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Plan for Your Personal Growth

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

It was the question “What is your plan for your personal growth?” that made world-renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell ponder about his career aspirations and that has ignited his journey becoming one of the most respected authors about leadership and personal growth.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Personal Development
Comment

The Basics About VAT

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

What is VAT? VAT is an abbreviation for the term Value-Added Tax. It is an indirect tax on the consumption of goods and services in the economy. It is a tax on the end consumer, but it is collected by businesses on behalf of the government.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

Two Types of Funding. Which option is best for you?

June 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Funding refers to the financial resources that are available to support a particular project or endeavor. It can take many forms, such as loans, grants, investments, or other forms of financial support. Funding is often necessary to start or grow a business, for research and development, or to launch new products or services. The type of funding that is chosen can have a significant impact on the success and viability of the project, so it's important to carefully consider the options and choose the one that best fits the needs and goals of the business or individual. Equity funding and Debt funding are two primary types of funding that business owners can use to raise capital. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Planning
Comment

Self-employed & Retirement: A Stumbling Block for Many

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Are you self-employed and feeling stressed about not having sufficient retirement savings? Plenty of business owners are still seen to be actively working years after reaching retirement age. They really love what they do, or they don’t have somebody reliable to take over or they don’t want to let go of their ‘baby’ are the common reasons provided to explain this situation. Yes, these can be valid reasons or reasons contributing to the situation, but for many business owners the harsh reality is that they cannot afford to go on retirement.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Management Advice, Finance
Comment

Checklist for Healthy Finances in 2023

November 20, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Many people set New Year resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Some people aspire to lose weight, to exercise on a regular basis, to eat healthier, to spend more time with their loved ones or to start a new business. We all have more energy, new ideas and new goals at the beginning of a new year. It is also the perfect time to get your personal finances in order for the remainder of the year. Definitely a resolution that you want to turn into reality, because it will create financial security and stability for you and your family.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Management Advice, Finance
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5 Taxes business owners should know about

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

For many business owners, the concept of tax and complying with tax rules and regulations can be daunting. Tax compliance however plays a vital role in the success and growth of your business. When you apply for funding, banks and funding houses require a tax compliance certificate. Many bigger organisations that you want to do business with, require a tax compliance certificate. Most tender or business proposal processes require a tax compliance certificate. As business owner you limit your opportunities if you are not submitting your returns and paying your taxes when required. Also remember that SARS keeps you as business owner responsible. Arguing ignorance or blaming your accountant will not set you free as far as SARS is concerned.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

10 Reasons why you need a business plan

April 3, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

A business plan is considered the most critical document for any business, whether you are starting a business or have an established business. There is a general perception that business plans are only required for funding purposes which is not true. A business plan provides the foundation layer of any business and can be effectively used for operational and strategic planning purposes.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Management Advice, Business Plan
Comment

Invest For a Purpose 

January 8, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Investing certainly has multiple benefits: create wealth for yourself and your family, create financial security, prepare for unforeseen circumstances, and create passive income streams. Making investments even more attractive, is when not only you benefit but you can invest for a bigger purpose; when your investment can contribute to making South Africa a better country for everybody, when other people and the economy can benefit too. These types of investments are growing in popularity, and you can choose something that you can relate to.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Planning
Comment

6 Numbers you should always know in your business

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Finances are an integral part of any business. Let us be honest, there is no sense in running a business that is not profitable unless it is for a charity cause. The sad reality is that plenty of business owners don’t spend a lot of time on managing and analyzing their finances. Finances are often perceived to be boring, complicated, or only a support function within a business. The truth is, the better you manage your finances, the more successful your business will become. The better you know your numbers, the more powerful decisions you can make.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

Become a Smart Investor

April 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Ronel Jooste

Investments play a vital role in creating financial stability and adding muscle to your wealth portfolio. The more you can invest today, the stronger financial future you can create. To make smart investment decisions, you need to understand a few investment concepts and principles.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Planning
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Your Wellbeing Checklist for December

December 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Facing the chaos of a world pandemic during 2020, the thought of the December period where we can scale down, relax and recharge is certainly something to enjoy. It is time to forget about what happened in 2020 – the good, the bad and the ugly – and get ourselves ready for 2021. Pure bliss!

