The weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the wanted online pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Roxana Ravjee talks about her first months as the new CEO of dentsu South Africa.
- Paul Keursten, Co-Founder and CEO of Workshop17 chats about the shifts taking place in the workspace environment.
- Calvin Collett, Founder and CEO of Melon Mobile introduces the new mobile service provider.
- Peter Olyott, CEO of Indwe Risk Services highlights what to look out for when purchasing a solar system.
- Pearl Kgalegi, Head of the Currency Management Department at the South African Reserve Bank shares all the details on South Africa’s new currency.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on Mix 93.8, Mondays at 7pm.
The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The Sandton magazine show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business and so much more beyond the borders of greater Sandton. In 2023, the radio show and podcast was selected by Feedspot panellists at #15 on a ranking of Top 40 South Africa Podcasts on the web.
In this week’s show [Edition 121 | Week 27] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
New Dentsu South Africa CEO Roxana Ravjee
Roxana Ravjee, a highly accomplished executive in the marketing industry, was appointed as the CEO of dentsu South Africa in March 2023.
Having previously served as the Managing Director of Publicis Commerce, Roxana excelled in dual roles within the TCC Groupe and the Publicis Group. Her capabilities were showcased as she successfully retained and nurtured relationships with large clients during mergers and acquisitions. With exceptional skills and dedication to delivering tangible outcomes within challenging timelines, Roxana is operationally driven and highly proficient in the marketing industry.
The company ranked as the number one network in South Africa and Carat, a subsidiary, secured the top spot as the number one media agency in business retention and acquisition.
Dentsu SA expressed excitement about Roxana joining their team, highlighting her strong leadership skills, high energy, creativity, and enthusiasm. They believe she will be instrumental in driving the continued growth, innovation, and industry leadership of dentsu SA. Additionally, Roxana’s values align with dentsu SA’s vision, which focuses on women, youth, and mentorship and development of its employees.
Roxana herself expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating her excitement in continuing the vision and strategy of dentsu SA alongside a talented team and valued clients. She also mentioned her admiration for dentsu SA’s commitment to women, youth, and mentorship, which she strongly advocates for.
Roxana’s work ethic revolves around the ethos of doing what you love and loving what you do, which she intends to instil in her new journey with dentsu SA.
For more information, visit the dentsu South Africa website.
Shifts In Workspaces With Workshop17 Co-Founder And CEO Paul Keursten
The concept of work-life balance has become a buzzword, representing the idea of living more flexible lives. However, upon closer examination, this notion can be seen as a myth. It assumes that work and home life are separate entities, divided by an invisible line that can be moved to accommodate our daily activities. But life is not a pie chart where we can simply shift time from one slice to another. Life is fluid, with our focus shifting depending on our current priorities and circumstances.
Achieving personal symmetry is crucial for leading a holistic lifestyle, but what’s even more important is recognizing the need for a healthy workplace that promotes happiness, productivity, and growth. Paul Keursten, CEO and co-founder of Workshop17, South Africa’s leading modern coworking space, believes that personal workspaces should be a fundamental aspect of HR company policies, similar to other benefits like pensions.
Paul emphasizes the importance of caring for employees and offering inspiring work environments. The power dynamic has shifted, and now individuals have the freedom to choose where and how they work. Workspaces should provide inspiration, leading to dedication and excellence. Profitable businesses understand how to harness passion to keep employees engaged and make the most of their talents.
Paul’s top three workplace takeaways are:
- Attract and retain the right people: Despite South Africa’s high unemployment rate, there is still a demand for talented individuals in specific industries. To attract and retain employees, companies should provide work environments that align with individual values and resonate with their way of life. This includes incorporating sustainability, green energy, collaboration opportunities, wellness initiatives, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. No one should have to work in an uninspiring environment.
