HiPipo Money

——————————-

Following on from its successful campaign in 2013, South African Tourism will once again host a group of bloggers from around the world to #MeetSouthAfrica.       

IN AN AGE where bloggers have become an important source of information for those searching for their next dream destination, destination marketing organisations are taking heed to their importance as a part of their digital marketing scope.

In 2014, 14 bloggers will traverse South Africa in search of the ideal activities, accommodation and destinations for their readers between 2 May and 11 May 2014. These bloggers include a mix of both international and local bloggers known for their influence in the travel sphere.

“South African Tourism has always been known as a leading organisation when it comes to digital marketing, and this year will be no different,” says Chief Executive Officer, MrThulaniNzima.

“We’re looking forward at INDABA to hosting a new pool of bloggers that are eager to come and Meet South Africa, explore our destination and convey what they find back to the world.”

The bloggers included in this year’s campaign are:

Melvin Boëcher – www.traveldudes.org

Matt Karsten – www.expertvagabond.com

Mauricio Oliveira – www.trilhaseaventuras.com.br

Caspar Diederik – www.storytravelers.com

JD Andrews – www.earthxplorer.com

UmeiThe – www.ccfoodtravel.com

Kash Bhattacharya – www.budgettraveller.org

Rob Lloyd – www.stophavingaboringlife.com

Adriana Lacerda – escapismogenuino.com

Heather Mason – www.2summers.net

MeruschkaGovender – www.mzansigirl.com

IshayGovender – www.foodandthefab.co.za

Dawn Jorgensen – theincidentaltourist.com

Katarina Mancama – simplysouthafrica.wordpress.com

“The bloggers will all start in Johannesburg, and then head out to other parts of the country over the course of the week leading up to INDABA 2014. We will be following their every move through the use of the hashtag #MeetSouthAfrica and we have lots of exciting elements and activities planned,” adds Nzima.

Some of this year’s activities include scheduled Instawalks – city walks with local Instgrammers who will show off their favourite photo spots – open to the public in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban; a Blogger’s Cocktail Event in Durban ahead of INDABA and panel discussion happening in the new TechZone at INDABA 2014.

South African Tourism first instituted its #MeetSouthAfrica Blogger’s Campaign in 2013 with the aim of opening up a new form of communication with potential travellers looking for their next holiday destination. The campaign saw over 219-million impressions of the hashtag across various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

—————————–

With less than 50 days till the kickoff of the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza – The FIFA World Cup DStv has decided to make it possible for as many Ugandans as possible to enjoy the event by dramatically slashing its hardware prices.

Effective Thursday, 24^th April 2014, a fully  installed kit for DStv will go on sale for just 279,000 UGX.

Speaking at the launch of the World cup promo dubbed “We are Brazil” Bryan Muwonge, DStv Marketing Manager for Uganda said, “This is an amazing offer which I encourage Ugandans to take advantage of the price we are selling the equipment is almost 40% off what we normally charge.

He continued it is our main objective as DStv is to “ensure as many Ugandan’s as possible get the opportunity to watch the world cup in a crystal clear digital format on HD. The FIFA world cup is a special event that comes only once every four years as MultiChoice we want to make this a memorable experience which Ugandans will remember for a very long time”.

Talking about the channels where the matches will be shown Bryan stated that “in addition to the regular HD Super Sports channels where matches will be shown exclusively live, DStv will dedicate two 24 hour Super sports channels showcasing World Cup news, player updates, match highlights, expert commentary and replays to ensure that all our viewers will not miss even a minute of the action even if they have busy work schedules”.

He added “viewers who might be extremely busy and might miss some of the live matches should contact MultiChoice customer care and look at purchasing a DStv Explorer the latest and most advanced decoder from DStv, it comes with many exiting features including the option of recording two live matches at the same time”. It’s important to remember that most cities in Brazil are at least 6 hours behind Uganda so some of the matches will kick off quite late in the night”. 