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In Guest Blog, Competition, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

How to make the most of your budget this December

November 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

December is time for fun, relaxation and spending time with loved ones. It is school holidays and the children need to be entertained for an extended period. Many people go away to a holiday destination while other people stay at home and do day trips. December is associated with entertainment, activities and gifts.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Planning
Comment

Self-employed & Retirement: A Stumbling Block for Many

October 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Are you self-employed and feeling stressed about not having sufficient retirement savings? Plenty of business owners are still seen to be actively working years after reaching retirement age. They really love what they do, or they don’t have somebody reliable to take over or they don’t want to let go of their ‘baby’ are the common reasons provided to explain this situation. Yes, these can be valid reasons or reasons contributing to the situation, but for many business owners the harsh reality is that they cannot afford to go on retirement.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Planning
Comment

21 Income-generating ideas 

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

What if you had sufficient income and not having to work 24/7? What if you had sufficient income to realize your dreams, live the lifestyle you dream about and create wealth in the process?

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Ideation
Comment

SARS Auto Assessments: What to Do

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

As you might know in South Africa, SARS has rolled out auto assessments for the 2019/20 tax year, mainly for non-provisional taxpayers. In this video clip I explain what an auto assessment entails and the 3 important things you should do when you are auto assessed.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

Effective invoicing is critical for your cash flow management

August 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Many business owners find the invoicing process quite tedious and this is also a process that many businesses neglect. Invoicing is, however, a critical process for your cash flow management.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management, BU Cash Flow
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Opportunities Knock despite Covid-19 Crisis

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Despite the financial stress, uncertainty and knock-on impact the covid-19 crisis is causing for the economy, businesses and households, there are also multiple opportunities for people to create wealth for themselves amid the crisis. Looking at history various companies that have grown into massive multi-national companies were in fact born during a time of recession – Microsoft, General Electric, General Motors, Disney, IBM and the Hyatt Hotel Group to mention a few.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Inspiration & Motivation
Comment

SARS Relief to Benefit Cash Flow

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

Concerns were rightfully raised about the various relief options which have been announced to help individuals and businesses who have been affected by the national lockdown in South Africa, enforced to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. It became evident that most relief funding options are in the form of a loan repayable with interest.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Finances
Comment

Tips to Improve Business Cash Flow

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Cash flow is critical to any business despite the size or type of business. Cash flow can be compared to a river. A river will always flow into a dam or the sea, and for the river to remain flowing there needs to be a constant inflow of water. At some point there might be a cascade where the water will be tumbling down over rocks and building up to that cascade the river needs even more water flowing in. When there is a strong inflow of water the cascade turns into a beautiful picture. Similarly businesses need a constant inflow of cash to support their cash outflows in the form of expenses, paying suppliers and repaying debt. When a business has a solid inflow of cash and manage the outflow of cash, the business can ultimately grow and thrive.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

Your Saving Grace. An Emergency Fund.

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

The real value of having an emergency fund will only be fully appreciated during an emergency like the current pandemic. During the lockdown period imposed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, both businesses and individuals are being severally impacted. Many businesses cannot trade during this period or are on a reduced level, resulting in no income or less income, but the expenses still have to be paid. Certain employees were put on unpaid leave or had to settle for a reduction in their salaries, but their living costs still have to be covered. Massive job losses are already predicted.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Management Advice, BU Resilience
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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou
Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t
Image of the Day / Lilly Alfonso

Vibrant African style…Lilly Alfonso is a renowned fashion brand in Malawi created by founder and Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso. She is a two-time International Fashion Award winning designer for her contributio
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing The Aventurina Earrings by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear ate
Image of the Day / Uzuri K & Y

Handcrafted eco-footwear…We love the ethos of Uzuri K & Y in Rwanda, an impact driven  footwear manufacturing business founded by entrepreneurs Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe. They are changing li
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
Image of the Day / Nebü

Pure gold heritage…Helen Viljoen is the founder of Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa. Helen creates legacy pieces for clients that w
Image of the Day / Afropian

Statement dressing…If you want to make a fashion statement, then how better to do that than with this dramatic bark-cloth dress by Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Horte
Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co
Image of the Day / Midunu Chocolates

Chocolate love…We are big chocolate lovers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love these beautiful looking and fabulous tasting chocolates from Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocol
Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t Image of the Day / Lilly Alfonso

Vibrant African style…Lilly Alfonso is a renowned fashion brand in Malawi created by founder and Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso. She is a two-time International Fashion Award winning designer for her contributio Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing The Aventurina Earrings by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear ate Image of the Day / Uzuri K & Y

Handcrafted eco-footwear…We love the ethos of Uzuri K & Y in Rwanda, an impact driven  footwear manufacturing business founded by entrepreneurs Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe. They are changing li Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found Image of the Day / Nebü

Pure gold heritage…Helen Viljoen is the founder of Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa. Helen creates legacy pieces for clients that w Image of the Day / Afropian

Statement dressing…If you want to make a fashion statement, then how better to do that than with this dramatic bark-cloth dress by Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Horte Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co Image of the Day / Midunu Chocolates

Chocolate love…We are big chocolate lovers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love these beautiful looking and fabulous tasting chocolates from Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocol

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity

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The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul

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