PRO FUSION TM
INSIGHT INSPIRE INVENT
culture feature:
August | September 2016
in south african history
for women
© lazyllama | stock.adobe.com.
DISCLAIMER
Editor’s
What a wonderful way to start our birthday issue than with two very important occassions, namely Women’s month and the 2016 Summer Olympics. We take a look at Olympic Weightlifting for women, Miss Celaneous celebrating the power of Woman and Notable women in SA’s history. We wish all our athletes the very best for the Olympics and know they will do us proud. To all Women, we thank you for your strength, courage and dedication every day. Profusion turns 3 and we want to thank all our readers for their continued support and motivation. We will continue to deliver topics and content that is insighful, inspiring and inventive. It has been an incredible year and we look forward to the next with great anticipation and excitement. To our partners we thank you for your continued support and dedication.
me s e D n Alla
ED’s
t
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.
now & This article is a tribute to the women in history who stood against the injustices of the old aparthead system and helped shape the new South Africa BY DANIEL ESLICK
PG 60
AUG | SEPT 2016
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AUG | SEPT 2016
Published by: Profusion Media (Pty) Ltd
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+27 76 900 4444 info@profusionmag.co.za www.profusionmag.co.za Postnet Suite 122, Pvt Bag X1, Florida Hills, 1716 Editor Allan Desmet allandesmet@profusionmag.co.za CONTRIBUTORS one Travel domain Bid manuella myburgh Writers Daniel Eslick FELICITY LOOPSTRA Jeanne du Plessis Lisa Dewberry Nicolette Bosman Taryn herbst
10 24 42
Graphics/ Layout Rene du Plessis PHOTO/ IMAGES Shutterstock ADOBE STOCK OTHER
Olympic weightlifting for women Peter Hall notable women in sa history
34 54 58 64
Are we misleading our youth to unemployment Rio De Janeiro Rio Olympics - The Athletes carnival The simple life: reducing clutter this spring
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Cliques and crews Showcase RED List Cause of the month Delicious dishes Culture Fusion HR 101 Healthy Hints Little known facts World News Back in time Quote
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PRO FUSION
Wishing Profusion a happy third birthday! Good to see you growing from infancy to a young adult with a very definite character.
TM
INSIGHT INSPIRE INVENT
Nicki
I have been a contributor to this fantastic magazine for a year and have enjoyed every moment. I hope that the magazine continues to grow from strength to strength as it enters its 4th year of existence.
Daniel Congratulations Profusion magazine on
your third birthday celebrations! This is a wonderful achievement which I’m sure has been achieved through hard work and dedication by management of the publication. It has been a wonderful experience being part of the team writing for this magazine, reading the motivating content of other writers producing top quality articles and learning more from inspirational individuals and organisations who feature in my articles. Profusion magazine has a positive and uplifting aspect that sets it apart from any other publication which is driving its’ success.
Lisa
Happy third birthday Profusion Magazine! Much like most toddlers who grow in leaps and bounds, the magazine has gone from strength to strength.
Taryn
The Profusionmag team are made up of ordinary people, accomplishing extraordinary things; inspired by real life stories and motivated by our readers. It's been a demanding three years for the magazine, but rest assured you are fast approaching your destiny. Happy birthday Profusionmag.
Š Anatoly Repin | stock.adobe.com.
Anneke
PRO A CT I V E
confucius
cliques and
olympic
show
© teerawit | stock.adobe.com.
ART IN TREE FORM By
NICOLETTE BOSMAN
Over 2 000 years ago the Chinese initiated the art of creating miniature landscapes, including miniature trees, which became known as bonsai and it this is still alive and well today. The word Bonsai is a Japanese pronunciation of the earlier Chinese term penzai. Literally translated, this word means ‘planted in a container’. The term is often used in English as an umbrella term for all miniature trees in containers or pots. Although it originated in China, it became recognised more as being Japanese, especially in terms of their beautiful miniature gardens. Bonsai is a fascinating art-form that combines horticultural techniques and Asian aesthetics in unique ways. AUG | SEPT 2016
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EVERY ISSUE
Historically, the further in size the reproduction of the full-sized tree was from the original, the more magically potent the miniature was considered to be. It was believed that a student could focus on its magical properties and thus gain access to them. The Japanese copied the art-form in the Kamakura period (700 years ago) and from this the distinctive Japanese style emerged. Instead of entire landscapes, the Japanese started growing and shaping individual trees. These trees are what we today refer to as Bonsai.
