A WELCOME SHIFT IN BEE LAWS

“The amendments would seek to address criticism that BEE was only creating a class of passive black shareholders rather than entrepreneurs actively engaged in economic activity.” (Business Report)

This is positive news for the so-called Makoya Entrepreneurs who will now be afforded the opportunity to take ownership of the South African economy through BEE transactions. In this context Makoya Entrepreneurs refers to those businesses that enhance production and bolster growth in the economy.

The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that the shift is from equity deals to enterprise development. This will allay criticism that BEE is creating a class of passive black shareholders rather than entrepreneurs actively engaged in economic activity. The growing culture of entitlement and BEE-fronting needs to be addressed; a small group of politically connected black businessmen should not be the only beneficiaries of lucrative BEE deals.

BEE deals centred on enterprise development will ensure sustainable economic growth because small businesses will be supported by the big corporates. In this way, small businesses will thrive, and more jobs created. It is refreshing to have companies such as Microsoft South Africa invest funds to the tune of 475 million ($69 million) in black-owned software firms to meet BEE rules, rather than selling an equity stake to black investors.

Foreign and local firms will now be encouraged to follow suit. The amendments to BEE laws to accommodate enterprise development –if well executed- will go a long way towards sustainable economic development in the country.

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/sa-signals-shift-in-bee-laws-1.1059231

YOUNG VERSATILE ENTREPRENEURS

We recently came across an interesting magazine entitled "Wealthwise Magazine" (www.wealthwisemag.com) which provides an insightful look at business in a South African context.

Turn to page 32 and read an article on "Young Entrepreneurs" - the profiled entrepreneur being KK Diaz, Managing Member at Rekopane Dot Biz.

KK epitomises the essence of what we call a Makoya Entrepreneur - a highly versatile entrepreneur having run a record label (music) business in the past, to becoming the Managing Member of a Johannesburg-based payroll and accounting solutions company.

Furthermore, KK has the social motivation to address the high rate of failure in business through the provision of payroll and accounting systems to boost a firm's bottom line (profit). Read more on page 32-34 of the Wealthwise Magazine by following the link below:


http://issuu.com/wealthwise/docs/wealthwise_march_2011,


So for your payroll and accounting systems solutions contact Rekopane Dot Biz at :

Tel: +2711 838 8267
Cell: 2782 866 1187
http://www.rekopanepayroll.co.za/

YOUTHFUL BRANDS MAKE THEIR MARK

As MAKOYA ENTREPRENEURS one of our goals is to promote young, upcoming influential entrepreneurs in the industry. The first business we identified was the BIZKID CORPORATION run by 18 year old Tshepang Motshwadiba. This digital solutions and on-line media business has since grown from strength to strength. Take a look at their latest ...work for the AMAKIPKIP brand at:

http://amakipkip.wordpress.com/

PREVIEW OF JHB FASHION WEEK AT FASHION KAPITOL

Given our passion for identifying and promoting upcoming brands as well as viewing artistic expression, we attended this year’s JHB Fashion week at Fashion Kapitol in JHB Central.

 The event was a success and was thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended. The only concern I had – which is something to improve on next year- is to ensure that there is more exposure for the designers exhibiting their clothing.

Having a lively music festival on one hand and promoting upcoming fashion designers on the other, does conflict with increasing the awareness of the brands on display. There were some exceptions, however, for e.g. the Amakipkip and Vandal brands which effectively used models and music artists to promote their brands.

With regard to the choice of music, I propose that lounge music be played during intervals to allow guests to browse around, do some shopping and thereafter view the fashion show.

Special thanks must go to Nomi and the other event organisers for a great show.

WE WELCOME ON BOARD OUR FIRST AFFILIATE PARTNER: THE BUSINESS PLACE

PATRIOTIC INVESTMENT ON INFRASTRUCTURE?

"The fund has something of a 'feel good' factor that states on its fact sheet: The fund is positioned to give investors a sense of pride in their growing nation" (Marc Ashton-Finweek)

Given the rampant infrastructure investments taking place throughout Africa, and the growing emphasis on socially responsible investments that benefit the broader community, a fund that fits both these criteria has become more suitable for investors. One such fund is the Stanlib Nationbuilder Fund.

This fund invests in equity and non-equity vehicles (the "fruits") which accrue from Government and private enterprise infrastructure investments (the "trees").

What is also quite interesting - in my view - is that the portfolio is positioned for the "aggressive" high risk - high return type of investor. The portfolio comprises Exxaro Resources (6.1%), Massmart Holdings (6%), AVI (5.75%) plus construction giants Group Five Holdings, Murray and Roberts and Aveng.

Asset managers advise investors to remain bullish (buy shares) on infrastructure developments in South Africa at this time as the prospects are "attractive."

Makoya Entrepreneurs promotes the culture of investment and saving, so these kind of investment options - particularly those that lean towards the economic development of South Africa - are strongly supported. 

GIFT MPOSULA (MAKOYA ENTREPRENEURS)

MAKOYA LIFESTYLE PHOTO SHOOT

We thought of doing something fun and out of the box in line with the theme of "creative visionaries," so we came up with the concept: MAKOYA LIFESTYLE PHOTO SHOOT. Take a glimpse below of what we had in mind. Watch this space... For the full shoot, check out the following link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Makoya-Entrepreneurs/172099326163353