Ownership | Jotup

South Africa's new Marriage Bill raises many thorny issues - a balancing act is needed

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

The Department of Home Affairs has invited public comment on the Draft Marriage Bill 2022.

Key Points:

The Department of Home Affairs has invited public comment on the Draft Marriage Bill 2022.
The bill amends some marriage laws, and prescribes what’s required for marriages to be considered valid, forms of registration, and the property consequences of marriage.
While it is innovative for bringing all forms of intimate partnerships under one piece of legislation, the bill raises thorny questions.

The thorny issues

A couple could live together for reasons such as exorbitant rent, distance to workplaces, and prohibitively high bridewealth (ilobolo).
The bill doesn’t recognise such intimate partnerships, which the Constitutional Court has accorded the same legal status as formal marriages.
As the court has acknowledged, unmarried partnerships have serious implications for finances, human dignity, property ownership and child custody.
This could affect inheritance, property and child custody because legal systems may govern these issues differently.
If the thorny issues in the bill are not addressed, the eventual legislation could be challenged as discriminatory.

A balancing act

The advisory committee that worked on the Single Marriage Statute (Project 144) proposed two options for regulating life partnerships in its discussion paper.
These are a Protected Relationships Bill and a Recognition and Registration of Marriages and Life Partnerships Bill.
Read more:
LGBTQ+ rights: African Union watchdog goes back on its own word
Ultimately, new forms of relationships demand legislative recognition.

The shift from owning to renting goods is ushering in a new era of consumerism

Retrieved on:

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Rather than outright owning goods and services, people prefer to simply have access to them.

Key Points:

Rather than outright owning goods and services, people prefer to simply have access to them.
This involves sharing, swapping and renting resources, eliminating the need for personal ownership of these goods.
This indicates that the way we consume goods and services has — and continues to — evolve significantly.

A response to global challenges

The access-based and sharing economy has emerged as a powerful response to these global challenges, offering a flexible, cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to the long-standing paradigm of ownership.
Rather, it appears to be an enduring form of consumption that is emerging in various industries, including transportation, fashion and toys.

What is driving the shift

First, access-based consumption is predicated on the affordability, value and convenience it offers to consumers.
Participation in car-sharing services, such as Zipcar and Turo, are primarily driven by these factors.
Secondly, access-based consumption provides environmental and social benefits by encouraging consumers to share and increasing the usage of a particular good.

What does this mean for businesses?

Rethink profit: In an access-based economy, businesses need to shift their profit strategies from selling products to facilitating access.
This calls for innovative approaches to monetizing services, such as tiered subscriptions, dynamic pricing or pay-per-use approaches, creating multiple revenue streams while fulfilling diverse consumer needs.
Maximizing technological resources: The role of technology is central in orchestrating transactions, maintaining inventory and ensuring a seamless user experience.

The future of consumerism

While ownership does offer consumers unique benefits, including enhanced autonomy and a stronger sense of consumer identity, it’s clear we are shifting away from this model.
This dynamic shift towards an access-based model, fuelled by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, is driven by the idea of a shared future built on access to goods and services, improved efficiency and collective value.

The shift from owning to renting is ushering in a new era of consumerism

Retrieved on:

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Rather than outright owning goods and services, people prefer to simply have access to them.

Key Points:

Rather than outright owning goods and services, people prefer to simply have access to them.
Instead of owning physical copies of DVDs or CDs, for example, people subscribe to streaming services.
This indicates that the way we consume goods and services has — and continues to — evolve significantly.

A response to global challenges

The access-based and sharing economy has emerged as a powerful response to these global challenges, offering a flexible, cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to the long-standing paradigm of ownership.
Rather, it appears to be an enduring form of consumption that is emerging in various industries, including transportation, fashion and toys.

What is driving the shift

First, access-based consumption is predicated on the affordability, value and convenience it offers to consumers.
Participation in car-sharing services, such as Zipcar and Turo, are primarily driven by these factors.
Secondly, access-based consumption provides environmental and social benefits by encouraging consumers to share and increasing the usage of a particular good.

What does this mean for businesses?

