practised for centuries and continue to evolve as new techniques and materials are discovered. Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, there is an art form for everyone to explore and enjoy. A few crafty ideas Painting: Painting is the act of applying paint to a surface, such as canvas, paper, or wood. Sculpture: Sculpture is the art of creating three-dimensional works of art using a variety of materials. Pottery: Pottery is the art of making objects out of clay, such as bowls, vases, and plates. Weaving: Weaving is the art of creating fabric by interlacing threads or yarn. Quilting: Quilting is the art of sewing together layers of fabric to create a quilt. Knitting: Knitting is the art of creating fabric by using two or more needles to loop yarn together. Embroidery: Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread. Calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of creating decorative handwriting. Origami: Origami is the art of folding paper to create three-dimensional objects. Woodworking: Woodworking is the art of creating objects out of wood. Paper and pouring – creating artfor your soul

Photos by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 21 Arts and Crafts Materials: Acrylic paints Pouring medium Canvas or other painting surface Mixing cups Stirring sticks Disposable gloves Protective surface (such as a plastic tablecloth or drop cloth) Optional: torch, heat gun, hairdryer or straw for manipulating the paint Steps: • Prepare your painting surface by placing it on a protective surface. • Mix your acrylic paint colours with pouring medium in separate cups. Pouring medium is a substance that helps the paint flow and blend together, and it can be purchased at art supply stores or online. • Stir the paint and pouring medium mixture until the consistency is similar to honey. • Pour each colour of paint onto the canvas in a random pattern, either in lines or puddles, until the surface is covered. • Tilt the canvas in different directions to allow the paint to flow and blend together. • Manipulate the paint with a torch, heat gun, hairdryer or straw if desired to create unique patterns or textures. Allow the paint to dry completely before displaying your painting. Tips: • Use a level to ensure your canvas is even before pouring. • Experiment with different colours and mixing ratios to create unique designs. • Use a variety of pouring techniques, such as a dirty pour or flip cup, to create different effects. • Wear gloves to protect your hands from paint and pouring medium. • Use a plastic cup or squeeze bottle to help control the flow of paint. • Paint pouring can be a messy but fun and creative process. With a little experimentation and practice, you can create beautiful and unique paintings with this technique. Paint pouring Paint pouring is a popular technique used to create unique and abstract paintings. It involves pouring various colours of paint onto a canvas and allowing the paint to flow and blend to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind design. Here are the basic steps to create a paint pouring picture: Paper Quilling Paper quilling, also known as paper filigree, is a craft that involves rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper into various designs and shapes. It's a fun and easy craft that requires minimal supplies and can be done by anyone. Paper quilling is a simple and enjoyable craft that can be used to create a variety of designs and shapes. With a little practice, you can create intricate and beautiful designs to decorate cards, frames, and other crafts. So, grab some paper strips and start quilling today! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do paper quilling: • Materials: • Paper strips (quilling paper or cut your own from regular paper) • Quilling tool (or toothpick or needle) • Glue • Tweezers (optional) Steps: Choose your paper strips. You can buy pre-cut quilling paper in different colours and widths or cut your own from regular paper. If you're cutting your own, make sure the paper is thin and easy to roll. The strips should be about 2mm to 6mm wide and at least 20cm long. Roll the paper strip by taking one end of the paper strip and start rolling it around the quilling tool or toothpick. Roll it tightly and evenly until you reach the end of the strip. Remove the rolled paper from the tool and let it loosen slightly. You can create various shapes by manipulating the rolled paper. Use your fingers or tweezers to pinch the paper at the centre to create a teardrop shape. To create a circle or coil, leave the paper rolled and glue the end to secure it. You can also combine shapes to create more complex designs. Once you have created the desired shapes, glue them together to create a design. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the paper strip and attach it to the other end of the shape. Hold it for a few seconds until the glue dries. You can also use tweezers to hold the shapes together while the glue dries. Once you have glued all the shapes together, you can add details and embellishments to your design. You can use other quilled shapes, beads, or sequins to decorate your design. �

Protective Gear 22 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 How to sell protective gear In accordance with labour law and the Occupation Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) protective gear is one of the measures an employer can use to keep his team safe. For many companies, this is an essential item on their procurement list – here is how you can link sell and up sell. Protection selling itself Protective gear is essential for anyone working in high-risk environments or engaging in activities that pose a risk of injury. Whether it's construction workers, medical professionals, or athletes, protective gear can help prevent injury and ensure that individuals are safe while they go about their daily activities. If you are looking to sell protective gear, there are a few key steps that you should take to ensure that your product is successful. The same basic steps apply across the board whether you are supplying protective apparel or other protective merchandise like fire extinguishers. Identify your target market The first step in selling protective gear is to identify your target market. Who are you selling to? What industries or activities will benefit most from your product? You may want to consider targeting specific groups, such as medical professionals, construction workers, or athletes. Once you have identified your target market, you can begin to tailor your marketing and sales efforts to their specific needs. Understand the regulations Before you start selling protective gear, it's important to understand the regulations that govern the products you are selling. Depending on your location and the types of products you are selling, you may need to comply with specific safety regulations. Make sure you have a good understanding of the regulations in your industry, and ensure that your products meet all the necessary standards. Focus on quality When it comes to protective gear, quality is essential. You need to provide products that are durable, reliable, and effective. Your customers are relying on your products to keep them safe, so it's important to provide them with highquality options. Take the time to research the materials and construction methods used in the products, and make sure they are up to industry standards. Having a range of options at different price points is also effective as although you cannot skimp on quality, Provide clear information Your customers need to know exactly what they are getting when they purchase your protective gear. Provide clear information about the features and benefits of your products, and include any relevant safety information. Make sure your customers have a good understanding of how to use and care for your products, as this will help ensure that they get the most out of them. Offer excellent customer service Selling protective gear is not just about the products themselves, it's also about the customer experience. Make sure you offer excellent customer service, including fast shipping, easy returns, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. You want your customers to feel confident in their purchase and know that they can rely on you to help them if they have any questions or concerns. Having great in store service is important, but after sales service can build a brand and reputation equally. Use effective marketing Finally, make sure you are using effective marketing to promote your protective gear. Consider using social media, email marketing, and other digital channels to reach your target audience. You may also want to consider attending industry events or trade shows to connect with potential customers in person. In conclusion, selling protective gear requires a thoughtful approach. You need to understand your target market, comply with regulations, focus on quality, provide clear information, offer excellent customer service, and use effective marketing. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your protective gear products are successful and that your customers are safe and satisfied. �

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 23 Protective Gear New protective gearfor the office Working in an office environment is usually considered much safer than working on a construction site, a farm or a factory. However, people are still at risk in the office environment and we found some alternative protective gear that may be useful in the office. Back ache Sitting at a desk for long hours, lifting or carrying heavy boxes or excessive stretching and twisting can cause back aches. This may lead to serious skeletal diseases, especially if someone has a history of previous discomfort in the back area. Although the employee can protect him or herself by doing regular exercise and paying attention to posture, you can also support them by buying some back support for the office chair. According to Manutan.UK the lumbar support should fit right into the natural curve of your spine, typically at the small of your back directly above your belt line. This adjustment is often built into the chair; so you can adjust both the height of the chair back and the lumbar support at the same time. Adjustable chair Ronel Hendry writes in her blog on Karo.co.za that five vertebrae (L1 to L5) in the spine (between the diaphragm and sacrum) curves slightly inward. She adds that when you sit with your thighs at a 900 angle to our back, two major skeletal movements take place. Firstly, the long thigh bones (femurs) rotate in their pelvic sockets through approximately 600 . Thereafter, the ligaments attaching the femurs to the pelvis, pull on the rear of the pelvis. She advises that companies should invest in adjustable chairs. In South Africa where we commonly have “hot desking” and office chairs are used by more than one person, an adjustable lumbar support is all the more essential. Remember that when it comes to office chairs, “there is no, and never will be, a one-size-fits-all”. Eye protection No man was made to stare at something in front of him all the time. To protect your eyes against the light of the screens (computer and other mobile devises) you need to follow the 20/20/20 rule: if you are looking at your screen for 20 minutes, then focus on something at least 20 meters away for 20 minutes. Ensure that the office is well lit but use softer lighting in the room. You can also use an anti-glare matt screen or a highresolution screen. The higher the resolution the better! You can get some anti-glare glasses to protect your eyes. Anti-glare glasses have a coating that reduces glare and reflections to protect your eyes. This is an excellent option if you use laptops, cell phones, and other devices along with standard desktop computers. You can also get anti-glare screen protectors to reduce the glare on the monitor. A blue light filter screen that hangs over the screen will reduce eye fatigue as well but these often have poor adhesion to the screen making images and text blurry and unclear. CareUEyes.com offers software that can be downloaded. It has anti-glare, blue light filtering, screen brightness adjustment, and timed reminder features. Silence is golden. Working in an open plan office or shared space can cause you to lose focus. Noise causes distraction and can even be harmful. Having pink and white noise around helps, but only for a while. If your work requires quiet time and you need to focus all your attention to the job at hand, consider getting headphones. According to The Workplace you need to get ones that are passive noise cancelling – these are designed to block or reduce ambient noise. Do not just get consumer headphones. Make sure they are overear and allow you to wear earplugs underneath. Take time to find ones that actually work. Open-plan syndrome is real and according to Jack Schofield headsets become the new walls in the popular open work spaces. A survey done with 10 000 workers in 14 countries found that 95% of workers felt that the noise in the office is causing a distraction and a large percentage preferred working in private (and in silence!) Do the right thing. Many company owners may ask why it is important to protect your employees in the office. A safe and healthy workplace will not only protect employees agains injury and illness, but it can also lower injury/ illness costs, reduce absenteeism and turnover, increase productivity and quality, and raise employee morale. In other words, safety is good for business. Plus, protecting workers is the right thing to do. Photo by TheStandingDesk on Unsplash