- Time is about quality, not quantity: The notion that 20% of our activities account for 80% of our results suggests that measuring working hours with a time clock is outdated. Companies should implement systems that prioritize results over input time. This can involve implementing a four-day work week or shorter workdays while fostering easy collaboration and communication. Shorter meetings, encouraging leave days, and focusing on outcomes are key factors in optimizing productivity.
- Engagement is crucial: When we are fully engaged in a situation, we bring our best selves to the moment. Engagement generates energy that extends to all areas of our lives. A good coworking space facilitates a positive mindset by providing personal spaces, encouraging creativity, fostering collaboration among like-minded individuals, reducing stress related to connectivity or deadlines, and promoting networking for advice and support. This ecosystem keeps employees engaged and fulfilled.
Both employees and employers have a role to play in creating healthier workspaces. Employees should prioritize their mental and physical well-being, while employers should empower their teams with innovative spaces.
Fearful employees will never be able to contribute their best to a company. It is the flexibility of time and the integration of work and personal tasks that allow individuals to manage their priorities and lead fuller lives.
For more information, visit the Workshop17 website.
Melon Mobile With Founder And CEO Calvin Collett
Melon Mobile, a team of tech experts, entrepreneurs, and creatives, noticed that people were often getting the short end of the stick when it came to their mobile plans. They decided to change things up by offering a new way to approach mobile services. The Melon story began with a simple idea: to simplify mobile needs and make everything more digital.
With Melon Mobile, users have the option to build their own data, voice, and text plans based on their individual requirements. They can customize their monthly plan, adjusting the exact amount of data, voice, and texts they need. Users can also change their plan at any time, giving them ultimate control over their mobile services.
One of the key advantages of Melon Mobile is that data and voice never expire as long as users have an active plan. This means that users can keep their unused resources until they are ready to use them, without any wastage. Furthermore, Melon Mobile does not believe in locking users into long contracts. Users have the freedom to change their mobile plans whenever they want, without any restrictions.
The sign-up process with Melon Mobile is hassle-free and straightforward. Users can conveniently sign up, order a SIM, and complete the Self-RICA process, all through the Melon Mobile app or website. To make things even better, Melon Mobile offers a “Try Before You Buy” promotion, where new users receive 1 GB of data, 100 minutes of voice, and 100 texts for free.
Keeping your existing phone number is also a seamless process with Melon Mobile. Users can easily port their current number and continue enjoying the service they love.
Melon Mobile proudly backs its services with the support of MTN, considered to be one of the best networks in South Africa. Users can enjoy reliable network coverage no matter where they go in the country.
For more information, visit the Melon Mobile website.
How To Choose The Right Solar Installer With CEO Of Indwe Risk Services Peter Olyott
Motivated by the global shift towards renewable energy and the unreliability and increasing expenses of the local electricity supply, many residents are joining the energy revolution and making the switch to solar.
The drop in solar panel prices over the past decade has made solar energy a more accessible solution for homeowners. This has resulted in a boom in home solar photovoltaic (PV) roof installations, offering benefits such as a consistent power supply, long-term cost reduction in electricity bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Additionally, installing solar panels can increase the resale value of a property by 4% to 8%. To further encourage solar adoption, the Finance Minister announced a 25% tax rebate on the cost of new PV rooftop solar panels, up to a maximum of R15’000, available for one year starting from 1 March 1 2023.
However, while embracing solar energy presents numerous advantages, it is crucial to choose reputable installers who adhere to industry regulations and ensure proper insurance coverage for the safety and protection of your property. Improper installation can lead to significant risks, including fire hazards and potential insurance claim repudiation.
Indwe Risk Services has observed an increase in fire and explosion claims due to the use of unlicensed installers, resulting in incorrect installations, poor-quality materials, and unsafe storage of lithium-ion batteries used with inverters.
To ensure a safe and reliable solar installation, homeowners should take the following steps:
- Use licensed/accredited suppliers and contractors for the purchase and installation of solar power systems.
- Only allow certified electricians to work on your electrical system, especially when connecting external systems and devices to your primary circuits.