Rethink profit: In an access-based economy, businesses need to shift their profit strategies from selling products to facilitating access.
This calls for innovative approaches to monetizing services, such as tiered subscriptions, dynamic pricing or pay-per-use approaches, creating multiple revenue streams while fulfilling diverse consumer needs.
Maximizing technological resources: The role of technology is central in orchestrating transactions, maintaining inventory and ensuring a seamless user experience.

The future of consumerism

While ownership does offer consumers unique benefits, including enhanced autonomy and a stronger sense of consumer identity, it’s clear we are shifting away from this model.
This dynamic shift towards an access-based model, fuelled by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, is driven by the idea of a shared future built on access to goods and services, improved efficiency and collective value.

Twitter's rebrand to X shifts the focus to Musk's 'everything app' plans but here's why he might have moved too early

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 27, 2023

But his latest move is the most significant: abandoning the globally recognised Twitter brand and renaming the platform X.

Key Points:

But his latest move is the most significant: abandoning the globally recognised Twitter brand and renaming the platform X.
Such drastic changes are usually accompanied by presentations delving into rebrand reasoning from company execs desperate to show how the new image aligns with organisational strategy and company vision.
But in keeping with Twitter’s disruptive nature of late, no in-depth explanation for the X rebrand was given to company outsiders, although Musk invited users to submit a logo design.

Corporate makeovers

A structural reason might be a change in ownership, with a new logo signalling a new direction.
Strategic reasons frequently include either a perception issue – negative associations – or to signal a shift in activities, or reflect a change in consumer preferences.
A functional reason could be optimising logo appearance on new platforms such as mobile apps, or to emphasise a brand’s continued relevance.
Tech brands such as Netflix (which included a film reel in its early logo designs) have also followed this format.

Too soon to signal a new direction?

Back in 2000, energy giant BP (formerly British Petroleum) rebranded to express a vision of cleaner energy-related activities.
First, it shifted to the abbreviation BP and then it claimed that the initials BP stood for “Beyond Petroleum”.
But BP’s claim was perceived as misleading by the public because the message preceded the activity by decades.
Convincing users to remain loyal will require X to provide a more convenient and engaging future experience on the platform, whatever that may be.

Elon Musk crowdsourced Twitter's new X logo but research shows shifting focus to the 'everything app' may be premature

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 27, 2023

But his latest move is the most significant: abandoning the globally recognised Twitter brand and renaming the platform X.

Key Points:

But his latest move is the most significant: abandoning the globally recognised Twitter brand and renaming the platform X.
But in keeping with Twitter’s disruptive nature of late, no in-depth explanation for the X rebrand was given to company outsiders, although Musk invited users to submit a logo design.
Musk has used the letter for his engineering company SpaceX, tech startup xAI and now X Corp (he already made the legal change from Twitter Inc. to X Corp in March 2023).

Corporate makeovers

A structural reason might be a change in ownership, with a new logo signalling a new direction.
Strategic reasons frequently include either a perception issue – negative associations – or to signal a shift in activities, or reflect a change in consumer preferences.
A functional reason could be optimising logo appearance on new platforms such as mobile apps, or to emphasise a brand’s continued relevance.
Tech brands such as Netflix (which included a film reel in its early logo designs) have also followed this format.

Too soon to signal a new direction?

Back in 2000, energy giant BP (formerly British Petroleum) rebranded to express a vision of cleaner energy-related activities.
First, it shifted to the abbreviation BP and then it claimed that the initials BP stood for “Beyond Petroleum”.
But BP’s claim was perceived as misleading by the public because the message preceded the activity by decades.
Convincing users to remain loyal will require X to provide a more convenient and engaging future experience on the platform, whatever that may be.

Do rebrands work? Can you trademark an X? An expert answers the burning questions on Musk's Twitter pivot

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

To non-moguls, Elon Musk’s (perhaps temporary) rebrand of Twitter to “X” may seem high risk, amateurish, or even capricious. But it is likely doing exactly what he intended: generating enormous global interest, pushing Twitter closer to his other X brands (SpaceX, Tesla Model X, xAI), and clearing the way for a profitable merging of technologies.What happened to the blue bird?Later, Musk posted an image of the character projected on the firm’s San Francisco headquarters and tweeted (or is that “X’d”?)