Life Insurance 24 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Nice to have Life Insurance – the Low Down It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! L ife insurance is something that most of us have in place and seldom think about - yet there are several facets to this that should be discussed and considered. In this article we will look at what life insurance is, what factors influence eligibility and cost and when a policy will not pay out. Life insurance provides peace of mind should something happen to you. The purpose of this insurance is to provide a financial cushion for your beneficiaries in the event of your death. A life insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurer where the insurer agrees to pay a designated beneficiary (or you), a specified sum of money should you die, become terminally ill or are permanently disabled. As mentioned, you may be able to claim on your life insurance in the event that you become permanently disabled or if you are diagnosed to be terminally ill. In the event that the insurer pays out prior to your passing, the cover will be null and void at that point and you will no longer have a policy that will pay out at death. No additional cover will be available if early pay-out was needed. It is important to have life insurance in place. The purpose is to solve the following at the time of your passing: � Debt owed � Income required for family or dependents � Inheritance Most policies pay out a percentage at the time of death to cover immediate expenses like the funeral and other costs which were normally paid by the deceased. Payment is usually made as soon as the insurer receives a death certificate. Insurers always do due diligence before paying a life claim. However, this is not to say that they don’t pay or are looking to avoid paying, but it is prudent to always look at any claim. The balance of the policy is usually paid within a couple of weeks or less than a month, unless they have cause to suspect that something is amiss. There are many criteria to take into account with regard to the level of life insurance that is required, namely the number and the ages of dependents, outstanding debt, educational requirements for children, monthly costs until the age of retirement of your spouse and a dozen other factors. It is therefore advised to consult a broker or financial advisor. Taking out Life Insurance The process for taking out life insurance is simple but a lot of information is

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 25 Nice to Have needed for the insurer to work out how much cover you will need and what the monthly premium will be. You may also be required to do blood tests and a medical. The cost for this will be covered by the insurer . 7 Factors That Affect Your Life Insurance Insurance companies consider a range of criteria when calculating the premium for your life cover. Many of these are out of your control, but there are a few that you can control and in doing so bring down the costs on your life insurance. 1. Age: The younger you are, the cheaper your life insurance will likely be. You are underwritten once and as we age and we encounter medical issues, you are not re-underwritten to take these into account. 2. Gender: Stats show that women live an average 5 years longer than men. This means that they have about 5 more years to pay their premiums and so they generally pay a lower premium. 3. Smoking: Smoking is obviously a red flag for insurers because smoking increases your chances for other ailments. As a smoker you could pay up to 50% more than a non-smoker. If you are a smoker when you take the cover but stop smoking, you can apply for non-smoker rates after 6 months which will reduce your monthly premium. 4. Health: As a part of the underwriting process, you will be required to go for a basic medical exam to test your blood pressure, weight etc. The results of these tests will impact the monthly premium you pay. 5. Lifestyle: If you regularly engage in dangerous adventure activities, like motor sports, skydiving and mountain climbing it is likely to impact your monthly premiums. 6. Occupation: Your occupation does have an impact on the premium you will pay and the cover you will get. If you are in a high-risk occupation, there will be an impact on your premiums. 7. Family medical history: Your family medical history is recorded and taken into account. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, for example, your chances of getting it are higher which could impact your premiums. Though, they look only at direct family, not extended family like aunts and uncles etc. Whilst you cannot change your age, gender or family history there are other areas like smoking or drinking or weight that are within your control and these can make a real difference to your premiums if managed. When won’t a Life Insurance policy pay out? If you are concerned about the insurer not paying out, you can review their stats and figures that are published annually. Insurers actually take pride in paying out as many claims as possible as this reflects positively on them. Non-disclosure When you take out life insurance you are asked to provide a lot of information about your health, lifestyle and family history. It is vital that you are completely honest when answering these questions and provide as much information as possible. It is better to be completely honest and risk a higher premium than to not have your claim paid out because you did not disclose a piece of information. There was a case a few years ago where a man was killed in a hijacking. The insurer refused to pay as it was discovered that he had diabetes. Whilst one has nothing to do with the other and the diabetes was not the cause of death, the fact was that this insurer did not accept clients with diabetes because of the risks associated. The man was aware he was diabetic and failed to disclose this despite direct questions pertaining to this as part of the medical. The insurer paid back the premiums paid to date and closed the case. The deceased’s widow was rather unhappy and caused a lot of negative press for the insurer. However, when the case went before the ombudsman the insurer won as they could prove that the man had failed to disclose medical issues that would have excluded him from getting cover had he been honest. It was deemed to be fraud. Other exclusions Insurers do pay out for suicide these days. However, they will not pay out within the first 2 years of the policy. A side note to this is that many mental health issues are not insurable and may cause you to be loaded or exclusions put in place. So, someone with mental health issues may be excluded from suicide for the duration of their policy, meaning that if they take their own life, the insurer will not pay. If you are killed or disabled during the commission of a crime, riot or act of terrorism, your insurer will not pay out. You cannot be involved in illegal activity and expect a policy pay out if you are injured or killed. If you are a victim of the above, you certainly have a claim. If you cause harm to yourself by excessive use of drugs, alcohol or medication it is also unlikely that a disability claim will be paid as this would be seen as self-harm. There are obvious exclusions where insurers don’t pay out but like with anything else there are exceptions. By and large, they have a strict code of conduct and ethics and make a point of paying claims as often and as quickly as possible. �

Budget 2023 26 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Budget 2023 gives relief to hard pressed South African taxpayers By Joon Chong, Partner & Cor Kraamwinkel, Partner at Webber Wentzel The proposals in South Africa’s 2023 National Budget include welcome moves on boosting energy generation, relief for consumers and businesses, and improving the efficiency of tax collection The National Budget delivered today by South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, showed that the government is making some significant financial commitments to restore Eskom to viability and maintain social grants. But with GDP growth projected at 1.4% on average from 2023 to 2025, and a potential tapering-off of the commodities boom over the medium term, how will the government fund these commitments? Below we analyse some of the key proposals on energy and other relief, as well as steps to protect the tax base, foster economic growth and ensure efficient tax collection. Energy We were pleased that government is taking steps to address the current electricity crisis, which the minister described as “the biggest economic constraint”: • Government will provide ZAR254 million in debt relief for Eskom (60% of Eskom’s total debt of R422 billion), in line with the promise made by the Finance Minister in the October 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement to take on between one and two thirds of the entity’s debt. This relief, which comes with conditions, will enable Eskom to invest in transmission and distribution infrastructure and conduct maintenance. • From 1 March 2023, businesses will be able to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of an investment in renewables, with no thresholds on generation capacity for qualifying projects. This incentive will be available for two years. Individuals who install rooftop solar panels from 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024 will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of the panels up to a maximum of ZAR15 000. This can reduce their tax liability in 2023/24, and will only be available for one year. Changes to the Bounce Back Loan Guarantee Scheme are also proposed, to incentivize renewable energy for SMEs. Government will guarantee solar-related loans to SMEs on a 20% first-loss basis. • With some municipalities (such as Cape Town) starting to allow feed-in tariffs, SARS will review what changes need to be made to the Income Tax Act to cater for the extra income from electricity sales. The City of Cape Town has said it will be able to pay cash for power fed into the local electricity grid from June 2023.

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 27 Budget 2023 Other measures to provide much needed relief • A 4.9% inflationary adjustment is being made to all personal income tax brackets and there is a corresponding increase in the medical tax credits and normal tax rebates. • The tax brackets for transfer duties, retirement fund lump sum benefits and withdrawals will be adjusted upwards by 10% to compensate for inflation. • On the proposed two-pot retirement system, government will publish revised draft legislation, including details on the amount immediately available when the system is implemented on 1 March 2024. • The social relief of distress grant continues until 31 March 2024, but there was no mention of extending it beyond that date or replacing it with the Basic Income Grant. • There was no increase in the general fuel levy or the Road Accident Fund levy, which was the case in the 2022 Budget as well. • The refund on the RAF levy for diesel, which currently applies to farming, forestry, fishing and mining, is extended to manufacturing of foodstuffs from 1 April 2023, for two years. Steps to boost economic growth, protect the tax base and collect taxes more efficiently • There was no mention of a further reduction in corporate tax, although the ultimate goal is 25%. The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 28% to 27% for years of assessment ending on or after 31 March 2023. • However, the minimum royalty rate on oil and gas will be increased from 0.5% to 2%, while the maximum remains at 5%. • Research and Development ("R&D") incentives are being extended from 1 January 2024 for another 10 years and will be refined to be simpler and more effective. The "end-result approach" will be removed and R&D on internal business processes will no longer be excluded. • Sin taxes increased by 4.9%. • The Urban Development Zone incentive is being extended for another two years as further analysis and public consultation is needed. • The health promotion levy will not be increased for two years, which is positive, but government will soon issue proposals to extend it to fruit juices and lower the 4g of sugar content per 100ml threshold. • Later this year, SARS will review workplace and travel allowances in line with the greater trend of working from home. • Under SARS’ Vision 2024, all employer and third-party data will be submitted on a monthly basis and SARS will include automated feedback of effective tax rates which are issued to employers to withhold PAYE on a real time basis. SARS proposes to have a final Business Requirements Specifications (BRS) document on monthly PAYE reporting issued in early March 2023, and for the new PAYE reporting system to be in operation from 1 March 2024 onwards. Key to this initiative is the SARS objective to collect income taxes due monthly, and not only every six months, from provisional taxes. Other important steps in the Budget include: • The proposal to withdraw Practice Notes 31 and 37 will be postponed to align the effective date with legislation. • Various amendments are being proposed to section 23M, including to clarify the definition of “adjusted taxable income”, “creditor” and interest paid to non-residents and to extend the exemption to apply to South African lending institutions. • The policy on the foreign business establishment exemption for controlled foreign companies (CFC) will be clarified to provide that all important functions for which a CFC is compensated must be performed by the CFC in that country or another company with facilities and taxation in the same country, and also form part of the same group as the CFC. • National Treasury is proposing to align the distribution of income to nonresident beneficiaries of trusts with the distributions of capital gains specified in paragraph 80. Capital gains to non-resident beneficiaries distributed by trusts will be taxed in the trusts and National Treasury is proposing the same be done for income distributions. • National Treasury is proposing to narrow the participation exemption for the sale of shares in foreign companies that form part of the same group as the seller, or where the shareholders are substantially the same. • The participation exemption for the foreign return of capital from a CFC will also be amended to require an 18-month holding. • VAT changes: National Treasury will clarify the VAT treatment of prepaid vouchers in the telecommunications industry, and of specific supplies in the short-term insurance industry. • National Treasury will also clarify the meaning of “adjusted cost” relating to the temporary letting of residential property.�

