There may once have been a time when being a university professor or lecturer was a cushy job – but if there was, that time is long past. These days, academics not only have to teach, research, and mentor students, they increasingly also have to raise and manage their own funding. And they often have…
Science is a very precise discipline. All phenomena have a scientific explanation and if anything or anybody defies science, scientists have terms such as ‘instinct’ and ‘evolution’ as possible explanations. Quadriplegic cerebral palsy is defined as, among others, “children with spastic or other forms of cerebral palsy who often face a lifetime of physical and…
At the end of 2012, the Association of Fraud Examiners (ACFE) released the findings of a fraud and corruption survey from some 1 400 respondents in 100 countries (appropriately captioned 2012 Report to the Nations) with the basic message being that fraud in the world today has reached seismic proportions. The foreword to the results…
Sometime last year Lexus launched its all new medium-sector luxury vehicle the IS 350. Most of you will be familiar with its popular predecessor, the IS 250, which sold very well in South Africa. After winning the hearts of many a driver the IS range was starting to date and required a face lift in…
The International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC) released its Framework in December 2013. The Framework is primarily geared to the private sector, but it can be applied by not-for-profit and public sector organisations. The Framework incorporates the public comments submitted to the IIRC on the draft Framework of April 2013. The Framework is available on www.sustainabilitysa.org…
Socially responsible investing (SRI) is a growing international trend, though many private individuals are still under the illusion that SRI constitutes a cost. In fact, research abounds to prove that it substantially enhances investment returns. Therefore it is both possible and logical that investors satisfy their personal social ideals without compromising returns by investing in…
SOUTH AFRICA: INVESTOR’S HANDBOOK Deloitte recently released the updated 2013/14 edition of South Africa: Investor’s Handbook, which was produce in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti). South Africa has a number of characteristics that make it a compelling investment destination on the African continent. The handbook provides investors with a broad…
Ajen Sita (EY Africa CEO) has cast his shadow over virtually every aspect of the Big Four firm’s business model since assuming the helm in July 2010, but nowhere more so than in its redefining of its Africa business. Demonstrating where Sita’s passion truly lies, he explains what he foresees himself doing should he ever…
Open-cast coalmines are ugly, as I saw for myself when recently viewing a client’s massive open-cast mine in Mpumalanga. Sprawling over several hectares, the scene was as apocalyptic as I had imagined. Four steaming pits sliced deep into the earth fed a relentless stream of mammoth tipper trucks ferrying their black cargo to washing plants.…
At first sight BMW’s largest hybrid vehicle is not distinguishable from its siblings. In fact the only differentiator from the outside is the rather large ‘Active Hybrid’ badge on the C-pillar of the vehicle. The usual 7 Series look is there, including the extensive use of chrome on the grill, front and rear bumpers, as…