The world cup is being held on the South American Continent for the first time in over 30 years, 32 teams will contest the finals in eight groups with the top two teams progressing to the second round and the knock out stages. A total of 64 matches are to be played in twelve cities across Brazil and for the first time at a World Cup Finals, the matches will use goal line technology. All the matches will be shown live exclusively on Super Sports. 

The World cup price special on DStv kits will be available while stocks last. 

——————————

Airline brings A380 flight simulator and store to world’s most visited mall destination

Visitors to The Dubai Mall can now connect with aviation like never before, thanks to Emirates airline.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, today officially launched the newest Emirates Official Store and the Emirates A380 Experience – the Middle East’s first public A380 flight simulator – at the shopping destination.

Located at The Village at The Dubai Mall, the Emirates A380 Experience introduces visitors to the flight deck of the world’s most modern aircraft, allowing guests to experience the thrill of landing and taking off from 12 of the world’s busiest airports in different weather conditions. Adding to the excitement, guests will be scored on how well they navigate the aircraft, allowing them to compete against family and friends.  This is the airline’s second such project, having launched the Emirates Aviation Experience in London last year to a strong public reception.

“Emirates is the largest operator of the A380 with 47 in our fleet, and it is an immensely popular aircraft with our customers. We are delighted to present aviation enthusiasts with another unique perspective to the world’s largest passenger aircraft with the Emirates A380 Experience. Based on what we’ve seen in the UK, we believe the Emirates A380 Experience will be a very popular activity for mall visitors as well as for team building activity from corporate groups,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

“By bringing the Emirates A380 Experience and the Emirates Official Store to Dubai Mall, we aim to connect with a broader audience in a high-traffic lifestyle environment and provide them with a piece of the Emirates brand experience regardless of when they next travel,” he added.

Guests of the Emirates A380 Experience will have the chance to fly past Paris’ historic sites, soar over the canals of Amsterdam, and take in Hong Kong’s unmistakable cityscape, all on high-definition screens.

Just steps away, the newest Emirates Official Store carries the airline’s full range of merchandise – everything from model aircraft and clothing to the Little Travellers collection and travel accessories and will stock the full line of football shirts from the airline’s global sponsorships. The store is the airline’s 10^th retail location in the region, and its first outlet in a mall.

Starting as a line of corporate giveaways, Emirates has progressively developed its range of branded merchandise eventually launching its first Emirates Official Store in 1996. Emirates merchandise has grown in both range and popularity, and can be found being used, worn, collected and displayed by its customers and fans around the world. With hundreds of items on offer, shoppers at The Dubai Mall can take home a piece of Emirates as a memento or gifts for their loved ones.

Both the Emirates Official Store and Emirates A380 Experience at the Dubai Mall are open now.

Photos: 
1. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, cuts the ribbon at Emirates Official Store at The Dubai Mall
2. Sheikh Ahmed tours Emirates Official Store at The Dubai Mall
3. Sheikh Ahmed takes the pilot seat with Capt. MoatazAlswaini at the Emirates A380 Experience

——————————-

Happy Sunday held its first Easter Flash Sale in what promises to be a big hit of sales at every quarter of the year. Held at the Uganda Museum grounds, the sales saw a number of buyers and sellers come together to buy and sale everything they could at a price cap of Shs50,000. Although threatened by the weather, this didn’t stop people from dropping by after church service to buy something for themselves.

Among the items on sell included; arts and crafts, clothes, jewelry, baked foods, books and gym fitness services and many other things. There was also blood donation at the sale where many people were able to donate blood to the Red Cross service team.

Speaking at the sale, the Happy Sunday proprietor Sumaya Kiwanuka, said; “This is the start of a new trend in Kampala and I hope as we go we can expand and have more people take part in this sale. We have had a lot of support from many sellers and all the well-wishers. Happy Sunday plans on holding a grand sale every year’s quarter and with this we can connect as many people as possible at an affordable price cap of 50K”

Happy Sunday is giving sellers an opportunity to break out and introduce their brands to a large market. Happy Sunday is envisioned to be the next shopper’s fixture in Uganda which will capitalize on different themes so as to give consumers an exciting Buy, sale, experience. Be there and have a memorable Sunday. 