Consumer Alert 28 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) has observed an uptick in the number of complaints relating to the purchase and installation of solar systems and generators. For the 12-month period from 1 February 2022 to 9 February 2023, the CGSO received 202 complaints relating to solar systems and generators. The most common type of complaints relating to this category of complaint include: a) The non-issuance of Compliance Certificates. This includes not disclosing the criteria that need to be met for a compliance certificate to be issued, or that an additional fee will need to be paid b ) Accepting payment and not delivering the goods or installing the systems within agreed timeframes. c) Poor workmanship and installations that do not meet safety standards. d) Warranties not being honoured. e) Incorrect equipment purchased either by consumers or on behalf of consumers and suppliers refusing to accept returns. f) No aftercare services. g) Misleading advertising relating to the type, size and wattage of inverters, solar panels and batteries. h) Inflated prices for panels, inverters, batteries and installation services. Of the 134 complaints dealt with thus far, consumers received redress in 36% of cases, including R277 273 paid back in refunds. Other redress included the replacement of faulty inverters, solar panels, generators and batteries as well as the rectification of substandard workmanship. The Ombudsman, Ms Magauta Mphahlele, noted that 46% of cases had to be terminated owing to a lack of cooperation from suppliers. “This is of great concern to us as it means that complainants did not receive any redress. This outcome proves that there are high levels of non-compliance around the Consumer Protection Act in this sector, and we call on suppliers and installers of solar systems and generators to ensure that their service standards meet the requirements of the CPA and other manufacturing and safety standards required in terms of other laws of this country”, she said. Ms Mphahlele also noted that the nature of the complaints received indicated low levels of awareness and understanding by consumers of the highly technical product and installation specifications of solar systems and generators. Consumers are, generally speaking, not clued up on the requirements of systems or their limitations. As a result, consumers are suffering enormous financial losses by purchasing incorrect equipment and/ or, appointing unqualified installers. She also warned against going the DIY route as in many instances, this would nullify any manufacturers warranties. The CGSO offers the following tips to consumers wishing to insulate themselves from poor service and expensive mistakes: 1) Before purchasing or installing a solar system, contact a qualified and trusted solar installer to assess your needs and the structure of your home to advise on the type of system you require. This is important as the CPA does not protect you if you buy incorrect equipment. You are only covered if you provided the correct specifications or communicated the purpose for which you want to use the product for, and the product is not fit for the purpose communicated. 2) Obtain several quotes and verify the credentials of the installer. 3) Ensure that the system is installed by a qualified, accredited installer and that the contract you sign includes the provision of a Certificate of Compliance. Insurance companies and manufacturers will repudiate your claim if the system was not installed by an accredited installer. 4) Ensure that the inverter and batteries are installed with surge protection as most warranties do not cover surge damage. 5) Do not pay the full amount upfront and familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions relating to cancellations and refunds of deposits. 6) Familiarise yourself with the warranty conditions and do not try to fix any problems yourself or tamper with the equipment as this will nullify the warranty.. � Issued by Jack Malatji on behalf of the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, Senior Manager: Stakeholder Communications & Advocacy CONSUMER ALERT: SALE AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR SYSTEMS AND GENERATORS

Fundtech w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 29 T his article serves to help you grow in your understanding of what leadership in business is and to be motivated to keep giving your best as a leader. As a business leader or owner, you will agree that leadership is like beauty: you know when you see it but it could be lacking in description. How would you complete the sentence: “Leadership is …”? John Maxwell, a well-known leadership expert, said: “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” What do you make of this description? How do you relate to complaining, hoping for the better, or adjusting the sails? First reaction Leaders are human… and our first reaction in a situation is often emotional. This is not wrong. The spectrum of emotions covers a variety of emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, confusion, or joy, all with a reason and could result in us settling for being named pessimist or optimist. It helps leaders to know that people experience circumstances differently and that they could have different emotions to different situations. However, leaders guide themselves and others through a situation by acknowledging the emotions and by understanding them. According to Dr Caroline Leaf, author of the book: Cleaning up your Mental Mess (2021), understanding emotions and talking about them help people to learn and to grow. Dr Leaf recommends that we “put ourselves through a mind-management process that changes toxic thoughts and their related behaviours into positive thinking and habits”. Come out stronger. Rational thought patterns can follow the initial emotional response to circumstances. Experience from a similar situation and knowledge, especially through collaboration, can help leaders to move forward in situations. People come out stronger as they work through situations together to seek the best way forward. Leaders act wisely when they apply knowledge and insight and when they guide their team members to make good decisions through collaboration and responsible conduct. Will situations change? They usually do but effective leaders are often those people who are keen to learn from what the situation poses, show tenacity for positive development, and seek good outcomes from the situation. Business theory in the 1980’s was adamant that business leaders should accept that they cannot change the format of their macro and market environments but reality proved them wrong in the 21st century. Leaders can shape their environments, even on a global scale. What is still true throughout all the ages, is that where change seems impossible, attitude adjustment and innovation often emerge. When combined with wisdom, societies benefit. How can this happen? Use your creativity. All humans can be creative. Leaders nurture and develop creativity in themselves and in others and circumstances often are the catalyst for it. As Henry Ford was working on the Model T motorcar in the late 1890’s, cities around the world were struggling with numerous sanitation problems related to horse manure and carcasses left in city streets. His fascination with machines and how they work, simultaneously solved the manure problem in the streets! Many of the sanitation policies of those times are still in place today but the transport industry was changed for ever. An important key to being a leader is thus to not let circumstances get you under but to rise to the occasion by keeping your focus on what is good and contributing to a better outcome. This is part of the story of Henry Ford’s life but also of other inventors and innovators, making them leaders in their fields of expertise. This process can be part of your story as a business leader. Modern day thinking about leadership acknowledges various approaches to defining the concept. My key questions for you to ponder are: � How can you grow from being pessimistic (or optimistic) about your current situation to adjusting the sails as a leader? and � “Where should your focus be? Acknowledge your emotions. We know that leaders are human and operate in situations that at times could be really challenging. This means that leaders need to acknowledge their own emotions and the emotions of their team members. Working through emotions should be followed by seeking knowledge and insight, and then progressing with wisdom through sound decision making. Leaders are not stuck in situations but are those people that desire positive change and make it happen by adjusting the sails! If you are interested in an individual consultation session or a team workshop on this topic, contact Dr Santie von Below at +27 (0)82 613 0719 or send an email to [email protected]. Dr Santie von Below is a strategic leadership business consultant with industry experience and a strong academic background. � Dr Santie von Below Owner: Fundtech Consulting www.fundtechconsulting.com

Solar Power 30 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 I nitially homes and businesses bought generators so that they could keep the doors open and the lights on. Then many switched to inverters and generators that can be obnoxiously loud and the diesel exhaust fumes were less than delightful. The next wave bought inverters, which were a considerable improvement on the noise and fumes created by generators. However the problem of loadshedding returned with a vengeance and due to the higher stages of loadshedding and the hours of darkness and state enforced blackout, inverters also gave up the ghost. Que the next wave, solar power. This although certainly the most expensive option, it is also the most stable option of the three. Given that there is a prognosis that the entire grid may fail, solar would be the best option in this event; generators would prove to be too expensive to run full time and inverters rely on drawing power from the grid to charge the batteries. State of disaster The President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, declared a state of disaster during the State of the Nation Address (SONA). He said that the energy crisis in the country has done untold damage to the country and is an existential threat to businesses and the economy. Through declaring the crisis, he said that the coordination of addressing the crisis can be focused at a single point. Ramaphosa postulated that the state of disaster will enable government to provide practical measures that they need to take to support businesses in the production of food, storage and retail supply chain, including for the rollout of generators, solar panels and uninterrupted power supplies. Plans for a national state of disaster have been criticised, the main criticism against the declaration is that it would open the floodgates for looting and corruption, as was seen in the past. Ramaphosa said that the Auditor General will be brought in to track spending and funding involved with the crisis to ensure that money is handled appropriately and so that the same looting that took place during the COVId-19 crisis is not repeated. Though we would love to put our faith in this statement, given the history, the likely trajectory of the funds will no doubt be to someone as yet unnamed, who will no doubt get away Scott-free once discovered. The next statement of the appointment of a minister to oversee the energy crisis, has also been met with ridicule – appointing a minister, an additional expense to the tax-payer, without any clear plan of action to reduce the loadshedding and to stabilise the grid, is nothing short of farcical. Private Estates going over to Solar Some private housing estates are implementing solar farms to bypass the loadshedding and to maintain security for their residents. When load shedding started nearly 15 years ago, we all assumed that the situation would get better. However, we got it completely wrong and we are currently in a state of national emergency as regards the power supply in South Africa. Solar Power

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 31 Solar Power Midstream Estate in Midrand, is planning to install a large battery bank to store energy from solar plants, Eskom, and, if required, a bank of generators to protect residents against load-shedding. The plan to avert load shedding for stages 1 to 4 and residents are in favour, though the plan will cost R200 million to implement, but can be in place as early as August this year. The reason this is possible is that Midstream falls under one grid, so they have grid control and flexibility when implementing an alternative measure. 80% of the controls needed to use solar power to avert loadshedding are already in place in Midstream Estate. The next step is to build an 8MVA battery storage system to protect residents against load-shedding up to stage 4. The large battery bank will receive energy from solar plants, supplemented during non-load-shedding times by Eskom and, if required, by a bank of generators. There has also been interest from people wanting to develop solar farms in Midstream, and land will be made available for this. The plan is to sync with Eskom’s grid before load-shedding kicks in, once the supply from Eskom falls away, the battery system will take over.” The installed MES load management system can also be extended to houses with high consumption to switch off highpower demand devices during loadshedding. The immediate plan is to create a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective electricity supply network within six months that will avert load-shedding up to stage 4. This network will be extended in future to protect against higher load-shedding levels and then take the estate completely off the grid. Residents who participate in the loadshedding protection will only pay according to their consumption during load-shedding. The additional payments during loadshedding will cover the cost to finance the purchase of the batteries, generators, and the cost to harvest solar energy. It will also finance other associated costs per Eskom’s norm in their larger energy wheeling agreements. Bi-directional meters installed by MES will also measure electricity fed into the grid and charge the battery bank. These houses will be compensated accordingly. Midstream Estate already has over a thousand houses with roof-top solar connected to the electrical grid. The Electricity Generation Act The newly-gazetted Electricity Generation Act regulations will allow private individuals and businesses to generate up to 100MW of electricity for their own use without obtaining a licence from the National Electricity Regulator. Sectional title complexes and gated estates will be able to install their own, private power plants that are capable of permanently generating enough energy to supply the electrical needs of all the homes in the scheme as well as the common property. Some banks are now willing to offer financing to sectional title schemes and estates for this type of improvement, and the monthly repayments for the power plant equipment can easily be divided among the owners in a community scheme according to the same PQ ratios used to calculate levies. Additionally, these payments are likely in many cases to be lower than the amounts they are currently paying for municipal electricity. Cape Town has it will start paying cash for power being fed into the grid by private generators from about June this year. The aim is to insulate Cape Town against loadshedding up to stage 4. Cape Town was granted exemption to be able to purchase energy from independent suppliers. CT City will also pay these customers an incentive over and above the Nersaapproved tariff, NERSA has approved a rate of 78.98c/kWh for this financial year for the city to pay power sellers and the city will be adding a 25c/kWh incentive tariff on top of this. The costs and options of going solar The cost of a rooftop installation is between R150 000 and R350 000; however, there are options available that don’t require a full purchase of an entire system all at once: � Outright purchase: Buying the system outright using one’s own funds. � Financing the system through a home loan provider: Some of the major banks now offer the ability to add the cost of solar installation to one’s home loan. � Rent-to-own: Various solar financing companies have popped up in recent years, offering consumers the option to pay a monthly fee for solar, with the understanding that they will own the equipment after a certain period of time – usually five to seven years. � A subscription service: Solar providers such as GoSolr offer a fixed-monthly subscription to solar power using their equipment. Prices generally start at R1,580 per month. Bond originators specialise in helping homeowners secure additional funding for various needs, including home installations. One of the easiest options available is to increase an existing home loan, allowing homeowners to access a portion of or the total amount of their original home loan and use it towards the installation cost of the solar system. Another option is to apply for a readvance, allowing homeowners to access a portion or all of their original home loan. For homeowners without home loans, banks such as Absa, FNB, and Nedbank offer various options for homeowners looking to take out loans specifically for solar and backup systems to guard against load shedding. Standard Bank, meanwhile, has services on offer for commercial and industrial clients. The cost of a solar solution depends entirely on the scale of the product or what type of system you want. The more independent your system is, the higher the cost will be. There are four main frameworks: � Load shedding backup: This is typically an inverter and a battery backup, charged by the grid when

