South Africa Live

[bambanani17]

Early in the morning, we left our hotel to our first company visit that headed us to MTN (Mobile Telecommunication Network). MTN is one of the biggest Mobile telecommunications operator in South Africa. After a warm welcome at their head office campus in Fairland, Johannesburg, we were introduced to their most pioneering innovation, that is far away from MTN's core business and was developed by the company over the past few years. As the insufficiency of electricity supply is one of the biggest problems in South Africa, MTN started to invest in developing alternatives to the classical electricity production. The result is a R22-million, 2-MW trigeneration plant powered by methane gas. This trigerneration plant is not only generating electricity from the methane gas, but also use a by-product of the cooling process: The 400 ºC exhaust gas is sent through lithium bromide absorption chillers to cool water, which MTN uses for the cooling needs in the building (mainly for the in-house data center). This whole process achieves the impressive effectiveness of 85%! This form of methane gas transformation is brand new and MTN was able to save the patents on it. The company now still evolves in the transformation technology and plans to apply for a license which allows it to provide electricity to other consumers - so to sell electricity and thus, enter in the electricity market. Besides the methane gas transformation, MTN developed another solution for electricity production: On the rooftop of the company's building, they installed a concentrating solar cooling system to cool down their data center. Solar mirrors tracking the sun by the use of GPS generate pressurized hot water which is then used to power an absorbation chiller that produces cold water. The mirrors are that smart, that they are able to turn themselves downwards the ground in case the sun is not shining, so that they are protected from rain and pollution. The visit at MTN was quite surprising and inspiring. The company demonstrates impressively how a new revenue stream can be developed based on a global South African problem. MTN allowed us to explore their data center, the methane gas transformation engines and the mirror installation at the rooftop. Two of the responsible engineers - Luan and Ivan - never got tired to answer all our questions and provided unique insights to us. photo & text by Murielle

[bambanani17]

Vodacom, Thuesday, 24.1 Arriving at Vodacom, we were cordially greeted by five members of Corporate Affairs and Innovation units. Corporate Affairs impressed us by proving their awareness about the most diverse stakeholders. They stressed the importance of direct communication wtih all of them in an appropriate manner, depending on their influence and their interest in Vodacom’s activities. “We listen and we act.” Innovation is a key topic in both Master Courses. However, during the presentation by a representant of Vodacom’s Innovation unit, we all gained new insights about what innovation can mean for a company. In the context of interdisciplinary collaboration, the speaker emphasized the need to develop “translatable organizations”. Engineers, managers, designers from all business units have to develop a common language in order to exploit opportunities and to face threats. Therefore, a “feel free culture” is needed, allowing anybody to talk to anybody else. “We will fail because we are very good at what we do. Our ability becomes our disability.“ When players from the most different sectors (e.g. telecommunication, banking and energy) disrupt each other’s businesses, it is good to be prepared for the unexpected. cosmic photo by Marya text by Marya & Zoltan

[bambanani17]

Cradle of Humankind, Wednesday, 25.1 photo by Marya

[bambanani17]

Engen Oil, Thursday, 2.2 The CIO Peter Du Plooy of the South-African based Oil company Engen Oil gave an insightful presentation about how they approach the global trend of digitalization and what initiatives they are taking. Their main focus is currently operational effectiveness, whereby they see tremendous potential for improving their business process, ranging from the use of IoT for preventative maintenance, the use of drones to check oil pipelines and robotics algorithms for administrative tasks. However, the customer perspective is implemented as well in term of connected cars, automated driving vehicles and retail analytics for instance. As we have experienced, they view the digital strategy as an integral part of the business strategy and should no longer be regarded as a stand-alone business unit. In the oil industry, they do not expect as much disruption as compared to other industries since this business involves high entry costs in the infrastructure. Nevertheless, staying at the top of global trends is highly important. photo by Kar Ying text by Rebencca & Nina

[bambanani17]

Stellenbosch University (Launch Lab), Thuesday, 31.1 Warmly welcomed by the responsible for International Collaboration, we’ve started our tour on the university campus, which includes pretty much anything a student could wish for: libraries, shopping and eating mall, cinemas, different buildings for various study disciplines and first and foremost a whole bunch of intelligently looking and talking students from all over the world. After finishing our tour we’ve arrived at the LaunchLab, which is a currently only at Stellenbosh University existing facility for young entrepreneurs who want to create a start-up. Within the LaunchLab, they have space for working, access to internet, a coffee shop as well as access to a various set of programs and activities around starting an own business. They even provide sponsors for the new businesses. We had the chance to listen to three pitches from three already existing start-ups and to ask whatever question we had. Spatial Edge: a data-driven company for costumer analysis and profiling using location and business intelligence. InstalMentAId: An unemployment insurance company providing financial security to middle-class people. Custos: A anti-piracy company using bounties and bitcoin wins to detect pirated new films. photo by Eliane text by Eliane & Rudolf

