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PR Firms Are Becoming More Powerful, but Good Journalism Still
Close Academic rigour, journalistic flair Subscribe Fourth estate follies Trawling through the dustbins of the UK media PR firms are becoming more powerful, but good journalism still prevails October 19, 2016 4.00pm BST Author John Jewell Director of Undergraduate Studies, School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University Mission accomplished: putting a positive spin on Iraq. White House Recent articles about the public relations firm Bell Pottinger are a stark reminder of the power and pervasiveness of PR in today’s fragmented media landscape. The Sunday Times and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed that Bell Pottinger was hired by the Pentagon in Washington to coordinate a covert propaganda campaign to boost America’s profile in Iraq following the “end” of hostilities in 2003. And, earlier this year, South Africa’s Business Day newspaper revealed that the firm had been retained by the scandal-hit billionaire Gupta family to burnish its image after a string of stories accusing it of “state capture” – allegedly using its influence with the president, Jacob Zuma, to advance the family’s business interests. Bell Pottinger’s former chairman Lord Tim Bell confirmed to the Sunday Times that the firm had been paid US$540m for five contracts with the US government between 2007 and 2011. He said the firm reported to the Pentagon, the CIA and the National Security Council while working on the account. The investigation, “Fake News and False Flags” relied on interviews with a former Bell Pottinger employee, Martin Wells, who claimed that the PR company created short TV reports in the style of Arabic news networks for broadast in Iraq. -
The Guptas, the Public Protector's Report and Capital Accumulation In
The Guptas, the Public Protector’s Report and Capital Accumulation in South Africa Ashwin Desai Goolam Vahed Abstract The relationship between South African President Jacob Zuma and his family, and the Guptas, possibly the richest family of Indian origin at present in South Africa, has made persistent national and increasingly international headlines in the media over the past few years. The Gupta family, who arrived in South Africa from India just prior to the country’s first non-racial democratic elec- tions in 1994, are accused of colluding with Zuma in the removal and appoint- ment of government ministers, as well as the directors of State-Owned Enter- prises (SOEs) in order to secure lucrative state contracts. This article examines the allegedly corrupt relationship between the Zumas and the Guptas to probe key issues in post-apartheid South African society: corruption, state capture, inequality, class formation, Black Economic Empowerment, and White Mono- poly Capital. It argues that corruption has negative consequences such as creat- ing despondency amongst the populace leading to capital flight and creating the possibilities for state capture as well as further deepening inequality. Keywords: Apartheid, Gupta, Zuma, Black Economic Empowerment, White Monopoly Capital, Social Cohesion The lexicon of South African English has been constantly transformed by the inclusion of words from the Afrikaans language, and phrases from the Indian sub- continent, as well as by some words and phrases from local African languages. When this potpourri of ‘English’ is spoken at a rapid pace, even an English Alternation 24,1 (2017) 26 - 49 26 Electronic ISSN: 2519-5476; DOI: https://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2017/v24n1a3 The Guptas, the Public Protector’s Report and Capital Accumulation speaking foreigner could easily get lost as sentences are trespassed with local inflections (Mesthrie 2010). -
Remgro at a Glance
OVERVIEW I II CONTENTS 2 14 Group profi le Remgro's values 4 16 Remgro's unlisted investments Directorate and ownership structure Originally established in the 1940s by 6 20 A strong family legacy Tomorrow matters the late Dr Anton Rupert, Remgro aims to be the trusted investment company 8 23 Investment strategy Doing business ethically of choice that consistently creates 10 24 sustainable stakeholder value. Remgro's approach to capital allocation Consolidated results at year-end 12 26 Remgro’s profi t at holding company level Investment portfolio analysis 1 GROUP PROFILE DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO SOCIAL IMPACT HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT MEDIA Our interests PRODUCTS SERVICES INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS VEHICLES consist mainly of investments (2) in the following industries 44.6% 77.1% 30.6% 54.7% 50.0% 36.3% 32.3% 4.0% 50.0% (3) (1) 31.8% 44.1% 23.3% 24.9% 28.1% 0.1% 100% (3) 100% 22.8% 100% 44.1% 100% Equity accounted investment Subsidiary Investment at fair value through other comprehensive income 30.0% 37.7% 100% Listed entity Number of Remgro nominated director/s; alternates excluded (3) infrastructure fund (1) Voting rights in Distell equal 56.4%. (2) Voting rights in Blue Bulls equal 36.7%. 