Editor: Lynn van Vuuran, Cell: 074 682 0819, Email: editor@yourmoneyec.co.za

Entrepreneur of the month

Le Gudlife Hustlers and Diva of the Month

NMB Investor seminar 2015

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Building a house for R1500…Emerging subcontractors plays a piv-otal role in today’s economy in terms of employment as they tend to encourage a self-sufficient state of mind as well as developing their respective communi-ties through securing tenders from main contractors to build houses, fixing pipes and electricity installations for public schools to name a few.

Thus said, there are a lot of challenges that the subcontractors face on a daily basis such as not being paid on time from the prime contractor or they are being paid less than the amount agreed upon and or having to supply complex documentations that puts a strain on their small businesses.

The development of a small scale contractor is supposed to be a process by which both the government and the entrepreneur stand to benefit. However, many subcontractors are still

not receiving the 30% wage that should be allocated to them by the main con-tractors, instead they are given a mere R1500 in total to build an entire house, buy materials, pay the workers and buy them lunches.This leads to small contractors operat-ing in a form of a survival enterprise rather than as a SMME.

The CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) deals with main contractors and do not necessarily deal directly with subcontractors. The CIDB has the mandate to lead construction industry stakeholders in it’s develop-ment and to facilitate regulation and development of the industry. They are required to establish a register of contractors, - projects, - contractor’s grades and categories contractors ac-cording to their capabilities to carry out specific construction projects.

By Vuyile Citashe

March 2015 - Volume 5 Edition 16

1) Anda Maqanda (Founder, AM Group) A 29 year old Port-Elizabeth native Anda Maqanda runs a fast growing engineering company. The AM Group, which he founded in 2008, is a multi-faceted provider of engineer-ing solutions, focusing mainly engineering consulting, de-sign and construction of Electrical Overhead Power Lines, Renewable energy, Automation research and development.

Local Entrepreneur making it to the Top 100 Forbes list.Young and ambitious entrepreneurs who took it in their strides to ensure improved socio economic conditions also managed to create job opportunities in the process. They have pushed the envelope, overcome steep odds all in the quest of restructuring and redefining South Africa’s economic future. Six South African entrepreneurs were scouted by Forbes magazine, reviewed from ‘the 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa’ list. They are some of the young Africans who are emerging at a rapid pace to running fast growing companies, generating impressive revenue streams at the early stages of their lives and welcoming themselves in the new age of innovative thinking.

2) Tom Manners (Founer of Clockwork Media) This 26 year old entrepreneur from Jo’burg runs Clockwork media, a Johannesburg-based integrated communications agency, that has a Electronics, Sotheby International Realty, Mimecast, Phillips and Tata. The company has 11 employees and has expanded to London.

3) Nick Kaoma (Founder, Head Honcho) A 29 year old Cape Town native, Nick Kaoma is the founder and creative director of Head Honcho clothing, a lifestyle brand that produces street wear for urban youth. Their product line includes T-Shirts and caps to cardigans, varsity jackets, hoodies, tank tops and female dresses.

4) Alex Fourie (Founder, iFix) 27, Fourie runs a company that employs 40 people and services more than 400 clients a month. iFix repairs and services all Apple products and Samsung smartphones.Satisfied friends subsequently referred other Apple product owners in search of repairs and Fourie’s business took off.

5) Duran De Villiers (Founder, SteadiDrone) De Villiers, 30, is the founder of SteadiDrone, a company that develops and manufactures advanced small unmanned aerial multi-rotor systems for a wide range of applications and industries. The company had 2014 revenues of more than $1.2 million (when converted into dollars).

6) Adii Pienaar (Co-Founder, Woothemes) Pienaar, 29, one of the three co-founders of Woothemes, a company that designs and develops customizable commercial themes and plug ins for Wordpress. Adii built the business with a bootstrap budget and today they generate over $3 million (when converted into dollars) in annual revenues from the sale of tits themes.

Source: www.forbes.com/mweb.com

By Vuyile Citashe

As a business owner or manager, you may have seen the term content marketing bandied about on the internet or in business publications, and possibly you glazed over. Surely it only applies to web geeks? Isn’t that what the IT guys put on websites? Well, yes, but there is more to it. Content marketing is more and more becoming a marketing tool of choice for organisations in the 21st century.

Content marketing is, in a nutshell, showcasing the technical knowledge that your brand has about your product, industry or service or a related area. For example, local appliance manufacturer, Defy, publishes a cookbook, has a virtual kitchen on their website and gives helpful lifestyle hints on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

In this information age, consumers are more informed than they ever have been. They have information at their fingertips and are most likely researching you, your brand and your product or service long before making a purchase. You need to be one step ahead of them by demonstrating your excellence and abilities (without directly pushing your product) through content marketing.

‘How will this increase my bottom line?’ I hear. Whilst it may take a bit longer to generate the result that you want, buyers who experience your brand through exposure to content are more likely to become loyal advocates, as content engenders trust and increases credibility.

With continued efforts in this area and over time, you will build a devoted client base as you will hopefully become regarded as an expert in what it is that you do. Your clients will think of your brand first, ahead of the competition, because you know what you are talking about and they trust you.

A benefit of written content marketing is that producing it is very low cost. Generating a article or other written material on your subject area, only costs the time it takes to write the piece. With this tool, you can actively engage your audience online and in the media. Think newsletters, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Press releases; these together with the other marketing tools you have chosen which provide constant opportunities for your audience to contact you.

