Exploring South Africa’s West Coast Way
Exploring South Africa’s West Coast Way A Decade of Adventure and Beauty West Coast Way is a destination marketing company that has revolutionised the tourism industry in the Cape West Coast region of South Africa. Founded in 2014 by Carmen Lerm, the initiative offers visitors a unique and diverse experience, highlighting the region’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty. Over the last decade, West Coast Way, an alliance of FusionDesign, has expanded its business footprint and established itself as a specialist destination company, building various brands in the travel and tourism industry throughout Southern Africa. The start of the journey Carmen Lerm’s early years were spent working in her father’s fruit and vegetable shop, where she gained valuable customer insights. She discovered that going the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service can make all the difference. She carried this dedication to her work in the business world – never compromising on her commitment to excellence, whether behind the counter or in the boardroom. With her years of experience and connections in travel and tourism, Lerm has created a force to be reckoned with in the form of West Coast Way. Behind the striking West Coast Way identity Peter Chadwick, an internationally recognised award-winning photographer and founding member of African Conservation Photography, captured the essence of the Black Harrier, a magnificent bird found in Southern Africa, in his work, which inspired the West Coast Way logo. The Black Harrier’s silhouette is reflected in the West Coast Way logo’s shape, which represents the bird’s agility and grace in the air. The logo symbolises the destination marketing of South Africa, home to a diverse range of attractions and offerings, which makes up the body of the bird in the logo. The Black Harrier was seen as the perfect choice to inspire the West Coast Way logo, as it is a symbol of both determination and strength. The Black Harrier by Peter Chadwick Leading the West Coast Way Launch- Zubeida Abrahams, Leilahn Albertyn and Lisa Huang Plan your trip with www.westcoastway.co.za The West Coast Way road trip starts at the Cape Town Big 6 attractions, including iconic landmarks such as the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Table Mountain Cableway, Cape Point, Groot Constantia, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. “Embarking on a road trip is always exciting, but what if we told you that you could go on a journey that covers six themed routes, allowing you to explore all the hidden gems – from Cape Town to Garies to Nieuwoudtville – and find the best wine and craft beer tastings, olives and Rooibos tea tastings, natural warm pools, cruises, game drives, and much more,” explains Lerm. “The initiative has helped to promote the Weskus’s hyper-localized cuisine, culture and biodiversity, all contributing to the growth of the regional economy by attracting visitors from all over the world and promoting sustainable tourism experiences.” West Coast Way – South Africa’s Road Trip with the Most Twists “West Coast Way’s mission is to put tourism within reach of top South African attractions, activities and accommodation places. We measure our success through the growth in tourism numbers and the increase of quality visitor experiences – two business growth factors that go hand-in-hand,” concludes Lerm. Over the last ten years, West Coast Way has successfully marketed premium brands such as Thali Thali Game Lodge, Darling Brew, The Lodge at Atlantic Beach, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Contact Carmen Lerm today at 0861 321 777 or carmen@westcoastway.co.za and put tourism within your reach.