Kathy attends regular meetings of the group and has also participated in their competitions. She finds her membership valuable as she meets with people who share her interest and she gets the opportunity to attend workshops and learn new techniques. Kathy puts what she learns into action and currently has about 50 trees in various stages of development in her bonsai collection. Baobab trees are her favourite to work with.
The art form is popular around the world and South Africa is no exception. There are bonsai groups in most centres in the country. People interested in looking for a local group can go to the website of the South African Bonsai Association. Kathy Tinney of Edenvale, a bonsai enthusiast and a member of the Eastern Bonsai Society, confirms that she was drawn to the craft after seeing a display and wondering how the tiny trees were created. She uses nursery plants to start a bonsai. After styling and wiring, it will take another three to five years of caring, fertilising, trimming and rewiring before it looks like an aged tree, so you have to be committed. Each species is different and requires different care. There are many techniques to be learnt, such as air layering and grafting. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
KATHY TINNEY
If you’re interested in creating a minature piece of art visit the Eastern Bonsai Society website for more information on the craft and upcoming workshops.
AUG | SEPT 2016
PRO ACTIVE FEATURE
FOR WOMEN By manuella myburgh
© fotokvadrat | stock.adobe.com.
AUG | SEPT 2016
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Manuella has always enjoyed the lifting aspect of CrossFit, It wasn’t until she started focusing more on Olympic Weightlifting to get stronger, improve technique and her CrossFit - as she felt this was where she was lacking in her performance and started making it her main focus and training regime. Although it is her main focus now, it has affected her performance in all areas, including CrossFit, in such a positive way. She is a better, stronger athlete and everything she has gained from weightlifting has carried over into other areas of her life. From the moment Manuella tried weightlifting, she knew it was something she could devote herself to and she admits that there is something satisfying about lifting heavy weight over her head in a fast, fluid movement.
manuella myburgh
CONTINUES TO
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
AUG | SEPT 2016
CONTINUED FROM The Benefits of Weightlifting for Women - an increase in overall strength and muscle size as a result of resistance training is a benefit in itself. To those looking for an added boost to their diet and exercise program targeted at fat loss, resistance training can be that secret ingredient. Muscle mass requires more energy to maintain. Therefore, having a bigger increase in total muscle mass will increase your energy requirements and the likelihood that you will be using your food as a fuel source to increase your muscle size and subsequently decrease your fat stores. Manuella has never been as lean as she is now, and that’s all from weightlifting, and she confirms that it gives you an amazingly strong and solid core. Another key benefit for women undertaking any kind of resistance training is the positive effects it has with to your bone health. As women age, we are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Resistance training (along with other medically approved treatment methods) can help prevent this condition from developing, as well as help slow further progression of the disease. The practice of Olympic lifts teaches an athlete how to apply large amounts of force. Part of the extraordinary abilities of an Olympic lifter arises out of having learned how to effectively activate more muscle fibres more rapidly than others who are not trained to do so.
AUG | SEPT 2016
This becomes extremely important for athletes who need to remain at lower body weights for athletic purposes but need to learn how to apply greater force. Olympic lifts can often be seen by amateur athletes as something only used by professional weight lifters or professional athletes in power sports such as rugby, and so called ‘trainers’ that don’t see the true benefit, and prefer to use exercises that isolate individual muscles. This is not helped with the lack of gyms with facilities to perform Olympic lifts either. Incorporating Olympic lifting into your training is beneficial for developing strength and power but they have also proven to develop muscular coordination and adaptations in the neuromuscular pathways. Stability or to transfer force especially through the core are important elements for an athlete, this could be rotational stability, vertical or medial/ lateral force transfer and stability or a combination of both. In fact almost all sports require some form of stability or force transfer. Olympic lifting has been shown to closely mimic the horizontal and vertical joint actions of many sports, therefore also closely replicating the force transfer required in these sporting actions. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
olympic weightlifting for women
Š Jacob Lund | stock.adobe.com.
Whilst the exercises require a high element of technique which takes time to learn and require a skilled coach to teach the technique to you, they can produce significant positive improvements in sporting performance for both professional and amateur athletes across a broad spectrum of sports. In the long run this specificity and direct transfer of movement characteristics will also lead to a reduction in the chance of becoming injured when performing, as the muscles are trained for and used to the movement patterns involved as well as increasing the efficiency of your training, it conditions the cardiovascular system and benefits mobility, fat loss and body composition.