33% 16.2% (3) Limited Partners in Pembani Remgro, Milestone Capital and Prescient – therefore limited (or no) voting rights. 2 3 REMGRO’S INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Why does UNLISTED PGSI holds an interest in PG Group Remgro invest Holdings, South Africa’s leading infrastructure fund INVESTMENTS integrated fl at glass business. in certain CIVH’s key operating PRIF is a fund Air Products produces oxygen, companies are Dark focused on private nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and carbon sectors? CONSUMER PRODUCTS Fibre Africa and Vumatel, sector investment in dioxide for sale to major industrial which construct and own infrastructure across users. -
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Facts, Truth, and Post-Truth: Access to Cognitively and Socially Just Information Rachel Fischer, University of Pretoria, South Africa Erin Klazar, University of Pretoria, South Africa Abstract This article addresses facts, truth, post-truth, and the impact on access to cognitively and socially just information. It is predominantly situated within the post-truth context where information is manipulated to such an extent that it becomes disinformation, disguised as truth. The article consists of four main sections: the first section will provide an introduction and overview of key concepts intrinsic to understanding the concerns at hand. The next section is a case study of the role the PR firm, Bell Pottinger, played in South Africa and Iraq and the cognitive and social injustices visible in the corresponding events. The selection of these countries provides an opportunity to demonstrate the effect of post-truth and whistleblowing in relation to the challenges experienced in the Global South. The third section, on Cambridge Analytica and Digitality, is a discussion of the infamous Cambridge Analytica and its interferences in political campaigns in Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. These discussions lead to the final section as an antidote to post-truth influences, which reflects on the way forward. This section makes recommendations for South African and international initiatives based on UNESCO’s intergovernmental programme known as the Information for All Programme (IFAP). Keywords: cognitive justice; disinformation; fake news; post-truth era/politics; social justice Publication Type: research article Introduction his article will focus on the role of information in the fairness with which economic, political, and social benefits and burdens are distributed in society. -
Restructuring of the Rembrandt Group Circular to Shareholders and Notices of Annual General Meetings 30 August 2000
Rembrandt Group Limited Rembrandt Controlling Investments Limited Technical Investment Corporation Limited Technical and Industrial Investments Limited Restructuring of the Rembrandt Group Circular to shareholders and notices of annual general meetings 30 August 2000 Attorneys Joint sponsoring brokers Deutsche Bank Securities Deutsche Bank Securities (SA) (Pty) Ltd Hofmeyr Herbstein & Gihwala Inc. (Registration number 1995/011798/07) Reporting accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. Chartered Accountants (SA) Registered Accountants and Auditors (Registration no 1998/012055/21) Indien u ’n Afrikaanse vertaling van hierdie dokument wil hê, skakel asseblief 0800 996 164 If you have any questions regarding the restructuring of the Rembrandt Group, call the Information Agents on 0800 996 164 (or + 44 20 7335 7278 if you are phoning from outside South Africa) are acting as Information Agents to answer your questions about the restructuring. Corporate information Directors of Rembrandt Group Limited (Registration number 1948/031037/06) Johann Rupert (Chairman) P J Erasmus* E de la H Hertzog (Co-Deputy Chairman) D M Falck M H Visser (Co-Deputy Chairman and Managing Director) J Malherbe P E Beyers E Molobi* W E Bührmann J A Preller G D de Jager* P G Steyn* J W Dreyer T van Wyk * non-executive Directors of Rembrandt Controlling Investments Limited (Registration number 1952/000002/06) Johann Rupert (Chairman) D M Falck E de la H Hertzog (Co-Deputy Chairman) J Malherbe M H Visser (Co-Deputy Chairman and Managing Director) E Molobi* P E Beyers J A -
