The iPhone is attractive, but there are more interesting smartphones with an alternative design and a different proposal (without neglecting power). It seems that currently all smartphones look the same. They all have the same rear design, which means that they cannot identify each other. In the case of iPhones, it is the same. Its design advances but does not move away from the past and remains conservative, only varying in size. Since the smartphone is just another accessory, a more interesting design can undoubtedly be more attractive to some, as long as they do not neglect technology. Here we decided to compile some of the most striking phones on the market this year and that are separated from everyone we know and that look the same. Nothing Phone (1) The Nothing Phone 1 has completely surprised the market with its alternative design proposal. Carl Pei's company knows that all smartphones on the market are too similar to each other, so much so that it is almost impossible to differentiate them in the first place, so - with minimalism as a basis - it decided to create a different phone. What we have is a "skeleton" equivalent in which we see the interior design of the phone without a traditional case, while its characteristics place it at the forefront of the mid- and high-end options. The only problem is that for now the phone has a limited distribution. However, the company hopes to be able to reach more than 40 markets in the coming months (and hopefully Latin America is being considered). Google Pixel 6a One of the phones that has been compared to the Nothing Phone (1), with some pointing out that it is better. The Google Pixel 6a is interesting for its design, which also moves away from the current traditions of the iPhone with a line that passes through the top and where the cameras are housed (which are of excellent quality). On the other hand, it can be a little smaller however, it is light and comfortable, in addition to having a more powerful processor, and it is much more reliable at the moment. Also, if you are afraid to get away from Android , you will have nothing to fear here. While in the past it was difficult to see Pixel products in the Latin market, they are now available. Its price is not too high, so it is an excellent choice for the mid-range. OnePlus Nord 2T Carl Pei, who was in charge of the Nothing Phone project, worked with OnePlus and decided to leave to create his own design, using some of his lessons learned on these devices, however the OnePlus is quite different, at least in terms of its design. Inside it is quite impressive with a Sony IMX766 50 MP camera, a bright 32MP screen in AMOLED, while it has an absolute focus on audio with speakers that do not distort sound and sound quite clear even at high volumes. What stands out is the style of its rear cameras, which gives it a massive appearance compared to other devices. Its matte tone is not so unique, but it is attractive to the smartphone. iQOO Neo 6 As for interesting designs, the IQOO Neo 6 really attracts attention also with a different look than what we know. In this case it is a vertical box or rectangle that wraps the cameras while below we see a detail in text from the phone. On the other hand, this phone has a Snapdragon 870 processor with an Adreno 650 GPU. The RAM capacity is 12GB, and its AMOLED screen is also one of the best we can find today. Its operating system is FunTouch OS 12, which is based on Android (similar to how Nothing OS works). Realme GT2 Another striking design on the part of the cameras with another box that comes out of the side and that can be comfortable so that the phone does not tilt when it does not have a case, which happens with others that we have seen on the list. It is also quite attractive in high-middle range with a 6.62-inch Full HD AMOLED display, with 120Hz in refresh rate and up to 1300 nits of brightness. It has glass protection (but that's not why you should leave the case).

GQ South Africa | Men&#x27;s Fashion, Style, Grooming, Trends &amp; Culture

The most interesting smartphones on the market that are not iPhone

The iPhone is attractive, but there are more interesting smartphones with an alternative design and a different proposal (without neglecting power).
It seems that currently all smartphones look the same. They all have the same rear design, which means that they cannot identify each other.
In the case of iPhones, it is the same. Its design advances but does not move away from the past and remains conservative, only varying in size.
Since the smartphone is just another accessory, a more interesting design can undoubtedly be more attractive to some, as long as they do not neglect technology.
Here we decided to compile some of the most striking phones on the market this year and that are separated from everyone we know and that look the same.
Nothing Phone (1)
View this post on Instagram
The Nothing Phone 1 has completely surprised the market with its alternative design proposal.
Carl Pei's company knows that all smartphones on the market are too similar to each other, so much so that it is almost impossible to differentiate them in the first place, so - with minimalism as a basis - it decided to create a different phone.
What we have is a "skeleton" equivalent in which we see the interior design of the phone without a traditional case, while its characteristics place it at the forefront of the mid- and high-end options.
The only problem is that for now the phone has a limited distribution. However, the company hopes to be able to reach more than 40 markets in the coming months (and hopefully Latin America is being considered).
Google Pixel 6a
One of the phones that has been compared to the Nothing Phone (1), with some pointing out that it is better.
The Google Pixel 6a is interesting for its design, which also moves away from the current traditions of the iPhone with a line that passes through the top and where the cameras are housed (which are of excellent quality).
On the other hand, it can be a little smaller however, it is light and comfortable, in addition to having a more powerful processor, and it is much more reliable at the moment.
Also, if you are afraid to get away from Android, you will have nothing to fear here.
While in the past it was difficult to see Pixel products in the Latin market, they are now available. Its price is not too high, so it is an excellent choice for the mid-range.
OnePlus Nord 2T
Carl Pei, who was in charge of the Nothing Phone project, worked with OnePlus and decided to leave to create his own design, using some of his lessons learned on these devices, however the OnePlus is quite different, at least in terms of its design.
Inside it is quite impressive with a Sony IMX766 50 MP camera, a bright 32MP screen in AMOLED, while it has an absolute focus on audio with speakers that do not distort sound and sound quite clear even at high volumes.
What stands out is the style of its rear cameras, which gives it a massive appearance compared to other devices. Its matte tone is not so unique, but it is attractive to the smartphone.
iQOO Neo 6
As for interesting designs, the IQOO Neo 6 really attracts attention also with a different look than what we know.
In this case it is a vertical box or rectangle that wraps the cameras while below we see a detail in text from the phone.
On the other hand, this phone has a Snapdragon 870 processor with an Adreno 650 GPU.
The RAM capacity is 12GB, and its AMOLED screen is also one of the best we can find today. Its operating system is FunTouch OS 12, which is based on Android (similar to how Nothing OS works).
Realme GT2
Another striking design on the part of the cameras with another box that comes out of the side and that can be comfortable so that the phone does not tilt when it does not have a case, which happens with others that we have seen on the list.
It is also quite attractive in high-middle range with a 6.62-inch Full HD AMOLED display, with 120Hz in refresh rate and up to 1300 nits of brightness. It has glass protection (but that's not why you should leave the case).
A Snapdragon 888 is used here, and exceeds all those on this list in capacity. It also has a fairly powerful battery with a fast charge.
[Via GQ Mexico]
Subscribe Subscribe

President of the SA Federation of Mental Health and founding member of International Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr Lochan Naidoo provides insight into the complexities of addiction, treatment thereof and its relationship with mental health. As the years have progressed there has been a growing awareness of the connection between mental illnesses and addiction. ‘Addiction is a complex disease and a subset of mental health. It is caused by a combination of behavioural, biological, and environmental factors, and it results in changes in the brain’s structure and function,’ says Dr Naidoo. There is no definitive answer to the question of which comes first, mental health or addiction or substance abuse. Generally there is a consensus that although mental health or addiction does not cause the other, each influences the onset of the opposite condition. He explains that the relationship between the two is also impacted by the risk factors associated with each. For example, experiencing a traumatic event, especially in childhood can trigger a mental health condition, like depression. It could also lead to poor coping mechanisms and result in early experimentation with substances and lead to an addiction over time. Neurological factors, such as neurotransmitter functioning and brain maturation can also impact both mental wellness and substance use. “Using drugs and alcohol can worsen a mental health problem by increasing symptoms or bringing on new ones. That is why only treating one problem (substance abuse or mental illness) is not effective. Full recovery requires treating the root of the issue rather than just mitigating the symptoms. “Substance abuse and mental health disorders often have similar or even identical symptoms, complicating diagnosis and treatment. “Being screened by a professional who is experienced in dealing with co-occurring disorders can help you receive the proper diagnosis and, in turn, get the personalised treatment you need to recover,“ says Dr Naidoo. Common mental health illnesses that co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, ADD and eating disorders. Addiction can be either physical or behavioural, and often they go hand in hand. Though alcohol, drugs and tobacco are commonly recognised types of addiction, there are actually hundreds of types of medically and scientifically recognised addictions. “The type of addiction doesn’t really matter as much as the underlying issue causing the patient to chase that pleasurable feeling while incurring adverse consequences. “Addiction manifests itself differently in each person, and signs of addiction vary based on what the person is addicted to. “Drug addiction changes the body, specifically the brain, and can have visible physical side effects. Behavioural addiction does not exhibit the same physical symptoms that accompany drug and alcohol addiction or substance abuse.” To understand addiction better, Dr Naidoo explains that a distinction needs to be made between substance abuse and substance addiction – terms that are often used interchangeably, as well as dependency. “Dependency is when a person needs something in order to function normally and is often accompanied by increased tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal when the drug or behaviour is no longer present. “It is a gateway to addiction. A person can be dependent without being addicted if it does not cause a person to engage in compulsive or harmful behaviour ,” says Dr Naidoo. People addicted to substances and people who abuse substances are different. Not everyone who uses substances is abusing them. And not everyone who abuses substances are addicts. He explains that those who abuse drugs and alcohol tend to still have control over their lives, while those with an addiction have a disease that affects many aspects of their life. “People with addiction may seem to only have an abuse problem, when in reality their life is beginning to fall apart. Similarly, those with an abuse problem might seem like they have an addiction, but they actually are in control of their substance use. Patients with addiction are different from substance abuser. With substance abusers you place a boundary for them and they will tend to respect that boundary. These are patients who are generally naive people, who are looking for some gain maybe in the group that they're associated with, who've learned behaviour because of familial tendencies, and their family's way of living. And those people, if they are counselled, they generally tend to see the light and change their ways. Patients with addiction, unfortunately, will rarely benefit from counselling. These patients need real therapy, they need to buy into the situation, into a different lifestyle,“ explains Dr Naidoo. A lot of them are using the chemicals or behaviours to be able to soothe an underlying deep fear. So there may be a lot of people who have early childhood trauma, who have had early neurological issues, people who have had exposure to primary caregivers not being there for them. These are the people who are looking for structure. And eventually, as they move on in life, they taste a chemical, and this chemical gives them a positive emotional reinforcement. So they can be dependent on this. And it evolves into an addiction where once they start, they cant stop. They always remember this feeling and whenever there's some chaos and crisis, etc., they tend to go back to that chemical.’ He further explains that there is a lot of neurological damage in addiction that goes untreated or unaddressed, for example, short term memory loss. “The problem of just prior to the patient wanting to take the chemical of choice, this release of neuro-chemicals, which actually temporarily paralyses their common sense, heightens the intellect and provides the reason to justify why they need to use it, prevents them from remembering the last negative consequences of the use, and heightens the memory of the early days when they were able to control the use of chemicals. It's almost as if the patient gets set up again to relapse. So I always go come to call to question this issue about calling someone an alcoholic or drug addict and say, okay, you are defining the person by their drug of choice. But actually the drug of choice is not the disease.“ Dr Naidoo does not believe that there is one specific personality type that is more susceptible to addiction. “I will say that people with addiction tend to be quite intelligent. They’re failing in intimate relationships and being able to manage their emotions, but they tend not to fail at task-based activities. They're very intelligent, and that's why a lot of people cannot understand how they are doing this to themselves and their family? It’s important to know that when you are treating addiction, you’re treating certain areas of that person. And that is why I actually don’t like this label of alcoholic or drug addict – it’s too global and one-dimensional. Treatment for addiction shouldn't be about just removing the label of alcoholic and stop drinking; it should be looking at why you're drinking. Why when you start, you can't stop? You need to start developing Insight. What damage has been done to me by my drinking? What damage has been done to me prior to my drinking? What are the things why do I need to maintain recovery? There has to be multi axial diagnosis that goes beyond these labels, so that we can treat the people, instead of treating diagnosis.’ Pointing out that SA is blessed with a lot of different professions starting right from psychiatry, nurses, social workers, medical doctors, psychologist education and clinical psychologists and other specialists, he says that what needs to be encouraged in South Africa is an integrated multidisciplinary team approach where every professional or healthcare provider is working for the patient to ensure their well-being. “There is a major mental part in the treatment of addiction, from detoxification to post-acute withdrawal to healing neurological damage and tertiary prevention. “If you have undergone a treatment process, it doesn’t simply end on your last day at the facility. There is still a lot of hard work that you have to do, and a lot of it is done on your own, like self-motivation. “And you wont be able to motivate yourself if you are not emotionally / mentally strong and capable,“ he says. ‘In addiction, if someone has a slip it, the patient the patient himself castigates himself that they failed. There is tremendous social pressure regarding failure. And that's why it's so important to de-stigmatise relapse, to be able to know that recovery is an ongoing process that people go up and down. It's important to put in place mechanisms to prevent relapse because only 20% of people who relapse reenter treatments, the other 80% - 20% of them die 20% of them end up in marital issues and legal issues. 20% of them end up in mental health conditions, and 20% of them end up in medical issues.’ On the discussion of addiction and the different genders, Dr Naidoo explains that the distinctions between men and women suffering from addiction stem from biological and sociological differences. Many researchers explain gender differences between the two as a result of the impact of society, such as childcare responsibilities, addiction stigma, relationship dynamics, etc... There are also biological differences between men and women, revolving primarily around testosterone and oestrogen production as well as average body size and composition, that cause substances to diversely affect the body. It has been said that men are still significantly more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol and drugs due to not talking about mental health and gender-based expectations for what constitutes “masculine” behaviour. ‘The term mental health gets used quite loosely and there is still stigma attached to it. In treatment we like to refer to it as emotional health. In our society a man is the protector and a provider; that men don’t cry. Addiction is a progressive illness. The signs of a problem with substance abuse can be easy to miss at first. Men who have been conditioned to believe they can solve their problems on their own may stay in denial about their substance abuse until a crisis situation pushes them to seek treatment,’ says Dr Naidoo. ‘The social constructs of what a man is supposed to be prevent them from asking for help. It's seen as a sign of weakness . Men need to start realising that families are important that we need good caring men, and if a man can't care for his own emotional health, he is not going to care for the emotional health of his children and his family. And that's a massive area of treatment in addiction care - changing the rules and the culture within yourself.’ [Addiction](How to know if you have a masturbation addiction?) all too often lacks basic understanding and education in our society, and common myths continue to circulate. Addictions are chronic, progressive and can be fatal, so it is always recommended that individuals encourage their loved ones to get help for their addiction if they are unable to stop on their own.

We need to talk about addiction

Transnet has announced plans to change Durban Container Terminal’s (DCT) Pier 1 and 2 box storage procedure timing to reduce truck congestion and improve terminal stack fluidity.
Transnet said in a statement on Thursday that it would be changing the counting of the free 78 hours of container storage to be effective from the date that a container is offloaded and stored in the port’s stacking area. The parastatal said that the change was in line with the port’s efforts to remove inefficiencies from the supply chain to improve terminal stack fluidity.
Previously, the counting of the free 78 hours would start after all containers on a vessel had been offloaded. Under the new operating model, the counting of the free 78 hours will begin from the date the container is offloaded from the vessel and placed in the stacking area to be collected.
Transnet said cargo owners would continue to receive the free import storage as referenced in the tariff book and there would be no additional charges, however the start of the free storage period would be updated. The parastatal said it had notified all stakeholders of the intention to change the timing this week and that it would further engage with port users before implementation, which was planned for September 1 for DCT Pier 2 and October 1 for DCT Pier 1.
Newly appointed DCT managing executive Earle Peters explained how the new system would work.
“Instead of waiting for all containers to offload before we advise industry, DCT will be starting the free storage clock from the date the container lands in the stacking area. This way, we will discourage the truck congestion associated with pick up on the last 24 hours of the allocated free 78 hours,” Peters said.
He added that the initiative would aid a smoother collection process to ensure fluidity on public roads and within the operational area at the terminals.
“Through this initiative, we are able to optimise existing capacity, and importantly, eliminate wasted time as congestion in the stacking area slows down the operation,” said Peters.
Over the past few years, vessels calling the Durban container terminals have increased in their call exchange size. For example, two years ago the biggest import vessel would carry 3 000 containers for offloading. These vessels now carry 4 000 containers, requiring additional stacking capacity and a longer duration to offload.
“If we offload 1500 containers in the first 24 hours like we do, importers can immediately start sending trucks for collection instead of waiting on all 4 000 containers to offload before advising industry of availability for collection,” Peters said. “This will reduce unnecessary dwell times in the terminal and aid the evacuation of containers as soon as possible, improving the entire supply chain.”
The terminals have also piloted a mass rail import evacuation system, in partnership with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), to ease the movement of trucks that were congesting Bayhead Road after the April floods. One 50-wagon train now replaces 53 road trucks that previously called on the terminals via Bayhead Road. This initiative will continue for the benefit of all users of the terminals.
In addition, the terminals have collaborated with the cold storage logistics chain and TFR to offer a mass export solution for citrus ambient reefers as South Africa enters month three of the busy citrus season. The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) has granted approval for ambient reefer movements between Bayhead and the terminals.
“Engagements with industry are ongoing and we are working with our logistics service providers to make use of the operation as its success depends on their uptake,” said Peters.

Freight News

Transnet highlights plan to fix truck congestion at Durban port

Uncertainty continues to surround the loss of containers from the mega-shipAPL Vandaearlier this month.
Casualty management firm WK Websterreported yesterdaythat the 17292-TEU capacity ship had lost an unknown number of containers overboard on or about July 3 and it was working to verify the severity of the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred while the vessel was navigating off Djibouti on July 3 and later moved to Djibouti anchorage on July 4 for inspection. It currently remains there.
According to the casualty management company, Recovery issues may arise as a result of the incident in respect of the loss of containers overboard and physical damage to cargo stowed with regard to other containers that may have sustained damage but which remain on board the vessel.
A company statement reveals that CMA CGM intends to omit the vessel's scheduled call at Southampton and instead tranship cargo destined for Southampton at Tanger- Mediterranean Port for on-carriage by the next available vessel.
WK Webster says any amendment to the vessel's schedule as a result of the incident may result in claims for delay and deterioration of temperature-sensitive and time-sensitive cargo.
The company has recommended that affected shippers contact them if they are concerned with any cargo on board the vessel so that they can immediately start taking steps to protect their interests.
View the discussion thread.
The new timing of the free 78-hour stack storage period is expected to improve efficiency.
In SA more than 80% of international trade is facilitated through forwarders.
Interim chief commercial officer, Simon Newton-Smith, resigns.
Several projects in the pipeline illustrate its continued growth agenda.
European power utilities have been eager buyers of South African coal, despite high prices in the wake of a ban on Russian cargoes.
The canal’s authorities are ensuring that the country receives its share of the rising fortunes of the shipping sector.
The threat of Gulf of Guinea piracy and crew kidnappings remains.
Clearance of Snake Island opens route to Danube River ports.
It relates to corruption involving some R93 million during the purchase of at least 1 064 locomotives.
Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi is expected to provide an update on the country’s smart border control plan.
The four appeared in court in what is considered a ‘seminal case’ for the National Prosecuting Authority.
The early part of the review period provided some encouraging news for a post-pandemic economic recovery.

Megaship APL Vanda loses containers overboard – details murky

South African Airways’ interim chief commercial officer, Simon Newton-Smith, has announced that he will leave the company at the end of August and hand over the reins to Tebogo Tsimane.
Tsimane has several years of experience at senior level within the commercial and operational environment at SAA.
“My job was to support the team in restarting SAA, rebuilding market confidence, and ensuring that our passenger and cargo loads were maximised during a tough operating environment,” said Newton-Smith.
“After a year leading the team, and with the foundation set for the next chapter in SAA’s rebuild, now is the right time for me to hand the reins to Tebogo,” he added.
SAA’s interim chair and CEO Professor John Lamola believes Newton-Smith has laid the foundation for the stability of the airline’s commercial operation.
Tsimane has held several senior roles at the airline. “He has an exceptional understanding of the complexities of the new aviation operating environment and knows exactly what SAA needs to do to remain successful and profitable,” Lamola added.

Changes at the top for SAA

Congestion for dry bulk carriers at Rotterdam has soared due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
And Africa – in particular South Africa – is a major contributor. That’s according to trade data released by VesselsValue, a provider of maritime and aviation data.
Trade from Africa rose by 4.6 million tons or 72% (April 1 to June 30, 2022 versus April 1 to June 30, 2021).South Africa contributed 3.0 million tons of the increase, according to the data.
“European power utilities have been eager buyers of South African coal, despite high prices in the wake of a ban on Russian cargoes. This has lifted coal trade from South Africa to Northwest Europe to levels not seen since 2014. Rotterdam in The Netherlands is the region’s main coal import terminal, but several other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, received cargoes, having imported no coal at all from South Africa in the previous year,” the report pointed out.
“This knock-on effect from the conflict and wider global energy crisis will be a key near-term indicator for the dry bulk and European power sectors,” it added.
Since the outbreak of war in late February, the average waiting time for a bulker at Europe’s busiest port has often been above the high end of its three-year range. But over the seven-week period from May 9 to June 29, it escalated from 48 hours to 186 hours, as shown in Figure 1 below. It has since eased to 113 hours but remains very high for the time of year.
Figure 1: Average Waiting Times for Dry Bulk Carriers at Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Dry bulk imports into Northwest Europe have been steadily recovering since the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic in mid-2020. But growth has accelerated since the Russian invasion and volumes are now higher than pre-pandemic levels.
As shown in Figure 2 below, much of the increase is driven by flows from within Europe. In the April to June period, trade flows from within the region increased by 6.9 million tons, or 21% on the same period last year. Intra-Northwest Europe trade was 8.2 million tons higher, more than offsetting a 2.9m-ton drop in imports from the Baltic Sea region, where there are several key Russian ports.
Figure 2: Northwest Europe Dry Bulk Imports by Loading Region.
View the discussion thread.
The new timing of the free 78-hour stack storage period is expected to improve efficiency.
Scheduled call at Southampton to be omitted and cargo transhipped at Tanger-Mediterranean Port for on-carriage by the next available vessel.
In SA more than 80% of international trade is facilitated through forwarders.
Interim chief commercial officer, Simon Newton-Smith, resigns.
Several projects in the pipeline illustrate its continued growth agenda.
The canal’s authorities are ensuring that the country receives its share of the rising fortunes of the shipping sector.
The threat of Gulf of Guinea piracy and crew kidnappings remains.
Clearance of Snake Island opens route to Danube River ports.
It relates to corruption involving some R93 million during the purchase of at least 1 064 locomotives.
Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi is expected to provide an update on the country’s smart border control plan.
The four appeared in court in what is considered a ‘seminal case’ for the National Prosecuting Authority.
The early part of the review period provided some encouraging news for a post-pandemic economic recovery.

SA coal trade helps drive congestion at Rotterdam

Ukraine is working to revive inland ports along the northern edge of the Danube River Delta, following the removal of Russian forces from Snake Island.
Although the river is lined only with small riverine ports, these have taken on greater significance due to Russia’s blockading of all Ukrainian coastlines.
Two of the seaports cut off by the Russian Navy, Odessa and Mykolaiv, have historically handled a large portion of the country’s grain exports, reportsThe Maritime Executive,leavingUkraine with few options for exporting its crops, and some 25 million tonnes of grain currently sitting in storage.
An option that Ukraine does have is the use of the Danube River as a route; the shallow-draft inland ports can tranship cargo by barge into Romania for onward transport. The Port of Reni is currently undergoing activation.
If accessible by the sea, the ports could realise even more potential. This is possible by two waterways: the Sulina Canal through Romanian territory, and the Bystry Canal near the mouth of the Danube's northern branch.
Currently over 150 ships have been waiting to enter the Sulina Canal, and until recently, the Bystry estuary route has been closed.
View the discussion thread.
The new timing of the free 78-hour stack storage period is expected to improve efficiency.
Scheduled call at Southampton to be omitted and cargo transhipped at Tanger-Mediterranean Port for on-carriage by the next available vessel.
In SA more than 80% of international trade is facilitated through forwarders.
Interim chief commercial officer, Simon Newton-Smith, resigns.
Several projects in the pipeline illustrate its continued growth agenda.
European power utilities have been eager buyers of South African coal, despite high prices in the wake of a ban on Russian cargoes.
The canal’s authorities are ensuring that the country receives its share of the rising fortunes of the shipping sector.
The threat of Gulf of Guinea piracy and crew kidnappings remains.
It relates to corruption involving some R93 million during the purchase of at least 1 064 locomotives.
Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi is expected to provide an update on the country’s smart border control plan.
The four appeared in court in what is considered a ‘seminal case’ for the National Prosecuting Authority.
The early part of the review period provided some encouraging news for a post-pandemic economic recovery.

Ukraine working to open alternative ports

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL HOT DOG DAY One of the most popular fast foods, after hamburgers and pizzas, has to be the highly underrated hot dog, which even has its own day – International Hot Dog Day – which is celebrated on Wednesday, July 20.Hot dogs are purely an American invention and while the sausages used are German in origin, nobody thought to put them in a bun until they began to catch on in popularity in America. Most people credit Charles Feltman, a German immigrant who ran a hugely successful restaurant on Coney Island, with being the first to sell hot dogs in 1870, but a couple of other contenders exist as well. The most popular alternate theory claims that a Bavarian immigrant named Anton Feuchtwanger sold hot sausages on the streets of St. Louis and included a roll for customers to hold the sausage to prevent them from burning their fingers.As for the term “hot dog”, there are several myths and legends around that as well. One theory goes that because the sausages were thin and long, vendors took to calling them “dachshund sausages”, which evolved into “hot dog.” Another posits that the name was created by students at Yale University in the 1890s who referred to the wagons selling hot sausages in buns outside their dorms as “dog wagons” and the wares therefore as “hot dogs”.In more recent news Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut gobbled his way to a 15th win at the recently held Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in the US, powering down 63 hot dogs in only 10 minutes. It was less than the 76 he consumed last year but he did have to stop for a few minutes to put an interloper into a headlock before security took over!The women’s record-holder, Miki Sudo, downed 40 to win the women’s title after skipping last year’s contest because she was pregnant.Finally – the world’s longest hot dog with both a contiguous sausage and bun was made in Paraguay in 2011, to commemorate its 200th anniversary as a country. At 204 metres long, making the record-breaking sausage was the easy part, but to make the bun, the entire raw dough bun had to be fed by conveyor belts through an oven. After the measurement was taken, the hot dog was cut into 2,000 portions and distributed to the public.Back home, we asked a few chefs from the six Capsicum Culinary Studio campuses around the country for their favourite hot dog toppings and here’s what they said:Chef Mark Coombe, head of the Pretoria campus adds a sriracha mayo to give a spicy kick to the hot dog. “I also add fresh rocket for a peppery flavour,” he says. Chef Donavan Miller, from the school’s Durban campus says: “The bun must be cut on the top and toasted, shredded lettuce at the base, then a cheese griller topped with caramelised onion or a good chakalaka. I never use tomato sauce because it takes away from the sausage flavour. The ultimate bun would be doused with melted herb butter and loaded with fries, jalapeno and melted cheese.”While Jeanne Law, from the Nelson Mandela Bay campus prefers hot dog to be “a fat chargrilled Vienna or Russian served on a buttery, toasted brioche bun stuffed with a red cabbage and rocket slaw, homemade kimchi, sriracha and miso mayo, toasted peanuts, crispy onions and slow roasted cherry tomatoes.”Lastly, Chef Marlon De Freitas from Capsicum’s Cape Town campus shares his recipe for his favourite version – the Mexican Chilli DogIngredients2 peppers (1 red and 1 yellow)1 onion2 garlic cloves1 large tomato (deseeded)50g beef minceOne chilli, finely chopped1 tbs olive oilsalt and pepper to taste30g mozzarella cheese, cubed1 packet Vienna sausages6 hot dog rollscoriander to garnishMethodJulienne the peppers, onion and tomato. Finely mince the garlic. In a medium size pan gently fry the peppers, onion, tomato and garlic in a little olive oil until soft and season with salt and pepper. Add the beef mince and chili and cook until the beef has browned and cooked through. Take off the heat and add the cheese, letting it melt into the mince. Drop the sausages in boiling water for 2 mins and remove. Cut the buns in half lengthways, lightly brush with olive oil and toast lightly. Place the cooked sausage in the bun, top with the cheesy Mexican chilli and garnish with fresh coriander. International Hot Dog DayMexican Chilli DogrecipesShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); SLEEP AND YOUR BRAIN!No More StoriesAbout The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts CELEBRATE WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY WITH DECADENT ORANGE & RUM CHOCOLATE POTS! CELEBRATE WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY ON 7TH JULY WITH MURATIE SNEAKY WAYS TO ADD EXTRA HYDRATION TO YOUR DIET THIS WINTER TRADITIONAL, DELICIOUS VETKOEK FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

Spice4Life

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

BIG MOUTH GOES BIGGER FOR GOLD! Don’t tell people your plans; show them your results! Big truths were spoken in the most recent Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, and we are absolutely stoked to share our recent accolades with you. BIG MOUTH by Overhex Wines fared exceptionally well in this challenge, where wines are judged out of 100 by international standards, giving a shout-out to all three contemporary wines in our stable! BIG MOUTH Wines were created to demystify wines while making it a fun and learning experience as you discover fresh and delicious wines for everyday drinking. It is a brand you can confidently resonate with, sans the wine jargon, and know that you enjoy excellent quality at great prices. Everyone knows the party is lit when BIG MOUTH wines are poured, and it seems like wine judges globally are on fleek in recognising that the struggle is real for those who don’t dare to be different! The Big Mouth Blushing Rosé and the Big Mouth Sassy Red were each awarded a best value medal; that is not something anyone would want to stay quiet about! And true confidence pays off as the Big Mouth Luscious White reeled in a gold medal, a testimony to the bold personality of South African white wines. As a brand born to represent the young and outspoken wine enthusiast, we are thrilled that this achievement is published in nine international languages in the Gilbert & Gaillard online guide. Wait for it; this means the news will reach more like-minded and confident drinkers in France and more than 22 countries worldwide! The Gilbert & Gaillard judges awarded pink for the trend it has become, recognising the quality of the Big Mouth Blushing Rosé. The wine’s vibrant crimson pink colour immediately tells you to expect a burst of raspberry flavours with a zippy citrus tang for freshness. Big Mouth Sassy Red didn’t go unnoticed either, oozing aromas of plums and red cherries but with smooth and supple tannin. And then, the showstopper in this round, Big Mouth Luscious White. If only we could be a fly on the wall as it must’ve seduced the judges with its vibrant intensity of citrus and tropical fruit. If the French experts can spot our quality, so can you, and we cannot wait to see you speak your #Bigtruths on Instagram with a glass of BIG MOUTH in hand! Big Mouth WinesGilbert & Gaillard International ChallengeOverhex WinesShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); FIVE THINGS YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT BEFORE YOUR BABY COMESMAXIRACE CAPE WINELANDS RELEASES THEIR 2022 ROUTESAbout The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts BIG MOUTH WINES – COMING TO THOSE KEEPING IT LOUD & REAL Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

BIG MOUTH GOES BIGGER FOR GOLD!

SOMETHING’S BUBBLING: WELCOME TO MOËT & CHANDON’S NEW CHAMPAGNE BAR AT HARRODS, LONDON Moët & Chandon opens its largest stand-alone champagne bar in Europe today at Harrods, Knightsbridge, London with a full selection of champagnes from innovations to rarities, signature cocktails and a fun ‘Food Bites’ menu. Think of Moët & Chandon and you envision glamour and elegance, and this bar is like no other. Visitors will be able to experience first-hand the generosity of the Maison’s sprawling vineyards, with a full selection of Moët & Chandon champagnes available by the glass with prices starting from £16. From the elegant blonde notes of the Brut Impérial NV to the sweet aromas of the House’s Grand Vintage Rosé or for cocktail lovers, look no further than the ‘Peach Blossom‘ and ‘Champagne Shake’. All Moët & Chandon enthusiasts will be captivated by the magic of this unique encounter. Champagnes available to savour by the bottle – from 75cl to magnum – will include exceptional wines from the Moët & Chandon Legacy Champagne Grand Vintage and Legacy Champagne Rare Limited-Edition Bottle Collections – with the likes of a 1959 Grand Vintage Magnum worth £4,400 on offer, as well as the more accessible Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial NV. With an array of sumptuous sweet and savory dishes available, foodies will not be disappointed. From the bar’s signature ‘Choux Love’ dish – a mouthwatering dessert of choux pastry buns with a mango & passion fruit diplomat filling (each branded with one of the four M O Ë T letters) – to the deliciously tempting ‘Cheese Délice’ – a Burrata Stracciatella, spicy Kimchi & black sesame toastie. Other notable dishes include the aptly named ‘The World Is Your Oyster’ – rock oysters, pear & cucumber, Oscietra caviar; the vegan-friendly ‘Not Another Faux Pas’ – faux gras, rhubarb, ginger and bread; and the unctuous ‘Moët Caramel’ – a dark chocolate shell (cleverly cast in the shape of a Moët & Chandon embossed bottle plaque) filled with 66% dark chocolate mousse & salted caramel, served on a crunchy biscuit. To enhance the unique customer experience, dishes will be presented on a selection of bespoke plates each bearing a different famous champagne quote, including “Pleasure without champagne is purely artificial” by Oscar Wilde and “My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink enough champagne” – a remark once made British Economist John Maynard Keynes. Moët & Chandon has elated the royal courts of France under Louis XV, walked the red carpets of Hollywood, toasted the Grand Slams of the world, lit up Studio 54, ﬂashed during Fashion Weeks, rejoiced with the Queen’s milestones, and now joins Harrods – an iconic London destination with its doors open to all. Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL Open from Thursday 7 July 2022 Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 9pm / Sunday: 12pm – 6pm For reservations, please book HERE champagnesEuropeHarrodsKnightsbridgeLondonMoët & ChandonShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); NEW MODERN BRAND AND EATERY, GRK, REDEFINES GREEK STREET FOODFIVE THINGS YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT BEFORE YOUR BABY COMESAbout The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts MOËT & CHANDON BRINGS EFFERVESCENT FÊTE TO THE CITY OF GOLD MOM’S THE WORD – A LUXURY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE MOËT & CHANDON INVITES COUPLES THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA TO TIE THE KNOT WITH A GLAMOROUS MOËT MINIMONY TO REMEMBER BOITY TOASTS WITH MOËT & CHANDON TO CELEBRATE 4 MILLION FOLLOWERS MILESTONE Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

SOMETHING’S BUBBLING: WELCOME TO MOËT & CHANDON’S NEW CHAMPAGNE BAR AT HARRODS, LONDON

NATIONAL SAVINGS MONTH: HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS LIVING COSTS GO UP While July is designated as South Africa’s national savings month, many may question the viability of saving given the rising cost of living, inflation, persistent loadshedding, and rising petrol prices. Many South Africans are concerned about making it through the month. There are, however, little measures that may be taken to save money. In this article, we ask industry professionals for suggestions on how South Africans might save money during difficult economic times. 1. Save before you spend as you spend There is a way of saving that may help you meet your long-term savings objectives without requiring you to make major lifestyle adjustments. Micro-investment, which entails saving little sums of money regularly and over time, makes it possible to save with minimal effort, according to the founder of the fintech platform upnup, Tony Mallam. App-based investing has become more popular because it lets you use your phone to automate your savings and investments. “There is no need to modify your lifestyle or how you save if you use a micro-investment program that accomplishes this for you automatically,” says Tony Mallam, founder of the fintech platform upnup “The groundwork has already been completed.” “One of the advantages of our app, is that it is weekly, not monthly, so more regular small sums as opposed to one big sum at the end of the month, and that, more crucially, you put the money aside by doing it weekly, before you reach the end of the month and nothing is left.” There is no minimum investment amount, so anybody may begin to save by rounding up their transactions or adding to them. Why not take advantage of a transaction that is taking place regardless? 2. Month-to-month contracts The cost of living has soared, and so has the cost of getting the things we need for our home. Forking out tons of cash on a new washing machine or TV isn’t always possible (or the smartest option. “Rental is an alternative to ownership, giving you the option of paying monthly for that washing machine, fridge or dishwasher, which means that you free up budget to spend on the important things in life, or save up for a big purchase,” says Jonathan Hurvitz, CEO of Teljoy. “You get benefits like maintenance and risk cover included in the monthly cost, which are fewer expenses to worry about,” continues Hurvitz. “The bonus is that, since this is a month-to-month contract, you can cancel at any time if your circumstances change, upgrade, or even downgrade if you want to save even more money. It’s a smart way to save the money that you would have spent on a costly once-off purchase.” 3. Pay-as-you-drive motor insurance can be a smart money saver Motor insurance is one of those items that you can’t afford to neglect, because of the risk to your finances should something happen to your car! According to Head of MiWay Blink, Keletso Mpisane, “If you’re working from home, you’re probably not driving as much as you used to. And, if your insurance premium is a fixed amount every month, no matter how much you drive during the month, you should change to an insurer that bases your insurance premium amount on how much you drive during the month. This could mean that you are able to save on the cost of insuring your car.” 4. Search-and-compare for accommodation deals “Accelerating inflation nudges South African travellers towards becoming more price-conscious when planning their holidays. The good news is that, based on our data, travellers find deals for hotels in South Africa for almost half the price for the upcoming month than in the equivalent period in 2019. It’s made easy by the search-and-compare capabilities of Cheapflights’ travel search functions to scout for great deals for accommodation,” says Laure Bornet, GM, KAYAK EMEA, that manages Cheapflights.co.za 5. Rent-to-own solar solutions While going completely off-grid can be a costly investment, Matthew Cruise of Hhm Energy says a grid-tied system – that largely uses solar power but is still connected to the grid – could reduce your household’s electricity bill by 60%. So for example, a 4kW solar system installed at a cost of under R100 000 would save on averageR1 200 for a household with a monthly electricity bill of R2 000. Within five years the system would be paid off, and the household’s monthly energy costs would then be way lower. There are ways to finance an investment in home solar, says Cruise. “You don’t have to pay upfront out of your pocket.” Adding the cost of a solar installation to your bond is one of the cheaper repayment options, and it will also add value to your home.” Rent-to-own options are also available, similar to car financing. And, over the next few years, as Eskom and municipal tariffs increase, the monthly repayment will be lower than the cost of the electricity would have been if the household did not have the option to generate power from the sun. “While taking the plunge to move away from Eskom power is a big decision, it’s certainly likely to reap rewards in the long-term,” says Cruise. National Savings MonthSaving Tipstips & adviceShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); FLAVOURS OF WINTER FESTIVAL AT MURATIE ESTATESLEEP AND YOUR BRAIN!About The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts SLEEP AND YOUR BRAIN! FIVE THINGS YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT BEFORE YOUR BABY COMES WINTER’S WONDROUSLY EARTHY PALETTE, FROM PLASCON FIRE AWAY: STAY WARM (AND SAFE) WITHOUT THE BURN Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

