Past Issues
January 11
This mighty fine, slightly festive and log-fireheated edition of TABJ starts—as the cover’s industrious ‘wall’ so brilliantly suggests—with an exclusive interview, and the person in the hot seat is Corporate Research Foundation (CRF) visionary Sam Crous.
We discuss how the organisation is helping employers and employees throughout South Africa to achieve their full potential. She also talks candidly about how exciting it is to work in such a vibrant economy.
There are plenty of other beautifully-wrapped festive treats underneath the tinsel-draped boughs of the TABJ tree, including another brutally honest sports report from our man in Africa and an update on the unstable political situation in Cairo.
Also, as we sprint towards the start of the greatly-anticipated London 2012 Olympics, TABJ attempts to keep pace with Africa’s gold medal contenders.
In addition, we take a look at how Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) is combining with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) in an effort to galvanise carbon neutrality initiatives.
As indicated in the CRF interview, the South African business landscape is buoyant, versatile and thoroughly looking forward to a fruitful New Year. Our compendium of company features certainly reflects this optimism, with contributions from the construction, mining, transport and investments industries.
It only remains for us to venture into the hitherto unchartered territory of 2012. Who knows what the constantly exciting and unpredictable African economic landscape has in store for us next? Whatever happens, TABJ will continue to proudly bring you the most comprehensive news, features and company profiles in the business.
December 11
To say that it's been an interesting month in Africa would be an understatement. The freedom fighters of Libya have had the final say in an old fashioned battle between the forces of good and evil.
A certain mad dog, whose name they choked on for so many years, will never speak again, and for Libya that is a pretty good result. For the first time in over four decades its people can breathe easily and, consequently, our cover story focuses on the extraordinary revolution, liberation and future of Libya.
This issue also takes a look at another significant swing of the political pendulum— this time in Zambia—where the new government means business; big business.
There is also an analysis of the South African economy; looking at the traits that have allowed it to apply pragmatism, character and strength at a time when more experienced trading platforms have buckled. Hot on its heels, is a look at the future of South Africa's rugby team, courtesy of our local correspondent and, boy, he pulls no punches in his assessment of how the Boks were managed during the Rugby World Cup 2011.
In addition, we've got an insightful interview with Hamish Laing, Director of the Concrete Manufacturers Association and, naturally, he provides some really solid answers.
Our comprehensive array of company features from the cream of Africa's business community draws inspiration from several industries this time, including transport, mining, and construction. There is even a feature on an airport where wildlife is free to roam around the departure lounge and an impala greets guests at check-in. Seriously, folks, what more could you possibly want?
November 11
As we accelerate into new and dazzlingly futuristic realms, it feels strangely reassuring to call myself the editor of a digital publication (I’ve been called worse, believe me). Increasingly I see people stroking away at their tablets and think to myself, yeah, I’m surfing the wave of a revolution here. By the very act of skimming over my carefully chosen words, reader, you are a small part of publishing history—a tiny but noticeable blip on the evolutionary scale.
This is the future, folks, and although I will always love the feeling of paper against my fingers on a Sunday morning (so to speak), I realise that touch screen and high-res screens are finally realising their potential; changing the way we read forever. My mum’s got a Kindle and so has yours; need I say more?
In this month’s all-electronic, body-popping, cyber-tastic edition of TABJ, I’ll be donning the trusty agent provocateur raincoat and explaining my argument for mining. There will also be an opportunity for you to share your mining experiences and opinions.
Other features include a South African mining special report, a whistle-stop tour of South Africa’s favourite regional snacks and a fascinating item by South African Association of Freight Forwarders CEO, David Logan.
Meanwhile, the cover story invites you into the mysterious world of gold. I take a look at what makes gold so hopelessly desirable, chat to Sven Lunsche from Gold Fields and listen to a wise old North African gold miner from ‘the good old days’.
There’s also the usual eclectic compilation of movers, shakers and hip swingers from the business community. Captivating company profiles come from all manner of industries including property development, electrical construction, private healthcare, boat building and, the coup de grâce… eggs!