Pamper Yourself At The Luxurious Verde Vita Spa and Wellness Centre
The Hotel Verde Guest Experience Takes New Heights Cape Town, South Africa, 2023 – The opening of Verde Vita Spa and Wellness Centre marks a new era in the world of eco-luxury travel. On 21 November 2023, Verde Vita opened its doors to eagerly awaiting special guests, and it concluded with unprecedented success. Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport has always been at the forefront of sustainability, and the launch of their spa, Verde Vita, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to creating a greener and more holistic environment. The official ribbon cutting at the launch of Verde Vita by Annemarie Delicio and guest of honour Amy Kleinhans-Curd. This fully-fledged spa facility boasts a luxurious space for guests to relax and enjoy the green oasis that is Verde Vita. Initially created to meet the demands of Hotel Verde guests who seek a serene space to relax and rejuvenate after long flights, the spa began as a small facility within the hotel. Recognising the need for expansion, Hotel Verde decided to transform empty office spaces into a grand spa facility. With the support of a dedicated team, including the local South African architect firm, Ohkre Collective, the construction company, Phase Three, the green consultant, André Harms, of Ecolution, and the spa consultant, Jacoline Wentzel of Spa Warehouse, Verde Vita was designed to incorporate sustainability into every detail. “I love supporting local businesses with sustainability at the core of their operation ethos, and it was a joy to discover the many marvels of Verde Vita”, said Amy Kleinhans-Curd, the esteemed guest of honour and ribbon cutter at the opening of Verde Vita. “With its focus on offering fresh, organic and locally sourced produce, this new establishment is a testament to the growing trend of eco-consciousness in South Africa.” Kleinhans-Curd’s presence at the launch only added to the excitement, as she shared her passion for healthy living and the importance of supporting local enterprises. As a boutique spa, Verde Vita embraces the core values of Hotel Verde, seamlessly blending sustainability with luxurious guest experiences. The aesthetic of the spa features curved walls, green wall finishes, curved arches for retail shelves, and the reception desk, all inspired by the organic shapes found in nature. This harmonious design approach mirrors Hotel Verde’s commitment to preserving the environment while simultaneously providing exceptional service and comfort to its guests. Jacoline Wentzel, the spa consultant from Spa Warehouse, shares her vision for Verde Vita, stating, “As the spa consultant on the job, I wanted to make sure that not only does the spa function well, but that it follows the green philosophy of Hotel Verde. We carefully selected local manufacturing for our spa equipment, including beech wood massage beds and trollies. Our lounges, such as those in the Breathing Room, were locally manufactured, and we sourced linen towels from local manufacturers too. The treatment menu consists of professional treatments using only South African product ranges, which are certified organic or natural, aligning with Verde Vita’s philosophy of ‘Green Life’.” Verde Vita Spa features three beautifully appointed treatment rooms – Magnolia, Lavender, and Jasmine – named after popular flowering plants. The single massage treatment rooms can easily be converted into a double treatment room to accommodate couples seeking ultimate relaxation together. The spa also boasts an infrared cabin, a type of sauna that uses infrared lighting, a manicure and pedicure treatment section, an eyelash extension treatment room, and a post-treatment Breathing Room. Verde Vita is committed to using environmentally friendly and sustainable products to enhance their guest’s spa experience. They proudly feature South African skincare brands such as ESSE, Cashmere & Co., Matsimela, BioSculpture and SUNSKIN known for their dedication to using natural, organic, and planet-conscious ingredients, allowing the spa treatments at Verde Vita to not only nourish their guests bodies but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. After indulging in their chosen treatments, guests can unwind, sip on tea, and take a deep breath in the serene ambience of the Breathing Room. Verde Vita’s spa therapists are all locally sourced staff who are internationally trained professionals, providing a true South African experience for foreign guests arriving at the hotel. Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport continues to set a new standard in sustainable hospitality with the launch of Verde Vita Spa and Wellness Centre. By seamlessly integrating nature-inspired design and locally sourced products, the spa ensures that guests can unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy the ultimate green oasis experience. Indulge in the #VerdeVita Spa way of the green life, and experience the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. To find out more about the Verde Vita Spa and Wellness Centre follow Hotel Verde on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all the exciting news and promotions. Visit www.hotelverde.com to book a treatment and embark on your Verde Vita wellness journey.
Hotel Verde Honoured With Prestigious GREAT Awards
Cape Town, South Africa, 23 November 2023 – Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport was awarded first place in the GREATest Cleanliness category at the globally recognised GuestRevu Awards. From an extensive analysis of over 60,000 reviews from hundreds of hotels across 37 countries, Hotel Verde was announced as a finalist in three categories: GREATest Cleanliness, GREATest Room Quality, and GREATest Sleep Quality, reflecting the exceptional and consistent standards of the hotel. The global GuestRevu GREAT Awards is a testament to phenomenal service and is the global standard for measuring guest satisfaction. Svenja Delicio proudly represented the Hotel Verde team at the glittering event hosted in London. Svenja proclaimed, “I am incredibly honoured to accept this award on behalf of Hotel Verde. This recognition is a testament to the hotel’s unwavering commitment to providing their guests with a sustainable, eco-friendly, and pristine environment and is a true reflection of the hard work of the entire Hotel Verde team, who strive for excellence in every aspect of operations.” GuestRevu’s innovative review management software captures publicly available online reviews from the industry’s leading sources, including Google Reviews, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor. These guest-rated experiences are the foundation of the GuestRevu GREAT Awards – the international competition to honour hotels of all sizes that deliver excellent guest experiences. “Hotel Verde thanks its guests for the many positive reviews that reflect the hotel’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and world-class experiences!” concludes Caron van Rooyen, the General Manager of Hotel Verde. For more about Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport, follow Hotel Verde on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn or visit www.hotelverde.com. Use #HotelVerde to share your sustainable travel experiences on social media. The presentation of the GREATest Cleanliness Award to Hotel Verde. Accepted by Svenja Delicio, representative of Hotel Verde, with Chris Alexandre, CEO and Founder of GuestRevu. Hotel Verde’s 2023 GuestRevu GREAT Awards achievements: finalist in the GREATest Sleep Quality category, winner in the GREATest Cleanliness category, and finalist in the GREATest Room Quality category.