—————————-

Airtel Uganda adopts its 3^rd school at Nafungaki, Jinja.

• Over 750 school children benefit, with 16- renovated classes
• New library and computer room added

Brick-by-Brick initiative launched

• 1^st time ever, any corporate partners with customers for school adoptionand renovation.
• Customers to help re-build the schools through their contribution via sms, Airtel money or social media promotion

Airtel Uganda today announced the adoption of its3^rd school, Nafungaki Primary School, Jinjaunder the“Adopt a School” initiative.

This initiative started in July, 2012, with Airtel Uganda, adopting a new UPE school every year. Selection of the school is based on recommendation by the Ministry of Education,with the intention of renovating and upliftment of existing facilities. The day’s event, held at Magamaga Iganga road, Jinja, signaled the completion of renovation and the formal adoption of the3^rdschool.

Key guests present at the occasion included: the 2^ndDeputy Premier and Deputy leader of Government Business in Parliament, Rt. Hon (Rtd.) GeneralMoses Ali, the ICT Minister,Hon. John Nasasira, Area MP Hon. Daudi Migereko, LC1 Chairman and officials from Airtel Uganda. The finished work on the school showed significant improvements to the school buildings and amenities.

Airtel’s “Adopt-A-School” initiative is part of the company’s umbrella CSR program and it focuses on the education of underprivileged children in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of universal primary education. The move illustrates the strong commitment and investment Airtel has put into education in Uganda. Other schools adopted by Airtel Uganda in the last 2-years include, Ndeeba Church of Uganda, Ndeeba and St. Ponsiano Kyamula, Makindye.

On this occasion, Airtel Uganda also launched its Brick-by-Brick campaign which will give all Ugandans across the country, a chance to contribute at least one brick to the building of the new classroom block in the school. This campaign is a new CSR initiative that offers all Ugandans a unique opportunity to take part and own the social responsibility initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Mr. Arindam Chakrabartystated; “Airtel believes thatprimary education is the foundation for the social –economic development of Uganda and plays a vital role in creating leaders for tomorrow. Through the ‘Brick-by-Brick’ initiative we provide a platform for all Ugandan citizens to contribute in this noble cause of improving class room facilities and help improve the learning conditions. Its in-line with our Together We Can movement”

Guest of Honor, the 2^nd Deputy Premier and Deputy leader of Government Business in Parliament, Rt. Hon (Rtd.) General Moses Ali,commendedAirtel Uganda for partnering with the community and the Government, in helping improve the learning environment for Ugandan children. He commented, “We are very passionate about raising the profile of our primary schools and to be partnering with Airtel to attain model schools bringing our vision of world class facilities closer to realization.” 

ICT Minister Speech – Brick By Brick Launch

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to begin by thanking Airtel for inviting me to attend the launch of this school in Jinja.

Our government recognizes the pivotal role information and communications technologies (ICTs) play in accelerating economic growth and social development. The Ministry of Education and Sports is extremely heartened to see organizations like Airtel working to introduce strong educational initiatives and taking a progressive approach towards the development and improvement of Education in the country.

Through this Adopt a School initiative,Airtel has shown that there is hope for our children when it comes to education. We have to recognize the fact that not many CSR programs are geared towards education much as we know that without education our country’s future will have no strong bema to hold it.

As the minister for ICT, I urge the school administration to introduce ICT programs for the pupils and teach them more about the changing world. In many countries, students and pupils are resorting to the use of ICT to learn as is in Uganda we have introduced teaching of ICT in schools so as to take advantage of the fast change taking place in the world. One wouldn’t want to be left behind as the rest of the world moves on.

I hope the pupils have the chance to study this subject in the time to come. Allow me to invite the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business General Moses Ali

Thank You.

Guest of Honor Speech: Adopt-A-School& Brick by Brick Launch

• The ICT Minister,
• The Honorable Member of Parliament, District Leaders LCIII, LCV.
• Busoga Diocese,
• School Management, children, parents
• Airtel Management and Staff
• Members of the press
• All protocol observed

Good morning,

I am honored to have been invited here today to mark the official opening of the third school to be Adopted under the Airtel Our School Initiative and more so to officially endorse the Brick by Brick Social Responsibility campaign.

