Top cops probe ‘intimidation’ of Dr Iqbal Survé

Published 29 June 2020 by Aziz Hartley and Siyavuya Mzantsi

Sekunjalo Investment Holdings and Independent Media Executive Chairperson Dr Iqbal Survé’s Mercedes-Benz SE 500 vehicle was found with a white substance smeared on the headrest of the driver’s seat. Picture: Ian Landsberg / AfrIcan News Agency (ANA)

Cape Town – A team of top Western Cape police detectives has been assembled to probe a complaint of intimidation by Executive Chairperson of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings and Independent Media Dr Iqbal Survé.

This after he received a text message in the early hours of the morning last month.

Unusually, the vehicle was found unlocked. When the driver looked inside, he noticed a thick white substance smeared on the driver’s headrest.

The driver (whose name is being withheld) was advised to take a shower and to contact Survé immediately if he had any headaches or difficulty breathing. In the weeks preceding the incident, Survé said he had received several calls and messages indicating that there could be attempts on his life.

Please read full article here.

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Dr Iqbal Survé: Consider the cost of silence when media freedom is at stake

Published 27 June 2020 by Dr Iqbal Survé

In exposing the less-than-savoury side of politics and corporate interference in media, Independent Media has courted serious disfavour, says the writer. Picture: African News Agency (ANA)

Freedom of the press is roughly defined as having the ability to use various channels – print, digital and broadcast – to convey information, opinion and news, without the interference from the governing state. In other words, no government shall control what media can and cannot say save for, in this country, what is held in our Constitution as hate or racist speech.

For true media freedom to exist, there needs to be a balance of viewpoints – from all sides. The good, the bad and the ugly, the rich and the poor, educated or not, ill or healthy, all races and cultures and even the animal kingdom, all deserve to have their voices heard.

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Dr Iqbal Survé: Creating worth over wealth a catalyst for systemic change

Published 24 June 2020 By Dr Iqbal Survé

Residents of Masiphumelele informal settlement in Cape Town gather around as a volunteer delivers food parcels to vulnerable families in the community. It is our combined responsibility to care for less fortunate citizens, says the writer. File picture: Nic Bothma/EPA-EFE

Whether by luck or design, finding oneself in the right place at the right time are just two of the factors that drive achievement. The rest lies in identifying the opportunity in the first place, along with a clearly defined vision of what one wants to realise or accomplish, and then working diligently, honestly, with a fair amount of grit, determination and a significant dose of self-belief to attain it.

In a time where business success seems difficult to imagine, given the challenging times wrought by Covid-19, holding on to self-belief may also seem like an impossible task. Yet, belief and self-worth are everything, along with a sense of belonging, and to my mind, just as important as food on the table and shelter.

Please read the full article here.
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AYO’s R5 billion asset base – a catalyst for change

Published 23 June 2020 By Adri Senekal de Wet

AYO CEO Howard Plaatjessays AYO has thrived by building durable business moats with innovative acquisitions, although sometimes sacrificing short-term margins. Photo: Ian Landsberg/African News Agency (ANA)

CAPE TOWN – AYO Technology Solutions the largest black-owned ICT company in South Africa, recently announced its results, which show strong cash balances and no debt.

The company says its asset base, in excess of R5 billion, is well-positioned to take advantage of the crisis that the Covid-19 pandemic has chartered in its unprecedented path around the world.

AYO’s foresight in creating a basket of investments that speak to every aspect of the digital ecosystem, is starting to reap benefits, as even under Covid-19 conditions, its products and services were being utilised as more people banked, exercised, learned, relaxed, worked and even sought medical care remotely.

Plase read the full article here.

