FARM CONGO !

Login to Member Site April 19, 2007

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE CONGO Country Profile Capital city Brazzaville 4°14′S 15°14′E Language French Kituba (national) Lingala (national) Government Republic President Denis Sassou-Nguesso Prime Minister Isidore Mvouba Independence from France Date 15 August 1960 Area of country 342,000 km² Population 3,999,000 GDP (2005 esimate) $4.585 billion Per Capita $1,369 Currency CFA franc (XAF) Time zone WAT (UTC+1) Internet TLD .cg Calling code 242 The Map Overview The Congo is situated on the western coast of central Africa and is bordered by Gabon, Senegal, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It has in the past had political difficulties but now enjoys a stable governement and has been backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to relieve its past debts and ensure that the country creates a sustainable economy to support its people and combat poverty and starvation. The Capital city, Brazzaville, is located in the South East of the country alongside the mighty Congo River and directly opposite the neighbouring capital city, Kinshasa. Although Brazzaville is the capital city and houses the government and presidential offices, Point Noire in the South West is the real' business centre. This is due to the fact that the Point Noire area is littered with offshore oil rigs and has a constant influx of foreign visitors with interests in oil production. Point Noire is also the gateway to the country being positioned on the Atlantic ocean. The harbour manages the majority of Congo's imports and exports. The Congo's main and real only export is oil. However, the oil fields are controlled and managed by foreign operators and the people of Congo do not benefit as much as they should from the oil exports. Therefore, with the support of the IMF, government is initiating other projects to create a sustainable economy which will become self sufficient and be able to produce alternative export commodities such as food supplies. In terms of imports, the Congo currently imports approximately 80% of all of its supplies from Europe. Therefore, the cost of living in the Congo is inflated in comparison to its Southern African neighbours. The Expat Community The Congo was previously colonised by France and so many have remained and formed a strong expat community. There is currently no English speaking expat community within the Congo but as soon as farmers start operations, the community will grow rapidly. The majority of farmers will originate from English speaking countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and even as far as the United States and United Kingdom. The Market Potential The Local Market The potential market for farming and related activities in the Congo are endless. The Congo has a completely unsaturated and under supplied market. As mentioned above, the Congo has to import over 80% of its food and non-food supplies. The country is completely dependent on foreign exports and has up until now not embarked on any internal production. The Neighbouring Markets The neighbouring markets suffer from the same supply issues facing the Congo. A lack of production in their respective countries means that the majority of their supplies are imported from abroad. As in Congo, the majority of imports come from Europe and incur hugely inflated prices. Local production would be completely absorbed by these markets. The International Market The Congo is ideally positioned to provide fresh produce into Europe. The southern African countries are major exporters of fresh produce into Europe. Being positioned in Central Africa is a competitive advantage over our southern African counterparts as costs of transportation are substantially reduced being located only 6 hours by air away from central Europe. Access The Congo has become very accessible in recent years with numerous South African and local carriers operating throughout the region. International passenger flights To Kinshasa Flights are readily avialable with carriers such as South African Airways and Hewa Bora on a daily basis between Johannesburg and Kinshasa. From there it is a 10 minute boat trip across the river into Brazzaville. Air France also operates a direct service between Kinshasa and Paris and then connects in Paris to the rest of Europe, Asia and the the America's. To Brazzaville Hewa Bora and Interair operates a return flight to Brazzaville twice a week from Johannesburg. Interair is a direct flight whereas Hewa Bora make stops en route in Lubumbashi and kinshasa. The routing to Brazzaville is still in its infancy but new carriers are looking to start operating the route from the major African countries as they do in Kinshasa. To Point Noire Hewa Bora and Tag operate this route. Hewa Bora offer this route from Johanneburg via Kinshasa and Tag operate this route from Angola. Air France also have a bi-weekly return flight from Paris into Point Noire. Domestic passenger flights There are a handful of carriers offering numerous daily cheap airfares between Brazzaville and Point Noire. The flight takes appoximately 45 minutes. However, the rest of the country is currently disconnected in terms of air services since all the old Russian aircraft have been grounded. Once again various carriers are looking to start operating these routes as well the main routes between Brazzaville and Point Noire in light of the Congo's growth prospects. Freight Services The DRC has several air freighters operating between the major African cities and Kinshasa. Talks are also underway to offer a dedicated freight service between Johannesburg and Brazzaville and domestically between Brazzaville and Point Noire. Sea freight is also possible between all major shipping terminals and Point Noire International Sea Terminal. Rail Access Congo has an old rail service which still operates between Brazzavile and Point Noire. Road Access The road network is relatively good with the main towns and cities being connected by tar and/or good dirt roads. It will take approximately 6-7 hours to travel between Brazzaville and Point Noire. Farming areas Farming areas will be located between and around Brazzavile and Point Noire. Therefore, there is good access to airfreight, shipping and rail services and within easy reach of the major cities. Safety The congo is a very safe country in terms of crime. The majority of activity revolves around the major cities, namely Brazzaville and Point Noire with the rest of the country being inhabited by few local people, many of whom still live traditional lives and are unaffected by Western ways.

