Leads 2 Business Blog

22 Jul 2020

Leads 2 Business Weekly Quote

by Marlaine Andersen | posted in: General | 0

This week’s quote is from, Nelson Mandela. We thought quotes from him would be most suitable this month as it’s his Birthday Month.

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” Nelson Mandela

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

21 Jul 2020

COVID-19: It’s not all bad….

by Sherina Shawe | posted in: General | 1

I’m sure you think I have lost my mind but believe me, I am just as anxious to jump off this “coronacoaster” as the rest of you.

It’s no secret that this pandemic has been devastating to the whole globe, everyone has been affected in some way or another, whether it has been from the tragedy of a life lost, or if you have suffered financially during this time, perhaps you have been retrenched or have had your salary or hours slashed – we have ALL been affected.

Nothing is simple any longer.

If you are a smoker you are looking down the barrel of the illegal cigarette trade of which you have now become very familiar with and which is attached to an exorbitant rate for a single box just so you may have a drag with your morning coffee.

No longer can you on the “spur of the moment” make the decision that you would like a glass of chardonnay with your Saturday brunch…. unless of course, you remembered to stop and stand in a ridiculously long cue at your local bottle store on a Thursday before all liquor sales close until the following Monday!

Of course, not even this is possible now with the alcohol ban back in play…

Understandable our anxiety levels are off the charts, trying to keep our family safe, our companies afloat and of course to try and remember our masks every time we leave the house… I myself have had the pleasure of turning myself right around, right outside our local grocer several times now to head back home and retrieve a mask from my ever-growing collection.

But… it’s not all bad

And let me tell you why!

Mother Nature has just received a well-deserved break!!!

And it seems fitting that it was World Environment Day on the 5th June which was during out lockdown, this is a day we celebrate “her” and all that she does for us.

The worldwide lockdown has brought about significant reductions in emissions of smoke and waste due to oil consumption, not to mention a reduction in litter. This in its self has had a positive effect as we have recently seen wildlife roaming, trotting and swimming about freely 🙂

I hope that these pictures warm the cockles of your heart as they did mine and remind you that we are not alone on this earth, not everything is about us and life is still beautiful!

Amazing right!

Animals are not the only beneficiaries of this terrible pandemic, we have seen lockdown camps across the country; feeding, clothing and homing our most vulnerable, this has led to many social and economic issues being brought to the forefront like drug addiction which is now being dealt with, with mostly compassion and understanding. There have been countless private entities who have come together to collect and distribute food, clothes, blankets etc. and it’s lovely to see the humanity or as we like to refer to it as “Ubuntu” amongst our South Africans!

I’m not blind to the corruption that these social funds have unfortunately been subjected to, however, I still sleep a little better knowing our poor and homeless have been feed and have had a bed at night.

So while the world is striving to be COVID-19 Negative….. today I am feeling COVID-19 positive!

Keep well, stay safe and we WILL get through this together!

Sources:
Classic FM
The Federal
Explore
Wikipedia
Afro
T and F Online

To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Sherina Shawe

I am a strong believer in "What you put in , is what you will get out" and this drives me every day, whether it's at home with my gorgeous family or at work where I get to fuel my competitive spirit. I love who I am and who I'm becoming. I love where I am , but more importantly where I'm going.... #EternalOptimist #Aspire2Inspire

16 Jul 2020

Countries in Africa with the worst Air Pollution

by Barry West | posted in: General | 0

Across Africa, increased industrialisation and dust storms are resulting in air pollution that is taking its toll on human health in the region. Air pollution has been causing more premature deaths than unsafe water or childhood malnutrition on the continent as well as contributing to the climate crisis.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country is the most polluted country within Africa and the 10^th most polluted country in the world, more than 64,000 people died from household air pollution in 2017. Onitsha, a bustling city within Nigeria, is considered one of the worst-ranked cities globally with a record thirty times more particulate matter concentration in the air than is recommended by the WHO.

Senegal is another country in Africa which is contending with high levels of air pollution. Its capital, Dakar, has seven times more particulate matter concentration than the recommended threshold. During the dry season dust from the Sahara and industrial and motor vehicle pollution can cause a high density of toxic air in the country.

Kenya is also fighting high levels of air pollution with particulate matter concentration which is twice the recommended threshold. Respiratory diseases have now surpassed malaria as the number one killer in the country.

As the population of Africa grows and with increasing urbanisation the air quality is expected to worsen further unless more is done to monitor and prevent air pollution in the region.

About Barry West

I am a software developer.

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8 Jul 2020

Oldest Structure in Africa

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: General | 0

Where and What is the Oldest Structure in Africa?

The Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt

The vast majority of the oldest structures constructed are the ancient Egyptian Tombs, so it comes as no surprise to learn that the oldest structure in Africa was none other than the Saqqara Step Pyramid of Djoser – the first of its kind, and the largest building of its time.

The original Egyptian pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser – is also known as the Saqqara Step Pyramid, as it is located in the Saqqara Necropolis, Egypt, and has a ‘step’ like the design.

The step pyramid was built as a Tomb for the pharaoh, Djoser between 2670 BC and 2650 BC [during the 3rd dynasty] in Saqqara, Egypt and stands 62,5 metres high, with 121 x 109 metres base and 330,400 cubic metres volume, making this superstructure not only the oldest structure in Africa but also the oldest “intact large-scale” stone monument in the world – a fact often overshadowed by Egypt’s group of most famous pyramids.

When completed, the Step Pyramid rose 204 feet (62 meters) high and was the tallest structure of its time.
The actual chambers of the tomb, where the king’s body was laid to rest, were dug beneath the base of the pyramid as a maze of tunnels with rooms off the corridors to discourage robbers and protect the body and grave goods of the king. Djoser’s burial chamber was carved of granite and, to reach it, one had to navigate the corridors which were filled with thousands of stone vessels inscribed with the names of earlier kings. The other chambers in the subterranean complex were for ceremonial purposes.

You cannot help but marvel at these ancient structures and recognise the strides in engineering and architecture made by the ancient Egyptians – and all without access to the tools and technology we have available today. It is astonishing!

Fun Facts and Food for Thought:
– The Djoser Pyramid was reopened for visitors earlier this year, in March 2020, after a 14-year restoration
– The 6-Tier, the 4-sided structure took about 20 years to build, with about 100,000 free skilled workers
– It is considered the earliest large-scale cut stone construction
– It is the only pyramid from the old kingdom that had 11 of the King’s daughters buried inside
– There are tunnels beneath the pyramid stretching across a labyrinth of 5,5 km in length
– The pyramid was initially a Mastaba tomb, which then [after expansions] evolved into 6 layers built upon each other
– This magnificent tomb was, in its entirety, built from limestone
– The Architect of this everlasting masterpiece, Imhotep – was a commoner, and among other titles and talents, he was an Engineer, Physician, a Priest, and a Sculptor

Sources:
Afrika Lovers
Wikipedia

About Jackie Van Zyl

My epic journey at Leads 2 Business started September 2008, as a Researcher / Data Capturer in the Tenders Africa Department. I joined Customer Relations in 2011, where I have had the great pleasure of being part of the Dynamic L2B Admin Department [From 2011 to present]. I deal with the Registration and Administration details of New Account Activations, and Existing Account Upgrades, etc. I also assist with client & staff queries. I’m a ‘think-out-of-the-box’ individual and an excellent problem solver. I am hardworking, meticulous, efficient, friendly and always happy to help! I look forward in assisting you with any queries you might have

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7 Jul 2020

How to Reduce your Carbon Footprint

by Andile Shange | posted in: General | 0

How to reduce your carbon footprint.

With the constant growth of population across the globe, it is imperative to be aware of things you can do to save the planet. Adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle can really make an impact on the overall climate preservation.
Below are a few practical changes you can make in your day-to-day life to reduce your carbon footprint.

There are simple tweaks that you can make which in return can save you energy and money.
Turning off your lights and appliances when they are not in use. Using laptops instead of desktops, as they use less energy. Replacing your fridge, if it’s 15-20 years old as they can be “energy hogs”. Planting trees around your home.
Using the following 5 R’s of zero waste:
Refuse – Avoid single use of plastic and paper
Reduce – Buying only what you need
Reuse – Dispose of less and upcycling items where possible
Rot – Find a nearby food drop off centre
Recycle – Glass and metal

The most environmentally friendly diet is one with less meat (red), as red meat production uses a lot of water and land. Growing your own garden consisting of lower food chain products such as vegetables, fruits, grains and beans can be one of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint. Eating in season and locally, can really help to reduce the carbon footprint created by shipment of your foods, especially when you consider how far your food had to travel to get to you.

As a consumer society, we think of fashion as disposable items and often justify buying the latest styles. Resulting in our wardrobes being overly populated and resulting in most of our clothing items in landfill sites. Which presents an issue of contamination as some of these clothes are not “organic” and often sprayed with lots of pesticides. To mitigate this overload, we can re-purpose old clothing, buy locally handmade garments and vintage.

Toxins emitted by transportation engines are not only very dangerous to human health, but the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from transportation engines far surpasses emissions from electrical generators. This identifies transportation engines as one of the biggest sources of air pollution.
Where plausible you should walk, cycle or take a bus to your destination. When using a vehicle, spread your carbon burden by inviting people to share your commute. If you are frequent vehicle user, service your vehicle regularly to reduce emissions.
Most importantly “Go easy on the gas”.