Manuella believes that the Olympic lifts should form the base of their strength training program for most athletes.
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AUG | SEPT 2016
cAse
GENRE: Romance/Thriller/Mystery 16 DLSV
A group of close friends comprised of architect Vincent Stevens; psychiatrist Chris Vanowen; real estate agents Luke Seacord and Marty Landry; and Chris’ halfbrother Philip Trauner are married men and best friends. Vincent proposes they share a wonderful penthouse loft in a brand new building designed by him to become their secret rendezvous instead of using their credit cards for love affairs and one night stands in hotels. When they discover the body of a beautiful woman dead and cuffed on the bed in the loft, they have a mystery on their hands to find out who is the responsible.
GENRE: Comedy/Crime/Mystery 10-12 PGL
When someone murders his beloved cat, Clinton (Kranz), an adult child, demands justice. Taking it upon himself to solve the case, he teams up with an unlikely ally, Greta (Reed), and the two set out to find the culprit lurking in their small suburban town. But as Clinton searches for the truth, he begins to uncover a conspiracy that goes far deeper than he anticipated.
AUG | SEPT 2016
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PRO CARING
© Fresnel6 | stock.adobe.com.
sir winston churchill
cause of the
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AUG | SEPT 2016
EVERY ISSUE
GREVY’S EQUUS GREVYI By RENE DU PLESSIS
ENDANGERED The Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), also known as the imperial zebra, is the largest extant wild equid and the largest and most threatened of the three species of zebra, the other two being the plains zebra and the mountain zebra. Named after Jules Grévy, it is the sole extant member of the subgenus Dolichohippus. The Grévy’s zebra is found in Kenya and Ethiopia. Compared with other zebras, it is tall, has large ears, and its stripes are narrower. POPULATION TRENDS Current estimates put the total population of Grevy’s Zebra remaining in the wild in Kenya and Ethiopia at approximately 1,966 to 2,447 (B. Lowe pers. comm. 2008; F. Kebede pers. comm. 2008). From 1988 to 2007, the global population of Grevy’s Zebra declined approximately 55%. The worse case scenario is a decline from 1980 to 2007 of 68%. The number of mature individuals is approximately 750, and the largest subpopulation is approximately 255 mature individuals. AUG | SEPT 2016
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The density and area of occupancy of Grevy’s Zebras fluctuates seasonally as animals move in their search for resources. During the dry season, when they are dependent on permanent water, animals tend to be more concentrated. However, given that they can move up to 35 km from water even during the dry season, their densities are never high. They are most abundant and most easily observed in the southern portion of their range in southern Samburu and the Laikipia Plateau. HABITAT Grevy’s Zebras live in arid and semiarid grass/shrubland where there is permanent water (Klingel 1974; Rubenstein 1986; Rowen and Ginsberg 1992; Williams 2002, 2013). They are predominantly grazers, although browse can comprise up to 30% of their diet during times of drought or in those areas which have been highly transformed through overgrazing.
Breeding males defend resource territories (water and food being the key resources) of 2–12 km²; the home range size of non-territorial individuals is up to 10,000 km². They are extremely mobile and individuals have been recorded to move distances of greater than 80 km, with movements determined by the availability of resources; lactating females, for example, can only tolerate one or two days away from water (Klingel 1974; Rubenstein 1986; Rowen and Ginsberg 1992; Williams 2002, 2013). Major threats eduction of available water sources; habitat degradation and loss due to overgrazing; competition for resources; hunting; and disease (Rowen and Ginsberg 1992; Williams 2002, 2013). conservation efforts At present, protected areas form less than 0.5% of the range of Grevy’s Zebra. On the Laikipia Plateau, protection and reduced competition with domestic livestock, have seen Grevy’s Zebra numbers increasing since they first expanded into this area in the early 1970s (Williams 2002, 2013).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED VISIT: http://www.iucnredlist.org http://www.grevyszebratrust.orG PROFUSION MAGAZINE
AUG | SEPT 2016
© Fresnel6 | stock.adobe.com.
NEW MODULES IN 2016 By
NICOLETTE BOSMAN
In 2016, Modules 3 and 4 of the programme are being introduced and participants from the 2013/4 and 5 intakes were offered the opportunity to enroll. A total of 22 people did so. It became clear that the overall level of entrepreneur who responded is somewhat higher than that of those who have participated in the Module 1 and 2 programmes. It seems that those who enrolled in the new modules want to go further with their business skills studies.
