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EDITORS We live in a proud egotistical society and it’s acceptable for people to promote themselves in ways that hurt others. To them humility is considered a sign of weakness. Yet we forget that with humility comes joy as we serve others and remember that it’s not our own wants and needs that are important. It reminds us to care and show that we are there for each other. When you remember to show compassion and kindness in small acts of humility, you start to see the beauty in life. You go through life searching for the highest accolade yet forget that a single touch can change someone’s life forever, a hug can define a old persons view of themselves and they could feel appreciated and loved again. We have so much power with a single touch and act of humility.
ED’s
favours the brave
Highlight of volunteer rescue swimmer Robin Fortuin and how he happened to be in the right place at the right time.
- NELSON MANDELA
By E Yiga DISCLAIMER
Profusion is a registered trademark of Profusion Media (PTY) LTD. The material contained in this publication is copyright and belongs to Profusion Media, unless otherwise indicated. No part of this publication may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced, translated or stored by any electronic system without prior written permission of Profusion. While every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, the use of the information contained herein is at the readers' own risk. The information provided in this publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, psychological, financial or other professional advice, on any subject matter. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice before taking any course of action relating to information, ideas and opinions expressed in this publication. The reader accepts full responsibility and risk of any injury, damage or loss resulting from the use or reliance on information contained in this publication. Profusion, its authors, publishers, employees and/or agents will not bear any responsibility for damages or injury which may result relating to the use of, or inability to use, this publication or the information contained herein. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that the material will in fact be included in a particular issue since this depends on the space available. Contributions may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. Editorial opinion or comment is, unless otherwise stated, that of the editor and publication thereof does not indicate the agreement of any institution featured in the magazine unless otherwise stated. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication does not necessarily indicate approval by Profusion Media for the product or service advertised.
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CLIQUES AND
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2000
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By Nicolette Bosman
FEB | MAR 2016
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In addition to this, the group runs an Annual Writing Competition which culminates in the Prize Giving function in July. Four categories – Fiction, Non Fiction, Poetry and Back Pager – are judged by external judges who give individual and general feedback to entrants. A number of trophies for special achievements are also presented. The competitions are only open to W2000 members.
Been writing your memoirs over the years or have a curiosity about and a yen to write? Then this is the group for you! Writers 2000 is an interest group for writers of all levels which has been running since the 1980’s and continues to attract new members. Members are people passionate about writing and the group is run by a voluntary committee.
The group also publishes a regular magazine, The Write Stuff, one of very few publications in South Africa, specifically for writers. The magazine features member’s winning competition entries as well as much other information pertinent to writers. It is distributed to members via email and hard copies are also available at meetings for R10 a copy.
Members are writers of all levels; some are published authors of fiction and non-fiction works, some are freelance writers, some write in their business or academic lives, some are dabbling while others are still getting motivated to put pen to paper. Monthly meetings are held at 14h00 on the last Saturday of the month in the Community Centre of Inyoni Creek in the Tarentaal Rand Aid complex in Lyndhurst. (Corner Modderfontein and Wordsworth Roads) A speaker from the writing or publishing fields addresses members and the talk is followed by tea and then a meeting in which the business of the group is dealt with.
Interest piqued? Have a look at the Writers 2000 Facebook page or email w2000@telkomsa.net. Come on, you know your pen is itching to get started!
Morning workshops on topics relevant to writers take place a few times a year. Competitions are held every month to challenge and encourage members. Have you ever written a story in exactly 65 or 200 words? This could be your opportunity to try. Members are given a phrase to use in their stories and the quality of entries submitted is high and enjoyable. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2016
PRO ACTIVE FEATURE
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By DANIEL ESLICK
FEB | MAR 2016
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In the era of GMO foods and pesticides, it now more important than ever to start your own vegetable garden. Green fingers or not, growing your own vegetables is a healthier alternative to buying vegetables from your local supermarket. Homegrown vegetables may not last as long as mass-produced ones, and take a lot of effort to grow, but you will reap the rewards of a healthier lifestyle and deepen your pockets due to the cheap nature of this practice. When starting a vegetable garden, the first step you need to take is choosing the correct ground. If your garden soil is too rocky or is not deep enough, a raised bed is a good idea. Another thing to consider is that your plot will be easier to manage on a raised bed. Look around your garden for the sunniest spot, and plan your bed. Sun equals sweeter carrots and tomatoes, which will evade diseases and grow larger. Consider your climate and research which vegetables can grow in your area, then plan accordingly for how much you want your bed to develop, and what kind of vegetables you will be growing. If shade is required for salads, it is easy to organise by simply hanging a shade cloth over one part of your bed. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Next, prepare for all-out war. This battle is against weeds, slugs and snails. A proactive gardener will have no problem in eradicating the annoying slugs which like to nibble on your food. Avoid having long grass near your bed, as slugs will wait for night to attack in the foliage around your garden. A great idea is to build a pathway between your beds, where the slugs can be easily disposed of by you or a hungry bird. Pulling out weeds is massively beneficial for the future of your veggies. Not only will you keep your bed clean and prevent future problems, but you will also spot any snails which like to hide underneath the leaves. There are many methods to keep your bed weed-free. Most gardeners would prefer the nonchemical methods of pulling any weed, root and all, from the ground with their hands. You need to get down and dirty to do this, and be ruthless on any weed. If you are struggling to control your weed population, place newspaper across your bed and layer some compost over the top.
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This should prevent any further growth, even from the most deep-rooted weeds. If pesticides are your last resort, there are many decent weed-killers on the market. Compost production is key to a successful garden. If you want your garden to be brimming with delicious vegetables, a decent compost is required to feed the plants. Creating compost is a daily activity. which involves keeping a separate bin in your garden for all your lawn clippings, vegetables peelings and prunings. Make sure to have a large amount of compost, as feeding your vegetables correctly will result in exponential growth. Never ignore your seeds. Every seed packet will have specific information, regarding how to start sowing your seeds, what kind of sunlight is required and when the best time to begin is. If you find that you are struggling to start your garden, due to slow growing seeds, don’t hesitate to buy a few already grown plants and add them to the bed.
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Crop rotation is another nifty tip to follow, but be wary with how fast you follow the practice. Used by farmers, this process is proven to result in better yields and improved crops. Crop rotation is a good thing in a vegetable garden but you do not need to do it as often, due to the fast turnover. During the planning of your bed, you can also use companion planting as a great way to control many aspects of your garden. Plants can work together in getting rid of nasty pests, while others will help by increasing productivity if they are placed next to each other. Research some companions and plant according to your needs. Producing your own vegetables is a fulfilling, healthy alternative. Despite the challenges ahead, if you are careful and follow the correct practices, you will be eating your own vegetables in no time at all.