Land and Ubuntu As Competing Narratives in Rural South Africa: a Practical Theological Perspective
Land and Ubuntu as competing narratives in rural South Africa: a practical theological perspective by Hermanus Nicolaas Holtzhausen A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR In Practical Theology In the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa Supervisor: Prof J.C. Műller August 2017 Declaration I, Hermanus Nicolaas Holtzhausen, declare that LAND AND UBUNTU AS COMPETING NARRATIVES IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA: A PRACTICAL THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE, which I hereby submit for the degree Philosophiae Doctor at the University of Pretoria, is my own work and has not been previously submitted by me for a degree at this or any other university. All the sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. Signed at Wolmaransstad on 30 August 2017 ........................................................................ i Acknowledgements Allow me to acknowledge the following people and institutions that enabled this work: My wife, Catherine, for her patience and tenacity in being married to someone who loves the land. May this work set some of the land’s questions to rest. My children, Nicolaas and Pippa, who lived with this work in our house like a third child, understanding that I had to close a door or stay home, when we could have had fun together. My late sister and forebears, buried at Strydpoort, who were known for their compassionate focus on social justice. My family and neighbours at Strydpoort. I hope we can co-create stories with positive outcomes for us all after this work. Professor Julian Műller, who supported and encouraged me with immeasurable patience and clarity. -
AGM QUESTIONS and ANSWERS 2020 Disclaimer
AGM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2020 Disclaimer Please note that the answers recorded herein are not a transcript of the AGM. The responses recorded convey the key messages that were communicated. QUESTIONS RECEIVED AT THE WEBCAST AGM AND ANSWERS – 30 NOVEMBER 2020 Questions regarding driving value creation through share ownership and “employee capitalism”: Q:At the 2019 AGM the Chairman spoke powerfully on share ownership inter alia “if the directors all owned a lot of shares they would watch the management and make sure that they get performance”. Numerous great companies practice what the Chairman preaches e.g. Amazon directors receive no cash compensation only stock based awards, Ball Corp, John Deere and Diageo expect their directors to own hefty multiples of their annual remuneration in shares and locally FirstRand as per page 108 of the FirstRand Integrated Report has “minimum shareholding requirements to ensure longer term alignment’. In the light of the above can the Chairman please advise why Remgro does not make minimum shareholding requirements another strategic priority at investee companies? – Chris Logan Mr Rupert noted that it was a very good question that Mr Durand should investigate further, as he is fully aligned with A: Mr Logan. Mr Durand also agreed with the principle and noted that Remgro would investigate this further as it is a pertinent point. The Chairman also endorsed aligned incentives/EVA and Remgro has led and adopted aligned incentives for managers Q:as a strategic priority at investee companies. To enhance performance further and to promote “employee capitalism” why does Remgro not try and ensure that this incentivisation goes all the way down to the shop floor on a commercial basis as is an integral part of EVA theory and is successfully practiced at great companies like Ball Corp (unions included) and top performing local chicken producer Astral as per page 90 of the Astral Integrated Report? – Chris Logan Mr Rupert noted that in his experience, the trade unions generally preferred to receive cash instead of shares. -
An Afrocentric Analysis of Radical Economic Transformation in South Africa, 2014- 2017
