Winter 2019
LEARN TO BUDGET IN 3 STEPS
HOW TO WRITE A KILLER CV
The sneaky ingredient damaging your health
+ What to do about it
win
One of 50 shopping vouchers worth R10 000 in total!
Sjava It’s a blessing to be in people’s hearts
Skip the trailers, not the snacks
Nu Metro
R30 R35
2D movie ticket
Medium popcorn and beverage
Computicket
Buy one ticket, get another free up to
R80
Use in your Sanlam Reality App
Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/ entertainment. T&Cs apply.
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Contents
One of 50 vouchers worth R10 000 in total!
On the cover
4 SJAVA “It’s a blessing to be
p.21
in people’s hearts”
8
HOW TO WRITE A KILLER CV
Expert help is here
12 LEARN TO BUDGET
in three easy steps
18 THE SNEAKY INGREDIENT
12 MONEY 16 DON’T BE FOOLED
by fake colleges
18 HEALTH 22 HOW TO READ A FOOD LABEL
that’s damaging your health
All the confusing terms, explained
Also inside
4 LIFE 10 ENTERTAINMENT 11 QUIZ
How prepared are you?
24 CLUB 24 YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Plus, meet the member
18
What does living a rewarding life mean to you? EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Browning-de Villiers Email mag@sanlamreality.co.za Contributors Cebokazi Sotobe, Dee Seturumane, Edwain Steenkamp, Lisa Katz, Samantha Luiz, Sheila Afari, Sjava
“Stepping out of my comfort zone to do the things I’m afraid to do.”
PRODUCTION Head of production Nicky Scheepers Traffic manager Ashleigh Tremearne
Photography: Shutterstock, Niquita Bento, supplied
CREATIVE Creative director Christelle Grobler Art director Marisa Steyn “To me, a truly rewarding life means being able to pursue my dreams without limitations.”
NARRATIVE Managing director Gareth McPherson Business unit director Lauren Brabant Chief content officer Sarah Browning-de Villiers Senior account manager Soni Siwela CAPE TOWN HEAD OFFICE Tel: 021 487 9100 Email: mag@sanlamreality.co.za 50 Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925 PO Box 16258, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8001 SANLAM REALITY PROGRAMME Head of marketing and communication Francois Uys Communications manager Lucille Moore Communications coordinator Hasina Khan
“That I’m alive and that my story will always be used to inspire kids where I come from.”
PUBLISHED BY NARRATIVE FOR SANLAM REALITY Telephone 0860 007 325
SANLAM REALITY CALL CENTRE Email info@sanlamreality.co.za Website www.sanlamreality.co.za
REAL FUTURES (PTY) LTD Real Futures is a wholly-owned Sanlam Ltd company managing the Sanlam Reality programme for the Sanlam Group. Chairman Jan Steenkamp Directors Gary Allen, André Larisma, Theesan Moodley Company secretary Ulishia Baijnath
Sanlam Reality is the loyalty programme of the Sanlam Group and its strategic partners. The programme helps members to make the most of their money in a way that’s honest, meaningful and real. Sanlam Reality empowers its members to make responsible financial choices and enables them to live their best financial lives possible. All because Sanlam Reality believes that taking care of your money should be rewarding. All content and pricing correct at time of print.
Published by Narrative. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Narrative Media Group, Harrington Street, Cape Town, 7925. Printed by Paarl Media. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors (Real Futures (Pty) Ltd) and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise from incorrect information. Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.
THE COVER: Photography: Niquita Bento; Photographer’s assistant: Talitha Snow; Production: Nicky Scheepers; Hair and makeup: Manolia/Gorgeous2Go; Styling: Andrea Albertyn; Creative direction: Marisa Steyn and Christelle Grobler. SJAVA WEARS: Hat, Simon & Mary at Tread + Miller; jacket, Michael Kors at Costume Hire; top, Edgars
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Winter 2019
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COVER STORY
The music maker South Africa needs 4
Winter 2019
SJAVA WEARS, LEFT PAGE: Hat, Simon and Mary at Tread + Miller; jacket and shirt, Edgars; RIGHT PAGE: Shirt, Zara; jewellery and glasses, model’s own
Trailblazing, real talking, beatmaking, awardwinning… and yet, down-to-earth and deeply proud of his roots. There’s more to Sjava than meets the eye, as SARAH BROWNING-DE VILLIERS discovered. SJAVA IS RUNNING LATE for our cover shoot. It’s a cold, crisp Cape Town morning and everyone is waiting. But when Sjava arrives, suddenly not a single person on set minds the delay. He’s all smiles, and gives everyone a big, warm hug. The reason he’s late makes everyone’s heart melt: he was walking past a school on the way to the studio and some kids recognised him. He didn’t want to disappoint them, so he stopped to say hello… it took him longer than he thought to work his way through the crowd. He didn’t want to leave anyone out. The reason why Sjava – real name Jabulani Hadebe – is late this morning is exactly why he’s so loved across South Africa. He’s an award-winning musician who picked up the 2018 BET Viewers’ Choice Best International Act award, and was nominated for a 2019 Grammy for his work on the
Black Panther soundtrack… and yet, he doesn’t hide behind tinted windows, bodyguards or superficial glamour. He doesn’t care what kind of car you drive. He cares about music, and people, and his country. Born in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, Sjava moved to the City of Gold when he was 15. His mother worked hard to make ends meet, selling food at taxi ranks. Now 34, a lot has changed since then.