AUG | SEPT 2016
One of the indicators of this being a stronger group is that the average income of these entrepreneurs at the beginning of the course was a lot higher – R 7 625 per month. This is about 3.5 times higher than that of any group previously enrolled. A really promising outcome of Module 3 has been that, even with this higher average starting income, over the first nine weeks of the new course, the entrepreneurs grew their average income by 37%. Monthly average income is now up to R10 431. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Demographically the group make-up it is that South Africans constitute 32% of the group – a fair bit higher than the groups of the past two years. Citizens from DRC (26%), Nigeria (21%), Zimbabwe (16%) and Ghana (5%) make up the balance.
After the first 6 weeks of the 15 week programme, only one participant was R10 behind on his loan. This shows commitment to honouring agreements entered into. The team of business people who present the Paradigm Shift programme are all volunteers and good relationships are built between them and the participants during the programme. An understanding of each other and what they do is gained by both groups – participants and trainers - and good relationships form. All the Module 3 participants will soon be starting Module 4 and we look forward to news of further successes.
Previous groups evidenced a fairly close 50/50 split between men and women. This intake, however, showed a big swing to men with the ratio now at 75/25. The statistics with regard to people who depend on each entrepreneur remain fairly constant to that of previous groups, with each entrepreneur on average supporting seven others. Over and above this, on average each entrepreneur also employs a further 3.5 people. Their impact is thus significant when you assume that each of those employees in turn supports a further 5 people. The Module 3 business topics which have been of most interest to these entrepreneurs were Market Research, Balancing Work and Family, Formalising your Business, and Understanding Bank Accounts. The participants are committed to attending the programme sessions and absentee levels are very low.
Mentorship continues to be an essential aspect of the programme and each participant is allocated a mentor with business experience who they meet with regularly. The mentors play an important role and good relationships are built in the mentoring relationships too. The Paradigm Shift programme lends further credibility to the belief that entrepreneurship plays an essential role in building the economy of South Africa. From these small beginnings, who knows what these committed entrepreneurs will achieve in the future?
Microloans remain an integral part of the programme and nine loans of R2 400 each were issued when Module 3 began. Participants make a commitment to repay their loans on a weekly basis over the course of the programme. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Get involved now: Contact Allister Long – 084 800 2020 or visit Paradign Shift’s website for more information.
AUG | SEPT 2016
AUG | SEPT 2016
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PRO CULTURE
zoey sayward
delicious
CULTURE
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AUG | SEPT 2016
By
PREP TIME
4 5 MIN
COOK TIME
60 MIN
SERVES
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RENE DU PLESSIS
100 Millilitre water ½ Onion, finely chopped 2 Tblspn Finely diced green pepper 1 Teaspoon Mustard powder 60 Millilitre Flour 35 Millilitre Canola oil 650 Millilitre Tomato juice 8 Medium carrots, cut into thirds 1 sachet KNORR Homestyle Meatball Kebabs Dry Cook-in-Sauce 6 New potatoes, halved 15 Baby onions, peeled 500 Gram Beef mince PROFUSION MAGAZINE
1 2
Preheat oven to 180°C. In a bowl combine the mustard powder, green pepper, onion, mince, water and contents of the sachet of KNORR Homestyle Meatball Kebabs Dry Cook-in-Sauce.
3
Shape into 12 meatballs and roll into flour.
4
In a frying pan, brown meatballs in oil and place in an ovenproof dish.
5 6 7
Gradually stir in the tomato juice and bring to a boil.
8
Cover and bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour or until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Cook for 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Pour over meatballs and add vegetables.
SOURCE:
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AUG | SEPT 2016
PRO CULTURE FEATURE
artist, photographer, writer and adventurer By FELICITY LOOPSTRA
AUG | SEPT 2016
PROFUSION MAGAZINE
I met up with Peter between his frequent trips to the bush. He was back-home at his studio in Johannesburg, preparing for an exhibition of his paintings at Decorex 2016.