Get Your 2024 Growth Hacks Here
Achieving Easier Conversions: Tips to Boost Your Brand Growth In the current digital era, it has become increasingly essential to discover innovative ways to expand your brand’s reach. This is where growth hacking comes into play – a set of techniques designed to quickly grow and scale a business. It involves identifying creative, low-cost solutions to enhance your brand’s visibility and outreach. From social media marketing to email campaigns, there are numerous growth hacks available that can help your brand stand out. According to recent statistics, businesses that utilise growth hacking techniques achieve acquisition three times faster. Transforming your business with incremental improvements Your business is a micro-economy, meaning that small and gradual adjustments can have a significant impact on its overall health and vitality. As we approach the new year, consider taking steps to reduce downtime and overtime by automating certain actions. These simple changes can lead to big improvements for your business. So, if you’re ready to take your brand to the next level, continue reading for some of the most effective growth hacks in digital marketing today! The “Hacks” 1. Use SEO to target your audience. SEO is a crucial component of digital marketing that can generate greater online visibility for your brand. Its primary objective is to optimise your content, be it a homepage, landing page, or blog, to enable existing and potential customers to locate it effortlessly. This strategy not only drives traffic but also enhances user experience and, ultimately, elevates your credibility and influence within your industry. 2. Develop a strong call to action. Fact: 70% of brands do not have a strong call to action, which leads to loss of sales and failure. 3. Give your brand a voice and showcase your products or services through video marketing. It’s accessible, shareable and has built-in value that can make a true impact on your audience. 4. Use good quality and striking images. When it comes to taking the final steps before actually committing to making a purchase, visuals are crucial. 5. Link knowledge to your brand. Make videos or write ‘tips and tricks’ on the best ways to enjoy your product. This type of content is always a great visual asset to have as it encourages people to share your product or business on social media with their friends. Other ways to link knowledge and expertise to your brand is through bloggers, content creators and social media influencers. 6. Use Top trending digital marketing techniques like Email Marketing or Personalised Messaging. Some interesting stats to consider: 7. Deliver information fast: Use Infographics. The use of charts, maps, graphs and diagrams attracts and maintains attention to information more than words ever could. Why? They communicate important information faster and are visually appealing. Growth hacking is crucial for any brand looking to achieve rapid growth and success. With the right strategies and tactics, you can create a strong online presence, attract more customers, and build a loyal customer base. By utilising the growth hacks above, you can take your brand to the next level and achieve your goals faster than you ever thought possible. So go ahead, experiment with different methods, and watch your brand thrive! Remember, with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible!