Some companies who are successfully utilising this marketing tool include General Electric, L’Oreal, Red Bull and American Express, amongst others.

Time to start writing!

Content marketing increases your bottom lineBeverley Venter

For more information:Office: 0414501313 | Fax: 0415851463Cell: 0723141108Email: beverley.venter@za.gt.com | www.gt.co.za

YOUR MONEY2

As a consumer there are several laws that protect your rights. The most important of those laws are the Hu-man Rights in our Constitution which gives the consumer the right to freedom of choice and association but more than that it protects you. For an example no one may try to take your property away without following the right procedures. A sheriff is the only person who may issue you with a court order to relinquish your property (car or house) and they must be able to identify themselves with the prescribed documentation and they must be able to provide you with the judgment granted in court.

Don’t be bullied - DEBTRenée Marais

If a judgment has been granted; then a debt counselor or lawyer can investigate if the necessary prescribed steps were indeed fol-lowed. If they were not followed there are remedying actions that may be taken on your behalf.

The Harassment Act as well as the SHERRIF Act and code of conduct also protect consumers from being terrorized by people who phone and threaten you on behalf of creditors. The person who phones or arrives at your work/ house without invitation will first need to identify themselves. If it is someone phoning you they have to tell you who they are, why they are phoning, their contact details and you are within your right to demand them to provide written documentation about the issue

they are phoning about. Creditors or collection agents or any other representative of creditors may not threaten you. They may however inform you that you are in arrears and request from you a payment date or arrangement but it is always preferable to get every-thing in writing. The National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (amend-ments which have been signed into law and will be enacted soon) gives clear guidelines as to what documentation must be served on a consumer and in what way. It has to come via registered mail for you to sign for and collect from your local Post Office. It is how ever your responsibility to ensure that your FICA and RICA informa-tion is correct. Incorrect informa-tion is not an excuse.The Protec-tion of Personal Information Act is

also a valuable tool for consumers. No one is allowed to share your personal information with anyone without your written consent. A debt counselor for an example may not discuss your financial situation with any other person who represents a creditor without your permission and/or a mandate on official documentation from the creditor they say they represent. The PoPI Act as well as the registration conditions of debt counselors prohibits this.

If you have any queries or problems in this regard, please feel free to email us your questions and Rene will answer it where applicable: editor@yourmoneyec.co.za.

Business TermsMiddle Class - Social class usually comprising of white collar (non-manual) workers, lower-level man-agers, and small business owners, often constituting about one-third of the employed population of the country.

Fiscal - Of or relating to public revenues (taxation), public spending, debt, and finance. In comparison, the term monetary relates to money and how it is supplied to, and circulates in, an economy.

Liability - .Finance: A claim against the assets, or legal obligations of a person or organization, arising out of past or current transactions or actions. Liabili-ties require mandatory transfer of assets, or provi-sion of services, at specified dates or in determinable future.

Monopoly - Market situation where one producer (or a group of producers acting in concert) controls sup-ply of a good or service, and where the entry of new producers is prevented or highly restricted.

Patent - .Limited legal monopoly granted to an individual or firm to make, use, and sell its invention, and to exclude others from doing so. An invention is patentable if it is novel, useful, and non-obvious. To receive a patent, a patent application must disclose all details of the invention so that others can use it to further advance the technology with new inventions.

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Mr. Hennie Botes is the inventor and CEO of Moladi plastic formwork construction technology founded in 1986. He is well known for his low cost housing plans, having built many low cost houses across the world, “ I look forward to sharing the advanced and progressive housing solution to your delegates on the day.”

Eastern Cape Construction Summit Speakers

Motse Mfuleni, Chairperson of the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) board, CEO of the Imbizo Group and owner of the Vodacom franchise in Uitenhage.

Prof John Smallwood is Professor and Head, Department of Construction Management, and Programme Director, MSc (Built Environment) Pro-gramme, and a member of Construction Research Education and Training Enterprises (CREATE), which consultancy specialises in construction health and safety (H and S), and quality. Notable latter related contributions in clude the cidb H and S and quality status reports. Prof. Smallwood will be speaking about Health & Safety Issues in the industry.

Jordan Mann is the executive director of Nu Way Development and Nu-Hold Housing Group. Nu Way Development boasts several successful projects, including the Clearwater Office Park in Johannes-burg. Mann will be speaking about the Coega Ridge Developments in the Bay.

07:00 – 08:00 Registration and Expo08:00 – 08:15 Welcome - Mayor Benson Fihla08:20 – 09:00 Overview - Premier Phumulo Masualle’s Representative 09:05 – 09:35 The Bigger Picture –Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism Representative.09:40 – 10:10 CIDB CEO Mr. Mzwandile Sokupa 10:15 – 10:40 MBDA: Dr Pierre Voges10:45 - 11:05 Coffee11:10 – 11:40 Prof. John Smallwood - H&S11:45 – 12:15 Nu Way: CEO Jordan Mann12:20 – 12:45 Hennie Botes - Moladi12:50 – 13:05 Seda Construction Incubation13:10 – 14:10 LUNCH14:15 – 14:40 Project Mtombo – Mr. Mandla Mdwara14:45 – 15:10 Coega15:15 – 15:25 Coffee15:25 - Group discussion with: CIDB, NHBRC, Black Contractors/Nafcoc, MBDA, Municipality Representatives.18:30 for 19:00 – 23:00 Cocktail Networking

Contact Lynn van Vuuren: Cell: 0745820319 / Email: lynn@yourmoneyec.co.za for sponsorship opportunities.