NATIONAL SAVINGS MONTH: HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS LIVING COSTS GO UP

FLAVOURS OF WINTER FESTIVAL AT MURATIE ESTATE ON SATURDAY 23rd JULY 2022 – 11h00 until 18h00 A Celebration of Cape “Port” and Fortified-Style Wines The Muratie Flavours of Winter Festival invites you to make the most of the Cape winter and head out to Stellenbosch for a mellow fireside celebration of Cape “Port” and Fortified style wines. Come and cosy up in one of the Cape’s oldest wineries with a glass, live music and some warm treats from Muratie’s Farm Kitchen, appreciating the rich and luscious offerings from some of the Cape’s top “Port” producers. From Calitzdorp to Stellenbosch through to Durbanville, you will be warmly hosted by the winemakers from Muratie, Allesverloren, Axe Hill, Delaire Graff, Boplaas, The Fledge and Peter Bayly. All the wines on show will be available for purchase at cellar door prices. Venue: Muratie Estate, Stellenbosch Date: Saturday 23rdhJuly 2022 Time: 11h00 until 18h00 Cost: R150 per person including a tasting glass Due to limited space, visitors are advised to book in advance Telephone: (021) 865 2330 or Email: taste@muratie.co.za or book online at https://www.muratie.co.za/muratie-event/flavours-of-winter/ At Muratie, the passion for preserving the estate’s rich heritage and the intriguing human stories woven into the very fabric of its centuries old history, are captured in every nook and cranny of this family farm, including the wines which are named after the extraordinary characters from the farm’s colourful past. And there are a myriad stories reaching as far back as the 17th century. With a Port tradition that dates back to the 1940’s, Muratie’s popular Ben Prins Cape Vintage pays homage to the estate’s legendary Ben Prins, winemaker at Muratie from 1957 until 1987. Affectionately known as Barefoot Ben, his trademark was his bare feet. Guarded over by ancient oak trees, a visit to Muratie reveals a piece of history where time has largely stood still: a unique and magical environment where visitors can enjoy Muratie’s legendary wines, honest farm food and warm hospitality. Muratie EstatestellenboschWinter FestivalShare MAXIRACE CAPE WINELANDS RELEASES THEIR 2022 ROUTESNATIONAL SAVINGS MONTH: HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS LIVING COSTS GO UPAbout STELLENBOSCH IS ALL FIRED UP FOR THIS YEAR’S EPIC FESTIVAL OF WINE DELHEIM’S MINI-JAZZ FEST IN THE HEART OF THE WINELANDS RETURNS STELLENBOSCH READY TO HOST SA CHEESE FESTIVAL CELEBRATE LOVE WITH DELICIOUS BUBBLY TASTINGS & BREATH-TAKING VIEWS AT THE HOUSE OF J.C. LE ROUX 

FLAVOURS OF WINTER FESTIVAL AT MURATIE ESTATE

Sculpt a strong chest with these equipment-free workouts Your ideal physique may not be too bulky or too brawny. You may not aspire to build a set of cheese grater abs or shoulders as big as Jason Momoa's. Hey, to each his own! But the one thing most men across the globe wish for is to negate the presence of man boobs on our otherwise hairy or non-hairy chests or breasts. Yup, men have breasts. They even have milk ducts. However, according to Healthline, for the vast majority of men, the breast tissue does not develop like it does in women due to high testosterone levels during puberty. So how did I still end up getting man boobs well within my 20s or 30s? Well, man boobs or man breasts are the result of two things. One: An unhealthy lifestyle that’s contributed to excess fat accumulation in the chest. Two: Gynecomastia. It is an endocrine system disorder that increases the size of the male breast tissue. According to a study, titled Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management, Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast glandular tissue and is the most common breast condition in males. And at least 30% of males will be affected during their life. The rest of men are carrying heavy pecs, courtesy of bad eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. How can I change that? Exercise! Include fat loss workouts that also specifically target the chest, in your daily routine, starting with the below three easy and equipment-free exercises. 1. Push-ups Is there anything a set of push-ups can’t help you achieve? No! Push-ups target not just your chest muscles but also abdominal fat and back muscles. How to to the perfect push-up? Lie face down on a mat. Keep your body straight and bring your hands near your chest to support your arms and upper body while relying only on your arm strength to lift your body from the floor. If you are new to push-ups, start with knee push-ups and then move on to a regular push-up. 2. Bench press Every trainer at every gym recommends this exercise to shed man boobs. This is how you can do bench press correctly at home with help of this video by replacing dumbbells with water jugs or heavy backpacks. Alternatively, you can also give these strength training exercises a shot. 3. Cardio Any form of cardio exercises that can bring your heart rate up are great fat burning tools. A daily 30-minute cardio session , comprising dancing, walking, jogging or any of these 10 exercises will help a great deal. There are also these 21 great chest exercises that you can include in your daily fitness after mastering these three basic ones and getting a hang of exercising daily, without panting. Another very important thing to keep in mind is that eating right is equally important. Ditch fattening foods and start eating three healthy and well-balanced meals to build up your body the right way. How to do the weekend workout right: The busy gentleman’s guide to staying in shape Muscle Building: Are slow or fast reps better? The benefits of having strong calf muscles and 4 best exercises to build defined calves at home

How to reduce man boobs with these 3 at-home exercises

MAXIRACE CAPE WINELANDS RELEASES THEIR 2022 ROUTES The 2022 K-way Maxirace Cape Winelands presented by Banhoek Chilli Oil Company in association with ON Shoes and Yenn Herbal Health which is part of the international trail running race brand, MaXi-World, is running for the 4th year in a row from the 1st to the 2nd of October 2022, and will include a 120km, 75km, 45km, 20km, 13km and 7km routes, catering for all levels of trail running. “To give our race participants the best possible trail experience in the Cape Winelands this year, we have included mountains, wine farms, fynbos, river crossings and Cape Valleys in our race routes,” says race director, Andri Stander. “Along with our Maxi Vagabond Race Village and Stellenbosch Trail Expo, this year promises to be one of our best yet!” So down to the important information – what are the routes for this year’s distances? For the 120km, 75km and 45km Routes taking place on Saturday 01 October 2022 The 120km and 75km routes will start together with a hard push up Mont Rochelle, that should give the strong climbers the first advantage. Once runners have passed back through Franschhoek, the two routes will split in front of Berg River Dam – the 120km will do a loop along the Berg River Valley before they come back towards the dam, where they will meet up with the 75km runners again and also have their first intro of the 45km contestants. The 45km runners will head straight out of town on the 75km route (minus Mont Rochelle!) towards Berg River Dam, where they will, together with the 75km field, join the 120km route. Once the three routes are on the same path, they will head across the farms below the Helshoogte mountains towards the Banhoek Conservancy, where they will spend a good amount of time covering the trails of the beautiful valley – where the faster runners should start catching the climbers again! From here all three routes will climb over Botmaskop and down into Stellenbosch. Once in town, the 75km and 45km will race downhill towards the finish line. The 120km will join the 20km route from the ‘Hangbrug’ towards Coetzenburg, Eden and Mont Marie, before returning on the edge of town and the ‘Proefplaas’ along the Eerste River and towards the Race Village Finish line. For the 20km, 13km and 7km Routes that will take place on Sunday 02 October 2022 The routes for the 20km and 13km races will follow the same popular route as 2021. Both routes will take runners towards the famous ‘Hangbrug’ and through the Eerste River into Stellenbosch Mountain. The longest climb of the run will take you up to a scenic trail – the climb will be worth it! From here runners can experience the Blue Gum-and Pine Tree forests, Fynbos and Farmlands that make up the route through Coetzenburg, Eden and the farms that line the Blaauwklippen road towards Mont Marie farm and back. The 13km route will turn back at the first Aid Station at Eden Forest, through the University ‘Proefplaas’, Coetzenburg and Eerste River Trail back towards the start. Our inaugural 7km route is for young racers and fun runners alike. Be ready to challenge yourself a bit as we get you ready for a life in trail running! Following the 20km and 13km route, the 7km will turn off just before the climb really starts to chew the legs to keep you on the Stellenbosch bergpad. From here you will follow the route above the University sports fields towards the Eerste River trail and back to the start. You have the same cut-off time as the 13km runners, so feel free to come and take a comfortable Sunday walk. (If you take longer that’s also okay!). For those wanting to enter the 2022 Maxirace Cape Winelands and for those wanting to take part in the Stellenbosch Trail Expo please visit www.maxirace.co.za for full details. #MaxiraceSA #makemaxiyourgoal #timetoexplore Andri StanderBanhoek Chilli OilK-way MaxiraceMaxiRace Cape WinelandsShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); BIG MOUTH GOES BIGGER FOR GOLD!FLAVOURS OF WINTER FESTIVAL AT MURATIE ESTATEAbout The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts FATHER’S DAY WITH BANHOEK CHILLI OIL YOUR #BRAAIDAY MENU IS ABOUT TO GET A SERIOUS UPGRADE THANKS TO BANHOEK CHILLI OIL! K-WAY AND PURE ADVENTURES ANNOUNCE EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP! Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

MAXIRACE CAPE WINELANDS RELEASES THEIR 2022 ROUTES

FIVE THINGS YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT BEFORE YOUR BABY COMES In the months leading up to bringing your first baby home, you might find yourself compiling checklists for checklists and endless tasks like stocking up on baby gear, furnishing the nursery, writing a birth plan and childproofing your entire life.But what about the not-so-obvious stuff?Edwin Theron, CEO at digital insurance provider Sanlam Indie says: “Having a baby won’t just have a small impact on your life, it’s going to shift the centre of your universe, so thinking ahead about the possible challenges such as medical costs, maternity leave, life-insurance and pre-baby budgeting, will help you prepare to be the best parent you can be.” He goes on to say that “even though you think 9 months is a long time, don’t put off financial planning for your future self to handle – soon washing milk bottles will replace life admin so now is the time to do it.” Here’s a list of five less thought about items before your baby arrives: 1. Gap Cover For many, it may come as a shock to realise that even if you have medical aid, you could be faced with additional medical costs that having a baby can bring to the table. Gap cover provides extra financial protection and closes the gap between what specialists charge and what your medical aid is prepared to pay, ensuring that you can afford the care that you and your family deserve and need. Top Tip: Gap cover providers appoint a 10-month exclusionary waiting period on pregnancy and childbirth, so be sure this is something you include into the planning stages of starting a family.2. Where there’s a will…Like Life Insurance, it’s one of those things we don’t like to think about, but if you’re going to become a parent, getting a will should be right up there with deciding on baby’s name or which pram to buy. Without one, you would have no say over who should care for your little bundle in the event of your death or what they will inherit from you and who should look after this inheritance until they’re old enough to look after it for themselves.Top Tip: Unless you have multiple assets and numerous issues that require a lawyer, you can draw up a will yourself online within minutes. 3. Save, save, and save some moreWelcoming a baby into the world will have a significant impact on your finances. Being proactive when planning will help you to direct, save, and protect your wealth and is essential in preparation for raising and sustaining a child – not to mention the optional luxuries like a night nurse or whether your Mother-in-Law is up for babysitting. Consider borrowing items that the baby will use for short periods of time and look out for car seats and cots that are convertible, meaning you will save on large purchases in the future. Top Tip: Consider opening a tax-free savings account and setting up a monthly debit order to assist you with the discipline and frequency of saving.4. Baby proof your lifeAs you are heading to the final stretch, the nesting phase will start to kick in. While you will be inspired (again) to clean, organise and rearrange the nursery and house in preparation, don’t overlook the safety around the house. You may think you have time, but in the blink of an eye, that tiny baby is going to be digging under things or doing weird things like chewing on furniture legs so now is the time to cover those sharp corners, clear out/raise any indoor plants, and cover up plug points across the house. Top Tip: Go down to tummy time level to make sure that there are no heavy objects on high cabinets or counters that can topple over once baby starts moving around.5. Insure your lifeIt can be easy to put off big tasks until tomorrow (which never comes), so if “sign up for life insurance” is toward the bottom of your pre-baby to-do list, now is the time to push that right to the top. Even though the last thing you want to be thinking about is the possibility of your family needing to use your life insurance policy, not being able to provide for your child or leaving your partner with the financial burden of having to do so alone, is a far less pleasant thought. Top Tip: There are many factors to consider when getting life insurance so it’s best to see what kind of cover you need (and don’t need) with an insurer like Sanlam Indie – With Sanlam Indie you can get covered in 10 minutes, so there’s no time like the present.Bonus Tip: Stock up on groceries“Why?” you ask. Short answer… to save your sanity! Stock up on essentials such as coffee (the only thing you will really need), easy oven/frozen dishes, crackers, butter, and milk so you have them on hand, as well as some fresh foods such as fruits and veggies to snack on that will help you power through the chaos of those first whirlwind weeks (don’t forget the chocolate Mom).Top Tip: Bottled water is another important thing to buy in bulk so make sure to buy enough for the first few weeks.“Providing for your child isn’t just about taking care of their current needs; it’s about preparing for their future needs too.” – Edwin Theron, CEO at Sanlam Indie babyEdwin TheronparentSanlamtips & adviceShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); SOMETHING’S BUBBLING: WELCOME TO MOËT & CHANDON’S NEW CHAMPAGNE BAR AT HARRODS, LONDONBIG MOUTH GOES BIGGER FOR GOLD!About The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts SLEEP AND YOUR BRAIN! NATIONAL SAVINGS MONTH: HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS LIVING COSTS GO UP WINTER’S WONDROUSLY EARTHY PALETTE, FROM PLASCON FIRE AWAY: STAY WARM (AND SAFE) WITHOUT THE BURN Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

FIVE THINGS YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT BEFORE YOUR BABY COMES

SOMETHING’S BUBBLING: WELCOME TO MOËT & CHANDON’S NEW CHAMPAGNE BAR AT HARRODS, LONDON Moët & Chandon opens its largest stand-alone champagne bar in Europe today at Harrods, Knightsbridge, London with a full selection of champagnes from innovations to rarities, signature cocktails and a fun ‘Food Bites’ menu. Think of Moët & Chandon and you envision glamour and elegance, and this bar is like no other. Visitors will be able to experience first-hand the generosity of the Maison’s sprawling vineyards, with a full selection of Moët & Chandon champagnes available by the glass with prices starting from £16. From the elegant blonde notes of the Brut Impérial NV to the sweet aromas of the House’s Grand Vintage Rosé or for cocktail lovers, look no further than the ‘Peach Blossom‘ and ‘Champagne Shake’. All Moët & Chandon enthusiasts will be captivated by the magic of this unique encounter. Champagnes available to savour by the bottle – from 75cl to magnum – will include exceptional wines from the Moët & Chandon Legacy Champagne Grand Vintage and Legacy Champagne Rare Limited-Edition Bottle Collections – with the likes of a 1959 Grand Vintage Magnum worth £4,400 on offer, as well as the more accessible Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial NV. With an array of sumptuous sweet and savory dishes available, foodies will not be disappointed. From the bar’s signature ‘Choux Love’ dish – a mouthwatering dessert of choux pastry buns with a mango & passion fruit diplomat filling (each branded with one of the four M O Ë T letters) – to the deliciously tempting ‘Cheese Délice’ – a Burrata Stracciatella, spicy Kimchi & black sesame toastie. Other notable dishes include the aptly named ‘The World Is Your Oyster’ – rock oysters, pear & cucumber, Oscietra caviar; the vegan-friendly ‘Not Another Faux Pas’ – faux gras, rhubarb, ginger and bread; and the unctuous ‘Moët Caramel’ – a dark chocolate shell (cleverly cast in the shape of a Moët & Chandon embossed bottle plaque) filled with 66% dark chocolate mousse & salted caramel, served on a crunchy biscuit. To enhance the unique customer experience, dishes will be presented on a selection of bespoke plates each bearing a different famous champagne quote, including “Pleasure without champagne is purely artificial” by Oscar Wilde and “My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink enough champagne” – a remark once made British Economist John Maynard Keynes. Moët & Chandon has elated the royal courts of France under Louis XV, walked the red carpets of Hollywood, toasted the Grand Slams of the world, lit up Studio 54, ﬂashed during Fashion Weeks, rejoiced with the Queen’s milestones, and now joins Harrods – an iconic London destination with its doors open to all. Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL Open from Thursday 7 July 2022 Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 9pm / Sunday: 12pm – 6pm For reservations, please book HERE champagnesEuropeHarrodsKnightsbridgeLondonMoët & ChandonShare NEW MODERN BRAND AND EATERY, GRK, REDEFINES GREEK STREET FOODFIVE THINGS YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT BEFORE YOUR BABY COMESAbout MOËT & CHANDON BRINGS EFFERVESCENT FÊTE TO THE CITY OF GOLD MOM’S THE WORD – A LUXURY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE MOËT & CHANDON INVITES COUPLES THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA TO TIE THE KNOT WITH A GLAMOROUS MOËT MINIMONY TO REMEMBER BOITY TOASTS WITH MOËT & CHANDON TO CELEBRATE 4 MILLION FOLLOWERS MILESTONE 

NEW MODERN BRAND AND EATERY, GRK, REDEFINES GREEK STREET FOOD Modern Greek eatery GRK opened its doors in Sandton, Johannesburg in early July 2022, launching their menu with an exciting modern twist on classic Greek street food, with the introduction of an innovative gyro menu. A classic gyro is usually made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served wrapped or stuffed in pita bread. The owners saw an opportunity to make the gyro the star of the show, however via the “new method” of cooking the meat. A method which was encountered by the owners in Greece five years ago. The new method offers a product that is fresher and safer utilising only top-quality meat prepared and grilled on flat grills onsite. The meat is thinly sliced and then cut on open kitchen butcher blocks with custom made half-moon knives, unique to GRK. Although a different take on the traditional gyro, there is no compromise on that punchy gyro flavour. This method of cooking is cleaner and more sanitary offering discerning diners great tasting food, in a modern, upmarket, yet casual setting. Pork, beef, lamb, chicken and kofta gyro is offered, all served in traditional pita. The pitas, which are imported directly from Greece, contain no added sugar and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and come in four variations; village (choriatiki), wholegrain, carob and corn, each containing their own nutritional values. Furthermore, for vegetarians and vegans; falafel, traditional halloumi and mushroom options are offered, which are equally as delicious as the meat options. All gyros come with a variety of dips, which have been specially adjusted to South African palates, making it more relevant. Dips include classic options such as Tzatziki (garlic, herbed or avocado) and hummus but also less traditional flavours such as yoghurt mustard and babaganoush. Added to this simple menu, is a variety of salads which are all freshly prepared with top quality produce, displayed in GRK’s fruit and vegetable feature display fridge, situated within the open kitchen. The eatery, which is owned by Greek natives, displays a fresh clean look with interiors designed by Giorgio Tatsakis of Atelier Giorgio, featuring ebony timber, a neutral palette, and clean geometric lines. “Inspired by, and paying reference to Greek art forms, the intention of the space was to steer away from the traditional ‘blue and white’ aesthetic that one generally sees and associates with a Greek restaurant, and modernize it, just like the food.” Comments Giorgio. The contemporary setting of GRK is largely made up of custom coloured Herringbone Wolkberg tiles, which appear on both the floor and walls, mirroring the geometric wooden detail that stretches across the ceiling above, as well as an upholstery print which is a modern take on a Greek mosaic. Inspired by Greek art forms, a focal point is the organic shaped bar counter detail and the symmetrical, modular wall panel placed perfectly at the back of the arched seating booths. Besides gyro, GRK also specialise in Vaflaki (freshly baked mini waffles imported from Greece), homemade Italian gelato (using imported products), as well as authentic ready-made meals which are personally prepared by their in-house team of Greek chefs, ready for you to grab-on-the-go or enjoy at the eatery. For authentic yet elevated Greek street food which you can enjoy at the eatery or at home via their deli options, look no further than GRK. GRK is situated at Shop 5, Rivonia Village Shopping Centre, Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Rivonia in Sandton. To make an order or for more information call 010 534 7672 or head to www.grk.restaurant. Greek Street FoodGRKJohannesburgsandtonShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); VEUVE CLICQUOT ANNOUNCES THE 6 BOLD FINALISTS OF ITS FIRST BOLD WOMAN AWARD SOUTH AFRICA EDITIONSOMETHING’S BUBBLING: WELCOME TO MOËT & CHANDON’S NEW CHAMPAGNE BAR AT HARRODS, LONDONAbout The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts CELEBRATE YOUR DAD AT THE MASLOW, SANDTON, THIS FATHER’S DAY EARLY-BIRD TICKET SPECIAL FOR BUBBLY FESTIVAL! CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF FUN, FESTIVITY AND FEASTS IN JOHANNESBURG SPOIL YOUR VALENTINE IN STYLE Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

NEW MODERN BRAND AND EATERY, GRK, REDEFINES GREEK STREET FOOD

VEUVE CLICQUOT ANNOUNCES THE 6 BOLD FINALISTS OF ITS FIRST BOLD WOMAN AWARD SOUTH AFRICA EDITION Launched for the first time in South Africa this year, the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot serves to bring greater inclusion, impact and more visibility to today and tomorrow’s role models – the women in business who are redefining success, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to follow suit. This year marks both the 50th year of the award’s history and the inaugural year that entries have been open to South African businesswomen. As part of the Bold by Veuve Clicquot programme, six South African female business leaders have been selected among 250 visionaries who entered the award for their courage, tenacity and boldness. At a time when two-thirds (61%) of the population agree that it’s more difficult for women to become entrepreneurs than it is for men, cited in the House’s very own global barometer study conducted in 2019, Veuve Clicquot dares to write a different story and seeks to understand how the world is evolving to make a real contribution to female entrepreneurship. Given the struggles of the past few years, women in business stand to benefit more than ever from support during their journey and none have answered this call quite like the 250-year-old champagne house whose mission it is to embolden generations of audacious female leaders. “It is the tenacious spirit and determination of these finalists we are overwhelmingly impressed with. These are women who redefine success on their own terms and go beyond the status quo, just as Madame Clicquot did two centuries ago,” said Veuve Clicquot CEO Jean-Marc Gallot. Indeed, women are inspired by male entrepreneurs but much more by female entrepreneurs (64% inspired by male vs. 88% female in SA) according to the barometer study – and this makes the first edition of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award in South Africa even more significant in its quest to inspire a generation of formidable women who create employment and drive transformation in the country and beyond. The esteemed Bold Woman Award recognises and honours the women entrepreneurs of today. These women are founders or CEOs of a business which has been in operation for more than 3 years, who have demonstrated transformation and evolution in their field, supported growth for at least two years and maintained an ethical approach to business. The 2022 Bold Woman Award finalists are: · Gugu Sithole – Director of Glamping Adventures · Mathebe Molise – Founder of Beauty on TApp · Yolisa Tshabalala – Co-founder and Director at Imizizi In 2014, Veuve Clicquot launched the Bold Future Award which recognises the women entrepreneurs of tomorrow. These women are founders or CEOs of a business that has been in operation for less than 3 years, who have made a significant contribution to the company’s success by instilling a sense of entrepreneurship and who have made a tangible contribution to transformation in an existing market, bringing ethical change to the company. The 2022 Bold Future Award finalists are: · Captain Londy Ngcobo – Founder of Global Maritime Youth and Director at Womaritime Experts · Mbali Sebapu – Founder of Hermosa Flor Cosmetics · Phumzile Chifunyise – Founder of The Crop Box Africa To adjudicate the two awards categories, Veuve Clicquot gathered a notable list of industry leaders whose values emulate those of the awards, two of whom are Veuve Clicquot award winners. The Bold Woman Award 2022 jury consists of: · Aimee Kellen – Head of Consumer Engagement, Moët Hennessy Africa and Middle East · Amanda Dambuza – Founder and Group CEO Uyandiswa · Carole Bildé – Veuve Clicquot Chief Marketing and Communications Officer · Dr Judey Pretorius – Founder and CEO of Biomedical Emporium · Happy Ralinala – Director of Palesa Mbali Group · Lukhanyo Mdingi – Fashion Designer · Matsi Modise -Founder and CEO of Furaha Afrika Holdings · Mzamo Masito – Google SA Chief Marketing Officer The various initiatives and events within the Bold by Veuve Clicquot programme including the Clicquot international barometer on women entrepreneurship, shed light on the state of women entrepreneurship globally and in South Africa. One of the facts to emerge from the study is that 80% of women entrepreneurs believe that success depends on networks of other women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, for 90% of aspiring and current women entrepreneurs, mentorship was deemed essential to succeed. Veuve Clicquot is proud to announce that the first edition of the Bold Woman award ceremony will take place on 21 July at The Forum in Johannesburg, offering a powerful platform for networking for invited guests and a live stream audience on the evening, while announcing one winner in each category. The Bold Woman Award winner will then have the opportunity to travel to Reims, France for an immersion in the history, tradition, and luxury of Maison Veuve Clicquot. She will join the ranks of an illustrious list of 410 winners in 27 countries celebrated by this coveted award worldwide. Jean-Marc GallotVeuve ClicquotVeuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award SAShare On: (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); (function() { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); (function() { var li = document.createElement("script"); li.type = "text/javascript"; li.async = true; li.src = ("https:" == document.location.protocol ? "https:" : "http:") + "//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); STELLENBOSCH IS ALL FIRED UP FOR THIS YEAR’S EPIC FESTIVAL OF WINENEW MODERN BRAND AND EATERY, GRK, REDEFINES GREEK STREET FOODAbout The AuthorSpice4Life NewsRelated Posts VEUVE CLICQUOT EXPANDS ITS BOLD CONVERSATION PLATFORM IN COLLABORATION WITH THE AGENDA WOMEN SUMMIT 2021 BOLD CONVERSATIONS BY VEUVE CLICQUOT AIMS TO EMBOLDEN SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS OF AUDACIOUS FEMALE LEADERS IN SOUTH AFRICA VALENTINE’S EVENING UNDER THE STARS AT ARBOUR CAFÉ THE CHAMPAGNE FOR SUMMER IN THE CITY… VEUVE CLICQUOT RICH ROSÉ LAUNCHES IN SA Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.

VEUVE CLICQUOT ANNOUNCES THE 6 BOLD FINALISTS OF ITS FIRST BOLD WOMAN AWARD SOUTH AFRICA EDITION

Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 14 July 2022) 2022-07-14T20:41:46+02:00Jul 14th, 2022|Daily Cases| .reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}EVDS Self Registration PortalVaccine Registration Portal is now open!VIEW MORE.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Active Vaccination SitesFind your closest vaccination siteVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Latest Vaccine StatisticsView latest vaccine rollout figures & statisticsVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Interactive Live CounterInteract with our live Covid-19 data mapVIEW MORE.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link) , .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):after {color: #c48a10;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:after {color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination a.inactive:hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a {border-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination .current {border-color: #006532; background-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-date-and-formats .fusion-format-box, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-popover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .tooltip-shortcode {color: #006532;}#main .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .post .blog-shortcode-post-title a:hover {color: #006532;} twitter whatsapp Related Posts Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 13 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Tuesday 12 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Friday 08 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 07 July 2022)

SA Corona Virus  Online Portal

Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 14 July 2022)

Emirates SkyCargo’s newly acquired Boeing 777F, A6-EFU, will maintain its fleet at 11 aircraft, following the return of A6-EFG to its lessor. The airline is also planning to convert ten of its passenger aircraft into freighters, which will increase its cargo fleet to 21 by 2026.
It is boosting its fleet capacity due to a significant increase in cargo loads across its products. It announced that in 2021-22, the annual tonnage carried exceeded 2.1 million, representing an increase of 15%.
In addition to the new aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo is expanding its routes in response to the increase in demand across global markets, reports Logistics Update Africa.
From this week, an additional four freight flights every week will join the China service. Shanghai will be served with six flights, Guangzhou with four, and Beijing with two. The increased freight flights will add more than 400 tonnes of cargo to and from China.
Plans to increase the frequencies of direct flights to Hanoi and Sydney are also being finalised.

Emirates boosts capacity

Case against senior Transnet executives postponed 1 hour ago - by Staff reporter E-mail Print
The fraud, corruption and money laundering case against five accused – including former Transnet Group chief executive Siyabonga Gama – in relation to corruption at Transnet has been postponed to August in the Palm Ridge Specialised Crimes Court.
The case relates to corruption involving some R93 million during the purchase of at least 1 064 locomotives. They also face a charge of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The accused in the matter are Gama; former Transnet acting group chief financial officer, Garry Pita; former group treasurer, Phetolo Ramosebudi; Regiments shareholder, Eric Wood; Trillian Asset Management and current director, Daniel Roy (Novum Asset Management); and owner of Albatime, Kuben Moodley.
Following their arrest in May, National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) spokesperson, Sindisiwe Seboka, explained that the case related to Transnet’s 2012 request for a proposal tender for “transaction advisory services to secure funding for $2.5 billion to fund the acquisition” of the locomotives.
“In May 2015, Transnet appointed JP Morgan for advisory services. In July-October 2015, the same officials in Transnet started facilitating the termination of the JP Morgan contract. This cancellation resulted in them appointing Trillian in October 2015.
“An invoice of R93.4m was submitted by Trillian through [Trillian director] Roy. The invoice was approved by Pita and Gama, and payment was made on December 3, 2015 to Trillian’s account. Three days after that, R74m was paid to Albatime, owned by Kuben Moodley, for no apparent reason.
“Prior to that, payment by Transnet was made to Regiments for R189m in June 2015 for the alleged same services,” Seboka said. – SAnews.gov.za

Case against senior Transnet executives postponed

SA’s new border guards will tackle illicit trade and movement 1 hour ago - by Lyse Comins E-mail Print
Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi is today (Thursday) scheduled to unveil the first 200 cohorts of the new Border Management Authority’s (BMA) border guards, who will tighten up South Africa’s porous borders and clamp down on illicit trade and movement.
The newly recruited members of the Border Guard will be brought into service at a deployment ceremony at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Limpopo.
“The highlights of the day will include the pass-out parade of the newly recruited members of the Border Guard who were carefully selected and trained, with a focus on fitness and physical assessment,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.
The cohort will be statically deployed at five identified “vulnerable segments of the borderline” where they will work with members of the South African National Defence Force.
The BMA, which is South Africa’s new, single authority for border management with a single command and control, was established through the Border Management Authority Act of 2020. It will be fully established on April 1, 2023 through the integration of five streams of functions performed by various government departments, including Home Affairs; Forestry, Fisheries and Environment; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; and Health. This includes access control functions conducted by members of the SA Police Service in the ports of entry.
“The authority will tighten border management by implementing an integrated and coordinated approach in the border management environment. This is an improvement on the previous multi-agency approach comprising multiple authorities with different mandates,” the department said.
“When fully established, the BMA will play a pivotal role in tackling border security challenges impacting the country and its neighbours, such as uncoordinated traveller processing, cross-border criminality, illegal crossings, and undue delays in the facilitation of movement of goods and services. The BMA model will pave the way for the creation of smart border posts and systems and advance trade facilitation in the region.”
Motsoaledi is expected to share further updates on progress and next steps in the phased establishment of the authority at the ceremony, including how the border guards will be deployed to tighten border management at identified ports of entry and vulnerable segments along the borderline.

SA’s new border guards will tackle illicit trade and movement

Joint sting cracks down on Eskom defrauders 1 hour ago - by Staff reporter E-mail Print
The net is closing in on those who benefited from fraud and corruption at Eskom during the height of state capture at the power utility, with at least four people having appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.
They include two former employees of digital technologies company ABB, Mohammed Mooidheen and Vernon Pillay, and their wives Raeesa Mooidheen and Aradhna Pillay.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) spokesperson, Sindisiwe Seboka, the four allegedly cashed in on “gratifications estimated at R8.6 million…by inflating prices" for ABB subcontractor, Impulse.
They were arrested in Durban and Mpumalanga and appeared in the court in what is considered a “seminal case” for the National Prosecuting Authority.
“The former ABB employees, Mohammed and Vernon, stand accused for their influence in the awarding of over R549.6m of the Eskom-ABB contract, for the benefit of Impulse between the period 2015 to 2017. This is reportedly despite the fact that it was reported that Impulse did not actually qualify to do the work required.
“Eskom was really at the core of state capture and features prominently in the Zondo Commission Report, where executives at the most senior levels of the SOEs [State Owned Enterprises] seemed to have enabled or facilitated the looting of state funds,” Seboka said.
NPA ID head Advocate, Andrea Johnson, reiterated that the directorate was “hot on the heels” of those involved in State Capture.
‘’This is a clear demonstration of collaborative work between the ID, Hawks and SAPS, and more seminal cases will be enrolled as we continue to reprioritise cases emanating from the Zondo Commission reports.
“The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, National Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola, and Hawks head, General Lebeya, met earlier this week to reinforce a working relationship among law enforcement and the NPA in a bid to ensure that those most responsible for alleged corruption and state capture are held to account and that the rule of law is upheld,” Johnson said.
The case is expected to resume on October 14 for further investigation of assets seized during a joint search and seizure operation with the Hawks and Sars on properties held by the four accused. – SAnews.gov.za

Joint sting cracks down on Eskom defrauders

G20 economies exercise restraint in use of trade-restrictive measures 2 hours ago - by Staff reporter E-mail Print
G20 economies have continued to exercise restraint in the use of trade-restrictive measures despite increasing economic uncertainty aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, according to the 27th World Trade Organization Trade Monitoring Report on G20 trade measures issued last week.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on G20 countries, and WTO members at large, to show that the international community can work together to de-escalate tensions and ensure a solid economic recovery.
“This report arrives at a time when the world economy faces several challenges. As we continue to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions, with serious implications for millions of people, especially with respect to their food security. It is in this context of economic and trade uncertainty that G20 economies must show restraint in implementing trade-restrictive measures and exercise leadership in supporting open and mutually beneficial trade,” she said.
The G20 Trade Monitoring Report makes reference to the recent WTO 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) on June 12-17, which secured unprecedented multilaterally negotiated outcomes.
“At MC12 we saw that, with the requisite political will, the international community can secure outcomes on a wide range of issues and react to the world's most pressing issues, especially when global solutions are necessary to respond to the pandemic and food insecurity, tackle environmental challenges, and foster greater socioeconomic inclusion. I urge the G20 to build on this momentum to de-escalate trade tensions to spur investment, growth and job creation,” Okonjo-Iweala added.
During the review period covered by the report (mid-October 2021 to mid-May 2022), the estimated trade coverage of the regular import-facilitating measures introduced by G20 countries ($581.5 billion) far exceeded the trade coverage of import-restrictive measures ($18.2 billion).
The early part of the review period provided some encouraging news for a post-pandemic economic recovery, but the Omicron variant outbreak and the conflict in Ukraine had a significant impact on trade flows as a result of specific trade-related measures adopted in response to the crises.
The Omicron outbreak saw Covid-19 cases and deaths rise sharply in the first quarter of 2022 and, more recently, stringent lockdowns in China disrupted production and trade at a time when supply pressures appeared to be easing. The report indicates the lockdowns could lead to renewed shortages of intermediate and final goods, aggravating supply chain problems and inflationary pressures.
During the review period, 12 Covid-19 measures on goods were communicated by G20 economies, primarily amendments of existing measures originally implemented in the early stages of the pandemic or the termination of others.
Similarly, the flow of new Covid-19-related support measures by G20 economies to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic significantly decreased over the past seven months. In the services sectors no new Covid-19-related measures were reported during the review period, but many measures introduced in 2020 were still in force and others were extended.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020, 156 Covid-19 trade and trade-related measures in goods have been implemented by G20 economies. Of these, 113 (72%) were of a trade facilitating nature, with an estimated trade coverage of $111.8bn. Forty-three (28%) could be considered trade-restrictive, with an estimated trade coverage of $95.7bn.
Export restrictions accounted for 93% of all restrictive measures implemented, and more than half of them were phased out during the review period, meaning that 19 export restrictions remained in place.
The war in Ukraine was another factor weighing on trade during the review period. The Secretariat identified 14 export restrictive measures put in place by five G20 economies during the review period in response to the conflict. These included quotas, temporary bans, or technical and administrative requirements limiting exports (or re-exports) of a wide range of agricultural commodities such as wheat, cereals, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and other vegetable oils, soybean products, sugar, and flour. Various fuel products and fertilisers were also subject to export restrictions.
The WTO trade monitoring reports have been prepared by the WTO Secretariat since 2009. G20 members are: Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Canada; China; the European Union; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Italy; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Mexico; the Russian Federation; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; Türkiye; the United Kingdom; and the United States.