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ENDANGERED [Lycaon pictus] By RENE DU PLESSIS
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The wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. The largest populations remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa (especially Tanzania and northern Mozambique).
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Wild dogs are social and gather in packs of around ten individuals, but some packs number more than 40. They are opportunistic predators that hunt mediumsized ruminants, such as gazelles. In a sprint, African wild dogs can reach speeds of more than 44 miles per hour. African Wild Dogs have disappeared from much of their former range. Their population is currently estimated at approximately 6,600 adults in 39 subpopulations, of which only 1,400 are mature individuals. Population Trends African Wild Dogs are rarely seen, even where they are relatively common, and it appears that populations have always existed at very low densities. Threats Major threats to the survival of wild dogs include accidental and targeted killings by humans, viral diseases like rabies and distemper, habitat loss and competition with larger predators like lions. Conflicts occur when wild dogs come in contact with people whose livelihoods rest largely on livestock and agriculture. Problems arise when expanding human activities decrease the habitat for available prey for wild dogs.
Conservation efforts Creation of protected areas and protection of major wildlife corridors benefit species such as the African wild dog. In southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique, WWF works to protect important wildlife corridors between major game reserves. We also work to reduce conflict with humans. Conservation strategies have been developed for the species in all regions of Africa Sillero-Zubiri et al. 2004, Woodroffe et al. 1997, (IUCN SSC 2008, 2009, in prep.), and many range states have used these strategies as templates for their own national action plans (Department of Wildlife and National Parks 2008, Wildlife Service 2010). Although each regional strategy was developed independently through a separate participatory process, the three strategies have a similar structure, comprising objectives aimed at improving coexistence between people and African Wild Dogs, encouraging land use planning to maintain and expand wild dog populations, building capacity for wild dog conservation within range states, outreach to improve public perceptions of wild dogs at all levels of society, ensuring a policy framework compatible with wild dog conservation. Strategies are accessible at www.cheetahandwilddog.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ON THE AFRICAN WILD DOG AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED BE SURE TO VISIT: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/african-wild-dog http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12436/0 PROFUSION MAGAZINE FEB | MAR 2016
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for applause FARMING GODS WAY USING BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY By NICOLETTE BOSMAN
When Alan and Claire Gardner decided to attend a workshop during a leadership training time in Zimbabwe in 2007, they had no idea that their lives would never be the same. The title ‘Farming God’s Way’ intrigued them and they attended because they were curious to know what was different to farming the normal way. Craig Deal, a local farmer, gave a 20 minute power point presentation on FGW. Craig’s farm had been confiscated and he had then returned to teach farming skills to the very people who had taken his farm and threatened his death. Having been introduced to FGW himself, he was now teaching those people how to farm using the techniques he’d learnt. Powerful stuff! Alan remembers: ‘Claire and I had been looking for a way to get involved in helping Africa’s marginalised peoples. When Craig was finished, I told Clare I thought we’d found what we’d been praying for.’
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‘We discovered, after attending the full training in Harare a few months later, that God indeed farms differently to the way in which man farms. This was the start of a wonderful journey for Claire and I.’ So what is Farming God’s Way and how is it different to traditional farming? It is a system which was developed by Brian Oldrieve, a Zimbabwean farmer who observed how things grow naturally and started putting those methods into practice.It has grown into a movement operating in many countries in Africa. Those involved are quick to tell you it is not an organisation but rather a movement made up of people wanting to teach the principles they have learnt to farmers with a common goal of turning Africa into a breadbasket, rather than a begging bowl. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
It is most active in South Africa and much of the planning and training originates here. An introductory video can be viewed on www. farming-gods-way.org. Training forms the backbone of the movement and people train as trainers and facilitators and travel in selected areas to spread the FGW knowledge and skills. Information about FGW is available on their site and training programmes are organised in different regions. To make them more accessible, materials have been translated into Zulu, Sesotho, Swahili, Chichewa and Portuguese with others on the way. Written and DVD training materials are available. The training material is free apart from the seven hour training video which is distributed at cost.
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So what is different about this farming method? What sets it apart is that the principles used are those observed where things grow naturally. For example, when seeds fall in nature, they will usually land and germinate in holes made by the hooves of wild animals. This has led to the ‘hole and furrow’ planting method where seeds are planted in rows instead of being scattered on heavily ploughed fields. ‘God’s blanket’ is another important principle and if you look in any garden, you will see that nature provides a covering of fallen vegetation (mulch). In FGW, farmers cover the seeds with straw and other natural products while the seeds germinate and begin to grow. Does it work? The testimonies and stories on the site prove that it does and many success stories are shared on the various FGW region’s Facebook pages. Farmers have gone from negligible crops to abundant yields. And what of Alan and Claire? FGW has certainly proved to be what they were praying to find and Alan is now an accredited trainer. They spend much of their time travelling in Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar) where Alan conducts training sessions with local farmers and enjoys seeing and hearing about their successes. This extract from the introductory video sums it up: ‘FGW has proven to be such an amazing tool to equip the poor with the knowledge to bring them out from under the yoke of poverty. It is not just a technology but a well-balanced tool and biblically based system to manage the land.’
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delicious
EASY CAPE-STYLE
Make Christmas dinner even more special with our top tips for the the juiciest meat ever, infused with smoky goodness from an indulgent bacon butter baste
1 Onion, finely chopped 30 ml Oil 500 g Lean beef mince 1 KNORR Spaghetti Bolognaise Dry Cookin-Sauce 400 ml Water 10 ml Curry powder 2 Slices bread 500 ml Milk FEB | MAR 2016
2 Eggs 5 Bay leaves 100 ml Seedless raisins
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Preheat oven to 200째C. Fry the finely chopped onion in oil until tender then add the curry powder and fry for 1 minute. Add the mince and fry until crumbly, then add the KNORR Spaghetti Bolognaise Dry Cook-in-Sauce sachet contents and water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the raisins. Soak the bread in 250 ml milk, then squeeze the milk out and mash the bread. Keep the excess milk aside. Add the mashed bread to the mince mixture. Spoon the mixture into a greased
PREPARATION 25 minutes COOK TIME 45 minutes SERVING 4
casserole dish and stand the bay leaves in the mixture randomly. Beat the remaining milk as well as the excess milk from the bread together with the eggs and pour over the mince mixture. Bake for 45 min or until the egg custard is set.