CETA

WELCOME TO CETA

The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) was established in April 2000 by way of the Skills Development Act. Its primary objective is strategically to influence the course of training and skills development by ensuring that all training reflects current sectoral needs and requirements of the construction sector . Various skills projects and learnerships aim to develop a pool of skilled and motivated construction workforce whose skills are recognised and valued in terms of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). In accordance with the CETA's quality driven philosophy, standards are rigorously adhered to. CETA is accredited as an Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) by the South African Qualifications Authority ( SAQA ). This ETQA status authorises CETA to accredit and monitor the delivery of training by Accredited Training Providers. CETA does not offer training itself. One of the tasks of CETA is to ensure that people who have acquired skills but do not have the required qualifications, participate in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process. This will enable them to compete for positions or jobs that require some form of qualification. To ensure that these deliverables are effectively implemented and sustained funding is made available from the Skills Levies paid by employers to the South African Revenue Services (SARS). Funding is available to employers in the form of Grants or Project Funding . Adequacy of representation within the sector is ensured through the formation of three sub-sectors. These are Construction Building & Civils, Materials Manufacturing and Built Environment (Professionals & Consultants) each sub sector is represented by a standing committee reporting directly to the Authority on matters pertaining to the reliant sub sector. In support of our philosophy to grow the construction industry, the CETA is committed to partnerships with relevant stakeholders whose expertise and experience offer guidance to the CETA's strategic direction that is underpinned by its Business Plan, Constitution and Sector Skills Plan. The Sector Skills Plan (SSP) is the blueprint that determines the skills gap in the different sub-sectors. Annual reviews of the current SSP are conducted. Some input has been achieved in validating the status of the sub-sectors regarding training matters or expertise required within the sub-sectors.

ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION & TRAINING AUTHORITY

It is generally recognised that the construction sector is very large, diverse and complex. Its size and complexity is further complicated by the vast number and range of employees in the sector and the significant differences in the size and nature of its member organisations. At the core of the sector's complexity are the vast differences in internal structures, the variety in training and development needs and priorities, the differences in professional networks and inter-organisational relationships, the variety in the policy and regulatory frameworks which govern the various sub-sectors, and the differences in training and professional development traditions. The sector is therefore characterised by a complexity that cannot be overlooked in planning and managing Workplace Skills Development. The CETA is just beginning to unravel, understand and respond to this complexity. It is estimated that there are over 35 000 employers in the construction sector, and approximately 330 120 employees. While the sector has large employers, about 95% of the sector can be characterised as small and micro enterprises. The level of participation of Small and Micro Enterprises categories in the Workplace Skills Development framework is very low. Of the 35 000 employers in the sector, only 62.5% is registered with SARS, and about 30.6 % levy paying and about 8 % have submitted Workplace Skills Plans in 2003/4. This level of participation of employers in the sector is of particular concern. Since the development of the sector is crucial to the economy, the construction sector is important to the economy as a whole because of its labour intensive nature, and its role in supporting other ecconomic sectors through the provision of buildings and constructions. The occupational groupings are. . Contractors 58% . Professionals 27% . Material Manufacturers 11% . Other 4% This, in large characterises the complexity of the CETA's responsibility and the challenge in meeting business objectives. The CETA views training, not as an end in itself, but as the means for accomplishing a more powerful objective. Workplace Skills Development is seen as the means through which the performance and productivity of organisations are enhanced, as individuals in these organisations become more competent in undertaking their responsibilities. The process of Workplace Skills Development is the instrument for transforming the workplace and establishing a culture of lifelong learning. In raising the skills and qualifications of employees, the performance of organisations is enhanced and, as a result, the sector as a whole will be more efficient and productive. The challenge facing CETA is mapping a strategy that will enable the transformation of the sector through Workplace Skills Development. At the same time the capacity of the CETA as an organisation must be considered to be both relevant and responsive in its services and support, and accountable in its management of the sector's growth through Skills Development.