[bambanani17]

Swiss Embassy, Thuesday, 24.1 Switzerland is top eight of countries in numbers of tourists coming to South Africa and imports many materials from South Africa. Platin is number one whereas South Africa imports precision machines and watches from Switzerland. An intern at Swiss Embassy needs to be able (among various other things) to consolidate the country's situation into a weekly report, which is then sent to the Swiss Government. There are more than 100 CH-companies operating in South Africa employing 80 000 persons. Swiss Business Hub in Pretoria and SwissCham support most of those SMEs and promote export. There is a Pro Helvetia antenna in Johannesburg which collaborates with the embassy for culture and art mediation within South Africa and Switzerland. So called Small Embassy Projects sustain transformation in the country with projects like Artisanal Bakeries. Research projects such as PIVET should help to train local people on practical skills. To summarize: The Swiss Embassy has a whole lot of projects going on (research projects, art mediation, business enhancement etc.) We were wondering sometimes how they can keep the overview. photo by Eliane text by Eliane & Rudolf

[bambanani17]

Khayelitsha, Wednesday, 1.2 photo by Kathrin

[bambanani17]

Kanonkop Wine Estate, Thuesday, 31.1 Over the front door of the main building at the Kanonkop Wine Estate, visitors can read: “Pinotage is the juice extracted from women’s tongues and lions’ hearts. After having a sufficient quantity one can talk forever and fight the devil.” We tasted many different red wines and learnt about their character and structure. Johann, member of the owner family, explained us how to approach a good glass of wine appropriately. We were surprised by a visit by Jannie, Head of Innovation at Vodacom, whom we had met the week before in Pretoria. Together we spent a lovely evening, enjoying a “snoek braai”. photo by Kathrin text by Zoltan

[bambanani17]

Novartis, Monday, 23.1 It has been a pure joy to have the chance to speak to the CEO of a world leader on the pharmaceutical industry and to get to know more about how their main strategy is implemented and tailored to the local needs in Africa. We learned that the key to be successful and competitive in the market is having an international skill workforce and to invest continuously on training and development measures. We were surprised by the fact that mostly of the employees in the organization are women. Concretely 72 per cent. Moreover, 60 per cent of the top management are women. One of the biggest challenges for a manager in South Africa in comparison to Switzerland is the instability. In South Africa the decisions are made focusing on the Short term whereas in Switzerland the focus is the long term having therefore action plans for more than 10 years. Another big challenge is the lack of skilled labour market and education. Thus, the company is forced to invest more to solve this challenge. Their values are strong and the company shows its commitment with the community by improving the healthcare system and innovating possible treatments for their illnesses. photo by Kar Ying text by Gema & Mara

[bambanani17]

Evenenig Game Drive & Braai Fest, Saturday, 21.1 After a long flight from ZRH we arrived in JNB and realized it was summer. Welcomed by the bus driver we headed to Pilanesberg where we checked in at Kwa Mediterane with a great view of the national park. Directly afterwards our first Safari game drive began. Overwhelmed by an amazing landscape, elephants, lions, zebras, hippos and rhinos crossed our way. The day ended with a Braai fest, a South African barbecue in the middle of the national park. photo by Knut text by Victoria & Zoltan

[bambanani17]

Bein Wine, Thuesday, 31.1 Another beautiful day in SA. Today we’re not only visiting a company, but we’re also going to taste a famous South African wine. I’m talking about Bein Wine, according to their own saying possibly the smallest commercial vineyard in the Cape, only comprising of 2.2 hectares. Bein Wine was founded by Luca and Ingrid Bein –  both originally from Switzerland – when they were offered to buy a patch of land on a visit to South Africa more than two decades ago. Nowadays, the vineyard applies Precision Viticulture, a high-precision form of farming to optimize yield and save resources. The vineyard is operated as ecologically as possible. One example is the usage of so called runner ducks which are used to counteract snail plagues. The wine from the vineyards grapes is mostly sold in Switzerland as well as locally in South Africa. We had a very warm welcome with Luca and Ingrid, who introduced our group to their history, how wine-farming works and what one has to watch out for. We were also enjoying a wine tasting of their three Merlot wines, each with its very specific touch and flavor. Thanks again and all the best from the Bambanani 2017 group! photo by Holger text by Murielle & Kevin

[bambanani17]

