We are delighted to announce that CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd has become a "friend" of the MAD Foundation which was established in 2003, and is chaired by Francois Pienaar. MAD gives academically talented youngsters from less fortunate backgrounds an exceptional educational opportunity to reach their full potential as leaders and role models in South African society. 

About MAD

The Make a Difference (MAD) Foundation is a South African based charity organisation which seeks to develop a select cadre of high performance individuals who can be active role models and inspire others, as well as support each other in the future.  MAD’s eventual aim is to create an alumni group of MAD beneficiaries who create positive change in an emerging democracy.

Business support

Business organisations and sports teams have long recognised the importance of nurturing top talent and believe in the idea of a ‘tipping point’, such where just a little extra help or support can become the turning point in a person’s life, or any other given situation.  As most winning enthusiasts will know, the difference in business or sport that separates winners versus runner-ups only requires a one point difference, or 1%, as may be the case.

Unified in the belief that he could all make a difference and tip the scales in favour of talented youngsters who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, Francois Pienaar and a small group of friends decided  to channel their energy and influence, to change the lives of carefully selected youngsters in the belief that these individuals would not only positively affect those in their direct vicinity, but indeed change the lives of many other South African’s for the good.

And this is why the MAD Team, who are not only accomplished international sporting heroes but indeed also successful businessmen and women, established a Beneficiary Education Programme for these individuals.  MAD believes that the cause for change occurs most often within young people’s lives when they are encouraged and motivated through positive mentorship, thereby allowing these talented individuals to reach their full potential by seriously applying themselves in their education and leadership roles.

A small but vital minority of top performers -- be these scholars or business leaders -- can create positive change in our society.

It is generally understood that the success of a company cannot entirely depend upon one single individual, notwithstanding the fact that an ingenious idea, ultimately leading to the company’s success, may originally have been ‘birthed’ from only one person.  The axiom that “no man is an island to himself”, truly resonates and for a company to achieve success, it requires a collective effort of a team of people who support and share a common vision.  Equally, a company needs to be supported by the community in which it operates, and without the support of all the connected stakeholders, both young and old, the company is doomed to certain failure.

In this vein the world has embarked upon a united vision for good governance, where companies are increasingly expected to report on their commitment to People, the Planet and the manner in which Profit is derived.  Typically called PPP, according to the King Code for Governance in South Africa (King III), locally based companies will be expected to report on these areas as an integral, integrated component of their business.  The first leg of PPP, namely the People component is where many companies are beginning to focus their attention, not just locally, but indeed worldwide.  And its not just about the adults that companies are concerning themselves about -- it’s the children too, indeed the very people who are our future and are now being enlightened at an early age about good governance practices.  Supporting these types of initiatives, is an organization such as Artech, a Japanese non-profit, non-governmental organization who is responsible for assisting children -- who represent 20% of the world’s population between 10 and 19 -- to understand the impact both their and the adults’ actions have upon the world’s environment.  The Kid’s ISO 14000 programme follows on the back of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg 2002, where the United Nations announced plans to launch the ‘Decade of Education for Sustainable Development’ for 2005-2015.

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The issue of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) is becoming increasingly topical. This is largely due to the plethora of legislative changes that affect almost all companies in South Africa; the requirements it places on organisations, as well as an increased demand from informed citizens that companies, too, should demonstrate their commitment to good governance – and be “good corporate citizens”.  The Proudly South African Campaign is promoting good governance, notably through its strategic partnership with CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd and Spescom’s Silver Patronage with the organisation.

CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd enjoys the patronage of leading South African organisations.  It has authored a comprehensive Corporate Governance Body of Knowledge, a Web-based application that provides organisations with Governance, Risk and Compliance related information. This Body of Knowledge assists organisations to comply and ultimately adhere to good corporate governance, an essential element of sustainable business practice.

The Proudly South African Campaign and member company CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd’s commitment to the promotion of good governance amongst South African institutions and businesses, has received a tremendous boost through the latter’s strategic alliance with ContinuitySA (Pty) Ltd which will extend the reach of CGF’s comprehensive Corporate Governance Body of Knowledge throughout ContinuitySA’s supply chain, at an affordable, greatly reduced rate.

All parties agree that the approach to make this increasingly important resource available to both suppliers and customers within the ContinuitySA supply chain makes great sense due to the interdependence of all the elements in any supply chain. “It can be likened to the proverbial strengthening of the weakest link, which ensures a stronger whole”, says Terry Booysen, CEO of CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd. “This is exactly why we greatly value the initiative of our Platinum Patron, ContinuitySA, to extend the benefits they derive from our partnership to all businesses and participants in their supply chain”, says Booysen.