Issue No. 7 - 18.Apr.2007 [ Introduction ] [ Key Statistics on Africa ] [ Important African Policy Developments ] [ Brenthurst Foundation Developments ] [ Contact Details ]

Dear Mr Riggs Welcome to the seventh of the Brenthurst Briefings, a regular newsletter published by the Brenthurst Foundation to keep readers abreast of economic and political developments of importance to the economic well-being of Africa. The purpose of this monthly newsletter is not to give busy people another thing to read on Africa, but to highlight, summarise and access important recent analysis on and events in Africa. We look forward to your comments, suggestions and feedback. Greg Mills

Key Statistics on Africa Many African countries, including Senegal, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana and Cape Verde, have lifted significant percentages of their citizens above the poverty line and might well be on course to meeting the income poverty Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving poverty by 2010, according to the World Bank report, African Development Indicators (ADI) 2006. Africa has moved from last place to third in this year's regional rankings for reforms that encourage new enterprises, formal sector jobs and growth, according to the World Bank/IFC report, Doing Business 2007: How to Reform. This marks the first time Africa has been among the top three reformers, following Eastern Europe and the OECD countries in the number of business-friendly regulation reforms. Forty-five regulatory changes in 30 economies in the region reduced the time, cost, and hassle for businesses to comply with legal and administrative requirements.more The Helsinki-based World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER) has released the most comprehensive study ever performed of personal wealth - as opposed to income. Based on data from 2000, the study finds that one percent of the world's adults alone owned 40 percent of the world's wealth, while the bottom half of adults in the world together owned less than one percent. Absurdly, many individuals in high-income countries incurring large mortgage and consumer debts are among the 'poorest' in terms of household wealth. Still, North America's 6 percent of the world adult population accounted for 34 percent of world household wealth. Chinese and Indian firms are increasingly doing business in Sub-Saharan Africa, and their interest in the continent extends well beyond a hunt for natural resources, a World Bank study says. Exports from Africa to Asia tripled in the last five years, making Asia Africa's third largest trading partner (27%) after the European Union (32%) and the United States (29%), according to Africa's Silk Road: China and India's New Economic Frontier. The annual AIDS Epidemic Update 2006 from UNAIDS and the World Health Organization reports on the latest developments in the global AIDS epidemic. The report details the epidemic's scope and human toll in eight world regions. With 4.3 million new HIV infections in 2006, and very few countries succeeding in reducing the number of new infections, the report finds an overall growth in the spread of the disease. More optimistically the report identifies positive trends over the past decade in the sexual behaviors of young people in many countries, as well as effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes targeted at high risk groups. 50 per cent of people in parts of Africa and Asia have no access to medicines due to harmful government policies, reports the Civil Society Report on Intellectual Property, Innovation and Health. The document, produced by 16 civil society organizations from around the world, is being released ahead of a report on a similar theme from the World Health Organization. Funding Shortage Edges Millions of Southern Africans into Food Crisis. Facing a US$60 million gap in funds, the United Nations World Food Programme has been forced to cut aid to 4.3 million people in southern African countries. The reductions will hit mother and child nutrition centres, school-feeding projects and food schemes for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients, "for whom nutrition is key in boosting immunity to diseases that have ravaged the region." Also, food assistance provides a crucial "survival cushion" for many southern Africans while they finish schooling or learn new job skills. UNCTAD's Least Developed Countries Report finds that higher rates of economic growth in many least developed countries (LDCs) have not translated into improved human well-being. The report suggests that LDCs must increase their very low labour productivity to achieve sustained growth and poverty reduction. As 2000-2010 will be the first decade in the LDCs where the economically active population outside agriculture will grow faster than that within, the LDCs must develop competitive businesses in manufacturing and services, says the report. It identifies challenges that LDCs will face in this effort, among them improving physical infrastructure. UNCTAD finds that donors must reallocate aid to address these challenges.