It hasn’t always been easy “I remember at first my music was criticised. There was a time I was told that positive music is not needed in the community; that people don’t like positive songs. So, for [my music] to be where it is
today and changing lives, it really inspires me to do more.”
Dream bigger than fame and money “I used to dream of getting a Grammy; then I got a Grammy nomination for the Black Panther soundtrack, it was
We’re all going through similar challenges “My music comes first, you know what I mean? My music is inspired by my life, and the things that I see because at the end of the day, whatever I’m going through, I’m not the only person who is going through it. So I believe that if I tell my story, it might save someone out there; it might change someone’s life. That’s what I do it for.”
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Winter 2019
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COVER STORY
like: what if I win this Grammy? Now what will happen? That’s when I realised what a dream actually is – it needs to be deeper than an award or money. If my dream is to have
I’m not trying to save the world, but the more people I inspire, the better. money, then I have money, now what? I think a real dream is one you can keep building on. I also want to add value to other people’s lives. So now my dream is
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Winter 2019
to add numbers to the people that I’m inspiring. Out of a group of 100 people, if I inspire two – or one! – I feel I have done a great job. I’m not trying to save the world, but the more people I inspire, the better.”
Real lyrics, with real power “I’ve got songs that talk about a whole lot of different things. ‘Impilo’ is a song that speaks out against abusing women. Sometimes a fan will say to me, ‘I wanted to hurt my girlfriend but
I heard your song and I changed my mind.’ For me, that’s what I do it for. The awards and all the other stuff is a bonus. Meeting someone and them telling you, ‘Yo, I listened to your song and I went to look for a job; now I’m employed.’ That’s what I make music for. Or I’ll meet a student who says, ‘I used to listen to your music when I was studying, now I’m graduating.’ That’s everything to an artist; for me it’s a blessing to be in people’s hearts. “I’m not doing it for the fame. That’s why when I’m out in the community most of the time, I don’t have bodyguards; I’m moving alone. For me, I’m just doing this for the people.”
When it comes to money, get expert help “I’m not really a businessman. I think people need to understand that not everybody is made to be a businessman. That’s why when it comes to money, you’ve got to get advice from someone qualified, who’s an expert in that field. “So for now I’m just saving money until my projects
calm down, and then when I have time, I will go and talk to the real experts and make the right financial decisions. I’m not blowing money on silly things like cars and fancy jewellery.”
Let’s teach our kids about business “To be honest with you, I think everything that I studied at school really wasted my time. I remember being taught about frogs… and when I look at it now, why the hell were we studying frogs? It’s crazy! I really think that they should start teaching kids – from primary school already – how to be independent, how to run businesses, how to develop those sorts of skills, you know what I mean? The most important thing is life skills, and learning how to start a business and to manage money properly. I think that would really help our kids become better, more capable adults.”
It’s never too late “Challenges will always be there. I got into the music industry when I was 33, which is proof that it’s never too
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Photographer: Niquita Bento; creative directors: Marisa Steyn and Christelle Grobler; digital assistant: Talitha Snow; hair and makeup: Manolia/Gorgeous2Go; stylist: Andrea Albertyn; producer: Nicky Scheepers; SJAVA WEARS, LEFT PAGE: Hat, Costume Hire; sweater, Giga Guru; pants, Edgars; RIGHT PAGE: Blazer, Costume Hire; pants, Edgars; shirt, Zara; headpiece and accessories, model’s own
life
late! Just keep at it and have faith; believe that one day something will come. That’s the only way – you have to believe. “It’s crazy man – the situation in this country, especially poverty and unemployment. It’s really hitting us hard. Where I come from I saw a lot of people giving up. When I go back, I look at them and I remember that I used to be exactly like one of those guys. But the difference between me and them is that I believed in myself and never gave up on my dreams.”
Everyone is royalty “Umqhele means ‘crown’ in English. The headpiece that I am wearing here is for kings, for queens. I wear this because I want everyone to see themselves and each other as kings or queens, even if you’re not from a royal family. You must wake up and look at yourself in the mirror and believe that you’re a king or a queen, and walk around carrying yourself like that. If you believe it when you wake up, I swear people will treat you accordingly.” Winter 2019
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CAREER
Your CV should look like this It’s hard to stand out – so a great CV is important. We asked SHEILA AFARI, MD of Sheila Afari Public Relations, to give you guidance. She’s got over 10 years’ experience in events, fashion, lifestyle, tech and entertainment.
NAM E S
URRE YO U R C
1 P RO F E S T CONTAC
il address Your ema er ne numb Your pho dIn profile Your Linke
EDUCAT
1
/ “Make it personal”
“According to Huffington Post, 80% of employers google job seekers before inviting them for an interview. I believe many of them just want to put a face to the name, so include an image on your CV that best represents you. “I receive a lot of CVs and often file them for future use or send them to other people. When I eventually do go through them, I immediately discard those with no contact number or email address.”
2
/ “Lead with the most important information”
Put your most recent experience first – few people have time to read your whole CV unless something on the first page catches their eye. Start with what you’re doing now. “Include achievements with each job you’ve had, like awards you’ve won, sales targets you’ve met, something new you introduced to the company (like starting its blog or internal magazine).” This helps a possible employer understand why your experience matters to them.