Buccaneer School Shoes Celebrate Mandela Day at Eastville Primary School
Mitchells Plain, Cape Town – Back-to-school at Eastville Primary School in Mitchells Plain was filled with joy and excitement as Buccaneer School Shoes paid a visit to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day with the learners. The day is celebrated annually on 18 July to honour the remarkable legacy of Nelson Mandela by giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation of change-makers. In line with the Mandela Day 67-minute campaign, which pays tribute to the 67 years that Mandela fought for human rights and the abolition of apartheid, Buccaneer School Shoes exemplified the spirit of giving by donating 67 pairs of school shoes to Eastville Primary School. The principal, Mrs Heynes, accepted the donation on behalf of the school. Eastville Primary School Principal, Mrs Heynes, reflects on the impactful event, saying, “Eastville Primary School is situated in an impoverished area well-known for its unemployment, poverty and gangsterism. Today the school is on a journey of cultural transformation. We want to change the mindset of learners, as well as the community — to have hopes and dreams for the future and also know that they are valued in life. This is accomplished through a process where we have implemented 12 values for the year – one for each month. Given that this month’s value is thankfulness, it is the ideal time for Eastville Primary School to express our gratefulness towards this donation”. The much-loved South African singer and renowned performance artist Loukmaan Adams delighted the children with his captivating performance. It was an extraordinary moment when Loukmaan shared that he, too, was once a learner at Eastville Primary School. He shared insights into how he accomplished his goals. His inspirational story had a profound impact on 1,200 learners in attendance, motivating them to aim for their dreams from a young age, just as he had. “Mrs Heynes is an exemplary leader who has inspired me and countless other students. Her passion for education and her commitment to her school community is unwavering. Her leadership has transformed Eastville Primary School into a thriving environment where students can discover, grow, and reach their full potential,” says Loukmaan Adams. Mrs Heynes concludes that “the next focus towards transformation is for the school to get a school hall to help us boost our many cultural and sports programmes. I make an appeal to our community and the businesses out there to support Eastville Primary School to achieve this goal”. For more information on Eastville Primary School and to become a school patron, contact Mrs Heynes at eastville.prim@wcgschools.gov.za or call 021 392 8131. Visit www.buccaneershoes.co.za and follow @BuccaneerKids to find out more about Buccaneer Dolly and Classic school shoe styles.
Work, Stay, Play And Explore Cape Town’s Top Attractions
For Your Next Vacation: Work, Stay, Play And Explore Cape Town’s Top Attractions South Africa, Cape Town. THE Western Cape has seen a significant rise in tourism in recent months. Cape Town has claimed its spot as a top-rated South African destination among travellers who desire one trip with endless fascinating experiences. The city’s natural beauty and iconic attractions, such as Robben Island, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and Groot Constantia, draw tourists from all over. One Thibault Residence Is Your PlaygroundThe Western Cape province showcases a diverse cultural heritage that blends modern city living with biodiversity-rich rural charm on the southwestern coast of South Africa. Here in the centre of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city is the historical One Thibault Square, with One Thibault Residence proudly standing tall at its centre. With an influx in travellers, One Thibault Residence by ITC Hospitality Group—Cape Town’s latest aparthotel, offering 270 suites with beautifully appointed studio and one-bedroom apartments to rent for short or long-term stays—is the latest solution to cater to the needs of corporate and leisure travellers. As the highest residential building in the city centre, guests can ‘live in the sky’, with the 28th floor being the highest floor available to rent. Charlene van Zyl, General Manager of One Thibault Residence, positively concurs, “We eagerly welcome all visitors from around the world and hold a special affinity for those seeking both work and luxury opportunities. One Thibault Residence is ready to showcase its beauty, culture, and hospitality to all who venture to explore our beautiful city”. According to ITC Hospitality Group, the trend toward aparthotels is particularly prevalent amongst corporate travellers who may be looking for extended-stay accommodation and don’t want to be confined to a traditional hotel room but rather have an apartment to call “home” whilst working remotely. But the aparthotel appeal is also expanding with a broad spectrum of travellers as its benefits resonate with project-based workers, digital nomads and leisure travellers. To add to the appeal of One Thibault’s offering is its convenient location on the doorstep of Cape Town’s financial district, a few hundred metres from the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), nine minutes from the V&A Waterfront, and four minutes from the Cape Quarter – making it central for corporate and leisure travel. Stay In Sustainability And Architectural Excellence In The Mother CityIn 2008, the One Thibault building was awarded recognition as one of the country’s “good buildings” by the South African Institute of Architects in a national survey. One Thibault Square has always been a beloved public space for both office workers and visitors alike. Unlike any other conventional skyscraper, the repurposed building has eco-initiatives at its core, with expansive double-glazed windows to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and precast sun-screens on every floor to save on air-conditioning and heating demands. The building’s unique orientation ensures that apartments are thermally efficient and boast views of South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Floral Kingdom, which includes Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The aparthotel lifestyle at One Thibault Residence offers:Uninterrupted electricity (no load-shedding).24-hour security personnel.Concierge service.Uncapped fibre internet access.Easy access to transportation hubs.Ample secure parking.Breakfast options available.Pre-arrival grocery shopping service. 10% discount on meals at participating venues. “Tourists are recognising their impact on the environment and choosing to make a positive change through their accommodation choices. While convenience is still important, sustainability is becoming a top priority for responsible travellers. With sustainability, convenience, and comfort at the core of One Thibault Residence, we guarantee our guests the utmost enjoyment during their stay. “Cape Town is a city brimming with exciting sights to discover. To fully experience the wonders, it’s essential to visit the Cape Town Big 6: Robben Island Museum, V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point, Groot Constantia and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Take your time to explore each attraction in depth; these are not just tourist attractions but enduring symbols of the city’s rich cultural heritage and nature,” says Charlene van Zyl. For more information, visit www.onethibault.com or book your stay via their 24-hour customer-friendly booking interfaces, email reservations@onethibault.co.za or call +27(0)68 009 8778.