Important African Policy Developments Global Issues for Global Citizens - An Introduction to Key Development Challenge. Written by 27 World Bank experts, this book draws on the Bank's global capabilities and experience to promote an understanding of key global issues that cannot be solved by any one nation alone in an increasingly interconnected world. It describes the forces that are shaping public and private action to address these issues and highlights the Bank's own work in these areas. Covering four broad themes --global economy, global human development, global environment, and global governance -- this volume provides an introduction to today's most pressing global issues. What If Developing Countries Could Finance Poverty Eradication from Their Own Public Resources. In this contribution to the 2006 Social Watch Report, Jens Martens of Global Policy Forum calls for a "paradigm shift in the international discourse on development financing." Martens draws up concrete policy recommendations to enable poor countries to mobilize "enough domestic resources to guarantee universal access to reasonable quality essential public goods and services." A Policymakers’ Guide to Dutch Disease tackles the issue of Dutch Disease - that is, the theory that aid flows will lead to an appreciation of the real exchange rate which can slow the growth of a country's exports- and that aid increases might thereby harm a country's long-term growth prospects. Despite the general focus on Africa's failings, the region also has many success stories, argues this Afrol News article. Cape Verde, Botswana and Seychelles amongst others have achieved a level of development moving them out of the category of Least Developed Countries. These countries now feel "penalised for progress," as donors disengage while investors are still not convinced, bringing "new hardships" to governments trying to move their nations from a middle-income level "to a wealthy state of general welfare." A World Bank report says governments in developing countries should invest more in their young people, or else run the risk of dealing with social tensions and dropping behind in the global economy. The World Development Report 2007 - Development and the next Generation points out that there are now more than 1.3 billion young people in the developing world -- the largest number ever in history. The report says the sheer number of young people can stretch the capacity of governments to deliver services and jobs, "which poses risks for their countries and the world at large. The 2006 Least Developed Countries Report found that although the world's poorest countries have enjoyed the highest growth rates in two decades, human well-being in these mainly African countries has not improved. This Foreign Policy In Focus piece argues that the lack of rural communities' participation in governing their natural resources largely accounts for that imbalance. A high-level delegation from around 24 African countries completed a two-day visit to Malaysia to participate in a Knowledge Economy Seminar in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. This was jointly organized by the Malaysian government and the World Bank to facilitate the exchange of development experiences. Participants included finance ministers and other high-level government officials from Sub-Saharan African countries as well as observers from four Asian countries. The initiative aims to share Malaysia’s experience of successful sustained high growth and rapid poverty-reduction and in moving from a low-income country to an upper middle income country in forty years. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Report for 2006 urges countries of the South to implement more autonomous policies, and to strengthen further the global partnership for development to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In proposing discussion of proactive industrial policies and government support for some economic sectors, "we are not recommending any anti-trade stands," said UNCTAD officials. Defining the Right to Food in an Era of Globalization. Expressing grave concern with the continuing increase in global hunger and the current food crisis in Africa, this report insists the time has come to view hunger and famine "as a violation of the human right to food." While national governments have the primary obligation to fulfill their citizens' right to food, in an era where domestic actions affect people in other countries, governments