An Afrocentric analysis of Radical Economic Transformation in South Africa, 2014- 2017 Rapanyane MB and Maphaka D School of Social Sciences University of Limpopo, South Africa Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract: After democratic dispensation of 1994, the new government adopted a number of initiatives to transform the economy and alleviate divisions of the past. The National Democratic Revolution (NDR) ideology which served as the guiding policy framework to the African National Congress (ANC) and its allies called for radical measures such as nationalisation of strategic sectors. But the ANC followed neo-liberal path in implementing adopted policies such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy, the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA) and the National Development Plan (NDP). During Zuma’s tenure, the persisting triple socio-economic challenges (inequality, unemployment and poverty) spurred many calls for Radical Economic Transformation (RET). As a result, RET received attention from scholars, academia and media alike. However, many of them analyse and understand RET through Eurocentric perspective which is informed by the experiences of Western society. This article employs Afrocentricity as the alternative lens to provide African experiences that should lay a basis for analysis, understanding and implementation of RET as the strategic policy to reduce inequality, unemployment and poverty. The central argument of this desktop article is that African experiences should inform any study on any African phenomenon. Methodologically, the article employs Afrocentric qualitative research methodology to provide potential remedies on the research phenomenon. Keywords: Afrocentricity, African National Congress, National Democratic Revolution, Radical Economic Transformation, Jacob Zuma. -
Coming SPECIAL ISSUE III Editors ARİF YILDIRIM MARGARITA KEFALAKI
Journal of Media Cri�ques Vol.4 No.14 2018 COMinG SPECIAL ISSUE III Editors ARİF YILDIRIM MARGARITA KEFALAKI P-ISSN: 2056 9785 E-ISSN: 2056 9793 doi: 10.17349/jmc118200 Journal of Media Critiques Vol.4 No.14, 2018 Communication Institute of Greece (COMinG) SPECIAL ISSUE 4 EDITORS Arif YILDIRIM Margarita KEFALAKI P-ISSN: 2056-9785 E-ISSN: 2056 9793 © Journal of Media Critiques, Vol.4 No.14, 2018 COMinG SPECIAL ISSUE 4 doi: 10.17349/jmc118200 Vol.4 No.14, 2018 Journal of Media Critiques www.mediacritiques.net email: [email protected] Editor-in-Chief Dr.Arif Yıldırım EDITORS of COMING SPECIAL ISSUE 4 ASST.PROF. DR. ARİF YILDIRIM, is an Assistant Professor, working as Head of the Departments of Journalism, Canakkale 18 Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey holding a PhD in Informatics with the thesis subject as "Data Security Approach in Information Technology and Cryptography: DNA Algorithm". Yildirim established a faculty, two undergraduate departments, and one graduate department. Additionally, worked as Vice Director of Institute of Social Sciences and the editor-in-chief of Journal of Social Sciences in Gaziantep University. He is founder Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Cyber Security, Privacy and eCrime (www.jcspe.org). Dr.Yildirim teaches lectures as "Neurohacking with Social Media", "Social Media Journalism and Hacktivism", "Activism, Digital Activism and Hacktivism" and "Community Media and ICTs for Development and Social Transformation". His research focuses on social media, cryptography with genetics, neurohacking with social media, marketing, activism, digital activism, hacktivism, civil disobedience, privacy, P2P, online behavior and identity. DR. MARGARITA KEFALAKI, is the founder and current President of the Communication Institute of Greece (COMinG). -
Integrated Annual Report 2019 2019 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT Website At
Remgro Limited | Integrated Annual Report 2019 2019 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT CREATING SHAREHOLDER VALUE SINCE 1948 Originally established in the 1940s by the late Dr Anton Rupert, Remgro’s investment portfolio has evolved substantially and currently includes more than 30 investee companies. MORE INFORMATION This Integrated Annual Report is published as part of a set of reports in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2019, all of which are available on the Company’s website at www.remgro.com. INVESTOR TOOLS Cross-reference to relevant sections within this report Download from our website: www.remgro.com View more information on our website: www.remgro.com CONTENTS www.remgro.com | Remgro Limited | Integrated Annual Report 2019 1 OVERVIEW 1OF BUSINESS 4 REMGRO’S APPROACH TO REPORTING 7 SALIENT FEATURES 8 GROUP PROFILE REPORTS TO 10 COMPANY