Our program will be conducted in the actual stadium, seats available for 2000 people.26 March 2015 – NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM

EASTERN CAPE CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT

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LEGUDLIFEMAGMARCH 2015 Volume 5 Edition 6 DIGITAL MAGAZINE

E N T E R TA I N M E N T & L I F E S T Y L E

Empire Holdings, Robert Wentzel, Director

Makapela Project Managers (Pty) Ltd , Malibongwe Makapela , Director

Describe your company in a nutshellMakapela Project Managers is a con-sulting engineering and project manage-ment firm established in 2013. We have been directly involved on 3No wind farm projects in the Eastern Cape consulting for the principle contractor and a sub-contractor. These wind farms generate and supply electricity to Eskom. Our other specialty includes design and pro-ject management of bulk water, roads, housing and township development. We also mentor construction SMME’s. How did you hear about Shanduka and when did you join? I was looking for opportunities at Transnet and the day I came was the orientation at Shanduka Black Umbrel-las in December 2013. I joined them in January 2014.

In what way did Shanduka change/transform your company the most?I am a civil engineer by profession, so my experience leans mostly to the tech-nical side of things. Shanduka helped me with the business management skills, office space, and exposing my company to opportunities. What is your motto that you live by? What inspires you? Have honesty, Integrity and excellence in all your dealings and success will find you.

Describe your company in a nutshell

Empire Holding is an industrial clear-ing, waste and transport management, property maintenance and construction and project management. We are based in the construction, industrial business, with some business in the bakery indus-try. How did you hear about Shanduka and when did you join?

My partner and I met an incubator, and he told us about Shanduka and the ser-vices they provide businesses with. We then signed up at Shanduka in October 2014; we met Sinazo and felt straight at home.

In what way did Shanduka change/transform your company the most?

We have been exposed to over a 100

procurement opportunities, our brand awareness has significantly increased, we are now a well know business. We have received many calls from larger companies asking for our services, Shanduka has been the answer to our prayers. What is your motto that you live by/What inspires you? We are not driven by money, but by the way we can change people’s lives.

Shanduka Black Umbrellas are 100% funded by Transnet in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Port Elizabeth’s Region is one of eight in South Africa. Akhona Noganta, Regional Manager of Shanduka Black Umbrellas said she is working towards getting government, private companies and parastatals to make Shanduka Black Umbrellas the first port to call when they are in need of 100% black owned, compliant companies to use as suppliers. Collaboration is one of our core values at Shanduka Black Umbrellas as Henry Fort says, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”.

“We are here to turn big dreams into reality. To empower the small business into big business.

To create jobs and grow a land of opportunity for all. We are the power of positive change. We are Shanduka Black Umbrellas.”

For more information contact:Cell: 084 368 7092 robert@empire- holdings.co.za www.empire-holdings.co.za

For more information contact:

Cell: 072 390 5211 Malibongwem@makapela.co.za

The Vodafone Foundation today an-nounced the Instant Classroom, a digital ‘school in a box’ that can be set up in a matter of minutes, help-ing give children and young adults in some of the world’s largest and poorly resourced refugee camps the opportu-nity to continue their education.

The Vodafone Foundation Instant Classroom has been specifically de-signed for areas where electricity and internet connectivity are unreliable or non-existent and will be deployed in partnership with the UN High Commis-sioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Innova-tion and Education units. The Instant Classroom is shipped in a secure and

robust 52kg case which is equipped with a laptop, 25 tablets pre-loaded with educational software, a projec-tor, a speaker and a hotspot modem with 3G connectivity. The tablets can connect to the laptop locally, enabling teachers to deliver content and appli-cations to students without the need to access the internet.

For more information please see at-tached the Instant Classroom press release as well as an infographic and images of the Instant Class-room. You can also watch a video of the “school in a box’ here – http://youtu.be/cdmS8JVun3Y.

Small contractors must familiarize themselves with the fundamental channels which must be adhered to have their entities registered and be prepared to operate. Subcontractors or small contractors can be classified in three categories namely:- Specialist subcontractors: undertake specialist services, especially building/ engineering services such as electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilating and air conditioning, - Generalist & specialist trade subcontractors: they offer general trade such as painting and brickwork,- Labour only contractors: skilled tradesmen that provide labour only services, while main contractors provide materials and supervision. The key factors influencing a main contractor (prime contractor who makes an agreement with employer to build something) to choose a small contractor/subcontractor or the prerequisites of securing a tender would only require financial capability: (whether your enterprise has the potential to make

money), track record: (a letter of good standing), construction management systems: (acquiring proper knowledge in regards of what you ultimately dealing with), compliance with legislative requirements: (registering your enter-prise, tax clearances etc and a BEE status.) Subject to a small contractor meeting these basic requirements, the key criterion for subcontractor’s selection is their price or bid amount. However, dissatisfaction of small contractors with prime contractors does arise, as many small scale contractors have claimed because of the late payments, under-payment, sometimes the pressure that’s been applied on them by prime contractors to reduce their price (and hence margins). While formal contracts are generally used, contractual relations between the main contractor and the subcontractor are often governed on a ad hoc basis- in a nutshell, using less sophisticated documentation and the failure to sign a formal contract is generally viewed as being disadvantageous to the subcontractor.