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Winter 2019
reat This is a g on s e c n sente d. If to be hire sitio every po out to stand
Your city
5
STAY SAFE Avoid putting your ID number and full address on documents (just state the city you live in). If an employer is serious, they can request this personal information. Never supply a copy of your ID with your CV. This should only be requested later in the process once someone is considering hiring you.
ION
WORK E
3
cation 17 Qualifi 2010-20 you t a out wh Tell us ab table o n y n a nd studied a sults. re r ents o achievem cation 10 Qualifi 2007-20 de er to inclu Rememb nd a d ie d stu what you . o where, to
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2
N CE EXPERIE
ties at this Position sponsibili y Name / re n d a n p a m le o 9C your ro uction to et ort introd targets m few lines. a n a th ple sales re m a o x m e r o n fo y– ents, achievem n; your key is positio e made; ’v u o y ts n used in th e d m n rt of. e a a v t p ro rn p ’ve lea you were skills you r projects jo a m plain the r o s ny award k about a on no e / Positi eone with pany Nam that som m w o ly. k C ie ic rv u 10 e q 0 v 2 ar o erstand write a cle le will und role. ro is r th o e above, y in n a re you we our comp ents while ence of y achievem y ke t lis , Again on on e / Positi informati little less pany Nam a m e o id C v 9 to ro 0 e -20 u can p xperienc rience, yo relevant e lder expe ent, most c re . st e o g rm ne pa us on you , ideally, o short and p your CV
6
FE R E NC
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ll name sition tails ontact de quest’) tails on re e ‘D y Or sa
/ “Keep your education fresh”
4
/ “Show your personality”
“Upskilling yourself is important. If the only qualification you have is something you received 10 years ago, take a CV challenge to add something new under ‘Education’ every two years. There are so many free short courses online that you can take and receive certification for.”
Interview: Lisa Katz; Photogra phy: Supplied, Shutterstock
SU R NAM
3
7 e Full nam n o ti si o P details Contact
www.sanlamreality.co.za
“At the moment there is a big focus on company culture. Show your possible employer that you are a good personality fit for their company. Do this by sharing things you enjoy in your private life outside of work. Perhaps you play for a local soccer team, or volunteer on weekends.”
5
/ “Have a professional online presence”
6
/ “Be honest”
7
/ “Choose your references carefully”
“According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to check candidates during the hiring process, with 57% saying that they’re less likely to interview someone they can’t find online. Register on a professional networking platform, like LinkedIn, and include the details of your profile, like a web address, on your CV.” Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, doesn’t contain any spelling errors and includes a professional pic of yourself.
“Not being open about certain information out of fear of not getting the job can be as good as lying on your CV.” If you were retrenched, give this as a reason for leaving a job on your CV. If a previous job didn’t go as planned, or you’ve been out of work for a while, explain why.
“Keep your list of references to two or three maximum. Make sure each reference knows that you’ll be using them and that they’re able to speak to your work abilities.” Never use family members as references. You don’t have to share the full information of your references in your CV – you can provide their full name, title and relationship to you (for example, former boss) and then say ‘Contact information available on request’. That way, you know if someone plans to contact them. Winter 2019
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ENTERTAINMENT
3 Movies you’re going to love Plus, book your tickets at Nu Metro for only R30 each thanks to your membership! FUN THAT WON’T COST A FORTUNE 1 / DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD Starring Isabela Moner and Eva Longoria, your kids will love this film. Follow Dora the Explorer and her monkey BFF Boots, as they adventure into the South American jungle. Release date: 16 August
1/
2/
3/
GET R30 MOVIE TICKETS Download the free Sanlam Reality App to book your discounted movie tickets – just R30 for a 2D ticket and R35 for a medium refreshment combo. Or call 0860 00 7325.
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Winter 2019
2 / SPIES IN DISGUISE Starring Will Smith and Tom Holland, this animated adventure follows a super spy and a gadget inventor as they team up to save the world. A must-see the whole family will enjoy! Release date: 20 September 3 / THE GOLDFINCH Theodore was 13 when his mom was killed in a bombing at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. During the bombing, an artwork also goes missing.... Starring Nicole Kidman and Jeffrey Wright, this is a compelling watch. Release date: 10 October
Buy one ticket at Computicket, get another ticket free (up to R80). PRETORIA: IDOLS SEASON 15 Be part of the audience while Idols Season 15 is being filmed! Plus, you’ll get to see some of the acts audition live. When: 25 August Where: SA State Theatre Tickets: from R30 JO’BURG: FIRE & FEAST MEAT & FOOD FESTIVAL Meat lovers, unite! Taste all kinds of delicious meat at this festival that celebrates butchers, braais, and some of our best chefs – all while enjoying live music and a great vibe. When: 6-8 September Where: Ticketpro Dome Tickets: from R20 NATIONWIDE: SOCCER Visit online.computicket.com to find the latest soccer matches near to you, and use your Sanlam Reality discount to book your tickets. CLAIM YOUR FREE ENTRY TO THE FREE! SANLAM CAPE TOWN MARATHON! 14-15 September, Cape Town As a Sanlam Reality member, you get free entry! Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za for more on how to claim your entry. www.capetownmarathon.com
BUY 1, GET 1 FREE ON COMPUTICKET Buy one ticket, get one free on Computicket ticket bookings, up to R80. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/computicket, or call 0860 00 7325 to make your discounted booking.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Photography: Supplied
SEE THESE FOR R30 A TICKET!