must assume obligations beyond their own borders. Being more powerful than individual states, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization, as well as large transnational corporations must also take on due responsibility to fulfill this human right. A new working paper A Primer on Foreign Aid explores trends in aid, the motivations for aid, its impacts, and debates about reforming aid. It begins by examining aid magnitudes and who gives and receives aid. It discusses the multiple motivations and objectives of aid, some of which conflict with each other. The Millennium Development Goals report 2006 considers progress made by the international community towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's). The authors assert that there are significant challenges ahead if the MDG's are to be met by 2015, however they note that certain goals are within reach. Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Rodrigo de Rato has drafted a proposal to increase China, Mexico, South Korea and Turkey's voting shares at the Fund, while delaying steps to increase the influence of the world's poorest countries. With no guarantee that the IMF will implement the proposal's second phase of giving "greater voice to poor countries," African countries fear the reform will weaken their position. British Chancellor of the Treasury, Gordon Brown "";has publicly backed calls for a greater voice for African countries at the Fund", and with a special appeal to Britain, African IMF representatives strongly call on other countries to block Rato's proposal. Sustainable Land Management provides strategic focus to the implementation of sustainable land management components of the World Bank's development strategies. Sustainable Land Management is a knowledge-based procedure that integrates land, water, biodiversity, and environmental management to meet rising food and fiber demands while sustaining livelihoods and the environment. Sustainable Land Management -- Challenges, Opportunities, and Trade-offs, aimed at policy makers, project managers, and development organisations, articulates priorities for investment in land and natural resource management and identifies the policy, institutional, and incentive reform options that will accelerate the adoption of productivity improvements and pro-poor growth. Informal cross border food trade in Southern Africa highlights the issue of trade barriers in Southern Africa and its impact on informal cross boarder trade in the region. The report shows that while there may be surpluses in neighbouring countries, food deficit countries such as Zimbabwe continue to experience high grain prices due to import/export restrictions. The South African Institute of International Affairs has published four new trade policy reports: Services Trade in Southern Africa - A Literature Survey and Overview; Developing a Comprehensive IBSA Strategy - On WTO Agriculture Negotiations; South-South Economic Cooperation - The India-Brazil-South Africa Case and The Aerospace Industry - Prospects for Strategic Cooperation among the IBSA Countries (Mills Soko) For African cotton farmers, more crops equal less pay. Despite cultivating more land than in previous years, cotton farmers in Burkina Faso earn less as raw cotton prices dropped more than 20 percent from 2004 to 2006. Cheap cotton from the US drives prices down. While Burkinabes cannot replace cotton for any other crop, the US government keeps the US cotton industry alive by giving US$1 billion in subsidies to only 25,000 farmers. With WTO negotiations collapsed and congressional and presidential elections looming in 2008, US legislators may not agree on any subsidy cuts at the 2007 Farm Bill revision. The ninth issue of the African Terrorism Bulletin, a quarterly newsletter produced by the Organised Crime and Money Laundering Programme of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), analyses terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies in Africa. Funding and visiting AIDS orphans projects in Malawi, pop icon Madonna joins the growing list of celebrities putting resources into Africa. Christian Science Monitor reports that most aid agencies welcome the arrival of celebrities in the world of humanitarian aid, appreciating the press attention that "these A-listers" can draw to development in Africa. Other analysts, however, fear that too many donors preoccupy themselves with projects that make them "look good," rather than promote long term development.