I would like to commend Airtel for the investments they are putting into helping us to turn Uganda’s public schools into functional institutions with proper infrastructure and sound resources.

Performance in the education system is at the heart of building the skills base for economic growth and development and ensuring that the society is able to achieve our equity and development goals. We’ve done very well as a democratic state to broaden access to education however two hands are better than one and the government’s commitment to provide knowledge and skills that are vital for economic growth and development will only bear fruit with the support and active participation of all persons. That means community leaders, parents and guardians, well-wishers and corporate organizationsalike.

We thank Airtel for its role in development and accordingly prioritizing its support for schools. Through this Adopt-A-School Initiative and Brick by Brick campaign they aim to ensure that children are well-prepared for the future.We are very passionate about raising the profile of our primary schools and to be partnering with Airtel to attain model schools brings our vision of world class facilities closer to realization.

We are aware more needs to be done to sustain the increased access and to improve the quality of the educational experience. Working with Airtel, provinces and districts, it is our earnest endeavor to ensure that teachers teach children every day, that learners have the necessary textbooks and workbooks, that the curriculum is covered and that students are supported where they need additionalhelp.

Airtel has truly lived up to their tag line TOGETHER WE CAN here today. Working together we can do more to improve the quality of basic education and make a difference in the lives of children. Together with education partners and stakeholders, including parents and guardians, we must ensure that all children come to school regularly and live up to their fullest potential.

In closing, I wish to urge the school leadership, teachers and students of Nanfugaki Church of Uganda Primary School to make the most of this investment. Your conduct and how you respond to this helping hand will greatly aid other equally deserving schools to receive a helping hand from the community and the business sector.

I would therefore, request everyone to emulate Airtel and support the Brick by Brick initiative and have the rare opportunity to be the first to contribute a brick today to ensure more schools are built and facilitated to full capacity for the betterment of Education in our country.

Thank You

AIRTEL MD SPEECH ADOPT A SCHOOL

The Third Deputy Premier, Hon. General Moses Ali, the ICT Minister, Hon. John Nasasira, your Lordship the Mayor of Jinja, our LC5 Chairman,  parents and teachers, invited guests and the media, ladies and Gentlemen.

Goodmorning!

Today, I am extremely proud to unveil the renovations made at the Nanfugaki Primary School, Jinja. I’m equally glad that among us we have the Mayor of Jinja and the LC5 chairman Jinja here today who have been instrumental figures and advocates for education. Without the support of our beloved line Minister for ICT we would not all be here and we thank you sir for making the time. I must note that is indeed great Honor to have amidst us the Third Deputy Premier who has chosen to honor us with his presence on what is also quite a busy time for him.

Today’s occasion flows from the partnership between Airtel Uganda, local communities and the Ministry of Education, and I would like to thank all our partners for the immense contribution and support they have given to this initiative. The fact that we are here today breaking ground on yet another school project demonstrates that our bonds of partnership are based on unity in action and are not just empty promises.

Improving learning outcomes for students should be a priority for the nation and the education sector. The physical environment is one of the easiest conditions that positively or negatively influence student academic achievement. The influences of such things as the lighting, flooring, furniture, and architecture, accessibility and cleanliness, are important elements of the learning experience and we must remember not to underestimate the impact they have.

Airtel believes in quality education being the most important tool for the social –economic development of Uganda and a vital role in poverty alleviation. By adopting a school we are not only providing children with an opportunity they may not have had otherwise, but igniting their curiosity and fueling their learning.

The Millennium Development Goals underscore the transformative nature of education. Airtel is doing its part to help our nation achieve those goals. We have heeded the call to make education a societal issue and are investing heavily in the resources vital to education. I have no doubt that year to year the selected schools will indeed benefit from this intervention.

Education is the bedrock of development. When it comes to teaching our youth all that can be done, needs to be done and today we are seeing the fruits of the commitment we have made to see real improvements in performance in the education sector.