QUIZ
life
How prepared are you? Do you plan out every second of your day… or do you prefer to leave things to chance? Find out your planning personality, here. 1. You’re out shopping and spot a slick new appliance that would look great in your kitchen. You: A Save up for it and only buy it when
you have the cash. B Admire it – then walk away because you don’t think that you’ll ever be able to afford it. C Swipe now and worry later.
2. Do you have some money tucked away, just in case of an emergency? A Yes, it’s not an option not to. B Some, but it’s not enough. C Nope – I don’t feel I can afford
to save at all.
3. Do you stick to your monthly or weekly budget? A Mostly – I’m pretty good at thinking
Photography: Shutterstock; Text: Samantha Luiz
ahead and spending according to my planned budget. B I try – I stick to a few big things in my budget, but dip into credit just before I get paid. C Sorry, what? I don’t have a monthly budget – I wing it.
4. Your child is starting university soon. How do you feel? A So excited – I’m ready for their future. B Hopeful – I’m proud, but I am not
100% sure how we’ll afford it all. C Stressed! It’s an amazing achievement, but I don’t have any idea how the costs will be covered.
5. Someone in your family passes away. How do you approach the difficult news? A We discuss it as a family or
community and, as difficult as it will be, we know who will be taking care of what, which policies we can draw from and how we’re going to handle the funeral arrangements. B I have some money to help, and some family or community members I can ask for assistance. But I’m not sure which policies we have to help cover the costs. I have no idea who can contribute what to the funeral plans. C I don’t know where to start, and thinking about how to pay for a funeral or burial leaves me feeling even more hopeless.
Answers*: MOSTLY As: You’re doing well! “Your needs change as you grow older,” says Sechaba Bolofo, a financial planner at Lineo BlueStar. “Don’t get so caught up in the needs of today that you forget to plan for later.”
MOSTLY Bs: “Think of life as a marathon,” says Bolofo. “You may encounter difficulties. When you do, you’ll need to be prepared. You should start to save a little every week or month in case of an emergency.”
MOSTLY Cs: Leaving things to chance with money can be risky. “Write a budget every week or month and stick to it,” says Bolofo. “Speak to a financial planner who can help you understand the best budget plan for you.”
TO 3 WAYS BE PREPARED + PLAN FOR THE PEOPLE
WHO DEPEND ON YOU If you have dependants like children, having life cover is important. Life cover is a policy that helps to ensure they would have money if anything happens to you. + THINK ABOUT HEALTH “Serious illnesses can have big costs,” says risk expert Karen Bongers. “Health and risk cover are there so you don’t have to worry about money while being ill.” + START SAVING The sooner you start saving via a Retirement Annuity or pension fund, the better.
GET EXPERT ADVICE Speak to a financial planner to get the right help for you, and to make sure that you’re speaking to a qualified expert. Call 0860 00 7325 or visit www.sanlamreality. co.za/contact-anadviser to request a meeting with a financial planner.
*This quiz is not intended to replace the advice of an expert. For expert advice, consult a financial planner.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Winter 2019
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money
BUDGETING
3
Steps to budgeting anyone can do
Because financial freedom starts with knowing what you earn and what you spend, and taking control of those numbers. Take your first steps, here.
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Winter 2019
IT’S ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 6% OF SOUTH AFRICANS HAVE SAVED ENOUGH FOR THEIR RETIREMENT, while many of us are spending over 20% of our salaries trying to repay debt. One of the problems? We’re not getting the basics right when it comes to our money: budgeting. Taking control of your money is possible, starting with creating a budget. Once the habit of living within a budget is formed, sticking to it becomes easier and easier, and the rewards become a whole lot bigger, starting with financial freedom. www.sanlamreality.co.za
Get your own tear-out template on the next page
EXPENSES: FUTURE (SHOULD BE ABOUT 20-30% OF YOUR INCOME) Your ‘Future’ category should focus on your savings. This is a way to take control of and plan for the lifestyle you want to live. If you don’t already pay into a retirement fund through the company you work for, this should be included in this category. You can also add an emergency fund, which ideally should have in it at least three months’ salary saved, just in case. It may take some time to build up this kind of a buffer, but try to put aside a little each month into this fund until it is filled.
INCOME Write down your salary (per month, after deductions like tax and UIF – that means the amount you actually end up receiving in your bank account). Put this right at the top of your budget sheet, under ‘Income’. List any other income you might receive regularly each month. It should be regular – you can’t plan expenses against income that isn’t guaranteed each month.
INCOME
EXPENSES Essentials
Salary
R
Other income R
TOTAL
R
Future
Rent/bond
R
Savings
R
Entertainment
R
Groceries
R
Emergency funds
R
Clothing
R
Electricity
R
Retirement
R
Holidays
R
Transport
R
Funeral policy
R
Other
R
TOTAL
R
TOTAL
R
TOTAL
R
EXPENSES: ESSENTIALS (SHOULD BE ABOUT 40-50% OF YOUR INCOME; IDEALLY LESS) These are the costs you have every month for living. They are sure to always be there – for example, your rent or bond, groceries, electricity and your travel costs each month. List them all by category: Rent, Groceries, Bus/Taxi etc. You want to break each cost down so you can see exactly where your money is going each month.
