Podvertorials

We have only one life and only one place to live it - so it makes sense to look after the third rock from the sun. We’re constantly searching for better energy sources, with gas putting its hand up as a viable alternative to hydrocarbons for a number of applications. If you’ve been considering a transition from the grid to a hybrid or gas solution for your energy needs, visit The Gas Company for a...

What drives entrepreneurship? Often, the perception is that you cannot build a world class business unless you live in places like Silicon Valley or Stockholm; but after settling in South Africa in 2005, Thomas Pays became a serial entrepreneur, and created Ozow in the process. His latest brainchild aligns the unique African business landscape with global commerce needs, and aims to dismantle barr...

The 'gig economy' has been millennials’ buzz term for a while now, but that’s evolved into micro-jobbing - and Ladder is the killer app. Similar in concept to a ride hailing app, but for the artisanal tasks that need to be done around the home, Ladder is a platform for the casual labour market to connect to customers in an accredited, safe space. For more information click here.

As Christmas closes in, wouldn't it be lovely to win the big 'el Gordo' prize, which sits at a mouthwatering R44 billion? If you would like a piece of the French lotto, you can also enter and stand a chance to change your festive season. If you are an influencer, Lottoland is giving you the chance to bring a socially conscious company and dream to life - for more information on how to apply, visit...

The Covid-19 lockdown has not been kind to traditional retail, but in the new normal, the biker lifestyle sector of fashion has a new company which is fusing the functional and the fashionable attire of motorbiking enthusiasts. Natty Biker Streetwear is the product of the forward thinking motorbike lifestyle lover, Unathi Mthangayi. A modern brand for the ever modernising biker scene.

21st Century life is demanding; even without the burden of a global pandemic, daily stresses mean personal health often takes the backseat as we raise families and attempt to maintain professional and personal relationships. To help people keep a healthy balance, dietician Stephanie Joyner started a meal prep and delivery business called TasteBox. Healthy food doesn't have to cost a fortune, and i...

Is corruption always to the detriment of a state? Is it ever necessary for quantum leaps in societal progress? Are there any countries in the developed world who have benefited from periods of corruption to become what they are? If you have corruption in your government and it leads to growth, at what stage do you start seeing diminishing returns? Would the Western world be what it is without corr...

Brick and mortar retail has been strongly affected by the global pandemic which we are in, but some businesses have managed to survive. Bathu Shoes is the brainchild of Theo Baloyi, which he started in a garage in a township. Sneaker culture is exploding in South Africa and there is no more fashionable and quality-driven brand than this. Theo details how he has managed to keep his business afloat...

The Top-35-under-35 competition was launched by The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in 2014 to recognise its young CA(SA) achievers. It has proven to be a huge success in recognising and promoting young CAs(SA) under the age of 35, who are not just achieving extraordinary results in their professional capacity, but also have a significant impact on society. SAICA

In an ever-diversifying world, the empires of the future will be built by those who can connect the world through the art of interlocution. Thato Mogatla, MD of Live Languages, tells us about the online language consultancy, and how a global pandemic did not stop him from making his dream a reality. Brought to you by Ozow.

Sometimes the best business ideas are literally all around us... we just need to look out of the window. Although lockdown has been challenging for many industries, Jorentia Van Rhyn has kept her company Oh My Woodness alive, and if you are looking for the finest artisanal wood decor and accessories, look no further than this proudly South African business.

In a time of accelerated societal change and tremendous global complexity, how have the systems of government kept up with the advancement in the desire of people to live well with dignity and agency? Is centralisation still useful in the 21st century? Is the advent of technology a saviour, or a different chain on the ankle of citizens? Can a dictator ever be benevolent? Is there such a thing as a...

Where did the idea of money come from? With human beings living in a global society of tremendous complexity, is the current model of fiat economies viable for the remainder of the 21st century? Are people too prone to corruption when they are in charge of money? Are banks a bottleneck within the movement of cash from central banks to citizens? Are digital economies stable enough to become the def...

This weekend you can look forward to the mega millions draw which could pocket you R6.5 billion. The US Powerball stands at a mouthwatering R7.1 billion. A cleaner from Germany recently won €19 million, and their money was paid out within 24 hours. To find out how to bet on the outcome of these mega millions lotto draws and more, click here.

Is our reliance on the state a good or a bad thing, and how does one manage this delicate balance of co-existence and mutual toil? Is banning a constructive way to move society forward? Do people have the right to be horrible? The systemic lockdowns undertaken globally during Covid-19... could they have been done in a better way? Is going off the grid a viable option for most of us who need energy...

If you are dreaming of a holiday or just buying your own island, look out for the Euro Millions draw coming up this weekend. The German lotto draw is at a mouthwatering R555 million! The granddaddy of them all is the US Powerball... and this week it could be you who wins. Maryke Haywood joins us to speak about how you will be paid out should you win - within 24 hours. She also has a nice surprise...

Where does the concept of wokeness come from? Might there be a link between religion and the woke movement of our times? Is there an alternative to virtue signalling when looking for progress in terms of social justice? Are we at a breaking point when it comes to the ever tenuous bind between Western democracy and the need to serve an ever-growing list of individualistic needs? What are the possib...

Why does it matter when in the year you register your vehicle, and what are the financial benefits of knowing this little detail? With electronic interfaces being the norm now, can wily folks still turn back their odometer? What other services does De Wit Motors offer besides car sales? How does one go about updating the software on their vehicle? The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is launching soon, what'...

If you are interested in getting involved in the international lottery world, you now have an option to take a punt on the 'Italian Stallion' - Italy's biggest lottery draw. The Christmas Cracker is on in Spain, with a raffle-style traditional lottery draw coming this festive season. And the German lotto is a bonanza this coming week... one to look out for!

Should you only use your lucky numbers on lottoland.co.za? Maryke Haywood, Marketing Manager for Lottoland South Africa, is back to give us more tips and tricks on how to play and win... plus some more clarity on those pesky taxes and possible ways to get around them.

As much of the world went into lockdown earlier this year, use of the Internet and digital services surged! The downside however is that many people were ill prepared for the very real threats that come with greater Internet connectivity, and have been sitting ducks in a year that can be described as ‘open season hunting’ for cybercriminals, where nothing and no one has been off limits. Added to t...

Every four minutes you are able to win a life-changing fortune if you go to lottoland.co.za and bet on the global lotto draws which are constantly taking place. How exactly does lottery betting work? What happens if you win the jackpot, how will the payout be done? What is a bundle bet and how does it work? Gareth Cliff speaks to Maryke Haywood from Lottoland South Africa to get the answers.

How do you mould a finance professional to be ethical in practice and not just in theory? When managing the development of finance professionals, what is the role of educational institutions? Morality is a dual education process... which factors should mentors consider when developing young accountants? Mandi Olivier, CA(SA) and SAICA’s Senior Executive: Professional Development, tells us about ho...

The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a fuel efficient machine of the future, that much is clear. In the age of the SUV, the GLE Coupe is the real deal. The new shape Geländewagen will turn heads wherever you go, and with new lights, night turns into day! If you want to announce to the world that you have arrived, the S-Class is the car for you. The tough decision is whether to get a driver, or to d...

Are you interested in betting on the outcome of a R5.5 billion lotto payout? Is Lottoland attached to the National Lottery? How many lotto draws can you gamble on? Are there any Cinderella stories that have come out of Lottoland winnings? How does Lottoland manage to pay out the scale of payouts when people win? Gareth Cliff speaks to Maryke Haywood to get the answers.