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AEEI maintains strong balance sheet

Published 18 June 2020 by Edward West

South Africa - Cape Town - 3 July 2019 - African Equity Empowerment Investments Limited (AEEI) Operational Head Office at Waterway House North at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency(ANA)

CAPE TOWN – Diversified investment group African Equity Empowerment Investments (AEEI) maintained a strong balance sheet with significant cash resources and minimal debt in the six months to February 29, 2020.
The gross interim dividend fell by 9 percent to 10 cents per share. The share price was unchanged at 75 cents Thursday morning.
New and acting CEO Valentine Dzvova said in a statement Thursday: “COVID-19 has had a major impact globally on all businesses and AEEI has not been spared. We realistically expect this effect to last for at least the next 24 -36 months, with potential for further fallout.  We have started making the necessary adjustments to the business, mindful of the people and environments these decisions will also affect.”
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Dr Iqbal Survé: We stand at a crossroads of the future of our world

Published 15 June 2020 by Dr Iqbal Survé

Tthe father of our democratic nation Nelson Mandela said in his book Long Walk to Freedom: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” File picture: Andreas Vlachakis/ANA Archives

An open letter to today’s youth, tomorrow’s wiser elders.

Dear Tomorrow

Such a simple and obvious statement, yet one nevertheless is filled with great portent. Given the dire state in which we find ourselves at present, I cannot help but wonder if looking back on this day, which way the world will have gone and who and what would have ultimately guided that decision.

Of late, the headlines have been dominated by Covid-19, whose influence has been beyond that of a healthcare crisis, it has triggered a humanitarian catastrophe. This is borne out in more recent events with the global conversation highlighting how ancient wounds are being scratched wide open to reveal, just under the surface, that we are hurting deeply on so many levels and in so many ways, and that our very humanity is in question. Driving this narrative is our youth who are speaking up and out on a variety of issues that have been swept under the carpet, glossed over or framed within societal “policies” that supposedly govern order.

Please read the full article here.

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Webinar to explore Africa-China co-operation during Covid-19 pandemic

Published 13 June 2020 By Independent Media

With the Covid-19 pandemic having reached a crisis level around the globe, it has become crucial to utilize the power of media and civil diplomacy to assist African nations to curb the spread of the virus. The past week in Africa has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.

The fragile health infrastructure in the continent means that it will be doubly strained by an increasing number of new Covid-19 infections.

A prestigious panel of speakers has been lined up to respond to the theme of how China and Africa can work together to overcome the negative impact of the pandemic. The seminar also aims to promote mutual understanding between Africa and China, as well as to improve the African economy post-pandemic thus contributing to the economy and health of both the Chinese and African people.

The event will be held via the online platform, Zoom. Participants include field-specific specialists, diplomats, media representatives and local Chinese representatives. The parties involved will give relevant speeches and enter into discussion regarding points of interest.

To RSVP for the seminar please email airo.huang@inl.co.za 

Please read the full article here.

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Volt Africa wins big at INMA Global Media Awards

Published 02 June 2020

Volt Africa CEO Samantha Naidu (seated) with some members of her team. Volt Africa have won two prizes in the 2020 edition of the International News Media Association (INMA)'s prestigious Global Media Awards competition. Picture: Supplied

Cape Town – Digitally integrated service provider Volt Africa won two prizes in the 2020 edition of International News Media Association’s (INMA) prestigious Global Media Awards competition on Tuesday.

Volt Africa scooped the “Best New Initiative to Empower and Retain Talent” award as well as the “Best in Africa” award in the virtual ceremony that was broadcast globally on multiple channels.

With 922 entries from 262 news brands in 44 countries and five continents, 42 media experts judged the competition, focusing on breakthrough results, unique concepts, strong creativity, innovative thinking, and winning synergies across media platforms.

On taking first place in the category Best New Initiative to Empower and Retain Talent, Volt Africa CEO Samantha Naidu said: “Volt Africa’s mission is to power Africa’s digital ambition and grow its digital footprint through one brand, business and person at a time. We are committed to contributing to Africa’s digital expansion and believe in its endless possibilities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our employees, who are ultimately our biggest asset.”

Please read the full article here.

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