1
/ Start by setting up a draft budget
“A budget is about revealing how you’re actually managing your money compared to how you think you are,” says financial planner Jyoti Gopee-Mothie. Start by writing down your income, plus a list of all of the main www.sanlamreality.co.za
Non-essentials
EXPENSES: NON-ESSENTIALS (SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN 30% OF YOUR INCOME; IDEALLY LESS) Once you’ve allocated around 70% of your salary to your Essentials and Future, you’re left with around 30% of your salary that has to last for the rest of the month. This is for the non-essential stuff, like entertainment, other shopping such as clothing, drinks with friends etc. This is the first area of spending you should cut from if your budget costs are higher than your income per month.
categories in which you spend money – these can be: ‘Essentials’, ‘Future’ and ‘Present’. See the table above for help and as an example.
2
/ Review and edit your budget
A budget is designed to ensure that you are never spending more each
month than you earn. That’s how you stay out of debt and make sure you are saving enough for the future. It’s also how you plan for big purchases – you can work out how much extra you can save each month and, so, how long it will take until you can afford that couch, car or TV. Winter 2019
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BUDGETING
HOT TOPICS
BUDGETING APPS YOU’LL LOVE
BUDGT Calculates your finances so that you know exactly what you are able to spend every day. This is a great way to track those tiny purchases that you sometimes miss or forget about.
YNAB (YOU NEED A BUDGET) Breaks down your finances into different categories, allowing you to manage what you spend and when you spend it.
STASH A fun way of saving small amounts of money you’d otherwise never even notice; showing that even the smallest things can help.
essentials list, then your essentials (for example, should you consider a cheaper car, cheaper home to rent, or a cheaper cell phone deal?), and only as a last resort, your future savings. Once your budget is balanced – meaning, your expenses are less than your income – then you have a template for how to spend your money each month. Now the challenge is to stick to this!
3
/ Be realistic about the challenges
There are many challenges that you’ll come across on your journey to taking control of your money. “Emergency situations may arise for example,” says Gopee-Mothie. “If there is no emergency fund in place, it could throw your budget off completely because your crisis suddenly takes priority.” It’s also important to remind yourself to avoid temptations. “It’s challenging to make long-term saving look attractive,” says Gopee-Mothie. “We tend to prefer immediate gratification. That’s part of what attracts us to credit, which helps us buy something we want, now. But those kinds of money decisions will catch up with us.” Just remember: “Money matters are important in families and relationships, and can often be a breaking point. We shouldn’t shy away from having these conversations with one another. A well-managed budget can free your mind from stress and pressure.”
USE YOUR BENEFIT Work with a professional financial planner to set up a personalised budget and savings plan. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/contact-an-adviser or call 0860 00 7325 to request a meeting.
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Winter 2019
Financial expert Inlorr Bosch answers some questions. I’M BLACKLISTED, SO BUDGETING SEEMS POINTLESS, DOESN’T IT? “Firstly you have to accept why you’re in so much debt. More often than not, people find themselves in this situation because they’ve gathered up too many monthly expenses. When it reaches this point, seek help. A financial planner can help you plot an action plan. There’s always a way forward.” If you feel you are drowning in debt, contact an NCR-registered debt helpline to get the assistance you need: visit www.ncr.org.za or call them on 0860 627 627. I FEEL LIKE BUDGETING WILL TAKE AWAY ALL OF MY FUN! “The pleasures in life shouldn’t cause your downfall. You have to look at what you have left over after you’ve paid for the most important things: living expenses like rent and food, and of course things like your savings. Recognise what luxuries you can afford, and which you have to save up for.” I’VE MESSED UP MY BUDGET. SHOULD I USE MY CREDIT CARD TO BAIL MYSELF OUT… JUST THIS ONCE? “Credit cards are great things: they can help you build a good credit score, which can unlock opportunities like competitive home loans. But like your money, credit cards have to be managed well because as great as they are, they can cause so much damage. So if you need your credit card to bail you out of a tight spot, go for it. But make sure you pay the amount back over the next three months, being sure to add it to your monthly budget.”
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Text: Edwain Steenkamp; Photography: Shutterstock
Look at your listed income and expenses. If your total expenses are more than your income total in a month, you need to cut back on expenses since you are spending more than you can afford. Start by cutting out things in your non-
TOTAL
R R R R R R R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
TOTAL
R
R
R
R
R
R
Transport
R
R
R
Electricity
R
R
R
R
Groceries
R
Other income
Rent/bond
R
Essentials
Salary
INCOME
TOTAL
Retirement
Emergency fund
Savings
Future
R
R
R
R
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Entertainment
Non-essentials
Monthly budget
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money
EDUCATION
Don’t be fooled by fake colleges! As the Department of Higher Education and Training warns that bogus colleges and education scams are on the rise, CEBOKAZI SOTOBE investigates how you can protect yourself against them.
Deciding where to study can cause anxiety for learners, parents and even working professionals who are looking to upskill. With our high unemployment rate and a bigger demand for individuals with specialised skills, more people are looking to further their schooling at private higher education institutions instead of traditional universities. Compared to traditional institutions, these colleges tend to have better pass rates due to smaller classes and more accessible student
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support. Many of them also offer specialised qualifications that are not available elsewhere. But beware of bogus colleges and fraudulent learning institutions. Here is how to protect yourself.