Recipe from WHATSFORDINNER WEBSITE
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FEB | MAR 2016
PRO CULTURE FEATURE
AFRICA ENERGY By DANIEL ESLICK
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FEB | MAR 2016
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Reliable and sufficient sources of energy becomes the driving force behind all economic growth, enabling industries to expand at a faster rate. A leading African nation like South Africa serves as a prime example. The struggle for a renewable and stable energy source in South Africa has lead to the economy stalling due to insufficient power and lack of infrastructure. What should be Africa’s economic powerhouse is unable to thrive due to the dearth of reliable energy, and solving this problem is the only resolution. Sandton will play host to the 2016 Africa Energy Indaba in February, a key event in changing Africa’s approach towards energy. With over 600 delegates, sixty CEOs and 100 plus exhibitors, the Energy Indaba attracts both local and worldwide interest. Participants and stakeholders at the event join forces in order find solutions for a brighter future. This is done through networking, addressing challenges by introducing projects and voicing opinions. There is a general lack of forward thinking towards policy change and the implementation of the latest technologies, which holds many economies back from development.
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The event focuses on reforming energy infrastructure on the continent, by collating new ideas and debating the requirements for change to occur. Participants will be able to engage and interact with leading figures in the energy industry, where they can share their own ideas and receive guidance from experienced speakers at the event. Younger participants, known as “Future Energy Leaders” will have great opportunities to display their exhibitions and learn from industry-leaders, by assessing market trends and learning about the latest technological advances. The future of the energy industry will be able to hear addresses from keynote speakers, which includes Eskom CEO Brian Molefe and Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, the Minister of Energy in South Africa.
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Along with the keynote speakers, there are a wealth of experienced moderators and panel members to learn from at the Indaba. The event is not behind closed doors. There will be a strong media representation, giving an outlet to the public through various channels , where discussions can continue on social media. Over eighty members of the media are involved during the Indaba, allowing for every address and exhibition to gain sufficient coverage. While the future use of oil and gas will be discussed heavily during the Indaba, the focus on finding “green” sustainable energy resources has become paramount in using energy responsibly. This includes the emergence of solar and wind power, which could be the turning point in ensuring that energy reserves are not exhausted.
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The Indaba promises to introduce sustainable energy practices and create awareness for both large and small industries. Hydro power technology will be a major point of discussion during this year’s conference, where the potential of this form of energy will be assessed.
The viability of certain policies are discussed, while important issues are focused on. Members of this event include both energy ministers from Africa and international stakeholders. 2016 will be targeted as a watershed year in the development of renewable energy in Africa, as more technology becomes available to countries throughout the region. The Indaba aims to disseminate information and encourage large industries to become more “green” in their practices, whilst using resources like oil and coal with more responsibility. The multi-faceted approach of the Indaba promises to help resolve the burning issues which inhibit many nations from producing enough energy, while hopefully educating many on the dire need for energy efficiency in the future.
The Indaba’s focus on energy sustainability and efficiency will also branch out into a number of side events, notably the Women in Energy Conference, which provides an excellent opportunity for development of women who have just entered the field of energy. The conference is designed to help speed up the advancement of women in this industry, and encourage assimilation of women into leading companies. Another critical side event will be the Ministerial Roundtable, where policy makers hold various talks surrounding new policies and their impact on regions. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2016
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CULTURE
AFRICA’S RICH DIVERSITY:
By Yule edwards
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FEB | MAR 2016
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Secret societies and an ability to keep the peace with neighbours are distinctive qualities of the Chewa, a tribe prevalent in Malawi. With a recorded history stretching as far back as the 1400s, the Chewa is considered part of the Nyanja group of Bantu, rather than associated with a specific geographical region. The estimated 1.5 million Achewa people are regarded as the largest ethnic group in Malawi, although a portion of that number also inhabits Zambia. Their origins, from interpretations of oral history, are likely to be in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where they migrated into northern Zambia and then south and east into the Malawi highlands.
The secret society of the Nyau, perform ancestral dances and rituals at times of funerals, memorials and initiation ceremonies. Masked and disguised, the dancers perform intricate footwork to the beating of drums, flinging dust into the hot air. Each dancer will enact a character based on his mask - often ancestral - or animal representation. Women, children and men will rush into houses if confronted by a Nyau dancer, who are known to become dangerous. They incorporate sophisticated satire, mimicry, proverb and reverse role-play into their performances while the secrecy of the group resides in codes, riddles, metaphor, myths and signing.
The first Chewa kingdom is dated to the latter half of the 15th century and by the 16th century, there were two distinctive clans, each with its own system of government. By this time too, a distinct language had emerged, known as Chinyanja, ChiChewa or Chewa. Of the leading clans, the Phiri is associated with kings and aristocracy, while the Banda are healers and mystics.
Only men can be initiated into the group and they must first go through a ritual process, which begins with a week or more spent in a wooded grove where the dead are buried.
Like many African cultures, the Chewa belief system holds that the souls of the dead - ancestors - and those yet to be born, are able to communicate with the living. The Chewa believe in God’s presence in everyday life and see God as both male in the form of the sky, and female in the form of the earth.
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The role of women is important in Chewa culture - it is a matrilineal society. Women are thus the recognised bearers of lineage and more practically, property and land rights are inherited through the mother.
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PRO FESSION
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What motivates you? By NATALIE SINGER - MD
We’re all intrinsically motivated by different things, whether in our personal or professional lives. Making a choice of career can be daunting especially as we often have to balance our own (and others’) expectations, our aspirational desires when it comes to earning a living and doing something we enjoy. In my career as a recruiter, I’ve realised that the closer we can get to doing something we enjoy, the more successful we will be. To assist in understanding what motivates us, it can be helpful to use one of the many assessments career counsellors typically use. If you’re interested in learning more about yourself, why not take the Work Values assessment at www.123test.com? It’s really interesting and best of all, free!
Work Values Test The test is built on the career anchors from Dr. Edgar Schein at MIT who identified nine career values. These are:
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Wealth If making money is most important, these individuals typically seek out careers where the opportunity to increase their material gains is paramount. More important than status or happiness, the ability to make money determines their career decisions. Service/Dedication to Cause These individuals want to believe that their job will contribute to the “greater good” and make a difference. As service-oriented individuals, they will look out for opportunities that allow them to add value to others and where they are rewarded, not only financially, but with a sense of meaning/purpose. Entrepreneurial Creativity This individual wants to innovate, coming up with new ideas or products and services. They find environments that are highly regulated and don’t allow for creativity stifling and will rather seek out less formal organisations where they can help to come up with more interesting or better ways of doing things. Highly creative individuals usually prefer to work alone or in small teams. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Autonomy/Independence For those who value autonomy and/or independence, their preference would be to be their own boss. Preferring to make, rather than follow, the rules, individuals who rate this value highly struggle to fit into jobs or organisations where they are not in a position to bend (or make up their own) rules.