By Vuyile Citashe

The Do’s and Don’ts of being in Construction

15,000 child refugees to benefit from Vodafone Foundation ‘Instant Classroom’

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Busisiwe Nzo is a steadily focused professional lady, highly intelligent and a technical minded entrepreneur. Throughout her business practice, she had to be strong minded against the resistance to both her gender and race especially in her field- think about it, a hands-on young black business woman in a dynamic and male dominated environment - that means going on to site to balance the book with the physical product to keep the clients happy by ensuring efficient services. She heads (owner and managing member) the BBBEE Level 1 rated ‘Lakhanya Quantity Surveyors’, a quantity surveying company that also deals with project management, mentorship and construction. A top 40 under 40 Nelson Mandela Business Chamber young achiever, member of council (equivalent to board) to the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and Advisory Board Member to the Quantity Surveying department at the NMMU. Having so much credentials, it was an absolute honour to crown her with the Le Gud Life Diva of the Month throne...Give us a brief history of your up bringing and education?

I grew up in Peddie, where my parents still live, as the eldest child of three girls, so from a young age, I had to be responsible for myself and my younger siblings.I did my primary school up to Grade 7 (then Standard 5) in a local school in Peddie, where my mother was a teacher and later the school principal. This might sound like I could have had it all good, but that made things even more difficult for me, as I had to ensure I was in my most proper conduct at all times. In pursuit of bet-ter/best education, at the age of twelve years going into thirteen, I was sent to a girls boarding school in Durban, called Inanda Seminary where I did my Standard 6 to Standard 8. I left to do my Standard 9 at All Saints Senior College in Bhisho, but had to later repeat the class when I eventu-ally came to study in Port Elizabeth, and where I finished off my high school education, at Trinity High School.

You wanted to pursue Accounting at Varsity but you went against the grain and chose quantity surveying, tell us more about that decision.?

Yes, my dream job as a child beyond the basic teacher/nurse period, which all kids wanted to be, I wanted to be an accountant. I started off my first year at varsity doing BCom (Accounting) but after first year of studying, and having failed the major subject dismally, I decided to explore other options. I discovered the Quantity Surveying field while I was doing my first year at

university, and it sounded appealing. I did my research on the course and discovered it was a similar career, but just in a different field. If anyone knows what quantity surveying is all about, they will agree with me. The other driv-er in me making this decision was that there were few people doing it, more especially black and being female, and to me that meant more challenges, and more exciting opportunities. I had an option of continuing with the BCom degree, but perhaps focusing on other major subjects, other than accounting, but this did not drive me as I have al-ways wanted to be something, and not a generalist in my life.

Tell us the importance of self employment and the visibility of young black females in the quantity surveying field and what does it take to accredited as a professional?

Self-employment is not a walk in the park, as sometimes people view it. It means being more responsible and always thinking and planning ahead. It means you have to be on top-of-the-game at all times. You have the responsibility of being the first man on the team, as everything about the qual-ity of work that your office produces reflects on you. You become the brand of the company you represent. You have to ensure that there is enough work to sustain the business. The industry is no longer the same as when I started, as there are more black females in the field now. Times have become interesting, as you are able to share the same views with others in the industry. With some (women)

being in positions of being the clients to our own businesses, we are able to engage differently and understanding as women in the construction industry. There are numerous but well defined and documented routes to being ac-credited as a professional, depending on the background of your studies e.g. Diploma vs degree, however, the man-datory requirement is the experience to have practiced in the field for a defined period of time, which at my time was 33 months, working under the supervi-sion of another professional quantity surveyor. Put in a more simpler and usual terms, this process is similar to other careers like law, accounting, etc where you would have had to serve your articles before being admitted as a fully-fledged attorney or accountant. Upon having gained the well-docu-mented experience as required, then you have to go through certain tests and assessments to measure fitness for qualification, whereupon passing the tests, then you would be granted the title of professional (Pr. QS). The South African Council of the Quantity Surveying Profession is the regulatory body that administers this process and all other matters related to the profession, like conduct, etc.

Your definition of success? Success is having accomplished what I had set myself to do and achieve at certain time-frames in my life. It is about pushing myself to limits, where I can realise my true and maximum po-tential. It is about creating an impact by contributing positively to others through my knowledge,

my work and my experience. Your definition of Le Gud Life?

Living life fully, as best as I can provide for myself without any regrets and do-ing it responsibly.

Words of encouragement to young girls who aspire to follow your ca-reer path but still threatened by male dominated environments?

Making that first step in the decision to study quantity surveying is the first bold move. It means one has the potential to be what they aspire to be in life. This career is no rocket science, but having said that, it is neither child’s play, however, anything anybody sets themselves to do, they must do it wholeheartedly and be ready to put on the hard work required. Life in its nature is a series of ups and downs. Nobody who is successful in life, by their own definition had it easy. For the best results, you need to put in the hardwork. The first step in making it in the field is to stop seeing people as male and female in the field but as people, as otherwise means building a wall around yourself before the actual experience. With my experience, I have found the men to be more respectful and accommodating for as long as one demonstrates having the knowledge of what the career is about and being open to learn from others, as life is just that…….a journey of learning

DIVAOFTHEMONTH

HUSTLEROFTHEMONTH

Busisiwe Nzo- Director of Lakhanya Quantity Surveyors

Litha Nodada- GM of Fuelserve Petroleum1. Who is the real Litha and how did you come to be this prominent in the (petroleum) industry. Did you study it or simply through luck?