Mthokozisi Bhengu’s story Mthokozisi Bhengu from Durban met the standards to study towards a National Diploma in Sound Engineering at Wits University in Jo’burg. But due to financial limits he couldn’t relocate. Wanting to receive a
qualification, Bhengu enrolled at a fly-by-night college unknowingly in 2017. “I found the college online and I was immediately impressed by the testimonials from students on their website. So I registered and paid the registration fee instantly,” he shares. CTI Education Group managing director, Dr Nhlanhla Thwala, says an institution of study should have a good reputation with employers and students, both past and present. “You will forever be linked to an institution
as its graduate. Choose a name you would like to be associated with,” Dr Thwala says. Unfortunately, in Bhengu’s case, what was supposed to be the start of a promising academic career turned out to be a scam. “After I received my acceptance letter, I was told to collect my study material within three working days at the campus. I went the next day. Upon my arrival, I was shocked to find an internet café. I was so angry because I realised that I had been conned,” he recalls. www.sanlamreality.co.za
2 Things that you can look out for 1 / Is it registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training?
Photography and illustrations: Shutterstock
Abram Monageng, deputy director at the Department of Higher Education and Training, says that the reason colleges must register with the department is to protect students. “We ensure that institutions operate within the law, and have the necessary resources, capacity and expertise to offer acceptable standards of higher education qualifications aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF),” he explains. If you are considering a college or institution, check that it is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Visit www.dhet. gov.za, scroll down and click on ‘Register of Private Higher Education Institutions’ or ‘Register of
GET LEGAL HELP As a Sanlam Reality member, you can get legal help over the phone at no extra cost to you. Simply call 0860 00 7325 between Monday and Friday, 8am-5pm.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Private Colleges’. This will open the most up-to-date register; if the college or institution isn’t on these lists, avoid it. You can also call 0800 87 2222 to check.
2 / Is the course registered? Dr Felicity Coughlan, director of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), South Africa’s largest, private higher education provider, stresses that something can only be called a ‘qualification’ if it has a credit value of 120 as a minimum, and is registered on the NQF (National Qualifications Framework) with an NQF ID number. “The shortest possible qualification is normally one year, as it takes about a year of study to accrue 120 credits. A degree is normally at least 360 credits, and so on. Without these two being in place, what you are studying is considered a short course and not a qualification, so it cannot be called a diploma or degree. “If a South African institution is offering you a diploma for three weeks of study, it is not legitimate and warning lights should start flashing about that institution,” she explains. You can also check to see if the course or learnership you’re considering is registered with one of the below instead of the NQF:
NEED HELP WITH STUDIES? Dial-A-Teacher provides learners with support for homework and school projects. Call 0860 00 7325 (free from a Telkom line) between Monday and Thursday, 6pm-9pm during school term times; email personalassistant@sanlamreality.co.za; or SMS ‘Teacher’ to 44423 and you’ll receive a call back (normal SMS rates apply).
• Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO): www.qcto.org.za; • Sector Education Training Authority (SETA): www.serviceseta.org.za.
If you have fallen victim to a scam You may try to claim a refund from an unregistered college or institution by following the steps below: • Inform the Department of Higher Education and Training (0800 87 2222), and obtain written confirmation that the college is not registered. • Request the college principal for a refund. If unsuccessful, approach the courts. • For amounts up to R12 000, you can approach the Small Claims Court with the letter of confirmation from the department. • For amounts above R12 000, involve an attorney. If you can’t afford legal fees, approach Legal Aid South Africa on 0800 110 110. • For disputes on a contractual agreement,
contact the Office of Consumer Affairs in your region or the National Consumer Commission on 012 761 3000, or email complaints@ thencc.org.za. • Inform the nearest police station, sign an affidavit and open a case. The Department of Higher Education and Training may also open a case. • Any dispute arising out of a contractual agreement must likely be settled in court.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS + Department of
Higher Education and Training 0800 872 222 + NQF Advisory Services Helpline 0860 111 673 + Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) 012 003 1800 + Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) 011 276 9600
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health
FOOD FACTS
You’ve been told a big fat
e i l
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www.sanlamreality.co.za
For decades we’ve been sold the idea that eating fat makes us fat. But in most of what we eat is a more dangerous ingredient: sugar. Jo’burg-based nutrition coach LITSOANELO ‘DEE’ SETURUMANE is here to help you change your approach. WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF when wanting to lose weight? “I should probably cut out most fats.” Thing is, there’s another food staple that’s sneaking in more calories than you’d imagine: sugar. Other than the spoons of white granules you put into your morning cuppa, do you know what sugar is? Sugar is a sweettasting carbohydrate. When carbohydrates are broken down in our body, they become glucose and trigger the release of a hormone called insulin. It’s insulin that can cause weight gain, as well as a range of other dangerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Now add in the fact that sugar is hyperpalatable: it’s moreish. It’s hard to stop at just one biscuit.
That’s also why so many brands pack the food we eat every day with ‘hidden’ sugars – often we don’t know we’re snacking on something filled with sugar. Sugar comes in many forms, including fructose – often added to food as corn syrup, to sweeten products. But eat too much fructose and you cause your liver to produce lipids that contribute to heart issues. Even rice and maize will ultimately break down into forms of sugar. Yet typically these food types are central to our cooking and how we serve and eat our meals.