Solar Power 32 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 power is available. No solar panels are involved. � Grid-tied solar: A grid-tied inverter with solar panels. You are still connected to the grid while allowing you to supplement your energy needs when the sun is shining. � Hybrid system: A grid-tied inverter with solar panels and battery storage. The batteries are charged by solar or the grid depending on what power sources are available. � Off-grid system: A solar system with battery storage. Energy generated from your solar system is stored in large battery banks, and you can operate independently from load shedding. An estimate for a household that spends R2,500 a month on electricity would need to spend about R190,000 to go completely off-grid through the use of solar panels, an off-grid inverter, battery storage and a backup generator. Because of the high cost of entry, whether financing the project outright or going the loan route, residents will ultimately end up paying more for the system than their typical monthly electricity bill. Most solar solutions start “paying back” only after three to eight years – while financing options are for loan terms of around six years. For many though, the cost is outweighed by the benefit – having electricity and security makes the expenditure worthwhile, being able to work and earn a living is another huge benefit for many that are working remotely or have an SME or home office on their property. The hope is that many will be able to feed power back to the grid, earn an income from doing so and help not only their family but their community and the country at large, to have more power and by-pass the load shedding scourge. The reality is that South Africans are making a plan to circumvent the poor management of the Government and come up with a solution. This drive to solar power and the incentivisation and payment to independent suppliers should have been implemented by the Government 15 years ago, but alas, 20/20 hindsight is not useful, all we can do is plan ahead despite the Government’s best attempts to thwart us.

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 33 For the love of tenders A new year, new beginnings, new experiences. One experience that I didn’t ever think that I would need to contend with in the first month of this year, was facing not one, but two requests for a little ‘something’ in exchange for tender information to secure a project. At Reputation Matters we live our motto of ‘excellence always, in all ways’ and I strongly believe that if we can’t secure the work on our own merit of our 18 years’ experience and track record, then we are clearly not the right fit for the project and it’s not an assignment we should be taking on. These interactions have stirred up numerous emotions, but above all, it made me furious for several reasons: It has made the tender process frivolous. What is meant to level the playing field, has turned into a mockery of the tender process. A tender is something that is meant to give everyone the same opportunity to pitch for a project. It’s supposed to be a very specific process and set of rules evaluating everyone against the same point system. It’s meant to be about what is best for the organisation, not the individual and certainly not for lining their own personal pockets. Although tenders take numerous hours and dedication to compile, we have never shied away from participating in tenders. It’s a process that I’ve always felt confident in participating in, specifically regarding the strict regulations that I always imaged needed to be followed, respected, and adhered to. It’s one of those endorphin-filled moments when you’ve been put through your paces, done absolutely everything possible to showcase your skills, methodology and credentials and you receive that letter that reads that your submission has been approved, and you receive your purchase order (PO) number. It’s exhilarating when your hard work pays off. Cheating is cheating. I am flabbergasted by the audacity of these requests. Not only does it go against our value of respect, but it also compromises our integrity. Everyone is bemoaning loadshedding and the state of our economy, but by cheating the system through fraud and corruption is exactly how we got into this l mess as a country. It must stop somewhere, or rather with someone. We, as individuals and as organisations need to say ‘no’ to these requests, no matter how enticing it might sound. I do wish that it was easier to report these things. Not so long ago, (excluding the two incidents in January 2023), I had someone approach me out of the blue wanting us to be part of a project that listed pretty much everything that we have to offer. He wanted to help us get the project with no paper trail. Alarm bells immediately went off, and I indicated that it all sounded incredibly unethical, and asked the caller to confirm his name and position at the organisation, ‘chief auditor’ (of all things) he confidently shared! When I put the phone down, I immediately phoned the Department but there was no answer on the landline however I did manage to get the details of the spokesperson who was rather dismissive. When I mentioned the reputational implications of the whole situation, he merely suggested that I report it to the South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Hawks. I called the Hawks, but there was no answer, sent an email, but the reply I received pretty much referred me back to the website where I got their initial contact details from. As much as I would want to report these latest incidents, I highly doubt that I would get very far since there is no hard evidence or paper trails (emails, letters, WhatsApps or SMS’s). That is why these tender fraudsters are so adamant about not wanting things recorded, not wanting to meet at the office and they would rather use personal channels of communication. Keep an eye out for this. For me it is all in the name; Reputation Matters. We want to build great reputations, we want to work with organisations that align with our great values, which is the acronym for growth, respect, excellence, authenticity and trust (GREAT). However, the organisation must want to improve their reputation, we can’t build a reputation if it means compromising our own values and reputation in the process by mocking the system through bribery. Sometimes a reputation is so beyond repairing a whole rehaul is needed. What do I mean by that? I mean that in order to rebuild the reputation will require replacing the entire leadership, executive For the love of tenders Businesses are always looking for more work and new clients – yet an unexpected request for “a little something” on the side gives you goosebumps. How far are you prepared to go for business contracts?

34 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 2 For the love of tenders and management teams. Reputations are built from the example that leaders set and what they tolerate. Sadly, don’t be fooled by a Code of Ethics in their annual reports. It is actions, not words that show ethical behaviour and someone’s integrity. I double-checked, all the entities that have approached us for the ‘something on the side’ have beautifully written paragraphs in their annual reports about ethics and integrity and how their management teams are committed to it. Annual reports are not meant to be glossy covers and fancy words, it needs to be actions that are not only lived, but that people are held accountable for. I am convinced that there are still good entities out there who want the best for their organisations and are not just in it for themselves. Entities who want to build cultures where everyone thrives and not just places where only a few benefit from cheating a system for personal gain. I have to believe this, it has to be true if there is any hope for our country. If in doubt, here are three lessons that we have learnt that hints towards a tender probably being dodgy and you should steer very very far away from it: Inside information: You have very specific information about a tender before it is made public. Audit trail: When personal telephones and email addresses are used to contact you about a tender. Meeting times: When you are requested to attend a meeting to discuss a tender outside of work hours and not in the office building. So, my question is, is there a point to even consider tenders? Has a winning bid already been allocated even before the tender documents have been penned down? How do we regain the trust in the tendering process? So for now, until I get more clarity on ethical tendering, we’re out, no ‘somethings’ will be forthcoming from us. www.reputationmatters.co.za / [email protected] / 021 790 0208 Regine le Roux is a corporate reputation specialist. She completed her Communication Management Honours Degree Cum Laude at the University of Pretoria in 2001 and completed her MCom within a year. Regine founded Reputation Matters in 2005 and hand picks and manages several teams that run reputation research assignments and develops communication strategies and plans. She is very proud of the team’s accolades of winning SABRE Africa awards in 2018,2019 and 2020 for research and evaluation. She has gained much practical experience through several Communication, Change and Marketing Strategies compiled for clients in both the private and public domains. Regine has mentored several students with their MBA thesis submissions at the Milpark Business School in Johannesburg. Regine developed the Repudometer®, which is one of the first tools that has been developed to quantify organisational reputation. Regine was the Chairperson of the Western Cape Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) Committee, on the Board of the Rotary Club of Newlands responsible for Public Image and Rotary District Committee Chairperson for Public Image in 2015. She is the author of Reputation Matters: Building blocks to becoming the business people want to do business with (ISBN 978 1920526429). Regine also wrote a monthly column on reputation management for Leadership Magazine for several years Regine is passionate about South Africa and launched a Re.Bag.Re.Use initiative in Hout Bay, teaching ladies from the Harbour Imizamo Yethu how to crochet shopping and beach bags made from empty bread bags. These ladies are able to put bread on the table from empty bread bags, while at the same time also keeping the plastic from going to landfill or our oceans. [please visit www.instagram.com/ re.bag.re.use for more information and to see the ladies and beautiful bags]. Regine and her team are also passionate about Africa and have conducted research on ethics and reputation on the African continent for the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and presented it at their annual conference for the past two years (2018 and 2019). Our Repudometer® reputation score for 2022 is 94%

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 35 Nice to Have Nice to have Fun Gadgets Pac-Man Inspired Workstation Desk Mats Keep calm and om nom nom. Transform your workspace and style your desk with this nifty minimal Desk Pad, inspired by the retro Pac-Man game. This premium mat protects your desk, is besties with your mouse, and can even be used underneath your desk stand to prevent it from sliding. Ideal for your home office desktop or to personalise your office at work to show you're a hungry gogetter! Material: Premium neoprene High-quality print Premium stitched edges Packaging: Cardboard tube Dimensions: 88cm x 25cm Locally Produced-Eco-friendly packaging - Well suited as a gift! Build on Brick Mugs (Lego Compatible!) Bring a little life to morning meetings! The Build on Brick Mug is a unique mug, stationery holder and personalised Lego construction set all in one. The set includes a mug and pack of assorted blocks to get you started. But, to get the most out of your Build A Brick Mug, add your own blocks and figurines! These mugs are compatible with any Lego pieces, allowing you to create endless designs! Made of food-grade, eco-friendly, BPA-free plastic, ensuring your safety when drinking and playing. Please note: the images in this listing and the images on the packaging are for reference purposes only and do not represent the blocks that come with this product. Flexi Light Two-in-One Booklight (assorted designs) Flexilight is, without a doubt, the world's thinnest and most versatile booklight that's so slender it doubles as a bookmark. Choose your favourite loadshedding-friendly design!