G20 economies exercise restraint in use of trade-restrictive measures

German ports face worst strike action in 40 years as workers down tools 2 hours ago - by Staff reporter E-mail Print
Thousands of German port workers are set to down tools and start a 48-hour strike on Thursday, in the third bout of industrial action to hit the country in a few weeks, as wage negotiations with employers hit another deadlock.
The industrial action by 12 000 dockers will bring operations at key container hubs of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven to a standstill, marking the third and longest period of industrial action in the acrimonious wage dispute.
The Loadstar reported that if the strike went ahead as planned, it would have a serious impact on liner networks and worsen the already chronic supply chain congestion at North European container hubs. According to the publication, the port workers are expected to down tools at German ports from 06:00 on Thursday until 06:00 Saturday, the nation’s longest dock strike in more than 40 years.
The heightened industrial action comes after the sixth round of negotiations between the employers, the Central Association of German Seaport Companies (ZDS), and the trade union ver.di, hit the latest deadlock.
“The employers are not sufficiently meeting our demand for a real inflation compensation,” said ver.di’s chief negotiator Maya Schwiegershausen-Güth.
“We need a real inflation compensation so that the employees in all companies are not left alone with the consequences of galloping price increases,” said Schwiegershausen-Güth, who called an earlier offer by ZDS “a classic sham”.
However, commenting on the latest deadlock, ZDS negotiator Ulrike Riedel said that the union had shown “no willingness to compromise” although employers had given them “repeatedly improved offers”. She said the employer had “responded” to the workers’ demands.
She added that a wage hike offer of “up to 12.5%” was now “on the table”, including a permanent increase of 8% backdated to June 1.
“With this offer, we are above the very high inflation rate and far above what ver.di and other unions are demanding and concluding in other current negotiations. We cannot afford more than that without endangering the survival of companies,” Riedel said.
“Any further escalation of industrial action would be completely disproportionate in view of this offer and harms not only us, but Germany as a whole. We urgently need a conciliation procedure,” she added.
However, the union has warned that further strikes cannot be ruled out. Schwiegershausen-Güth rejected the need for arbitration and called on employers to renegotiate the permanent increase, which she claimed could reduce to 3.5% for some sectors of the workforce.

German ports face worst strike action in 40 years as workers down tools

Should you be choosing your signature scent based on your zodiac sign ? Why not! If the smell you’re meant to emulate is written in the stars, then you should take note. Cape Town astrologer Nicole L Smith says that the scent you choose is a reflection of your personality – if you’re drawn to something fresh with citrus undertones, you’re energetic and easily excited. “Taking the time to understand what you’re likely to prefer based on your astrological sign will make choosing a scent so much easier.” Geraldine Augustine-Darwood from perfume brand Gold Series says that there’s no science behind why certain people prefer certain smells, but if listening to Zodiac intuition can help with the decision, then she’s all for it. “The consumer these days is inundated with fragrances and the choices are endless. Using zodiac insights, you might be able to narrow down the top, middle or base notes that work better with your personality, making the overall decision much easier.” Below Nicole outlines what scent you should be looking for, based on your sign: ARIES: You are the trailblazer of the Zodiac, fiercely fiery and independent with an appetite for action, bold moves and new beginnings. Spicy scents of cinnamon or nutmeg sustain your zest for life and keep your fires ablaze. TAURUS: A true sensation seeker, Taurus, the more you delight your senses, the more you access your rich, earthy sensuality. True quality is the only luxury. Damascena rose is the fragrance for an embodied Goddess of Love. Gold Series Forever Red would suit the Taurus best with Ylang Ylang and Rose top notes to delight the senses. GEMINI: Gemini, the realms of the intellect are your playground. You’re adaptable, adept at wit and cunning with words. Lavender alerts the joyful trickster in you, bringing sweet clarity to all that you express. CANCER: Your presence, Cancer, like the primordial waters of life, envelops others, fills their cups, and nourishes their souls. The milky notes of passionflower are a soothing scent to facilitate, drawing in others to the sanctuary that is you. LEO: Confidence, passion and hearty charm are the Leo trademarks. Born to shine, your golden aura exudes regal authority. A natural leader, comfortable in the spotlight, needs a big scent . Rosemary or citrus fan your flames and amplify your essential radiance. Augustine-Darwood recommends that men try Privé Pour Homme from the Gold Series range with top notes of lemon and grapefruit. To complement his scent, she recommends Gold Series Gold perfume with top notes of lemon, perfect for the leo couple. VIRGO: Virgo, your habits are meticulous, your style is immaculate. Quietly sensual, your refined tastes are grounded in fine and exact details. Your powers of discernment are a good match with fennel’s crisp notes of sweet earthiness and liquorice. LIBRA: Libra, you’re an artist at heart, dancing harmony, speaking love, connecting with soulmates. Your charm is a magnetic, infused with the joy of being alive. Red clover’s sweet herbal fragrance unlocks pleasure and accentuates beauty. SCORPIO: You’re the detective of the Zodiac, Scorpio, operating best behind the scenes or deep undercover. Smoulderingly intense, quietly passionate and magnetic, authenticity is your love language . Basil’s sharp and lingering sweetness mirrors your powerful allure. SAGITTARIUS: The eternal adventurer, Sagittarius, distant horizons call you and adventure warms your blood. Optimistic and expansive, your philosophy of life is to enjoy, learn and keep moving. You’re drawn to sages’ musky, green aroma, stirring memories of ancient pilgrimage. CAPRICORN: Capricorn, you have the air of a connoisseur, drawn to the tried and tested and the best of what tradition has to offer. You’re also steadily ambitious, sometimes serious but always successful. The woodsy and citrus tones of pine are the scents of calm and stability. AQUARIUS: A humanitarian at heart, Aquarius, you prefer to remain true to self, cool, calm and collected. Your perspectives are unique if not left-field and you need the freedom to walk to the beat of your own drum. Drawn to the off-beat and sometimes unusual, you’d resonate with the light zestiness of poppy. PISCES: Pisces, you are renowned for your infinite compassion and poetic soul. You are gentle, kind, fuelled by faith and a deep connection to the cosmos. Ancient perfumes like frankincense and myrrh conjure memories of past lives and sacred paths.

Pick your perfume using the Zodiac as inspiration

Style genius Kerwin Frost has teamed up with Adidas again and now we have another must-see release. If you don't know Kerwin Frost , you're missing out on one of the great revolutionaries in fashion today. The Harlem native is known for his work as a comedian, however, his relevance comes from his eclectic and -we could say- strange style, which breaks all fashion conventions, establishing new trends that continue to influence street style around the world balloon. For this reason, when in 2020 Adidas announced a partnership with the character, a massive expectation was generated about what could come under his eye. The man would go on to design clothing, sneakers, and campaigns with the brand, and to date has developed multiple releases, with one more joining that legacy. Kerwin Frost and Adidas have unveiled a series of unusual sneakers and apparel as part of their FW22 season. Adidas recently also shared their collaboration with Anderson Paak . "Frost's bold and singular taste for conceptual design translates into a selection of clothing and footwear that pays homage to life in its entirety," the statement says."In this collection, the entire universe is represented: the cosmos in the sky, the arctic winds, the land we walk on, the animals we have evolved from, the simplicity of childhood, the work-life balance of adulthood, and the freedom of expression for all people.” As mentioned, there are four matching sets, with two printed sports, and two combinations of blazer with shorts, which undoubtedly fit with the spirit of the designer. Likewise, all the garments are genderless while the materials of the garments are sustainable. The adidas Microbounce T1 arrive in two new perfect color combinations, one in light blue and one in a fun color scheme. The collection will be presented during New York Fashion Week FW22 , in what is sure to be quite a different show. When it goes on sale? The Kerwin Frost and Adidas collection goes on sale July 13 online and in select stores globally. What price are the clothes? Prices for clothing and footwear in this collection have not been announced at this time. However, it could vary.

Kerwin Frost reimagines the world of Adidas with a new collection

As a financial journalist, Sarah Max has covered the money beat for publications including Forbes and The New York Times. She’s dabbled in cycling journalism as well, even writing for Bicycling on occasion. Now, she’s the subject of interviews after bursting onto the gravel scene with tenacity, a deep love of technical sections, an appreciation for a fine IPA, and the guts to rock road shoes during a gravel race known for its difficult singletrack.
The 47-year-old took a break from preparing for her next adventure to chat all things gravel cycling, and shares her best tips for both new riders and riders looking to level up.
Bicycling: As a financial journalist who’s written about cycling, you may have an answer to this: Why are so many pro women cyclists in jobs in the finance realm?
Sarah Max: I’d guess part of it is because those are both male-dominated worlds, and there can be some parallels there that would attract a similar mindset. There’s also an element of competition and goal-setting in both.
You’re still working full-time, but putting a big focus on gravel this season. How are you balancing the two?
I’ve been riding for a long time—I got into gravel in 2018 because of a story that was pitched to me about gravel and about what is now Unbound, and I got into the race. It scared me enough that I really trained in 2018: I didn’t think I could race 200 miles (320km), so I worked hard to be ready. Then I had the fitness from that, which carried me through the rest of the year.
But then, with COVID and my own family’s transitions into college, I wasn’t really that focused on racing the last two years. This year, I decided to make a commitment to training. And the way I balanced it is that I work remotely, so when I’m home, I start working at five o’clock in the morning and try to be done around two in the afternoon, so I have plenty of time to train after work.
Were you expecting to have such solid results this season, with a fourth-place finish at Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) in San Diego and the win in Asheville after a solid Unbound performance?
I was not expecting to necessarily do that! The competition has increased so much since 2018. I had some good results that year, a fair number of podiums and stuff, but I was not expecting to have these results this season at all. My life was really hectic the last few years, and I did not have a lot of time to build back a base. I only started training in earnest in early March.
You also weren’t planning to go to BWR in Asheville, last month, but you changed your mind at the last minute. Why was that?
At Unbound, I was in third at about kilometre 280. It was a really, really muddy race this year, and there was a pretty significant water crossing on the course there, with moving water. I thought that if I rode it a little slow, I would clean my bike off. And instead, I washed myself out, and in the process I unpaired my electronic shifting. When I got back on the bike, I was stuck in the granny gear. I pulled over to try to fix it. It was super frustrating, and I got passed by a lot of people. A bike shop owner helped me fix it eventually, and I was able to finish in 10th place.
But I was very unsatisfied. And so on the way to the airport the next day, I just threw it out there to my coach that I could change my flight and go race BWR. I didn’t think I would be recovered enough to go race a week after Unbound, but my coach, Alex Candelario from Argonaut, was all for it. So I changed my flights and headed to Asheville!
You raced with road pedals at BWR, and that course has a lot of off-road and singletrack sections, in addition to a lot of paved road. How do you make the call between road or mountain bike shoes and pedals?
It depends on the course. So I did not use road pedals at Unbound. I would have used them if the course had been dry, but that wasn’t the case—road pedals this year would have been a disaster. Depending on how technical I think it is going to be, I’ll use mountain bike pedals for more technical courses. But whenever I can, I prefer to use road pedals; my feet are more comfortable and I think my pedalling is a little more efficient.
It seems like we’re seeing more and more women in their forties excelling in cycling. Why do you think that is?
One of the reasons I really like riding a bike is that I don’t think about my age when I’m riding. I feel ageless. That’s the nature of riding a bike: You just feel like a kid. That’s why I love it so much. I have a lot of friends through this world of cycling who are all ages, and what I love is that we’re all peers. Age doesn’t feel like a thing. And in terms of the sport itself, I think that I have some advantages and some disadvantages. What I have is years and years of endurance behind me, and I think that can help me in some of these longer races. At the same time, maybe I don’t have the same fast recovery or the same speed as younger riders.
On the note of recovery, how has your recovery shifted over the years?
I haven’t done anything crazy in terms of recovery. After a ride or race, I’m thinking about being hydrated and eating enough, but nothing like cryotherapy or these new modalities. Science says that it gets harder to recover as we get older. But I actually haven’t noticed it, if I have to be honest.
I joke about “mom watts.” I’ve said for years, especially when my daughters were younger, that I’d go train or race, and then I wouldn’t sit down after. I had babies or little kids and a job and a house to maintain. I had stuff to do. I was training for Unbound before I even knew what Unbound or gravel was, because that was the nature of what I did. I’d do a hard workout, and then I would just keep going. Maybe that helps me out now, and maybe that’s why I’m having such a hard time even thinking about how recovery has changed. Because I don’t know that I’ve ever been able to put a lot of thought into recovery.
For new gravel racers, what’s your best advice?
I would start with doing the skills work. Getting competent and feeling comfortable cornering, riding in loose gravel, and riding in your drops are all important.
Any tips about how to get comfortable riding in your drops?
Start out with a descent that’s not super technical or super steep, and just work your way up. Mentally reminding yourself that you are safer in the drops helps. If you go over something, you can just keep yourself loose, and you’re not going to fly off your handlebars. If your hands are on the hoods, you’re in the most dangerous position. In a lot of gravel races, you can’t see anything in front of you, whether it’s because there’s a bunch of riders in front of you or because there’s dust. You’re going to hit a pothole at some point, and the best way to be prepared is to be loose and in your drops. So I would say that is an important skill. You’ll also end up cornering better because your weight will be in the right place.
Any advice for transitioning from road to off-road during a race? Those moments can be tricky!
What I love about courses that change between terrains is that they make a long race not seem long! I remember BWR San Diego in 2018: It felt like a treasure hunt. I loved that it was constantly changing.
What is so beautiful about gravel right now is that nobody has grown up as a gravel cyclist. Everyone has come from different backgrounds—they come from road backgrounds, cyclocross backgrounds, mountain bike backgrounds, triathlon backgrounds. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. So when you have a transition in a race, celebrate the sections that play to your strength, and consider the areas you don’t excel at as a good challenge. I also try to tell myself not to brake whenever I can avoid it!
Mass starts are another scary part of gravel for so many people: How do you deal with those?
It is terrifying. And that’s funny—I have some friends who are accomplished pros who are also terrified of them. I’ve actually had to work through starts. One of the worst injuries that I’ve had cycling was at the start of the Breck Epic, a mountain bike race. On the pavement during the neutral rollout, a guy who was trying to get in a better position and just weaving his way in and out caught my handlebars, and I ended up tearing my rotator cuff and my labrum within a mile or two of the start. So I get it!
What I have tried to do is to not think about everything that could go wrong, because what ends up happening is you get overwhelmed. It’s kind of a sensory overload. You see all these people, there’s a lot of sound, there’s a lot going on. The way that I’ve tried to deal with it is to block out all the bad things that could happen. You just have to accept that this is going to be uncomfortable. You do have to be highly focused, because you have to be able to respond quickly to things, but you can’t be nervous.
Pacing for gravel is another challenge, since races can go so many different ways and have such different course profiles. And unlike road races, drafting can be an advantage, but you may also end up riding solo even if you’re doing well!
The answer depends on what your goals are. For me, the biggest thing I have been working on this year is pacing. I’ve never been a fast starter. It takes me a while to kind of really feel comfortable. However, I changed my training this year to specifically work on those fast starts, then be able to recover and be in a good position. It’s pretty universal among the more competitive riders that we tend to go out pretty fast and then settle in eventually.
Mass starts have also put the men and women together: How does that play out for you as a pro woman? It must be tricky to navigate around riders who are going out too hot, since getting into the wrong group can make or break a race.
There are definitely going to be some guys who go out way, way too hard and blow up in almost every race. But in a longer race, it’s very rare that you’re riding with the same person or the same group the entire race. What I have found is that either I can bridge up to a group that I’m comfortable with, or another group comes up and catches me and I can work with them.
What you see sometimes with these courses that are super variable in terms of the terrain is someone might be really skilled on the technical sections and might catch up to you, but you can work together to push each other. During BWR, for example, I was with a group for a long time, and it was really helpful to ride with them on the downhills. They were technically good riders, so I felt comfortable sitting behind them on descents. I did my share of the work when it was a gradual uphill or flat. We complemented each other, and that’s the best case scenario. And actually, on the note of advice: learn how to draft well!

Bicycling

The Secrets to Excelling at Gravel Cycling

Stage 12 Preview: Alpe d’Huez Looms
Stage 12 – Briançon to Alpe d’Huez – 165.5km – Thursday, July 14
After a wickedly hard day in the Alps, another tough stage looms on Thursday for the Tour de France . Stage 12 is slightly longer at 165.1km and has more climbing, with three hors categorie ascents, finishing with the summit of Alpe d’Huez.
After the Stage 11 fireworks, we’d expect Stage 12 to be slightly calmer. For one, with Jonas Vingegaard in yellow, responsibility for controlling the race falls to his Jumbo-Visma team, which is clearly the strongest in the race. Vingegaard has a two-minute lead on his nearest challenger, DSM’s Romain Bardet, so the team also has the luxury of being able to race defensively (at least for a day to let Vingegaard recover a touch from going so deep on Wednesday). The situation suits their broad team depth very well.
But the course may have something else to say. The climbing starts almost right out of the gate. From the start in Briançon, the peloton will roll past the turn to the Col du Granon climb that saw the race explode on Wednesday, and then ride back over the Col du Galibier from the way they came down yesterday. The descent is interrupted by the short (uncategorised, from this direction) bump over the Col du Telegraphe, and a fast, twisty drop to the valley before the Col d la Croix de Fer.
The Croix de Fer is not a steep climb by Alpine standards at just 5.2 percent average, but it lasts nearly 29 kilometres including several short downhill sections. It will definitely sap the legs. From there, it’s another descent and a flat section in the valley before the hard left turn for the 13.8km ascent to the finish on Alpe d’Huez. The forecast will be hot, with highs in the low 90s in the valleys and about 5-10 degrees cooler on the summits. Winds are generally light, and no rain is forecast.
Riders to Watch
For the early breakaway, look to teams that haven’t had big success this Tour but have good climbers. Bahrain-Victorious’s Damiano Caruso could be a player. BikeExchange-Jayco’s Nick Schultz would like another try after his near-miss on Stage 10. Pierre LaTour (TotalEnergies) and Cofidis’ Simon Geschke could rekindle today’s KoM rivalry with big points on offer. Trek-Segafredo’s Bauke Mollema is quietly looking strong. And of course, it’s trite to say the French want a win on Bastille Day, but it’s also kinda true. Aurélien Paret-Peintre of Ag2r-Citroën could be in the action, or Pierre Rolland of B&B Hotels. Of course, their chances depend greatly on what happens with the GC group. If Jumbo controls with an iron fist, they likely stay free. But if attacks come, look for Pogačar to possibly try to hit back at yesterday’s losses, while Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) is having his best form in several years. French win on Bastille Day? Romain Bardet might like a word, and a stage win, and the yellow jersey.
When to Watch
With the early climbing and Jumbo likely in firm control, expect an early breakaway to go clear. This one could go the distance, but that may depend on whether other GC riders try to challenge Vingegaard early. The obvious point to watch is the final climb on Alpe d’Huez, with its 21 famous switchbacks packed with legions of wild fans (hopefully not TOO wild). Expect the race to get there around 16h30, but you might want to keep an eye on things on the Croix de Fer (15h30) just in case.

Stage 12 Preview: Alpe d’Huez Looms

Update 2022-07-13T21:14:28+02:00Jul 13th, 2022|Daily Cases| .reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}EVDS Self Registration PortalVaccine Registration Portal is now open!VIEW MORE.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Active Vaccination SitesFind your closest vaccination siteVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Latest Vaccine StatisticsView latest vaccine rollout figures & statisticsVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Interactive Live CounterInteract with our live Covid-19 data mapVIEW MORE.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link) , .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):after {color: #c48a10;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:after {color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination a.inactive:hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a {border-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination .current {border-color: #006532; background-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-date-and-formats .fusion-format-box, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-popover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .tooltip-shortcode {color: #006532;}#main .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .post .blog-shortcode-post-title a:hover {color: #006532;} twitter (Friday 15 July 2022 Update on Covid-19 Update 

Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 13 July 2022)

Do you want to avoid increasing those unwanted kilos? We leave you a list of foods that make you gain weight and that really should not be in your diet. Several foods that make you gain weight are part of our common diet. They are foods that we have become accustomed to consuming because of the era in which we live or because we do not usually think too much about the damage to health that they may have (beyond being full of sugar and calories). As a way to remind you what those products are, we leave you a list of the foods that make you gain weight. If you decide to stop, you will have the opportunity to lose weight more easily, in addition to considerably reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes . Soda Recent research found that consumption of the soda can cause type 2 diabetes, increased heart risks, and increased risk of cancer . Its high sugar content causes fat accumulation, which can even accumulate in the liver, can cause kidney stones, among other harmful effects. A report from Harvard University found that sugar- sweetened beverages like soda (or even fruit juice) have loads of calories and almost no other nutrients. And these calories don't cause a feeling of fullness like others, so they can quickly lead to increased body fat. Frozen We're sorry. We know that ice cream is a favorite of all, but the truth is that it is high in sugar and fat, particularly those that are manufactured commercially (the ones you buy at the supermarket). On the other hand, ice cream is a food that we do not consume as a meal, but as a dessert or as a "snack", which adds a lot of calories to your normal consumption during the day. It is advisable to avoid it or look for one that does not have a very high sugar content , or opt for homemade ice cream without too much sugar to have a good snack. Pizza And since we are in the bad news, pizza is another of the most dangerous foods for our diet. A typical slice of cheese can have up to 200 calories , which doesn't sound like much, but can add up considerably depending on the ingredients. For example, a pepperoni can have up to 313 calories. However, the above is talking about homemade pizzas. The commercial ones can have more than 300 calories, with some reaching up to 700. If we eat more slices, this can increase considerably. cereals with sugar Many still believe that commercial cereals are ideal to start the day, however this is not the case. Most of these are cereals full of calories and added sugars, on the other hand, many are processed so they do not have the nutrients of the whole grains they come from. It is important to carefully review the information of the cereal we choose for breakfast, looking for low calories , little sugar and that there are no trans fats in the ingredients. Fast food All junk food is bad for your health. The most popular ones that we find or buy in the store are chips or cookies, which include high amounts of calories including more than 300 per serving. Unfortunately this also applies to others such as French fries, which can also have a lot of fat and salt, and can increase their caloric content with ketchup and other additives. Processed meats Processed meats are bacon, sausages (such as salami, longaniza, chorizo), sausages, hamburgers, meatballs, nuggets , corned beef, among others. Studies have found that the consumption of these products is directly linked to weight gain, in addition to being related to various health problems. Do you think we missed another food on this list?

Wealth, Money &amp; Top Finance Tips | GQ South Africa

6 foods that make you gain weight (and maybe you should avoid)

This is a weekly report of Covid-19 & vaccine sentiment, rumours & misinformation in SA. Further information that provides the background to this report is available here. Please give feedback on these reports in the brief survey here.
Click here to download this as a pdf
KEY TRENDS
“Covid is over”. Many people wrongly believe that the end of restrictions means that Covid is over (Here) and there is no need to vaccinate (Here and here).
Continuing legacy of Covid-19. Globally reported cases have increased nearly 30% over the past two weeks while testing has reduced dramatically in many countries (Here). While most people welcome not wearing a mask anymore, others on Department of Health social media say masks should still be worn “when more people have long-Covid or post-Covid conditions” (Here) and they would continue wearing masks since there were still new cases of Covid-19 (Here and here). Others were concern about the timing, asking if the “the department realizes that we are in the midst of a flu season and that people also die from flu or is Covid the new name for flu” (Here). The effects of the pandemic and its impact on the country’s HIV/AIDS programme will be felt for a long time (Here). The pandemic had disrupted access to treatment of chronic illnesses. “This is not only unique to HIV medicine. The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically affected our healthcare system. There has been significant damage in what we term ‘collateral damage’ (Here).
Disputed ventilation precaution. Despite evidence of airborne Covid-19 transmission requiring good ventilation of public spaces (Here), posts educating people about this (Here) are frequently challenged, “Since when is this Covid thing airborne bulldust talk here on your page” (Here).
Leadership spreading vaccine disinformation. There has been considerable discussion of a video circulating of the African National Congress secretary general Ace Magashule telling a crowd of people expressing that he did not vaccinate (Here). Some echo this message – a post on a Department of Health poster on Covid statistics says “Ace Magashule please come and wake these people up” (Here).
Media literacy and fake news. More than 75% of South Africans say they regularly come across political news they think is false. Eight out of 10 South Africans believe that disinformation (or “fake news”) is a problem or a serious problem in the country (Here). Training to combat fake news by reading media texts critically has proven helpful in other countries, “Research has shown that making people more media literate can help reduce the spread of disinformation” (Here).
Covid-19 misinformation hurting routine vaccination. There is considered fake news on Covid-19 in SA, which is fed by foreign influencers producing vaccine disinformation since before the pandemic (Here). This politicization of the Covid jabs has contributed to the decline in routine immunizations for measles, polio, and other dangerous vaccine-preventable diseases globally (Here and here). “More parents are questioning the necessity of routine vaccinations for young children … even for vaccines with a long safety record. This is likely to create more health risks down the road from diseases which have been mostly contained” (Here).
CCMA ruling against vaccine mandates. There has been much discussion following a Gauteng woman who was retrenched for not taking the Covid-19 vaccine, who won her case against her employer in the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and will be compensated for a year’s salary (Here). However, other courts have no obligation to take notice of this CCMA ruling. The employer can have this case reviewed by the Labour Court (Here).
Lack of clarity on Covid-19 rules in workplace. Many are wondering if masks, sanitizing and social distancing are still required in the workplace (Here). The employment and labour minister Thulas Nxesi published the Code of Practice: Managing Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace this week (Here). “Although, there is no legal requirement for employees to wear masks in order to enter an employer’s premises, Covid‑19 is still categorised as … hazardous and employers still have an obligation to provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of workers’’ (Here and Here).
Conspiracy theory about tavern tragedy. Following the tragic loss of 21 lives at a tavern in South Africa, there has been some speculation that it is related to the Covid-19 vaccine (Here).
Contact center seeing a reduction in calls. Inbound calls, emails, WhatsApp or web chat have reduced and have focused on Vaccination Certificates, edits to personal information on EVDS, timeframe between doses, regulations and where to get tested.
Positive feedback from community workshops. Over 6,000 people have attended more than 400 workshops organised by Covid Comms throughout the country. Interest in urban areas for workshops has reduced, while it remains high in the rural and peri-urban areas, The mandate changes have had a significant negative impact on vaccine interest. These workshops are successful in persuading many previously unvaccinated to vaccinate, with over half doing so.
Concern about other diseases. There have been two conformed monkeypox cases in SA and 11 close contacts are being closely monitored. On Department of Health social media there is questioning “why we only ever hear about Covid, Monkeypox. How about reporting on TB, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, etc. which are far more concerning!” and others who were tired of Covid said “Influenza is the main kid on the block this winter. Covid can go to sleep. This bug is in the air, not in drops of spit. You walk into the office and boom! 2 days later you can’t breathe”.
Social media in SA on Covid-19. Vaccine mandates were the main issue with 38% of vaccine related conversations. Digital news of Covid was down 50% on the previous week, with a spike on July 5, when the CCMA vaccine mandate ruling was announced. #letstalkvax, #keready and #vaxedyouth were hashtags driving positive vaccine sentiment. The top 5 Tweets covered the CCMA ruling, myocarditis risk and Ace Magashule. Leading links shared on Twitter were about destroying vaccines (Here), herd immunity fight is not over (Here) and the CCMA ruling (Here). Popular news articles highlighted the CCMA ruling (Here), Monkeypox (Here and here) and rising Covid-19 cases in Europe (Here). “Word cloud” of two words related to Covid-19 in SA:
MISINFORMATION
MISINFO: Now that Covid regulations been dropped there is no need to get vaccinated. TRUTH: With the Covid regulations ending, vaccination is even more important. Covid-19 is still widespread and killing people every day. Vaccination is the main way to protect yourself and your family. It’s still recommended to wear masks in indoor public spaces and to ventilate rooms. See here and here.
MISINFO: The only reason government is still pushing COVID vaccines is because they want to get rid of old stock. TRUTH: Getting vaccinated continues to be important to help limit variants developing and help prevent you from getting seriously ill. See here and here.
MISINFO: People who have been vaccinated are more likely to get seriously ill from Covid-19. TRUTH: The evidence does not support this claim. People who have been vaccinated are far less likely to experience severe symptoms. See here, here and here.
MISINFO: Vaccines cause infertility and erectile dysfunction. TRUTH: There’s no evidence to support these claims. Covid-19 however can impair sexual performance. See here, here and here.
MISINFO: Monkeypox is just the new Covid-19 scam to control and or kill us OR monkeypox is the scam name for the side effects of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. TRUTH: Monkeypox is a viral disease and not an auto-immune disease, so it cannot be a side effect of a vaccine and and the vaccines do not have any live virus in them. Monekypox is not new but recently has mutated to be more contagious and has spread to SA. See here and here.
MISINFO: “You have participated in a Covid test and you will get paid (if you do something)”, sent in a text to your phone. TRUTH: These messages are scams. Participation in any legitimate clinical trial in South Africa requires informed consent, and any payments have to be approved by an ethics committee and will usually only cover transport. See here for all the policies followed locally and here for an explanation of informed consent.
MISINFO: Vaccines have a tracker chip to track your movements. TRUTH: This is wrong; it’s a scare conspiracy theory with no truth. See here and here.
MISINFO: Ivermectin is an effective treatment for Covid-19. TRUTH: The SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) carried out a study into the use of Ivermectin and concluded that “there is currently no credible evidence to support a therapeutic role for Ivermectin in Covid-19”. They therefore ended the trial early. See here and here.
MISINFO: Vaccines side effects are being under reported and can kill you. The SA Adverse reactions site shows how many have died! TRUTH: This is false. See here, here and here. SA has excellent adverse event reporting mechanisms backed by evidence (see here for a credible local site on adverse reactions). The SA Health Products Regulatory Authority has conducted research and found that no one in SA has died due to Covid-19 vaccines (Here).
MISINFO: Vaccines are dangerous and are linked to “vaccine-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” or “VAIDS”. TRUTH: No evidence at all to support the claim of immunodeficiency being related to Covid-19 vaccines. See here and here.
MISINFO: Pfizer’s own data shows over 1,291 side effects of the covid vaccine. TRUTH: A report from 2021 did have a long list of potential side effects, but these were NOT side effects of their Covid-19 vaccine. It was a list of potential side effects that the safety study was watching out for. The vaccine is safe and side effects are mostly mild. See here and here.
WHO Africa Infodemic Response Alliance (AIRA) & Viral Facts
AIRA is the Africa-wide initiative of the World Health Organisation, managaing the infodemic of misinformation and communications overload related to Covid and vaccination. They produce the Viral Facts content responding to misinformation which can be used freely. Here are the latest Viral Facts Africa resources (please use them):
Key COVID-19 Misinformation Trends
- COVIDbResurgenceisa fear-mongering tactics
- Using Ivermectin with COVID-19 vax helps sideeffects
Key Disease Misinformation Trends
- Monkeypox is Mutating in Vaccinated Individuals
Information Gaps
- Are the monkeypox strains more dangerous?
Viral Facts resources
- Vaccines protect against serious complications from COVID-19 and new variants (Here)
- COVID-19 has not disappeard (Here)
- Gavi resources to build vaccine confidence (Here)
- Viral Facts tools to counter vaccine hesitancy (Here)
PROPOSED ACTION FOR RISK COMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Build confidence in all vaccines. Concern about the new Covid vaccines is leading to hesitance on all vaccines, with more parents now not taking their children for routine immunization. Communication should be produced explaining the public health benefit of all vaccines, especially long-trusted childhood ones.
Stay safe. With the ending of Covid regulations, few people are wearing masks, ventilating or taking other steps to reduce infections. While they are not required, these practices still provide protect against infection by Covid, influenza and other communicable diseases. This should be emphasised in communications disseminated widely.
Monkeypox communication. Produce and share content on the monkeypox outbreak to manage public concern.
Fake news training. Fake news about Covid-19 and vaccine is widespread in SA. Various courses in media literacy and ‘pre-bunking’ of misinformation have been developed by UNICEF and others. SA should consider running training on this to community mobilisers, Vax Champs and others who may be interested.
METHODOLOGY AND COLLABORATION
The Social Listening & Infodemiology team that produces this report is part of the Risk Communications & Community Engagement Working Group of the Department of Health. This report is compiled following the methodology of the WHO Africa Infodemic Response Alliance (AIRA, see here), the “Identify” stage. We pool information from the following:
- SA National Department of Health
- Covid-19 contact centre: The national call centre
- Org: NDOH Covid-19 WhatsApp system
- WHO Africa Infodemic Response Alliance (AIRA)
- UNICEF: digital analysis of content on Google, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, and digital news
- Red Cross: Network of over 2,000 community volunteers reporting misinformation and concerns
- Real 411 Media Monitoring Africa: a mis- and disinformation reporting and debunking initiative
- Covid-19 Comms: a network of communications specialists producing information on the pandemic
- DOH Free State & KZN: Provincial Departments of Health
- Community Constituency Front (CCF), Covid-19 Hotline, Health Systems Trust
- Centre for Communication Impact, Centre for Analytics & Behavioural Change, Section 27
- Medical Research Council, National Institute for Communicable Diseases,
- SA Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, HSRC, DG Murray Trust, Right To Care
- Universities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Free State, Wits, Stellenbosch, Sefako Makgatho
Other organisations involved Government Communications & Information Service, SA Council of Churches, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Heartlines, Children’s Radio Foundation, IPSOS, People’s Health Movement, Business for SA, SA Minerals Council, Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, UN Verified, HealthEnabled, Deaf SA, SA National Council for the Blind, Treatment Action Campaign and Disability SA.
Contributors to this report through writing and inputs include the following members, who also participated in this week’s discussions co-chaired by government and civil society; NDOH, Free State DOH, KwaZulu-Natal DOH, NICD, UNICEF, Real411, University of Free State, Right To Care, Project Last Mile, Community Constituency Forum, Health Systems Trust, DG Murray Trust, and Covid Comms.
This week’s drafting team: Herkulaas Combrink, Charity Bhengu, William Bird and Peter Benjamin.
Contact:
Nombulelo Leburu, National Department of Health 082 444 9503
Peter Benjamin, HealthEnabled peter@healthenabled.org 082 829 3353
Charity Bhengu, National Department of Health 083 679 7424

South Africa Covid-19 & Vaccine Social Listening Report 11 July 2022, Report 57

South African state-owned freight and logistics company Transnet has re-entered the international syndicated loan market by signing a five-year Senior Unsecured term loan facility of up to $1.5 billion, led by Deutsche Bank AG.
Transnet announced the loan agreement in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the facility would be used to finance the parastatal’s capital expansion programme and to refinance existing debt in line with its corporate funding plan for 2022/23.
The first drawdown amounting to $685 million is scheduled for this month (July). The facility is also structured to be repaid in eight equal semi-annual instalments after a 12-month grace period. There is an Accordion feature in the transaction for up to $1.5bn, subject to Transnet’s consent until December. Given the Accordion feature, Transnet will have approximately $800m available for drawdown up until December 31, subject to market conditions and investor appetite.
The transaction saw participation from a number of investors and direct foreign investors who demonstrated confidence in Transnet and its expanding investor base. The institutions included Deutsche Bank AG as global coordinator, Africa Finance Corporation as bookrunner and arranger, African Export-Import Bank as bookrunner and arranger, and Ahli United Bank as lead manager.
Transnet’s group chief financial officer Nonkululeko Dlamini said: “This is a significant milestone to stabilise Transnet’s liquidity position in support of our financial sustainability. It has been the single largest funding transaction which Transnet has been able to secure in the last seven years, with the benefit of diversifying our investor base in the process,” Dlamini said.
“The confidence that these investors have demonstrated is encouraging and we continue to focus on improving the operational and financial performance of Transnet.”
View the discussion thread.
Environmental activists are concerned about the environmental impact of the new development.
Spedag Interfreight focuses on several market verticals including energy and infrastructure, aid and relief, oil and gas, and commodities.
SA citrus growers have warned that the new protocols jeopardise 140 000 local jobs.
More than 2000 sanctions have been imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The drilling was initially set for June, but will now begin in August.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.