Spot sneaky sugar One of the reasons it can be hard to see the sugar in the foods and drinks you buy is because sugar has many forms,
USE YOUR BENEFIT Staying active is key to reducing your risks. Get up to 60% off your monthly gym contract at JustGym. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits/health for more.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
DIABETES: ONE OF SA’S TOP KILLERS Alongside TB, diabetes is one of the top two killers in South Africa, according to a 2016 Stats SA report. The International Diabetes Federation says 5.4% of adults in SA have diabetes. (For comparison, our overall HIV prevalence rate is estimated at 12.6%.) WHAT IS DIABETES? Diabetes is a disease that happens when your blood sugar (or glucose) levels are too high. Over time, too much sugar in your blood can cause serious health problems. There are two types of diabetes, called type 1 and type 2. WHAT CAUSES DIABETES? Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by genetics and lifestyle (e.g. exercise, smoking, alcohol and your eating habits). Cutting down on sugar helps to reduce your risk.
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FOOD FACTS
START SMALL
The truth is, moderation and balance are the heroes of healthy eating. Are you eating the correct portion sizes? A simple way to roughly measure this is against the size of your own hand. For each meal, stick to:
and many names. Here are some of its names to watch for on food labels: • Dextrose • Glucose • Maltose • Sucrose • Fructose Food items that are advertised as ‘healthy’ such as protein bars, granola, fruit juice and
1 thumb-sized serving of fats 1 cupped handful of carbohydrates (like maize, rice, pasta or potatoes)
1 fist-sized serving of veggies
1 palm-sized serving of protein
dried fruits may contain as much as 25g sugar per serving, which is the total recommended daily allowance for an adult. Combine that with other sources of sugar you may eat or drink throughout your day such as sodas, chocolate or even that maize for dinner, and you’re likely
to exceed your healthy daily amount of sugar.
Swap sugar for these Small changes add up to big differences. Start by swapping your
SNACK SMART
+ Avoid store-bought, pre-baked snacks It’s hard to control the levels of sugar in these. Instead, chop up your own fruits and nuts to graze on, or bake your own sweet treats using low-sugar recipes. + Avoid the top culprits Store-bought granola is a big no-no. Find healthy recipes online to bake your own granola; bake a tray for the week to know exactly how much sugar you’re eating. + Opt for freshly-squeezed juices Choose versions with no added sugar or preservatives over long-life or nectar-based options.
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cane (white or brown) sugar for an alternative such as: • Honey – it has antiinflammatory properties; • Coconut sugar – contains anti-oxidants and fibre; • Apple sauce – you can make this yourself by cooking a few apples and blending them.
GOT QUESTIONS? You have free access to 24-hour trauma and medical assistance over the phone. If you’re worried about your health, call 0860 00 7325. You should also seek the help of a medical doctor if you have concerns.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Photography and illustration: Shutterstock
health
competition
win
your share of R10 000 in shopping vouchers! There are 50 Checkers/Shoprite vouchers, each worth R200, up for grabs. Winning is easy!
HOW TO ENTER • Use any one of your Sanlam Reality benefits between now and 31 October. • That’s it! Once you’ve used at least one benefit, you will automatically be entered into the competition. • 50 Winners will be contacted once the competition has been closed. Good luck!
Competition closes 31 October 2019. Terms and conditions apply – for full T&Cs, go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/terms-and-conditions.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
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health
HOW TO
How to read a
FOOD LABEL This is what a food label is telling you.
EVER STOOD at a supermarket shelf with no idea what a food label means? Help is here!
Understanding nutritional information
Energy The usual measurement for energy in South Africa is kilojoules (kJ) or, in some cases, calories (1 calorie = 4.2kJ). By knowing how many kilojoules you need in your daily food intake to keep your weight the same, or to gain or lose weight, you can decide whether you can include the product in your meal plan. Within a healthy diet, a man needs around 10 500kJ (2 500kcal) a day to maintain his weight. For a woman, it’s around 8 400kJ (2 000kcal) a day. These amounts can be different depending on your age, your body type, how often you exercise and so on.
The table on a label is a breakdown of the nutritional ingredients of the product. The info is listed per 100g or 100ml, and per the recommended serving size.
The label lists ingredients in order by weight – so if fat or sugar is at the top, it means there’s a lot of it! Names for fat you might not know: • Oil, vegetable/animal oil/fat • Coconut oil • Palm oil or palm kernel oil • Shortening • Lard or milk solids • Hydrogenated fats Names for sugar you might not know: • Sucrose • Maltose, malt or maltodextrin • Lactose • Dextrose • Fructose • Glucose, glucose syrup or corn syrup • Molasses • Fruit juice concentrate
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Protein Protein is essential for our body’s repair and growth. But too much protein can lead to weight gain. Foods that are high in protein should contain less than 10g of total fat for every 100g. Photography: Christelle Grobler, Shutterstock; Text: Nicci Botha
Ingredients list
HERE’S A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THE INGREDIENTS PER 100G BEST
OKAY
SOMETIMES
0-3g
3.1-20g
20g+
0-1.5g
1.6-5g
5g+
SUGAR
0-5g
5.1-15g
15g+
SODIUM
0-120mg
121-600mg
600mg+
TOTAL FAT SATURATED FAT
Carbohydrates The glycaemic carbohydrate value (that means the effect the food product will have on your blood glucose or blood sugar level once eaten and digested) on the label is followed by the total amount of sugar a product contains. The higher the value, the more sugar there is in the product, which isn’t good.