- Ensure that the contractors evaluate the suitability of your roof to carry the additional weight of the solar system being installed.
- Verify that the contractors provide proof of contractors liability insurance, with a recommended minimum cover limit of R10 million.
- Keep all relevant documents, including warranty documents, original purchase invoices, and signed contracts.
- Obtain a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and ensure compliance with the latest edition of SANS (South African National Standards) as they may be requested during the claims process.
- Understand the maintenance and servicing requirements of your solar system and factor them into the pricing.
Choosing the right installer is paramount to the success of your solar project. Check the installer’s qualifications, accreditation, and industry experience. Request references, read online reviews, and seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have installed solar systems.
It is also crucial to update your insurance coverage to include the solar system and any potential damages or events that could cause damage. Contact your insurance advisor to review your existing coverage and ensure adequate protection.
Embracing solar power can provide significant benefits, but it is essential to take precautions, work with reputable installers, and ensure proper insurance coverage to mitigate risks and enjoy the advantages of a sustainable energy solution.
South Africa’s New Currency With Head Of The Currency Management Department At The South African Reserve Bank Pearl Kgalegi
On 3 May 2023, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) introduced the upgraded Mandela banknotes and fourth decimal coin series. These new currency designs feature enhanced security features and utilize the latest technological advancements to safeguard the integrity of the South African currency and maintain public trust.
The upgraded banknotes continue to honor Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president, with his portrait displayed on the front of all five denominations. Additionally, the banknotes depict the Big 5 animals as a family. The fourth decimal coin series, on the other hand, is centered around the theme of deep ecology, celebrating the interconnectedness of humans and other living organisms as an integral part of the environment.
These upgraded banknotes and coins will co-circulate alongside the current series and maintain the same value per denomination. To ensure familiarity, the SARB retained the denomination mix, sizes, and banknote paper (substrate) in the upgrade process.
Various additional features and enhancements were incorporated into the upgraded banknotes to future-proof them, enabling verification through the look, feel, and tilt authentication method. The SARB, as the sole authority responsible for producing, issuing, and destroying South African currency, is entrusted with ensuring the availability and integrity of the South African rand.
South Africa currently has five denominations of banknotes in circulation: R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200. Each banknote is printed on cotton substrate and can be differentiated by dominant color, animal theme, and size.
It is important to note that all banknotes and coins issued by the SARB since 1961 remain legal tender in South Africa. The SARB bears the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of banknotes and coins in circulation, ensuring their security as a method of payment, unit of account, and store of wealth. The value of banknotes and coins is derived from the trust citizens place in their country’s currency.
To identify counterfeit notes, it is crucial to be aware of the security features incorporated into banknotes. The SARB advises adopting the approach of Look, Feel, and Tilt when inspecting banknotes. Additionally, the SARB has preserved certain elements in the fourth decimal coin series, including the diameter, the national Coat of Arms, the year of minting, and the rotation of the 11 official languages of South Africa on a 10-year cycle, ensuring representation for every language on the coin.
South Africa currently has six denominations of coins in circulation: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, and R5. The minting of the 1c, 2c, and 5c denominations has been discontinued. These coins are minted using combinations of base metals and alloys and can be distinguished by their size, dominant color, theme on the reverse, and the ridges, rims, and serrations on their edges.
For more information, visit the South African Reserve Bank website.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo – Let’s Go (Radio Edit)
- Daft Punk – One More Time (Radio Edit)
- Cher – Fernando
Get The Sandton Times Hour Playlist
Connect On Telegram
The Sandton Times Hour is released every week, on these major Podcast platforms and on The Sandton Times Homepage:
Take a moment to subscribe, share and review or rate The Sandton Times Hour on your favourite podcast platform. Also, catch The Sandton Times Hour every Monday, on Mix 93.8 FM from 7pm to 8pm in Johannesburg and Pretoria or on DStv Channel 823.
Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.
Advertise on The Sandton Times today!
Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.