Social Relationships Sociability and friendship are important reasons to have a job to those who exhibit this value. They find it difficult to separate work and private lives and their career choices will often be led by whether they like the people they’ll be working with. They enjoy working in teams, especially large ones, and if they can also engage with outsiders like clients or suppliers then even better.
Security/Stability If stability and security are most important, then these people will seek out jobs that offer both. They will typically overlook career advancements and even greater earning potentials in favour of longterm employment where there are benefits such as pension and medical aid.
Status Impressing others and prestige are their primary motivators. People who exhibit this value enjoy being a member of a privileged group and must have their achievements formally recognised. Because they like being looked up to, status symbols such as job titles, awards and even something as simple as a reserved parking are important. They don’t value money as much as they appreciate achieving greater status.
Power People who value power like to be the ones pulling the strings and will seek out career opportunities that provide them with positions of authority and influence. They typically enjoy networking and see additions to The assessment asks you a range of their network as new ways of gaining questions, challenging you to make a influence. choice between these values. It can often be difficult to choose, especially if you Technical/Function agree or disagree with both options. We all Competence typically exhibit each of the values, albeit For these individuals being seen as the to a greater or lesser degree. The report expert or specialist is most important. provides both a graphic and explanatory Improving their skills, through study overview that can assist you in better and greater practice are opportunities understanding your motivators. they seek out. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2016
PRO FESSION FEATURE
BEWARE WHAT YOU By Farhad Bhyat founder and CEO FAROSIAN
With only a couple of months of the year having run their course, social media is the hot topic, for all the wrong reasons. Unless people have been living under a rock, the names of Penny Sparrow, Chris Hart, Gareth Cliff (to name just a few) are all too familiar. It seems as if people are only now seeing and figuring out that social media is not as “safe� as once thought. That false confidence that we all seem to have, while behind our smart phones, laptops and tablets, is something that we need to seriously re-asses.
FEB | MAR 2016
As with everything in life, every action has a consequence, and social media is not excluded from this. In fact, social media carries with it a different set of considerations that we, as young professionals, need to take into account, as social media has become a part of our everyday lives. With the uproar that has been caused by the like of those I mentioned earlier, I am sure everyone is reassessing their own personal conduct on social media platforms (as well as that of their friends, co-workers and employees).
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We are seeing that social medial content does not carry the “freedom of speech” that most believe it does (as most do not understand the difference between freedom of speech and hate speech or defamation). Our conduct on social media (content posted included) is constantly being scrutinized, and we have no choice that this happening. Once we post anything on social media, we are the equivalent of a publisher, and this carries with it consequences.
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Recruiters and employers are looking at your social media profiles! And there is nothing you can do to stop it. Once you post content, it is in the public domain, which is the equivalent of having a shop window and expecting that no one will look in. Employers and recruiters are using this content to asses you for that dream job that you have just applied for. Your current employer may be “cyber stalking you”. We cannot stop them from doing this unless you don’t post anything on any platform at all, or deactivate your social profiles. CONTINUES TO
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And with recent social media faux pas that have happened, many companies are implementing strict social media policies. Our conduct on social media has an implication not only for us, but for the image, brand and reputation of our employers. Your clients, co-workers, suppliers, partners are all looking at your social profiles. By sharing, liking, or re-tweeting any content we are legally agreeing with the post in question. Now ask yourself‌.. what does this share/like/retweet portray about me? The consequences are not as straight forward as you may think. You could miss out on that dream job, that promotion could go amiss, you may even be fired, and depending on the severity of the content posted, legal action could be taken (as in the case with Penny Sparrow, with political parties pressing charges against her)
Here are some tips for social media conduct: Remember that when sharing (like/ share/retweet) all content you are providing legal consent and agreement thereof. Do not post content that you would not be prepared to say/ communicate/ in front of 50,000 people that you do not know, or have displayed on a billboard. Be cautious in the people/ accounts that you follow/ friend. An individual’s interpretation of the nature of who you associate with can have implications. Just as employers brand, image and reputation can suffer because of employees conduct, so can yours based on conduct of those you are connected to.
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Make sure your privacy settings are in place. Ensure that you know and understand the privacy settings and policies for each social media platform you hold profiles with. Set privacy levels to ensure that content you don’t want to be viewed by “everyone” is set accordingly. Better yet - Don’t post it. Conduct a social media audit on yourself. Know the positives and negatives of your profiles and take action to correct this. You can use 3rd party companies to do this for you for an objective opinion. Treat yourself like a celebrity. With social media being so widespread, we are all celebrities. The question is, will your content make you famous or infamous?
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Employer and recruiters are on the lookout for “red flags”. Instances of racism, sexism, potential discrimination on the individual’s part. A long list exists of what recruiters and employers look for. Treat your content as if you were the one evaluating someone as a potential employee. Remember, unless an external company is conducting your social media audit, they are often only looking for negative aspects and reasons to discount you from the opportunity.
FEB | MAR 2016
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HERO of the
At the age of 21, volunteer rescue swimmer Robin Fortuin saved six people from drowning in the rip currents at Monwabisi Beach near Cape Town. For his bravery, he was named winner of Centrum Guardians, a cause marketing campaign that seeks to honour the men and women of South Africa’s emergency and rescue services.
fortuin favours the brave By EUGENE YIGA
IMAGE SOURCE: CENTRUM GUARDIAN
FEB | MAR 2016
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What happened at the rescue from December 2013? It was a normal day. Senior Coxswain Vaughn Seconds and I decided to take a patrol. We had strong rip tides. I told Vaughn to stop. I saw some people in the water who might be in difficulty. I just had my wetsuit on and the rescue torpedo buoy with me. I got to the first guy. As soon as I could stand in the surf, I gave him a push and let the wave take him out. I immediately went back for the next one. And then I went back for the third one. My body was physically exhausted.
How do you feel about being voted as Centrum Guardian of the Year? I’m extremely proud. It’s a huge achievement in my life. I want to say a big thank you to my station and to all my seniors and crew who helped train and get me to the point where I am today. I did the rescue with their help and with years of experience put into me. It just shows that the training that was put into me actually paid off in a big way. It doesn’t matter where you come from. Anyone can be a hero.