Mitigating risk and ensuring good corporate governance is a critical function that must not only be seen to be practiced by the company itself, but indeed it should also be practiced within the company’s supply chain too.   With the new laws due to come into effect next year, such as the Consumer Protection Act and the Competitions Act -- not to mention regulations like King III -- corporate governance has steadily become a business imperative and the foundation upon which may rest the decision to engage in business with potential partners or not.  Ignoring poor business behaviour and required risk management disciplines within any business operation, is simply irresponsible and will soon be unlawful.

As part of its goal to support compliance, risk mitigation and good corporate governance practices within its own organisation, Spescom Limited recently became a Silver Patron of the CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd, the local authorities on the subject. Spescom will now be leveraging this relationship to help strengthen its supply chain and assist its customers, by offering both suppliers and customers the ability to access CGF’s services without paying the usual R90 000 sign up fee.

In July 2009, ContinuitySA (Pty) Ltd (CSA) announced its alliance with the Corporate Governance Framework (CGF) Research Institute (Pty) Ltd as a Platinum Patron.  The strategic alliance is regarded as key to both companies, given the ever changing governance, risk and compliance (GRC) landscape in which their companies operate. Says Derek Taylor, Business Development Manager of CSA, “Globally, corporate governance has emerged as a discipline that needs to be thoroughly understood by the entire business community and the subject needs to be elevated from the boardroom -- through the company -- and indeed to the company’s entire supply chain.”

As South Africa’s leading Business Continuity Management (BCM) service provider, we understand the importance of sound risk management and the role it plays in good corporate governance.  Businesses today operate through multi-level and complex systems that comprise of materials, goods, information, money and are most often linked by physical transport, distribution networks, national and international communications and physical infrastructure.  Accordingly, the Business Continuity Management discipline focuses on three key areas of operational risk namely; people, technology and processes.  And a disruption to any of these key areas could lead to the organisation’s demise.

The axiom - "changes in life" - are the only constant known factors that ring true in the minds of so many South Africans today.
Only 15 years ago, our country was deprived of a true democracy - hundreds of thousands of people were denied their basic rights to life that was free and fair - many black people had no say regarding the outcome of their enslaved lives, neither protection from a government that dictated law and regulation to oppress the poorest of poor.  Indeed, whilst some countries in the world stood by and silently condoned the behaviour of a corrupt government, many others rallied support against the oppressed people of South Africa and applied tough economic and diplomatic sanctions as a means to protest against the unruly behaviour of South Africa's past undemocratic government which was rife for so many years.  This "tough love" was the world's manner of showing its disapproval for the poor governance and lack of accountability that prevailed.

CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd has made a name for itself, since its inception in March 2004, as an organisation that is serious about causing change in the mindsets of business leaders when it comes to matters associated with good corporate governance. In so many instances, the words “good governance” quickly slips off the tongue from directors who may not fully appreciate the full impact and meaning, not least the underlying governance complexities associated to their businesses. In this regard, CGF goes about its daily tasks to assist business leaders understand the broader context of the topic and that the governance process is not culminated in a single event. Good business governance and its practices requires - as a process - a renewed understanding of business that is conducted fairly, business which is unencumbered by hidden agendas and the people who drive the business must be willing to accept their responsibility when things go wrong. These business values can only be found amongst leaders who, at their fundamental roots, are solid honest individuals - they have a heart, mind and soul which care for the greater good of the society in which they conduct the affairs of their business.

Spescom Limited, a JSE-listed provider of business communication solutions, has become a Silver Patron of the Corporate Governance Framework (CGF) Research Institute, a provider of governance, risk and compliance reporting and advisory services. Through the strategic alliance, important governance, risk and compliance related information is transferred from CGF to Spescom’s five divisions, thereby assisting Spescom to stay abreast of important governance related issues whilst also, in the process, benefitting Spescom’s customers.

Says Jene Palmer, CEO of Spescom Limited: “Communication is a critical component of business. Daily interactions with staff, customers, suppliers and partners are essential to the operations, administration and management of an organisation. However, new technologies and interaction methodologies are exposing the enterprise to ever increasing risks. A greater reliance on voice interactions has become manifest; enhancing the quality of these interactions and mitigating the risks they introduce, as well as optimising their value to the business - these issues have become a fundamental requirement.”