Sources:
Going Zero Waste
NY Times
Wired

About Andile Shange

I'm a Software Developer at Leads 2 Business since 02 June 2014.

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1 Jul 2020

Leads 2 Business Weekly Quote

by Marlaine Andersen | posted in: General | 0

This week’s quote is from the great leader, Nelson Mandela. Did you know July is his birthday month? We thought quotes from him would be most suitable this month.

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” Nelson Mandela

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

25 Jun 2020

N2 Wild Coast Road

by Tara Hutton | posted in: Construction Chat | 4

“Take a walk on the wild side” or drive or ride, whatever blows your hair back.

The Wild Coast, the southern tip of KZN and north of the Eastern Cape, a stunning, almost untouched, part of the country, and because of the lack of road access, it is also one of the poorest areas in South Africa. The development of a new road system would benefit the area to encourage tourism and to allow the area open to economic opportunities. However, the environmental aspect needs to be fully considered and there has been public participation in making a decision over several years.

As of May 2019, a project had been opened to upgrade the surface of 15km of the Road DR08046, which is a portion of the Wild Coast Meander. As at the 14^th of May 2020, the current status is underway.

The positive is always moving forward and reaching out to those in need. However, the world has suffered quite a dramatic change of viewpoint recently, so would reaching out to those in need by constructing a road for growth be beneficial? Or would it be best to leave them untouched?

The Negative and Interference

In 2018 the villagers of Pondoland had pleaded for the new road to not to take place, as it would destroy their land and their way of life. They are the people of this land and they have spoken up.

In 2019 there was a write up in the Moneyweb: “Engineers leave SA due to ‘construction mafia’”. Projects are compromised with illegal site disruptions. These illegal site disruptions caused some listed construction companies to withdraw from parts of the N2 Wild Coast Road Construction, due to fearing for the safety of their employees.

This is what makes me feel torn. There is always positive with every negative and vice versa. Growth and infrastructure are what people want and need. Millions are poured into beautiful places so that the whole world can visit and the local community can benefit. Yet it is the beautiful and untouched places that get destroyed by too many people. The simpler things in life aren’t so simple anymore. Do we need to have every corner of our planet touched and modernised and built up?

I’ve given the facts, but my gut is saying leave it “WILD”, leave it as it is because it is just that, BEAUTIFUL and untouched, with infrastructure and upgrading the beauty will be taken away and we’ll be left with yet another oversaturated tourist attraction.

The project is on the way, let’s hope that all the positives come out from this:

The people get what they need, the wildlife remains “untouched” and wild. The land remains a well sufficient and working ecosystem even with the interference of people. And education of the area to form respect for the land.

To view these tenders and projects in full, one needs to be subscribed to our website, contact us for further details: www.L2B.co.za

Projects available to view on L2B website regarding the N2 Toll are;

N2 Toll – Mtentu Bridge
N2 Toll – Msikaba Bridge
N2 Toll – North & South Haul Roads

Recent Tenders available on L2B:

N2 Wild Coast toll highway Section 20 between the Lingeni intersection km 1540 and..
N2 Wild Coast Highway Section 20 between the Msikaba River Bridge and the Mtentu River Bridge
Msikaba River Bridge On The N2 Wild Coast Toll Road
N2 Wild Coast Toll Road Supply Of Crushed Rock Material
N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway Section 21 between Kulumbe Village km 2150 and the Mtamvuna.
N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway Section 19 between Ndwalane km 7560 and Ntafufu km 922.

I think back to Ballito in the late ‘80s early ‘90s and look at the bustling metropolis it is today. Yes, it provides work and community, wow has it grown! Even in two years since the road access from Zululand to Maputo in Mozambique has opened up access and work for the local community. The tourists seem to be visiting Ponto d’Oura and Malangane less which means the Vendor market has changed. Maybe for the better, it is still something to consider.

What does your gut feel?