Stegmanns 36 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Go green! This is not a supportive chant to encourage your favourite sports team, but a passionate cry to support this wonderful planet that we call home. People today are very much, and rightfully so, focused on living a sustainable lifestyle from buying organic produce and supporting cruelty free beauty brands, to purchasing clothing from brands that claim that they produce sustainable fashion. Trademarks The law plays an integral part in promoting a carbon-neutral planet and ensuring that we are all in team “Planet Earth”. One way in which the law plays a role, is regarding the so-called ‘green trademarks. Green trademarks are normal trademarks but which contain at least one green term, irrespective of non-green terms included in the name of the goods or services covered by the mark. What is a green trademark In the Analysis of Goods and Services Specifications of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), 1996-2020, they made use of the following example in order explain the term “green trademark” properly: “… the Swedish firm InnoVentum AB registered a European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) in 2012, for the following goods: Nice 6 Towers [metal structures]; Nice 7 Wind turbines; Nice 7 Generators for wind turbines; Nice 19 Towers [non-metallic structures]. The algorithm developed for this study will find the two green terms of this trade mark, highlighted above. It will also assign the trade mark to the category ‘Wind energy’ within the broad group ‘Energy production’… In the example above, two of the terms are green terms, and two are not, but in this case, it seems clear that the main activity is related to the production of wind energy, the other terms being subsidiary to this activity. In other cases, the green activity of a trade mark will be secondary. Therefore, the definition ‘a trade mark is green if at least one of its terms is green’ can sometimes overestimate the degree to which a particular trade mark is truly related to environmental protection”. Green branding vs green washing We need to distinguish between green branding and green washing. Green branding refers to the practice of using trademarks which convey a message to the public that the particular brand is associated with environmental conservation or practice business through sustainable methods. The message can include words such as “green”, “eco-friendly”, “nature friendly”, “recycle”, “organic” etc., or, symbols such as trees, plastic bottles, a lightbulb with a leaf inside etc. Greenwashing on the other hand is when an organization markets itself as being environmentally friendly, however, behind the scenes, have done very little (or nothing) to reduce its environmental impact. The marketing of the specific goods or services are therefore misleading and conducted for the sole purpose of increasing sales by creating an image as being part of a bigger social movement. Greenwashing can therefore be disguised as green branding. Do your research It is therefore up to the consumer to conduct research into a specific organization to determine whether it is in fact environmentally friendly and practice business through sustainable methods. Unfortunately, green trademarks cannot solely be relied upon to confirm legitimacy. Perhaps it is here where the law must evolve to include rigid requirements for those who want to register green trademarks for good or services. It can consider, for example, what the organization/person’s goal is for registering a trademark beside the obvious legal protection afforded. Afterall, it pays to be green. � By Maricell Kuyper, Environmental Friendliness: Stegmanns Attorneys What are green trademarks? We need to do our bit to ensure that the next generation will have a place to call home!

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 37 Reads out there This book is a classic, and was considered way ahead of its time when published in 1993. Hawken proposes a way for business and the environment to coexist instead of butting heads. He sees a world where businesses “increase the general well-being of humankind through service, a creative invention and ethical philosophy” and envisions a restorative economy, where businesses sustain, rather than destroy, the environment. In the book he looks at three different areas where businesses could effect change, by reducing the resources they use, the pollutants and toxins that they put in the air, and the waste they generate. Source: eco-coach.com We wanted to share some books that you can read to learn more about going green in your business and found a list of recommended reading on the Eco Coach page. Eco Coach is a company that specialises in Sustainability Strategy and is based in Washington DC in the United States. From their list, we picked the following books for you to consider. All books are available on Amazon. The Ecology of Commerce - Paul Hawken Sustainability and going green clearly are beneficial for the bottom line. In this book Etsy and Winston discuss the benefits that going green hold for companies. It includes risk management, cost savings, and enhanced brand perception. The authors conducted several interviews with business leaders globally and they provide examples of what the larger companies are doing, as well as steps that smaller organizations can take to achieve similar results. Green to Gold - Daniel Etsy and Andrew Winston The size of your business doesn’t matter. Werbach’s book will give you some ideas about how to incorporate environmentally sustainable business practices into your organizational strategy, and why this is important. He looks at why companies are key to creating positive change, and makes the case that corporations should include sustainability as part of their culture if they want to be financially sustainable in the long term. Strategyfor Sustainability - Adam Werbach Green Giants examines nine companies--including Chipotle, Toyota, Unilever, Tesla, General Electric, and more--who have established the blueprint for sustainable success that anyone can follow. What do Brazil’s top beauty brand, America’s second-fastest-growing restaurant chain, and the world’s third bestselling car have in common-- besides achieving enormous success with revenue in the tens of billions? They are doing it all while holding to their convictions of implementing sustainable principles that help consumers live better lives. But they aren’t the only ones. Author Freya Williams, an early pioneer of the modern sustainable business movement, discovered six factors responsible for the overwhelming success of these nine socially responsible companies: The Iconoclastic Leader Disruptive Innovation A Higher Purpose Built In, Not Bolted On Mainstream Appeal New Behavioural Contract Packed with eye-opening research, exclusive interviews, and enlightening examples, Green Giants serves as your blueprint for merging wild profitability with social responsibility. Green Giants Green books to read - E. Freya Williams

38 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 Focus on Crime Writing F inding a good author is like finding treasure, for those of you that love crime and suspense, the two featured authors here should really be investigated. My favourite from Karin Slaughter is “The Good Daughter” and from Jeffrey Deaver “the Stone Monkey”. They are both prolific writers, so there is more than enough to keep you reading and entertained for a few months at least! Karin Slaughter Karin Slaughter is a renowned author of crime thrillers, and one of the most popular writers in this genre today. Her writing style is intense, fast-paced, and suspenseful, and her characters are complex, often facing moral dilemmas and making difficult choices. She is known for her ability to weave together multiple storylines and plot twists, creating a gripping and satisfying reading experience for her fans. Slaughter's early novels were stand-alone stories, but she later developed a series of novels featuring two key characters: Special Agent Will Trent and medical examiner Dr. Sara Linton. The first novel in this series, "Triptych," was published in 2006 and was followed by several more books featuring Trent and Linton, including "Fractured," "Undone," and "Broken." In these novels, Slaughter explores the dark corners of human nature, delving into themes such as abuse, addiction, and mental illness. Slaughter's latest novel, "False Witness," was published in 2021, and it has already received critical acclaim. This novel tells the story of Leigh Collier, a successful defence attorney who is forced to confront her dark past when her estranged younger sister, Callie, reappears after years of absence. As Leigh tries to unravel the mystery of Callie's disappearance, she discovers a web of lies and deceit that threatens to destroy everything she has built. One of the reasons why Slaughter's books are so compelling is her ability to create believable and relatable characters. In "The Good Daughter," for example, Slaughter explores the relationship between two sisters who have been traumatized by a violent crime. The novel is an emotional rollercoaster, as the sisters struggle to come to terms with their past and confront the reality of their present. Slaughter's ability to depict complex emotional states and nuanced character development is what sets her apart from other writers in the genre. Slaughter is also known for her ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Her novels are full of plot twists and unexpected developments, which keep readers guessing until the very end. In "Pretty Girls," for example, Slaughter tells the story of two sisters who must come together to confront a dark and twisted web of secrets and lies. The novel is a tour-de-force of suspense and psychological thrills, and it is a testament to Slaughter's skill as a writer. In conclusion, Karin Slaughter is one of the most talented and popular authors of crime thrillers today. Her ability to create complex characters, weave and manipulate together multiple plotlines, and keep readers on the edge of their seats has made her a favourite among fans of the genre. Her books are not for the faint of heart, but for those who love dark and suspenseful thrillers, Karin Slaughter is a must-read author. Karin Slaughter is a highly acclaimed author who has written many popular books, some of which have become bestsellers. Here are the top-selling books by Karin Slaughter: � "The Good Daughter" (2017): This novel is a standalone thriller that tells the story of two sisters who must confront their traumatic past when a violent crime rocks their small town. "The Good Daughter" has been a commercial and critical success, and it topped The New York Times bestseller list. � "Pretty Girls" (2015): This novel is a dark and twisted thriller that explores the complicated relationship between two sisters who are forced to confront a shocking secret. "Pretty Girls" was also a New York Times bestseller and has been optioned for a movie adaptation. � "Pieces of Her" (2018): In this standalone novel, a young woman named Andrea Cooper discovers that her mother has a secret past that puts them both in danger. "Pieces of Her" was another bestseller and has been praised for its complex and multilayered plot. � "The Silent Wife" (2020): This novel is part of the Will Trent series, which follows a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent and his partner as Focus on Crime Writing Reads out there