Being the first of four boys raised by a stern dad and incredible mother, I am fortunate to be grounded in the knowing I am capable and the importance of fulfilling my purpose on earth. My family and relationship with God are first and are the compass that guides my decisions in business and in life. I enjoy travelling and am an avid fan of any-thing SPORT.

I Work hard, I am committed and I believe in what I do. Given the highly competitive nature of the business environment, I find that I have compassion for the small guy/under dog, I like to lift as I rise. I am seriously driven by challenges, every triumph is a huge victory in my books.

I am a stickler for detail, processes, systems and control, my approach is hands on from start to finish, these are key pillars of running a successful enterprise. The hands on approach

allows me to have control, be attune to immediate needs and structural necessities. Hence my title of General manager, no task is to menial so from site to the boardroom , I am fully in.

2. What does your company do?

Our core business is bulk distribution of fuel, this encompasses diesel, petrol, lubricants and other related petroleum products. We have opted to position Fuelserve as the petroleum solutions provider, giving storage facilities , fuel pumps, installations and maintenance; so a holistic approach to each custom-er’s needs, and differentiate our service offering to meet all needs in this sphere. Customer retention is then possible given our ability to provide a compre-hensive energy solution.

3. What is a normal weekday like for you?

Emails , phone calls and some more emails, opportunities are abound at all hours of the day so we are constantly at work. The main priorities in a day are maintenance of existing customers, see-ing to their provisions. Sales calls , as

this is an extremely sales intensive industry. Price competion being a key driver , this necessitates constant research, consultation and ne-gotiation to ensure we stay competitive and are the preferred supplier to both small and large customers.

4. What do you like and dislike most about a person’s personality/ character?

I think the inability to see things through. Why start something with no intention to finish well?

5. If you could be anyone for a year who would it be and why?

Roman Ambromavich, the owner of the greatest football club in the world, Chelsea Football Club. Apart from the obvious novelty of being football roy-alty, I admire his brazenness and bold nature. His ability to make all his wishes and ambitions come true. I would love to live out all my ambitions in such a grand manner, leaving a legacy for genera-tions to come.

6. If you had R5million and had to spend it in a day what would you do with it?

Ok, that’s not a fair question. My first thought is I must be allowed to purchase something that will generate income in perpetuity.I would invest in Education, R1m to the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute. Then get crazy , and buy a ticket for two for an around the world adventure, taking in all the sites, going to the greatest sporting competitions, eating at amazing restaurants . So an all -expenses paid trip for everything.

7. Lastly, words of encouragement to other hustlers who aspire to follow your career path?

Persist, commit, find a niche market and differentiate yourself from the rest, sincerely believe in your brand and live it everyday ..

www.yourmoneyec.co.za

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Your Money Entrepreneur of the month – Heather and Jullian Britz, Owners of Houdini Locksmiths and Security.

Q1: Who are Heather and Jullian Britz and what are your backgrounds?

Heather: I came from Hibberdene on the South Coast of Natal and met my late husband Jimmy in Durban. We came to Port Elizabeth in 1970 after our marriage, as he had secured a contract in Port Elizabeth, with a well known Safe company.

Jullian: I am the oldest son of Jimmy and Heather Britz and joined my Mom in running the business when my Dad passed away in 1997. I brought with me a busi-ness background and applied those business & mar-keting principles to the everyday workings of Houdini.

Q2: Heather, what made you decide to enter a mainly male dominated work environment with your late husband, Jimmy and how did it affect your business and on a personal manner?

When my late husband Jimmy, decided to open his own business, Houdini Locksmiths, in November 1975, we started with a secured overdraft of R1500.00 and I was roped in to do bookwork and look after the shop, while he went out to do the work. At that stage our three children Mandy, Jullian and Sue-Lynette came to work with us every day as we could not afford child-care.

Q3: Did you ever feel like giving up in the begin-ning and if so, how did you overcome it?

Our first day in business we made 35c – sharpen-ing 7 knives at 5c per knife! Jimmy and I ate toasted Marmite sandwiches, making sure that the children had meat and veg every day. To this day I do not eat Marmite. There was never a question of giving up. Jimmy was one of the most proficient locksmiths in South Africa and I always knew we would make it.

Q4: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Heather: My parents owned and ran a hotel on the Lower South Coast and worked incredibly hard and in doing so gave my siblings and myself good work ethics.

Jullian: My inspiration stems from wanting to be the best and always doing our best. I believe in constant improvement of oneself as well as in business. I be-lieve we can always be better and do better.

Q5: Jullian, what is your daily routine like?

Hectic. We have 36 staff members and 18 vehicles on the road. My job is firstly operational, to see that the technicians get to the most important sites early in the morning – we do not like to leave today’s work for tomorrow. I also laisse with my various managers on general business matters but my job is all encompass-ing – I do the marketing, advertising, HR, working with the clients at the counter and answering telephone calls. All of us on the management side of Houdini wear many hats – this is how it is in a family run com-pany.