Key Points:

To non-moguls, Elon Musk’s (perhaps temporary) rebrand of Twitter to “X” may seem high risk, amateurish, or even capricious. But it is likely doing exactly what he intended: generating enormous global interest, pushing Twitter closer to his other X brands (SpaceX, Tesla Model X, xAI), and clearing the way for a profitable merging of technologies.

What happened to the blue bird?

Later, Musk posted an image of the character projected on the firm’s San Francisco headquarters and tweeted (or is that “X’d”?)
Linda Yaccarino, Twitter’s CEO and potential scapegoat if the rebrand goes wrong, also confirmed the launch on Sunday, tweeting, “X is here!
Let’s do this.”
Read more:
Elon Musk's 'hardcore' management style: a case study in what not to do

Has a radical rebrand ever succeeded?

But it kept “Facebook”, gave us the metaverse, and didn’t deprive the world of a cute feathery icon and concept of “tweeting”.
Branding experts around the globe have been quick to condemn the Twitter shakeup as too sudden and destructive of brand capital.
That’s perhaps because even slight name changes are known to be risky.
The change will take time to play out and can likely be revised, reversed and adjusted as feedback is generated.
Read more:
What will Elon Musk's ownership of Twitter mean for 'free speech' on the platform?

Doesn’t someone else own the “X” trademark?

Trademarks are granted or refused based on their ability to identify the source of the associated goods or services.
Famous brands have advantages: Musk has already garnered enough media attention to ensure X is now a globally recognised term for his company.
My own research argues trademarks used by tech firms involved in consumer search and decision making (like Twitter) are inherently generic.
Both Microsoft and Meta (and many others) have laid claims to X in the past for various goods and services.

What is Musk trying to achieve?

I find that analysis too simplistic, especially given the ongoing focus on antitrust.
Musk is arguably in a position to survey (and reshape) the landscape of not just “town square” discourse but space travel, artificial intelligence (AI), transportation and even politics.
The X rebrand could relate to AI (Musk had a role in a data drought this year by restricting Twitter data access).
Does Musk care if Twitter disappears?

eNaira: Nigeria's digital currency has had a slow start - what's holding it back

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Nigeria was the first country in Africa to roll out a central bank digital currency.

Key Points:

Nigeria was the first country in Africa to roll out a central bank digital currency.
Central bank digital currencies are well placed to serve as the anchor for all forms of digital assets and digital currencies.
The Central Bank of the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank have issued their own central bank digital currency.
Adoption has been slow and accessing central bank digital currency has been a challenge.
It is piloting its central bank digital currency, called e-CNY, in 26 cities but still experiencing poor adoption.

Barriers to adoption

It is believed that the Central Bank of Nigeria wants to develop its own software for the digital currency.
It is, however, reported that banks and financial institution staff do not appear well trained to get users on board.
So the system is not fully ready for adoption.
Data privacy: Under the current design, the central bank will be able to see all transactions of users of the eNaira.

Workable solutions

Users could also get incentives to use the digital currency, in the form of discounts when paying taxes and for other public services.
If these challenges can be surmounted and policy approaches to adoption implemented, adoption of the eNaira is likely to pick up.

How a surfing sea otter revealed the dark side of human nature

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

The authorities are trying to capture and remove said otter from her native environment for climbing onto a man’s surfboard in Santa Cruz, California.

Key Points:

The authorities are trying to capture and remove said otter from her native environment for climbing onto a man’s surfboard in Santa Cruz, California.
In a video of the incident published on Twitter, the otter is seen clambering onto the surfer’s board where she appears to play with it.
If you watch the video, you will notice that the otter remains at the opposite end of the board to the surfer.

War on nature

Words like “conflict” and “clash” fit into an oppositional narrative, which is a simpler way to tell stories than, say, “unusual interaction”.
Any number of things could explain the Santa Cruz otter’s behaviour, including fear, anxiety, protective territorialism, curiosity and perhaps even aggression.
People blame the otter, without stopping to think what our use of this space – their home – may mean to otters.