Today is also a monumental day because we are launching the Brick by Brick initiative.Airtel with the Brick by Brick initiative aims to encourage the public buy a brick or bricks and together change a child’s life, through Airtel money, Facebook and SMS facilities.

With the help of communities, the Adopt-A-School initiativecan direct resources towards areas where support is really needed.Airtel is proud and privileged to be able to lend a helping hand. These acts of social responsibility go to show that working together we can do more to transform our schools into centers of excellence. Let us continue to work together to build an education system that will truly redress inequalities in educational provision and provide an education of progressively high quality for all learners.

I would now like to invite our guest of honor and all our partners to do the honors of breaking the ground, setting the foundations on which this new school project will commence.

Thank You

—————

You might have the perfect outfit picked out and made sure that your smell like a meadow of wildflowers, but there’s something more important to consider when wanting to put your best foot forward – How’s your charisma?

Adam & Eve poses an interesting question to those currently searching for their perfect partner: “Would You Go Out With Yourself?” Many people have a list of qualities they’re looking for in a partner, but they don’t take into consideration whether they’re portraying someone with the same desired qualities. In fact, there are some things you could be doing, that you don’t even realize, that could be giving people the wrong impression of your personality.

Obviously being yourself is crucial for setting the stage to an honest relationship, but some of your behaviors can be very off-putting to your date. This isn’t to say you have to dazzle and memorize your them with enchanting stories, but anyone going on a date should be aware of their actions just as much as how they look.

Listen More
Marie Claire states in an article that many people make the mistake of talking too much during a date. It’s understandable that you want to avoid any awkward silences on your date, but dominating the conversation can be even more discouraging, especially if the person you’re with is shy. To avoid seeming self-centered, make sure you ask your date about themselves. Someone who is more reserved may need a little encouragement to contribute to the conversation.

Mind Your Table Manners
Your table manners will also tell your date a lot about you. Some people might find it unnecessary to keep your elbows off the table or use the correct fork for your salad and entree, but there are some things that are universally agreed upon as necessary etiquette when sharing a meal with someone. You don’t have to act like you’re eating with the queen, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who can tolerate a date who chews with their mouth open, belches during a meal, and gets too drunk.

Be Polite
It might go without saying, but your date is going to notice how you treat the people around you. Sometimes nerves can distract you from doing things you otherwise might not think twice about, so remember to say please and thank you to the server, and try to stay positive throughout the evening. Be receptive to your date’s stories by making eye-contact and relative comments. No one wants to go out with someone who seems bored with them. Even if you don’t see a second date in the future, there is no point in being rude and making the other person feel bad.

It’s nothing more than a little self-awareness, but it can make all the difference for how your date views you. Just be courteous, be yourself and don’t let your nerves get the best of you. If you start to feel anxious, remember your date is probably feeling the same. You only get one first date with someone, so try and have some fun with it!

———————————

From 15 April, DStv will be introducing its audiences to Planet Radio TV (PR TV), an innovative channel showcasing Africa’s music and youth entertainment. The channel will be on the pay tv platform for a three-month trial period and will be available on DStv channel 335 to subscribers on the Access, Family, Compact Plus, Compact and Premium bouquets until 15 July 2014.

PRTV has grown from being solely an online entertainment platform and has successfully integrated the live elements of radio and the visual aspects of TV with state of the art technology and boasts more than eight hours filled with live entertainment TV daily!

Viewers will enjoy a multitude of in-house produced productions that cater to the music and entertainment needs of the Pan-African viewers. The channel’s breakfast show, Daily Planet airs on weekdays from 09:00 CAT and showcases exclusive celebrity news and videos. The new-age jukebox, Planet Mix, is sure to be a hit with music lovers as PR TV’s talented VJs provide daily live mixes that satisfy even the most eclectic of musical tastes.

The world of hashtags and retweets comes to life every Monday at 21:00 CAT on the interactive Twitter Sphere while drive time TV launches into the entertainment stratosphere with The Buzz on Wednesdays at 16:00 CAT and Z Drive on Thursdays at 16:00 CAT. The channel also shines the spotlight on the best that Ghana has to offer with GH on Point, weekdays at 11:00 CAT.