Q6: How long are you in operation for and how much have you grown over the years, awards, etc.? Can you for example say how much you started out with and how much your company is worth now?

Jullian: Houdini has been going since 1975, marking this as our 40th year in business in Port Elizabeth. As my Mom said earlier, they started with a guaranteed overdraft of R1500.00 and today the business is cer-tainly worth many millions and is fortunate to no longer be in need of an overdraft. When I started in 1997 we had 5 staff members &3 vehicles. The company was at a bit of a low point after my dad’s passing. It took many years of hard work to get us to where we are now. We have subsequently enlisted the services of my brother Jamie Britz as well as my sister Mandy Britz. They have made a big difference to our team. Our industry does not issue awards as such but we are rewarded with the many e-mails of thanks we receive from our customers on an almost daily basis.

Q7: What are the highs and lows of your business?

Jullian: Highs would be providing all round security for our clients as well as employment for 36 people. We love interacting with clients and do our best to always provide service excellence. We like to look after our staff and provide a pleasant work environment for them. Because of this we have a very low staff turno-ver.

Lows – with the sheer volume of work that we do the work environment can be stressful.

Q8: What are your long term plans for the future?

Jullian: We are at present opening up our franchise

concept store in Walmer called Houdini Express. This model will be duplicated throughout the Eastern Cape, South Africa and eventually Africa. We are very confident that we have an exceptionally strong brand, a business model and a price point that will guarantee success in the franchise industry.

Q9: Describe your company in a nutshell and how did you come up with the name?

Well, Houdini is the greatest escape artist in the world and seeing that we live in the “EastCape” it was a play on words and the name Houdini fitted our business perfectly. We provide a complete security solution encompassing all aspects of security from keys, locks, safes etc. to high end inter-grated cctv, electric fence & biometric systems. Our retail outlet in Newton Park employs 15 staff that offers excellent over the counter sales and service. When we started the company,

Q10: Something few people know about the two of you?

Heather: Although my role was largely on the paper-work side, because of starting with just Jimmy and myself, I was at one stage the only lady key cutter in the Eastern Cape and am registered as a key cutter with Psira. I was also registered as a member of the Security Association of South Africa.

Jullian: I excelled in Rugby at school level and was the Captain of the EP Craven Week under 19 side and also represented SA Schools.

Q11: What are your words of advice to fellow En-trepreneurs?

Heather: Honesty, integrity and hard work always pays off.

Jullian: Staff management and dealing honestly with the customer is of crucial importance. We are in business to succeed but success is not measured by money alone. From my perspective service excellence and customer satisfaction are great measures of suc-cess.

Did you know we offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year? For all your security needs call us today on 0413657565.

From eating Marmite and Toast during their start-up years to being celebrated as the Eastern Cape’s top locksmith and security company today; we are proud to share our March Your Money Entrepreneur of the Month’s success story with you.

Congratulations to the Britz family on your phenomenal success story; may you continue to grow each year.

YOUR MONEY9

ACROSS1. Absent Without Leave5. Seaweed10. A Freudian stage14. Opera star15. Equipment16. Soft drink17. Matchless19. Two-toed sloth20. Many millennia21. Compacted22. Refereed23. Futile25. Cite27. Big wine holder28. Scientific agriculture31. Caps34. Assumed name35. Enemy36. Decorative case37. Throats (archaic)38. Falafel bread39. Indian bread40. Cars41. Not earlier42. Large venomous ray44. Bird call45. French for "Sister"46. Masculine50. A Musketeer52. Australian "bear"54. Born as55. Marsh plant56. Likeness58. Nobleman59. Take by force60. By mouth61. Backside62. Fruity-smelling compound63. Writing implements

DOWN1. French farewell

2. Drunkards3. Sheeplike

4. Flee5. Certify

6. Advances (money)7. Lots

8. Anagram of "Galleries"9. East southeast

10. Insight11. Not commercially motivated

12. Wings 13. Praise

18. Notions22. Flying saucers

24. 57 in Roman numerals26. Historical periods

28. A mixture of metals29. Bit of dust30. 365 days

31. Knows32. French for "State"

33. They inflict penalties34. Policies of national self-sufficiency

37. Mentor 38. Chess piece

40. How old we are41. Hawaiian veranda

43. Noggin44. Some who phones

46. Corn47. Accustom48. 4-door car

49. Scoundrels50. District

51. Rip53. Leave out

56. South southeast57. Not bottom

State of Province Address 2015 by Premier Phumulo Masualle. By Anelisa KlaasWith the whole province waiting to hear what the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Phumulo Masualle has planned for the Eastern Cape this financial year, some positive news for the youth came afore. The youth are at the top of his list this year with 134 new schools planned for the medium-term expenditure frame-work, with 20 schools being planned for 2015 with nutritional programs, feed-ing over 1746477 learners across the Eastern Cape. Various hospitals across the Eastern Cape will be revamped, with forty con-sulting rooms constructed to existing clinics and more than 189 million will be spent on training 2344 healthcare professionals in the Eastern Cape. The economy is set to boost from rural development through its agriculture and agri-based industry. The Coega Industrial Development Zone has an R86 million agro-processing multi-user facility, which will enable Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises to expand their value added activities in the East-ern Cape and also provide training on the matters of financial management,

digital marketing and product quality for tourism based SMME’S.The following job creation targets have been set for the Eastern Cape for the 2015/2016 financial year. Eastern Cape Development Corporation 7000, Coega 8797, East London 5500. The Premier went on to say that “In the coming year, jobs will be created in manufacturing, logistics, alternative energy, agro-pro-cessing and services”. The premier ended of his address by quoting William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus”, “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. We too in the Eastern Cape are captains of our souls. We too in the Eastern Cape are masters of our fate.”