Our connection to the natural world

When our entanglement with nature becomes conflict, there will be casualties, which tend overwhelmingly to be the animals.
We impose human character traits, such as anger, onto animals without applying sensitivity to their motives.
We reduce their complex experiences, feelings and cognition to a single action if they don’t behave how we think they should (otters must be cute).
The Evening Standard article ends with this quote from a marine expert: “They’re actually pretty aggressive animals.
They’re not as cute and cuddly as people tend to think.” He could easily have been talking about humans.

Here's how the Hollywood actors’ strike will impact the Canadian film industry

Retrieved on:

Monday, July 17, 2023

Hollywood actors went on strike on July 14, joining film and television writers who have been on the picket lines since May.

Key Points:

Hollywood actors went on strike on July 14, joining film and television writers who have been on the picket lines since May.
It’s the first time actors and writers have picketed together since 1960, when Ronald Reagan was the president of the Screen Actors Guild.

‘Cataclysmic’ issues at stake

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists released a statement last week in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA: “[U.S. actors’] issues are our issues and performers deserve respect and fair compensation for the value they bring to every production.” These issues are “cataclysmic,” according to Canadian actor and producer Julian De Zotti.
De Zotti and I discussed these issues as part of a greater conversation on the future of entertainment in the ongoing CTRL ALT DISRUPT series, organized by Artscape Daniels Launchpad and the City of Toronto’s Creative Technology Office.
He is not afraid of new technology, but rather, how it might be misused.

An existential threat

AI poses a threat for actors in particular because their livelihoods depend on their identity.
There need to be specific guardrails and parameters established that protect artists, their creations and their image.

What the strike means for Canada

During the strike, service production, which represents a majority of the $11.69 billion annual work done in Canada, will come to a halt.
All American productions — from big budget blockbusters like Star Trek, which shoots in Toronto, to indie feature films using SAG actors — will be affected.
Read more:
How the Online Streaming Act will support Canadian content
Streaming companies have set up shop in Canada for a few years now, promising to make shows led by Canadians.

Is this Canada’s moment?

From Norman McLaren’s experimental work with the NFB, through the rise of interactive documentaries, to the explosion of game-based virtual concerts, Canada has always been seen as an innovator in entertainment.
Whatever guidelines the WGA and SAG establish with the studios will be used as a template when it’s time for Canadian unions to negotiate.

How far to the next electric vehicle charging station – and will I be able to use it? Here's how to create a reliable network

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 13, 2023

“Charging anxiety” now arises from the uncertainty of finding an available and functional charging station when needed.

Key Points:

“Charging anxiety” now arises from the uncertainty of finding an available and functional charging station when needed.
With electric vehicle sales surging, the reliability of the network of chargers is no longer a potential problem on the horizon.
In the United States, the world’s second-largest electric vehicle market, up to 20% of charging attempts fail.
We can draw on the lessons of the petrol network to develop a charging network that’s ready for mass adoption of electric vehicles.

How did petrol stations become so reliable?

For decades, the petrol industry has maintained a 99.9% availability and reliability rate for its fuel pumps.
The secret lies in factors such as stringent quality control, standardised equipment, comprehensive technician training, robust network design and a mature industry.
The contrast between the petrol industry and today’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is striking.
Petrol bowser manufacturing and service station operations have been largely consolidated under a few industry giants.

What can governments do to help?

Priorities include standardisation, quality control and ongoing skills development, as well as warranty, service and reliability requirements, and monitoring of chargers.
Governments can actively promote standardised charging infrastructure.
Governments also have a role to play in developing specialised training programs.
Governments must also ensure co-funding grants to develop charging infrastructure are put to the best possible use.

Electric vehicle industry has a digital advantage

However, the industry has the advantage of being able to harness digital technology.
It also enables tracking of communication issues between the charger and the vehicle, ensuring a smoother charging process.
This preventive approach not only ensures more reliable charging for electric vehicle users but also reduces operators’ costs.
We must learn from the past successes and limitations of the petrol industry, embrace the transformative power of digital technologies, and adopt policies to steer the industry in the right direction.