The OFM Business Hour
The latest business news from Central SA. Presented by Olebogeng Motse.
Trade Credit: a lifeline for struggling SA SMEs
South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to face a tough business climate, with poor profitability and limited access to external finance being the main reasons for failure. Dr Werner Henk Otto, lecturer and researcher at the University of the Free State, says trade credit can serve as a…
Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report deadline looms
The submission deadline for the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) is 30 April each year. This applies to all South African employers registered for the Skills Development Levy (SDL) and must be met to remain eligible for funding and grants from their relevant Sector Education and…
Begrip van boedelsamesmelting
Boedelsamesmelting vind plaas wanneer twee persone – gewoonlik ’n getroude paartjie, maar nie noodwendig nie – saam ’n testament opstel waarin hulle hul bates kombineer en gemeenskaplik beskik oor wat met hul boedel moet gebeur ná hul afsterwe. Dit is ’n belangrike aspek van boedelbeplanning wat spesifieke regsimplikasies het. Op…
Public weighs in on bills, written submissions still open
On Tuesday, 8 April, the Free State Legislature concluded public hearings on the Public Administration Management and the Public Service Amendment Bills. Armand Cloete, chairperson of the governance portfolio committee in the FS Legislature, shares what members of the public have said about the bills from Bethlehem to Kroonstad, Welkom,…
NOCCI charts a new direction with newly elected executive
On a local front, the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) has a new executive. NOCCI President, Michael Kidson, shared his vision for his tenure at the helm of the chamber with the OFM Business Hour. The rest of the executive team includes: First Vice-President: Rudolph Steyn (Dynamic…
'We shouldn't panic, level heads are required' - Dr van Biljon on US tariffs
Dr Ernst van Biljon Head Lecturer in Supply Chain Management, at the IMM Graduate School urges South Africans to not panic over the US' reciprocal tariffs, adding level heads are required. Van Biljon says over the medium to long-term the country needs to realign, reposition, and find friends with which…
The National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency – a logical step forward for SA
In an effort to address South Africa's water challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a new state-owned enterprise (SOE), called the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA). The agency is set to begin operations in 2026 and was in the spotlight recently at the Water Indaba. Telling us more about its…
Public hearings in Free State this April
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and the Office of the Premier lead by Hon A.B. Cloete, will conduct public hearings on bills in the Free State during April. OFM's Olebogeng Motse spoke to Cloete to find our more.
Quick gains needed to lift SA infrastructure investment and contractor sentiment
There is a sense that the government is significantly scaling up its infrastructure programme and that reforms, including alternative financing arrangements, are taking shape. With that said quick gains are needed to lift infrastructure investment and the mood of contractors. Craig Lemboe Deputy Director at the Bureau for Economic Research…
Free State Human Rights Month: MEC Leeto
OFM News's Charne van der Merwe spoke to the Free State MEC for Social Development, Mathabo Leeto at the provincial Human Rights Day commemorations at Winburg.
Free State Human Rights Month: MEC Mahlatsi
OFM News's Charne van der Merwe spoke to the Free State MEC for Health, Viceroy Mahlatsi, at the provincial Human Rights Day commemorations at Winburg.
Free State Human Rights Month: MEC Sifuba
OFM News's Charne van der Merwe spoke to the Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Zanele Sifuba, at the provincial Human Rights Day commemorations at Winburg.
NWU Business School empowering leaders through executive education
The North-West University (NWU) Business School is known for empowering leaders and professionals through innovative, high-quality business education tailored to the unique challenges of both the South African and broader African markets. From executive short courses to specialised leadership programs, the institution plays a critical role in shaping agile and…
MTN still empowering people and driving change
MTN has been connecting South Africans for 30 years, but today, they are going a step further in that evolution with the launch of their new brand positioning, which is about enabling real progress and empowering people. Bertus Van Der Vyver MTN General Manager for Residential and Postpaid tells us…
Kry betroubare, pasgemaakte alternatiewe energie oplossings met Solar Me Now
OFM Inhoudsbestuurder, Elzette Boucher-Kruger, hoor by verkoopsbestuurder van Solar Me Now, Jacques de Villiers, wat die maatskappy als vir klante bied, asook 'n baie spesiale aanbieding.
Covid-19 TERS-ouditte ‘n burokratiese nagmerrie’ – Neasa
Wist jy dat die Departement van Werkgelegenheid en Arbeid steeds ouditte op Covid-19 TERS-uitbetalings doen, amper vyf jaar nadat dit uitbetaal is? Die Nasionale Werkgewersvereniging van Suid-Afrika (NEASA) sê hierdie ouditte is ‘n burokratiese nagmerrie. Rona Bekker, NEASA se Beleidsbestuurder, vertel ons meer.
Actionable recommendations top of mind at B20 SA launch
The Business 20 (B20), the official G20 engagement group representing the private sector, is committed to proposing concise and actionable recommendations. Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, recently attended the B20 launch in Cape Town and shared her insights on the OFM Business Hour.
The future of work in South Africa – beyond job losses in traditional industries
With ArcelorMittal said to be closing key steel plants, thousands of workers will be left jobless, and it’s not just about steel - manufacturing, mining, and other traditional sectors are shrinking. Discussing the future of work, is Professor Joseph Sekhampu, Chief Director of the NWU Business School.
Verwagtinge vir die Begrotingsrede – Dr. Arno van Niekerk
Dis die vooraand van die begrotingsrede, en Dr. Arno van Niekerk deel verwagtinge vir Minister van Finansies Enoch Godongwana se toespraak voor die parlement môremiddag. Hy vertel vir OFM-nuushoof Morne van Rooyen meer.
Nashua drives business efficiency with Apple
Nashua continues to save time, save money and put customers first by offering cutting-edge Apple products alongside its comprehensive workspace solutions. Rikus Kruger, Shareholder and Sales Director at Nashua Free State, Northern Cape, and Lesotho tells us more.