Viewers should lookout for Idols Cameroon winner Zinnia (host of the Z Drive), former Big Brother Africa housemate Kwaku (Daily Planet host), the stunning Nadia (field reporter), the talented DJs Waxxy, Scratch Masta and Leon (Planet Mix) plus a whole lot more young, driven media professionals.

Planet Radio Television channel will be available on DStv channel 335 from Tuesday 15 April at 11:00 CAT for a period of three months.

—————————–

AMONG THE BIGGEST and most prestigious tourism products and services from across the African continent are confirmed to exhibit at INDABA 2014. They will showcase their offerings to the 1441 confirmed top quality travel and tourism buyers (registration is still in process) keen to capitalise on exceptional growing inbound tourism growth to Africa.

To date, less than two months before INDABA 2014 opens on 10 May, 398 main stand exhibitors have confirmed their places, and among them are not only international big-name brands like, Tourvest, Mantis Management, Seasons in Africa and the Amalinda Collection and many others, but also the cream of African leisure tourism products, services and experiences such as Singita.

Together, these exhibitors have a vast global appeal in both the developed markets (namely USA and Europe) as well as emerging markets (namely Africa, Asia, Latin America), and attract the volume of inbound tourists that the continent wants and needs.

Excitingly, a great new addition to INDABA 2014, the TechZone gives the premium digital service providers to the tourism industry an exciting space to meet both buyers and exhibiting delegates. Confirmed so far to exhibit in the INDABA 2014 TechZone are Travelstart (South Africa’s leading online travel agency); WAYN.com (the world’s biggest travel and lifestyle social networking community website); TripAdvisor (biggest destination marketing organisation in the world); Expedia (one of the world’s largest online travel booking agencies); Springnest (offering simple web, mobile and social marketing for small tourism businesses) and Nightsbridge (that offers the industry real time software and marketing links), with a few others still anticipated to join INDABA 2014.

“It has never been more important to plug into Africa’s tourist trade. According to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Barometer, Africa attracted three million additional arrivals, reaching a new record of 56 million in 2013. INDABA 2014 is the single biggest and best platform for doing business in African tourism,” says ThulaniNzima, Chief Executive Officer at South African Tourism.

Many INDABA exhibitors are veteran attendants, with about 62 percent of them attending between 11 to 20 years. Among them are leading international travel brands that enjoy impressive global reputations, and have made INDABA what it is today – the most established and best attended trade show in Africa. They will be at INDABA again this year, rubbing shoulders with the best, representing over 23 countries around the continent.

To date, the following destinations (with travel product representation) are confirmed to exhibit at INDABA 2014: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Reunion Island, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

One of INDABA’s unique selling points is that unlike other big international travel shows, it caters not only for international buyers but also for local buyers. INDABA showcases the entire spectrum of African tourism product, from select innovative SMEs, to global international players like Abercrombie and Kent, Private Safaris, Leading Hotels of the World and Relias and Chateaux.

“Local buyers are large Destination Management Companies (DMCs) that offer excellent value add to INDABA, as they not only generate lucrative business, but they also market South Africa as enthusiastically as we do at South African Tourism,” says Nzima.

To inform South Africa’s tourism trade of its three-to-five year growth strategy embracing the rest of the continent, South African Tourism undertook a trade roadshow, visiting South Africa’s major cities and towns. “We explained our plans, but also heard back from trade on how we could further improve INDABA. We took these suggestions to heart, and have implemented some of them in order to better deliver to our exhibitors’ expectations,” says Nzima.

Building deeper relationships with trade is the essence of South African Tourism’s reinvigorated trade strategy domestically and globally, therefore roadshows and workshops have also been held in France, Germany, UK and India.

A new office has opened in Lagos, Nigeria and in addition, for the first time ever, South Africa is taking a delegation of South African exhibitors to the ABAV travel tradeshow in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in September.

Informed by its Hub Strategy, the framework of South African Tourism’s marketing work; marketing expenditure has increased in the exciting emerging markets such as China, Brazil and India, which according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, led outbound tourism growth in 2013.