Transnet secures $1.5-billion international loan facility

The Limpopo government has dismissed an appeal by environmental activists who oppose the granting of environmental authorisation to build one of the largest-ever heavy industrial parks in Limpopo.
The proposed Musina MakhadoSpecial Economic Zone (SEZ) covers 7 262 hectares and will be one of the biggest in SA, larger than the Dube Tradeport SEZ, the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), and the Saldanha Bay IDZ. The Coega SEZ in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, at 9 003 hectares, is the biggest SEZ development to date. The Musina Makhado SEZ will include heavy manufacturing industries, such as ferrochrome, ferromanganese, steel, and cement plants. It will also have a 3300-MW coal-fired power station.
Concerns about the impact of the development on the environment have led to multiple delays in its progress since it was first announced by former trade and industry minister Rob Davies in 2017. The process to get the development off the ground started in 2018, before a scoping report was conducted in 2019, but concerns about its potentially hazardous impact on the environment stalled the project.
The Limpopo Economic Development and Tourism Department initially decided that the development’s environmental impact assessment was insufficient and temporarily stopped the development in 2021. The department advised project developers to source the opinions of local stakeholders, including traditional authorities, landowners and other affected people, after they had been properly informed about the project in their indigenous languages.
The department also raised concerns about water and energy supply for the development and asked the developers to clearly outline their water and energy supply plans in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. This came after Environmental Assessment Practitioner Deltabecdid not recommend a decision be made on the project.
The developers submitted another EIA report in November 2021 which led to the department finally granting environmental authorisation for the development.
However, environmental activists, including Earthlife Africa, groundWork, and the Mining and Environmental Justice Community Network of South Africa, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, appealed the decision.
The environmental activists argued that the final EIA had failed to resolve concerns raised by civil society in the past and alleged that there had been serious flaws in the EIA process, as well as conflict of interest among some decision-makers.
They called on environment minister Barbara Creecy and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to intervene to protect the rights of residents.
However, the department has now dismissed their appeal, saying that a full heritage impact assessment had been conducted. The assessment had identified 19 graves and 30 sites of heritage significance within the project area, for which the developers said they had put mitigation measures in place.
"All anticipated cumulative impacts were considered before the decision was made, including compliance with the environmental prescripts," Limpopo's economic development, environment, and tourism MEC, Thabo Mokone, said.
Musina Makhado SEZ CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga said in a statement that the dismissal of the appeal had vindicated the organisation against "baseless and speculative accusations".
"For far too long, the SEZ bent backwards to afford the interested and affected parties the democratic space to register their legitimate concerns on our EIA application, a process which unfortunately degenerated into abuses," he said.
View the discussion thread.
The parastatal plans to use the funds to finance its capital expansion programme and to refinance existing debt.
Spedag Interfreight focuses on several market verticals including energy and infrastructure, aid and relief, oil and gas, and commodities.
SA citrus growers have warned that the new protocols jeopardise 140 000 local jobs.
More than 2000 sanctions have been imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The drilling was initially set for June, but will now begin in August.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.

Limpopo government gives green light to Musina Makhado SEZ

Style genius Kerwin Frost has teamed up with Adidas again and now we have another must-see release.
If you don't know Kerwin Frost , you're missing out on one of the great revolutionaries in fashion today.
The Harlem native is known for his work as a comedian, however, his relevance comes from his eclectic and -we could say- strange style, which breaks all fashion conventions, establishing new trends that continue to influence street style around the world balloon.
For this reason, when in 2020 Adidas announced a partnership with the character, a massive expectation was generated about what could come under his eye. The man would go on to design clothing, sneakers, and campaigns with the brand, and to date has developed multiple releases, with one more joining that legacy.
Kerwin Frost and Adidas have unveiled a series of unusual sneakers and apparel as part of their FW22 season. Adidas recently also shared their collaboration with Anderson Paak .
"Frost's bold and singular taste for conceptual design translates into a selection of clothing and footwear that pays homage to life in its entirety," the statement says."In this collection, the entire universe is represented: the cosmos in the sky, the arctic winds, the land we walk on, the animals we have evolved from, the simplicity of childhood, the work-life balance of adulthood, and the freedom of expression for all people.”
As mentioned, there are four matching sets, with two printed sports, and two combinations of blazer with shorts, which undoubtedly fit with the spirit of the designer.
Likewise, all the garments are genderless while the materials of the garments are sustainable. The adidas Microbounce T1 arrive in two new perfect color combinations, one in light blue and one in a fun color scheme.
The collection will be presented during New York Fashion Week FW22 , in what is sure to be quite a different show.
When it goes on sale?
The Kerwin Frost and Adidas collection goes on sale July 13 online and in select stores globally.
What price are the clothes?
Prices for clothing and footwear in this collection have not been announced at this time. However, it could vary.

Affectionately known as “Unsta”, media personality, business woman and songstress, Unathi Nkayi is passionate about elevating the conversation around mental health. Here she chats to us about her approach to prioritising her mental health and the importance of therapy GQ: What does your passion for mental health speak to? Unathi: I come from a family of spiritual healers and my father is a clinical psychologist so I see people’s mental ills even before they speak. It’s something that’s innate in me, healing is a part of who I am, and I know that if we don’t advocate for mental healing, the illness just gets worse and people die. I’m fortunate to have been raised by a family that’s very aware, and have made it part of who we are as a people; professionally and spiritually. GQ: Would you say men and women are affected differently by mental health issues? Unathi: No, the human experience is the same for both men and women, and the vulnerability we feel when nobody is there, is solely that. My therapist says, “emotions don’t have gender.” Even as women, we have different issues so to put a blanket explanation on people’s experiences is very dangerous. GQ: What are some societal notions or beliefs that make it hard for men to be vulnerable or even ask for help? Unathi: Our boys are raised to believe that men don’t cry, how many troubled men are we raising like that? It’s in the gender identity that we sabotage the healing process. GQ: As a mom raising a boy, and a woman with brothers and male friends, what advice would you give to young and older men about mental health and therapy? Unathi: You can’t heal what you cannot speak of, so I would advise everyone to find a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings. It doesn’t necessarily have to be therapy in the conventional sense. Is it your journal? You’ll possibly be scared to write some things in your journal because maybe right now, what you’re feeling is explosive. If that’s the case, journal it, tear the page out and burn it. The point is to release that energy and emotion, and at least thinking about the thing that is harping on your mind, soul and spirit. GQ: You also mentioned the practice of journaling and burning the page on your Therapy Tuesday post on Instagram. I’m glad you did because the thought of someone reading your most intimate thoughts is really daunting for most people… Unathi: It’s exactly that, it’s a fear, people don’t want to speak to their partners because it’s a fear of what they’ll think of them. The same goes for therapy and counselling, there’s a fear of what will people say? I wouldn’t even recommend recording a voice note because of all the privacy issues around technology, and never knowing who’s listening in on our conversations. I say write down all the sh*t you want to say. If you want to curse out your mother because she wasn’t there for you, do it on that piece of paper! Or if you want to curse your uncle out because he was abusing you and got away with it, or your grandmother because she silenced you…write it down and then burn it! GQ: If you prefer talking it out, how do you create a safe space or a circle you can trust with your intimate thoughts? Unathi: If you don’t feel safe around your guy friends, speak to your girlfriend , find a colleague or go to therapy if you can afford it. If you can’t, are you religious or spiritual? The most important thing is to release it for yourself, so find a safe space for you to release it. It’s what we do not speak of that kills us, and we cannot heal what we do not speak of. GQ: As a big advocate for mental health and therapy, what role would you say therapy has played in your life? Unathi: I’m the equivalent of a pastor’s kid when it comes to psychology because black people especially, don’t want to talk about therapy and psychology. Personally, because I know it’s a safe space, I don’t feel intimidated by it, I know it’s my purpose and role to make it less intimidating. Therapy has been a part of my entire adult life, for instance my mom once gifted me with 12 sessions of therapy, so instead of buying me an expensive bag, she offered to pay for a year of therapy. It’s in everything I do, we have family meetings where the youngest in the family will call a meeting because she’s not happy and wants things to change. For us, conversating and communicating, as well as articulating your thoughts and validating everybody’s experience is how I’ve been raised. GQ: How often do you attend therapy, and what’s your recommendation for someone who is open to it? Unathi: I’ve been going to therapy for five years now. In 2017, I went every week because I was going through a divorce, and after the first year, I started going every fourth night, and now I go every two weeks. It’s not about problems, but my therapist has also become my life coach, and helps me through certain periods of pain that I go through, as well as making educated professional decisions or we’ll just kick it for two months if there’s nothing devastating. Therapy is an ongoing relationship; I have a permanent mentor and a life coach who never judges me and wants the best for me. She looks out for me and corrects me when I’m wrong and gives me the full picture because I am me, and my friends and family will be subjective but my therapist is there to be my sounding board. How do I look at the man in the mirror and ask him to change the world if I don’t have an honest, objective voice to bounce back on? I would not be me without therapy! GQ: We know you’re always booked busy, what can we look forward to for the rest of 2022? Unathi: I’ve been in the studio with Prince KayBee producing my album WOMAN. My production company, Mamela TV, is producing one of our biggest formats to hit the screens in April after my business partner worked on Chasing the sun and Brave, True and Strong as our latest offerings. This article originally appeared on the GQ Print Mar/April issue.

5 minutes with Unathi ‘Unsta’ Nkayi

An estimated 3.2 million cartons of citrus valued at R605m (€38.4m) currently en route to the European Union could potentially be destroyed after the region introduced new regulations regarding the cold treatment of oranges.
Citrus Growers’ Association special envoy for market access and EU matters, Deon Joubert, said authorities could potentially destroy the citrus after the European Union’s (EU) Standing Committee on Plant, Animal, Food and Feed (Scopaff) published “drastic and arguably misinformed” new regulations requiring the cold treatment of oranges to address False Codling Moth (FCM) interceptions from southern African orange exports. He said the regulations had been implemented without warning, giving local producers no time to comply.
The new regulations were published in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 21, despite objections from several countries, including European markets that currently import South African oranges. The regulations will be enforced from July 14.
“There are currently numerous shipments of citrus fruit en route to the EU, with phytosanitary certificates issued before July 14 based on South Africa's existing systems approach. These shipments will reach the EU after July 14, by which time the EU's new phytosanitary requirements will apply. As a result, an estimated 3.2m cartons of citrus valued at R605m (€38.4m) en route to the region could potentially be destroyed by authorities,” Joubert said.
The regulations make extensive changes to the current applicable phytosanitary requirements for citrus coming from South Africa. They require imports of citrus fruit to undergo specified mandatory cold treatment processes and precooling steps for specific periods (up to 25 days of cold treatment) before importation.
Joubert said the new requirements differed significantly from South Africa's existing rigorous FCM Risk Management System, which had been “highly effective” in protecting European production from the threat of pests or disease, over several years. He said the existing system was supported by the results of studies published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
“The nature of the cold treatment prescribed in the new regulations is contrary to scientific evidence, making it an arbitrary, unjustified, and unnecessarily trade-restrictive measure and accordingly contravenes international requirements for such phytosanitary trade regulations,” Joubert said.
SA citrus growers export 800 000 tonnes of high-quality citrus fruit to the EU annually, yet FCM interceptions have been consistently low, with just 19 (2019), 14 (2020) and 15 (2021) interceptions over the past three years. This is in stark contrast to FCM interceptions from other third importing countries, which have been much higher - with 53, 129 and 58 interceptions over the same period. However, no measures have been proposed against these countries.
“A significant portion of South Africa’s commercial orange production will also not be able to withstand the new prescribed cold treatment. Organic and “chem-free” oranges are particularly prone to chilling injury and will be most severely impacted, even though no FCM interceptions have been reported in the EU on these environmentally friendly and sustainable orange types,” Joubert said.
He added that SA authorities were engaging with their counterparts in the EU to request that they reconsider the regulations which carried no technical weight and appeared to be “a politically motivated move by Spanish producers to freeze out southern African citrus from the European market”.
“This will not only result in large gaps in the supply chain and higher prices for European consumers at a time when the region faces the real risk of food insecurity due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russian conflict, but will also severely threaten the sustainability and profitability of the South African citrus industry,” he said.
The move is likely to put 140 000 jobs, mostly in rural areas, at risk.
“The massively unjustified potential destruction of millions of cartons of fruit also comes at a time when the EU has prioritised minimising food waste in supply chains across the region. The fact that authorities are trying to enforce these new regulations a mere 23 days after publication, making it impossible for South African growers to comply, highlights how unjustified and discriminatory this legislation is,” he said.
View the discussion thread.
The parastatal plans to use the funds to finance its capital expansion programme and to refinance existing debt.
Environmental activists are concerned about the environmental impact of the new development.
Spedag Interfreight focuses on several market verticals including energy and infrastructure, aid and relief, oil and gas, and commodities.
More than 2000 sanctions have been imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The drilling was initially set for June, but will now begin in August.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.

New ‘politically motivated’ EU regulations could see R654 million of SA citrus destroyed

The shipping industry must navigate numerous sanctions as a result of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
According to a count by marine assurance tech firm MIS Marine, the number of individual sanctions that shipping faces totals around 2 400. Furthermore, 3 172 distinct vessels would be classed as associated with Russia under the EU’s port ban situation, reports Splash 247.
MIS Marine’s entry-level product, Mainstay Core, provides a comprehensive view of sanctions data to support compliance for ship charterers and minimise the risks for ports and terminals.
According to MIS Marine managing director Dominic McKnight Hardy, marine assurance includes understanding the complete risk profile, and indirect business with a sanctioned entity is a form in which the risks may appear.

Providing insight into sanctions data

Emergency room visits and hospitalisation are 22% higher among cannabis users, according to a Canadian study in BMJ Open Respiratory Research.
The large six-year retrospective cohort study, led by researchers at Unity Health Toronto and ICES, found serious physical injury and respiratory-reasons were the two leading causes of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations among cannabis users.
The findings suggest an association between cannabis use and negative health events, which the researchers say should underline the need to educate and remind the public of the harmful impacts of cannabis on health. Recreational cannabis use has increased in Canada since decriminalisation in October 2018.
"Our research demonstrates that cannabis use in the general population is associated with heightened risk of clinically serious negative outcomes, specifically, needing to present to the ED or be admitted to hospital," said Dr Nicholas Vozoris, lead author, a respirologist at St Michael's and an associate scientist at the hospital's Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute.
"Unlike tobacco, there is some uncertainty or controversy regarding the adverse health impacts of cannabis. Some individuals may perceive that cannabis has some health benefits and is otherwise benign. Our research highlights to those using – or considering to use – cannabis, that this behaviour is associated with important negative health events."
To compare health outcomes among cannabis users and individuals who don't use cannabis, researchers used data collected in a survey of individuals who self-reported cannabis use and linked it with health administrative data from ICES for Ontario residents ages 12 to 65 years old.
Using propensity score matching – a statistical matching technique – researchers compared the health outcomes of nearly 4,800 individuals who reported any cannabis use in the preceding 12 months with the health outcomes of over 10,000 individuals who reported never having used cannabis, or having used cannabis only once and more than 12 months ago. Researchers incorporated 31 different variables while matching study participants to minimize an unfair comparison, including demographics, multiple physical and mental health diseases, and tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use.
The primary goal of the study was to explore whether there was a link between cannabis use and respiratory-related hospitalization or ED visits. The researchers found no significant associations between cannabis use and respiratory-related ED visits, hospitalizations, or death from any cause. However, they did find that overall visits to the ED or hospitalizations for any reason was significantly higher among cannabis users.
In addition to having greater odds of going to the ED or being hospitalized, the findings show that one of every 25 people who use cannabis will go to the emergency department (ED) or be admitted to hospital within a year of using cannabis.
Among the reasons cannabis users went to the ED or were hospitalised, acute trauma – defined as bodily injury – was the most common, with 15 per cent of cannabis users who got medical attention receiving it for this reason, and 14 per cent receiving care for respiratory reasons.
"The results of our research support that health care professionals and government should discourage recreational cannabis consumption in the general population. Given the context of cannabis decriminalization in Canada, which has very likely facilitated the broader use of this product in the population, more efforts need to made from our health and political leaders to educate and remind citizens about the harmful impacts of cannabis on health," said Dr Vozoris.
Study Details
Cannabis use and risks of respiratory and all-cause morbidity and mortality: a population-based, data-linkage, cohort study
Nicholas T Vozoris, Jingqin Zhu, Clodagh M Ryan, Chung-Wai Chow, and Teresa To.
Published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research on 28 June 2022
Abstract
Introduction
Although cannabis is frequently used worldwide, its impact on respiratory health is characterised by controversy.
Objective
To evaluate the association between cannabis use and respiratory-related emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalisations.
Methods
A retrospective, population-based, cohort study was carried out, linking health survey and health administrative data for residents of Ontario, Canada, aged 12–65 years, between January 2009 and December 2015. Individuals self-reporting cannabis use within the past year were matched to control individuals (people who reported never using cannabis, or used cannabis only once, and more than 12 months ago) in upwards of a 1:3 ratio on 31 different variables, using propensity score matching methods. Respiratory-related and all-cause ER visits or hospitalisations, and all-cause mortality, were evaluated up to 12 months following the index date.
Results
We identified 35 114 individuals who had either used cannabis in the past year or were controls, of whom 6425 (18.3%) used cannabis in the past year. From this group, 4807 (74.8%) were propensity-score matched to 10 395 control individuals. In the propensity score matched cohort, there was no significant difference in odds of respiratory-related ER visit or hospitalisation between cannabis users and the control group (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.09). Compared with control individuals, cannabis users had significantly increased odds of all-cause ER visit or hospitalisation (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.31) and there was no significant difference with respect to all-cause mortality (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.02).
Conclusions
Although no significant association was observed between cannabis use and respiratory-related ER visits or hospitalisations, the risk of an equally important morbidity outcome, all-cause ER visit or hospitalisation, was significantly greater among cannabis users than among control individuals. Therefore, cannabis use is associated with increased risk for serious adverse health events and its recreational consumption is not benign.
BMJ Open Respiratory Research article – Cannabis use and risks of respiratory and all-cause morbidity and mortality: a population-based, data-linkage, cohort study (Creative Commons Licence)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Cannabis smoking in teenage years linked to adulthood depression
Recreational cannabis legalisation significantly increases youth usage – large US study
Is marijuana as safe as we think?
Studies link marijuana to cardiovascular hazards

Medical Brief

Cannabis use significantly increases risk of ER visits and hospitalisation

Both the ketogenic and Mediterranean diets successfully cut blood sugar levels in patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, according to a small randomised crossover trial. However, the former showed a reduced, less healthy intake of fibre and essential vitamins.
Among 33 adults, the well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) resulted in a 9% drop in HbA1c values after 12 weeks, while the Mediterranean-plus diet (Med-Plus) resulted in a 7% drop, reported Christopher Gardner, PhD, of Stanford University in California, and colleagues.
Both diet types also led to decreases in weight (8% vs 7%, respectively), without any significant differences between the groups, they noted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Both diets are considered “low carb” and are based on the foundation of limiting added sugars and refined grains, and consuming more non-starchy vegetables. However, WFKD avoids legumes, fruits and whole intact grains that are otherwise included in the Med-Plus diet.
“The one thing everybody did pretty well was limiting added sugar and refined grains. That was the main message for both diets,” Gardner said.
“The keto diet was more polarising,” he added. “What we were hearing is that some people just couldn’t do the keto because it was too restrictive."
As for cardiometabolic parameters, reports MedPage Today, the WFKD dieters saw a greater reduction in triglycerides – a 16% drop from baseline versus only a 5% drop for Med-Plus dieters (P=0.02). LDL cholesterol increased by 10% with the WFKD diet and decreased by 5% with Med-Plus, while HDL cholesterol increased by 11% with WFKD and 7% with Med-Plus.
However, the WFKD diet fell flat for nutrients, as those who stuck to this diet had lower intake of fibre; thiamine; vitamins B6, C, D, and E; and phosphorus compared with the Med-Plus dieters. Vitamin B12 levels were higher with WFKD.
“The lower in carbs you go, the more you’re wiping out entire food groups that are considered very nutrient dense and healthy,” Gardner said. “What is it about this diet that would be so compelling you would give up some of those central tenets of health and nutrition?
Restricting added sugars and refined grains and emphasising the inclusion of vegetables should be the focus,” he added. “There’s no reason to restrict heart-healthy, quality carbohydrate foods above and beyond.”
The San Francisco-based study included adults with prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% or fasting glucose 100 to 125 mg/dL) or type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 6.5% or higher or fasting glucose 126 mg/dL or higher). The 33 participants were randomised evenly to each diet type for 12 weeks.
The researchers didn’t necessarily discourage weight loss, but there wasn’t a particular calorie restriction put on the participants. On average, participants consumed about 250 to 300 fewer calories per day compared with baseline.
Participants on the WFKD diet were instructed to sustain nutritional ketosis by limiting carbohydrates to 20g to 50g per day and proteins to around 1.5g/kg ideal body weight per day, with the remaining calories coming from fats. They were also told to consume more than three servings per day of non-starchy vegetables and maintain adequate mineral and fluid intake for the ketogenic state, with about 3g to 5g of sodium and 3g to 4g of potassium per day.
Med-Plus dieters were told to simply avoid added sugars and refined grains, while adhering to a chiefly plant-based diet.
A total of four adverse events were reported, with just one – an elevated alanine transaminase level on WFKD – considered to be possibly related to the study.
Study details
Effect of a ketogenic diet versus Mediterranean diet on glycated haemoglobin in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The interventional Keto-Med randomised crossover trial
Christopher Gardner, Matthew Landry, Dalia Perelman, Christina Petlura, Lindsay Durand, Lucia Aronica, Anthony Crimarco, Kristen Cunanan, Annie Chang, Christopher Dant, et al.
Published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on 31 May 2022
Abstract
Background
Consensus has not been reached on what constitutes an optimal diet in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially between low-carbohydrate options.
Objectives
We compared two low-carbohydrate diets with three key similarities (incorporating nonstarchy vegetables and avoiding added sugars and refined grains) and three key differences (incorporating compared with avoiding legumes, fruits, and whole, intact grains) for their effects on glucose control and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM.
Methods
Keto-Med was a randomised, crossover, interventional trial. Forty participants aged ≥18 years with prediabetes or T2DM followed the well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) and the Mediterranean-plus diet (Med-Plus) for 12 weeks each, in random order. The diets shared the three key similarities noted above. The Med-Plus incorporated legumes, fruits, and whole, intact grains, while the WFKD avoided them. The primary outcome was the percentage change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) after 12 weeks on each diet. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included percentage changes in body weight, fasting insulin, glucose, and blood lipids; average glucose from continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and nutrient intake.
Results
The primary analysis was of 33 participants with complete data. The HbA1c values did not differ between diets at 12 weeks. Triglycerides decreased more for the WFKD [percentage changes, −16% (SEM, 4%) compared with −5% (SEM, 6%) for the Med-Plus; P = 0.02] and LDL cholesterol was higher for the WFKD [percentage changes, +10% (SEM, 4%) compared with −5% (SEM, 5%) for the Med-Plus; P = 0.01]. Weight decreased 8% (SEM, 1%) compared with 7% (SEM, 1%) and HDL cholesterol increased 11% (SEM, 2%) compared with 7% (SEM, 3%) for the WFKD compared with the Med-Plus, respectively; however, there was a significant interaction of diet × order for both. Participants had lower intakes of fibre and three nutrients on the WFKD compared with the Med-Plus. Twelve-week follow-up data suggest the Med-Plus is more sustainable.
Conclusions
HbA1c values were not different between diet phases after 12 weeks, but improved from baseline on both diets, likely due to several shared dietary aspects. The WFKD led to a greater decrease in triglycerides, but also had potential untoward risks from elevated LDL cholesterol and lower nutrient intakes from avoiding legumes, fruits, and whole, intact grains, as well as being less sustainable.
MedPage Today –Keto Versus Mediterranean Diet: Which Is Better for Diabetes? (Open Access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
A ‘myopic focus on weight’ drives the popularity of keto diet
Novel ketogenic dietary supplement well tolerated and reduced epileptic seizures – UK study
High performance athletes should avoid ketogenic diets
Mediterranean diet reduces stroke risk by 20% in women
Mediterranean diet may have lasting effects on brain health

Keto vs Mediterranean diet and diabetes – Stanford randomised trial

Dr Tony Behrman, Medico-legal and Business Consultant at Medical Protection Society (MPS), reminds healthcare professionals of their obligations regarding the country’s increasing power outages.
Dr Behrman writes:
The recent escalation of power outages, or load shedding, to stage six, have largely been caused by a wildcat strike by Eskom workers – this is worth noting, as since prior to 2010, South Africa has relied on Eskom generated power for more than 80% of its generated electrical needs and 70% of that is derived from coal-fired power stations.
For healthcare professionals, your legal and ethical obligations surrounding power outages were previously outlined by MPS but the key lessons of cardinal importance to all facing power outages have now been expanded:
• Be aware of the ethical and legal position of operating without adequate power back up;
• Acknowledge the dangers of operating against the better judgment of the hospital authorities where adequate power cannot be assured, as well as those of operating against your own better judgment if unduly pressurised by the hospital authorities; learn to say “no”;
• Know the laws around the presence of replacement power sources in clinical situations;
• Understand the types of alternative power sources at your institution and the time period that they will need to be operative; and
• Become familiar with the maintenance schedules of the generating capacity as well as the diesel stock of your institution and how many reserve days of diesel are on site.
Over the past two years, the power situation has morphed more into living with the recurrent certainty of uncertain power supplies.
Doctors have found some solace from the more routine presence both in private and public hospitals, of electrical replacement and generating capacity for at least 24 hours, and in many of the private facilities, for far longer.
Problematic solutions
Reports in the media, however, paint a hospital picture that is far from safe, in that leading large state hospitals do not have sufficient backup energy generating capacity to maintain even their essential equipment like incubators, respirators, lighting, air conditioning, dialysis units and steam generators.
Huge reliance is also placed upon the ability of a backup Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) to store Eskom power, but with load shedding of four hours becoming the order of the day, these UPS batteries cannot fully recharge, resulting in serial dilution of their available power outputs.
The Western Cape Government’s Disaster Management (WCDM) co-operates closely with the various private and state hospitals in the metropole and effectively maintains Eskom power to the areas housing these installations, wherever and whenever possible.
This means that certain properties adjacent to those hospitals also do not experience as severe load shedding, but this is a result of old fashioned combined electrical distribution in those areas, which cannot effectively be split as of now.
A further new and totally different set of difficulties has now overtaken the UPS problem, as, until the private producers, wind and solar come on stream in earnest, all supplemental non-Eskom generating capacity (i.e. non-UPS based electricity) rests with diesel-fuelled Essential or Baseload Generators feeding into areas of need in hospitals and medical centres, where this power is also able to be stored by banks of batteries.
WCDM also interacts with hospitals both private and public to keep a log of all diesel supplies per institution, and have their own tanker to move emergency diesel to needy medical areas, when and where necessary.
As the oil price soars, the rate limiting step now both for government and the private sector is affording, acquiring and protecting diesel fuel. Two power stations, namely Ankerlig and Gourikwa, both in the Western Cape, collectively burn 4,000,000 litres of diesel per day (120,000,000m litres of diesel per month, currently $120 per barrel).
Cognisance must be taken of these new factors, which previously were regarded as left field:
• The sustainable supply, delivery, and cost of diesel;
• The possibility of road closures or obstructions by a variety of people for a variety of geopolitical or nefarious reasons; and
• The increasing element of oil tankers being hijacked, and their diesel stolen and resold on the black market.
In the past, government plans were dusted off to declare diesel a national asset and to limit fuel at the pumps to 50 litres per vehicle per fill up; even the use of the Defence Force to escort tankers and guard fuel depots was on the table.
The impact on healthcare
Power outages have taken on a whole new socio-economic and politico-economic agenda, which has a direct impact on micro, small and medium sized businesses, which collectively make up most of the preventative, non-hospital-based side of the medical profession.
Primary care doctors can run using UPSes and inverters, as there are few if any procedures conducted electively in a primary setting that place a patient’s life at risk if the replacement power runs out.
Dentists may find it more difficult but seldom run the risk of loss of life in the event of power outages.
To non-hospital based medical professionals it has become more of a commercial and existential matter, especially to primary care colleagues. Despite trying to create order out of power supply chaos, sticking to scheduled rotational load shedding is not always possible, as we have all experienced repeatedly recently.
Business continuity is threatened as the periods of outages get progressively longer and, as is the problem in the state hospitals, the ability of UPS equipment to recharge fully before the next load shed becomes limited, leaving practitioners with progressively less and less reserve emergency power.
The need for more banks of inverters and batteries to serially charge and discharge reserve power, whether derived from solar or from Eskom, becomes unavoidable and the costs begin to further spiral out of control – as now you need multiple batteries in your UPS, at R5,000 per battery.
Power installations can be homegrown or professionally done, and even wired into your distribution board so that switch-over is seamless, but problems abound. You may try a small generator, not too expensive but very noisy, messy and inconvenient. And it needs petrol or diesel.
Sensitive electrical equipment, practice computers, ECG machines, audiometry and LFT equipment dislike even the smallest changes in voltage or sine curves, practice fridges cannot maintain the cold chain for vaccines and temperature sensitive medicines, local cellphone towers go down, magnetic door locks, time clocks, electric fences and burglar alarms fail, with you, your staff and patients’ security becoming a huge threat. Water purification plants and sewerage plants may fail and drinking water may be confined to bottled water, even to wash hands.
Credit card machines cannot communicate properly with banks, internet speeds go south, and probably equally bad, when the power comes back on, sensitive equipment is damaged by power surges, requiring expensive anti-surge equipment.
We all accept that, at all costs, we must assist Eskom to prevent a national shutdown. It could take two to three weeks to restart the grid and would come with massive problems as old and defunct transformers ignite and blow up. Power outages are, however, all pervasive and have no doubt added to the already very harsh burden on the medical profession.
Doctor burnout
As we emerge from the fifth COVID-19 wave, we are all aware of professional burnout, which has plagued us for the past 30 months. Medical Protection offers a counselling service 24/7 for members who find themselves overstretched by circumstances.
Power outages may just tip the balance for those who are already struggling to cope.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
How to manage frustration from working in resource-constrained institutions
Coping with power outages – advice for healthcare professionals
Myths and misconceptions about State indemnity

Load shedding: the doctor is out (of electricity)

A senior government officials says budget constraints have led to delays in paying service providers to maintain health facilities in Gauteng.
Bawinile Malope, from them provincial Department of Infrastructure Development, responsible for carrying out the maintenance at health facilities in the province, was giving a presentation on Monday at the Human Rights Commission (HRC).
The commission is engaging with the Departments of Health, and Infrastructure Development, and Treasury as part of its monitoring of the healthcare system.
Malope said maintenance requirements in health facilities exceeded the budget and they were operating on a shortfall of R1.2bn to deal with infrastructure issues.
“In some hospitals, we have service providers who refuse to render their services because they have not been paid. Some payments are outstanding from as far back as September,” Malope told the commission.
She said most of their service providers were for specialist services, such as the maintenance of lifts and generators.
Referring to earlier this year when lifts were not working and could not be fixed, she said: “At some hospitals, we had our service provider completely pull out because of non-payment.”
Malope said load shedding was adding to the strain of hospitals and clinics, and only the Steve Biko and George Mukhari hospitals were exempt from Eskom’s enforced power cuts.
“Since the end of May, generators at hospitals have been battling to keep up with the constant cuts. We have been seeing a lot of equipment failures,” she said.
Recently (1 June 2022), MedicalBrief carried an article which had featured in Spotlight: it said that two years after the Public Protector (PP) found that the Health Department had failed to ensure appropriate conditions for the delivery of healthcare services, the situation at some of these hospitals had deteriorated even further.
After visiting several hospitals in Gauteng in 2020, the PP had made several recommendations, which the provincial health department said it had implemented.
However, when Spotlight asked PP spokesperson Oupa Segalwe about the progress in implementing the recommendations, he said no response had been received other than acknowledgements of receipt from the responsible authorities.
Highlighted in the PP’s reports were occupational health and safety hazards, especially regarding infrastructure and maintenance.
A case in point was the fire-ravaged and dilapidated Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, the repairs of which are nowhere near being completed: the damage and the delays been linked with arson, sabotage and corruption.
“We are running around like headless chickens. Nothing is getting fixed properly and the only successes have been when Solidarity or Gift of the Givers have come in and taken over,” said a doctor who has worked at the hospital since 1997. “The government should be embarrassed that an NGO had to come and dig a borehole to supply a public hospital with water,” he added. “The place is falling apart around us.”
Russell Rensburg, director of the Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP), said throwing money at the problems is not enough.
The challenges could only be solved with a proper evaluation of what the health system does with the money (allocated to them) and looking at where there are inefficiencies, he said, adding that Gauteng receives enormous budgets compared with other provinces.
As far back as September 2019, then Wits vice-chancellor Adam Habib challenged Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s call for the national Health Department to finance the province’s debt-ridden teaching hospitals, saying centralising their funding without fixing their deep-seated administrative and governance challenges would not give patients a better deal.
Habib told Business Day: “The whole system needs to be fixed.”
He was responding to a statement issued by Makhura in which he called on the Health Department to finance the four facilities – Charlotte Makexe, Steve Biko, Chris Hani Baragwanath and Dr George Mukhari hospitals – directly, saying that they were under-funded for their role and collectively, at that stage, owed R1.4bn to suppliers.
The central hospitals receive ring-fenced conditional grants that are overseen by the national health department, as well as an allocation from the provincial health budget.
Habib suggested that central hospitals should be overseen by an independent board, which would appoint the CEO, and the facilities should employ clinicians directly. Hospital CEOs are appointed by the provincial health department.
The engagement with the SA Human Rights Commission continues.
TimesLIVE article – Maintenance needs overrun budget for Gauteng state hospitals, SAHRC hears (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Sabotage and apathy behind Gauteng Health’s failure to repair Charlotte Maxeke – Prof Mahomed
Gauteng hospitals deteriorate further after damning PP report
Gauteng Health too broke to fight third wave

R1,2bn shortfall in Gauteng hospital maintenance budget, HRC hears

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, currently has no cure or effective therapy, in part due to gaps in understanding how the progressive neurodegenerative disorder arises in the brain.
Now, a Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia) study has shown how a protein called tau, a critical factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, turns from normal to a disease state – and demonstrates how this discovery could deliver a therapeutic target.
Published in the journal Science Advances, the team’s findings provide hope for preventing the tau transformation process from happening, thereby keeping tau in a healthy state and avoiding toxic effects on brain cells.
“Alongside a small peptide called amyloid-beta, the tau protein is a central factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Tau is necessary for the toxic effects on brain cells that then result in impaired memory function,” says senior study author Dr Arne Ittner, Senior Research Fellow in Neuroscience in the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute.
In the course of Alzheimer’s disease development, tau accumulates in deposits inside brain cells. During this process, tau gets heavily modified, with various deposits made up of tau carrying multiple small changes at many different positions within the tau molecule.
While such changes to tau have been known to neuropathologists for decades, it remained unclear how tau arrives at this multi-modified stage. The latest study has solved part of this mystery and provides a new mechanism to explain how tau gets progressively modified.
The study set out to answer whether one change at one specific spot in tau would make it easier for another spot to be modified.
The team focused on the relationship between tau and protein kinases, which are enzymes that introduce changes in tau.
“Usually, protein kinases target specific spots, called phosphorylation sites, in tau and other proteins, and introduce changes only at these specific spots,” says study lead author Dr Kristie Stefanoska, Research Fellow in Dementia at Flinders University.
“However, we suspected that some of these enzymes are able to target several spots in tau and would do so even more efficiently if tau were already modified at one spot to begin with.”
The researchers conducted a large experiment that included up to 20 different changes in tau and 12 enzymes, focusing on the most abundant type of change seen in tau from the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
While the study did discover that one change in tau does makes it easier for another change to be introduced, it was also able to identify “master sites” in tau, being specific spots that govern subsequent modifications at most of the other sites.
“By modifying these master sites, we were able to drive modification at multiple other spots within tau, leading to a similar state seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients,” says Ittner.
The next step for the team was to see whether master sites could be targeted to reduce the toxic properties of tau in Alzheimer’s, in a bid to improve memory function.
The current study employed mice that have both amyloid and tau and developed Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, including memory deficits. The researchers found that mice did not develop memory deficits when they had a version of tau that lacked one of the identified master sites, compared with mice that had the usual version of tau.
The team will now investigate how its findings can be translated into a treatment.
“We have shown that this new concept has therapeutic potential, but future work is needed to understand the role of these master sites in health and disease,” says Stefanoska.
“Tau modification in Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated process. Ours is the first study to link an initial change in tau with multi-site modification along the entire protein.”
The authors say the new mechanism and the master sites at its centre could apply to a range of neurological disorders in which tau is involved, including Parkinson’s disease, concussion-induced chronic brain injury and stroke.
“Slowing down the changes at master sites of tau in these diseases may put the brakes on tau toxicity and dementia,” says Ittner.
“This new mechanism helps us understand why there is extensive tau modification in Alzheimer’s disease in the first place. This will assist researchers and clinicians in designing means for better and earlier diagnosis.”
Study details
Alzheimer’s disease: Ablating single master site abolishes tau hyperphosphorylation
Kristie Stefanoska, Mehul Gajwani, Amanda Tan, Holly Ahel, Prita Riana Asih, Alexander Volkerling, Anne Poljak and Arne Ittner.
Published in Science Advances on 6 July 2022
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation of the neuronal tau protein is a hallmark of neurodegenerative tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease. A central unanswered question is why tau becomes progressively hyperphosphorylated. Here, we show that tau phosphorylation is governed by interdependence— a mechanistic link between initial site-specific and subsequent multi-site phosphorylation. Systematic assessment of site interdependence identified distinct residues (threonine-50, threonine-69, and threonine-181) as master sites that determine propagation of phosphorylation at multiple epitopes. CRISPR point mutation and expression of human tau in Alzheimer’s mice showed that site interdependence governs physiologic and amyloid-associated multi-site phosphorylation and cognitive deficits, respectively. Combined targeting of master sites and p38α, the most central tau kinase linked to interdependence, synergistically ablated hyperphosphorylation. In summary, our work delineates how complex tau phosphorylation arises to inform therapeutic and biomarker design for tauopathies.
Science Advances article – Alzheimer’s disease: Ablating single master site abolishes tau hyperphosphorylation (Open access)
MedicalXpress article – Uncovering one of the driving forces of Alzheimer’s disease (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
New findings may mean hundreds of thousands misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Cognitively active lifestyle may delay onset of Alzheimer’s dementia by five years
Blood test to accurately predict early Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s: Benzodiazepine and related drugs raise mortality by 40%