Groot Constantia early birthday celebrations
On 13 July Cape Town’s iconic Groot Constantia Estate celebrates its 337th birthday, cementing its status as the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa – and there is good reason to start celebrating early. Adding to the Estate’s reputation of consistent quality is its much-lauded flagship wine, Grand Constance, which recently received the National Wine Challenge Special Award for Wine Consistency and the Grand Cru ‘Best in Class’ Award. Groot Constantia’s world-famous wine continues to shine as it claims the spot with one of three wines in South Africa which have achieved more than seven top 100 positions annually, with Grand Constance leading the charge with 11 wins over a period of 12 years. To this day, Grand Constance undeniably remains the grand dame of sweet wines. Hundreds of years ago, the wine produced at Groot Constantia began to receive international acclaim for its superior quality, and emperors and kings – such as Frederick the Great of Prussia, Napoleon and Louis Philippe (King of the French) – were all known to be great lovers of Groot Constantia wines (translated Grand Constance into the French) which also means“consistency”. “The iconic Grand Constance wine that we produce at Groot Constantia is in effect the essence of the Estate. We are immensely proud of our Grand Constance, and humbled to be able to continue to produce this wine, and for it to consistently bring home awards. It is a 300-year-old legacy that we are custodians of, and the team strives to ensure that we interpret and honour it meticulously so that this special wine can continue to be appreciated on a world stage,” says Groot Constantia winemaker, Boela Gerber. As a provincial heritage site and a living museum, Groot Constantia has always been one of Cape Town’s most important destinations and is a member of the Cape Town Big 6 tourist attractions. It is not hard to see why the Estate is a favourite for locals and visitors alike – and has been for centuries. Groot Constantia has been welcoming visitors to the Estate for more than 300 years and has a long track record as a must-visit location in the Cape. In fact, 160 years ago, JP Cloete (the then owner of Groot Constantia), produced one of the earliest known tourist attraction adverts in South Africa, marketing Groot Constantia and giving detailed directions to the Estate – making it the first-ever wine route map in SA. The advert also affirms Groot Constantia’s standing as the original source of the iconic Constantia Wines that have been celebrated across the world. For the modern-day visitor – be it wine lovers, fun-seeking families, tourists, social explorers, or anyone looking for a memorable and unique location in the Cape – Groot Constantia offers a wonderful day out, immersed in a rich sense of history and wine culture, accompanied by gorgeous views and outdoor spaces, exceptional wines, delicious food and fun for the whole family. The Estate offers a Visitors Route Experience that allows you to walk back in time by following a specially designed circular route that takes visitors to the historical key attractions at Groot Constantia. The original Manor House at Groot Constantia (which is an Iziko Museum) is the starting point for the Visitors Route Experience. After this, guests make their way to the famed Cloete Cellar, which is the original wine production cellar from 1791. This historic cellar was where the famous Grand Constance wine was produced, and now the cellar houses a museum and unique tasting room. Old carriages, winemaking memorabilia and a collection of old Grand Constance bottles sourced from all over the world are among the things to see in the Cloete Cellar Museum. After exploring the modern production cellar for a tour and wine tasting, visitors are then welcome to venture into the vineyards for the self-guided audio Vineyard Tour. Groot Constantia has two top restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon’s. Both have children’s menus and outdoor dining options. There is also free Wi-Fi at Groot Constantia, which covers an extensive area – including all of the buildings – making the enjoyment and exploration of the estate that much more fun as guests can share their experiences in real-time with friends and family across the world. History is woven into the fabric of Groot Constantia’s story and from the moment visitors arrive they are connected to the rich past of the Cape and South Africa’s wine industry. However, Groot Constantia is about so much more than the past – the Estate is forward-thinking and focuses on creating spectacular inclusive experiences for the current-day visitor. The Estate is inviting all wine lovers and casual visitors to come and enjoy the 337-year-old Groot Constantia celebratory experience. For more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za or connect with Groot Constantia via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GrootConstantia. Part of the Groot Constantia wine-making team, from left to right, Hansie Warries (cellar foreman), Floricius Beukes (estate manager and viticulturist), Boela Gerber (winemaker) and Daniel Thana (team manager). Photographed in front of the Cloete Cellar, the original wine production cellar from 1791.