HISTORY SHAREHOLDERS 12 OUR BUSINESS MODEL 2 24 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 14 UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS OF AN INVESTMENT HOLDING COMPANY 25 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 16 KEY OBJECTIVES AND 32 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT PRINCIPAL INTEGRATED RISKS 40 INVESTMENT REVIEWS 18 DIRECTORATE AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES 20 EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 21 SHAREHOLDERS’ DIARY AND COMPANY INFORMATION FINANCIAL 4 REPORT 118 AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT GOVERNANCE AND 121 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SUSTAINABILITY 126 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR 3 127 SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 66 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 79 RISK AND OPPORTUNITIES MANAGEMENT REPORT 86 REMUNERATION REPORT 104 SOCIAL AND ETHICS COMMITTEE REPORT 106 ABRIDGED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT ADDITIONAL 5 INFORMATION 146 FIVE-YEAR REVIEW AND SHARE STATISTICS 148 SHAREHOLDERS’ INFORMATION 151 NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS ATTACHED FORM OF PROXY Remgro invests in businesses that can deliver superior earnings, cash flow generation and dividends over the long term. -
Bell Pottinger Faces Sanction Over Secret Gupta Campaign
Legalbrief | your legal news hub Wednesday 29 September 2021 Bell Pottinger faces sanction over secret Gupta campaign The DA expects a ‘strong sanction’ against the Guptas’ former public relations firm Bell Pottinger, after the party received confirmation yesterday that its complaint against the firm had been upheld. A News24 report quotes DA spokesperson Phumzile van Damme as saying: ‘This means that the UK’s Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) professional practices committee has agreed that Bell Pottinger did indeed violate its Professional Charter, and/or its Public Affairs and Lobbying Code of Conduct.’ Bell Pottinger has five days to appeal and a final decision will be published during the week beginning 4 September. The report notes that the DA’s complaint, which was heard last week, stems from the #GuptaLeaks, which revealed how the London-based PR firm assisted the Guptas – after meeting with Duduzane Zuma – to create a narrative meant to discredit the Guptas’ many critics. A report in The Guardian says the PRCA heard allegations that Bell Pottinger sought to stir up anger about ‘white monopoly capital’ and the ‘economic apartheid’ in SA to draw attention away from the wealthy and controversial Gupta family, who have been accused of benefiting financially from their close links to President Jacob Zuma. The report notes the PRCA is considering a range of actions it could take against Bell Pottinger, including terminating its membership of the trade body. Other possible disciplinary options include a formal warning or reprimand.. -
South Africa Hate Speech Report #4
Monitoring and Analysis Report #4: of Hateful Language in South Africa May 29, 2019 This report is part of an initiative by PeaceTech Lab to analyze hateful and inflammatory language online in South Africa to mitigate the threat of this language to fuel violence during the election period. The terms discussed come from the Lab's recently published S o u t h A f r i c a L e x i c o n o f H a t e f u l T e r m s w h ile the data comes from our H a t e S p e e c h a n d E l e c t i o n V i o l e n c e p o r t a l , which is updated regularly. These resources examine terms and phrases that are offensive and inflammatory, are directed towards individuals or groups based on ethnicity, religion, race, gender, national identity, or political affiliation, and may lead to violence. Sign Up to Receive these Reports in your Inbox! Latest Events On May 10, the leader of the Black First Land First party (BLF) gave a speech accusing the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of being owned by the "same individuals that own the economy and the land." Ace Magashule also gave a controversial speech on May 19 in Free State. In this speech, Magashule said, "We cannot defeat white monopoly capital by allowing it to co-opt us." Also during this period, there were developments in the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) hate speech case against a Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) official, Bongani Masuku, over remarks offensive to the Jewish community.