© Peter Hall | Facebook
Peter Hall started his artistic career, after graduating from a 3 year Diploma in Graphic Art in Johannesburg & then going onto do further studies at the College Internationale de Cannes in the South of France. After returning to South Africa & a very short stint in advertising, he left the industry to follow his passion as a full time artist. A year later in 1987 he had his first exhibition at the Sandton Gallery in Johannesburg & the following year Peter became the first South African artist to release his prints through the New York Graphic Society. Things have never looked back since & he has exhibited in Portugal, Germany, USA, South Africa & even in London at the Cultural Wildlife Auction at Christies – the world renowned international auction house. In 2004 Peter set himself the biggest personal challenge so far & set out on a “solo creative expedition” to Antarctica’s Deception Island. When asked about the trip he says that the scary part was actually convincing himself that he could achieve such a daring trip. It took months to plan the logistics & permits. He spent 3 weeks on the very remote, freezing uninhabited island, with only a tent, basic provisions & his cameras. His only means of contact during his stay was a call every 5 days to the ship that had dropped him on the island. CONTINUES TO
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CONTINUED FROM I asked about the experience, Peter says it was challenging but the feeling of complete isolation & being “at one with nature” was exhilarating & inspiring. When I questioned him about whether he would do it again, his immediate response was “without a second thought, it was one of the best things I have ever done!” A year later Peter publish a book on his trip called “Deception Island on the Antarctic Peninsula – an artist’s adventure”, published by Coach House Publications. Peter first started painting in water colours but found it had limitations; he then changed to oils as he says it allows him to be more expressive. He said that water colours are restrictive as there is no room for error, the depth & intensity of your colour is limited & the whole process has to be controlled rather than creative. Now days his paintings are large, bold & have amazing atmosphere – you not only see but feel the experience. A love of photography coincided with his love of painting, but in the early years Peter used his camera mostly for pleasure & a source of reference for his paintings. Over the years he has developed this passion & nowadays is almost as well known for his pictures as his paintings. In 2005 he was awarded the winner of the Getaway / Fujifilm wildlife photography award.
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In the last couple of years Peter has started really branching out into cityscapes as well as wild life. His urban paintings predominantly portray busy inner city living – often in the rain. When you look at them, they depict the ordinary daily lives of people living in a city environment. The paintings conjure up the noise, smell & the vibe of inner city living. Most of these paintings are almost monochrome but have a pop of colour that sets them alight. In the last couple of months, Peter has collaborated with an associate in the local film industry for his latest cityscapes, using a Phantom 4 drone to explore Johannesburg in a totally new perspective. I have known Peter for many years & asked what he does in his time off from his busy schedule these days. His immediate reply was that he is obsessed with tennis, watching it & playing it! In his words “I not only know the name of all the international players, their rankings but also the names of the umpires & coaches – I try to play tennis twice a week, but I don’t think I am very good at it”. He is also an exceptional jazz piano player, but only plays with his children & for personal pleasure these days. If he is as passionate about art, photography, music & tennis, then I am sure he is on a winning streak.
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peter hall If you are interested in seeing Peter’s latest’s works, his next exhibition is at the Cherie de Villiers Art Gallery in Rosebank, Johannesburg from the 31/8/2016. You can also follow Peter’s work on Facebook - Peter Hall Artist, or send him an e-mail at peterhall@icon.co.za
© Peter Hall | Facebook
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AUG | SEPT 2016
THE POWER OF WOMEN By
Miss Celaneous, a rapper, master of ceremonies and entrepreneur from Cape Town, known for her pink afro and confident stage persona, aims at liberating woman from all walks of life through her music. She says it’s important to celebrate Women’s Month as it is a celebration of the power of women and female artists in South Africa are not celebrated enough.
AUG | SEPT 2016
lisa dewberry
In May the rapper reached the number one spot on the Good Hope FM Hot Top 30 for two weeks in a row for her house track, State of Mind. The single release is her biggest hit to date as it was the fastest climber by a local song on the Hot Top 30, was listed on high rotation on more than eight radio stations and was a new genre for her. Miss Celaneous says music and singing have always a great part of her life and she grew up listening to Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Lauren Hill and Queen Latifa. She says these women inspired her to follow her dreams and she’s like to do the same and inspire others in and around her community. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
“My passion for MCing and writing started in 2009 when I entered the music industry as a rapper performing alongside alongside artists such as Ready D and the Beat Bangers. I have since been involved in making over 40 independent and collaborative musical works and have honed my craft performing live on numerous stages at private and corporate events, clubs and product activations,” says the rapper. Miss Celaneous recently secured a spot on the remix of DJ Switch and Ms Cosmo’s ‘Now or Never’ La Femme remix released in early August. She has also collaborated with YoungstaCpt and E-Jay, as well as performed live at Daddy Long Legs Hotel, The Waiting Room, Zula Bar, Stones and Marvel. “My advice to young female artists is to stay true to and believe in yourself, never let anyone discourage you from your goals and dreams, choose friends wisely because the company you keep determines your level of success and research the business behind the industry. Commit to your goals, give it your all and don’t compromise your character,” says Miss Celaneous.