What happened when you realised there were four more people in the water? I told Vaughn I would go back. I pushed my body to limits that I never knew I had. All of a sudden, the swell picked up from two metres to about four or five metres. Our boat suffered some damage. I swam out to the first three and got them out. I could see the seventh guy, but he was just in the current going a little bit faster than I could swim. He looked me straight dead in my eyes and he shook his head. And I shouted, ‘No, just hold on!’ I tried to go under. The water was so murky I couldn’t see anything. That was the last I saw of him. If it wasn’t for my torpedo buoy, I probably would have drowned myself.
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Inflatable water playground comes to South Africa By LISA DEWBERRY
AquaHop, one of the first interlocking, modular, inflatable water playgrounds in South Africa, arrived in Pretoria in December 2015 and may soon branch out to pools, resorts, camps and open water locations across the country. The water obstacle course, which is said to be originally inspired by the idea of LEGO, has been developed in 70 countries including Uruguay, Croatia and Vancouver and already used by 8 000 000 people. Ancheri Luus, co-owner of AquaHop, says the inflatable obstacle course that is custom made to her swim school pool, Royal Fins Aquatics, is a water adventure for all ages which takes water play to a new dimension. She says the activity is designed for families or groups of people wanting to share a fun and challenging experience together and is perfect for pool parties, birthday parties, team building and special events.
FEB | MAR 2016
“The course has a variety of obstacles such as the Swing, Wiggle Bridge, Action Tower and Slope where individuals can enjoy exciting games, activities, races and balancing competitions. It requires different skills as participants use balance and coordination between speed, strength and agility to overcome the course,� says Luus. Take a deep breathe, hold onto your costume and get ready to keep your balance as you wobble over the Wiggle Bridge or explore various adventure paths from the T-Connect. Feel like Tarzan as you swing over the water before climbing to the top of the Action Tower and gliding into the pool.
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AquaHop creates healthy competition and non-stop entertainment between families, friends and colleagues as you race towards the next obstacle, whooshing through the twists and turns of the course. You will be blown away by this attraction which gets the adrenalin pumping and heart skipping a beat as you reach new levels of excitement.
MOST ACTIVE
On our DeviantArt group during the months of October and November, Rikitza was our most active member. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations in our gallery.
Luus says AquaHop is a water activity which brings the thrill and challenge of organised water sports to the pool creating health competition. She says at the aquatic playground you can have a workout or dance to music on water on hot summer days or during the holidays.
For more information on any members featured in previous issues or our DeviantArt group, please visit: http : / / www. profusion - me d ia . deviantart.com
“We wanted to bring a new, exciting water activity to South Africa that would delight individuals who participate in activities they would ordinarily only do on land. Pack your swim suit, put those sunglasses on and spend time at this innovative aqua playground offering thrilling water play,� says Luus.
To find out more about AquaHop contact A Luus at 012 991 1392 or visit the website at www.aquahop.co.za.
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2016
PRO SELF FEATURE
HOW TO SET and achieve By EUGENE YIGA
We all want to live a good life. But the approaches we use when it comes to setting goals are often quick fixes and temporary solutions at best. We give ourselves pep talks even though these only create minor change. And let’s not forget about the resolutions we set every year, even though they always manage to fail by March.
FEB | MAR 2016
What we need is an approach that goes much deeper and lasts a lot longer. What we need is something that actually works. Know what you want If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll never get there. That’s why the first step to realising your dreams is to know what you want. And I mean EXACTLY what you want.
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But if the goal is too big, you could feel overwhelmed or set yourself up for a disappointing failure. So be like Goldilocks and go for something in the middle. Set a goal that’s challenging enough to make it interesting but not so challenging that it’s impossible to achieve.
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If you’re feeling a little unsure of what you’re capable of, your goal might be a bit beneath you. But don’t be so quick to stifle your big dreams! There are many examples of people doing incredible things even though others might have considered their goals to be impossible. We have the potential to be, do, or have anything we want. So let your imagination run wild as you start creating a new future. Besides, life is short so you might as well dream the big dreams that really count!
True accomplishment is only possible once life is given direction. That means if you want to go from dreaming to doing, you need to set goals that are specific, measurable, and with a date attached.
Know why you want it Once you know what you want, you need to figure out why you want it. That’s because how far you’ll go and how hard you’ll push all depend on how badly you want to achieve your goal.
When setting goals, you should also remember that size matters. If the goal is too small, you could set yourself up for an easy win and feel uninspired because a successful outcome is guaranteed.
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HOW TO SET AND ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS CONTINUED FROM
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Unfortunately, many of us don’t spend the time figuring out why we care and it doesn’t take long before the apathy leads to failure. Either that or we blindly rush out to do things we’re ‘supposed’ to do even when these things mean nothing to us at all.
If we’re motivated by our own emotions instead of someone else’s, we can fuel the progress to achieving our goals. Fortunately, as different as we all are, everyone is driven by two basic needs: the desire to avoid pain and the desire to gain pleasure.
FEB | MAR 2016
Channelling both desires is a powerful way to motivate our progress. More specifically, if we can focus on the painful emotions of where we are and the pleasant emotions of where we want to be, it won’t be long before we’re compelled to change.
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- HELEN KELLER While focusing only on the desire to avoid pain might get you started, it won’t keep you going (at least not very happily). That’s why you need to focus on the desire to gain pleasure too. Remember, strong reasons create a compelling picture that makes it easier to feel fired up! Ultimately, we need to understand that the pain from inaction is often greater than the pain that may come if we fail. In other words, you might as well take a chance because it’s better to risk failure than guarantee regret. And as long as you can keep channelling the painful and pleasant emotions behind your goal, you’ll stay motivated to succeed!
Spend some time getting in touch with your anger. This may seem like a step in the wrong direction, but feeling a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction with our lives is often just what we need to push us to the next level. Go as deep as you need to go because tapping this rawness will help you get off your butt and take action! PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2016
PRO SELF SERIES
ERASE AND REWIND: By DR MARTINA VAN DER MESCHT
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Nobody can escape the aging process, you look in the mirror every morning and what do you see? The lines of your life experiences, good and sometimes not so good, those little wrinkles, bags under your eyes and as they “politely put it”, expression lines.
It is a sugar based compound that moisturises the skin and delivers and maintains nutriments to the skin cells. The level of hyaluronic acid our body produces reduces from about the age of 35 and we begin to get wrinkles and lose elasticity in our skin.
In recent years, there have been major medical advances in cosmetic surgery, invasive and non- evasive procedures.