Sources:
L2B
Moneyweb

About Tara Hutton

My employment at Leads 2 Business commenced in January 2010, where for two years I worked in the Directory Department establishing a better understanding of construction and where Leads 2 Business fitted in. In February 2012, I moved to the Accounts department where I have been looking after accounts queries and anything related to accounts since then. I have been told by many that I’m resilient, yet caring individual and good to have on “their” side. Calm under pressure, which is quite useful in my line of work. I am proud and honoured to be part of the L2B mothership adding my bit to the greater good. Should you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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15 Jun 2020

Leads 2 Business in 60 Seconds

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 2

Our comprehensive, online, resource platform delivers daily leads to help you make informed business decisions. Find construction Tenders and Projects within the building, infrastructure, mining and industrial sectors. Opportunities are researched throughout South Africa and Africa. We put new business prospect leads within your reach.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Reach out if you want to talk: L2B, social media, construction, technology, marriage, parenting, popular culture and travel. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

11 Jun 2020

South Africa’s First Plastic Road

by Mareez Herselman | posted in: Construction Chat | 2

The moment I heard of South Africa’s first plastic road, I was extremely inquisitive about the research and input it took to pull this type of project off successfully. I can tell you, personally, I was not disappointed by the difference this could make to the future of our South African roads.

Shisalanga managing director, Donavan Deane Koekemoer stated that this tackles two of South Africa’s biggest problems. One of which is damaged roads and the other is recycling plastic waste. In one of the reports found on Averda, quoted “The unfortunate condition of many of our primary and secondary roads demands an immediate and long-lasting solution. The citizens who use these roads to get to school, work and clinics every day deserve safe roads that are well-maintained,” says Koekemoer. “On the other end of the scale, there is an urgent need to recycle plastic waste in South Africa, to minimise the waste ending up in landfill sites, and to reduce other environmental threats,” he adds. Koekemoer also said that the company would expand the use of this plastic-based road throughout South Africa.

The road was successfully paved by a company named Shisalanga Construction, a subsidiary of road construction company Raubex Group and officially put to use in March 2020. The road consists out of 3 million plastic bags. 1 km of the road makes use of 1,8 Million single-use bags. The plastic-asphalt mix used to make the road is more durable, less prone to potholes and more heat resistant than tar. This way of paving roads is also much cheaper to maintain than normal tarred roads. The Asphalt is made our of bitumen and stone, which Bitumen can be extended with recycled plastic materials, reducing the amount of fossil fuel used. The roads will eventually only be using waste from the Municipality in the area where the road is being built.

Kouga Municipality is piloting the new approach to tarring roads in partnership with MacRebur SA.
MacRebur is planning on establishing a plant in South Africa. This will be creating more Job Opportunities as well.

Sources:
News 24
Averda
Getaway
Cape Town etc
SA people

About Mareez Herselman

10 Jun 2020

10 Interesting Facts about the Eastern Cape

by Karen Garner-Savory | posted in: Did You Know, General | 0

1) Established:
The Eastern Cape was established on the 27th April 1994, before this it was part of the Cape Province. The areas that were taken from the Cape Province to create the Eastern Cape are Transkei, Ciskei and the Eastern portion of the Cape Province.

2) Consists of:
The Eastern Cape is 170 000 Square kilometres of mountain ranges, sandy beaches and even lush forests, stretching from the Southern Drakensburg to Tsitsikamma. It boasts a coastline of 800km from Cape Francis all the way to the Wild Coast.

3) Climate:
The climate in the Eastern Cape is subtropical and is mild towards the North. With hot summers the winters are cold with snowfall towards the northern mountains. The annual precipitation increases by 550MM between Graaff-Reinet in the West and East London in the East.

4) Harbours:
The Eastern Cape is the only province that has 3 harbours, namely Port Elizabeth, East London and Ngqura. The trio of ports connects South Africa to the global economy.

5) Wild Life:
Big 5, no! The Eastern Cape is home to the big 7, namely the Great White Shark, Southern Right Whale, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and majestic Lion.

6) Adventure:
If adventure and pure adrenalin are what you are after the Bloukrans River Bridge is the place to be for the very popular bungee jumping. The bridge spans 451 meters in length and hangs 216 meters above the Bloukrans River, it is situated near Nature’s Valley and was built between 1980 and 1983 by Concor.

7) Sport:
The Eastern Province boasts a premier rugby team namely the Isuzu Southern Kings whose home ground is the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth that is appropriately named after a local hero, icon and former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela. The Isuzu Southern Kings are one of only two teams that represent South Africa in the Guinness Pro14 tournament overseas.

8) Automotive:
The Eastern Cape is home of Volkswagen South Africa, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu and Ford Motors. The Province manufactures 50% of the Country’s passenger vehicles and also exports 51% of the vehicles that are manufactured here.

9) Agriculture:
The Eastern Cape has fertile soil and due to this is able to produce many different products that include Fruit, Chicory, Olives, Tea, coffee and maize.

10) Icons:
Former president Nelson Mandela, Former president Thabo Mbeki, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo are some of the icons that were born and bred in the Eastern Cape.

Sources:
Global Africa Network
Wikipedia
South African Hotels
Wikipedia EC
IOL
Wikipedia Bloukrans
Visit Eastern Cape
Britannica
Wiki

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

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