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miss celaneous
AUG | SEPT 2016
“People are not your most important asset. The RIGHT people are.” – Jim Collins
BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS Talent3sixty offers free online courses for individuals looking to enhance their career prospects. Courses include: Choosing a career Job search 101 Know your rights Ace that interview Dress for success Taking control of your nerves Get that promotion
Go to www.talent3sixty.co.za to enrol and success! AUG |boost SEPT 2016your chances for PROFUSION MAGAZINE
PRO FESSION
PRESIDENT THOMAS S MONSON
HR ARE WE MISLEADING OUR YOUTH
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© vectorfusionart | stock.adobe.com.
AUG | SEPT 2016
Š ty | stock.adobe.com.
CAREERS & WHERE TO APPLY By TARYN HERBST
The job market is tough these days which is why you need to know which jobs are the ones to apply for. Here is a list of the top trending careers in South Africa, how much you could be earning, what qualifications are needed and where to apply. Keep reading to find out more!
AUG | SEPT 2016
Programme or Project Managers This is one of the most lucrative industry to get into in terms of starting salaries as you kickstart your career with R353,000 a year. You need Business or Built Environment related degree. You should look at bio-tech and hightech companies for the best salaries, but all industries need project managers so the world is at your feet.
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Electrical Engineer
Civil Engineer
The average starting salary for an electrical engineer is around a whopping R308,000 a year. To get into this lucrative field, you need to have Mathematics and Physical Science. According to the latest requirements at the University of Stellenbosch are that you write the National Benchmark Tests AQL and MAT; have a National Senior Certificate average of at least 70%; obtain 70% in Mathematics; and 60% in Physical Sciences as well as English Home Language 40% or English First Additional Language 60% or English First Additional Language 50% AND Afrikaans Home Language 40% or Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%. Global companies like BHP Billiton and Shell hire electrical engineers so you will never be short of a job!
A little bit lower with starting salaries of R270,000 a year. The entry requirements are the same as for electrical and mechanical engineers. You can look for work at construction, water utilities, transport and landfill companies to start. Civil engineers are needed everywhere as they are needed in the planning of everything from airports to water systems. Electrician Surprisingly, electricians are in short demand as well. The average starting salary for electricians is R174,000 a year and you need a N1-N3 qualification to get started. If you want to get into the industry, the best way (if possible), is actually to start your own business. My cousin does it and loves it.
Mechanical Engineer Hot on the heels of electrical engineering comes mechanical engineering. The starting salaries average at about R300,000 a year and the entry requirements are the same as for electrical engineers. A wide range of companies hire mechanical engineers including the government, construction, scientific research and development as well as manufacturing companies.
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william arthur ward
AUG | SEPT 2016
PRO FESSION FEATURE
are we leading them down the road to unemployment? By FELICITY LOOPSTRA
We all see in the media the stats on youth unemployment, it often leads to apathy, resentment & in some instances crime or drug abuse amonst our youth. Not what was promised in the new South Africa!
Maybe it is time for everybody to rethink how we find employment for our future generations.
There have been numerous & valiant attempts by individuals, businesses & corporates to improve the employment rate of our school leavers, but it seems to be a constant losing battle.
Guiding & directing our children in the right direction for their future must start at Grade 9, in order to help them make the right choices of subjects for their Matric or Cambridge exams. This is not only the responsibility of the school but also the parents or guardian.
AUG | SEPT 2016
Back to basics
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© rawpixel.com | stock.adobe.com.
This means being realistic about a child’s strengths & weaknesses in academic subjects. If they excel in maths & science or show potential in the arts& history or computer studies, it will give you an indication of the direction a child’s future studies must follow for the balance of their school academic career. There is no point in pushing a child to study in a subject that obviously they have little or no grasp of. Rather concentrate on subjects that they enjoy & understand.
Moving forward From Grade 10 onwards, it is important to introduce career counselling to students. Currently in most schools this is either nonexistent or rudimentary – so our kids are left without direction or a lifeline to their future. CONTINUES TO
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CONTINUED FROM
We need to utilise the resources we have at present, with the generosity of the business community it will not put an additional burden on Government resources. There are many people, who run successful businesses in a myriad of disciplines, that if asked would donate a couple of hours of their time to mentor students & explain what is required to gain access to their industry – some will even organise an onsite tour of their facility to gain a better understanding of how they work. Unless our children are given the opportunity to see what is out there for them, they will only have a blinkered vision of what lies ahead.