Budget Speech – Some Good News for Small Businesses.By Anelisa KlaasDuring this year’s first Budget speech, Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene gave a bleak outlook for the South African Con-sumers, but some good news for small businesses too.With Eskom having power shortage’s many items were about to increase, starting off with personal income tax increasing by 1% for all those who earn more than R181 900 a year. Electric-ity levies increased from 3.5 cents per kilowatt per hour to 5.5 cents per kilowatt per hour, but this is just a temporary pricing to help the load of Eskom. The growth rate for 2015 has decreased with electricity constraints affecting the manu-facturing and mining sector.Petrol will be going up by 85cents with the increase being spread over two periods; motorists will be paying 35cents extra by April. Sin tax will also be going up. A quart of beer will cost you 15.5 cents more, a bottle of wine will increase by 15cents, a bottle of whisky goes up by R3.37 and a box of cigarettes will cost 82cents more. Unemployment is still considered one of the biggest challenges in South Africa, the increase of the social grant will help the elderly and children. The disability grant is set to increase by R60 to R1410. Child support grant will now be R330,

and foster care grants will increase by R30 to R860. Over 640 million will be allocated to basic education; this amount will be spread over three years. With Higher Education being a top priority seeing that many matriculates cannot afford tertiary fees with issues over NSFAS and its lack of funds for the amount of students that apply for a loan. Infrastructure backlog programs will be implemented to fix over 500 unsafe schools and provide them with water and electricity, an estimated R7 billion has been allocated. Businesses with a turnover less than R1 million will soon be pay-ing less, while Small, Micro, Medium Enterprises(SMME’S) that make a turno-ver of less than R350 000 a year will pay no tax. The maximum tax rate has been reduced from 6% to 3% making it a very encouraging year for businesses. The government will also be increasing the energy –efficiency saving incentive from 45cents per kilowatt to 95cents per kilowatt, proven on their energy ef-ficiency savings a business can claim a tax rebate.

Premier of Eastern Cape: Phumulo Masualle

President of South Africa: Jacob Zuma

YOUR MONEY10

Novice Entrepreneur 2015 Competition:

Calling Aspiring Entrepreneurs under 30- years of age with a new business idea!We are looking for passionate, determined and innovative young Entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape to take part in our 1-day workshop on 17 June and stand the chance to be ABSA Your Money Novice Entrepreneur 2015! Fill in the application form, scan and email it back to us. You can also email us the questions asked on the application form: Email: lynn@yourmoneyec.co.za/ Cell: 0745820319, Web: www.yourmoneyec.co.za or download our App: Your Money on Playstore to enter!

Fill in the entry form, scan and email to: editor@yourmoneyec.co.za. You can also sms us the details to: 074 5820 319.Closing Date: 10 June 2015

Applicant’s Full Names: .................................................................................

Identification no:...............................................................................................

Cell Phone:.......................................................................................................

Email Address:..................................................................................................

Proposed Company Name:...............................................................................

Description of Proposed Business: …………………………………………......... …………………………………………………………………………………………

Entry Form: ABSA Your Money Novice Entrepreneur 2015

RULES AND REGULATION:- Be between under 30-years of age.- Have a new business idea.- Be willing to be featured in Your Money Publishing.- Be promoted on our FB Page: Your Money Publishing and Events and twitter.- Be willing to be interviewed on KQ FM.- Be willing to be interviewed on Bay TV.- Complete the full day workshop on 28 May.- Top 15 entrants to pitch their idea in front of the “Dragon’s Den”.

Signature:………………………..........................................................

Date:............................................................................................................

Outline of Competition:In line with the call from government to create 20million jobs by 2020, Your Money would like to do its part by encouraging the youth to take the opportunities there are of being an Entrepreneur in the Eastern Cape. We know our region is unique from other areas and instead of trying to change it, we would like to embrace and make it work in our favour.

17 June 2015-ICC Boardwalk Started by a collaboration between Edge Financial Services and Michelle Camp-bell Publicity- now into its 3rd year, the Nelson Mandela Bay Investor Seminar certainly is gaining traction and interest. This year will see the popular business expo area with over 40 exhibits and an expected 2000 feet through the door as well as the ABSA Novice Entrepreneur Competition who will see four lucky finalists walk away with a R2000 cash prize and a mentorship from their own “Dragon”.

In the main auditorium guests can ex-pect talks from the likes of KPMG, Coca Cola, Investec, Edge Financial and MBDA- who will be giving an extensive talk on inner-city property and develop-ment as well as on the waterfront and Tramways building. Other partners include the Hope Factory who will be hosting a couch Q&A session aimed at SMME’s and emerging entrepreneurs. Coca Cola Sabco will also use the semi-nar to promote their 5by20 which is The Coca-Cola Company’s global commit-ment to enable the economic empower-ment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company’s value chain by 2020. Specifically, that means the small businesses the company works with in over 200 countries around the world. From fruit farmers to artisans, this initia-tive aims to help women overcome the barriers they face to business success. 5by20 and The Coca-Cola Company are proud to be giving millions of women opportunities to build their businesses, support their families and build their communities, while inspiring more to do the same.