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 39 Focus on crime writing they investigate crimes. In "The Silent Wife," Trent is on the hunt for a dangerous criminal who has targeted a wealthy family. The book was also a New York Times bestseller. � "Triptych" (2006): This is the first book in the Will Trent series and introduces readers to the character of Will Trent, a troubled and brilliant investigator. In "Triptych," Trent is investigating a series of brutal murders that are linked to his own past. The book was a commercial success and launched a popular series. Jeffrey Deaver Jeffrey Deaver is a prolific author of crime fiction and one of the most popular writers in the genre today. His books are known for their intricate plots, masterful use of suspense, and memorable characters. With over 40 novels to his name, Deaver has established himself as one of the leading voices in the crime thriller genre. Deaver is perhaps best known for his series featuring forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme. The first novel in the series, "The Bone Collector," was published in 1997 and was later adapted into a movie starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. The novel introduces readers to Rhyme, a former New York City detective who is paralyzed from the neck down and now works as a forensic consultant for the police. Rhyme's expertise in crime scene analysis and forensic science, combined with his sharp intellect, make him a formidable detective, and Deaver's novels featuring Rhyme are masterclasses in suspenseful storytelling. In addition to the Lincoln Rhyme series, Deaver has written a number of standalone novels that have garnered critical and commercial success. "The Coffin Dancer," for example, is a tense and tightly plotted thriller featuring a diabolical assassin who is targeting key witnesses in a high-profile trial. "The Devil's Teardrop" is another standalone novel that follows a detective trying to stop a madman who is targeting innocent people with sniper attacks. Deaver's writing style is characterized by its attention to detail, its intricate plotting, and its use of multiple twists and surprises. His novels are often structured as puzzles, with the reader trying to piece together the clues along with the characters. Deaver is a master of misdirection, often leading the reader down one path before pulling the rug out from under them with a shocking reveal. One of the most impressive things about Deaver's writing is his ability to create complex and memorable characters. Lincoln Rhyme, for example, is a multidimensional character who is both brilliant and flawed. His paraplegia is a defining aspect of his character, but it is also a source of frustration and bitterness. Deaver explores Rhyme's struggles with his disability, as well as his relationships with other characters, in a way that feels authentic and compelling. In conclusion, Jeffrey Deaver is a master of the crime thriller genre. His novels are complex, suspenseful, and full of surprises, and his characters are memorable and well-drawn. Whether you're a fan of the Lincoln Rhyme series or his standalone novels, Deaver's writing is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Jeffrey Deaver is a prolific author with many popular and critically acclaimed books to his name. Here are some of his top-selling books: � "The Bone Collector" (1997): This is the first book in the Lincoln Rhyme series, which follows the adventures of a former NYPD detective who is now a quadriplegic forensic expert. "The Bone Collector" was a huge commercial and critical success and was later made into a movie starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. � "The Coffin Dancer" (1998): This is the second book in the Lincoln Rhyme series and features Rhyme trying to catch a ruthless assassin known as "The Coffin Dancer" who is targeting key witnesses in a highprofile trial. The book was also a bestseller and further cemented Deaver's reputation as a master of suspense. � "The Sleeping Doll" (2007): This is the first book in the Kathryn Dance series, which follows a California Bureau of Investigation agent who is an expert in kinesics, the science of body language. In "The Sleeping Doll," Dance is tasked with interrogating a notorious killer who has been in a coma for years. The book was another bestseller and helped to launch a popular new series. � "The Vanished Man" (2003): This is the fifth book in the Lincoln Rhyme series and features Rhyme and his team trying to catch a magician who is using his skills to commit a series of murders. "The Vanished Man" was another bestseller and is known for its clever use of misdirection and surprise twists. � "The Kill Room" (2013): This is the tenth book in the Lincoln Rhyme series and features Rhyme investigating a controversial assassination that has international implications. The book was another commercial and critical success and demonstrated Deaver's ability to keep his readers on the edge of their seats. �

BUYERS’ GUIDE 40 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 40 A ADDING MACHINE, POINT OF SALE AND MACHINE ROLLS PaperGeni Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. ADHESIVES, GLUES AND SPRAYS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Glue sticks, White glue, glitter glue BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd. - Correction Fluid, Glue sticks & Super Glue Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Multi-Purpose Adhesive, Glue Stick ART, CRAFT, GRAPHIC AND DRAWING MATERIALS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Water colour paint set, painting brushes, painting palette, painting water pot CTP Stationery - A4 coloured poster boards Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Oil pastels and watercolour paint RBE EVERYDAY - creative paper and board products STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Oil pastels, Soft Pastel Chalks, Acrylic Paints, Watercolour Paints, Paint, Brushes, Modelling Clay B BAGS AND CASES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd – McCasey Pencil Boxes, Casey School and Utility Cases, McBag Pencil Cases, PVC Mesh and zippa bags, Chair bag, Library bag, Book bag, Pencil bag- flat, Pencil bag- square. D.O.S - iStay Flip File - Business cases. Kolok - Kenton STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) - Pencil Cases Topmark - School Bags, Laptop Bags, Pencil Cases, Sports Bags, Luggage BARCODE PRINTERS Do you have a product to list here? BARCODE SCANNERS Do you have a product to list here? BATTERIES Kolok - Duracell Nikki Distributors - Duracell Batteries Nikki Distributors - Energizer Batteries BIN RANGE Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Waste Paper Bins Krost Office Products BINDING ACCESSORIES AZ Trading - Plastic Comb, Wire, Thermal & Covers CTP Donau - Donau files and slide binders, A4 poster board Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding Machines Press Products - wire, combs, coil, covers Rexel Office Products - Rexel and GBC BINDING MACHINES AZ Trading - DSB, Neorel D.O.S - Prima, DSB, Leitz Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding Machines Press Products - Bindquip Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges BOARDS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Velleda School Whiteboards Butterfly - Full range of boards and accessories CTP Stationery - Flip Chart Pads Hortors Stationery - Legal Notices i.e. Basic Conditions & OSH Act and Leave and Absence Chart Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Parrot Products - Full range of boards and accessories. Custom boards printed to your specification Rexel Office Products - NOBO whiteboards, pinboards, easels and accessories. Quartet magnetic white/cork boards BOOK COVERS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Printed/ Laminated Hard Cover Assorted Designs, Classic Hard Cover PU Notebook, Flexi Soft Cover PU Notebook Butterfly CTP Stationery - Poly Prop Donau heavy duty covers Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper Grafton Paper Products Palm Stationery Manufacturers - brown paperrolls, poly rolls, gift-wrap RBE - Papersmart RBE EDUCATION BOOKS AND PADS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Soft cover, Hard cover and PP cover Notebooks BSC Stationery - Treeline Butterfly CTP Stationery - Impala and premier books and pads Hortors Stationery - Legal registers Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE - NCR Business Books Rexel Office Products - Colourhide notebooks BOOK ENDS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Book Ends BOXES AND CARTONS CTP Stationery - Archiving Systems Rexel Office Products Specialised Filing Systems - Archive and Off-Site Tidy Files - Acid free archiving products BUSINESS CARD STORAGE Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Business Card files and boxes C CALCULATORS Kolok - HP, Canon Nikki Distributors - Truly calculators Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - IBICO CALENDARS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - calendar bases CTP Stationery - Diaries assorted sizes RBE Everyday - desk calendars STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) - Year Planner “Be part of the solu�on, not part of the pollu�on.” ~ Unknown

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 41 Buyers’ Guide See page 42 for contact details 41 CANTEEN Kolok - Tea, Coffee, milk etc CARBON PAPER AND FILMS RBE Enterprise - NCR Business Books CARTRIDGES Dis Cartridges - Stockists of generic/original cartridges CD’S, DVD’S AND DISKETTES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - CD/DVD storage systems- PVC Kolok - Verbatim, Kenton CLIP BOARDS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Moulded plastic, PVC, Masonite CTP Stationery - DONAU brand Parrot Products - Masonite and whiteboard CLIPS, FASTENERS AND PINS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Boat shaped paper clips, Metal fold back clips, Metal file fasteners Grip Binders - Essentials, Stephens, Penguin Tidy Files - Filing solution COLOURING BOOKS Empire Toy & Stationery - Empire books Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave COMPUTER ACCESSORIES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Computer Printout binders Kolok - Verbatim, Kenton, Valcano, Amplify Krost Office Products Pyrotec - Tower Inkjet-laser labels, business cards and photo paper COMPUTER CLEANING Kolok - ComputerCare, Multipro Pyrotec - Tower computer cleaning range COMPUTER CONSUMABLES CTP Stationery - Full range of DONAU files Kolok - Penguin (Ribbons, Toners, Inkjets), Till and fax rolls Redfern Print Services - Redfern inkjet/ laser/copier labels and a full range of stationery labels COMPUTER HARDWARE Kolok - Gicom laminators CONFERENCE ACCESSORIES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Conference badges, cases, folders and customised solutions CORPORATE STATIONERY & GIFTING Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Customised solutions RBE Express - Customise your products CRAYONS AND CHALKS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Wax crayons Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Chalks and Crayons Power Stationery - Powerstar STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Crayons, Retractable Wax Crayons, Crayons D DESK SETS AND ACCESSORIES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Desk Drawer Organisers, Desk Organisers, Memo cubes, Paper clip dispensers, Tape dispensers, Magazine Filing boxes BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Desk Set Solo Delux Krost Office Products Rexel Office Products - Rexel Eco Range DIARIES, PLANNERS AND ORGANISERS CTP Stationery - CTP Brand Hortors Stationery - Legal diaries, bespoke diaries and standard stock items Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners, refills and T-card kits, Quartet Monthly/ Weekly planner South African Diaries - For all your diary needs DICTATION - TRANSCRIPTION Olympus Audio S.A - Digital Voice Recorders, Transcription Kits and Accessories Powerhouse Dictation for Philips - Dictation, transcription, meeting recording, mini-tapes, foot pedals, accessories DOCUMENT STORAGE Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd – Document wallets, cases and boxes, Texo modular storage system DRAUGHTING AND DRAWING OFFICE SUPPLIES CTP Stationery - A4 Poster Boards E EMBOSSERS AND ENGRAVING Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Ideal & Trodat Embossers (pocket, desk and electronic), Trotec ENVELOPES AND MAILING Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Polypropylene Business & Expanding Envelopes BSC Stationery - Leo Envelopes CTP Stationery - Commercial envelopes Grafton/Star Merpak Envelopes - Complete range of quality envelopes RBE - Papersmart RBE Everyday - Envelopes ERASERS & ERASING / CORRECTION FLUIDS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - White Pencil eraser BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Tippex tape, bottle and Pen Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Tape/Erasers Pentel S.A (PTY) LTD - Hi-Polymer and Ain eraser, correction tape and pens Power Stationery - Powerstar STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) - Erasers, PVC Free Erasers, Art erasers, Correction pen, Correction tape F FAX ROLL MANUFACTURERS Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. FILES AND FILING African Filing Systems - Top retrieval filing and arching products

