Latest news with #AntoniShkraba
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Petrol price increase does little to deter people from buying new cars
According to data from naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, June's new vehicle market grew for the ninth consecutive month to 47,294 vehicles, an increase of 18,7% compared to June 2024. Image: Antoni Shkraba Studio/Pexels While fuel price increases at the pumps this week will place more costs in South Africans' mobility budgets, it isn't deterring them from buying new cars. According to data from naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, June's new vehicle market grew for the ninth consecutive month to 47,294 vehicles, an increase of 18,7% compared to June 2024. 'South Africa's new vehicle market growth has an uncanny alignment to the start of interest rate cuts,' says Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. 'Interest rate reprieve since September 2024 has lifted some burden on indebted consumers and stimulated demand for credit and consequently new vehicles. The South African Reserve Bank has lowered rates 0,75% over the past nine months but may become more cautious with further cuts given global economic turmoil.' But while lower rates have eased affordability marginally, motorists continue to face budget constraints. Despite low inflation, the average contract term continues to increase while the amount of credit reduces. 'These are two major indicators of affordability pressure to reduce monthly instalments within the need for new replacement vehicles,' says Gaoaketse. 'In short: South Africans want new cars – but they're spending less on them.' June's infographic Image: Supplied This has been enabled to some extent by the entrance of new brands to the market at aggressive price points, but also by innovative and attractive incentives on the dealer floor. 'While new vehicle sales continue to build momentum, the overall market growth is clouded in the greater context of having merely returned to pre-COVID-19 levels,' says Gaoaketse. 'Compared to June 2023, the current market is only 1,5% ahead and 2024 volumes were 14% lower in the same month.' Year-to-date sales for the first half of the year are 13,6% up to 278,911 vehicles. The additional 33,291 vehicles this represents in the market this year, compared to the first half of 2024, is the realisation of the recovery the market has displayed this year. New vehicle sales for June 2025 Image: Supplied
Time Business News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
From Office to Home: How Developers Thrive in a Remote World
Photo by Cláudio Emanuel Remote work has transformed the tech industry, giving developers more flexibility, autonomy, and global job opportunities. As companies adopt remote-first policies, developers must navigate new challenges while maximizing productivity. Industries like blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity now embrace decentralized work, with blockchain developer jobs surging in fully remote teams. But what makes remote work so appealing, and how can developers thrive in this evolving landscape? This article explores the benefits, challenges, and best practices for building a successful remote tech career. The Rise of Remote Work for Developers While remote work has existed for years, the global shift in workplace culture—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—pushed companies to embrace remote-friendly policies. This transformation has been made possible by several key factors: Cloud computing and remote collaboration tools – Platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, GitHub, and Docker enable seamless cloud-based development. Efficient communication software – Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom help distributed teams stay connected. Global hiring trends – Companies are prioritizing skills over location, leading to greater opportunities for developers worldwide. The rise of decentralized work models – Many blockchain developer jobs now operate in distributed environments, where teams work across multiple time zones. This evolution has created a landscape where developers can work from virtually anywhere, opening up new possibilities for career growth. Benefits of Remote Work for Developers Photo by Antoni Shkraba Increased Flexibility and Work-Life Balance Remote work allows developers to set their schedules, leading to improved focus and efficiency. By eliminating commuting time, developers can dedicate more hours to coding, learning, or personal pursuits, leading to a healthier work-life balance. Access to Global Job Markets Developers are no longer limited by geographic barriers when looking for work. Many companies now hire globally, offering positions to highly skilled professionals regardless of location. Blockchain developer jobs, in particular, are often remote, allowing specialists to work on smart contract development, decentralized applications (DApps), and cryptographic protocols from anywhere in the world. Higher Productivity Levels Without the distractions of an office environment, many developers report increased productivity. A well-structured home workspace allows for deep focus, fewer interruptions, and the ability to work during peak energy hours. Cost Savings Both developers and companies save money with remote work. Developers reduce expenses related to commuting, eating out, and office attire, while companies save on office space and operational costs. Autonomy and Skill Development Remote work encourages developers to become more self-sufficient. They must proactively solve problems, manage their time effectively, and continuously learn to stay ahead in their field. Challenges of Remote Work for Developers Despite its advantages, remote work presents several challenges that developers must overcome to remain successful. Communication and collaboration barriers – Without in-person interactions, it can be harder to communicate effectively with teammates, leading to misunderstandings. Time zone differences – Coordinating with a globally distributed team can result in scheduling conflicts. Potential distractions at home – Family members, household chores, and social media can impact productivity. Isolation and lack of team bonding – Developers working remotely may miss out on office culture, leading to feelings of disconnection. Difficulty in separating work and personal life – Without clear boundaries, it's easy to overwork and experience burnout. To thrive in a remote environment, developers must adopt strategies that help them stay productive, connected, and engaged. How Developers Can Thrive in a Remote World Create a Dedicated Workspace A productive work environment is crucial for remote developers. Setting up a quiet, ergonomic workspace with a good chair, dual monitors, and proper lighting can improve focus and efficiency. Master Remote Collaboration Tools Developers should become proficient with tools like: Version control: Git, GitHub, GitLab Project management: Jira, Trello, Asana Code collaboration: Visual Studio Live Share, CodeSandbox Communication: Slack, Zoom, Discord Staying organized and keeping project updates transparent ensures smoother team collaboration. Improve Communication Skills Effective communication is key in remote work. Developers should: Be clear and concise in written messages. Regularly check in with their teams through video calls or chat. Actively participate in virtual stand-ups and meetings. Document their work thoroughly to ensure alignment with team members. Stay Updated with Industry Trends Rapid change in the computer sector needs ongoing education to remain competitive. Developers should invest in: Online courses and certifications (Udemy, Coursera, Codecademy). Reading industry blogs and following tech influencers. Participating in hackathons, webinars, and coding competitions. Learning new technologies like blockchain development (Solidity, Ethereum, Hyperledger). Maintain Work-Life Balance To prevent burnout, developers should: Set clear work hours and take regular breaks. Engage in hobbies or physical activities to stay mentally refreshed. Avoid checking work messages after hours to maintain personal time. Build a Strong Professional Network Remote developers should actively connect with others in their field by: Engaging in LinkedIn and GitHub communities. Contributing to open-source projects. Attending virtual conferences and meetups. Networking helps in job searches and staying updated with industry opportunities. The Future of Remote Work for Developers Remote work is the future of tech, with companies offering hybrid and fully remote roles, competitive pay, and global opportunities. For developers, this means flexibility and growth in fields like blockchain developer jobs, AI, and cybersecurity. By mastering remote tools, networking, and industry trends, developers can thrive in a high-demand field that values skill, innovation, and adaptability. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