Networking for our children’s future In this day & age we as responsible adults have more resources than ever before, to help the youth of today. It is the era of who you know, not what you know. With the explosion of internet, it is easy to access links, research & study the current employment trends in every industry. These are the tools that can guide our youth to employment in the future.
AUG | SEPT 2016
There are industries that are dying & those that show promise for the future & that is what you need to monitor for the next generation.
The future There are sectors in the employment market that are growing & have the potential for the future. The obvious are things like IT & technology but there are many other fields that need to be explored. There is a revival in craftsmanship, the arts & design, plus trade skills. Our youth have a myriad of opportunities at their doorstep if they are directed correctly & have the support & mentorship to lead them to a bright future. Do not be lackadaisical & rely on the education system to mould our children’s future – everyone can lend a hand to mould their successful future. Your experience & knowledge in your field of experience could make a difference to their future. We are becoming an International show case for our “new” South African entrepreneurs that came from disadvantaged backgrounds & are making their name throughout the world.
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OUR youth: Are we misleading them to unemployment?
We can say that we can continue to be “Proudly South African” thanks to the drive & inspiration of our youth.
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NOTABLE WOMEN IN SA HISTORY
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STEVE JOBS
PAST 40 AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM By TARYN HERBST
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As women, we will be facing a lot of health risks as we get older. While we are in our 20s and 30s we hardly think of these potential problems as important. Your body feels great, you can party everyone under the table and the world is your oyster. However, once you hit the big 4-0 things change. If you want to enjoy those years as much as you are enjoying life now, read more to find out what you can do to prevent common health problems faced by women in their 40s. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Wear Sunscreen Skin cancer affects a lot of women in their 40s. No matter how fit and healthy you feel. Wear sunscreen. Especially in South Africa with our gorgeous weather. Every day. Even when it’s cold. You would be surprised at how many rays get through those clouds. My gran had skin cancer and it ain’t pretty.
Quit Smoking Tough one, but it leads to heart disease which is a common problem for women over the age of 40.
Eat Healthily All those midnight runs to McDonalds after a night out are going to hit you later on in life. While I am not saying be boring, try and limit it. Go for whole grains, Omega 3 rich foods which will help your body stay strong later on in life. What you put in is what you get out after all.
Get A Tetanus Shot Even though you aren’t a kid, you might still fall or end up in a scrape. You never know when this might happen. In order to prevent the disease commonly known as ‘lock jaw’ you need to have a tetanus every seven years. If you haven’t gone recently, go. Now. Unless you want all of your muscles to tighten up and be unable to swallow. It’s quick and free at government clinics.
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Exercise The chances of suffering from depression increase as you hit your 40s. Apart from the obvious physical benefits of exercise (that super-hot body), it also does wonders for anxiety and depression in that endorphins are naturally released, making you feel better. It also lowers your risk of heart disease and cholesterol problems. Winning.
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PRO SELF FEATURE
who made a diffeence in sa history By lisa dewberry
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To properly celebrate and appreciate the fabulous women of today, we have to look back in history on the notable women of the past who had the courage to be different and take a stand to fight for where we are today. Nadine Gordimer, Mary MalahlelaXakana, Irene Grootboom and Helen Suzman are among some of these iconic woman of the past who have made a difference for the South African women of today.
Nadine Gordimer, a writer and political activist achieved the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991 and 15 honorary degrees. Her works included novels, short stories and essays which dealt with moral and racial issues, questioned power relations and focussed particularly on apartheid. Gordimer began writing at the age of nine and at age 15 had her first short story for children, ‘The Quest for Seen Gold’, published in the Children’s Sunday Express in 1937. She studied for a year at the University of the Witwatersrand, but did not complete her degree.