First-Ever Successful Rooting Of South African Critically Endangered “Yellow Peeling Plain Tree”
Dyna ball filled up with peatmoss media. Application of hormone (Plant Growth Regulator) Mounted Dyna ball, with approximately 6 months to root. 2022 has been an incredible year for SANBI and conservation horticulturist and tree expert Mpendulo Gabayi from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Mpho Mathalauga (horticulturist) from KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, and Ntsakisi Masia (seed collector – Millennium Seed Bank Partnership) from Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden as they were triumphant in their efforts to propagate the Critically Endangered Mutavhatsindi (Yellow Peeling Plain) tree. These saplings of propagated trees will be used to establish ex situ collections and more propagation research trials at Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, as well as Limpopo’s Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden. The overall success of this project contributes to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation; making 20% of threatened plant species available for recovery programmes, and at least 75% available in the country of origin. In 2020 Gabayi highlighted the severity of threats to the Mutavhatsindi tree’s existence in South Africa, as none had been successfully propagated before. They only exist in a small 110-hectare subpopulation in Mutavhantsindi Nature Reserve where they are favoured for their medicinal benefits and are therefore heavily harvested. Missouri Botanical Garden and the University of Venda in the Limpopo Province, together with the SANBI team collaborated to save this highly Endangered tree species. A second trial of traditional air layering, using plastic, foil and peatmoss media. The very first rooted Mutavhatsindi through Dyna ball and sphagnum moss. One of the successful saplings of Brackenridgea collected from Mutavhatsindi NR. This project was supported by ArbNet, Botanic Gardens Conservation International,the Millenium Seed Bank Partnership and Propagation BioScience Research (PBR) International. These institutions teamed up to create a long- term project that will eventually result in saving and preserving the South African gene pool through ex situ and in situ conservation. The Mutavhatsindi, scientifically known as Brackenridgea Zanguebarica, is a species of tree that has been under extreme threat due to the harmful harvesting of mature tree parts, which inevitably resulted in the poor regeneration of the new generations of trees. “Mutavhatsindi is highly sought after for its medicinal bark and roots, and traditional healers use the yellow dye to treat wounds, worms, aching hands, swollen ankles, and amenorrhea. Due to its severe rarity and limited occurrence, the tree is currently categorized as Critically Endangered on the Red List of South African Plants,” explains Gabayi, who says that the Mutavhatsindi tree was propagated successfully after experimenting with many different propagation methods. All the propagation methods tested had not shown any promising results. However, through the manipulation of Plant Growth Regulators using the air layering method and Dyna Ball (PBR international), positive results were obtained. The propagules had shown a good set of healthy roots emerging but had a low rooting percentage of 15%. Through a successful procedure of air layering, new trees can be grown from branches that are still attached to the parent plant. More propagation methods and procedures are still under trial to build onto the current successful experiment. “For future generations to appreciate the existence of the Mutavhasindi tree, it is of utmost importance that the need for its conservation is incorporated into education, communication, and public awareness programmes.” “By exchanging information on environmental legislation and methods of propagation and cultivation, people will better understand the value of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably.” “This coincides with SANBI’s overall mandate, ‘To explore, reveal, celebrate and champion biodiversity for the benefit and enjoyment of all South Africans’,” concludes Gabayi.For more information on the conservation efforts and unique species found at Kirstenbosch visit: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/ Editors Notes Kirstenbosch National Botanical GardenRenowned as the most beautiful garden in Africa – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa is situated against the eastern slopes of the iconic Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch is the largest of a network of eleven National Botanical Gardens administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). SANBI’s mission is to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation, and enjoyment of South Africa’s exceptionally rich biodiversity for all people. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the rich and diverse flora of southern Africa, and was the first botanic garden in the world to be devoted to a country’s indigenous flora. Kirstenbosch estate, covering 528 hectares, includes a cultivated Garden and nature reserve. The developed Garden (36 ha) displays collections of southern African plants including many rare and endangered species. Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – another first for Kirstenbosch, making it the first botanic garden in the world to be included in a natural World Heritage Site. SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:Facebook: @SouthAfricanNationalBiodiversityInstituteTwitter: @SANBI_ZAInstagram: @sanbi_za Facebook: @KirstenboschNBGTwitter: @KirstenboschNBGInstagram: @Kirstenbosch_NBG
Boxed Relationship Therapy
FREE RELATIONSHIP THERAPY: Even if you’re taking steps to help your remote workers prevent burnout, adapt to telecommuting and balance work and family obligations, living and working from a home-office for an extended period of time can make it difficult not to feel lonely. FusionDesign believe teams should be seen. Really seen. We know they pour their hearts into your business and deserve recognition. The thing is though… As a pro-active boss you want to create fun interactive moments of celebrations, but… And this is where FusionDesign’s social and PR division has come up with SYZYGY. A coordinated effort where your team receives shared experiences of dining, gifts and entertainment. Best of all the social media posts + stories that we add are crucial for your business’s visibility and success and build incredible team pride and strength. We will keep giving you regular relationship tips. Our last word of wisdom is to contact zubeida@syzygysocialpr.co.za to chat to her about your team and how you can celebrate their strength.
Communicating with Employees – One size does not fit all!
It has long been accepted that happy employees equal a successful organization. Coupled with this is the knowledge that informed employees are the happy ones. But what is possibly news to many is that every generation has a differing approach to the way they like to engage, their outlook on life, the ways and means that they communicate and how they like to be rewarded. This has a very real affect on the way that employers should be communicating with their staff and, if not acknowledged, could result in dismal failure of any internal communications campaigns. To give a brief summary of the various Generations, there are the Baby Boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964 (46-64yrs). Then there comes Generation X (aka the Rebels), who were born between 1961 and 1981 (29-49yrs). Following this is Generation Y (aka the Millennials) who were born between 1980 and the year 2000 (10-30yrs). When it comes to internal communications you cannot use the same communication style that you would use for the Baby Boomers and apply it to the younger generations as the message you are trying to convey will be lost on the younger ones and vice versa. Often you find that in large corporations the Baby Boomers Generation are the leaders and managers and may be reluctant to adopt online and digital media channels to communicate with their employees, which in most cases are made up by a big portion of Millennials, who want to be communicated with in a different way and are comfortable with digital media. As an example, a manager from the Baby Boomers generation may prefer to hand write a memo that they place on an employee’s desk – whereas a Millennial employee would prefer an email to go to their inbox that they can retrieve via their laptops or cell phones. Then we come to employees from within Generation X. Also often the leaders and managers in companies – they have a strong sense of individualism and are also very diverse in aspects of society such as race, class, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Generation X, although not born in the digital age, are eager adopters of online media. Millennials, or Generation Y, make up the biggest portion of the workforce in South Africa. They are achievement-orientated employees and super multi-taskers who like to work in teams and embrace challenges together. Digital media, email and sms are ideal ways to communicate with this generation, who are seen as ‘Digital Natives’ and thrive on communication via social sharing. (Interestingly, Google is losing their market share to Facebook due to searches being done on facebook instead of Google by the younger Generation Y members). FusionDesign have the Strategists on hand, to assist with Internal Communication Campaigns and R&R Programs – specially developed around your organisation Challenges & Goals. Contact Carmen on 082 8255 715 to discuss your company goals.