Brenthurst Foundation Developments Established in April 2005 by the Oppenheimer family, the Brenthurst Foundation is on the frontier of knowledge in contributing to a debate around strategies and policies for strengthening Africa's economic performance. It is aimed at the creation of an environment conducive to positive economic change. During the first part of 2007, the Foundation organised or participated in a number of key events: The Foundation hosted a Dialogue on Southern Africa and International Terrorism from 25 to 27 January with the aim of determining whether an emergent threat existed, the likely magnitude and manifestation of this threat, its potential effect and whether the region had the capacity to contain it – should it arise. Participation by the South African Intelligence Services, including the Minister, the US National Intelligence Council, the UNODC, the Institute for Strategic Studies and the SA Institute for International Affairs, ensured the quality of the debate – with particular value being derived from the formal participation of the respective intelligence communities. Due to the sensitivity of some of the discussions and an agreement on non-attribution, a report on the conference proceedings will not be published. Certain papers were presented without restriction and these, along with an article by Greg Mills which emanated from the conference, are available on the Brenthurst website. The Foundation also participated in the Conference on Breaking Global Deadlocks, with specific reference to the threat of climate change and the Kyoto Protocol, hosted by the Canadian Centre for Global Studies and the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Toronto from 28 to 30 January. The conference was chaired by the Hon Paul Martin MP, ex-Prime Minister of Canada and the proposals were given impetus through their submission to a number of high profile forums in the USA and Europe. Shortly thereafter, a major public shift in position by US lawmakers provided momentum to the stalled protocol. The second in the series of China-US-Africa Trilateral Dialogues took place in Beijing from 4 to 7 March. Participation by senior government officials and academics from all three participants contributed to the momentum generated at the first meeting in August 2006 and wider African representation from African countries, including the AU Commission, provided more authority to the direction of the debate. The third and final meeting is scheduled for later this year in Washington DC. A paper reflecting the African view of the potential for US-China competition in Africa for commodities will be available on the Brenthurst Foundation website shortly. A research trip was conducted to Malaysia from 14 to 17 March with the objective of determining how Malaysia has dealt with poverty, sustained economic growth and diversification, the influence of regional factors and potential racial friction resulting from discriminatory government policy – with its obvious application on the RSA. Discussions, briefings and debates were concluded with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute, the Institute of Economic Research, the Bank Negara, the economic Planning Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Multi-media Development Corporation and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies. These were complimented by appointments with Dr Mahathir Mohamad to discuss the New Economic Policy and with the SA High Commissioner to obtain a South African view of the subject. Vietnam & Africa: Comparative Lessons and Mutual Opportunities, was co-hosted by the Brenthurst Foundation and the Institute of African and Middle East Studies on March 30th 2007 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The conference brought together representatives from Africa and Vietnam to compare and draw lessons from each other’s experiences in development, as well as to explore opportunities for mutual co-operation between Africa and Vietnam. Today Africa is faced with the crises of poverty, hunger and the challenge of accelerating the economic growth rate. Vietnam on the other hand, has been able to deal with issues of poverty and hunger. This can be attributed to commitment to appropriate policy and institutional reforms, efficient use of overseas development assistance, establishment of mutually beneficial trade and commercial relations and pro-poor objectives that associate economic growth with social equity. These are important ingredients that, if applied, could stimulate economic and social development in Africa. The conference papers are currently being edited with a view to being published on the Brenthurst Foundation website shortly. The Reference Publications section of the Brenthurst Foundation website has been reorganised. New publications include papers presented at the Globalisation and Economic Success conference in Cairo late last year. The website contains a wealth of other reference information and we have reorganised the publications section to make it easier to find reports and documents. Recent media articles include A fresh chance to help Rwanda (Business Day), China in Africa - can it be win-win? (Business Day), Killing Pablo’s Image - Security and State-Building in Colombia (Rusi Journal), Mission Possible in Afghanistan (Business Day), A new image for Colombia ( International Herald Tribune) Eighth pillar of wisdom for Iraq and Before we put our soldiers in harm’s way (Business Day).