Morning Game Drive, Sunday, 22.1 Getting up on the first morning in South Africa as the sun rises, we are all keen to continue exploring the fascinating wildlife. After a energizing coffee, we hopped onto the safari bus and made our way into the national park. It didn't take long and we were surrounded by animals again. The mighty lions, hungry, on edge and focused once they spotted a zebra. The lazy king waiting behind his eager females who were couching and approaching the zebra noiselessly. We watch the scene nervously and wait for the lions, who strategically positioned themsleves, to attack... Suddenly, the zebras started to gallopping, as the lions emerged from the grass. Hecticly the animals move and we witnessed how one mother zebra had been torn down, leaving her baby all to itself. We couldn't belive what was happening and were worried, once we had noticed that the poor baby was separated from the rest of the herd. Looking for shelter, the baby zebra approached our safari bus and giving heartbreaking shrieks. Even though we were all emotionally taken by this experience, we know that this part of nature. Only when we continued our way and found peace again by watching a group of giraffes having their breakfast could we recover a little from our previous shock with the predators. Since luck was with us, two mighty elephants also literally crossed our way. An old bull living in peace was being followed by a youngster who is learning from the best on how to survive. After such a moving experience, we also became hungry and were keen on heading back to the hotel to enjoy our breakfast. It goes without saying, that it was a vegetarian breakfast. photo by Knut text by Rebecca

[bambanani17]

DStv, Thursday, 26.1 Today we visited DSTV, a member of the Multichoice group, that is a pay-tv provider for the whole African continent. We there met Evan, the head of Innovation and several people from the UX Team. Evan was talking about the threats in the TV industry. Competitors from other core businesses like for example Facebook, YouTube or Twitter are getting more and more popular, particularly for the younger audience and therefore are endangering their business. Did you know, that 83% of all the videos watched  on the web in the United States are watched by only 20% of the population? The traditional TV production and broadcasting market is transforming and companies need to adapt to this changing environment. How their Design Thinking process looks like and how they collaborate for new innovations were Matthew and Richard from the UX team showing us. A great metaphor that stayed in our mind, to show us the huge amount of videos streamed and uploaded per day, gave us Evan. As some billions videos sound not that much, he mentioned to remember that a million seconds are 11 days. But 1 billion seconds are 32 years! by Monika & Partick

[bambanani17]

Discovery Health

Thursday, 26.1 After Lunch at the Nelson Mandela's Square, we headed out for Discovery Health. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding in the time confirmed for the meeting, and we were 1,5 hours too late. As we learned before, in Africa everybody can elaborate a plan B quickly. The deputy CEO that prepared a big presentation for us, gave us a 15 minutes abstract and answered our questions. It was impressing to see, how he could manage this unplanned situation and how he handled it spontaneously and professionally. He's a very humorous person with a deep knowledge and we got exited of his speech. He explained us with a simple example, what Discovery means by shared value: They generate social benefit as well as business value by incentivising their members on a healthier lifestyle. After that, we learned about the Health ID, the electronic patient dossier. We were also allowed to see the registration process for the wellness program: Physical information like weight, height, blood pressure etc. is taken from the member. Additionally, he or she has to fulfil a questionnaire concerning the life style (smoking, eating, drinking behaviour) and a blood screening is made. Despite a shorter visit than planned, we learned a lot in very short term - of course, we would have stayed longer in this innovative and open minded company! by Monika & Patrick

[bambanani17]

Telkom, Monday, 30.1 After an exciting tour to the table mountain, our journey continues with the visit at Telkom in Cape Town. Telkom is a leading communications services company in South Africa, which was founded in 1991 headquartered in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. The business office we were going to see was quite hidden outside of downtown, so after a few turnings by car we finally arrived our destination.  We were warmly received by our host when we arrived Telkom. He guided us to a large meeting room where he held his presentation about the circumstances in South Africa in terms of digitalisation and innovation. Digitalisation is more than the understanding of technology but it creates a new social and business phenomenon. Companies need to respond to the digital world accordingly while fostering staff training and education of digitalisation as well as openness towards changes. As our host is a responsible IT leader with Telkom, he shared his professional experiences with us. IT is a tough business and as an IT leader it is necessary to have a strong vision to convince the management how important IT changes are within a corporation in order to adapt to today’s fast-growing technologies and innovations. However, even at Telkom the use of social media is not very well integrated yet in the business and should be therefore improved. With help of these possibilities of social media, communications could be unified and the collaboration across the African continent could be enhanced.  After a long and stimulating presentation there was a little tour through the premises of the site, especially through the server stations. As at MTN, we saw where the data was stored and secured. It was an impressive journey and again, we have learned more about digitalisation and about a powerful company of South Africa such as Telkom.     photo by Kar Ying text by Manuela & Kar Ying

[bambanani17]