Richards Bay Buzz Hour
2 November 2010
Friends Coffee Shop
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
Do you need to accept sick notes from traditional healers? What legal requirements should be on a sick note? What does legislation say in general regarding sick leave? Tuesday’s Buzz Hour, brought tremendous discussions regarding employees and employers rights when it comes to sick leave. On hand to guide us on the law was Bandile Xaba of Shepstone and Wylie. One needs to ensure that they follow section 23 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, ensure that a sick note includes the medical practitioner’s registration number to name but a few guidelines that were discussed. As things currently stand within our legislation no employer is forced to accept a sick note from a traditional healer.Â
Whilst many of the ladies felt that they had good working relationships with their employees, we were reminded that relationships can turn sour and it is important to keep everything within the law and recorded. It is important to be sensitive to others needs and beliefs, but it is also imperative that one stays within the law.
Empangeni Buzz Hour
10 November 2010
Venue:Â Dormehl Property
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
Father Christmas bought much interesting information to the ladies of Empangeni Buzz Hour, as well as lots of goodies for charity. Dormehl Property’s Rental agent, Chantelle Cronje shared the recent research findings of Empangeni. The scary thing is so many of our locals just cannot afford to buy properties at the moment hence the large amount and demand of rentals. The average age of people buying properties at the moment is between 34 and 45 years of age with a combined income of R23 000, and with the average house going for about R650 000 this means a repayment on a bond of about R7000. With those figures it means the average person cannot actually afford to buy a house. An important aspect of rentals that Cronje brought up was that owners need to be realistic in this day and age; one cannot expect to cover their bond with a rental.Â
With the help of a rental agent one can eliminate the stress of ensuring money is paid as well as not have to worry about checking up on the property themselves. The agent would run back ground checks on the potential person renting as well as run credit checks.
The ladies collected toys and essentials for Ikhaya LikaBaba, as well as collected money for knitting kits which are knitted up for our local Cancer House.
The ladies were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and to further discuss initiatives to better themselves, their businesses and our beautiful little town!
Mtubatuba Buzz Hour
28 October 2010
Umfolozi River Lodge and Bird Park
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
The ladies at the BWA Mtubatuba Buzz Hour were both shocked and excited based on the discussions held. It was alarming and saddening to hear the news of so many robberies, but very exciting to here of the developments and changes within the community. Whilst some services were seen to have improved others still shocked the business ladies.
The ladies were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and to further discuss initiatives to better themselves, their businesses and our beautiful little town!
Empangeni Buzz Hour
13 October 2010
Master Builders Association, Empangeni
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
BWA buzz hour bought the ladies a host of information to the ladies. With Paula Leah of Master Builders leading the way with a the development seen for Zululand, and Dhana Goodenough of Dhana Pillay Insurance Brokers letting the ladies know of further developmental plans and initiatives to take Zululand by storm. Goodenough stressed the importance of uniting as a community to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our town. We need to take action and take ownership and bring back the spark to Zululand.Â
The ladies were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and to further discuss initiatives to better themselves, their businesses and our beautiful little town!
Richards Bay Buzz Hour
5 October 2010
Friends Coffee Shop
Review by:Â Sherry Bevan
The BWA ladies gathered together in celebration of HOPE. With this being a very special month for all our cancer victims, the BWA took the opportunity to educate their members and had a talk by cancer survivor Anita Van Tonder. There is so much we don’t know about cancer and what people go through. An important thing to remember is that little things we take for granted, can often seem very important to those going through treatments.Â
Anita shared the fear involved and the importance of support and understanding. People must not be too scared to talk about cancer – people need to share and support one another. Anita also stressed the importance of letting people come to terms with their feelings but also for patients to listen to their bodies.
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Mtunzini Buzz Hour
25 May 2010
Forest View Restaurant
Peaks of business! With the beginning of a turn in the economic crises we face, the business women of Zululand expressed their excitement at the noticeable upward turn in business. From new ideas to new businesses there is very little it seems, that will be holding these ladies back.
The guests all had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses, and enjoyed the time networking and getting to know each other in the tranquil surrounds of Mtunzini’s beautiful forest.
Claudy Makrinos, Sherry Bevan, Bernadine Sweetman, Sonia Baumann, Cherise Lingenfelder, Zanele Hlatshwayo and Barbara Chedzey
Empangeni Buzz Hour
13 May 2010
Protea Hotel, Empangeni
Guests at the BWA Empangeni Buzz Hour had the opportunity to introduce their businesses and market their products. But the highlight of the morning was by far the desperate call for business people to change their perceptions and mindsets against people with disabilities. From simple tips such as lowering ones reception desk to accommodate people with wheel chairs, to the in’s and out’s of legal requirements, the guests were informed by owner of Beyond Abilitiy – Ntsoaki Phali on the true and hard facts that face the world of people with disabilities. Let’s work together, small changes are better than no changes – let’s diversify the workforce across the world by raising the bar in South Africa.
Chanleigh Mason, Sonia Baumann and Ntsoaki Phali
Nqobile Xulu, Bongi Buthelezi and Junety Sebothoma
Richards Bay Buzz Hour
4 May 2010
Mugg and Bean, Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall
Sharing secrets, sharing tips and sharing leads! The ladies at the Richards Bay buzz hour enjoyed an hour of promoting their businesses to the other guests, as well as discuss the service levels received by others. It is important to let others know when you receive a good service, your best form of marketing is positive word of mouth!