A filler is a smooth gel that is administered through a fine needle to the areas that need rejuvenating. The injections restore volume and reduce the appearance of aging. It is designed to plump up the sunken areas of your face and restore what time has taken away. It will reduce crow’s feet around your eyes, plump up your lips and banish the frown lines on your brow. This treatment will also improve acne, scars, birth marks and sun damage. Tell-tale signs of aging are not just on your face, so it can also be used very effectively on your neck and hands.
Filler products approved by the FDA are a quick, relatively painless non evasive procedure that will give you a more youthful appearance. Unlike Botox and other collagen based products, there is no need for a pre-treatment test for allergic reactions. It is solely composed of biocompatible hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced in the body. FEB | MAR 2016
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There are several filler products to choose from and your practitioner will help you decide which product is most suited for you. The results of a treatment will be seen within 12 hours and you will see a younger, more relaxed face, with a smoother complexion. In some instances you can also combine fillers with Botox for a more dramatic effect. I always encourage patients to ask as many questions as possible to ensure that they are well informed and comfortable with their decisions. What is the difference between Botox and fillers? With fillers there are less discomfort, the treatment is more enduring and results can last up to 18 months and Botox 3 to 6 months. Top up treatments also require a lesser dosage than the initial treatment. Will I have to book time off work? No the procedure is quick and at most you can take a half day off, so you can chill out and watch the “new you� emerge. Is the procedure suitable for everyone? It is suitable for both men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. If you are pregnant or breast feeding it is not recommended. There are certain allergies and medical conditions that may preclude you from this type of treatment and it is advisable to consult your medical practitioner prior to the procedure. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
How long will it take for the bruising and swelling to go down? After 12 hours you can shower or bath and apply makeup. It is also advisable to stay out of direct sunlight and apply a sun cream for about 7 days. For the same period of time it is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise and do not use either a sauna or steam bath. Will the procedure be painful? You will experience slight discomfort but some of the filler products contain a fast acting local anaesthetic. If you are worried consult your practitioner. What are the side effects of the procedure? The side effects are minimal but there will obviously be a small amount of bruising, tenderness and swelling which will subside in a couple of days. On rare occasions people may experience itchiness and slight blurring of vision. It is important that you advise your practitioner of any medications or current treatments you are receiving prior to the filler treatment. Is the treatment permanent? No, one treatment can last up to 18 months, depending on which brand the doctor used. As fillers are a natural substance that is manufactured by the body and it is gradually absorbed back into your system. As with Botox you will require further treatments to sustain your youthful appearance. Invest in a more youthful you.
FEB | MAR 2016
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LITTLE KNOWN
CRAZY IN LOVE
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By JEANNE DU PLESSIS
He’s mad about her. She’s crazy about him. They’ve fallen in love. Cupid shot them in the heart… Sounds a little unstable and violent, doesn’t it?
FEB | MAR 2016
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It’s true that love does strange things to us, and scientists have shown that when you’re in love your brain actually goes a bit haywire. Just looking at a picture of your loved one can trigger a flood of dopamine, the chemical responsible for euphoria. The effect is similar to that of drugs such as cocaine. At the same time, areas of the brain in control of judgment, fear and negative emotions are suppressed. It’s no wonder we float around in a loopy, unnaturally blissful stupor when we fall head-over-heels in love.
Undying love: In the 1930s German radiologist Carl Tanzler fell so deeply in love with one of his patients, Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos, that when she died he found it impossible to let her go. He stole her corpse and lived with it for seven years, reconstructing as necessary with wire, wax and plaster.
In honour of Valentine’s Day, we present you with a few weird and wonderful (but mostly weird) stories which demonstrate that when it comes to love, the truth really can be stranger than fiction.
Love is blind: Charles and Camilla. Enough said.
Silent partners: Some people, known as objectophiles, develop strong feelings for objects. For example, Erika La Tour Eiffel was so enamoured with the Eiffel Tower that she ‘married’ it in a commitment ceremony in 2007. People have also ‘married’ ghosts, trees, pillows, pots, rollercoaster rides and supposedly possessed dolls. Love at first squeak: Mickey and Minnie Mouse make a cute couple, and so did the people behind their voices. Russi Taylor, voice of Minnie Mouse, and Wayne Allwine, voice of Mickey Mouse, fell in love and were happily married until Wayne’s death.
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He was eventually investigated and arrested after people became suspicious of his frequent purchases of flowers, perfume, make-up, jewellery and lingerie.
Opposites attract: There’s nothing new about people finding romantic love despite vast differences in age, culture, nationality, income bracket or height. Far more surprising is the motherly crossspecies love occasionally seen in the animal kingdom. One of the cutest stories has got to be that of Delia, a farm cat in Ireland. While most cats would gobble up ducklings on the spot, Delia took them home and raised them along with her kittens. Party of one: Can’t find Mr or Miss Right? Perhaps you should consider marrying yourself. This is exactly what Liu Ye from China did. A cardboard cut-out of himself wearing a red dress took part in the ceremony.
FEB | MAR 2016
PRO LEARN FEATURE
survival guide By LISA DEWBERRY
An essential guide to surviving first year varsity
University is one of the most freeing experiences, filled with fun, the opportunity to have diverse experiences and make lifelong friends, but you will also face challenges and have great responsibility. With no teachers and parents who care if you do your homework, the first year of university may cause you to feel overwhelmed so here are a few tips to help make the experience easier for you.
FEB | MAR 2016
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Striking a balance between studying and socialising is challenging in the first year. Try to recognise and resist peer pressure because sometimes you won’t even realise you’re being influenced by them which could negatively impact your studies and future. Become good at budgetING You are going to be short on cash at some point during university but being permanently without money can be avoided if you control what you spend. Look at your financial situation before spending any money. Work out bills to pay such as rent, phone and water and electricity for an idea of what money is available to spend on food, clothes and nights out. List every meal you’re going to eat each week and only buy items you need for those meals. When going out, remember as cheap as drinks might seem, they add up so try only taking as much money as you’re happy to part with. Withdraw a certain amount of cash and leave your debit or credit cards at home. Once you’ve burned through your money it may be a reality check to go home.