BUYERS’ GUIDE 42 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 42 Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Brochure filing pockets, Display Books, Filing Pockets, Flexi-File Display Books, Lever Arch Files - PP/PVC/Board/Polytec, Magazine Filing Boxes, Project Files, Swing lock binders, Report Covers & Slide Grips, Ringbinders - PP/PVC/Polytec/Board, Telephone Indexes Butterfly - Brochure filing pockets, Display Books, Filing Pockets, Flexi-File Display Books, Lever Arch Files - PP/PVC/Board/ Polytec, Magazine Filing Boxes, Project Files, Swing lock binders, Report Covers & Slide Grips, Ringbinders, dividers BSC Stationery - Treeline, Mobifile CTP Stationery - Full range of quality DONAU brand Flip File - Executive display files, expanding files, Document folders, dividers Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Lever arch, Ringbinder files, Manilla flat folders Grafton/Star Palm Stationery Manufacturers - leaver arch, ring binder files, manilla flat folders. Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Display book Vivid, document file, clip file and presentation file Rexel Office Products - Prima and Rexel ranges Specialised Filing Systems - Top Retrieval, Archive and Off-Site Tidy Files - Filing solutions FOLDERS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Conference folders, Secretarial Folders, Quotation Folders - PVC / PP, Signature Organiser / Blotter, Smart Folders Butterfly CTP Stationery - DONAU Brand Palm Stationery Manufacturers - View files, polypropylene & board folders Tidy Files - Specialised FORMS - LEGAL AND MISCELLANEOUS Hortors Stationery - complete range of custom, company, miscellaneous, magisterial, etc. FURNITURE - OFFICE & SCHOLASTIC Krost Office Products - accessories New Era Office cc - Specialising in all office furniture desks, chairs, credenzas, boardroom tables, etc Reboni Furniture Group - Manufacturing and distribution of educational and office furniture Specialised Filing Systems - Cabinets, Shelving and Hi-Density G GUILLOTINES AND TRIMMERS AZ Trading - DSB, Kobra Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL Shredders & Guillotines - SA Distributors Press Products - BindQuip Rexel Office Products - SmartCut and ClassicCut I INDEX TABBING AND DIVIDERS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Dividers - PP / Manilla Board, Indexes - PP/Manilla/Mylar/ Card File Boxes Butterfly CTP Stationery - DONAU Brand board and P.P Flip File - Index Tabs, Flip tabs Grip Binders Palm Stationery Manufacturers RBE Everyday - file dividers Rexel Office Products - Rexel, Mylar and Prima board INKS Kolok - Canon, Epson, HP, Samsung, Brother, Nutek (Large Format) Rexel Office Products - Numbering machine ink Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat, Noris fastdry, security, numbering, franking. Laundry. J JANITORIAL Kolok - Goldenmarc (Cleaning products), Brooms, Mops and equipment. L LABELS Pyrotec - Tower stationery, inkjet-laser labels Redfern Print Services - Redfern Inkjet/ laser/copier labels and a full range of stationery labels Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. Specialised Filing Systems - Filing Tidy Files - Filing solutions LABELLING MACHINES Kemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of Brother P-Touch Labelling System LAMINATING MACHINES AZ Trading - DSB, Speedlam, Lamiace Kolok - Gicom laminators D.O.S - Tofo, DSB, Leitz Parrot Products - Parrot A4 and A3 Laminators Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges LAMINATING POUCHES AND MATERIALS AZ Trading - A0 to ID card size Parrot Products Rexel Office Products - GBC Kolok - Penguin laminating pouches and rolls LEGAL STATIONERY Hortors Stationery - All legal registers, forms, diaries and leases LETTER TRAYS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd – Optima Letter Tray, Optima Organiser Set, Vision Letter Tray Krost Office Products M MAILING TUBES CTP Stationery MARKING Do you have a product to list here? The first public holiday for 2023 is upon us: Human Rights Day, 21 March.

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 43 Buyers’ Guide See page 42 for contact details 43 MARKERS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Permanent Markers, Highlighters, whiteboard Interstat Agencies - Edding Parrot Products - White board, permanent and OHP markers. Wide range of highlighters Penflex - White board, flipchart, permanent markers, highlighters Pentel (Pty) Ltd. - Maxiflo, white board marker and paint marker Power Stationery - Powerstar STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) - Permanent Markers, Whiteboard markers, Highlighters MATHEMATICAL GEOMETRY SETS & ACCESSORIES Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Mathematical instruments, Compass sets MINUTE AND GUARD BOOKS Hortors Stationery - Company registers, minute books and other legal registers RBE ENTERPRISE - Security books & Registers N NUMBERING MACHINES Rexel Office Products Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Reiner Dater/Numberer (manual/electronic), Trodat O OFFICE ERGONOMICS Rexel Office Products - Kensington copyholders, risers, footrests, Rexel range of electric staplers and punches which reduces chances of RSI (repetitive strain injury) OVERHEAD PROJECTION AND ACCESSORIES Kolok - Penguin Transparencies Parrot Products - Data Projectors, OHPs, screens and rear projection film Penflex - Penflex Overhead projector pens Rexel Office Products - NOBO P PACKAGING Merpak Envelopes - Postsafe packaging range PAPER AND BOARD CTP Stationery - DONAU A4 poster boards Butterfly paper - board and paper Grafton/Star Kolok - Geha (paper media), EPSON, HP, CANON, Kolok – penguin photo paper Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Cubes and board Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE - Papersmart RBE Everyday - Creative paper and board products Rexel Office Products - Prima Paper & Board PAPER FOLDING MACHINES Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL Shredders & Guillotines – SA Distributors PENCILS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - HB triangular pencils, HB jumbo triangular pencils, colour triangular pencils BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Evolution Graphite, BIC Matic Clutch, Velocity Clutch, Atlantis Clutch, BU4 Clutch Palm Stationery Manufacturers Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Hotshot, Mechanical Pencil, Techniclick Pencil. Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - Rexel HB & Derwent STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – tradition® pencil, tradition® eco, Stylus pencil, Wood free pencils, Carpenters pencils, Charcoal pencils, Clutch pencils, Mechanical pencils, Colour pencils, Wood cased triangular Colour Pencils, Wood cased triangular watercolour pencils, Wood Free colour pencils, Wood Free Beginners pencils PENCIL LEADS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Criterium 0.5mm leads Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Ain lead, standard lead - various grades STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) - Mechanical pencil leads PENCIL SHARPENERS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Two- hole sharpener with container, Three- hole sharpener with container Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) - Metal Single and Double hole Sharpener, Rotary Sharpener, Double-hole tub Sharpener PENS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Clic, Crystal, Orange and Prismo Palm Stationery Manufacturers Penflex - Penflex ballpoints and rollerballs Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Superb Ballpoint, Energel Pen Power Stationery - Powerstar STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Ballpoint pens, Fineliners, Rollerball pens, Pigment Liners, Fibre-tip pens, Jumbo Fibre-tip pens PEN CARBON BOOKS Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE Enterprise - NCR Business Books PERSONAL STATIONERY CTP Stationery - Home office and personal filing system, diaries Grafton/Star RBE Express – Customise your products PLANNING BOARDS AND ACCESSORIES Parrot Products - Range of year planners, term planners, maps and in/out boards. custom printed boards designed to specification. Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners POINT OF SALE POINT OF SALE AIDS Central Cash Register - Money detector, Money checker, Pen checker POINT OF SALE PRINTER ROLLS Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. PRINTING Kolok - Epson, Lexmark, HP Printers, Oki (Hardware) Pantum, Samsung

44 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 BUYERS’ GUIDE 44 Olivetti Imports - Distributors of Multifunctional Printers / Copiers RBE Express - create custom products Star Stationers and Printers Unicopy & Stationers CC - for all your printing & stationery requirements PRINTER CONSUMABLES Kolok - Epson (inkjet, large format etc), Lexmark, HP, Brother (Toners and Inks), Oki (Toners, inks and Ribbons), Tally Genicom (Ribbons), Seikosha (Ribbons), Panasonic (Toners and Ribbons), Kyocera (Toners), Printronix (Ribbons), IBM (Ribbons), Ricoh (Toners), Fujitsu (Ribbons), Pantum (Toners) Royce Imaging Industries - Remanufacturers and suppliers of inkjet and laser cartridges Technical Systems Engineering - Suppliers of quality compatible cartridges and bulk inks for Epson, Canon, Lexmark, HP and Samsung PUNCHES AND PERFORATORS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd – Bantex range of perforators Krost Office Products Parrot Products - Parrot range of punches Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - Rexel R RUBBER STAMPS Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co. – Trodat Kolok - Rubber stamps and daters RUBBER STAMP MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - AZ Liquid polymer, TROTEC laser engraver, flash system RULERS Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar Penflex - PENFLEX rulers STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Shatterproof Ruler 30cm, Flat scale Engineering ruler, Reduction Scale Ruler S SCHOLASTIC SUPPLIES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - project files (10-50 pockets), Display books, Casey, McCasey, Shuttles BSC Stationery Sales - Treeline CTP Stationery Empire Toy & Stationery Butterfly Flip File - Flip File display books A5, A4, A2, A3 Grafton Paper Products Hortors Stationery - school diaries Palm Stationery Manufacturers Parrot Products - chalk boards/slates Power Stationery - Powerstar Pyrotec - Tower Adhesive Book Cover 45cm x 2m RBE Education - Exercise books and Pads SCISSORS AND CUTTERS Bantex - 13, 17 and 21 cm and 13cm lefthanded scissors Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products STAEDTLER SA PTY (Ltd) – Multi-use Scissors 14cm, 14cm Left handed, 17cm and 21cm SCRAPBOOKING Rexel Office Products - Trimmers and guillotines Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Making memories, Clearsnap, Marvy, Ranger, Bazzill, Carl SHREDDERS AND ACCESSORIES AZ Trading - DSB, Kobra, Roto, Repairs to all makes D.O.S - Kobra Kolok - GEHA entry level and high-end shredders Nikki Distributors - Nikki shredders Parrot Products - Parrot range of value shredders Rexel Office Products - Rexel range Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL Shredders & Guillotines - SA Distributors SLATES Parrot Products - Whiteboard and chalk board STAMPS, STAMP PADS AND INKS Kemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of Brother Stampcreator PRO Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat, pre-inked stamps, stamp and fingerprint pads STAPLING MACHINES AND STAPLES Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd - Bantex range of Staplers and staples Interstat Agencies - Genmes Krost Office Products Parrot Products - Parrot range of staplers Rexel Office Products - Rexel range STATIONERY SUNDRIES – SCHOLASTIC Butterfly CTP Stationery - DONAU Scissors and cutting knives Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Power Stationery - Powerstar STORAGE SYSTEMS Bantex SA (Pty) Ltd – Portable Suspension File Boxes, Suspension Files, Suspension File Rack, Texo Modular Storage System, Vision Wall Pocket Organiser Butterfly CTP Stationery - Archiving Systems - Suspension Files Kolok - Verbatim (hard drives, USB sticks etc), HP, Sandisk Rexel Office Products - Storage boxes Specialised Filing Systems - Filing Tidy Files - Filing solutions T TAPES Palm Stationery Manufacturers TECHNOLOGY Kolok - Cubot, Alcatel

w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 45 Buyers’ Guide See page 42 for contact details 45 • The Buyers’ Guide is an affordable way to highlight your brands while simultaneously introducing up-and-coming stockists to the trade. • The Buyers’ Guide is a valuable sourcing tool to market your business and the brands that you carry. • To book space, contact Hanlie on [email protected] or 082 908 2295. DID YOU KNOW? TELECOMMUNICATIONS Nikki Distributors - Siemens office phones TELEX ROLLS AND TELETEX PAPER Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. Kolok – Till rolls, thermal and board THERMAL ROLLS Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. TONERS AND CARTRIDGES Kolok - Penguin (Inkjets and Laser toners), Epson, Lexmark, HP, Canon, Pantum (toners), OKI, Samsung TOP RETRIEVAL FILING Optiplan a div of Waltons - Paper based top retrieval filing systems Specialised Filing Systems - Total Solution and more Tidy Files - Complete onsite and offsite filing solutions TOYS, HOBBIES AND GAMES Pyrotec - Toby Tower Stickers and Activities TRANSFER LETTERING AND SIGNS Parrot Products - Vinyl lettering TRANSPARENCIES Kolok - Penguin transparencies for inkjet and laser OEM, Penguin and HP Transparencies Rexel Office Products - NOBO range