The main auditorium will enjoy talks from top representatives in their fields- as well as a special talk from Mr Phil Gutsche on the history of Coca Cola Sabco as they celebrate 75 years in existence this year- how their stood the test of time. Coca Cola memorabilia will also be on display in the business expo area, for a nostalgic trip down memory lane…

The event date is set at Wednesday 17 June June 2015 at the Boardwalk Inter-national Convention Centre and will be-gin at 7:30 for 8:00, likely to end around 5pm whereby guests will be invited to a “miss the traffic” networking sundowner session next to the pool.

A wonderful addition this year as well, is a talk which will be given by the one and only Mike Handcock. Mike Handcock is the Chairman & Founder of Rock Your Life. Getting to know about Mike Hand-cock you will find: Mike is an interna-tional award winning speaker who has worked in over 30 cities and 20 coun-tries in the past 3 years alone,

the 2014 NZ Speaker of the Year and one of just 25 people globally to be awarded the speaking designation CSP Global, he has written thirteen books on business and personal development including best sellers and an Amazon #3 and he has been mentioned by Presi-dent Bill Clinton for his philanthropic work and is a seeker of ancient wisdom who can be found climbing through dusty pyramids or researching the se-crets of the past diligently.

The mastermind behind this event, Ed Gutsche will also be addressing our del-egates about investment opportunities in Africa – with a live feed to their new Edge Financial Group office in Kenya.

There are still two opens available for platinum sponsors to align them-selves with this prestigious event as well as space in the Business Expo area. Call Michelle Campbell on 0729973123 or Lynn Van Vuuren on 0745820319 for any further informa-tion. Tickets to the public are R200 and will be available through Com-puticket. This will include coffee and light refreshments. Follow the semi-nar on Facbook at The NMB Investor Seminar.

“Weathering the storm. Get-ting your business through tough economic times”

Chairman of Sabco, Mr. Phil Gutsche addressing the delegates last year.

Mastermind, Mr. Ed Gutsche, CEO of Edge Financial Services Group at their Expo stall last year.

MBDA CEO, Prof. Pierre Voges adressing the delegates.

YOUR MONEY11

Price of Petrol Rising Rising Rising…Reef Coast

93 95 93

Unleaded LRP Unleaded LRP

93 95 95

04 March 2015 1105 1127 1105 1081 1086 1086

04 March 2015 1000 1005 970 974

Petrol

Reef Coast

New

Diesel

0.05% 0.01%

New

0.05% 0.01%

4 - 6 March 2015 | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium | Port Elizabeth

16 years

EDUCATION

SOUTH AFRICA’S BIGGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE

CAREERS FAIRE FOR GRADE 12 LEARNERS. ALL WELCOME.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED & ENDORSED BY:

WWW.WORKINGWORLDEXPO.CO.ZASUPPORT@INKANYEZI.CO.ZA / 041 363 0310 / LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Working World Exhibition

Isuzu claims 7.9L/100km as a fuel consumption average, while GWM claims a surprising 8.3L/100km figure. Advantage to the Isuzu then. While it’s much of a muchness between the two bak-kies, the GWM simply blows the Isuzu KB out the water when it comes to price. This particular Isuzu in the photos is the 4×4 version, and that retails for almost R500 000. The GWM Steed 5E 4×2 with automatic rear differential lock sells for R284 900, making it superb value for money for those budget-conscious buyers!

So now the question to be asked is, do you go for one of the tried-and-trusted models which are loved, admired and respected in South Africa, or do you go for the relatively unproven newcomer which is substantial-ly cheaper than its competition? After sale service and resale will likely count in favour of the Isuzu, but GWM is arguably the best of the Chinese manufacturers and has a lot going for it. It’s a victory for the GWM Steed 5E in my opinion, as the bakkie is on par with its Isuzu rival, but it’s an awful lot cheaper.

The bakkie market is one of the most competitive in Southern Africa. I can understand why, bakkies tick most of the boxes in terms of workhorse capability, offroad ability and there’s a nice lifestyle outdoors element thrown in. The market has been dominated by the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok and Isuzu KB series. All of these bakkies are good in their own way and there’s a good chance that regardless of what you buy, you will be satisfied with your purchase. Powering the Isuzu is a powerful 3.0 turbo diesel motor with 130 kW and 380 Nm, while the GWM Steed 5E gets by with 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor with 105 kW and 305 Nm. While there’s one litre differ-ence in capacity between the two, both engines feel a little similar although the true test would be evaluating performance with the load bay full of cargo.

Comparison: Isuzu KB vs GWM Steed 5EBy David Taylor, February 24th, 2015Posted in Car reviews, Home Featured/ Gwm / Steed

YOUR MONEY12

Price R439 100 R284 900Engine 3.0-Litre turbodiesel 2.0-Litre turbodieselPower 130 kW 105 kWTorque 380 Nm 305 Nm

Isuzu KB 300D-Teq D/C LX GWM Steed5E2.0VGT D/C