Fat The fat value shows the types of fats the product contains. Go for foods with a higher unsaturated value than saturated. TIP: ‘Low fat’ basically means that the product has either less than 3g of fat for every 100g, or less than 1.5g of fat for every 100ml.
Salt TIP: Products can only be labelled as ‘Sugar free’ if they contain less than 0.5g of sugar for every 100g or 100ml of that product. But watch out! Manufacturers replace sugar with fat and sweeteners, such as aspartame, to improve the flavour. ‘No added sugar’ means the product can’t contain these added sweeteners or sugar-like syrups such as honey, molasses or even fruit juice concentrate. www.sanlamreality.co.za
Found naturally in meat and vegetables, salt is often added to improve the taste of a product, as well as how long it will last. The recommended daily allowance should be below 2 000mg of sodium per day, which is 5g (1 teaspoon) of salt in total. TIP: ‘Low salt’ products should contain less than 120mg sodium for every 100g of a product, or less than 300mg of salt for every 100g of a product (1g salt = 400mg sodium).
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club
GET REAL
MEET THE
MEMBER
Nishant Maharaj from Woodview, Durban shares how Sanlam Reality helps him save – ideal, since he’s planning a wedding!
Make the most of your Reality Club membership These are all the benefits and discounts available for you to enjoy.
“Accessibility is everything”
“A great way to relax after working long hours” “I use the Nu Metro movie benefit regularly. My fiancée and I used to pay full price and didn’t go to the movies that much, but thanks to Sanlam Reality we now get to watch movies on the big screen more often. “I also love the Computicket benefit, which works out perfectly for my fiancée and I. I buy one ticket for myself and she gets one for free. This helps us to save money, especially with our wedding coming up.”
BENEFIT GET DISCOUNTED MOVIE TICKETS Download the free Sanlam Reality App to book your discounted movie tickets – just R30 for a 2D ticket and R35 for a medium popcorn and beverage. Or call 0860 00 7325.
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Sanlam Gap Cover
Extra cover for your hospital stay
Sanlam online will
Complimentary online will storage at Sanlam Trust
TaxTim
Easy tax returns with TaxTim
Wealth Sense
Online financial assistance
Day-to-day savings Discount coupons
Savings at Shoprite and Checkers
Discounted magazines
Get up to 45% off magazine subscriptions
Health Planet Fitness Gym
20% Off a 12-month contract
JustGym
Up to 60% off a 12-month contract
Travel Intercape bus
ENJOY 50% OFF YOUR BUS TICKETS You can enjoy 50% off Intercape bus tickets (up to R375) as a Reality Club member. Call 0860 00 7325 or visit www.sanlamreality. co.za/benefit/bus to find out more.
“Travel for less” “The Intercape bus benefit is also fantastic. My aunt travels between Jo’burg and Richards Bay and even Durban to visit her sons and my mom.
OFFER
Wealth
We love having her around and I always book her bus tickets because I enjoy a 50% discount with Intercape thanks to Sanlam Reality.”
Get 50% off; two tickets per year
Entertainment Nu Metro movies and refreshments
R30 a 2D ticket, R35 a refreshment combo (10/month)
Computicket shows and sport
Buy one ticket, get one free (up to R80)
Reality Club magazine
Three times a year
Personal services Personal Assistant
On call, 24/7, 365 days a year
Dial-A-Teacher
Educational help and call-back service
Legal Assist
Legal helpline (office hours)
Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist
Expert assistance helpline (24/7)
Use this benefit in your Sanlam Reality App For more, call 0860 00 7325, visit www.sanlamreality.co.za or email info@sanlamreality.co.za. Benefit T&Cs apply. www.sanlamreality.co.za
Interview: Xxxxxx; Photography: Supplied, Shutterstock Photography: Shutterstock
“We’re in tough economic times and saving is difficult for all of us. With Sanlam Reality on my side, I can afford to do the things I love and enjoy.”
Your Discount Coupon benefit just got even better! You already enjoy discounted coupons to save on your shopping trip. But we’ve just made your benefit even better – here’s how.
How the new process works Access your coupons via your mobile device:
What’s changed? • You get monthly discount coupons instead of quarterly, which you can use at Shoprite or Checkers. • They will be available to you via your mobile phone, instead of being posted to you.
Good to know • Discount coupons that you’ve selected must be used within 30 days of receipt via SMS. • Coupons can only be redeemed once. • Need help? Call 0860 00 7325 and an agent will assist. • Ensure we have a mobile phone number on record for you. If not, update your details via the website or by contacting 0860 732 548/9.
To find out more, go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/discount-coupons
KINGJAMES 47284
If you can dream it, you can get a loan you can trust. APPLY for the My Choice Personal Loan today. SMS “LOAN” to 43518 today to see if you qualify.*
For generations to come Subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. *Standard SMS rates apply. Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider. The Sanlam My Choice Personal Loan will be issued and administered by RCS. RCS is a Registered Credit and Financial Services Provider. NCRCP 38, FSP 44481.