Contact Details Physical address: E Oppenheimer & Son, St. Andrew's House, 6 St Andrew’s Road , Parktown, Johannesburg Postal address: PO Box 61631 Marshalltown 2107 South Africa Website: www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org E-mail: leila.jack@eoson.co.za Tel: +27 (0)11 274-2096 Fax: +27 (0)11 274-2097 Please click here if you would like to be removed from our distribution list.

© 2007 The Brenthurst Foundation
Newsletter published by MBendi Information Services

Institute

	Dear IoD Members Non-financial performance, embodied in the concept of sustainable development (SD), significantly and increasingly impacts on the viability of companies. SD can be seen as a strategic business framework for integrating economic, social and environmental issues affecting the business. Corporate governance is the systems, policies, rules and structures put in place to implement and manage that framework in an ethical and transparent way. Sound management of sustainable development issues (sometimes referred to as non-financial risks) has been shown to contribute to financial viability of business. The IoD in conjunction with Julie Stacey, Vice-Chairman of the IoD’s Sustainability Porfolio Committee, has developed a survey relating to sustainable development, as to assess the current understanding of SD issues within the IoD membership terms of; Julie Stacey (i) the scope of issues addressed by SD; (ii) the importance of SD to achieving business objectives and the value of the business case for SD; (iii) the interrelationship between SD and corporate governance; (iv) the role and liability of directors in relation to non-financial business matters, and (v) the interplay between personal and business values in respect of SD. We believe that the issues raised by this survey will provide IoD with some of its direction in the coming years with respect to sustainable development. The survey results will help guide the strategy and determine the tools that IoD should be looking at to assist its membership. In this way, the results of this survey will guide the IoD to take a leadership stance on sustainable development, as has been the case with financial governance. One of the core issues relating to sustainable development is climate change. From a business perspective, climate change presents both risks and opportunities in the financial and non-financial arenas. A strong proponent of addressing climate change, Al Gore created a documentary on climate change, entitled “An Inconvenient Truth”, which has raised the level of debate on the topic significantly. The IoD is privileged that Mr. Gore will be speaking at the 4th Annual Business Update Conference in Johannesburg 19 & 20 June 2007 at the Sandton Convention Centre. See below for further details. Sustainable development is such a crucial issue for companies that we ask you to download and complete the attached survey and fax it back to 011-484 1416 by Monday, 30 April 2007. This will help guide the IoD in how best to serve its members on this challenging issue. The survey will take at most 12 minutes to complete. Click here to download the survey form We thank you in advance for your participation and we look forward to publishing the results in the near future. Kind regards Tony Dixon Executive Director DON'T FORGET...

	Executive Capital As part of the ongoing process of seeking to add more value to our members, we are pleased to introduce a new affinity partner, Executive Capital. Executive Capital focuses on providing executive director remuneration, online for all locally listed companies. IoD members will enjoy a discounted price for the existing executive director product. A further product focusing on non-executive director remuneration will also be made available in the near future, also at a discounted price to IoD members. More>> getAbstract We trust you are now using your getAbstract Subscription which is included in your IoD Membership and that your are receiving full value from the IoD’s investment in this service. More>> The Big Picture IoD Special View these exclusive IoD accommodation offers. Choose from a range of Game Lodges, exclusive Guest houses and Luxuary apartments and Villas. More>> Imperial Imperial Car Rental have put together exclusive rates for IoD members, including discounts at Executive Carports at OR Tambo and Imperial Chauffer driven transfers. More>>

	Be sure to book your seats in advance to avoid disappointment! Look out for more detail to follow on our New Companies Act seminar. Introduction to Corporate Governance & King II 19 April 2007 - Jhb - fully booked 24 April 2007 - Cpt - fully booked An introduction to governance principles and the King II report. More>> Market Abuse - understanding Insider Trading 20 April 2007 - Jhb This presentation with assist delegates to become familiar with Insider Trading and the Securities Services Act - 2004 and the implications for directors. More>> Lessons from LeisureNet - back by popular demand Roadshow scheduled for various dates and cities throughout SA Pietermaritzburg: 20 April Bloemfontein: 21 June East London: 9 July Port Elizabeth: 10 July Cape Town 2: 16 July Johannesburg 3: 18 July More>> Being a Director: Part 1 - A practical approach to implementing Corporate Governance 9 May 2007 - Dbn The purpose and tasks of the Board, including Director's duties, responsibilities, powers and liabilities. Selecting and implementing a governance structure appropriate to different to different stages of a company's lifecycle. More>> Building Effective Audit Committees 10 May 2007 - Jhb Understand the role and function of an audit committee and how to improve its effectiveness. More>> Effective Meetings - managing the meeting process 17 May 2007 - Jhb Overview on conducting effective board meetings including: agendas, minutes, overcoming politics and the role of the Company Secretary. More>> The Director’s Role in Risk & Strategy 29 May 2007 - Dbn Overview of strategy and risk management processes from a governance perspective. Using risk and strategy to gain strategic advantage, and to avoid personal liability. More>> Finance for Directors 31 May 2007 - Jhb - fully booked Taking a typical Financial Board Pack as the basis for a day’s discussion, this session is designed to empower directors to understand the financial position and performance of their companies; and enable non-financial directors to ask probing questions in relation to the information presented. More>> For more information or registration for any of the above or to see what other programmes are upcomming, please call Portia Gumede - 011 643 8086 / portia@iodsa.co.za or visit www.iodsa.co.za

