Innovation… by mistake!
Not all innovations come from carefully crafted ideas and plans. Some of the most groundbreaking innovations were born out of sheer chance.
In 1968, Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M, attempted to develop a super-strong glue. Instead, he created a not-very-sticky, reusable adhesive. A colleague, Art Fry, later used this "failed" adhesive to anchor his bookmark in a hymn book. The result? An office staple and a billion-dollar product - the Post-it Note.
Another marvel of mistaken innovation is the microwave oven. In 1945, Raytheon engineer Percy Spencer was testing a magnetron for radar sets when he noticed the chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Intrigued, he experimented with corn, which popped into popcorn. This accident led to the development of the microwave oven, which has revolutionised kitchens worldwide.
In the 1930s, hotel owner Ruth Wakefield ran out of baker's chocolate and substituted it with chopped semi-sweet chocolate, expecting it to melt. Instead, the chunks held their shape, creating the world's first chocolate chip cookie.
These marvellous mistakes remind us that sometimes, the best ideas emerge when things don't go as planned. Embrace the unexpected - as the next big innovation might be by mistake.
Currency fluctuations - how "political" is the South African Rand?
The fluctuations of the South African currency (the Rand) in the period leading up to the recent national and provincial elections, and during the negotiations by political parties to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), have resulted in many wild and drunken speculations – especially on social media.
Some, like our newly appointed Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and the radio personality Faith Mangope have even characterised the Rand as being “a card-carrying member of the DA” and of being “politically unreliable”. There is also a senior ANC leader who (perhaps out of sheer ignorance) once suggested that the solution to a sharp decline in the value of the Rand was to pick it up, after Fitch and S&P downgraded SA to junk status in April of 2017....
Revolutionising manufacturing - the impact of ML in robotics
The integration of ?Machine Learning (ML ) into robotics has the potential to revolutionise many industries, and in particular, the manufacturing sector.
Productivity , efficiency, precision, and flexibility are of the essence in this industry and its incorporation into production processes is increasing at a rapid pace. We are at the forefront of embracing this transformative technology to optimise innovation and propel the manufacturing industry forward.
Asserting, ML in automation and robotics allows for a significant increase in ?productivity in manufacturing processes, which would undoubtedly optimise most operations, leading to a higher degree of competitiveness....
Waste Governance - a mindset shift to achieving sustainability
We live in a time where human beings are better off than they have ever been, yet our natural systems are under stress and millions of people are suffering. Sufficient evidence and rationale support the imperative to alter our behaviour and embrace sustainable living practices. Yet, why do we hesitate to do so? And if we are indeed taking steps, are we progressing swiftly enough?
Achieving sustainability requires a fundamental mindset shift from governments, businesses and individuals alike. Given its intricate ties to sustainability, waste management assumes a pivotal role in fostering a more equitable and healthier environment. Consequently, addressing waste challenges becomes integral to crafting sustainable solutions.
To effect real change for the benefit of society, the environment and economies, significant shifts are required from the approach to both waste management and sustainability across all sectors of government, business and communities...
Buying or renting solar panels? Here's how to protect your investment
The past year has seen a significant increase in the number of people looking to invest in solar technology for household use. However, despite the convenience, cost-saving and home upgrading potential that comes with renting or owning solar panels, it also comes with several risks.
The appropriate type and level of insurance cover can provide a buffer against unexpected financial losses caused by the damage, destruction, or theft of solar equipment. It is equally important for the insured to have a clear overview of what they are covered for and what their responsibilities are in terms of managing the related risks...
Hiring unregistered contractors - quality and compliance dangers
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Hiring registered businesses is more than just cost-and-time savings, it’s for the greater good of the country. As much as addressing South Africa’s dire unemployment rate is critical, building industry role players recommend that businesses and members of the public tread carefully when securing the services of unregistered contractors.
From a company owner’s perspective, being a registered entity means that they are obliged to meet quality standards, construction regulations and customer expectations, all of which promote higher standards of workmanship, safety and project delivery. However, our findings indicate that businesses not registered with us do not have the basic infrastructure in place to deliver on quality outcomes. In addition, they often miss deadlines and budget targets...
SARS Commissioner vs tax practitioners - do your due diligence
During the April 2024 SARS Revenue Results Announcement Media Conference, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner brought to light concerning observations regarding non-compliance and delinquent behaviour by tax practitioners.
By drawing a direct correlation between non-compliant tax practitioners and their “clients [who] are equally delinquent,” his remarks underscored the critical importance for taxpayers to carefully assess the quality and compliance of the professionals they engage to handle their tax affairs...
AI can't take the farmer out of farming
Agriculture in Africa is being transformed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), but there is still one element it cannot replace.
Despite dramatic technological advances in the sector in recent decades, the role of the farmer remains indispensable. This was a message delivered, surprisingly, at a recent conference in Europe, by a world leader in the field – from Eswatini.
You really can’t take the farmer out of farming. So much depends on the farmer’s intuition. Farming is incredibly scientific, with various measurements and readings. However, even with the best data, natural elements can change outcomes drastically.
– Rob Coombe, Group IT manager of Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES)
Enhancing productivity & efficiency
The sugarcane producer uses drones and satellite imagery to enhance productivity and efficiency with SAP software. SAP’s S/4HANA system is a leading tool for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in enterprises, and is used by 85 of the 100 largest companies in the world....
Adapting workplaces to climate change
South Africa’s scorching summers are becoming the norm, not the exception. This changing climate is not just a weather inconvenience, but a growing threat to worker safety.
To address the possible health and safety risks associated with climate change (such as heatstroke in construction or injuries during floods), health and safety committees and officers should consider incorporating climate-related hazard indicators and assess the hazard-specific vulnerability of workers, workflows, and their environments.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 2019 marked a decade of unusual global heat, melting ice, and rising sea levels due to human-generated greenhouse gases This isn’t just a global trend – the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the period between February 2023 and January 2024 marked the first time Earth endured 12 consecutive months of temperatures that were 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial era temperatures...
NHI - Reasons not to cancel your current medical health coverage
With the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill having been signed by the President, South Africans are more confused than ever before. While most have some level of understanding of what the NHI is, the vast majority are still not clear on what the bill entails.
What does it say? What happens next? And practically speaking, does this mean we should cancel our medical health cover?
The answer to the last question is a resounding ‘no’, but before we discuss the reasons why you should hold on tight to your cover, let’s discuss a bit of context...
Unlocking benefits - medical aid tax credits & subsidies
Paying monthly contributions to a registered medical aid scheme ensures your healthcare cover and offers financial benefits facilitated by the government through tax relief. This tax relief, known as “tax credits”, is a percentage deducted from your tax liability and subsequently refunded to you.
You save money by adhering to proper tax filing procedures, making healthcare provisions more economically viable.
Access to affordable healthcare is essential for every individual in South Africa. Medical aid tax credits and subsidies are designed to alleviate financial burdens, making quality healthcare more affordable...