October 11
I hope you are enjoying a fulfilling summer so far. Assuming you are, here’s another ray of sunshine—a new edition of The African Business Journal.
The front cover subtly suggests that something big with a strange-shaped ball is afoot. Yes, Rugby Union World Cup fever is spreading. Crunching tackles, steaming scrums, phenomenal footwork and try line high jinks are the order of the day—why, you can almost smell the antiseptic spray!
To celebrate the occasion I’m going to look wistfully back at tournaments gone by, while also forensically dissecting the most threatening teams at this year’s jamboree.
Also, as the paint dries on goalposts in preparation for the new season, we take a look at African footballers who hope to add some sparkle to the frantic cauldron of the English Premier League.
This month’s edition is further proof that the African economy is enjoying a renaissance, with many industries experiencing a gradual change of fortune, after some difficult months. The companies we’re profiling cover practically every walk of life from properties and gardening to electronics and carbonated drinks. We also take a look at mining (naturally), cotton, fruit, motor vehicles and many other industries to boot.
In addition, we have the next in our series of Poprica (checking out more African influenced music) and a study of how water shortages may cause the next major war.
Before I dash, I must also alert you to an exclusive interview with a chap who has been teaching business studies in Egypt. Not only has he been changing young lives for the better, but there has also been the small matter of a revolution to deal with.
September 11
The front cover subtly suggests that something big with a strange-shaped ball is afoot. Yes, Rugby Union World Cup fever is spreading. Crunching tackles, steaming scrums, phenomenal footwork and try line high jinks are the order of the day—why, you can almost smell the antiseptic spray!
To celebrate the occasion I’m going to look wistfully back at tournaments gone by, while also forensically dissecting the most threatening teams at this year’s jamboree.
Also, as the paint dries on goalposts in preparation for the new season, we take a look at African footballers who hope to add some sparkle to the frantic cauldron of the English Premier League.
This month’s edition is further proof that the African economy is enjoying a renaissance, with many industries experiencing a gradual change of fortune, after some difficult months. The companies we’re profiling cover practically every walk of life from properties and gardening to electronics and carbonated drinks. We also take a look at mining (naturally), cotton, fruit, motor vehicles and many other industries to boot.
In addition, we have the next in our series of Poprica (checking out more African influenced music) and a study of how water shortages may cause the next major war.
Before I dash, I must also alert you to an exclusive interview with a chap who has been teaching business studies in Egypt. Not only has he been changing young lives for the better, but there has also been the small matter of a revolution to deal with.
August 11
This month has been my first full issue and inevitably you will notice a slightly different style, which I hope you will find interesting, informative and entertaining!
The mag has got the usual aperitif of business news, followed by stories of companies making an impact in Africa. Indeed, as several global markets show signs of recovery, it’s encouraging to see businesses are starting to get excited again. This edition has good vibrations from the mining, aviation, food and property industries, while a welcome call from the wild comes courtesy of South African National Parks.
In addition there will be a refreshed selection of features, hopefully suiting a wide range of tastes. These include a jaunt through African influenced cinema, how African women are changing the business landscape and the legacy that the FIFA World Cup in Africa has left behind.
Leading the way in my inaugural issue is our fascinating interview with Fairtrade. This extraordinary charity takes us through its inspirational journey across Africa during the last decade—changing attitudes, getting a better deal for farmers and transforming lives.
July 11
This month’s issue of TABJ presents a myriad of businesses that have thrived in Africa. And to open the collection, we bring you an exclusive interview with Ernst & Young, who tell us why Africa is the place to be.
While we normally host many companies in the food and drink sphere, and in manufacturing, this month we also bring to you some interesting company stories in the development and energy sectors including stories from Central Developments and Time Mining.
Meanwhile, the TABJ team has been examining pertinent world events over the last month and delve into Bin Laden’s death and emotions on the oil markets, and Japan’s nuclear crisis and how it has affected nuclear confidence.