Spescom Limited has established a strategic partnership with the Corporate Governance Framework (CGF) Research Institute.  The strategic alliance is regarded as key for both companies, particularly given the increased requirements to mitigate risk within the changing governance landscape and imminent regulatory compliance legislation expected to be implemented over the next few years.  Spescom provides the technology, expertise and the innovation necessary to transform basic connectivity into flexible and scalable business communication platforms that deliver competitive and strategic advantage.  Says Jene Palmer, CEO of Spescom, “South Africans are coming to grips with the effect of the latest piece of compliance legislation - that of mobile phone SIM card registration. But what most people do not realise is that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Other changes to legislation such as the new Companies Act and the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), amongst others will affect many local businesses.  The impending application of King III, in particular, will change the way that businesses manage risk for good.”

ContinuitySA (Pty) Ltd (CSA) is proud to announce its alliance to the Corporate Governance Framework (CGF) Research Institute as a Platinum Patron.  Our strategic alliance is regarded as key to both parties given the ever changing governance, risk and compliance (GRC) landscape in which the companies operate.  Within the GRC landscape, it is becoming increasingly necessary for companies to recognise the critical importance of ensuring that their business can withstand any form of disruption and that the continuity of the business is not threatened. Business Continuity Management (BCM) has become an essential component within a company’s strategic and risk management plans - by incorporating BCM within a company’s operations, it is able to proactively mitigate various risks to ensure its sustainability and future competitiveness.  BCM needs to be practiced - it must take into consideration all aspects of a company’s operational affairs as well as meeting the legislative requirements expected of companies.

Harare — A HIGH-POWERED team of South African Information and Communication Technology experts has been chosen to help restore the trans-border trade relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa through highlighting investment opportunities across north of the Limpopo.
In an exclusive interview, Kenna Consulting Chief Executive, Kelvin Onuoka, said a team of ICT experts from South Africa was inviting relevant stakeholders to participate in rebuilding the Zimbabwean infrastructure.

Among other selected ICT experts from both countries are Zimbabwean Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Nelson Chamisa, Secretary for ICT, Engineer Sam Kundishora, Kenna Consulting CEO Onuoka, Chief Executive for CGF Research Institute, Terry Booysen, Managing Director for Palladium Consultants, Paul Aucaamp and Maxwell Ramutla, the Chief Executive Officer for Afrovation.
Onouka said: "The team is expected to liaise with interested South African companies wishing to invest in Zimbabwe and advise the Zimbabwean ICT ministry on policy matters, Public-Private Partnership models, Corporate Governance best practices and IT solutions.

After numerous collaborations, The Institute for International Research and CGF Research Institute have decided to strengthen their existing relationship by forming a strategic and media partnership. This partnership aims to strengthen and add even more value to cross-industry sectors and professionals who either attend IIR’s conferences or who are already clients or members of CGF Research Institute.

Through this collaboration, IIR and CGF aim to complement their strengths in the market. The two organisations will work closely to promote and grow business development information, specifically in the areas of governance, risk and compliance (GRC).  Furthermore, CGF’s constituents will automatically receive preferential rates for any IIR events they wish to attend which is related to governance, risk and compliance matters.

CGF is proud to be associated with the world class handbooks published by Fleet Street Publications (Pty) Ltd.  These user friendly, jargon-free handbooks are specifically designed to assist companies and their employees to understand and apply the necessary controls and actions required to comply with matters such as, Health & Safety, Practical Guide to Human Resources Management, Labour Law for Managers, Practical Tax and Practical VAT.

Since the inception of CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd in March 2004, the company has become well known and recognised as a leader in providing its clients essential information covering Corporate Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC). CGF produce monthly reports and executive summaries that range from matters such as Reportable Irregularities, IT Governance, Kyoto Protocol, Crime and Corruption, Contracts Management and much more. “The objective within CGF’s reports is to provide our users a simplified account of normally very complex topics. Furthermore, it is imperative that the information contained within each report can be used at both executive and all managerial levels, thereby maximizing the benefits of shared information,” says Terry Booysen, CEO of CGF Research Institute.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa now have access to information on establishing and running their business, thanks to the launch of a Global Business School of Entrepreneurship (GBSE), which was established by the Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCCI) and its Global partners.  To this end, CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd (CGF) contributed towards the development of the Global SME Business Toolkit by providing a set of corporate governance modules tailored to assist SMEs understand the nuances attached to good governance.

Whilst the age of network computing is well upon us, providing users of personal computers and similar electronic devices access to unlimited information at the press of a button - more specifically information regarding corporate governance and matters pertaining international tax, money laundering and exchange control - has never been easier!  Two well known research companies behind these topics have entered a strategic alliance to make access to this information, off an integrated platform, possible.