The current dismal employment equity (EE) figures are a reflection of a tinge of racism that is ingrained in the workplace in South Africa according to Chairperson of the Commission of Employment Equity (CEE), Mpho Nkeli.

The coveted title for Top Company of the Year 2011 went to mining holding company, Assore Limited at the annual Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Awards banquet and saw many other leaders and business people honoured for their excellence.

The entrepreneurial journey is open to anyone who has passion and initiative but it all starts with an idea says Matthew Wood. So put aside your assumptions about the world of entrepreneurs and explore unknown territory as you choose to follow your dreams today.

South Africa has committed itself to the development of tourism in rural areas to create sustainable economic markets and the Jamaican Model of Community Tourism offers many guidelines for South Africa to successfully implement its strategy.

The Gauteng provincial government has committed to realigning their systems to comply with the new PPPFA legislation, paving the way for other departments to incorporate the system and use a B-BBEE status as the only measure of empowerment.

Changes to PAYE legislation which will come into effect in 2012 should prompt businesses to review their existing payroll infrastructure, as failure to take heed of inevitable changes and adapt systems accordingly could result in heavy losses for organisations according to Teryl Schroenn.

Winners of the 2010 World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) awards have reiterated the importance of top-level mathematical science training on the African continent.

Despite the unstable economic environment customers expect high value products and services, and in order to provide this value companies need to 'streamline systems, consolidate infrastructure, leverage off cloud computing and seriously consider the merit of potential service partners'.

Helping employees find meaning in their work leads to greater fulfillment, happiness and a better quality of life and also directly benefits the organisation. Research proves that highly engaged employees outperform less engaged employees across all key industries.

New guidelines for CCMA dismissal arbitrations have been gazetted. They will become effective in January 2012. The guidelines provide details on the procedures for arbitrators to follow when handing misconduct dismissals. Ivan Israelstam explains.

The Department of Agriculture, Foresty and Fisheries hopes to create 90 000 new jobs a year through the submission by provinces of over 140 project plans for job creation projects, says the Minister of Agriculture, Foresty and Fisheries Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

The concept of cross-border employment is growing in popularity as skills shortages continue to plague the country but many businesses and individuals are unaware of the legalities surrounding foreign workers. Manpower MD, Peter Winn talks about the intricacies of moving and employing staff globally.

Mentors are special people. I say this due the mentoring many people myself as most facilitators and assessors end up playing this crucial role.

With the establishment of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations will trainers have to redesign all the currently registered qualifications through an onerous, costly and time consuming process?

Disciplinary measures will not fix the problem of problem employees. In fact, since a disciplinary action is a sign of a relationship that has been irreparably damaged, it will probably only serve to aggravate the situation. Shouldn’t disciplinary actions only be used as a last resort?

South Africa has participated in some fashion or another over the past 10 years in the World Skills Event, but with little success. Without the private providers in this country, we will never aspire to achieving greatness on the world platform.

In the 'Guidelines on Strategy and Priorities for the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) 2011/12' released by the Minister of Higher Education in September Dr Nzimande stressed the following: Of great importance and a priority for immediate action is the need for all Quality Councils to set out how they intend managing their standard setting and quality assurance processes in terms of - STANDARDS SETTING – QUALITY ASSURANCE – PROGRESSION AND INFORMATION.

With the world population estimated to reach seven billion the government has reasserted the importance of investing in education and skills for South Africa’s youth while providing young people with job opportunities and access to health care.

Creativity and innovation are key to the survival and success of the 21st century business and internationally recognized leader, Sir Ken Robinson shares his insights on creating a new working culture that will thrive in competitive environments.

The Department of Agriculture, Foresty and Fisheries hopes to create 90 000 new jobs a year through the submission by provinces of over 140 project plans for job creation projects, says the Minister of Agriculture, Foresty and Fisheries Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

The latest report shows that educated South Africans are not immune to the unemployment plague currently stripping the country. This is a 'reflection of a growing mismatch persistent in the labour market' says labour market specialist Abrahams Mutedi.

The results of Interbrands 2011 Best Global Brands showed that none of the featured brands have been produced in African countries, which is being seen as a major opportunity for brand development in Africa's emerging markets.

Collaboration will be a key component of African business operations in future and statics show that the market is expanding resulting in greater opportunities for local business partners and citizens to meet the needs of their African counterparts.

The National Treasury wants to make it easier for foreigners to invest in South Africa and promote the country as a gateway into Africa by overhauling the prudential and investment regulatory framework

Starting a business requires a number of elements such as an idea, a business plan, and financial backing to name a few but without mentorship your business is doomed to remain in the starting blocks. Lulu Khumalo encourages entrepreneurs to seek guidance from a reliable and trustworthy mentor.