46 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e M a r c h 2 0 2 3 CONTACT DETAILS HERE African Filing Systems � 011 614 9445 www.africanfiling.co.za � 086 540 6892 [email protected] AZ Trading � 086 111 4407 www.aztradingcc.co.za � 011 792 9732 [email protected] BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd � 011 474 0181 Box 43144, Industria, 2042 � 011 474 6068 16 Maraisburg Road, Industria, 2042 BSC Stationery Sales � 011 086 2900 Box 278, Brakpan, 1540 � 011 420 3322 [email protected] Butterfly � 011 614 2243 Business Park, Gosforth, Silverstone St, � 011 614 3075 Elandsfontein, JHB [email protected] CTP Stationery � 011 226 5600 Box 43501, Industria, 2042 � 011 474 9242 [email protected] D.O.S (Denton Office Solutions) � 086 000 7468 [email protected] � 086 237 4614 www.dosptyltd.biz Flip File � 021 638 3105 Box 2190, Clareinch, 7740 � 021 633 6942 [email protected] Grafton/Star Paper Products � 011 262 0777 Box 550, Bergvlei, 2012 � 011 262 0780 [email protected] Hortors Stationery � 011 620 4800 Box 1020, Johannesburg, 2000 � 086 612 4663 [email protected] Ink Spot Suppliers � 011 854 3013 � 011 852 3013 [email protected] Interstat Agencies - Durban � 031 569 6550 Box 201707, Durban North, 4016 � 031 569 6559 [email protected] Interstat Agencies - Cape Town � 021 551 9555 Box 36696, Chempet, 7442 � 021 557 5456 [email protected] Interstat Agencies - Port Elizabeth � 041 453 2558 Box 27693, Greenacres, 6057 � 041 453 8504 [email protected] Kemtek Imaging Systems � 011 624 8000 Box 86173, City Deep, 2049 � 0866 101 185 [email protected] Kemtek Imaging Systems - Cape � 021 521 9600 Box 181, Cape Town, 8000 � 021 551 5032 [email protected] Kemtek Imaging Systems - KZN � 031 700 9363 Box 15685, Westmead, 3608 � 031 700 9369 [email protected] Kemtek Imaging Systems - PE � 041 582 5222 Box 15685, Westmead, 3608 � 041 582 5224 [email protected] Kemtek Imaging Systems - PTA � 012 804 1410 PO Box 816, Silverton, 0127 � 012 804 4286 [email protected] Kolok - Head Office � 011 248 0300 Box 4151, Johannesburg, 2000 � 011 248 0381 [email protected] Kolok - Cape Town � 021 597 2700 Box 6385, Roggebaai, 8012 � 021 297 2799 [email protected] Kolok - Durban � 031 570 4900 Box 4206, Riverhorse Valley East, 4017 � 031 569 6880 [email protected] Kolok Polokwane � 015 298 8795 Box 862, Ladanna, 0704 � 015 298 8315 [email protected] Kolok - Port Elizabeth � 041 406 9900 Box 3163, North End, 6056 � 041 406 9920 [email protected] Kolok - Namibia � 00264 (61)370500 Box 40797, Ausspannplatz, Namibia � 00264 (61)370525 [email protected] Kolok - Nelspruit � 013 758 2233 Box 4338, White River, 1240 � 013 758 2235 [email protected] Kolok - Bloemfontein � 051 433 1876 PvtBag X01, Brandhof, Bloemfontein � 051 433 2451 [email protected] Kolok - Botswana � 00267 393 2669 PvtBag B0226, Bontleng, Gaborone � 00267 317 0762 [email protected] Krost Office Products � 011 626 2067 Box 75401, Gardenview, 2047 � 011 626 2912 [email protected] Maynards - Olympus Audio S.A / Olivetti Distributors � 0860 00 1922 [email protected] www.maynards.co.za Merpak Envelopes � 011 719 7700 [email protected] � 011 885 3174 www.merpak.co.za Nikki - Cape Town � 0860 006731 [email protected] � 0800 204868 www.nikki.co.za Nikki - Durban � 0860 006731 [email protected] � 0800 204868 www.nikki.co.za Nikki - Johannesburg � 0860 006731 [email protected] � 0800 204868 www.nikki.co.za Nikki - Pretoria � 0860 006731 [email protected] � 0800 204868 www.nikki.co.za Optiplan a division of Waltons � 011 620 4000 Pencil Park, Croxley Close, Herriotdale � 086 681 8256 [email protected] Palm Stationery � 031 507 7051 [email protected] � 031 507 7053 www.palmstat.co.za Parrot Products � 011 607 7600 [email protected] � 011 615 2502 www.parrotproducts.biz Penflex � 021 521 2400 Box 36964, Chempet, 7442 � 021 521 2402/3 [email protected] Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd � 011 474 1427/8 Box 202, Crown Mines, 2025 � 011 474 5563 www.pentel.co.za Powerhouse Dictation � 011 887 1056 [email protected] � 086 555 3833 www.speech.co.za Power Stationery � 032 533 4003 Box 1305, Verulam, 4340 � 032 533 3254 [email protected] Press Products � 011 493 6332 [email protected] � 011 499 1019 www.pressproducts.co.za Pyrotec � 021 787 9600 PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948 � 021 787 9791 [email protected] RBE Stationery Manufacturers (Pty) Limited � 011 793 7321 [email protected] � 011 793 7348 www.rbe.co.za Reboni Furniture Group � 086 173 2664 www.reboni.co.za � 086 627 7737 [email protected] Redfern Print Services - Cape Town � 021 552 9680 Box 403, Milnerton, 7435 � 021 552 9681 [email protected] Redfern Print Services - Durban � 031 205 9598 [email protected] � 031 205 7092 www.redfern.co.za Redfern Print Services - Johannesburg � 011 837 4119 Box 1445, Crown Mines, 2025 � 011 837 8917 [email protected] Rexel Office Products � 011 226 3300 www.rexelsa.co.za � 011 837 2781 [email protected] Rotunda (Pty) Ltd. � 021 799 5770 15 Hillstar Avenue, Wetton, 7780 � 021 761 5601 [email protected] Royce Imaging Industries � 011 792 9530 www.royceimaging.co.za � 011 792 9480 [email protected] Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Head Office � 011 262 1400 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144 � 011 262 1414 [email protected] Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Cape Town � 021 448 7008 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144 � 021 448 7014 [email protected] Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Durban � 083 377 4109 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144 � 031 266 1082 [email protected] South African Diaries � 021 442 2340 Box 4862, Cape Town, 8000 � 021 442 2341 [email protected] Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd � 011 579 1600 www.staedtler.co.za � 011 608 3497 [email protected] Specialised Filing Systems � 011 477 0640 www.specfiling.co.za � 011 477 3528 Star Stationers and Printers � 031 569 1061 [email protected] � 031 569 1094 www.starstat.co.za Technical Systems Engineering � 011 708 2304 Box 1532, Northriding, 2162 � 011 708 1799 [email protected] Tidy Files � 011 943 4210 www.tidyfiles.co.za Topmark � 011 837 8045 [email protected] � 011 837 7442 Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Cape Town � 021 787 9600 PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948 � 021 787 9791 Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Johannesburg � 011 611 1820 59 Lepus Rd, Crown Mines, 2025 � 011 611 1834 [email protected] Tower (Division of Pyrotec) Durban � 031 701 0192 Box 594, Pinetown, 3600 � 031 701 1285 [email protected] Unicopy & Stationers CC � 031 201 8415 122 Che Guevara Road, Glenwood, 4001 � 031 201 8672 [email protected] Versafile � 011 226 5600 Box 43501, Industria, 2042 � 011 474 9242 [email protected] 46 m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 2 Buyer's Guide

Call now to book your space in one of our publications: the monthly online magazine, the weekly newsletters or on the of�cial SHOP-SA website at www.shop-sa.co.za Contact Hanlie on 082 908 2295 or [email protected] Feature your products and services in the My Of�ce Magazine and reach core buyers in the of�ce products industry who are accredited with SHOP-SA: the of�cial association serving the industry since 1916. NEXT MONTH April 2023 PUNCHES & STAPLERS How to sell: files and filing systems Jan/San: Clean floors! Arts& cra�s: Easter treats Eco-pages: Uses for foil wrappers w w w . s h o p - s a . c o . z a m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e 47 Next Month

Punchline Caption this! Send us your funniest caption for the photograph below and you stand a chance to win a P225 and Matador stapler and punch set from Rexel. Send your Punchline and contact details [email protected] with Punchline in the subject line Winning Caption: warning all...the auditors have arrived....run and hide... - Mohsien Hassim WINNING CAPTION FEBRUARY 2023 Win this with your punchline Join this expanding community of office professionals, managers, procurement buyers and business owners now when you register on www.shop-sa.co.za My Office online magazine – the only accredited publication for the office and home products industry is circulated monthly to office professionals across South Africa. Register on www.shop-sa.co.za to receive your free magazine subscription, delivered to your inbox. • Learn about cutting edge office technologies • How to work smarter and faster and with best business practice • Get updates on events, promotions and latest offers • Be inspired by the hottest trends in interiors, furniture, and workplace ergonomics • Do business with accredited industry suppliers. Connect to the largest and most comprehensive database of likeminded professionals in the workplace environment. My Office magazine is the official publication of the Stationery, Home & Office Products Association of Southern Africa. SHOPPING FOR STATIONERY? NEED THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX? LOOK NO FURTHER…