Learn to find a balance It’s important that when you enter university you know exactly what your goals and future aims are as too much freedom too soon can be bad when you begin doing what you want to do such as skipping class or an entire academic day. At school, there are many rules which may have made you feel like you have no freedom, while at university you’ll have freedom like you’ve never had before. No one can prepare you for varsity, the workload is large and your social life is even larger than at school. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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Meet and socialise with likeminded people First year is the time to enjoy yourself, meet new and different people, dress funky and socialise. Varsity is filled with a range of dynamic individuals who are more comfortable in themselves and feel free to express themselves. Expose yourself to different situations and you will soon meet like-minded people to have new exciting experiences with. Engage with people and ask them questions because if you take an interest in them, they should take an interest in you. It is best to start this in the first week when everyone is in the same boat and is actively looking for people to be friends with and go out with. FEB | MAR 2016
Eventually you will establish a solid group of close friends. You will spend more time with them than anyone else and they become your substitute family. Avoid becoming nocturnal if you want to excel While partying into the wee hours of the morning without anyone to answer to is liberating, remind yourself how debilitating a hangover is. You can’t have a hangover and wake up for an 8:30am class or study. Understand that going to sleep at 6am and waking up at 4pm daily will affect your grades. If you go out, stick to one or two types of alcohol through the night and don’t suddenly move onto shots and beer as your head won’t thank you in the morning. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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Leaving the issue alone never results in it ‘sorting itself out’ and could turn nasty. Living on your own means you will have to clean your own flat, otherwise it will become unhygienic and having a cleaning rota often doesn’t work so try clean together with your flatmate. Make it fun, put some music on and have a laugh as you clean, as it may get done in half the time. Step up academically and don’t leave all work until the last minute There’s a major difference academically between school and university and the mistake most first year students make is thinking university is high school. In high school, a teacher opens a book and goes through each chapter with you, reprimands you if you don’t do homework and finds out why you didn’t go to school if you were absent. At university, lecturers don’t care if you don’t come to class and can conduct a lecture with only five students present.
If you start to feel sick or like you’ve had too much alcohol, have water. Don’t keep drinking because you don’t want to look boring because feeling sick with a migraine is worse than dancing without a drink in your hand. Remember clubs and alcohol will be around after getting your degree. Bond with your flatmates and learn to deal with house issues
They give you a synopsis of a book and don’t spoon-feed you every chapter. You have to take control of your life at university as you have longer deadlines and longer holidays but deadlines will arrive. Try get your work done when you get it as your notes will be fresh in your mind and you’ll have more time for play after finishing work.
It’s not always easy to live with new flatmates but do your best, even if you’re not that fond of them, to include them in activities such as going out, shopping or going to the gym. Keep in mind you will be together almost 24/7 and share a kitchen and common wall. If you find yourself living with someone who’s making things tricky, talk with them. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2016
EVERY ISSUE
Starring: Sanaa Lathan; Michael Ealy and Morris Chestnut DIrector: David M. Rosenthal Story After leaving her boyfriend, Lathan becomes involved with a man that seems to be too good to be true. She soon finds out how perfect he really isnt.
1 H 40 MINS | DRAMA | THRILLER
Starring: Katie Holmes; James Badge Dale, Callan Mulvey DIrector: Karen Leigh Hopkins Story A story about bad people and what one good elementary school teacher does about them. 1 H 28 MINS | DRAMA | THRILLER
FEB | MAR 2016
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WORLD A mosquito-borne virus with devastating side-effects By Daniel eslick
The rapid rise of the Zika virus in South America has garnered worldwide attention due to its perceived links with two debilitating conditions. The virus, spread mainly via the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is likely to move swiftly across South and North America according to The World Health Organisation. Research continues, but it is likely that Zika has the possibility of causing both Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. Guillain-Barré syndrome causes an infected person’s immune system to attack their own nerves, while microcephaly is present in newborn babies, who are born with abnormally sized brains due to the condition preventing correct development.
FEB | MAR 2016
Similar to Dengue and Yellow fever, 80 percent of infected people will display zero symptoms if they have Zika. This makes it difficult for pregnant women to determine if they are infected with the virus. The links between the Zika virus and microcephaly were all but confirmed in January by WHO director Margaret Chan, who recently addressed an emergency committee in Geneva. The director confirmed that instances of microcephaly have increased dramatically in Zika viruesprone areas, pointing towards a highly possible link between the virus and the dangerous condition.
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“The possible links have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions. The increased incidence of microcephaly is particularly alarming as it places a heartbreaking burden on families and communities,” Chan stated during the committee. The WHO has confirmed that Zika is spreading “explosively” mainly due to the effects of El Nino, which will encourage mosquito population growth. The most heavily-affected area continues to be Brazil, where over one million people could already be infected by the virus. Brazil has already seen over 4000 cases of microephaly in their communities - a dramatic increase from a recorded 150 last year.
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Zika does not have a vaccine, and authorities fear that a vaccine will not be ready to be distributed in 2016, meaning that areas with low immunities will struggle to ward off the virus. Already Brazilian authorities are questioning the effect on the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, while the Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has promised to destroy mosquito breeding grounds in order to stave off a further increase in infections. The threat of the virus has put authorities on red alert throughout the Americas, with many countries resorting to nationwide fumigation of mosquito hot-spots in what should prove to be an all-out war against this particular species.
FEB | MAR 2016
PRO TRAVEL FEATURE
NEGOTIATING
By NICOLETTE BOSMAN
I leave the aircraft and look around in trepidation…There she is, my trusty wheelchair scooter, faithfully waiting for me at the aeroplane door! I’ll never forget the time an airline left her in Dubai so I’m very relieved. The number plate my late husband had made for her, ‘Vooma!’ cheekily stands out and I prepare to climb on, ready to vroom into my holiday in the UK.
FEB | MAR 2016
I’d booked Special Assistance and had been very happy with the service so far. The assistant who met us at the plane helps me to my chair and ushers the rest of the assisted passengers onto a cute little six-seater electric cart. He asks if I’ll need further help and after I advise that I’ll need help with my bags and getting to Arrivals, he says someone will come and I should wait where I am. With that, the cart purrs off into the distance, leaving me feeling somewhat bereft. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
I faithfully follow the signs, down corridors, onto moving corridors, up lifts, down lifts. Signs still directing me so I must be on the right track. Suddenly, no more corridors and I’m in front of a train track. Next thing a train whizzes in and I ask someone if we have to get on to get to Baggage Collection. I’m assured we do and as I get on I see a couple of the Assistance carts get on too so I’m reassured.
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We stop and Voila! We’re at Passport Control so this definitely feels right. I see a ‘Disabled’ queue and head that way. In front of me are at least four carts with between four to six people in each and the official at the desk seems to be working very slowly. I make up the dejected tail on this cart caterpillar and feel very alone. Oh dear, this will take ages and my daughter must be wondering where I am... With relief I see the official at the next booth gesturing me forward and I head for him at full speed brandishing my EU passport. No delays and I’m finally in Baggage Collection. Where I see at least six carousels taking bags on brightly coloured merry go round trips.