We are always looking to feature the best in class in African business. So contact us and we’ll tell your story—and with our new Editor John Pinching on board, we’re sure you will be pleased with the result.
June 11
The world has had its eyes on Africa this month, and we’ve been right there to bring you the latest. This month in TABJ, we address the situation in Libya and how the country is facing the pressing question: can oil trade help the country end its conflict? We highlight some of the biggest political and economic events that have happened this year, and what the future of oil trading might look like. We also look at ethical clothing production and what it means now to be involved in tourism in Egypt.
It is important to take note that the World Economic Forum of Africa took place May 4, and many lessons can be learned from the discussions country leaders and industry experts took part in. The way the world views Africa will significantly affect future investment and economic growth. We will continue to feature the brightest and best companies in the continent, including this month: Cape Fruit Processors, Marley Pipe Systems, and Rani Resorts. These companies are contributing to the health of Africa’s current and future economy.
May 11
In keeping with a theme of social responsibility, this month we’ve also spoken with the founders behind the Koinonia Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Rwanda with goals of modernizing education through renewable energy sources.
Our profiles this month cover an expansive range of companies, including African Minerals, a company seeing great success working on major iron ore projects in Sierra Leone, and Botswanabased Analytika Holdings, who handles major coal projects. We’ve also spoken with the Johannesburg Property Company who is working on a number of major developments for the city of Johannesburg, and Lemay, a major player in South Africa’s property, painting and renovations industry.
We’ve really enjoyed speaking to all of our companies this month and learning about the exciting projects they are undertaking. At TABJ we understand how each company big or small is integral in the development of Africa, and we hope you enjoy the issue. It is our pleasure to bring to you company stories that bring so much to African economic expansion.
April 11
Millions of people all over the world have been glued to TV coverage of devastation and tragedy that has rocked Japan following the massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11th.
Though we cannot control these events, and those other incomprehensible natural disasters that have shaken us so far in 2011, we can come together as a global community to help those in a time of need. We dedicate this month’s TABJ to those people affected by natural disasters, our friends in Japan and our friends in other countries who have been affected by similar calamities.
March 11
Big things are happening this month in line with our anniversary. We are excited to bring you, in an exclusive interview, the President of Zambia, Mr. Rupiah Banda to talk about why telecommunications will invigorate African economies and how telecommunications development is critical to African businesses.
Along with this exclusive cover story, we have a number of nteresting features to commemorate our one year anniversary. We highlight Tunisia’s uprising against the country’s political regime and host a special interview with Riversdale Mining.
We’ve spoken with a number of interesting and diverse companies this month, including Berfin, a major food and drink exporter in South Africa, and Charlton Electrical who are responsible for a number of electrical projects in Africa.
Thank you to the many companies and interviewees who have made our magazine what it is today. We look forward to many years of working with you in the future, and off all the best to our partners in industry.
February 11
Innovative: a word that, by definition means new, original, more dynamically or groundbreaking.
We are approaching our first anniversary of The African Business Journal (a date to celebrate our own pioneering), and with this milestone upon us, it is appropriate that we are profiling so many great and innovative businesses in this February issue of TABJ.
As industry in Africa continues to flourish, we’re giving you an inside look at companies who are worth the moniker, such as Swartland Doors and Windows, Carbon Programmes, and Lesedi Drilling.
We’re updating you on other noteworthy developments in Africa such as the presence of BEE in mining in South Africa, and what Fairtrade has come to mean to people in business. Fairtrade and BBBEE are interconnected, playing a specific role in improving the position of historically disadvantaged people in South Africa due to apartheid.
Every year, the number of businesses using Fairtrade increases, making the cause for fair labour practices heard and supported around the world.
On the technology front, our editors review ground-breaking products like the iPhone and the trusty Blackberry—deciphering which tool is really best for business users.
Finally, we have the controversial topic of debt-relief for our cover—you know this one will play into political and social debates in the year to come.