“Our market mapping has also been refreshed with the latest consumer research, to better understand the intricacies of how the trade operates in these different markets and seize growth opportunities in them,” Nzima says.

South African Tourism is actively recruiting additional INDABA exhibitors across the continent, meanwhile, and is confident more African destinations will register to exhibit. These exhibitors will be announced once their applications have been finalised.

Among those confirmed to exhibit at INDABA 2014 are the Shamwari group, Mala, Legend Lodges and hotels, Zimbali, Tsogo Sun, Grootbos, Premier Hotels and Resorts and Blue Train. In addition, Under One Botswana Sky, Phakalane Resort Hotel, Nesbitt Castle, Sol Resorts, Ichobezi River Lodges, Grand Plains Conservation, Kijongo Bay Beach Resort, Rwanda Air, Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, Eko Hotels and Suites, Moivaro Lodges and Tented Camps and the Hemingway’s Collection will also be present at this year’s INDABA.

Between them they include all the premier African safari destinations, among the most luxurious and desired five-star accommodation establishments, the most sensational and fascinating lifestyle and culture experiences on the continent, a large number of awesome adventure activities and destinations, and among the world’s finest golfing and other sporting destinations.

Suffice to say, INDABA is the global travel sector’s best opportunity to plug into Africa’s record breaking inbound growth. Be sure to register and become a partner for spurring tourist growth to our region to even greater heights.

———————————

Hiring of firm’s first dedicated Head of Internal Audit comes as firm prioritizes three themes for the balance of the year: divestiture of non-core investments, risk mitigation and institutionalization.

Citadel Capital (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange), the leading investment company in Africa and the Middle East, has deepened its investment in corporate governance systems as part of its institutionalization drive with the recent hiring of its first dedicated Head of Internal Audit.

Shady Raphael brings broad industry experience to the firm, having earlier worked in the internal audit, assurance and finance functions inthe pharmaceutical, audit and, most recently, telecommunications industries.

“As we approach the closing of our capital increase later this week, Citadel Capital has exactly three priorities: the divestiture of non-core assets, the continued mitigation of operational and financial risk; and a very sharp emphasis on governance,” said Ahmed Heikal, Chairman and Founder of Citadel Capital. “We expect Shady to make a very significant contribution to our institutionalization drive at both the firm and subsidiary level.”

Citadel Capital is presently closing an USD 0.52 billion capital increase that will see paid-in capital rise to USD 1.15billion as the firm acquires majority control of most of its core investments. The move comes as part of the firm’s transformation into an investment company with a focus on five core industries, including energy, transportation, agrifoods, mining and cement.

“On the divestiture front, we look forward to soon closing the sale of the Sudanese Egyptian Bank, the first of several non-core assets we aim to divest this year,” Heikal noted. “Proceeds from the exits of non-core holdings will, among other things, help us further mitigate risk by allowing us to optimize our debt structure, re-invest capital into our core-investments and generally strengthen our balance sheet.

“Shady’s hiring is one of several developments falling in the category of institutionalization as we look to back our team at the firm and subsidiary levels with the systems, policies and procedures they need to manage risk as they grow their businesses,” Heikal noted.

In keeping with global norms, Raphael will formally report to the audit committee of Citadel Capital’s board of directors, with a ‘dotted-line’ relationship to Heikal in his role as Chairman.

Said Raphael, “Our focus right now is on the rapid adoption of global best practices to set up the systems we need at the Citadel Capital level — starting with basic processes including the internal audit charter and anti-fraud policy — and extending into a deep risk assessment to define the areas in which management needs to focus. My role in this sense is to validate the policies, procedures and controls that will strengthen the firm’s ability to create and maximize stakeholder value.”

Raphael’s mandate will extend to the subsidiary level, where he will help ensure the dissemination of group policies and best practices and help institutionalize new internal audit functions. He will also sit as a member of the audit committee of subsidiaries that have already established such bodies.

“Fundamentally, my job is about institutionalization — to ensure the controls are in place to maintain and create stakeholder value through the institutionalization of proper control systems,” Raphael concluded.