Australian scientists discover potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's

Even as BA.4 and BA.5 continue to climb the charts, crowding out earlier Omicron subvariants, scientists are warning about an even newer strain: BA.2.75. At this stage, however, they say it’s too early to tell how deadly or virulent it might be.
Tom Peacock, PhD, a virologist at Imperial College London, tweeted on 30 June, “worth keeping a close eye on BA.2.75 – lots of spike mutations, probable second generation variant, apparent rapid growth and wide geographical spread” reports MedPage Today.
It’s a fast spreading variant with a host of spike mutations appearing together, but scientists say it’s still too soon to know for certain exactly how much better – if at all – BA.2.75 is at escaping natural and vaccine-induced immunity.
Here’s what we know so far about the newly mutated descendent of BA.2:
Where is it spreading?
So far, the subvariant has made its way to at least 10 countries in Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.
BA.2.75 was first detected in India in early May and has been spreading quickly since. It comprised almost 25% of samples there as of 2 June and is competing with BA.5 and BA.2, according to Katelyn Jetelina, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Dallas.
A more recent analysis of coronavirus sequencing, posted by a scientist in Australia, suggested the proportion of cases has jumped much higher as at 8 July – growing to nearly half of COVID cases sequenced in India.
A Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson confirmed to MedPage Today that there have been two cases of BA.2.75 detected in the US, with the first specimen collected on 14 June. This is still not enough to get on the CDC’s variant tracker, where it is still unlisted.
Is it more transmissible?
The BA.2.75 lineage has “nine unique changes in the spike protein”, according to a Twitter thread from Vinod Scaria, MBBS, PhD, principal scientist at the CSIR Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology in New Delhi.
One mutation, G446S, is in the part of the spike protein that binds to receptors in our human cells, and is “associated with major immune (Ab) escape”.
Scaria also said while the number of genomes available to examine in India is still very small, “the rapid increase in recent weeks … suggests it might have a growth advantage”.
However, Marc Johnson, PhD, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri’s school of medicine, told MedPage Today that “we don’t really know if BA.2.75 is more transmissible or more severe at this point”.
“What we do know is that it has amino acid changes that allow it to evade particular neutralising antibodies,” he added.
Is it more severe?
Johnson and Scaria said there is not yet any suggestion that BA.2.75 is more virulent or will increase mortality.
The WHO’s chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, said “it’s still too early to know if this subvariant has properties of additional immune invasion, or indeed of being more clinically severe”.
However, Jetelina noted that a recent analysis suggested “BA.2.75’s impact will be dependent on infection history”, and that those with a previous BA.1 infection may actually have a lower probability of losing immunity than those who had BA.2.
Will vaccines and treatments provide protection?
As with each subvariant removed from the ancestral strains of SARS-CoV-2 on which the jabs were based, “vaccines will still provide protection [against BA.2.75], but even less than before”, Johnson said. However, it’s important to note that vaccines still offer strong protection against severe COVID-19 disease and death.
“Given the additional mutations, it is likely nearly all monoclonal antibodies are ineffective against BA.2.75, as is the case for BA.5,” Dr Charles Chiu, PhD, a professor of laboratory medicine and infectious diseases at the University of California San Francisco, told MedPage Today. But he noted that oral antivirals like nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) have continued to be effective in treating Omicron sublineages.
Is there reason for concern?
“We should be concerned, yes, but we shouldn’t freak out,” Johnson said. “This lineage has a good chance to increase infections and become the new dominant lineage, but it is not likely to cause a sweeping wave the way Omicron did.”
Scientists said much more genomic surveillance and data are needed to gain a more complete picture, and Peacock wrote that BA.2.75 might not even grow to be a dominant force.
“It’s entirely possible this is just growing against a background of BA.2 (.12.1) and that it hits the encroaching wall of BA.5 and stalls out,” he tweeted.
In April this year, BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants led to a small spike in cases in South Africa, causing an “unofficial” fifth wave.
Speaking to IoL News at the time, infectious diseases expert at the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) Dr Richard Lessells said it is normal for COVID-19 variants to have multiple different sub-lineages.
“Delta now has 133 sub-lineages (AY.1 to AY.133) according to the same definitions. So we do fully expect to see more Omicron sub-lineages over time,” he said.
IoL article – WHO monitors new sub-variant of Omicron BA.2.75 first detected in India (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
NICD statistics: COVID cases rise as two Omicron sub-lineages spread across SA
Omicron sub-variant BA.2 warning for US as European cases surge
Tests and wastewater analyses signal a possible 5th wave in SA
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine holds up against Omicron – Discovery analysis

New BA.2.75 Omicron subvariant – and what we know so far

“It is not justifiable that people destroy infrastructure, but what is the government doing?”
It’s a question asked by many after last July’s looting and riots, which caused damage worth millions of rands, destroyed homes and businesses, affected livelihoods, and cost a number of lives.
Dr Mpho Mushadu, from Ndofaya Medical Centre in Meadowlands, Soweto said it destroyed his practice, reports the Sunday Times.
Despite the medical centre being right next door to the Meadowlands police station, it was completely destroyed by the looters, who smashed into the building through walls and ceilings and took everything.
Mushadu said he was at home when the looting and vandalism erupted on the night of 12 July. When he arrived the next morning, he was shocked by the extent of the damage.
“We are inside the mall. Mostly security is handled by the mall, which is anchored by Shoprite … Everything happened in view of the police station. Did anyone go and ask the police who was in charge and how come they looted the mall right here and there was no planning?”
Ten people were reportedly killed during a stampede at the mall that night.
“It was like a war zone. They took everything, including medical equipment,” said Mushadu, adding that specialised devices, such as an ultrasound, diathermy machine and surgical instruments, were also stolen.
“They took the tables, the chairs and wheelchairs. There was nothing left. The walls were broken, the doors were broken.”
Rebuilding the medical centre was like starting a whole new practice, he said.
“What also helped was Shoprite wanted to get back to business. They were in and it was easier for us to rebuild and start working,” he said.
But restoring his business meant dipping into his savings. If he had waited for the South African Special Risk Insurance Association (Sasria) to pay out, it would have meant more delays.
“We had to use money from our own pockets and rebuild as soon as possible. It (cost) more than half a million rands to rebuild the practice,” Mushadu said.
The looting left a large dent in his finances and he had to continue paying his employees while his practice was closed. During this time, he saw his longtime patients at a nearby pharmacy.
Business is slowly returning to normal, but Mushadu is still feeling the financial pinch of the looting.
“Staff had to get their bonuses late. The unrest happened in July, and (in) August and September we were building. When we started getting back it was almost December, so I had to postpone their bonuses to early this year,” he said.
“Mindsets need to change. I don’t know whether it’s people frustrated with the high unemployment rate – young people sitting at home doing nothing. What must they do? They will do crime as they need money.
“It is not justifiable that people destroy infrastructure, but what are we doing? What is the government doing?
Sunday Times PressReader article – Doctor uses own money to rebuild practice (Open access)

Rebuilding a medical practice after July 2021 riots – one doctor’s story

By Dieter Losskarn - GQ motoring editor When last time did you do something for the first time? Well, I just took a pre-launch brand-new Audi e-tron 55 Sportback S on a road trip along the West Coast and into the Karoo. That’s how the very first motorists must have felt, among all those horse-drawn carriages, when they took their loud and smoking machines on a trip. I remember the story of Bertha Benz, who took her husband Carl’s invention on the very first motorized road trip in history with her two sons. Searching and finally buying flammable liquids at a pharmacy for the internal combustion engine. The first motorists were sticking out, attracting attention. Like me now in this Catalunya red electric SUV. But contrary to Bertha’s, my ride is silent. And as soon as I stop in front of one of those rare charging stations, grab the python thick loading cable and put it in the DC port on the right hand side of the Audi, people are in awe. Owning and driving an electric is a statement and it makes you an exotic. My initial petrolhead reluctance to this new kind of propulsion was blown away by the performance of those technological masterpieces. And Audi will launch six different e-tron models in the first quarter of 2022. The SUV I am currently (excuse the pun) cruising through the Karoo, is the 370kW Sportback S with one big electric motor (124kW, boost 150kW) in front and two smaller ones in the rear (196kW, boost 264kW). The boost is available for eight seconds. Because of those two electric motors on the rear axle the torque vectoring works very well, as the onboard computer selects the wheel power accordingly. The rear agility makes this electrified SUV easy to drift, but it feels like you shouldn’t be irresponsible in a car like this. Drifting quietly feels wrong somehow. The same applies for driving on a dusty dirt road. You see the mighty dust cloud in your rear view mirrors, but the only sound you hear are tyres crunching on gravel. It feels more like gliding than driving. The adaptive air suspension in off road mode irons out all the bumps and crevices. On windy roads the weight of 2650 kg pushes you a bit out of those corners, but you get used to it. The road holding is perfect. It’s a Quattro after all. And what about the looks? Inside and out it’s clearly and instantly recognizable as an Audi, but with distinct e-tron design features. The typical EV face consists of the closed grille in front, with optional blacked out rings, looking great together with the bright Catalunya red. Then you’ve got the e-tron badging and the two charging ports in the front, on each side, DC on the right, AC on the left. The sexier looking Sportback S has wider wheel arches filled with 20inch wheels, and about 2cm less headroom in the rear and 45 litres less boot space. But you get so much sexy back. Another great feature are the new digital matrix headlights, which are not only doing all kinds of exciting light shows when locking and unlocking the car, but are also projecting lines onto a dark road for guidance. Now I can’t wait until next year to experience Audi’s most powerful car, the top-of-the-range EV e-tron GT RS. Everything you need to know about the Audi e-tron 55 Sportback S: Engine: 3 electric motors, one at the front axle, two in the rear, resulting in Quattro Battery capacity: 95kW/400 Volts Power: 370kW & 973Nm (with boost) 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds Top speed: 210km//h Price: R2 425 000 This article originally appeared on the GQ Print Mar/April issue. 6 electric cars we are keen on driving in 2021 SEE: The new Lexus NX luxury SUV BMW’s new 100% recyclable car concept is the first of its kind in the automobile industry SEE: The 2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

Review: The Audi e-tron 55 Sportback S - Quattro Electrified

Sonic the Hedgehog has been seeing somewhat of a renaissance as of late, many thanks to the popularity of the live-action movies, but Sega’s anthropomorphic mascot does still need a kickstart in his video game endevours.
Enter Sonic Origins, a new multi-game collection featuring Sonic’s more-beloved adventures: Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic & Knuckles, and Sonic CD — all digitally remastered for current-gen platforms. Sometimes to go forward, you have to go backwards, and the decision to re-release these classics will undoubtedly remind fans why Sonic was so popular. So, we know these games are good, but have they aged well over the years, and do they warrant another play?
While the games have featured a resolution upgrade, there are a few extra add-ons, but the best elements are some brand-new animated cut-scenes reminiscent of the Sonic the Hedgehog TV show. They’re beautifully animated and have that 90s feel to them, giving you some context to what is actually happening between the Green Hill Zone, Sky Base Zone, and everything in between. Sadly, despite the great animations, there is no voice-acting. A small ommision, but it would’ve been a nice touch.
As for the games themselves, the bright, vivid colours of the original pop as they deserve to on modern TVs. The wider aspect ratio thanks to the resolution adjustment also gives you more ‘screen’ to see when Sonic and his buddies are speeding through the worlds. If the slicker visuals do anything, they remind you how fast these games are.
The frenetic speed of Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Sonic CD emphasise just how smart and elegant the level design of the original trilogy was, allowing you to fly through levels and rely on twitch reactions to avoid spikes, obstacles, and enemies without losing momentum.
The boss battles are great too and just another reminder of the brilliance of the original games, utilising the limited yet flexible move set Sonic had to throw some interesting dodge-and-attack fights into the game.
The games also feature Classic mode, allowing you to essentially play the originals (letterboxed with limited lives), or Anniversary Mode (wide-screen, remastered, and unlimited lives) which is a nice throwback too.
While there are great and arguably better 2D platformers out there than the original Sonic the Hedgehog games, there’s none that are as fast, colourful, and innovative for their time. Having all three original titles, along with the lesser-played but equally as good Sonic CD, in on current-gen systems, is worth it for any true Sonic fan.
Sonic Origins is available digitally on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

MenStuff

Sonic Origins Review — Worth a Second Spin?

Retinoids: How This Magic Molecule Can Help Battle Acne, Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Every area of life has its MVPs, and in the world of skincare: retinoids are king. This Vitamin A derivative can reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, prevent breakouts, and stimulate collagen production (an important step in slowing the effects of ageing).
But what exactly are Retinoids, and are they right for you? We caught up with the experts to get all the answers.
Q: What are retinoids?
It’s important to note that retinoids and retinols are not the same thing. While they’re both derivatives of that magic skin elixir Vitamin A, retinols are usually an over-the-counter remedy while retinoids, which are far more powerful, are usually only available through a prescription.
Q: How do they work?
“Retinoids such as Retin A help your skin produce more collagen and therefore soften wrinkles and fine lines,” says Dr. Edward Berry. “These molecules also stimulate new blood vessels that—together with the thickening of the dermis—can give you a youthful and glowing complexion. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth out rough patches.”
RELATED: The Complete Men’s Health Skincare Guide For Winter
Retinoids were first prescribed to treat acne , and remain a formidable tool to combat this condition. However, tretinoin can take up to 12 weeks to work effectively, and your acne might worsen in the short-term. “This is known as the tretinoin purge, and symptoms include dryness and flaring of the acne,” says Berry. “This phase can last for up to six weeks, but usually never continues beyond three.”
Q: Which Vitamin A derivative is best for me?
Vitamin A derivatives are available in three varieties: pro-retinol, retinol or the far more active retinoids. “Tretinoin is a prescription drug as it is 20 times stronger than your typical retinols,” says Berry. “It’s also available in different strengths and these can be used in either a cream or gel form.”
RELATED: This Is How to Treat Blind Pimples, According to a Dermatologist
Choosing between these two options will depend on a variety of factors, predominantly environmental factors like humidity. “Gels usually contain a higher percentage of alcohol and, in theory, might lead to more drying and irritation,” cautions Berry. “However, it may be the formulation of choice for those with oily acne-prone skin, while ageing skin might benefit from the extra moisture in a cream.”
Q: How do I use them?
For prescription retinoids such tretinoin or Retin-A, you’ll typically want to take a peanut-sized drop of these products on the tip of your finger and dab it (gently) on the different areas of your face, says Candice Przybylski, regulatory and quality assurance specialist and director of The Green Element Consulting. Make sure to avoid the corners of your eyes and mouth. Berry recommends using a reliable hydrating moisturiser to mitigate some of the side effects such as drying.
Q: Should I be using them in the morning or at night?
“Retinoid should be used at night as all Vitamin A derivatives will increase sensitivity to the sun, causing discomfort when exposed to UV rays or bright lights,” says Berry. Przybylski recommends that you remain diligent about with sun protection during the day.

Men's Health

Retinoids: How This Magic Molecule Can Help Battle Acne, Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Every area of life has its MVPs, and in the world of skincare: retinoids are king. This Vitamin A derivative can reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, prevent breakouts, and stimulate collagen production (an important step in slowing the effects of ageing).
But what exactly are Retinoids, and are they right for you? We caught up with the experts to get all the answers.
Q: What are retinoids?
It’s important to note that retinoids and retinols are not the same thing. While they’re both derivatives of that magic skin elixir Vitamin A, retinols are usually an over-the-counter remedy while retinoids, which are far more powerful, are usually only available through a prescription.
Q: How do they work?
“Retinoids such as Retin A help your skin produce more collagen and therefore soften wrinkles and fine lines,” says Dr. Edward Berry. “These molecules also stimulate new blood vessels that—together with the thickening of the dermis—can give you a youthful and glowing complexion. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth out rough patches.”
RELATED: The Complete Men’s Health Skincare Guide For Winter
Retinoids were first prescribed to treat acne, and remain a formidable tool to combat this condition. However, tretinoin can take up to 12 weeks to work effectively, and your acne might worsen in the short-term. “This is known as the tretinoin purge, and symptoms include dryness and flaring of the acne,” says Berry. “This phase can last for up to six weeks, but usually never continues beyond three.”
Q: Which Vitamin A derivative is best for me?
Vitamin A derivatives are available in three varieties: pro-retinol, retinol or the far more active retinoids. “Tretinoin is a prescription drug as it is 20 times stronger than your typical retinols,” says Berry. “It’s also available in different strengths and these can be used in either a cream or gel form.”
RELATED: This Is How to Treat Blind Pimples, According to a Dermatologist
Choosing between these two options will depend on a variety of factors, predominantly environmental factors like humidity. “Gels usually contain a higher percentage of alcohol and, in theory, might lead to more drying and irritation,” cautions Berry. “However, it may be the formulation of choice for those with oily acne-prone skin, while ageing skin might benefit from the extra moisture in a cream.”
Q: How do I use them?
For prescription retinoids such tretinoin or Retin-A, you’ll typically want to take a peanut-sized drop of these products on the tip of your finger and dab it (gently) on the different areas of your face, says Candice Przybylski, regulatory and quality assurance specialist and director of The Green Element Consulting. Make sure to avoid the corners of your eyes and mouth. Berry recommends using a reliable hydrating moisturiser to mitigate some of the side effects such as drying.
Q: Should I be using them in the morning or at night?
“Retinoid should be used at night as all Vitamin A derivatives will increase sensitivity to the sun, causing discomfort when exposed to UV rays or bright lights,” says Berry. Przybylski recommends that you remain diligent about with sun protection during the day.

Men&#039;s Health

Resolution Gap Cover for South Africans
July 13, 2022
If you think you have all the medical aid cover you need, then you don’t have Resolution gap cover.
Are you sure your medical aid will cover all your specialist expenses when you’re in a hospital?
Here’s the reality: most specialists and doctors charge much more than what your Momentum, Discovery or Fedhealth schemes will cover.
That means you’re left to pay the bill for the shortfall between what they charge and what your medical aid covers. That can vary widely from a few hundred to thousands of rands depending on your situation.
Medical aid members can apply for a gap cover quote
by completing and sending the form on this page! Act now!
Resolution Gap Cover because Medical Expenses are not going to get cheaper
Resolution gap cover covers up to 500% of your medical aid rate, depending on the type of gap cover you choose.
So the next question is: With medical expenses rising exponentially, can you afford these unexpected costs? No? Then it’s time to get Resolution gap cover.
Have you had a good look at what rate your medical schemes pay? From Liberty medical scheme to Momentum medical aid, none of them completely cover all your in-hospital costs. Resolution medical aid has even received claims for as much as R40 000.
So is Gap Cover the Solution? Well we put the Solution in Resolution
Resolution gap cover is a good solution when it comes to covering hefty insurance costs and shortfalls . Resolution medical scheme will cover up to a total of 500% of your medical aid rates.
The Gap 300 option from Resolution gap cover covers up to 300% of your medical aid rate with an annual limit or a set excess per incident.
Resolution health gap cover Gap 500 covers up to 500% of your medical aid rate with an annual limit with no excess payable.
More About Resolution Underwriters
Resolution it not a medical aid but a benefits policy regarding the Short Term Insurance Act.
Members who belong to a medical aid currently can apply for Resolution gap cover but a three month waiting period from the date of inception will apply. There is also a minimum waiting period of 12 months for pre-existing conditions.
[Get a Zestlife Quote on This Page]
All claims will be paid directly into your bank account, and no payments will be made directly to health care providers.
Resolution gap cover does not impose a maximum entry age and will cover a family of 5 members, including child dependents up to the age of 21 or 25 in respect of full-time students.
The Resolution gap cover also covers gynaecologists , anaesthetists, pathologists, radiologists and other registered medical professionals used during your hospital stay. In-hospital optometry and dentistry are also covered.
Medical aid members can sign up for a medical gap cover quote
by completing and sending the form on this page. Act now!
All info was correct at time of publishing

Gap Cover Info

Resolution Gap Cover for South Africans

Richard Mille has just set a world record. Unveiled in partnership with Ferrari , the French watchmaker reveals a slim 1.75mm thick watch. Never seen.
Baptized RM UP-01 Ferrari, the new model signed Richard Mille and Ferrari surpasses understanding with a thickness of only 1.75 mm (barely more than a CD!).
To achieve such a result, the Richard Mille teams had to go through some fifty prototypes and more than 6,000 hours of development.
“I am very happy with this new partnership. Ferrari and Richard Mille share many values (...) The two brands do not by chance bear the name of their founder since they embody their dreams and their visions.” says Mattia Binotto, Managing Director of Scuderia Ferrari.
View this post on Instagram
The watch is equipped with a 1.18 mm movement with an ultra-complex and state-of-the-art mechanism, bringing the model to a record weight of 30 grams (all inclusive).
style
Watch of the week: Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4
Discover the new Ferrari RM UP-01 available for 1.7 million Swiss francs (roughly equivalent price in euros) and limited to 150 copies.
Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari, ≈ €1.7 million. Available now at richardmille.com .
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
[Via GQ France]
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
The new version of the Breitling Superocean arrives with a surfing legend
The new Excalibur Spider Huracán MCF Blanc watch by Roger Dubuis directly inspired by the Lamborghini Huracán is a real gem
The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Essential Gray is available to (almost) everyone

GQ section feed for All Content

Richard Mille unveils the RM UP-01 Ferrari, an ultra-thin 1.75 mm thick watch sold for 1.7 million euros

July is National Savings Month – but with inflation soaring, and food and petrol prices going through the roof, it’s tough just trying to get through the month, let alone have money to save. FNB estimates it takes the average mid-income consumer just 5 days to spend 80% of their salary each month, and it’s not getting any easier. There’s never been a better time for working South Africans to cut costs, reduce their spending and lower their debt burden. Often, insurance premiums are one of the first line items targeted when it comes to cutting back on a budget – but when finances are tight, removing your cover is the worst thing you could do. There's no doubt that insurance is seen by many as a grudge purchase. But it’s a critical tool that helps protect our homes, cars, and possessions, says King Price’s client experience partner, Wynand van Vuuren. “Insurance is one of the few things we buy that we hope never to need. And all those premiums can really weigh on the budget. “But if your finances are under pressure right now, talk to your insurer to see what you can afford. Now is the time you need insurance more than ever,” says Van Vuuren. So, how can you save money on your insurance? Well, don’t despair, Van Vuuren shares with us 5 ways we can save up on insurance premiums: Talk to your insurer The last thing that you want to do is leave yourself exposed at a time when you can least afford it. Tell your insurer what you can afford each month, and they’ll work with you to find a way to give you as much cover as possible for your most important risks. Bundle your policies Most insurers will give you a discount if you place all your business with them. This starts with a saving for putting more than one car on the same policy. Include your buildings insurance and your home contents cover, and your savings will increase even further. Review your current insurance Make sure your vehicles, buildings and home contents are covered for their current replacement value, not their market value. Being under-insured could prove to be an expensive mistake. For example, if you insure home contents worth R1 million for R500,000, you would only be paid 50% of any claim. Review your excess Your excess is the first amount payable on any claim. Generally, the higher the excess you choose, the lower the monthly premium you pay - but choose very carefully, because you still need to be able to pay the excess amount if you claim. Reduce your risks All insurers base your premium on your risk. So, if you’re suddenly driving a lot less because you’re working from home, let your insurer know and you should see a difference in your premium. You can also lower your risk by improving your home security, for example, and parking in a garage rather than on the pavement. 6 money mistakes to avoid in your 30s, according to an expert 5 financial safety net tips to protect yourself from life’s mishaps 5 tips on how to keep your valuable possessions safe 3 important moves to make in your twenties Level up your financial game

5 ways to save on insurance premiums

Richard Mille has just set a world record. Unveiled in partnership with Ferrari , the French watchmaker reveals a slim 1.75mm thick watch. Never seen. Baptized RM UP-01 Ferrari, the new model signed Richard Mille and Ferrari surpasses understanding with a thickness of only 1.75 mm (barely more than a CD!). To achieve such a result, the Richard Mille teams had to go through some fifty prototypes and more than 6,000 hours of development. “I am very happy with this new partnership. Ferrari and Richard Mille share many values (...) The two brands do not by chance bear the name of their founder since they embody their dreams and their visions.” says Mattia Binotto, Managing Director of Scuderia Ferrari . The watch is equipped with a 1.18 mm movement with an ultra-complex and state-of-the-art mechanism, bringing the model to a record weight of 30 grams (all inclusive). Discover the new Ferrari RM UP-01 available for 1.7 million Swiss francs (roughly equivalent price in euros) and limited to 150 copies. Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari, ≈ €1.7 million. Available now at richardmille.com . The new version of the Breitling Superocean arrives with a surfing legend The new Excalibur Spider Huracán MCF Blanc watch by Roger Dubuis directly inspired by the Lamborghini Huracán is a real gem The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Essential Gray is available to (almost) everyone

Award-winning DJ, entrepreneur, reality star and Drip SA’s Finesse scent ambassador DJ Zinhle on building her empire and inspiring women.
If you’ve been following Ntombezinhle Jiyane, aka DJ Zinhle, since her early days as a resident DJ on Jika Majika, then you’ll remember her sporting a blonde hairdo behind the decks. She’s managed to reinvent herself over the years, cementing herself in different spaces.
Having observed her from afar, the words graceful, intentional and self-aware have become synonymous with her. When I was jamming to her hit tracks over the years, dating back to ‘My Name Is’, ‘Colours’, ‘Umlilo’, ‘Uzobuya’, and most recently, ‘Siyabonga’ featuring Black Motion, Kabza De Small and Nokwazi, little did I know she’d be on the cover of our beauty issue in 2022.
I’m trying to wrap my head around the epic nature of this moment as I make my way to Photohire studios in Zonnebloem on a rainy Friday morning. DJ Zinhle’s in the makeup chair, a soulful ballad playing in the background that captures the tranquil mood of the space. She has this calm energy, which prompts me to walk towards her – cautiously, as it’s still early and I don’t want to overwhelm her.
If you follow her on social media, you might’ve spotted Nomuzi ‘Moozlie’ Mabena and Thabiet Amardien in her posts, part of her squad. They’re present, like rose petals to a bud. From their interactions, it’s clear theirs is a tight-knit circle. I introduce myself, Moozlie, who is here as a Creative Contributor for The Drip Group, offers me a chair, and I settle into the moment.
I’ve thought of a few icebreakers, but the one that immediately comes to mind is DJ Zinhle’s reality show.
“[The experience] was a lot!” she exclaims. “I guess also with pregnancy... It was just a lot of things at the same time. But it was something different, and I was excited to do it. I felt like I needed to do it, that if I opened up, I’d have nothing left to hide. It was liberating!” She says viewers understood the intention behind the show. “People were kind and welcoming of the idea, and they opened up not just to me, but everyone on the show.”
As I am
DJ Zinhle shooting without hair and makeup for the reality show is a huge talking point. When I mention this, she laughs, “I think that was the most puzzling thing for me, just to hear people say, Oh, my gosh! She’s not wearing makeup; she has no hair on, and even Moozlie doesn’t. Guys! That’s definitely how we look. Makeup is stunning, but we don’t always have it on.
“I think it’s important we see ourselves as we are, especially on a platform where it’s not the norm to reveal yourself in that way. That’s why I say it liberated me because I could go that far and say, in reality, this is who I am.”
This speaks to representation, so I ask her to elaborate on her take on the standard of beauty in 2022? “I feel it has evolved to be more about yourself, what you want to express about yourself and how you want to do it, whereas, before, people would tell us what beauty is. We’re evolving to a place where people are saying, this is how I look, and I feel beautiful this way. If I don’t fit the standard, that’s OK! It’s about breaking the rules and celebrating how you feel about yourself.”
And she shares that in the past few years she’s also had to ask herself what her idea of beauty is because she had been tuned into what the world was saying for too long, “until I eventually reached a point where I was, like, this is how I look, and I really have to like it, so I’ve fallen in love with how I look, with or without makeup.”
The scent of success
The dynamic powerhouse has also ventured into the beauty space with her wig line, Hair Majesty, and I’m curious about her approach to entrepreneurship. “It’s about taking things you’re already passionate about and turning them into a business.
“That makes it easier. I’m not saying it’s easy to be in business, I’m just saying that’s where the sweet spot is. When you love what you do, it’s so much more worth it!”
She shares she’s doing many things she thought she never would. “When I was a kid, I didn’t think I’d end up in business, but, being in the public eye and living a life I never thought I’d live, I figured I might as well do all the other things. Also, we had a tuck shop at home, so it was part of me before I even knew what it was. I’m basically working in the tuck shop business where I grew up!”
DJ Zinhle’s work ethic has unlocked doors for her, and she’s finessing in business and life, but that wasn’t always the case, as she admits she wasn’t present to her potential when she was a child. “I grew up not believing I could do anything, so I always wondered what I’d do or where I’d go. Life eventually gave me the answers. I became a DJ not because I wanted to but because life led me in that direction. And I started realising the power of my life and what God has given me.
And when I realised what I could do, I kept pushing and asking myself, what else can I do? That’s what growth is about. I’m excited about the idea that if I do something consistently, life definitely delivers.” Her unrelenting approach has also captured the attention of The Drip Group, the holding company that brought us the trailblazing local footwear brand, Drip. The charismatic DJ jokingly says she swindled Finesse into their partnership. “I went to see Lekau Sehoana [chairman of The Drip Group and mastermind behind Finesse]. He was working on the brands his and hers perfumes and shared he’d been battling to find faces for the products. Then, he realised he’d found the perfect person for the job: me.
“I immediately said yes! Bongani [MÖrda, her partner, who’s the face of the Finesse Arion fragrance for him] and I,” and that’s how the conversation started. What they were introducing made sense for where I am in my life. It was an easy fix because I enter engagements that resonate with me beyond sales. What the product is about and the story behind the brand needs to align with my values, which Finesse and The Drip Group do.” As an entrepreneur, DJ Zinhle believes there’s a lot she can still learn from Lekau, such as “how he’s building his business, how much time he’s investing in it, and the risks he’s taking. The benefits are endless for me because even though I’m in this as a face or its ambassador, I’m learning a lot in the process.”
As the face of the Finesse Ruby fragrance for her, where fashion meets culture, she says it was important she believed in it. “It needs to make me feel a certain way, and it does. It’s just serving me! It’s Finesse; it makes me feel I’m on a journey to something bigger, so I need to present myself in that way.
I represent the consumer, and my take on it is it’s part of who you are and whoever you want to be. Whether you’re going out to hustle or assert yourself in certain spaces, it’s a confidence-booster. That’s what perfume has always been.”
Cognizant of the role scent plays in her life as she occupies space, she says to be able to wear perfume and walk into a room, and have people feel your presence is powerful.
Perfect scents
Throughout our conversation, I notice DJ Zinhle’s personality is like the ocean; it comes in waves, so you need to stay alert. When you catch it, it’s beautiful – you ride it gently, and it carries you to enchanting places.
We continue chatting about Finesse, her first brand collaboration outside of music with MÖrda. She says it adds a refreshing dynamic to their relationship. “Bongani takes the lead at home, and that’s when I can let my guard down. With work, on the other hand, I’m naturally on top of things.” She shares she believes in him because he excels in everything he does – and she’s enjoying not having to do all the work on her own.
“He’s a professional and kind, so it was easy. He’s dope and one of the greatest artists I’ve ever met.” She says the duo have collaborated before, but she’s excited to see what she and MÖrda and can do together. “This opportunity with Finesse is amazing because it sets the tone for what’s possible for us as a brand.” Business-minded, she says she’s always wondering what else they can do as a team. “I want to monetise everything. I was telling Santy (Asante, her baby girl) that she has three months until she starts working. We’re working!” She affirms working with her friends and family allows her to spend a lot of time with them. “We work and play together. It’s a family business.”
It’s also heart-warming to see the couple serving Black love goals, and DJ Zinhle admits she finds it fascinating people are so tuned into love. “I don’t understand why people are so invested, but I’m glad our narrative inspires them and they’re able to pull something from it. Bongani and I have conversations where we agree we don’t want to portray something we’re not living. If we’re not really in love or don’t interact that way, then we shouldn’t post it on social media. Whatever we put out there is authentic because that’s how we are with each other. I can’t be smiling on social media when I’m mad at him just because I’m trying to portray a certain image.”
Every scent counts
The DJ is championing the new Black Entertainment Economy (BEE), a term coined by Moozlie. “Moozlie and I are firm believers in the economy and industry we’re building as artists and creatives. More than anything, we’re trying to make money from it because it’s all we have.” So, they’re creating it with DJ Zinhle’s eldest daughter, Kairo, in mind. “It has to make sense for her if she wants to go into the entertainment industry. That’s why we understand the importance of trading our skills with each other. Whether you’re into events, selling earrings or own a record label, I need to understand that this is what you bring to the economy, and to support you wherever I can, as long as it doesn’t take anything away from me as a fellow creative.” What does that look like?
“We bring in makeup artists and hairstylists when we do magazine covers. Everyone makes money from this economy we’ve created.”
Being at the forefront of businesses artists are venturing into, she notes this generation has to put in more work than the one that comes next because the structure is new. She affirms it’s OK to wear high-end fashion brands, such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci. “You just need to have a level of consciousness from a local brand perspective. Support local brands because they’re part of the economy.”
Her perspective on The Drip Group venturing into the fragrance space with Finesse is that it’s always been about breaking boundaries and getting into spaces you never thought you could, and credits social media for helping entertainers realise the power of their influence. “That’s why we’re saying, OK, we love music, and now we know that it comes with influence, what else can we do with it, not just to feed ourselves, but the people around us too?”
Unshakeable, Unbreakable
As a multifaceted woman shattering the glass ceiling, DJ Zinhle affirms that this also speaks to representation. She shares she’s been praying a lot lately. “You need to set your intention, vocalise it. My last prayer was that I just need us to be successful because I need a girl in Dannhauser (her hometown in KwaZulu-Natal) to know it’s possible. For her to know that if I could do it, so can she. As much as I want to succeed, it’s also important for me to give people that push and serve as a reminder that effort leads to results, especially for women.” On inclusivity, she says the narrative that we’re meant to be included is wild! “Why are you including us? We’re supposed to be part of the movement anyway. You’re not doing us a favour; we’re already inside!”
Having built her fashion accessory brand, Era, from the ground up, ten years later, it’s still growing, and I’m wondering what sort of challenges she’s faced. “Business is about solutions, and being an entrepreneur means constantly solving problems and finding solutions – that’s the challenge, to find out what our customers want and even how to run a business, transferring skills to the people around you and helping them understand what you’re trying to do. It’s a constant challenge, and that’s why we love it. The more we find solutions, the more we realise we can actually do this, that we’re capable.”
She shares she’s conscious of the people who are part of her Era and the DJ Zinhle brand. “Even though I’m at the forefront, it takes more than me to make a brand work. Finding the right people to take it forward is challenging. I’m just lucky to be doing something I love, so the challenges don’t seem so grim. It just feels like I need to find a solution because I believe in the power of effort and intention.”
Her biggest takeaway from this pandemic? “I realised who my people are, and family is where it’s at for me.” She explains that includes her close friends and people who share her values, “and we protect and trust each other. Covid-19 taught me to invest my time, love and energy in the right people. You can gain all the riches, but if you don’t have the right energy around you, then it becomes very tricky.”
Take notes
From a co-parenting perspective, she and Kiernan Forbes (AKA) are elevating the conversation, showing what healthy co-parenting looks like. “I understand people have pain that may stem from a relationship that hasn’t worked out but, personally, I’m at a point where I’ve realised the effort is in conflict. Imagine how much of your energy it takes to hate someone, fight someone and curate responses compared to doing what you need to do and prioritising your child’s needs? Our focus is on our daughter. That’s where our relationship is at, and that’s easy.”
She affirms she trusts easy energies, “Kiernan and I are both very clear about our common purpose, which is making life easy for Kairo, and if that means we just have to forget or forgive ourselves for anything that might’ve happened in the past, we need to do that so we can be the best we can be for our child.”
She acknowledges that it can we difficult but her advice to co-parents is to “heal and let go!”
Subscribe Subscribe

GQ uncovers award-winning and Drip SA’s Finesse scent brand ambassador, DJ Zinhle

Update on Covid-19 (Tuesday 12 July 2022) 2022-07-12T21:13:26+02:00Jul 12th, 2022|Daily Cases| twitter whatsapp Related Posts Update on Covid-19 (Friday 08 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 07 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 06 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Tuesday 05 July 2022)

Update on Covid-19 (Tuesday 12 July 2022)

Sachin Kumar, popularly known as SCKACHI, is a 24-year-old content creator whose videos focus on the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) communities, especially the Indian Americans.
He uses humour to showcase the funny, relatable experiences he and his fellow Indian American community go through.
The content creator was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, but he spent most parts of his life moving to new locations.
He moved to Amsterdam and then to Michigan before settling in Los Angeles.
Growing up in Iowa, Sachin noticed the lack of Indian representation on public media, and because of racist experiences he encountered, he became embarrassed about his heritage as he associated these negative experiences with his skin colour.
When he moved to Amsterdam, Sachin attended an international school with people from across the world and backgrounds.
Here he engaged in artistic activities that sparked his appreciation for the craft.
Afterwards, he moved to Michigan, where his Indian friends inspired him to accept his culture.
“I began to unite my creative side with my newly found interest in culture. I started acting in college, travelling around the world, and really opening my eyes to different cultures,” Sachin shared.
Eventually, he graduated from Michigan State with a Neuroscience degree and was ready to enter medical school. Everything however changed when the COVID-19 quarantine started.
He realized his passion for content creation and wanted to dive into this world, as Indians were underrepresented in mainstream media.
Sachin then dropped out of his pre-medical focus on starting making videos.
Using his humorous approach to the experiences of the Indian American community, Sachin’s videos started taking off, and he gained a following.
He feels ecstatic knowing people can relate to his content, making him feel as though he built something much larger than himself.
His experience as a content creator also opened him up to new opportunities.
He partnered with a scholarship company, Bold, to create his scholarship, known as the "Creative Expression Scholarship," designed for high school students to showcase their creative side, as that was something that was suppressed for a lot of Sachin’s upbringing…
Sachin is also a member of the Stop AAPI Hate, a nonprofit organization that runs the Stop AAPI Hate Reporting Centre, which tracks incidents of hate and discrimination against the AAPI community in the United States.
Presently, Sachin is making his viewers laugh with his well-conceptualized videos while pursuing a career in acting.
Follow him on Instagram
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
Creative Industry Leader Rich Tu Reveals Why Quitting Your Dream Job Can Lead to Career Success
Amy Elliot is a young woman in hospitality you need to know
Founder of Ingressive Capital, Maya Horgan Famodu is the first solo woman to have raised a tech fund in Nigeria

How Sachin Kumar developed his love for content creation

The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China has announced that it will allow the importing of fresh citrus from Zimbabwe that meets the relevant requirements.
The fresh citrus allowed to enter China includes sweet orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, and lime,Fresh Plazareported recently.
Citrus orchards and packaging plants for exports destined for China must be registered with the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Resources and Rural Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe (MLAFWRD) and jointly approved by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) and MLAFWRD. Registration information must include the name, address, and registration number in order to accurately trace the origin of the exported goods if they do not comply with the relevant provisions of the country’s quarantine requirements.
The registration list must be provided to GACC by MLAFWRD prior to the annual export season and the GACC will publish the registration list on its official website.
The quarantine pests of concern to China include 15 species such as the apple special-shaped curl moth, Mediterranean fruit fly, and bacteria of African citrus greening disease.
Zimbabwe’s citrus production season coincides with the off-season of citrus production in China.
“Counter seasonal supply will effectively alleviate the tight demand for citrus in China. In Zimbabwe, there is abundant sunshine and the temperature is pleasant. The unique natural conditions are beneficial for producing sweet and juicy citrus,”Fresh Plazareported.
Zimbabwe’s annual citrus production is usually less than 200 000 tons and is mainly exported to South African and European markets. It has a unique taste and the marketing period is different from the domestic citrus in China, which places it in a strategic position to meet demand in the Chinese market.
Compared with fruits from other countries, Zimbabwean citrus has an advantage in price, and it is likely to become very popular when the first exports eventually reach China.
View the discussion thread.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.
Several massive projects are in the pipeline for the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Cape Town.
Russia/Ukraine conflict likely to further limit the supply.
US manufacturers expect that they will need 4 million jobs filled by 2030.
Geopolitical turmoil and Covid-19 disruption have placed shipping at the centre of global events.
Export market slows while capacity increases.
An initial 18 000 TEUs will be shipped using advanced biofuels.
Revenue per TEU up by 61.5%.