	GAUTENG IoD 4TH ANNUAL BUSINESS UPDATE CONFERENCE The #1 conference for Business Leaders. Custodian of Corporate Governance in South Africa and a leader in director development and board learning the IoD is proud to present the 2007 Business Update Conference featuring Former Vice President Al Gore presenting 'An Inconvenient Truth." Where: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa When: 20 Jun 2007, 07:30 Click here to book PRE-CONFERENCE DINNER FOR IoD MEMBERS WITH GUEST OF HONOUR, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE Open to members of the Institute of Directors who will receive a separate invitation to the pre-conference dinner event. When: 19 Jun 2007, 18h30 For more information and to book, click here BROAD-BASED BEE: DECODED This seminar will provide an overview of the final Codes which were published in the Government Gazette on 9 February 2007, the likely effect this will have on businesses, and practical implementation issues. Key focus areas: - Overview of the Final BEE Codes - BEE Verification Process, Agencies and Inconsistencies - Why BBBEE is necessary - The History of BBBEE - Is BBBEE succeeding? - Implementation Procedures - Corporate Governance & BBBEE Presenters: Tony Balshaw, Roger Latchman and Kosta Babich. Gauteng: 7th May click here to book KwaZuluNatal: 15th May. click here to book Western Cape: 16th May. click here to book KWAZULU NATAL THE NEED FOR PARTNERSHIPS IN FIGHTING CRIME The Institute of Directors and Business Against Crime - Kwa Zulu Natal would like to invite you to join Advocate Shamila Bathohi (Provincial Director - Public prosecution - Kwa Zulu Natal) and Prof. Mohamed Seedat (Unisa), Russell Curtis (Acting CEO Durban Investment Promotion Agency) and Kelvin Glen (Managing Director – Business Against Crime - Kwa Zulu Natal) The need for partnerships in fighting crime Adv. Shamila Bathohi Fatal Injuries in eThekwini: Profiles, Priorities & Proposals for City-level Prevention Prof Mohamed Seedat What you can do to reduce crime Kelvin Glen Durban’s Super Seven Russell Curtis Where: Durban Country Club, Walter Gilbert Road, Durban When: 20 Apr 2007, 07h30 and 17 May 2007, 17h30 For more information and to book, click here WESTERN CAPE TAX AVOIDANCE - THE NEW RULES AND WHY YOU NEED TO BE WORRIED. PRESENTED BY DES KRUGER OF MALLINICKS Cocktail snacks will be served. The presentation will commence at 18 Exhibition Room, UCT - GSB, Portswood Road, Waterfront When: 17 May 2007, 17h30 For more information and to book, click here MEMBERS' COCKTAIL FUNCTION WITH BRIAN SCHREUDER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, EDUCATION, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Hear about how your company could beneficially play a role in the growth of business and the economy through initiatives in education. Directors will be given the opportunity to hear sound bytes on fellow members and their businesses Where: Private Dining Room, Time-Out Café, Breakwater Lodge, Portswood Road, Waterfront When: 2 May 2007 click here for more information INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE NETWORK 12TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE - SEIZING THE INITIATIVE This is a premier international conference led by prominent international figures and leading experts. Key issues in global corporate governance including hedge funds, private equity, shareholder accountability, board performance. The roles of regulators and whether the interests of stakeholders are taken into account in investment decisions will be debated. The two-day programme is structured to elicit a high degree of interaction between delegates and speakers in plenary, breakout and hot topic sessions. In conclusion, the conference will draw up a priority agenda for future action Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre When: Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 July 2007 For more Information go to www.icgn2007.org or contact Sue de Waal, Successful Events at icgn@successfulevents.co.za or 011 706 4339 YOUR PERSONALITY STYLE: DOES IT SET YOU UP TO SUCCEED OR DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL YOU ARE SINKING? Please note: this function has been rescheduled to the 17th of May. More information to follow.

	The Contemporary Gazette Newsletter As a member of the IoD you have full access to IoD Direct Law, and do not need to register or make any payments. To access the latest issue - click here>>

	This concludes the first edition of the IoD e-Zine. As mentioned earlier, we would welcome your comments and feedback. You can direct those to iodsa@iodsa.co.za. Kind regards