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Stuff from Johannesburg

Are you ready for the 4th Industrial Revolution?

Educator, renowned motivational speaker and leading management consultant, Dr David Molapo, is set to host one of SA’s leading seminars this Heritage Month in Johannesburg.

Dr Molapo, who is the CEO of I CAN 4IR, is set to host the digital and virtual experience, as he aims to build and contribute capacity through empowerment, leadership development, education, networking, coaching and mentoring.

The theme “Leading Effectively in The Digital Era and Post-Covid-19” will focus on how to equip delegates in attendance on how to adapt and thrive digitally in a post-Covid-19 era, as the world prepares for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

The seminar, which will take place from 14-16 September, targets industry leaders and managers aiding in their development of digital empowerment and readiness in light of the 4th industrial revolution. The event will also be streamed globally.

There will be 200 in person delegates and more than 3 000 online delegates from over 60 countries. The line-up will see top key speakers and others panel discussion leaders heading up the seminar, including mining entrepreneur Quinton van der Burgh; African Bank CEO, Kennedy G. Bungane;Governor of the Central Bank of eSwatini, Governor Phil Mnisi; CEO of the South African United Business Confederation (SAUBC), Jacki Mpondo-Hendricks; Senior Executive – Private Office of the President, Namhla Mniki; Ambassador to The Democratic Republic of Congo & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, HE Bene M’Poko; Broadcaster and businesswoman, Faith Mangope; Founder at Landile Shembe Foundation, Landile Shembe; business leader Martin Kuscus; entrepreneur Michelle Lima; President & CEO at Greater Memphis Chamber, Beverly Robertson as well as advocate for mental health and therapist, Dr Sam Zungu-Fidelis to name a few.

“This will be the first, Post-Covid and in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that 3 000 + Global CEOs, Senior Executives, Top Entrepreneurs worldwide reconnect in person for such an event. This Summit & Dialogue will offer top level, relevant, practical content and excellent networking opportunities in a relaxed environment,” says Dr Molapo.

Dr Molapo has a unique ability in which he captivates his audience using a fine combination of humour, an incredible stage presence and his personal life experiences – which motivates, inspires and guides more than a million people in South Africa each year as a result.

He says some of the benefits of attending the seminar will include: gaining and sharing new ideas and best practices, the latest innovations and insights as well as meeting influencers and industry experts face to face

“I believe it’s time to break out of your comfort zone and re-energise your role in your business and service offerings. Technology evolves on a daily basis and so organizations should constantly adapt to the cutting edge and bleeding edge to stay in the market. This requires agile leadership, and companies need the right leadership structure in place to allow for this evolution,” he explains.

Dr Molapo effectively motivates, inspires and impacts over a million people in South Africa each year and ticket holders to the upcoming seminar, will be dazzled by his life experiences and tools on becoming “digitally ready” in the current global pandemic.

He adds: “South Africa has a significant skills shortage, due to failings in its education system. The 4th industrial revolution (4IR) is being touted as having the capacity to lift South Africa out of the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequitable distribution of wealth. However, the state of the country’s readiness for the enabling technologies of the 4IR is in question.”

“The findings of a recent study suggest that the education sector in South Africa faces a number of challenges in order to adapt to the 4IR. These challenges include insufficient funding, infrastructure, and skills to prepare graduates to participate in the 4IR space.”

In the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution, Covid-19 and their disruptive effects on all economies, there are things to consider as Africa aims to maintain its “Africa Rising” narrative.

“The development of digital skills is paramount. All industries are being digitally disrupted which presents an opportunity for a growing digital economy and public-private partnerships as powerful levers for change. As the crisis-stricken world transitions, business leaders are now faced with threats of digital disruption. CEOs must therefore prioritize innovation and strengthen their organization’s technology capabilities to create more value,” he says.

EVENT DETAILS:

  • Date: 14-16 September 2022
  • Venue: Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg
  • For more details about I CAN 4 IR, visit: https://ican4ir.com/
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The Oriental Plaza: A Phoenix in Fordsburg

If Johannesburg is a city of forced displacements, the Oriental Plaza is its most resilient response. While the Rand Club was built for the elite and Ponte for the “jet-set,” the Oriental Plaza was born from the trauma of the Group Areas Act—a piece of Apartheid legislation designed to geographically separate the races. Yet, in true Johannesburg fashion, what was intended as a tool of containment and financial ruin for the Indian community transformed into one of the most vibrant, independent commercial powerhouses in the country.

The story of the Plaza begins with the destruction of Pageview, affectionately known as Fietas. In the mid-20th century, Fietas was a legendary multicultural hub, centered around the bustling 14th Street. It was the city’s premier destination for textiles, clothing, and spices, where shoppers of all races would rub shoulders in a “jazzy, soulful” atmosphere. However, because Fietas was located so close to the white-only city center, the Apartheid government declared it a “white area” in 1962. The community fought back for decades, but by the 1970s, the bulldozers arrived. Homes were leveled, and the thriving traders of 14th Street were forcibly relocated to a purpose-built, modernist complex a kilometer away in Fordsburg: the Oriental Plaza.

The government’s intent was cynical: by moving the traders into a controlled environment with high state-mandated rents and strict rules on what could be sold, they hoped to break the back of Indian commercial dominance. The early years were devastating; many businesses folded, and the “Grand Bazaar” felt like a sterile warehouse compared to the street-level energy of Fietas. However, the traders refused to vanish. They eventually won the right to purchase their own shops, making the Oriental Plaza unique among South African malls because it is owned by the shopkeepers themselves rather than a corporate landlord. This ownership model changed everything. Without the burden of massive monthly mall rentals, the 360+ independent stores can offer prices that national retailers cannot touch, turning the Plaza into a “bargain-hunter’s paradise” that draws millions of visitors a year.