China opens up to Zimbabwe citrus exports

KwaZulu-Natal’s GDP grew by 1.9% in the first quarter of 2022, despite the socio-economic problems confronting the province after the 2021 July unrest and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Premier Sihle Zikalala, in marking a year since the civil unrest, which claimed 354 lives in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and left thousands of businesses looted and burned, highlighted the progress businesses and the government had made in rebuilding the economy.Zikalala was speaking during a media visit to some of the businesses, including Makro in Springfield Park, which have spent many months rebuilding their premises.
He said the province’s unemployment rate had declined marginally in the first quarter of 2022 from 35% to 34.5%.
“Major investments have come through to our shores, indicating the confidence that investors still have in our economy,” Zikalala said.
“With the lifting of the final Covid-19 restrictions, the economy of KwaZulu-Natal is set for increased economic activity, particularly within the tourism sector which was boosted massively by the Durban July a few weeks ago,” he said.
The return of airlines such as SAA, Turkish, Qatar and the launch of new routes such as Durban-Harare and Durban-eSwatini, are expected to boost tourism further. He said sovereign credit rating agency S&P Global had also upgraded its outlook for South Africa to “positive” from “stable” which was a welcome development for the provincial economy.
“We are however still mindful of the emerging risks that are militating against full economic recovery required to create employment for the people of KZN,” he said.
“Some of these downside risks include rising interest rates, which dampen consumer spending; rising prices of necessities such as food and fuel; the rising cost of production as a result of increasing fuel prices, fertilisers and other imported commodities; and distorted global supply chains as a result of geopolitical tensions, particularly in Russia and Ukraine,” Zikalala said.
The unrest had cost the national economy just over R50 billion, of which R30bn of the estimated losses had been in KwaZulu-Natal, he added.
“The retail industry disproportionately bore the majority of the impact, with over 200 shopping malls targeted and 1 787 retail stores looted and damaged. A number of distribution centres, warehouses and major retailers such as Makro, Cato Ridge Distribution Centre, and Springfield Value Mart became major high-value targets as the unrest unfolded. The Massmart group reportedly had 41 retail stores, two distribution centres and two other facilities affected by the unrest, and almost every major mall was affected,” Zikalala said.
The transport sector was impacted by supply chain interruptions, including the movement of trucks, fuel shortages, rail line disruptions, staff availability, and shutdown of roads leading into and out of the ports.
“Specifically, disruptions to Durban and Richards Bay port operations, rail links between Durban and Gauteng, and general truck transport along the N3 corridor ensured the effects of the unrest extended beyond the two provinces which formed the epicentre. The loss in the transport industry due to burning and looting of trucks went into millions of rands,” Zikalala added.
He said the agricultural and manufacturing sectors had also been hard hit and incurred losses of more than R460 million in infrastructure damage during the week of unrest.
“A year after the sad events of July 08, 2021, the province has undertaken an exercise to assess progress with regard to the rebuilding programme. The emerging position is that most insured small businesses have reopened, at the same time as a substantial percentage of big businesses are back to normal. At the same time, a number of big businesses, including mega-malls such as Edendale in Pietermaritzburg, Bridge City in KwaMashu, and Springfield Value Centre, are still under reconstruction. Bridge City is targeted to open in March 2023,” Zikalala said.
He added that most shops reported as looted, vandalised or burnt in the eThekwini central business district had reopened.
“Major factories such as Defy are currently operational, as are major township malls such as KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre and the Umlazi Mega City, which are crucial for providing job opportunities for locals and bringing retail services closer to communities.
Of concern is that in KwaMashu township a number of malls, centres and shops remain closed, including Bridge City, KwaMashu Centre and most of Dube Village near Inanda,” he said.
View the discussion thread.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.
Several massive projects are in the pipeline for the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Cape Town.
Russia/Ukraine conflict likely to further limit the supply.
US manufacturers expect that they will need 4 million jobs filled by 2030.
Geopolitical turmoil and Covid-19 disruption have placed shipping at the centre of global events.
Export market slows while capacity increases.
An initial 18 000 TEUs will be shipped using advanced biofuels.
Revenue per TEU up by 61.5%.

KZN economy picks up despite July 2021 unrest devastation

APM Terminals has implemented a new organisational structure that will see the creation of three macro regions in line with its geographical footprint and future growth aspirations.
The move, according to a statement from the company, “aims to accelerate customer-centricity and decision-making and improve agility”.
It is also intended to facilitate operational synergies and opportunities between terminals and Maersk Ocean.
Each regional managing director – representing Africa and Europe, the Americas, and Asia and Middle East – will report directly to the CEO. “This streamlined and simplified management structure will enable better proximity to the markets, and further drive operational excellence and automation with a more focused COO function,” says APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen.
The regional managing directors are Igor van den Essen, Africa & Europe, Jon Goldner, Asia & Middle East, and Leo Huisman, Americas.
“As we dive deeper into our strategy execution this year, we are introducing changes that help us keep up with market developments and customers’ expectations,” says Svendsen.
In line with APM’s revised decarbonisation ambitions, the decarbonisation office becomes part of the COO function, with the head of decarbonisation for APM Terminals reporting directly to the new COO.
“This places the decarbonisation agenda at the heart of operations. In January 2022, APM Terminals committed to bringing forward by a decade its net-zero greenhouse gas emission target to 2040 and to a 70% reduction in absolute (total) emissions as an interim milestone for the period 2020-2030.”
View the discussion thread.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.
Several massive projects are in the pipeline for the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Cape Town.
Russia/Ukraine conflict likely to further limit the supply.
US manufacturers expect that they will need 4 million jobs filled by 2030.
Geopolitical turmoil and Covid-19 disruption have placed shipping at the centre of global events.
Export market slows while capacity increases.
An initial 18 000 TEUs will be shipped using advanced biofuels.
Revenue per TEU up by 61.5%.

APM Terminals restructures

More than 400 abandoned coal mines across South Africa threaten to pollute land and rivers by leaching acidic water. The mines also pose a safety risk due to lack of secured access.
Improper assessments of future clean-up costs by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, combined with weak enforcement, has left residents facing the consequences, reportsBloomberg.
Overall, the mining industry in South Africa has left more than 6000 mines abandoned in its wake. Prior to 2002, there was no legislation requiring companies to clean up mines, however, even since the legal requirement has been in place, it has not been properly enforced.
View the discussion thread.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.
Several massive projects are in the pipeline for the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Cape Town.
Russia/Ukraine conflict likely to further limit the supply.
US manufacturers expect that they will need 4 million jobs filled by 2030.
Geopolitical turmoil and Covid-19 disruption have placed shipping at the centre of global events.
Export market slows while capacity increases.
An initial 18 000 TEUs will be shipped using advanced biofuels.
Revenue per TEU up by 61.5%.

SA’s toxic coal mines could pose deadly threat

Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) annual maintenance shutdown on the North Corridor will get under way from July12-22.
TFR said in a statement on Monday that the rail maintenance and repair work would cover Richards Bay to Pyramid South, with key maintenance activities taking place along the Richards Bay to Ermelo section, the DC section between Ermelo and the mines, as well as the Pyramid section.
TFR said plans were at an advanced stage for the successful execution of the megaproject, which would include the uplifting of a total of 16 temporary speed restrictions along 34 kilometres of railway track. The project will see the restoration of eight slots in the network for the North Corridor. The scope of work to be executed during the shutdown includes formation rehabilitation, component replacement, drainage repair, and sleeper replacement.
“The North Corridor shutdown is planned to coincide with the shutdowns by our critical stakeholders to enable them to perform their own maintenance to their infrastructure,” TFR managing executive for the North Corridor, Ali Motala, said.
“Maintenance shutdowns are an essential part of the business as they ensure that routine maintenance work is performed which supports railway operations and improves business competencies. Amongst the benefits will be to improve the deteriorated network conditions, to create resilient infrastructure, and accelerate the network renewal programme,” Motala added.
View the discussion thread.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Companies claim they are merely fulfilling pre-conflict commitments.
Several massive projects are in the pipeline for the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Cape Town.
Russia/Ukraine conflict likely to further limit the supply.
US manufacturers expect that they will need 4 million jobs filled by 2030.
Geopolitical turmoil and Covid-19 disruption have placed shipping at the centre of global events.
Export market slows while capacity increases.
An initial 18 000 TEUs will be shipped using advanced biofuels.
Revenue per TEU up by 61.5%.

Transnet Freight Rail announces maintenance shutdown

Greek shipowners have been at pains to justify the movement of Russian oil following a tongue-lashing by Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyy at a forum hosted byTheEconomistin Athens last week.
Writing for gCaptain, John Konrad said Zelenskyy had blamed Greek tanker owners for undermining economic sanctions by moving Russian oil.
He said Greek companies provided almost the largest tanker fleet for the commodity. “I am sure that this does not meet the interests of Europe, Greece or Ukraine. This is just one example of the need for even greater unity so that Russia is forced to seek peaceful solutions,”he told delegates.
Greek owners have, however, hit back, claiming that they are merely fulfilling commitments already signed before the conflict. “What the Greek tonnage is transporting is oil that has been already contracted and is fully approved by the EU,” Greek owner Evangelos MarinakistoldTradewinds. “It’s something that our countries desperately need. It’s not like we’re violating any law or any embargo — it’s something that is needed, and thank God we’re here to provide stability.”
View the discussion thread.
The timing of Zimbabwe’s citrus season places the country in a strategic position to meet China’s demand for the fruit.
Many large and small businesses have managed to rebuild their premises and open shop over the past 12 months.
Three macro regions created.
The North Corridor of the rail network is scheduled to undergo extensive repair and maintenance work.
Lack of secured access poses safety risk.
Several massive projects are in the pipeline for the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Cape Town.
Russia/Ukraine conflict likely to further limit the supply.
US manufacturers expect that they will need 4 million jobs filled by 2030.
Geopolitical turmoil and Covid-19 disruption have placed shipping at the centre of global events.
Export market slows while capacity increases.
An initial 18 000 TEUs will be shipped using advanced biofuels.
Revenue per TEU up by 61.5%.

Greek shipowners in the firing line for transporting Russian oil

Our sex shrink tells you how to make sure she's left satisfied. First consider your quarry. Whether it be a night at The Beaumont or simply remembering to pay the bloody parking metre - do it. But if it's too late for such niceties and you are mid-way through, suddenly realising your trajectories may no longer be in sync, what then? The sure-fire option is to address her clitoris : by changing your thrusting motion so your pelvis grinds into her, or by slowing down (crucial, this) such that you can accurately use your thumb. (This same attention to detail goes for nipple pinching, spanking, or a wet finger pressing up against her behind. Flailing attempts are beneath you - do it well or not at all.) Say you're in an acrobatic position where the above are not possible, temper your pace. When she's close, unless she's into the female equivalent of the vinegar strokes - the super-sensory zone in which she's writhing and begging and bucking beneath you, in which case change nothing - it may well be you can find a measured, deep tempo which you can maintain a while and yet will drive her wild. Equally, you may wish to cease any kind of action at all, and for example tease merely the very opening of her sex (where the most nerve endings are) with the tip of your shaft. Killer. Or, revert to her mind. Tell her how turned on you are, how furnace hot she is, how she is your sun and stars, how she's a filthy piece who is undeserving of your royal manhood. That kind of thing. Lastly, think about introducing some contrasting sensation: during wild, hard sex, pause to murmur your lips on the nape of her neck; during gloriously intimate missionary, clasp her buttocks firmly, so she feels the point of your nails. My pleasure. Via [GQ Australia ]

How to guarantee she has an orgasm

The Durban July weekend is known for the high fashionable bespoke outfits that steal the stares and glares of attendees from the horses. This year at the Durban July, Savanna Premium Cider briefed four up-and-coming designers and Sifiso Mahlangu, the appointed stylist on the project, to create spicy outfits fit to be modelled by the spiciest man in South Africa, Chakalaka Norris, the charismatic spokesperson for Savanna Chilled Chilli. Chakalaka Norris came onto South African screens as the campaign hero for Savanna Premium Cider’s latest product innovation, the deliciously crisp and dry Savanna Chilled Chilli with hints of Chilli and Ginger. The Savanna Chilled Chilli drink and Chakalaka himself have since taken South African taste buds and timelines by storm, so when the opportunity to diversify the fashion showing for the weekend, Savanna Premium Cider made sure to show up big and spicy. The exciting horseracing event and accompanying parties captivated Durban for the entire weekend. They cumulated in a fashion exhibition at Max’s Lifestyle Village on Sunday July 3, hosted by choreographer, dancer, and celebrity Somizi Mhlongo, where Chakalaka stole the show when he modelled the four garments. The first garment on show and the crowd favourite was a silver soft silhouette showing, a mesh knit sequence dress with a detachable tulle organza dome, designed by Siyababa Atelier. The same iconic garment Chakalaka wore to the Durban July the previous day and broke necks in. Next, Chakalaka rocked Nao Serati’s elegant four-piece blood red and honey gold suit garment with a cape to match, much to the appraisal of the evening’s host Somizi. The suit was designed with Chakalaka’s flair and flounce for life in mind. Nao and the team wanted to celebrate strength and softness with a translucent brocade fabrication and layer that over and over on itself and added a sting patch to the back pocket. Inga Madyibi dressed Chakalaka in a deconstructed androgynous suit inspired by the anatomy of a bee, which spoke to the theme of this year's theme, "Show me the Honey". The look consists of a gold holographic sequin shirt with striking red to match the three-layered pants and a multi-coloured cropped fur jacket to finish off the look. The final look for the evening was a suit dress from Jacques Bam of Bam Collective; Fully lined jacket with Magenta Cotton Twill and Culottes lined pants and detailed with both hand-beaded with red ostrich feathers, palettes and glass beads. The shirt that completes the look is a classic Mustard with a two-piece shirt collar hand beaded with gold glass beads and sequins. Whenever would Savanna do a fashion show? Well, they did this Durban July incredibly inclusive and diversely. Chakalaka Norris, the spiciest man on earth, strutted his stuff on the red carpet of Durban July and entertained Savanna lovers. It's dry, but you can drink it. For more information, go to savannacider.com or follow Savanna’s social media channels on Instagram: @savannacider ; Facebook: @SavannaCider ; Twitter: https://twitter.com/SavannaCider?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor ; YouTube: SavannaCider . #SiyavannaSouthAfrica #SavannaAppeal #StaySafe PICS: All the best dressed men at the Durban July 2022 Double breasted suits are in, well at least according to Durban July Durban July 2022 did live up to its hype All the fashionable women we spotted at Durban July 2022

Savanna Premium Cider stole the show with SA’s spiciest up & coming fashion designers at the Durban July 2022

On 05 July Sars released its Customs weekly list of unentered goods.
The list isaccessible at:
https://www.sars.gov.za/latest-news/customs-weekly-list-of-unentered-goods-23/
https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Ops/Tables/SC-CW-01-02-A20-Customs-Weekly-List-of-Unentered-Goods-External-Table.pdf
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders’ expectations to be heard.

Customs Weekly List of Unentered Goods

There is an unprecedented responsibility that comes from being a descendant of a chosen tribe.
By divine right, the chosen are bestowed paradigm-shifting gifts that enable them to be the custodian of your culture, narrating its history and its present state and setting the bar of new heights for those who will come after the impact of your legacy.
Born to the Akan meta-ethnicity, which has a connection to the biblical Israelites, Ground Up Chale's King of The Youth, Kwesi Arthur , honoured his Ghanaian heritage by exploring his belief in being the extension of the 12 sons who were at the helm of Jacob’s Israelite tribes with his highly anticipated debut album, “Son of Jacob.”
As he aptly classified himself and his people as the descendants of the 13th son, he merges distinct nuances of Rap, Afropop, Afro-swing and amapiano into a diverse curation of his historical and contemporary acquired taste.
Boasting international features such as UK's NSG and M Huncho, USA’s Vic Mensa, Nigeria’s Joeboy and Adekunle Gold and more, not only has he proven to be the exception to the rule of Ghanaian excellence, he has become a whole new epitome of aspiration altogether.
GQ South Africa spoke to the Ghanaian music star about his latest album, the impact of his grandmother's passing on his music, navigating the pressure of his prominence, and working with international collaborators and more.
GQ: Congratulations on the release of Son of Jacob. Did the immense success you’ve amounted in your career have any limiting impact or pressure going into creating this album?
Kwesi Arthur (KA): Thank you so much. I’m grateful for how far we’ve come with this art of ours. I don’t think it limited me in the creation of this album.
If anything, it pushes me to keep raising the bar and take it steps further ahead every time.
The pressure from the fans was kinda crazy, but I know it’s from a place of love, and I kept them waiting for so long, so it's understandable.
I’m glad it’s finally out. The reception has been amazing.
GQ: You are known as the hustle manifested amongst your peers and admirers alike. What is the hustler's vision that he intends the highly anticipated Son of Jacob experience will achieve?
KA: It’s not about where you are from; no matter what your story is, I believe you can make a difference and make it better if you take a step towards the light.
I hope people listen to songs on Son Of Jacob and feel the urge to keep going through all the madness. You get out what you put in.
GQ: We have come to understand that Drake’s “Thank Me Later” inspired you to venture into music; I am interested to find out what inspired you to create sounds that honour your Ghanaian roots?
KA: Drake 's "thank me later" inspired me to make music and speak from my perspective. My uncle used to play DMX, 50 Cent and Notorious BIG music all the time at home, and I heard a lot while growing up.
I know most of their songs, but I didn’t see myself creating my own music till his lyrics and melodies on “Thank me later” drew me closer to the art form.
I wanted to speak for my people and tell our stories when I deepened that because no one was really doing it for us and representing us.
In terms of honouring my African roots, that’s been the idea from the jump. First of all, I decided to go with the name “Kwesi Arthur” to remind people of my origin. I will always go on about my roots and/ or stay close to it. If the roots are cut off, the plant dies.
GQ: May your beloved grandmother rest in peace, condolences, but please tell us how did the relationship you had with her play a role in creating Son of Jacob?
KA: A decision she took when she was a young woman set off everything we’re doing at this moment.
If she didn’t move from the village she grew up in Tema because she wanted a better life for her kids, then all this wouldn't be possible. She always had my family's back growing up.
I remember at times where we didn’t have money for school; she would sometimes unwrap the knot of her cloth and give us whatever was there because she didn't want us to stay home if she had it and always made sure we're good, though I thought she didn't have to.
We were homeless, and she took us in when I was eight years old. She kept the family together. She taught me how to love. Everyone will be held accountable for their choices in life.
Don’t let people’s actions change yours to move negatively because we’ll all be paid for what we put in. Her actions gave me that impression.
Losing her had a big impact on myself and my family. Silver Spoon is inspired by her, and it’s crazy how we got her to record all the skits on the album right before she passed.
I feel like she felt fulfilled when I listen to her words on “Toxic”. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
GQ: Working with the likes of VIC MENSA, Adekunle Gold, Dayonthetrack, NSG, Joenoy and Big Homie Flee, which collaboration challenged your creativity and made you a better artist?
KA: It was a pleasure working with all of them chaley. The creative process for every song differs from the other.
On Winning with Vic Mensah, we already had a hook, and Vic killed his verse first, so I had to come hard, too, which pushed me.
I try to give what I feel, the song usually needs and not fall into a competitive mind state when approaching my collabs, but when you have a great vocalist like Adekunle Gold and Joeboy on the same record, you have to bring your best as well.
With the NSG song, we made it at their studio in London on the spot.
I had to improvise quick quick, and that challenged me too because in the moment, I was like, time no day, we are seven people on the song; what are you bringing to the table! I think all that challenged me as an artist and challenges make us better.
GQ: Boasting genres like Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, drill music, and a hint of Amapiano, Son of Jacob makes for a well-rounded listen. What makes you favour musical diversity over a cohesive yet rigid formulaic sound?
KA: That’s who I am bro. I’m a product of my environment. Growing up in Tema, which happens to be a city with a diverse cultural populace, I got to hear different sounds from different parts of the world.
We have Ewes here, Akans, we get Korean-Ghanaians here, British people and people with different tastes in music.
I grew up listening to them all. You can’t run away from it, especially if your father is an electrical gadget repairer who has the radio or tv on all the time.
GQ: Growing up around Christianity and Islam, how instrumental has your relationship with spirituality been in creating your debut album? Do you treat it as a prayer for your future success?
KA: My relationship with spirituality is still being sorted out still. I’m still on the path to finding the truth though this album leans more into Christianity.
I'm aware of Islam and all the other religions. I feel like love is what we all need.
GQ: The title of Ghana's King of The Youth must come with its responsibilities; given that you shun fame and the spotlight, choosing to focus solely on making your money and living your best life, what do all these titles that reflect your influence mean to you?
KA: I feel honoured that people see me as such. I hope my journey and the messages I share in the music inspires people to change their lives for the better.
I’m far from perfect, but I'll keep striving to be better than nI was yesterday.
GQ: What was your favourite song to create for the album, and what memories does it hold for you?
KA: I liked making all the songs. Every process was different.
The one that comes to mind right now is Silver Spoon, I’d say. It was emotional making that song.
GQ: What can we expect from post the release of Son of Jacob? Is there a tour on the way? Merch?, NFT Sales? More videos?
KA: Yeah, I want to go on tour for it. We have a couple of products made around the album, so people should watch out for that.
Right now, I want people to soak in the music . Son of Jacob is out on all platforms. We have more music on the way too. Stay with us. ❤️
GQ Exclusive with Ghanaian musician, King Promise
The Best Street Style from Glitz Fashion Week
Ria Boss gets intimate on debut live album, “Remember“
GQ Exclusive: Ghanaian singer and songwriter Asi Renie opens up about her new album Chapter V Live

GQ exclusive with Ghanaian music star Kwesi Arthur

South African smart homes are coming – are you ready? Often associated with costly high-tech devices, today’s smart home is affordable and easy to implement thanks to CBI-Electric: low voltage’s Astute Range .
Essentially operating as smart-enabling switches controlled directly from a smartphone or tablet, the Astute Range includes solutions like the Astute Smart Controller (ASC – R348), Astute Smart Isolator (ASI – R417) and Astute Smart Plug (ASP – R348) which is managed with the CBI Home App, available on the App Store and on Google Play. This allows for monitoring, control, and scheduling of energy at the touch of a button.
But, South Africa lags behind the world in smart home ownership, with a 23% gap between South African and global consumers when it comes to embracing the use of internet-connected devices to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems.
Barriers to smart home adoption
“While there are some understandable barriers to smart home adoption in South Africa, opportunities also exist for smart home proliferation,” says Dr Andrew Dickson of CBI-Electric: low voltage.
Of course, cost is a key hindrance to many South Africans adopting smart home technology in their homes, fortunately, there are several locally developed products that are available at a more affordable rate, such as the Astute Smart Home range. “Plus, there are ways to make homes smarter without enormous cash outlays, adds says Dr. Dickson. “Homeowners themselves will need to be smart in how they go about doing so, such as by installing one smart device at a time and focusing on energy-intensive appliances or security areas first.”
“As more South Africans become aware of the benefits smart home devices offer, such as monitoring and managing electricity consumption, as well as providing appliances with some protection in the event of load shedding surges, the adoption rate will increase in the country. Simply put, smart is the way for homes of the future,” concludes Dickson.
CBI-Electric: low voltage Astute Range
The CBI Astute Range is a range of energy monitoring, scheduling, and control devices with load management and automation capability. The CBI Home App (available for Android and iOS ) enables the user to configure these devices to react to current, voltage, time, power and many other variables or a combination thereof. The CBI Astute Range of products can be used to remotely control pool pumps, lights, geysers, and more. The range is ideal for use in residential homes as well as for commercial use.
Considering the current challenges of loadshedding we are currently experiencing in South Africa, installing smart home solutions like this is becoming a no-brainer. With the Astute Range you can connect to your home from anywhere in the world, giving you the freedom to switch off devices before loadshedding hits so that when the power comes back on, you can avoid catastrophic power surge damage.
The devices in the range are all WiFi-enabled (2.4 GHz only) and enable the user to take advantage of energy monitoring and energy control features from their smartphone or tablet. To get started with the Astute Range, all you need is 2.4 GHz WiFi with an internet connection as well as a smartphone or tablet to run the CBI app.
Once installed and connected with the CBI Home App, these smart home automation devices enable you to program the automation of your plug points and create custom scenarios to suit your needs. The app offers multiple ON/OFF programs and allows for scheduled operation by day, week, hour, or even minute. As a backup, the devices also feature a manual bypass with ON / OFF switch (Power Button) in the event you need to control it without the app.
Control your geyser with the Astute Smart Isolator (ASI)
The Astute Smart Isolator is the perfect example of how smart home automation can save you money in the long run. This handy smart switch can be installed to enable you to remotely control your geyser, hand dryers, air conditioners, and more from your smartphone. It’s particularly handy for controlling your geyser throughout the year. For most households, the geyser accounts for approximately 40 – 50% of their total electricity consumption. So, having the means to easily control your geyser offers the opportunity for huge savings!
Once installed, this easy-to-use smart switch enables you to set up schedules for your geyser for specific times of the day, so you can start saving electricity and ensure you always have warm water at home. You can switch on your geyser from the comfort of your couch, or wherever you are, to ensure you have warm water when you need it.
Installing this switch for our geyser was an absolute game-changer. Not only, are we now able to better manage our geyser electricity usage with an automated schedule, but we are also able to switch off our geyser before loadshedding hits, to avoid a possible power surge, which could see us having to replace our geyser at a huge expense.
Keep the lights on with the Astute Smart Plug (ASP)
When the sun goes down, smart home automation tools do all the work for you. The ASP makes life a little more convenient by enabling you to remotely monitor, control, and schedule your lights and devices like your fridge, PC, router, washing machine, and much more from anywhere.
For example, with the ASP installed, you can schedule your bedside lamps to switch on at your convenience or ensure your appliances are switched off before loadshedding hits.
We’ve been using this handy plug to control our USP connected to our router and fibre box during the disruptive loadshedding bouts. This handy plug has enabled us to have our USP turned on only when it is needed. In this way, we’re able to prolong the battery life of our USP device, saving us money in the long run.
Astute Smart Controller (ASC)
The Astute Smart Controller is another wonderful innovation. The easy-to-install control enables you to remotely control pool pumps, geysers, lights, underfloor heating, irrigation, security lights, office lights, illuminated signs, and much more from your smartphone or tablet. If you’ve forgotten to turn on your outdoor security lights when leaving the house at night, turning it on is as easy as opening the app.
Of course, it is also the ideal solution for controlling your irrigation system or pool pump, as the app enables you to set up an ON/OFF schedule or even adapt the schedule according to weather conditions or time of day.
For more information on the Astute Range visit www.cbi-lowvoltage.com/astute or connect and follow them on
[Facebook] ,
[Instagram] or
[Twitter] .
 

Review: Embracing Automation with the Astute Smart Home Range

Trust Us, These Are 5 Solo Sex Toys You Need In Your Nightstand
Nothing is more important than exploring your own sexuality and finding out what your body does and doesn’t respond to. After all, if you don’t understand what your body wants, you can’t expect someone else to. We’ve got five solo sex toys for you to practice self-love…
When looking for a toy to practise self-love, a dual-stimulation product is always a clever choice because you get the best of both worlds – G-spot and clitoris loving. This vibrator is super flexible with a curved, bulging, insertable arm and an outer arm that flexes against your vulva and clitoris. It has 10 vibration settings that range from light to rumbly and two motors that can be operated separately. Bonus, you can customise your vibration patterns (timing, setting and motors) with the We-Connect app.
Not keen on vibrations? Then this stimulator will be right up your alley. Using pressure-wave stimulated suction, the Satisfyer offers waves of pressure that come in 11 different intensities. Just place the silicone head over your clitoris and prepare to experience another world of orgasmic sensation. This toy is waterproof, meaning you’ve just found the perfect water buddy, and it has a quiet motor, so no one will know what you’re getting up to.
READ MORE: 11 of the Best Sex Toys for Solo or Partnered Sex
Channel your inner masseuse with this wand vibrator that’s designed to give you varied stimulation, from all-over body massage to intense intimate stimulation, including your anal, perineal, clitoral and vulva areas. It features a rounded swivel head and has 10 varying speeds. Like the Satisfyer Pro 2, this wand is completely waterproof so you can get wet and wild!
Another great dual-stimulating vibrator, this toy delivers pleasure to both your clitoris, with a flexible outer arm, and the G-spot, via an 11com internal shaft. Easy to grip and finished with gold trim, the Soraya Rabbit is perfectly sized to reach all the right spots and is easy to hold.
READ MORE: You Haven’t Lived Until You’ve Tried One Of These 17 Colourful Sex Toys
The greatest love you can show yourself is to look after your body – and that includes building a strong pelvic floor so that you improve pleasure during sex, increase the intensity of your orgasms and address health issues such as incontinence and prolapse. In this set, you will receive two light beads and two heavy beads so that you can graduate once your pelvic floor becomes stronger. The balls, kept together with a silicone harness which has a retrieval loop for easy removal, are perfect for beginners or more experienced users.
Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
READ MORE ON: Sex Sex Tips Sex Toys

Women's Health

Trust Us, These Are 5 Solo Sex Toys You Need In Your Nightstand

Award-winning classical guitarist and music teacher Derek Gripper has been at the forefront of innovation, building a name for himself with a ground-breaking technique evoking the West African kora on the guitar.
Enduring the painstaking process of transcribing the complex music of Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté and infusing his interpretations of Bach’s music with lessons from the oral traditions of Africa, he has made himself a cornerstone of symphonic composition.
With a rich discography that boasts his translation of Toumani Diabate’s works, “One Night on Earth” (2011), "Libraries on Fire" (2016), “A Year of Swimming” (2020), and the live rendition of “One Night on Earth(2021)”; Derek is the benchmark improvisational language of West African griots as the reinvention of South Africa's cyclical 'koortjie’ tradition.
GQ Magazine had the pleasure of unpacking his creative process, relationship with the kora, classical influences, wealthy collaborations, legacy, and more in our latest interview.
GQ: Congratulations on One Night On Earth, the nature of your composition mastery is far from an overnight success, is the creation of classical music cathartic for you?
Derek Gripper DG: I started recording albums in 2001 (Sagtevlei). I have made 21 albums to date.
The original One Night on Earth was recorded in 2011, and this new live version in 2021. It has indeed been a long journey, and I have enjoyed it all immensely.
What has really been exciting has been seeing dreams I have had in the past come true - not careers dreams, but visions of music, ideas of things to do, and then suddenly being in the middle of a concert and realise it's twenty years later and I am actually doing what I forgot I had one daydreamed I would love to do. So not cathartic, more celebratory.
GQ: The kora has West African origins. How did you start playing the instrument?
DG: So I don't actually play the kora, I tried many years ago, but after spending half a lifetime learning the guitar, I didn't have it in me to start all over again.
But I couldn't not try to play the music, so that is why I ended up finding a way to play the music on guitar - that way, I got to do what I knew how to do, but in a way, I never would have believed possible.
GQ: "One Night On Earth" comprises nostalgic sounds rooted in African heritage, which suggests that you value the preservation of African history. How important is this to you?
DG: I am drawn to certain solo instrumentalists, and Toumani Diabaté is certainly on my top three.
He is the Bach of contemporary Africa if you ask me, especially his work in the late eighties (when he was only 23 years old!).
GQ: What do you love most about being African?
DG: I think as a South African, I have a lot of freedom to really explore things. So many other countries have tried so many things, but we are really just beginning our new journey of being part of the world again.
So there is a freshness and an openness in audiences, they don’t take things for granted, and they're open to new things. I love that.
GQ: The guitar sounds in "One Night On Earth" vary in tempo and amplification. What does your creative process look like?
DG: Stage one is making the translation. This is working from an existing recording just like a classical musician works from a written score (with Toumani, there its no written score to work from, so you have to create one).
Then I learn it, part by part, chewing over small parts over long periods of time. Now, this process happens in my online group classes, but in the old days, it was just me alone in my kitchen.
Then I forget all the parts and the piece and the recording, and I go on stage or into the studio and start playing and see what comes out.
The main thing is to stop the process of arguing with yourself; you know that thing we all do when we have an idea, and then we argue and tell ourselves it isn’t a good idea?
Well, I have trained myself to not engage in that argument. What comes out of the guitar and the finger is what I play.
No argument. This means you can really be in flow, not wobbling too and from between alternatives or trying to stick to some stale plan you made yesterday.
GQ: You have collaborated with various artists from across the diaspora, including legendary Senegalese musician –Baaba Maal. How do you go about your feature selection?
DG: I have collaborated with artists in two ways, one by translating their music and two by actually playing with them. I have been lucky to have played with Toumani Diabate, the greatest instrumentalist in Mali; John Williams, the most famous classical guitarist of our era; Debashish Battacharya, the virtuoso Indian slide guitarist; Madosini, the legendary bow player from South Africa, and many others.
I have also been fortunate to learn the music of Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, and so many other musicians, to really live inside their music and find ways to interpret it on my instrument.
I have no idea how these things happen or why I choose some things over others. Sometimes you hear something, and you know you have to play it.
GQ: Malian kora sensation Toumani Diabatè is featured in quite a few songs of the album, including "Kounding Cissoko." How was your experience working with him?
DG: Toumani isn’t actually featured on my recordings. He is just the composer. This is a new thing for him because as an improvising musician playing in the Malian "griot" tradition, his music changes from performance to performance; it’s very spontaneous.
So to write it down and fix it in time is a new thing which I have done, and hopefully, it brings some new thing to his music, to really go deeply into the genius of one moment of his playing and see how much there is to find there over time.
I did, however, play with him in Bamako in 2016, and that was, of course, just a huge honour.
GQ: Which African musicians would you like to work with in the future?
DG: I have been talking to Salif Keita about working together for some years now. I have jammed with him at his house in Bamako and at Bushfire Festival in Swaziland.
I would absolutely love to accompany his voice on stage one day.
GQ: Online platforms like YouTube have filled the gap of special DVDs that were synonymous with the phonographic culture of music. How are you utilising online platforms? Can we expect to see you create an online show?
DG: I did a lot of online shows during COVID lockdown, and now I am thoroughly tired of them and want to play live again.
I have been touring again, in the US and in Europe, and I will go to Ireland and Canada next month and Spain and Saudi Arabia later in the year.
It is just wonderful to be playing to real live audiences again.
As for utilising online platforms, I use many! My record label, Platoon, deals with my streaming, and I upload around fifty hours of lesson videos a month for my online guitar community.
I also still sell digital downloads on Bandcamp and publish scores and lessons, and writings on my website (www.derekgripper.com). The internet, what a place!
GQ: Lastly, when it is all said and done, what are the 5 keywords you would like to be associated with your legacy?
DG: "Derek turned me onto the kora." Can I have six words, please?
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
Google celebrates Alté with a residency program for African creatives
Simi is the new face of Spotify EQUAL Africa music programme
Burna Boy to perform in SA
WATCH: Sha Sha and Kamo Mphela’s hot music video for their hit single – iPiano ft. Felo Le Tee

5 minutes with Derek Gripper

Nike and Sacai have revamped the Oregon-based brand's iconic Cortez silhouette, which is as much a part of popular culture as it is a functional shoe. It was in 1972 that Nike co-founder William Jay Bowerman unveiled the iconic Cortez in Los Angeles, a track shoe that featured the swoosh logo for the first time. Since then, it has ascended to unimaginable heights thanks to its adoption by street and pop-culture alike (lest we forget when Forrest Gump slipped into a pair). To date, the sportswear giant has produced countless versions of the shoe, collaborating with the likes of Bella Hadid, Kendrick Lamar and Commes des Garçons to give their iconic kicks a fresh spin. To celebrate the shoe's 50 year anniversary, the brand has called upon long-time partner Sacai to create its latest version. The two brands have a relationship that goes back to 2015, when NikeLab enlisted the help of the cult Japanese label to zhuzh up its springtime women’s line. Over the years, they have delivered on the LD Waffle, the Blazer, and the Vaporwaffle, fusing Nike’s heritage and classic silhouettes with Sacai’s elevated design elements. Redesigning the classic LA silhouette, Sacai has reimagined the classic white, blue, and red colourway of 1972 Cortez and given it a typically avant-garde makeover. The shoe’s upper sees a white leather base being layered with the traditionally red Nike emblem, while blue and grey accents on the heel and lacing compartment complete the colour palette. Sacai’s traditional stacked details make their customary appearance here, while a unique use of the Zoom Air bubble is seen towards the front of the sneaker’s sole, firmly setting this sneaker apart from Nike Cortez designs . The shoes were first shown at Sacai’s FW22 menswear show earlier this year and sneakerheads have been anticipating their release ever since. Sadly, there’s still no drop date, but we can guarantee they’ll fly off the shelves once they’re out. Watch this space.