So I wait…and I wait…and I wait…but noone comes. Eventually I decide I’m on my own in the huge structure that is Heathrow Terminal 1 and I’d better figure out how to get to my family on my own. Signs, must be signs that can help? Baggage Collection…I have to do that so surely this must be the way to go.
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NEGOTIATING HEATHROW CONTINUED FROM
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What now? Look for signs again….and I find the one which indicates where my flight’s bags should be. Shoot off there and search for my burnt orange bag. Black, red, blue, black, black, floral, black, more black but no burnt orange. After the floral bag has passed me three times I consult the trusty signs again and head off to Baggage Enquiries. Having consulted my boarding pass, the helpful consultant advises that my bag was seen a minute ago and phones someone. Soon a lady arrives, burnt orange case in tow. I ask if there is someone who can help take it into Arrivals and she indicates I can use a porter (£6 – about R130 for a few metres help – no thanks!) or there is a Special Assistance queue of about 10 people waiting to be helped. Deciding I can’t wait I figure out how to get myself organised. Laptop backpack on, handbag over the scooter handle, toiletry bag on my lap, bag handle in my left hand (fortunately the bag has four wheels so is easy to pull) and power control in my right. I can do this! And I do, I head through the automatic doors, spot my family and in relief I promptly burst into tears! I follow up on this matter later and, to give them their due, both the airline and Heathrow Special Assistance apologise profusely for the situation. Bottom line, however, is that I CAN negotiate Heathrow Terminal 1 alone!
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FEB | MAR 2016
EVERY ISSUE
back in STEPPING BACK By TARYN HERBST
Can you believe that it has been ten years since everyone’s favourite Crocodile Hunter has died? His daughter Bindi is already 17 and has followed in her famous father’s footsteps taking on conservation as well as being an actress and TV presenter. What else happened in 2006? Here is a look at the most notable moments of that year.
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FEB | MAR 2016
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Global News The population stood at 6.5 billion and the Nobel Peace Prize was won by Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank of Bangladesh. Remember those cartoons of Muhammad printed by a Danish newspaper that stirred up so much controversy? Yup, they were published way back in 2006 (not much has changed it seems) and led to angry demonstrations across the Muslim world to smash windows, set fires, and burn flags of Denmark and any other nation that reprinted the cartoon. Saddam Hussein was convicted of crimes against humanity by an Iraqi court on the 5th of November and hanged in Baghdad. A videotape emerges of how the Shiite guards taunted Hussein on December 30 causing much controversy.
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Entertainment The main Academy Awards were: Best Picture: Crash Best Animated Picture: Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of WereRabbit Actor in a Leading Role: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Capote Actress in a Leading Role: Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line Supporting Actor: George Clooney, Syriana Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener Director: Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain Best Foreign Language Film: Tsotsi (South Africa) Grammy’s: Record of the Year: “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” Green Day Album of the Year: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2 Song of the Year: “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own,” U2 Nobel Prize for Literature: Orhan Pamuk (Turkey)
Local News Thabo Mbeki was still President (remember those days?) and his Deputy was Phumzile MlamboNgcuka. It was a bad year for miners as three were killed and four injured after a magnitude 2.4 earthquake trapped 12 miners underground at TuaTona gold mine on 10 January. Then on 23 March eight miners were trapped underground when a fire breaks out at Buffelsfontein mine. There was also disaster at Koeberg as the nuclear power station automatically disconnected after an undisclosed incident, costing local industry as much as R500 billion. Megan Coleman was Miss South Africa New Zealand had won the Tri Nations (we came last and there was a lot of controversy surrounding Jake White). In a bit of controversy, both the Blue Bulls and Falcons shared the 2006 Currie Cup Trophy.
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FEB | MAR 2016
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PRO PLANNING FEATURE
how to choose and fund
By Eugene Yiga
FEB | MAR 2016
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Why your college major isn’t as important as you think As much as we tend to get stressed out about what we study, it doesn’t matter as much as we think. Of course, if you want to become a doctor or a lawyer, you’ll need to study medicine or law. But if your career plans are less defined, you can choose any challenging course that’s aligned with your personal interests.
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How to find a university that meets your academic and personal needs There’s a lot to think about when it comes to picking a school, including location, costs, courses and so on. In some cases (especially with advanced degrees), what you want to study might only be available at a few places, which makes the decision easier. But in other cases, there are dozens of options to choose from. That’s why it’s important to cast the net wide when applying to colleges. Applying to several schools (including some long shots) will give you choices to fall back on.
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how to choose and fund Your studies CONTINUED FROM
What you can gain from studying online Whether you’ve got your heart set on a particular college or are still unsure, it’s a good idea to consider the possibility of studying online. The benefit here is that you get to work in a flexible environment and at your own pace, which is ideal for people who already have fulltime jobs. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than traditional education. So check out some free courses online before deciding what’s best for you. FEB | MAR 2016
How to fund your studies The average cost of an American college has risen by almost five times the rate of inflation since 1983, which has led to a doubling of debt per student in the past 15 years. It’s gotten to the point where student debt now stands at over $1 trillion, which is even more than the debt on credit cards. The first way to fund your studies is to decrease the amount you’ll need in the first place. By taking classes in the summer, you can cut a year or more off your degree. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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Grants: These are also ‘free money’ but are typically only given to students of certain ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Spend some time searching and applying for those that fit you.
That means less tuition and a quicker start with your career. But it also means additional pressure from more intense study, so take the time to think it through. Scholarships: These are the best way to fund your studies because, unlike loans, they don’t have to be repaid. There are a ton of scholarships available so spend a good deal of time searching and applying for as many as you can find.
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Family: Ask your parents and other relatives if they’re able to help. They might not be able to fund your studies completely, but every little bit will make a difference. Employer: If you already have a job but want to further your studies, your employer might be able to help. But this will depend on how well you explain why what you want to learn will benefit them too. However, there will probably be a limit on when they allow you to study. Also, they might require that you pay them back should you leave the company or fail your course. Employment: If nobody else can help you fund your studies, you’ll have to do it yourself. This might mean taking on a part-time job while you study. Just make sure you still dedicate enough time to the books and have some time left over to enjoy yourself too. Loans: These should be your last resort because paying them back can be difficult in the long-term. Spend some time doing proper research into loans offered by your government, banks and even the college or university you’re applying to.
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