As thousands of delegates from all over the world make their way to Durban for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), President Jacob Zuma says South Africa is ready to welcome them.

One of the most important keys to any successful business is a top quality, positive image. One of the most important ways that a company can convey this type of image is through the creation of a good first impression. In fact, such an impression is of vital importance, but how is a good first impression created?

The recommendation to downgrade the stability rating of South African banks has been severly opposed by government and 'reveals a broader lack of consensus on what needs to be done to resolve the current world crises' said Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Entrepreneurship should be seen as a channel for creating employment; however according to a recent study most local entrepreneurs have a tendency to remain lifestyle entrepreneurs creating work and an income for themselves only. Frances Wright looks at the implications of this trend.

Government and its key partners, such as labour and business, have signed an all-comprehensive Accord geared to create 300 000 jobs in the next 10 years. The signing has signalled a united front as the COP17 climate talks in Durban draw near.

The issue of fake matriculation certificates has resurfaced after a recent SABC investigation found that false certificates, that closely resemble real documents, can be purchased over the counter.

Inyati Private Game Lodge has issued over 12000 phantom shares, equivalent to 5% of the Company, to its employees in a bid to reward staff loyalty and retain employee talent.

Poor customer service is one of the root causes of failed businesses, yet appropriate interaction with consumers is often neglected and undervalued. How can staff improve their customer service skills? Kwelanga Training shares some insights on this important issue.

Discussions on the proposed youth wage subsidy are underway with key stakeholders to address joblessness in the country revealed Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

A brand can attract or repel potential consumers and employees, yet the influence of a brand name is sometimes underestimated. In a time of intensified competition brand power and brand loyalty are critical to the success of the organisation according to Jeremy Sampson.

Why is it that only 12.5% of mortgage loans applications are successful? Have Mortgage Financiers taken a conservative approach in their lending? Bebura Matanda looks into aspects of consumer credit and mortgage lending in South Africa.

Adjustments to the country’s taxation bills currently before Parliament aim to help grow the South African economy, and will alleviate the burden on ordinary working citizens, says Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

As APPETD's representative on the QCTO council, I have been following the debate regarding the QCTO with lots of interest. I have to admit there is a lot to be done before answers will be available on all questions. The problem that providers have is that there is not time available to waste! We need guidance and answers as soon as yesterday.

I have been reading the QCTO policy on Delegation of Qualification Design and Assessment to DQP's and AQP's and found some interesting issues that I will like to share with you.

I understand that the powers-that-be want to get rid of unit standards, although I have yet to come across anybody at the CHE/HEQC or Umalusi who can explain to me why they have such a resistance against them.

We have been trying to get our accredtation with CETA since Sept 2010 to no avail. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. To date we have had a site visit, we have submitted 2 lots of our documentation and 2 leverarch files of our applications for assessors - which have subsequently gone "missing" from the CETA offices.

What I am advocating is that whether you are an assessor, moderator, SDF, provider, facilitatior, HR Practitioner, training manager or whatever we should not have 5 or 6 different bodies representing us and fighting for a share of the market. We need a representative body, preferably with no fees involved, where we can all work together for the common good and in order to achieve our objectives.

The new Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship will drive research into these social economic area's with the aim of developing business values and skills in future business leaders in order to address societal ills.

Elaine Jobson shares principles on how Virgin Active successfully took the old Health and Raquet club brand to be part of the distinctive Virgin family, by reforming brand perception and organisational culture within the workplace.

The days of the 9-to-5 office hours are over confirms a new Regus study that finds most South African workers stay late and bring work home with them, which could be damaging the health and overall productivity of employees in the long run.

It really doesn’t matter what you choose to call the technological evolution the simple fact is that interactive communications are revolutionising the way you talk to customers, shareholders and even employees. Mike Sharman shares powerful insights on social media marketing.

There is more to setting financial targets then adding more zero's to the totals from the previous year, issues such as organisational growth and creating genuine wealth should be thoroughly researched before planning your 2012 financial goals says Anna Malczyk.

There has been a greater focus on the role of women in society and business and statistics show that while women across the globe are moving into management positions, in South Africa the transformational process is sad lacking. Des Squire addresses the future of women in business.

Poor time management in the workplace can have varying negative results from loss in work hours to permanently damaging the image of your company. Follow these tips to improve time management in the organisation from top to bottom.

The Bloodhound Super Sonic Car (SCC) project was created to inspire young learners to pursue careers in the STEM areas of learning by demonstrating how these disciplines can be used to achieve the impossible. The project was initiated by South Africa's two major engineering associations.