Your first look at the Nike x Sacai Cortez sneaker

Nike and Sacai have revamped the Oregon-based brand's iconic Cortez silhouette, which is as much a part of popular culture as it is a functional shoe.
It was in 1972 that Nike co-founder William Jay Bowerman unveiled the iconic Cortez in Los Angeles, a track shoe that featured the swoosh logo for the first time. Since then, it has ascended to unimaginable heights thanks to its adoption by street and pop-culture alike (lest we forget when Forrest Gump slipped into a pair).
To date, the sportswear giant has produced countless versions of the shoe, collaborating with the likes of Bella Hadid, Kendrick Lamar and Commes des Garçons to give their iconic kicks a fresh spin.
To celebrate the shoe's 50 year anniversary, the brand has called upon long-time partner Sacai to create its latest version. The two brands have a relationship that goes back to 2015, when NikeLab enlisted the help of the cult Japanese label to zhuzh up its springtime women’s line.
Over the years, they have delivered on the LD Waffle, the Blazer, and the Vaporwaffle, fusing Nike’s heritage and classic silhouettes with Sacai’s elevated design elements.
Redesigning the classic LA silhouette, Sacai has reimagined the classic white, blue, and red colourway of 1972 Cortez and given it a typically avant-garde makeover.
The shoe’s upper sees a white leather base being layered with the traditionally red Nike emblem, while blue and grey accents on the heel and lacing compartment complete the colour palette.
Sacai’s traditional stacked details make their customary appearance here, while a unique use of the Zoom Air bubble is seen towards the front of the sneaker’s sole, firmly setting this sneaker apart from Nike Cortez designs .
The shoes were first shown at Sacai’s FW22 menswear show earlier this year and sneakerheads have been anticipating their release ever since. Sadly, there’s still no drop date, but we can guarantee they’ll fly off the shelves once they’re out.
Watch this space.

Stage 10 Preview: Calm Before the Storm?
Stage 10 – Morzine Les Portes du Soleil to Megève – 148.1km – Tuesday, July 12
Coming out of the first Rest Day (last Monday’s day off was technically a transfer day), Stage 10 begins in Morzine at the Les Portes du Soleil ski resort, which means a downhill start to the day as the race heads north towards Lake Geneva. The climbing begins quickly, though: the road starts going uphill in the town of Bioge, 16.6km into the day, with the summit of the Category 4 Côte de Chevenoz (2.2km @ 2.9%) coming about 8km later. If a breakaway hasn’t formed on the descent out of Morzine, it should form here. Expect the usual cast of characters to go on the attack: stage hunters, out-of-contention GC contenders, and perhaps Germany’s Simon Geschke (Cofidis) who might try and defend the polka dot jersey he wears as the leader of the Tour’s King of the Mountains Classification.
After a brief ride along the shores of the lake, the race turns south toward the high Alps. But the big summits are reserved for Stages 11 and 12; Stage 10 just bounces along the valley with the Category 3 Col de Jambaz (6.7km @ 3.8%) and the Category 4 Côte de Châtillon-sur-Cluses the only challenges before the Category 2 climb to the finish at the Megève ski resort.
Called the Montée de l’Altiport de Megève because it climbs to an airport just outside the ski resort, the climb to Megève begins shortly after the Intermediate Sprint in Passy, which is an indication that the organisers think the race could come back together by that point–or a sign that we’ll see Belgium’s Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) go on the attack again in the hopes of bolstering his already sizeable lead in the Tour’s Points Classification.
Even though it’s a Category 2 ascent–mostly due to its length (19.2km) the climb to the finish isn’t too challenging. It’s long, steady, and not steep (its average gradient is a paltry 4.1%). And while the climb officially ends 2.2km from the finish line–this is where the points will be awarded in the Tour’s King of the Mountains competition–the road keeps rising all the way to the finish line in Megève.
This is a tough stage to predict. After a Rest Day and before two days in the high Alps, it’s easy to see a group of riders getting a long leash and breaking away to settle the stage among themselves. But this is also a relatively short stage and the final climb isn’t particularly hard, which means motivated teams with fast finishers who can climb (like Jumbo-Visma for van Aert) could try and bring the race back together in the hopes of surviving the final ascent and winning the stage. And of course, if that happens, they’ll have Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) to deal with as well.
The riders won’t have to deal with the weather, though. Partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 80s are expected, with a slight tailwind on the upper half of the final climb.
Riders to Watch
It’s likely that the stage will play-out similar to the way Stage 9 did: a few riders from the breakaway will hang on to win the stage, while the GC contenders’ teams set a hard tempo behind to discourage attacks. If there are time gaps among the GC favourites, they will likely come in the final dash to the line–especially if there are any time bonuses left for the top-3 finishers. As far as specific riders to watch, this is a perfect finish for Canada’s Mike Woods (Israel-PremierTech), Denmark’s Jakob Fuglsang (Israel-PremierTech), and Italy’s Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo).
And we can never count-out Pogačar, who seems eager to win whenever the opportunity presents itself. In previous Tours we might have seen a ceasefire among the top contenders in light of the climbing to come on Stages 11 and 12. But in the era of Pogačar, every day offers a chance to win the Tour.
When to Watch
Your viewing plan for Stage 10 all depends on your availability for Stages 11 and 12, which present greater challenges to the riders and therefore more excitement for fans. If you’re able to tune in at about 16h30 to watch the riders tackle the final climb to the finish in Megève, go for it. But you can also get away with working ahead to make more time for Wednesday and Thursday viewing, and then watching a replay later on. (If you choose this option, maybe check-in once or twice just to make sure Pogačar hasn’t blown the race apart.)

Stage 10 Preview: Calm Before the Storm?

5 minutes with with Derek Gripper

Award-winning classical guitarist and music teacher Derek Gripper has been at the forefront of innovation, building a name for himself with a ground-breaking technique evoking the West African kora on the guitar. Enduring the painstaking process of transcribing the complex music of Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté and infusing his interpretations of Bach’s music with lessons from the oral traditions of Africa, he has made himself a cornerstone of symphonic composition. With a rich discography that boasts his translation of Toumani Diabate’s works, “One Night on Earth” (2011), "Libraries on Fire" (2016), “A Year of Swimming” (2020), and the live rendition of “One Night on Earth(2021)”; Derek is the benchmark improvisational language of West African griots as the reinvention of South Africa's cyclical 'koortjie’ tradition. GQ Magazine had the pleasure of unpacking his creative process, relationship with the kora, classical influences, wealthy collaborations, legacy, and more in our latest interview. GQ: Congratulations on One Night On Earth, the nature of your composition mastery is far from an overnight success, is the creation of classical music cathartic for you? Derek Gripper DG: I started recording albums in 2001 (Sagtevlei). I have made 21 albums to date. The original One Night on Earth was recorded in 2011, and this new live version in 2021. It has indeed been a long journey, and I have enjoyed it all immensely. What has really been exciting has been seeing dreams I have had in the past come true - not careers dreams, but visions of music, ideas of things to do, and then suddenly being in the middle of a concert and realise it's twenty years later and I am actually doing what I forgot I had one daydreamed I would love to do. So not cathartic, more celebratory. GQ: The kora has West African origins. How did you start playing the instrument? DG: So I don't actually play the kora, I tried many years ago, but after spending half a lifetime learning the guitar, I didn't have it in me to start all over again. But I couldn't not try to play the music, so that is why I ended up finding a way to play the music on guitar - that way, I got to do what I knew how to do, but in a way, I never would have believed possible. GQ: "One Night On Earth" comprises nostalgic sounds rooted in African heritage, which suggests that you value the preservation of African history. How important is this to you? DG: I am drawn to certain solo instrumentalists, and Toumani Diabaté is certainly on my top three. He is the Bach of contemporary Africa if you ask me, especially his work in the late eighties (when he was only 23 years old!). GQ: What do you love most about being African? DG: I think as a South African, I have a lot of freedom to really explore things. So many other countries have tried so many things, but we are really just beginning our new journey of being part of the world again. So there is a freshness and an openness in audiences, they don’t take things for granted, and they're open to new things. I love that. GQ: The guitar sounds in "One Night On Earth" vary in tempo and amplification. What does your creative process look like? DG: Stage one is making the translation. This is working from an existing recording just like a classical musician works from a written score (with Toumani, there its no written score to work from, so you have to create one). Then I learn it, part by part, chewing over small parts over long periods of time. Now, this process happens in my online group classes, but in the old days, it was just me alone in my kitchen. Then I forget all the parts and the piece and the recording, and I go on stage or into the studio and start playing and see what comes out. The main thing is to stop the process of arguing with yourself; you know that thing we all do when we have an idea, and then we argue and tell ourselves it isn’t a good idea? Well, I have trained myself to not engage in that argument. What comes out of the guitar and the finger is what I play. No argument. This means you can really be in flow, not wobbling too and from between alternatives or trying to stick to some stale plan you made yesterday. GQ: You have collaborated with various artists from across the diaspora, including legendary Senegalese musician –Baaba Maal. How do you go about your feature selection? DG: I have collaborated with artists in two ways, one by translating their music and two by actually playing with them. I have been lucky to have played with Toumani Diabate, the greatest instrumentalist in Mali; John Williams, the most famous classical guitarist of our era; Debashish Battacharya, the virtuoso Indian slide guitarist; Madosini, the legendary bow player from South Africa, and many others. I have also been fortunate to learn the music of Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, and so many other musicians, to really live inside their music and find ways to interpret it on my instrument. I have no idea how these things happen or why I choose some things over others. Sometimes you hear something, and you know you have to play it. GQ: Malian kora sensation Toumani Diabatè is featured in quite a few songs of the album, including "Kounding Cissoko." How was your experience working with him? DG: Toumani isn’t actually featured on my recordings. He is just the composer. This is a new thing for him because as an improvising musician playing in the Malian "griot" tradition, his music changes from performance to performance; it’s very spontaneous. So to write it down and fix it in time is a new thing which I have done, and hopefully, it brings some new thing to his music, to really go deeply into the genius of one moment of his playing and see how much there is to find there over time. I did, however, play with him in Bamako in 2016, and that was, of course, just a huge honour. GQ: Which African musicians would you like to work with in the future? DG: I have been talking to Salif Keita about working together for some years now. I have jammed with him at his house in Bamako and at Bushfire Festival in Swaziland. I would absolutely love to accompany his voice on stage one day. GQ: Online platforms like YouTube have filled the gap of special DVDs that were synonymous with the phonographic culture of music. How are you utilising online platforms? Can we expect to see you create an online show? DG: I did a lot of online shows during COVID lockdown , and now I am thoroughly tired of them and want to play live again. I have been touring again, in the US and in Europe, and I will go to Ireland and Canada next month and Spain and Saudi Arabia later in the year. It is just wonderful to be playing to real live audiences again. As for utilising online platforms, I use many! My record label, Platoon, deals with my streaming, and I upload around fifty hours of lesson videos a month for my online guitar community. I also still sell digital downloads on Bandcamp and publish scores and lessons, and writings on my website (www.derekgripper.com). The internet, what a place! GQ: Lastly, when it is all said and done, what are the 5 keywords you would like to be associated with your legacy? DG: "Derek turned me onto the kora." Can I have six words, please? Google celebrates Alté with a residency program for African creatives Simi is the new face of Spotify EQUAL Africa music programme Burna Boy to perform in SA WATCH: Sha Sha and Kamo Mphela’s hot music video for their hit single – iPiano ft. Felo Le Tee

She and her friends, who are also regarded as some of the best travel content creators on the continent, booked an Air BnB in Diani Beach, where they reconnected after not seeing each other for some time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Boyana, who is an avid traveller and uses her Chica Travel podcast to enlighten listeners and makes travel accessible, has previously travelled to Lamu, Kenya, and it was a trip that influenced many to visit the secluded Kenyan island. It’s always great to remind ourselves of just how beautiful our continent is. Its diversity and the richness of the cultures, cuisine, and also our wildlife and beaches make Africa a must visit destination. While travelling the continent is difficult, it’s part of the thrill of travelling the continent. Here are the must-visit destinations in the continent. Malindi, Kenya Much has been written about the Kenyan coastal island. It’s the favoured island of many well-healed people. It’s where Naomi Campbell’s Kenyan villa is situated. I had the privilege of visiting almost ten years ago, and I fell in love with all that Malindi had to offer. It’s paradise. The white sand, the clear blue water and the coconut palm trees all look brochure-perfect. Even the dead coral littering parts of the beach didn’t look out of place. Malindi is the water sports capital of Kenya, with activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, beach volleyball, snorkelling and swimming. Going to Malindi town is an experience in itself. Where To Stay: Sandies Tropical Village The resort's Masai Manyatta village-style, the chalet-like rooms are made out of indigenous wood, and the roofs are covered with palm branches from the many trees that dot the beautiful coast. Like all East African hotels , they make sure that the rooms have mosquito nets to lower the risk of being bitten by the pests. They do add a romantic feel to the rooms, an old-world glamour? There are no plug points in the rooms. They want guests to fully switch off and be in the moment. Lake Malawi, Malawi It is said that when the missionary and explorer David Livingstone saw Lake Malawi for the first time, he christened it the “Lake of Stars”. Lake Malawi is a vast body of crystal-clear freshwater that is great for water sport enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy snorkelling and kayaking. The Rift Valley Lake forms Malawi's eastern border with Mozambique and Tanzania and is home to the world's greatest number of lake-dwelling fish species. It is Africa's third-largest lake and the eighth largest in the world, stretching 580km in length and 75km in width. It is also rather deep. The freshwater lake with its sandy beaches and deserted islands is the mainstay of the country's economy and tourist industry. The best time to visit is between May and October, as it gets warmer going from moderate too hot by November. The Lake is perfect for beach holidays, offering calm, clear and warm waters in a tranquil setting flanked by mountains and a rural setting. Where To Stay: The Makokola Retreat has glowing reviews from previous guests. The hotel has spacious rooms boasting views overlooking the beach and lake itself. There are lots of activities to enjoy for the whole family, two pools and even a spa; ultimate relaxation. Tangier, Morocco While Marrakech is the destination most dream of travelling to when they think of Morocco, but it is time we consider Tangier. While Marrakech is the favoured destination, Tangier is the heartbeat. Travellers to the city say one needs to stay for more than a week in order to fully see why it is a magical city. On a clear day, you can see Spain from Tangier, and the busy port has plenty of ferries heading to and from Spain. Tangier is known as the gateway connecting Europe and the rest of the African continent. And when you have fallen in love with Tangier, you won't help but come back as often as possible. Such is its charm that one understands why writers used to decamp to the city to get inspiration for their stories. When it comes to attractions, everyone normally goes to Tangier's Medina, which is the old town of the city, holding much of the history. You get to walk on roads with winding alleys, where you can see and visit their museums in restored mansions and historic monuments. Because of the unbearable summer heat, it is best to visit Tangier between September to November or spring in their spring, March to May, when the weather is inviting and allows you to fully explore the city. Where To Stay La Maison de Tangier. The hotel's decor is quintessentially Moroccan. Situated in the centre of Tangier, it is only 2 km from the beach and has a stunning view of Tangier Bay. The Grand Socco and medina are a 10-minute walk away.

4 destinations you need to visit in Africa

This 5-Minute Workout Will Supersize Your Chest, Arms and Shoulders
Tap into the pump with this 5-minute workout.
The incline pushup is a basic exercise that works the pecs, shoulders, triceps and biceps. Combo it with a shoulder press and it becomes a serious gam changer says Jeremy Scott, owner at Jeremy Scott Fitness.
The dumbbell neutral grip shoulder press works the medial and front delts. The difference in hand positioning from the standard dumbbell press makes the exercise easier on the shoulder joint as it doesn’t require as much mobility. That makes it a great alternative for those with shoulder issues.
RELATED: Build Rock-Solid Abs With This Explosive Workout
Performing these exercises back to back—AKA supersetting—will give you a massive pump. Because of the high volume of work, you won’t need much weight: 5kg to 12kg dumbbells should get the job done.
Directions Perform the exercises below in the order listed for 30 seconds each
- Incline pushups
- Dumbbell neutral grip shoulder press
That’s one round. Perform 5 total rounds with no rest across this 5-minute workout.
What Is a Superset?
Simply put, supersets describe the act of stringing two exercises together back-to-back with little to no break time in between. Adopting this practice can help you expedite your sweat sessions, letting you squeeze in the same level of exertion into half the time (the proof: this 5-minute workout). So, if you have a short attention span and/or you want to build serious muscular endurance and metabolic condition when you hit the weight room, supersets are the perfect pick.
Why Should I Use Supersets?
Whether or not supersets are the right way to go depends on your training goals. It should never be considered a one-size-fits-all time saver as doubling up on certain moves can be incredibly gruelling. In most cases, if you’re shooting for size or unbridled power, you’re better off going the traditional route. That’s because you’ll build raw strength by shifting as much tin as possible, so you’ll need every second or rest to prep for that next big push.
RELATED: Burn Fat Fast With This 15-Minute Home Workout
According to National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) , you should be aiming for 2 to 5 minutes of rest between every set of 1 to 5 reps of >85% percent of your one rep max when training to build real brawn.

This 5-Minute Workout Will Supersize Your Chest, Arms and Shoulders

KaeloXelus Corporate Gap Cover
July 9, 2022
We at KaeloXelus understand that the health of our members is of great significance. Access to the best healthcare for you and your family is what you want.
Rising medical care costs together with medical policy benefits that are reducing. That means gap cover is ever more vital, to bridge the gap between medical scheme limits and healthcare bills.
KaeloXelus Fusion Solution
The Fusion solution for gap cover ensures shortfalls occasioned by medical aid are bridged. Oncology treatments are one area that this gap cover comprehensively covers, as well as surgeon account gaps. This gap cover solution also includes Sub-limits and co-payments applied by medical schemes, in addition to other deductibles. Fusion complements medical health covers, settling any unexpected bills resulting from major medical treatment. Fusion allows members not to worry about ensuring that they possess financing that makes sure their wellness and health safe.
To fully cover the health and mental wellbeing of you and your family. A solution known as Fusionx integrates the EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) with the Fusion benefits.
Charges in the fine print
Anaesthetists or surgeons charge quite a bit more than the price your medical policy, resulting in shortfalls. Fusion provides an additional 500% benefit of a tariff, usable in covering gaps. This applies to members seeking treatment in day clinics or hospitals, as well as specialists’ practices within hospitals.
Fusion covers all procedures, including minimal benefits. It also covers practitioners who contribute to your treatment. For example physiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, and so on. No currency limit applies in the use of this gap cover solution.
Individual healthcare events gather in further non-medical expenses that medical aid doesn’t cover. The Benefit Extender is there to aid with paying for such outcomes. These benefits cover more than is applicable with core benefits and is usable at the member’s discretion.
Boosters
Family Booster relates to premature births over six weeks ahead of their due date. Fusion pays you R12, 000.
Hospital Booster pays according to the amount of a hospital stay, in lump sum:
- From a week to day 13 pays out R600 a day
- A fortnight to a day 20 compensates a daily rate of R1, 200
- Also, three weeks to a month gives you R1, 800 daily
For trauma related events, the benefit pays out from the first day, and not from day seven.
Family Protector protects against permanent disability to either the principal member or their beneficiaries. A lump sum payout of R12, 000 is applied in this case, doubling to R24, 000 for accidental causes.
Should a medical scheme leading member become disabled or die. Fusion gap cover by KaeloXelus will underwrite six months’ worth of medical plan premiums. Topping out at R4, 000 monthly, while entirely waiving the Fusion premium for six months. That is known as the Contribution Waiver Benefit Extender.
The RAF or Road Accident Fund is for you that have been i9n an accident. Together with Road Cover, they legally assist you in filling a claim. KaeloXelus will cover the legal bill at no extra charge.
If you belong to a South African medical aid scheme, please complete and send the form on this page. Then we will send you a personal gap cover quote
All info was correct at time of publishing

KaeloXelus Corporate Gap Cover

About Zestlife Gap Cover
July 9, 2022
What do I need to know about Zestlife Gap Cover?
- No maximum age
- If someone is a dependent on your medical aid, they can be covered under your gap cover
- If you are single, you may qualify for a discount in premiums
- Monthly premiums are low – below R500 generally
- You can choose the Universal plan or the Essential plan
The cost of living in South Africa seems to be increasing on a daily basis. The applies especially when it comes to medical costs and hospitalisation costs in particular. But most South Africans who are on a medical aid never worry about that. The medical aid pays in full for hospitalization costs, after all.
Except that the Medical Aid Doesn’t Always Pay in Full
As many people find out when they face a mound of bills after a trip to the hospital, the medical aid doesn’t always pay in full.
They pay the rates that they have predetermined that the procedure should cost. They set these rates in advance, and they base that assessment on historical data. This, in itself, means that medical aid pays out according to older rates and that this payment is already out of whack.
Think about it for a minute. They determined the rates that they would pay for procedures in 2017, towards the end of 2016. What happens if the doctors, surgeons, etc. increased their rates in the interim? Because of this, if you go to the doctor in October of 2017, your medical aid will pay out rates that are already at least ten months old.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, specialists, surgeons, etc. are not obliged to charge those same rates. If they do, you are in luck, and your medical aid will pay in full. If they do not, you are going to have to pay the money in yourself.
What is the Solution?
By preparing ahead of time, you won’t have to hope to win the lotto to pay off your medical debt. Much about Zestlife’s gap cover products will do that for you. The cover will pay the difference between what your medical scheme paid and what you were charged, up to certain limits.
You can choose the Essential gap cover produc and the Universal gap cover products.
The Essential Plan is the basic option when it comes to these policies. The plan pays for in-hospital expenses that are not paid in full. The cover is limited to three times what the medical scheme paid out. Zestlife will also pay for some out-of-hospital procedures and also for qualifying co-payments.
More About Zestlife Gap Cover
Alternatively, you can choose the Universal plan This is the more comprehensive option and covers you for a lot more.
For example, the cover for in-hospital expenses is five times what your medical aid paid out and, in addition, you also have cover if you use an out-of-network hospital. It also includes a premium waiver benefit that is quite special – it will cover both your gap cover and medical aid premiums.
Here are the 2022 premiums for each plan:
All in all, learn about Zestlife gap cover. The company has shown that they are looking for innovative solutions to help South Africans access better medical care.
Next step: complete and submit the form on this page to get an accurate Zestlife quote fast!
All info was correct at time of publishing

About Zestlife Gap Cover

Update on Covid-19 (Friday 08 July 2022) 2022-07-08T22:59:09+02:00Jul 8th, 2022|Daily Cases| .reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}EVDS Self Registration PortalVaccine Registration Portal is now open!VIEW MORE.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Active Vaccination SitesFind your closest vaccination siteVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Latest Vaccine StatisticsView latest vaccine rollout figures & statisticsVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Interactive Live CounterInteract with our live Covid-19 data mapVIEW MORE.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link) , .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):after {color: #c48a10;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:after {color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination a.inactive:hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a {border-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination .current {border-color: #006532; background-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-date-and-formats .fusion-format-box, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-popover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .tooltip-shortcode {color: #006532;}#main .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .post .blog-shortcode-post-title a:hover {color: #006532;} twitter whatsapp Related Posts Update on Covid-19 (Friday 15 July 2022 Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 14 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 13 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Tuesday 12 July 2022)

Update on Covid-19 (Friday 08 July 2022)

To build muscle, is it better to do fast reps or slow down your workout?
The way you exercise is just as important, if not more so, than the amount you exercise each day.
It determines what kind of results you get and how long it takes you, and it has to do not only with the type of equipment or workouts you choose, but also with things like the speed and even the combinations you use execute.
The truth is that there are many ways to build muscle you can play with the weights and the reps, but another factor that gets talked about a lot is speed and there are people who prefer to do things fast, and others that have a pace that seems like they are going in slow motion.
To gain muscle: is it better to do fast or slow repetitions?
The good news is that there isn't just one way to get there.
Different methods can be effective for different people, but there are a few things to consider that will help you make the best possible decision for what you want to achieve.
These are the benefits of slow reps
Slow reps are reps performed at a slower pace. The movement is performed slowly and for a count of up to 3 counts and can also be performed with heavy or light weights or even your own body weight.
The slower pace allows you to work on your form and technique, and take the time to make sure you're executing each step of the movement correctly and that you 're actually using and engaging the muscles you're trying to train.
This not only prevents injuries, but also enables more precise and harder training.
According to Built With Science, the main benefit of these types of reps is that you spend more time under tension, which helps keep muscles active longer, at the point where they're really being tested. which helps them develop strength, endurance and muscle mass.
The "problem" is that the slower you train, the faster you tire, which means you may not be able to lift as heavy and get all the reps you want.
The Benefits of Fast Reps
Fast reps, as the name suggests, are reps that put muscles under tension for less time but allow you to do more during your workout and use heavy weight without suffering to the end.
But one should not try to run, it is important to have a good technique, otherwise they will not be very effective.
Not only is this a good technique for building muscle, but according to Livestrong, it can also help develop more strength.
One concern to keep in mind with fast reps is that experts say you're at greater risk of injury or muscle soreness, especially if your muscles aren't in great shape or are fatigued.
So which is better for building muscle?
Both methods can help you build muscle, but if you also want to work on your strength, endurance, and power, it's best to alternate between different methods, not just between slow and fast reps, but also bodyweight, cardio, and mobility exercises add to train your entire body in a sustainable way without feeling stagnant or exhausted.
[Via GQ Germany]
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
Unable to build big biceps? Watch out for these 5 bicep training mistakes
5 exercises that work the whole body (and you need in your routine)
5 benefits of incorporating cardio kickboxing into your workout regime

Muscle Building: Are slow or fast reps better?

Making an impact on the world of Miami real estate is no easy feat, especially as the South Floridian metropolis became one of the globe’s top living destinations throughout the Covid-19 pandemic – a trend that’s clearly still going strong, as Miami welcomed in more new residents during 2022’s first quarter than it did during the same time period in 2021 when the pandemic was at its peak. With high demand and low supply, modern Miami has become a hotbed for real estate competition, especially considering Miami-Dade county reportedly has the highest volume of real estate agents in the entire United States. Still, while a cut-throat climate for brokers themselves, Miami’s presently bustling real estate market has brought incredible opportunities for developers to rise to the occasion and fill this massive demand for properties. The Miami metro area government greenlighted the development of more than 17,000 apartments and 8,300 single-family homes in 2021 alone, projects that are expected to attract even more new residents down to sunny Miami. Leading the pack of Miami’s plethora of development firms is Shoma Group, a renowned multi-billion-dollar real estate company that’s been led into international recognition by the husband-wife team of Masoud and Stephanie Shojaee. Originally founded in 1988 by company CEO Masoud, Shoma Group has blossomed over its 34 years of operation into developing more than 65 development projects, one million square feet of office and retail space, and handled more than $5 billion in real estate transactions. While Shoma Group itself is a household name throughout the global development community, Masoud’s preference for privacy has largely kept the development mogul out of the spotlight. Following his wife Stephanie Shojaee’s new headline-grabbing position as Shoma Group President , buzz about the power couple’s sharp business acumen and Insta-worthy relationship is beginning to spread. Who is Masoud Shojaee? An Iranian native, Masoud immigrated to the United States in 1978 before founding Shoma Group a decade later. Known for his keen eye for potential, Masoud gained recognition throughout the 90s and early 2000s for his prescient developments in the Doral and Hialeah areas, helping boost the regions into functional communities and cities and gaining Masoud the moniker “The King of Doral.” Who is Stephanie Shojaee? While Stephanie may now be making waves as Shoma Group’s president, Stephanie first made a name for herself as the firm’s Chief Marketing Officer, where her on-the-nose strategies and mind for marketing led Shoma Group to increase its profits by 30 percent and the creation of a gender-inclusive workplace. Her success certainly didn’t come easily; as the child of Colombian immigrants, Stephanie had to fight tooth and nail against the odds to make a name for herself in business, a tenacity and work ethic she continues to maintain to this day. Beyond the boardroom, Stephanie has become well-known across the world for her signature high-end style and close relationships with some of the fashion community’s most covetable fashion houses, like Dior and Hermes. Stephanie is also one of the only female ambassadors for Rolls-Royce in the United States, a role she takes with pride and shares with her hundreds of thousands of followers – alongside snaps from front-row at runway shows and a sneak peek at her enviable closet – on her popular Instagram account. Masoud and Stephanie’s close relationship is able to thrive both inside the workplace and out of the office thanks to their overlapping interests, deep-seated love for one another, and of course, a shared passion for development. “We wake up with the same exact goals, same aspirations, same desire to win, same desire to succeed,” says Stephanie. “We celebrate each other’s wins and play on the same field for the same team.” Under Masoud and Stephanie’s watchful eyes, Shoma Group has meticulously constructed impactful projects like the sold-out $150 million Oasis Park Square and $102.5 million Sanctuary Doral Park, with another eight same-scale projects currently in the works. Presently, Stephanie is spearheading the development of the Shoma Bazaar, a residence-anchored food hall set to be implemented throughout Shoma Group’s extensive multi-family properties. As Miami’s property market continues its red-hot upward trajectory , expect the Shojaees’ and Shoma Group seamless team to be the forces behind some of the city’s most talked-about up-and-coming projects.

Who are Stephanie and Masoud Shojaee? inside the power couple behind Billion-Dollar Miami Development Firm ‘Shoma Group’

These days people demand instantaneous everything: this is the age of TikTok, of porn gifs, of headline only reading.
(Thank you for making it this far.) But there is one thing we’re supposed to be fixated on lasting a long time: erections.
To take one example, in the movie French Kiss, Meg Ryan describes the negative experience of losing her virginity to Jeopardy!: “Jeff said it would last longer with the show on to distract him. Got all the answers wrong except for sports.
By Double Jeopardy!, he was done; by Final Jeopardy!, he was on his way home.” There’s plenty wrong here besides duration, and there are countless other instances from pop culture where someone bemoans how long a partner lasts, but this one provides an easy timeline: Jeff here lasted approximately 10 minutes, maybe more, depending on commercials. Which is actually, according to science, pretty long!
Sex studies are notoriously difficult to fund and run, because people aren’t great at self-reporting nor are they great and humping and pumping with grad students watching, but a study from 2005 of 500 people showed that erections lasted between one and 44 minutes, with the median being…five minutes! (They counted from when a penis enters a vagina)
But a growing wave of brands are cashing in on the fear people have that they aren’t lasting long enough in bed—that long sex means good sex.
In service of that (mistaken, I assure you) belief, companies like Hims and Roman have created over-the-counter products to help people last longer: sprays or wipes that simply numb your dick a bit.
I talked with Dr. Luke Witherspoon, urologist and Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Fellow at University of British Columbia about premature ejaculation and whether these products actually work. First of all, Dr. Witherspoon explained, what even constitutes premature ejaculation is not universally agreed on.
But PE, as it's called, is generally separated into two groups: lifelong and acquired, with people who have experienced lifelong PE generally orgasming within 1-2 minutes of insertion and people with more recent or acquired PE orgasming within 2-3 minutes.
While the ideal length of time to orgasm might be debated, according to Witherspoon, “what's not debated across any of these different guidelines is that patients also have to be bothered by this.” That means that if you come within two minutes but you’re happy, congratulations! You are not prematurely ejaculating.
According to Witherspoon, one of the biggest jobs medical professionals have when it comes to premature ejaculation is to “explain normal” to people.
“We have a lot of patients who come saying ‘well, I feel like I'm ejaculating too quickly’ when in fact, they're actually pretty normal as compared to the general population.” He says so-called stopwatch studies show that most people come in about 5 or 6 minutes.
“Some people take reassurance in that time frame; their sexual encounters weren’t necessarily unsatisfactory, it's more that they thought that they were abnormal and our job was just to provide reassurance and say, ‘Listen, you're not abnormal, as long as you and your partner or partners are happy.’” Again, if you’re not bothered, it’s not a problem.
If you and your partner are concerned with coming quickly, an over the counter numbing spray or wipe might be worth considering.
(If you’re looking to not pay for advertising and graphic design, products with similar active ingredients are sold over the counter at most pharmacies.)
Numbing products are, according to Witherspoon, “very, very safe,” although he recommends to all his patients that they try it first in a low pressure scenario (read: no partner), so they figure out the variables (when, how much) work best for them.
And while most premature ejaculation is nothing to worry about, it can go hand in hand with erectile dysfunction, and E.D can be linked to more serious issues like heart problems or diabetes, so if you’re having problems with both it’s worth it to talk to a doctor.
But there’s a bigger philosophical question in play here, though: Is lasting a long time the main ingredient to good sex?
It is not. In fact, when GQ asked how long they’d like their partner to penetrate them (this doesn’t include foreplay), most people said about 5-10 minutes.
Your dick, even if it stays hard for hours, is not a good way to give your partner an orgasm.
If you’re looking to up your sex game, start with communicating with your partner. You will likely talk about oral sex, or using lube, or trying a sex toy.
If you decide that longer penetrative sex is what you need—not ruling it out! —numbing products might help. But know that 30 minutes of jackhammering away is almost certainly not what it takes to please (nor impress) your partner.
Actually, good sex can happen in five minutes and it can happen in thirty and it can happen in two.
I promise you that virtually anyone you might have sex with wants you to focus more on technique and foreplay and communication and not making it to Final Jeopardy!
[ Via GQ US]
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
You can evolve a bigger penis by having more sex
Why this is the perfect time to incorporate toys into your sex life
What to do when you shoot too early
The most dangerous sexual positions for your penis

Penis numbing products are probably not what your sex game needs

By Erin E Williams
Sleeping under the stars sounds simple, and it is – but getting there can feel overwhelmingly complex.
"Many people think that to try camping, they have to scale a mountain and go deep into the wilderness," said Clare Arentzen, a senior outdoor guide for the Boston Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), which has a network of trails and lodging options including campsites, as well as outdoor programming. "But the best way to begin is to start small."
This back-to-basics approach is an ideal way to discover camping's magic. One of the most approachable methods is car camping, which is as easy as driving up to a site, pitching a tent and cosying up for s'mores in a beautiful environment.
"Camping fosters connection with the natural world," said Scott Gediman, who grew up camping in Yosemite National Park. A National Park ranger for 32 years, he's spent 26 in Yosemite.
"If you're camping, you're fully immersed in nature. You're there for sunset and sunrise, hearing birds sing and seeing animals."
Interested in giving it a shot? Here are some tips to get you started.
Keep it simple
"Especially your first time, simplify as much as you can," Gediman said. "If you have a site and are familiar with your gear, that's peace of mind and less to worry about, so you can concentrate on having fun and enjoying the surroundings."
Planning is the key to success. First, identify your goals and itinerary, keeping weather in mind. Then, select a local campground for one or two nights.
With no services and little to no facilities, these areas require more effort and skills. Instead, choose a developed, established campground that offers amenities including potable water, trash services, picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers and shared restrooms.
Also check your destination's website for any necessary permits for popular hikes and activities.
Travel light
To keep things easy, stick with the fundamentals, and don't overpack. Car camping allows you to bring a spacious tent, so consider a four-person option if there's two of you.
Select a synthetic, three-season sleeping bag rated for temperatures that are colder than you anticipate.
Opt for an insulated sleeping pad, not a home air mattress. An established campsite should have a picnic table, but if it doesn't, bring camp chairs and a table. A lantern or headlamp is also essential.
Gediman advised packing layers of clothing, including for cold and rain (synthetics dry faster than cotton), and ensuring that your shoes are broken in.
"You could go so deep into the weeds with all the different kinds of gear, and expense is also a barrier," said Arentzen
What to eat
Plan simple meals in advance, making sure to remember spices, cooking oils and utensils.
At an established camp, you can prepare fresh foods, so pack any perishables in a cooler with ice.
Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods are available even for specific dietary needs. Clear plastic bins are handy for organisation and as wash tubs.
Even if your campsite has a fire ring, it might lack a grate; a one- or two-burner propane stove is easier to use. (Don't forget fuel and waterproof matches.)
Camping cook sets are affordable rentals or purchases, and they include pots, pans, plates and silverware.
Also bring a cutting board, aluminium foil, a scrubbing pad and towel. Ensure that your campground has potable water or bring your own, including extra.
Critter-proof your campsite by keeping it clean and properly stashing food and scented products, such as toothpaste, in lockers, which are provided at many sites and are especially crucial in bear country.
Stay safe and comfortable
Before you depart, leave your itinerary with a loved one. A custom map, downloaded from Google Maps or an outdoors app such as OnX, will help navigate even offline for areas that don't have cell service.
When you arrive, set up your tent on level ground, away from cooking and campfire areas, and avoid pitching it under dead trees or branches.
If you're camping with children, Gediman suggests involving everyone with set-up, food preparation and water procurement.
Plan for fun activities: Join a ranger walk; bring a Frisbee, bicycles or games; or pack binoculars for respectfully watching birds and wildlife. Some identification apps, such as Seek by iNaturalist, work off-line.
Campgrounds and trails may have pet-specific rules, so review any in advance, and ensure that pets can adventure with you.
Bring their food, water, leashes, waste bags, towels and a pet medical kit in addition to your own first-aid kit.
Getting dirty is part of the fun, but biodegradable soap, hand sanitiser, toilet tissue and a towel are essential alongside your toiletries, sunscreen, bug repellent and anti-itch cream.
Camp responsibly
Wherever you've pitched your tent, follow "leave no trace" principles. Avoid trampling vegetation, and don't wander off the trails.
Follow fire restrictions, purchase local firewood to avoid introducing pests to an area, and build any campfire in an appropriate area (and fully extinguish it).
Bring reusable water bottles and, if you haven't rented a set, reusable plates and silverware.
Minimise the amount of food packaging that campgrounds must truck to landfills. Place trash and grey water into designated receptacles, and try to leave your camp area better than you found it.
Embrace misadventures
Preparation is important, but spontaneity and patience for inevitable mishaps will allow you to appreciate your learning curve.
"I still have so many moments and trips that don't go right, and that's a big part of what I love about camping," said Arentzen, who also celebrates the transformation that first-timers experience in nature.
"At the beginning of the trip, they're full of anxiety or trepidation, and by the end, they've discovered that they're stronger and more capable than they thought."
Subscribe Subscribe

6 beginner's guide hacks to camping and the great outdoors

The annual Durban July weekend is always one for the books. Ahead of the actual horse racing extravaganza, there’s a host of parties and events that build excitement for the big day.
This year, Savanna Cider hosted a spicy weekend of comedy and leisure in celebration of the new Savanna Chilled Chilli and Cruz Vodka.
The festivities started off with a Show Me the Funny comedy night hosted by Savanna. Known for their laidback Kasie food and culture, the event took place at Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi.
Comedians Charles Philan and Monde Blose kept guests entertained all night, while spicy Savanna hostesses kept us fueled with the spicy but chilled Savanna Chilled Chilli.
On Friday, Cruz Vodka hosted a race day pre-party at Cuba Lounge in Gateway Shopping Centre. Rappers AKA and Da L.E.S performed to a jam-packed house. Along with Cruz bottles and cocktails flowing throughout the evening, the party definitely got people hyped for the main event.
At the Hollywood Bets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, the Cruz Vodka Marquee was the place to be. We were treated to a performance by Shekinah while celebrities and influencers floated in and out of the party.
The festivities continued on Sunday with a Savanna after party and fashion show featuring the man of the weekend Chakala Norris. The media star showed off his flamboyant fashion including outfits from Bam Collective, Nao Serati, Inga Madyibi, and more.
The event was hosted by Somizi while Nasty C, DJ Tira, and Daliwonga performed.
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
It’s nearly “On your marks, Bets, Go…” for the Hollywoodbets Durban July
All the fashionable women we spotted at Durban July 2022
PICS: All the best dressed men at the Durban July 2022
Durban July 2022 did live up to its hype
Double breasted suits are in, well at least according to Durban July

A look inside Savanna Cider’s Durban July weekend experience

This past week, global tech giant Google further cemented itself as a convenor for Africa’s creative digital economy with a residency program for alternative African creatives.
Held in Nairobi, Kenya, the innovative incubator program culled the best creatives from Nigeria, Botswana, and Ghana down to South Africa for a two-day creative boot camp.
The first cohort of the residency, a curated group of 25 leading creatives who are running their businesses and thriving within Africa’s creative ecosystem, were trained with innovative marketing, communications, and brand development skills.
The boot camp also saw Tshepo Mohlala, founder of the denim brand, Tshepo the Jean Maker, give career talks to the young creative entrepreneurs on how to build further and monetise their brands.
By training these creatives, Google’s Alté residency program seeks to provide a launchpad for creatives to make their cultural exposure more visible to the world.
“Seeing creators that identify as non-mainstream find community on our platform is exciting. This comes just a few days after we announced a call for applications for the YouTube Black Voices Fund for 2023 aimed at elevating marginalized voices.” mentioned Sharon Machira, Communication and Public Affairs Manager for Google Kenya, during the program.
The Internet has given artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creative types an invaluable opportunity to connect with a global audience, spurring Africa's "creative economy" —a term for the worldwide market for creative works, such as music, art, film, books, and video games, as well as innovative services to record growth.
By 2023, Google projects that the creative economy will be worth $985, thus the move to empower Alte creatives.
With a DIY mentality running through the work of Alté creatives, and their platform mostly built primarily through YouTube, and other social channels, it makes sense that Google is leading the charge regarding the development of Alté youth culture.
Alternative youth culture (Alté) is the most representative of the new African cultural zeitgeist. Tracing its roots in Nigeria, the Alté cultural movement is a lifestyle and an attitude that embraces the idea of being misfits or nonconformists, challenging ideas about what it means to be a creator from the motherland.
Championing authenticity and unconventional self-expression in all aspects of life but mainly through music, fashion, and visual arts, the Alté movement is Africa's most creative subversion of existing traditions or cultural restrictions that is gaining momentum across the continent.
“We also want to showcase how products like YouTube and YouTube Shorts and platforms like Google Arts & Culture can help drive the culture forward.” Machira adds.
With the surge in searches for everything Alté from alte’ music, top alte’ vibe, alte’ kids, alte’ Nigeria, and alte’ food on Google’s platform, the move to facilitate further growth of the movement comes off as a brilliant one- a win for the creative economy and culture at large.
We were brought together to open up, and tears were just flowing. This residency organized by the google team decided to be intentional about our mental health. It was time to have a heart-to-heart talk. To me, that was very therapeutic.
Also, I learned a lot about alte artists and how to position our music to “travel” more and capture our audiences consistently. It was great to see young fashionistas and fashion creatives represented here.
By Ekow Barnes
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
Courvoisier toasts to Joie De Vivre with Yinka Ilori
Redefining Menswear: 10 Trends from the Spring 2023 Season
WATCH: Sha Sha and Kamo Mphela’s hot music video for their hit single – iPiano ft. Felo Le Tee

Google celebrates Alté with a residency program for African creatives

Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 07 July 2022) 2022-07-07T21:03:41+02:00Jul 7th, 2022|Daily Cases| .reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}EVDS Self Registration PortalVaccine Registration Portal is now open!VIEW MORE.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Active Vaccination SitesFind your closest vaccination siteVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Latest Vaccine StatisticsView latest vaccine rollout figures & statisticsVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Interactive Live CounterInteract with our live Covid-19 data mapVIEW MORE.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link) , .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):after {color: #c48a10;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.fusion-button-bar):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):not(.fusion-breadcrumb-link):hover:after {color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination a.inactive:hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a {border-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination .current {border-color: #006532; background-color: #006532;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-date-and-formats .fusion-format-box, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-popover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .tooltip-shortcode {color: #006532;}#main .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .post .blog-shortcode-post-title a:hover {color: #006532;} twitter whatsapp Related Posts Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 14 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 13 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Tuesday 12 July 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Friday 08 July 2022)

Update on Covid-19 (Thursday 07 July 2022)

Quality fitness gear generally doesn’t come cheap. So when we see the kinds of deals currently on offer in the Salomon Mid-Season Sale, we’re all over that. We rounded up some of the bargains we have our eye on. They’re just what you need to stick to your winter fitness programme.
1. Salomon Agile FZ Hoodie
SAVE R300!
This outer layer is an outdoor warrior that’ll keep you dry thanks to its reinforced, water-repellent fabric. But this jacket won’t feel like a sauna during a long hike; breathable materials will keep you ventilated from first ascent until the final summit.
Highlights: The jacket features a toggle-free hood for rain protection on the fly plus zipped pockets that will help keep your valuables—AKA your phone—dry.
2. Salomon AlphaCross 3 Trail Running Shoe
SAVE R300!
Whether you’re an avid trail runner, or a tar veteran looking to transition to more technical routes, this pair of running shoes will thrive on any terrain. Providing some serious grip, you’ll stay glued to the trail and—hopefully—net yourself a new PB.
Highlights: This latest iteration of Salomon’s popular runner have an improved fit that will help hold your foot in place giving you more power when you push off. Stride with confidence.
3. Salomon All-Road Seamless T-Shirt
SAVE R200!
Want a shirt that can switch from the gym to trail and back again—this T does it all seamlessly. It’s construction also helps reduce chafing, and its subtle patterns will net you style points, too.
4. Salomon Americano Shirt
SAVE R180!
Denim is hard-working, durable and ready for any adventure. This rugged button up can do double duty on an outdoor adventure and at the bar, so it’s a versatile piece that’ll find a home in any guy’s wardrobe. Dress it down with a pair of cuffed joggers or complete the mountain man look with a pair of slim-fit Chinos.
5. Salomon Boat Shorts
SAVE R150!
Even in winter, a pair of hard-working shorts will take you further. These have an elasticated waistband for bonus comfort and a drawcord closure that’ll give you more control over the fit. Whether you’re on deck, hitting the beach or just need a patterned pair to breathe life back into the classic vest and shorts combo, this is the perfect pair.
6. Salomon Haloes Down Jacket
SAVE R860!
When the mercury dips, you need a reliable layer that’ll keep you warm without tanking your style. This jacket is sleek and comfortable, leveraging a down-proof fabric to eliminate the migration and loss of down that usually plagues these types of outer shells.
Highlights: Synthetic insulation under the arms and over the shoulders will keep things clean (and cool) when you break a sweat.
7. Salomon Predict Soc 2 Road Running Shoes
SAVE R500!
If you’re an outdoor runner, you need a shoe that keep up with your marathon sessions. The Predicts don’t only look the part—seriously, the knit pattern is always a winner—but also pack the right tech under the hood.
Extra heel padding and a closer fit help hold your foot in place, while the breathable stretch knit will stop you from overheating as you rack up mileage.
Highlights: Anatomical Decoupling allows for natural foot movement, allowing you to retain the same running style while reaping all the benefits of this advanced shoe.
8. Salomon Quest III Tapered Pants
SAVE R300!
Spun from lightweight stretch woven fabric, the Quest 3s are comfortable and will help you weather the elements. The tapered look gives this pair added mileage in your wardrobe, giving you a warm layer that you can sub into any of your active wear looks.
9. Salomon SuperCross 3 Trail Running Shoe
SAVE R300!
This pair gives you unparalleled grip, helping you stick the road or trail even when the weather turns south. Its powerful teeth sink into the ground, giving you a strong foundation for powerful strides. We’re fans of the close fit that hugs your heels down and holds ‘em there.
Highlights: The SensiFit tech built into the upper will wrap your foot comfortably and snugly—no chafing.

HEADS UP: Salomon’s Massive Mid-Season Sale is Live! Here Are Our Picks

Global streaming giant, Spotify, has announced Nigerian singer-songwriter Simi as Spotify EQUAL Africa music programme ambassador for July.
This comes a month after the west African singer’ released her top chatting album, ‘TBH (To Be Honest)’.
She joins other Nigerian artists, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Asa, and FAVE to be part of EQUAL Africa campaign - which aims to spotlight and amplify the voices of talented African female artists making waves in the music scene.
Simi is the second African artist after Tiwa Savage to be named as an EQUAL Global and EQUAL Africa artist.
The Nigerian musician, sound engineer and actress, Simi Bolatito Ogunleye, started her musical journey as a chorister in church.
Starting her musical career as a gospel singer, Simi released her debut studio album ‘Ogaju’ in 2008 before switching genres to Afro-pop.
She came onto the public’s radar in 2014 after the release of the single, 'TIFF', which was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies in 2015.
Her 2016 single, ‘Jamb Question’, was a massive hit, topping music charts for weeks.
In 2020, Simi garnered even more buzz in the industry after she released her famous song, ‘Duduke’, which celebrated the birth of her daughter.
‘Duduke’ was one of the most played songs of the year in Nigeria, a further testament to Simi’s musical prowess.
“Striving and thriving as a woman in a male dominated industry has taken years of practice to master,” says Simi. “You go from being scared of it, to being intimidated by it, to being brave enough for it and then finally, to conquering it. I've almost always had to do way more than my male peers to prove myself.
“But, because of my love for music, I have been relentless and proud to do this work. I certainly hope, with all my heart, that the women who continue to come after me find it easier to shine in the way they deserve.”
Spotify welcomes Simi to the EQUAL programme which aims to foster gender equality and provide a platform to celebrate inﬂuential female artists.
She joins a list of talented African women who are driving the culture and breaking through barriers in the music industry.
“We are proud to welcome Simi to the EQUAL programme, and we’re so excited to see where her talent continues to take her from strength to strength,” says Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
The EQUAL programme spans seven categories, which include the EQUAL Artists of the Month and the EQUAL local playlists.
As the latest artist to join the EQUAL Africa and Global Music Programs, Simi will be featured on the EQUAL Africa and the EQUAL Global playlists.
Subscribe Subscribe

Simi is the new face of Spotify EQUAL Africa music programme

German footwear brand, BIRKENSTOCK steps wholeheartedly into the menswear market with the launch of the new #BOLD collection, a premium version of its classic ARIZONA and BOSTON models, key products that have defined its success.
The BOLD collection campaign evolves around two pioneering creatives Takashi Okabe and James Otter – influential curators and craftsmen whose values align perfectly with BIRKENSTOCK.
Okabe is the Director of London’s Clutch Café, the menswear store that curates what is possibly London’s finest edit of ‘American Casual’ style, defined through a fundamentally Japanese lens.
He is part of the team that publishes definitive Japanese magazines CLUTCH, LIGHTNING, and 2ND.
“Style is all about being comfortable and happy about who you are,” he says. “When choosing a product, I think about what it will be like to wear in ten years’ time.
“These things are all about bringing happiness and being authentic in who you are and what you do.”
Clutch Café in London, will be one of a limited array of retail partners for BIRKENSTOCK #BOLD.
James Otter is a Cornwall-based master woodworker and ambassador for the BIRKENSTOCK #BOLD collection.
He crafts bespoke, hand-made surfboards from timber sourced from England’s West Country, using techniques that date back to the earliest days of surfboard construction.
The master woodworker crafts design that have a deep human character, which can only emerge through direct personal touch.
“I think that creating something by hand is what defines us as humans, “says Otter. “When you create something with your hands you leave something of yourself in the thing that you make.
“That makes a huge difference. And every time you paddle out with these boards you feel that humanity.”
As part of the campaign, BIRKENSTOCK and Otter have created a one-of-a-kind surfboard, a completely hand-made, all-wooden ‘eagle’, which is based on a legendary Californian design.
Like the BIRKENSTOCK brand, the ‘eagle’ design has ‘paddled against the flow’ of mainstream culture and defined an alternative aesthetic to the mass produced, “cookie cutter culture that surrounded it.”
As surf culture went mainstream in the 1980s, the original Eagle became everything the new scene was not.
Similarly, BIRKENSTOCK’s ethos of function, quality, and heritage, which is maximized in the #BOLD products, is fundamentally in opposition to the throwaway culture of fast fashion, which defines so much of the global footwear industry.
Get the Arizona BOLD for R4599 and Boston BOLD R4999, both available in roast and black.
They are crafted from Aniline leather featuring the natural grain of the hide for an authentic and heritage look and feel.
The products feature a double-prong brass buckle with wider than usual straps, the iconic BIRKENSOCK cork footbed, and a Birkengrip sole, EVA midsole and rubber outsole to optimize grip.
The collection is available in South Africa from July 7 at the BIRKENSTOCK Sandton store and online at bashafrica.com.
Subscribe Subscribe

The BIRKENSTOCK #BOLD collection turns up the heat in men’s footwear

What is menswear today?
The men’s collections have become increasingly experimental over the last couple of seasons.
As fluidity and queerness have become trending topics in pop culture (thanks in part to the stylish Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, Troye Sivan, and Bad Bunny) and as runways have started to feature non-binary and trans models in their castings, designers are redefining menswear for a world less interested in the usual shape of masculinity.
In come the experiments. It was a year ago that Fendi’s cropped jackets made the bare midriff a must for men.
This time around, suiting got a style update with designers foregoing mid layers in favour of a casual, shirtless look, while revealing mesh-like tops and airy sweaters were the season’s go-to knits.
Cropped tops, no tops, low rise pants, no pants! It’s all about skin for next spring.
Jonathan Anderson and the Prada duo leaned into childish innocence, with the first focusing on silliness and play and the latter on boyish proportions.
Jeans went baggy and shorts went long as the likes of Fendi and Alyx looked to channel the coolness of ’90s California kids.
Canadian tuxedos got trippy remixes, and stylists proved to be just as indecisive as customers as they layered jackets over jackets and pants over pants (I mean, why choose?). Patchwork, too, is on everyone’s minds.
Some went sporty. Martine Rose, Ahluwalia, and Emporio Armani showed tracksuits, and Marine Serre went all out with fitness gear.
On that note, it’s worth mentioning that many popular athletes including Russell Westbrook, Dwayne Wade, and Kyle Kuzma sat front row at the shows.
Make no mistake, the new shape of masculinity has not shifted its focus to a few, it’s grown to include all.
Tag along as we unpack the season’s top trends and make sense of menswear’s new look.
Child’s Play
The current state of the world has everyone longing for their youths. Ernest W. Baker, Hed Mayner, Egonlab, and Sacai explored school uniforms, while Jonathan Anderson got playful with bike handles and broken skateboards and Prada gave their logo a rickrack treatment over ginghams. Forget just listening to your inner child, it’s time to dress like them, too.
The Shirtless Suit
Every menswear season designers try to reinvent the suit. Fall was all about bulging shoulders and nipped waists, but spring is for leaving your shirt home. Double breasted jackets cut in relaxed shapes and styled sans-top dominated the runway this season, making their way into collections from Versace to Amiri, Ahluwalia to Moschino.
It’s a Tie!
Speaking of formal wear, neckties were the season’s surprise accessory. It seems like we’ve spent so much time running away from the classics that we’ve come around the other side.
But these are not your dad’s ties. MSGM styled double ties on the runway, and KidSuper oversized theirs, while Hedi Slimane shrunk his at Celine.
The Baggier the Better
Bermuda shorts, roomy jeans, and cargo pants were the MVPs of the season as designers chased the ultimate ’90s Cali skater boy fantasy.
Let’s Get Physical
After all those at-home workouts, it’s clearly time to return to the gym. At least according to Marine Serre, Saul Nash, and Loewe, who all had fitness on their minds for spring.
All Meshed Up
Designers have loosened their gauges, and knitwear is getting airier and meshier. From true mesh at Celine and Amiri to netty knits at Lazoschmidl and Lukhanyo Mdingi, spring is the time to air things out.
Barely There
With rises going lower and tops getting cropped, this menswear season was one of the most naked ever. Related: the emergence of exposed underwear. From jockstraps to branded boxer briefs, every layer counts.
Patch Me If You Can
Sustainability is all of our minds, and patchwork has become a mainstay trend on and off the runways. From mismatched bandanas at Marine Serre and Children of the Discordance to overlaid patches at Kiko Kostadinov and Yohji Yamamoto, designers are making the old new again.
Seeing Double
You know when you simply can’t decide which jacket to wear or what pants go best with your top? Well now you don’t have to choose.
At Hermès, Y/Project, Dior Men, and more, designers and stylists doubled things up this season, showing two times the jackets and two times the pants for a neo-layered look.
The Electric Kool-Aid Denim Trip
We all love a Canadian tuxedo. While head-to-toe denim was a hit last season, this time around it was all about the remix. Casablanca went Western with a cowboy shirt and chaps, while Glenn Martens deconstructed his at Y/Project and Hed Mayner blew his up.
[Via Vogue US.]
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
GALLERY: Lukhanyo Mdingi presents his latest Spring/Summer 2023 collection at Paris Fashion Week
Timeless style lessons that will never go out of style
Here’s why you need to know about designer Danayi Chapfika-Madondo

Redefining Menswear: 10 Trends from the Spring 2023 Season

BET Award-winning artist Sha Sha, popularly known as ‘Queen of Amapiano’ and Amapiano sensation and dancer Kamo Mphela have released a hot music video for their hit single – ‘iPiano’ featuring the DJ and producer Felo Le Tee.
The ‘iPiano’ music video shows both Amapiano queens dancing in sync and sensually to the epic beat of this banger. It’s an exhibition of fashion, sexual expression and African beauty.
This killer track accompanied by the colourful visuals is an unmatched combo right now. Sha Sha and Kamo Mphela have a winning formula here that will take us to the festive season and beyond!
Watch the visuals below:
‘iPiano’ is setting a tone for what’s coming from the Queen of Amapiano.
culture
Burna Boy to perform in SA
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
WATCH: Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu share ‘The Woman King’ official trailer
Identity Alchemy - Photographs by Nick Onken tell vivid stories of the most influential personal brands
Double breasted suits are in, well at least according to Durban July

WATCH: Sha Sha and Kamo Mphela’s hot music video for their hit single – iPiano ft. Felo Le Tee

COVID-19 Public Hotline: 0800 029 999 WhatsApp Support Line: 0600-123456

Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 06 July 2022)

Whether it’s the result of sun damage, post-acne marks, or hormonal changes, the term ‘hyper-pigmentation’ refers to patches of darker skin due to an overproduction of melanin.
While no two hyper-pigmentation cases are the same, it’s unifying in so far as it is something that so many of us deal with. But a new South African Skincare brand, Yearn Skin has got the answer for you! So, how does hyper-pigmentation differ for men? Hyper-pigmentation is fundamentally the same in both men and women.
The exception is melasma, a common hyper-pigmentation disorder that is believed to be caused by some combination of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition.
It is seen more frequently in women (especially after pregnancy), but, even so, it can affect men as well. Rather than be differentiated by sex, hyper pigmentation is more so differentiated by where it exists in the skin.
The biology of the skin is not that much different between men and women. It's less of a gender issue and more of a skin type issue.
For example, darker skin tones are more likely to get deeper, darker pigmentation, he notes. As such, patients with melanin-rich skin tend to have more of an issue with hyper-pigmentation.
Another factor to consider is the layer of the skin the pigment is in. Most sunspots are very superficial, as the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis. Age spots and even melasma, meanwhile, may sit deeper in the dermis and require different treatment.
Yearn Skin focuses on providing non-toxic, dermatologically tested and endorsed skincare products, formulated to brighten the skin by correcting hyper pigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone.
The brand believes that skincare should be a viewed holistically, and in order to truly get great results, involves not only your skincare products, but your environment, what you eat, your mental health and your physical health.
With a philosophy that not all natural ingredients are good and not all synthetic ingredients are bad, their range uses a combination of natural and lab bioactive ingredients that restore, brighten and maintain healthy looking skin.
Offering product that is not only inclusive, promotes self-care and presents more than just outward beauty, but transforms the way their clients feels inside and out.
In the range, you’ll find a cleanser, exfoliators and toner, two serums, a moisturiser, one mask and an oil, priced from R280 to R550. Hardworking ingredients include niacinamide, glycolic acid, retinol, turmeric, vitamin C, all formulated to give your skin a polished radiant complexion.
Best seller: “Let’s Get It Start Kit”, the ultimate 3-step even skin tone routine. This kit is all you need to fight stubborn dark marks.
Kit includes the following products:
- Step 1: Niacinamide Cleansing Gel
- Step 2: 5% Glycolic Exfoliating Tonic
- Step 3: Active Brightening Facial Cream
You can shop the brand via their online store: www.yearnskin.co.za. Get 10% off your first purchase with discount code: Y3ARN_10% For more information on the Yearns Skin products visit their Instagram and Facebook pages here.
Watch: How to Create a Chain Reaction of Good Habits with YEARN SKIN
Subscribe Subscribe

Say goodbye to dark marks gents!

We live in a visual world - the photos we share are the crystallization of our identity and personal brand.
There are stories to tell, and the best are told by the Identity Alchemist Nick Onken, through his signature style of Elevated Realism: a new wave for lifestyle photography.
Thought leaders, musicians, and celebrities alike have seen their essence captured in Onken’s Identity Alchemy.
Vivid colors. Crisp textures. Stars caught in candid portraits. It doesn’t need a signature to tell you it's a Nick Onken photo.
A Creative Alchemist with a gallery including Justin Bieber, Alyson Stoner, and Tony Robbins, Onken’s third eye is the lens on his Canon DSLR.
Elevated Realism: Onken’s style - greatness and authenticity composed in a single shot. It’s why thought leaders, musicians, and celebrities turn to Onken to capture their personal brand in high fidelity showing them as aspirational yet relatable. It’s not just a photoshoot, it’s a process of Identity Alchemy.
“I'm crystallizing a story,” Onken says. “The alchemy comes from who that person is on the inside - crystallizing their essence into a photograph or series of photographs.”
Such a process takes inspiration from psychologists such as Carl Jung who cited inner alchemy as a transformational tool within oneself.
It’s explorative, reflective, and the reason Onken is able to photograph the mind behind the face.
“My clients see a version of themselves,” Onken says, “that they didn't even know existed within them.”
Equal parts journey and destination, the photosets are a crystallization of the psyche, personal, and spiritual development occurring during the shoot: a profound story of identity once untold.
Images rule the media landscape. If you wish to articulate your personal brand, photos evoke an emotional response - standing out to the viewer’s eye and instilling an authentic connection.
When we think about branding, our first consideration moves towards aesthetics. We’re not JUST creating “content” here, but high level storytelling brand imagery.
Identity informs branding, which in turn comes to light through Onken’s photoshoots. To achieve this, the first thing the Creative Alchemist does is listen.
“I look for insight into their world and what they're building,” he says.“Everything from their mission, values, and priorities in life, to the locations, hobbies, and props that are meaningful to them.”
This exploratory work is done well before shoots begin - in creative calls - so there are no holds barred when it comes time for the “kodak” moment.
Location is rarely an issue for Onken, whose studio spans the globe. “Their world is their story,” Onken says of his subjects, making travel a key part of his process.
The photographer has practiced his craft on all four corners of the earth: from Tibet to Turkey, Guatemala to Ghana, and even Antarctica.
Equal in extravagance are the props that find resonance in Onken’s photo stories. He could be fostering relatability with a golf club, or materializing aspiration through a fleet of hot air balloons - Onken’s scenes are lived in and everything within has a message that sings.
The inner work, manifested through these standout locations and props, is where the Alchemy occurs.
It’s the highest identity of a person, brought down to earth in raw authenticity. The photos are aesthetically elevated to match the stature of the subject, with a realism that rings in the viewer’s soul.
“You look at the picture,” Onken says, “and you can feel that person's emotion, relate to that person, and feel like you can talk to them - ultimately seeing them as your guide.”
Within this balance is Elevated Realism, an alchemy that forms a potent expression of personal branding.
It’s the natural evolution of lifestyle photography, and yields a look that speaks with aspiration while singing songs of empathy.
Look at a Nick Onken photo - see someone truly comfortable within their persona.
The faces within speak to the photographer's ability to make them feel seen, heard, and understood.
Onken is more than a tourist in the world of his clients - but a guide in his own right to new destinations within.
From the poses he suggests, to the music that fills the set during the session - the insight he’s been gleaming from the jump is forming a harvest.
“I get people out of their head and into the moment,” Onken says. “That's a big element that I bring to the table on top of just the aesthetic. I create moments that feel authentic and real.”
The process of identity alchemy is a dance. It’s coming to a place of reflection, creativity, and fun where your personal brand can be caught in the wild - with a shepherd whose eye sees colors you’ve never noticed and shares the story your soul’s been longing to tell.
We live in a visual world - Onken’s world - and this is the age of the new bard.
To look down the lens of the Creative Alchemist himself, you can book an Identity Alchemy Photoshoot to create a vivid articulation of your personal brand - as seen through the eye of Nick Onken.
Subscribe Subscribe

Identity Alchemy - Photographs by Nick Onken tell vivid stories of the most influential personal brands

If someone had told us in the '70s or '80s—even the '90s—that the Nike Air Force 1 would be the ultimate sign of luxury and style in this world, and that sneakers would become the ultimate expression of fashion, many wouldn't have believed it.
However, in the most drastic changes —and unexpected ones, as often happens in the world of fashion— the meeting of the streets and the high fashion shows today mark the pulse of design.
Above all, when it comes to special and limited editions that have become an object of desire for the majority of the inhabitants of the planet today.
Of silhouettes that revolutionize the way we understand character, modernity and the way we dress on a daily basis.
Bringing together art, street style and even financial investments, luxury sneakers are increasingly breaking boundaries and appearing in styles that span rarity and exclusivity, transforming wardrobes around the world.
Making fashion occasionally become a safe savings fund and the object of exorbitant speculation. In a field of many zeros and extraordinary ideas.
For example, in 2022, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Nike Air Force 1, Sotheby's in New York held an auction in June of a collection of 40 special pairs which they called 40 for 40.
This featured some of the rarest and most coveted models by sneakerheads, which still raised the costs of these silhouettes even more today.
Next, the designs that we love the most at GQ and that deserve all YOUR attention not only because they are the most expensive AF1 in history, but also because of their creative proposal.
Nike Air Force 1 "Craig Sager"
Price: $2,700 (R45 059,09)
This Craig Sager-designed AF1 was launched when the legendary sportscaster was battling cancer—before he passed away, clearly—inspired by the wild suits he wore (hence the colourful paisley design). The original 100 pairs were auctioned off and benefited the SagerStrong Foundation.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “PlayStation”
Price: $2,500(R41 721,38)
Especially the 2009 friends and family edition, limited to 50 pairs, which made us turn our gaze back to patent leather. A model that today we can understand as vintage and perfect for all of us.
Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 High "World Famous" Red
Price: $2000 (R33,072.21)
A model that arrived for the Fall/Winter 2014 collection and that, with an ankle strap, made the Supreme tag a really current issue in that decade.
Off-White™ x Nike Air Force 1 “MoMA”
Price: $4,500. (R74,375.20)
Designed by Virgil Abloh, this sneaker was released to commemorate the opening of "Items: Is Fashion Modern?", an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. These kicks were only available in limited quantities. An AF1 that goes with everything
CLOT x Nike Air Force 1 “1World”
Price: $4,200 (R68 729.22)
One of KAWS's first Nike projects and was part of the multi-month "1World" project, which included collaborations with CLOT and Questlove.
VLONE x Nike Air Force 1 Low
Price: $5000 (R70 234,50)
An extremely limited collab that was released at a Harlem pop .
VLONE x Nike Air Force 1 High “Paris Fashion Week”
Price: $8,250 (R135,707.55)
A men's drop during SS18 Paris Fashion Week whose controversy behind VLONE and brand founder A$AP Bari has made him even more famous.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Tux Alligator
Price: $35,280 (R589 730,60)
Made with real crocodile skin, these kicks are especially exclusive because no brand works with exotic animal skins anymore. This model dates from the 2000s and needs to carry a special certification.
Nike Air Force 1 x Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh.
There are only 200 units. Decorated with the iconic LV logo covering the brown leather of the shoe and protected in an orange leather suitcase, these were the most desired at auction at Sotheby's during 2022.
Its auction price reached $152 thousand dollars.
[Via GQ Mexico]
Subscribe Subscribe
MORE ON THIS
The perfect Jordans for men with skinny legs and in shorts
Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1s are getting a public release
Nike's star-spangled Air Force 1 is up there with the sneaker greats

The most expensive (and strange) Nike Air Force 1 in the world

Nobody can argue with the aesthetics of a sculpted butt. A toned tushy that makes an ordinary pair of jeans look expensive is a real asset.
The obsession with a great-looking butt becomes more apparent when you look at some of the fitness videos trending on social media these days, from the flat ass challenge to tips and tricks for a bigger booty.
But if you truly want a strong, well-defined back side, you need to turn to effective exercises to tone your glutes.
We spoke to fitness expert Joel Eric Pinto, Co-founder of Knox, to understand the importance of training your glutes and how best you can do so.
GQ: Can you shed some light on the anatomy of the muscles that make up the glutes?
Joel Eric Pinto: ‘Glutes’ is the nickname given to the three sets of gluteal muscles, the largest muscle group of the body.
The glutes originate at the pelvis and insert into the femur (thighbone). They are comprised of-
- Gluteus maximus
- Gluteus medius
- Gluteus minimus
The biggest of the three, the gluteus maximus is responsible for hip extension. The gluteus medius and minimus work together to initiate hip abduction.
The gluteus medius runs underneath the gluteus maximus and the gluteus minimus is located in the front (or underneath) the gluteus medius. Together, the glutes help support your hips.
GQ: What are the benefits of having strong glutes? How does it aid one's overall fitness?
JEP: The glutes are essential for posture and balance. Without them, we would be unable to stand upright.
They are also responsible for the proper alignment of your pelvis, while also facilitating the subtle movements of your hips/leg joints.
Therefore, strong and active glutes are essential to prevent injury in the hip, back and knee.
As the largest muscles of our body, the glutes are capable of generating immense force. They are particularly active anytime you are placing all your weight on one leg.
They bear the brunt of the heavy loads of propulsion during walking, running and jumping.
Therefore, anyone aiming to improve their athletic performance should aim at having strong and mobile glute muscles.
GQ: How often should one train glutes?
JEP: Training is always personal and the frequency of glute training is no exception. However, in the interest of providing a more general recommendation, you can train your glutes by performing 15 sets per week, preferably divided over 2-3 workouts.
If you are someone who struggles to activate their glutes properly, consider doing 2-3 sets of activation exercises such as the glute bridge, clamshells or monster walks before every workout.
GQ: Do you have any tips for sore glutes after a strenuous workout?
JEP: A strenuous workout can often lead to Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). You feel this muscle pain/soreness a day or two after your workout. Despite being desirable, some can find DOMS to be rather uncomfortable.
A few of the ways in which you can minimise this performance hindering effect are by doing dynamic stretching before workouts, avoiding escalating your workouts sharply, performing low intensity steady state cardio after exercising, having a cold shower a few hours after the gym, massaging tender points or using foam rollers, and setting your foundations of nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress management.
5 best exercises to tone your glutes without any equipment
We asked Pinto to curate a special glutes workout for those of you looking to train and tone your glutes at home.
Below, he shares the 5 best exercises for your glutes that can be performed without any equipment. Check out the following video to learn the correct form for each of these exercises.
View this post on Instagram
- Curtsy squats:
- Bulgarian split squats:
- Glute bridges:
- Step up and drives:
- Fire hydrants:
[Via GQ India]
Subscribe Subscribe

5 best exercises to tone your glutes at home without any equipment

This tech-loaded arm piece goes beyond heart rate and step-counting abilities. The Garmin Forerunner 255 series brings you seriously advanced information in a stylish, lightweight watch.
You’ll find yourself relying on for everything from race day prep to your sleep data. Find 5 reasons we really love this smartwatch below.
Wake up like you’re in 3008
Still snoozing to the same alarm? The Garmin Forerunner 255 Series ups the ante by greeting you with a Morning Report, including the weather, how you slept last night, recovery time, training status, HRV status (the time between each heartbeat, which can give valuable intel about your health) and a daily suggested workout.
Reach Your Fitness Goals
The Forerunner 255 is able to pick up your fitness level and suggest workouts and a full week-long training programme that matches your ability to where you are right now. The watch will also give you useful information, like letting you know how productive that last workout was, or if you’ve been overtraining lately.
It’s A Racer’s BFF
Set a race date and let Garmin create a training plan that’ll get you race-ready, including a course-specific performance prediction, race day weather, countdown and more.
Stay Safe
Your phone has sensitive data, so if you’d rather leave it at home on your run or cycle, feel safer with the Forerunner 255, that lets you share your location with chosen contacts. You can still take the fun with you – the watch saves up to 500 songs from playlists on Spotify®, Deezer and Amazon Music.
Run For A Coffee
If you need to get a pack of tissues, a coffee or entrance to a park but you’ve left your wallet at home, use the Garmin Pay contactless payment feature.
The options are endless – like your potential. Take your abilities to the next level with the Garmin Forerunner 255 Series, available now.
READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear gear Sponsored