In 1951, the New Yorker published her story ‘A Watcher of the Dead’, beginning a long relationship bringing her work to a larger audience. Gordimer joined the African National Congress when it was still listed as an illegal organisation by the government and testified at the 1986 Delmas Treason Trial on behalf of antiapartheid activists. She helped Nelson Mandela edit his speech ‘I Am Prepared to Die’ given from the defendant’s dock at the trial which led to his conviction for life. Gordimer resisted censorship serving on the steering committee of the Anti-Censorship Action Group, was active in the HIV/AIDS movement, was a founding member of the Congress of South African Writers and active in international literary organisations. She taught us that women can achieve in writing regardless of having access to education and that we can stand up for our beliefs through art and literature.
nadine gordimer
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Mary MalahlelaXakana
Mary Malahele-Xakana was the first black woman in South Africa to graduate from medical school who registered as a medical doctor in 1947. She attended the University of Fort Hare as an undergraduate in 1936 and in 1941 when medical studies opened up to black students she received support from the Native Trust Fund to study medicine at the University of Witwatersrand. Dr Malahele-Xakana was also a founder member of the Young Women’s Christian Association, a member of the Women’s Peace movement, a member of the Fort Hare University Council and a chairwoman of the Roodepoort School Board. She was involved in community work for 24 years and after the Group Areas Act worked at a clinic in Dobsonville. Dr MalaheleXakana opened a private medical practice in Kliptown and a second in Mofolo South. In 1981, aged 65, she collapsed and died after a heart attack while volunteering with Dr Nthato Motlana, anti-apartheid activist and Mandela family physician, at Witkoppen Clinic in Sandton.
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In 2015 the University of Witwatersrand erected a memorial to honour Dr MalaheleXakana and she was posthumously awarded the Order of the Baobab for her pioneering medical career. Dr MalaheleXakana is an example you can succeed at any career and is a reminder to serve our communities.
Irene Grootboom, was a housing rights activist known for her victory before the Constitutional Court in 2000 where the court found the government’s housing programme inadequate, not sufficiently providing for people in urgent need of housing. It was found the government had not met its obligation to provide adequate housing for residents of the Wallacedene informal settlement in Cape Town and those living in the informal settlement couldn’t be evicted without being given alternative accommodation. It was the first Constitutional Court judgement on socio-economic rights where the state had not complied with its obligations. A settlement between the opposing parties was made into a court order where national and provincial governments were to provide housing for Grootboom and the 390 adults and 510 children in the informal settlement.
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notable women who made a difference in SA history The Human Rights Commission was instructed to oversee implementation of the ruling. The Grootboom judgement became the foundation case in assessing the state’s responsibilities on socioeconomic rights and has been used as the basis of other legal arguments. It was key in the Treatment Action Campaign’s successful court case against the government for delays in providing effective measures to cut mother-to-child transmission of HIV. She became known around the world for enforcing the state’s obligation to respect socio-economic rights, especially of the homeless. Grootboom is an example one person can make a difference in the lives of many and no matter your financial state you can fight for your basic human rights.
Helen Suzman
was a human rights activist, sole representative of the opposition party in Parliament during apartheid and holder of 27 honourary doctorates from universities worldwide. She was twice a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize and established the Helen Suzman Foundation in 1993 to promote liberal democracy. She studied as an economist and statistician at the University of Witwatersrand and lectured Economic History at the university between 1944 and 1952.
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helen suzman
In the 1953 election she won a nomination contest for a Parliamentary seat and represented the United Party in Parliament that year, but broke away from the party in 1959 to form the Progressive Party. At the 1961 elections, all other MPs in the Progressive Party lost their seats leaving Suzman as the sole Parliamentarian opposed to apartheid for 13 years. She was known for her public criticism of the governing National Party’s policies of apartheid and wasn’t afraid to raise unpopular issues such as opposing capital punishment. Suzman tackled gender discrimination and visited prisons inspecting living conditions of prisoners. Among those she visited regularly was Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, who credited her with helping alleviate incarceration conditions. After Mandela’s release Suzman was among those who persuaded him to retain a Parliamentary democracy and was present when he signed the new constitution in 1996. Suzman teaches us fight for the good of humanity and not to be afraid to raise unpopular but important issues no matter the circumstances.
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JACK CANFIELD
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By JEANNE DU PLESSIS
The word ‘woman’ is believed to come from the Middle English word ‘wyfman’, which means ‘wife of man’. In honour of Women’s Month, here are some weird and wonderful facts you probably didn’t know about the female of the species!
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Studies show that on average women say thousands more words per day than men do. They also blink about twice as often as men. However, when it comes to hiccups, women get them less often.
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In mountain villages of northern Albania, some women choose to become ‘buneshas’. They take a vow of celibacy and live out their lives as men, adopting men’s clothing and body language. This allows them to avoid arranged marriages and give them the freedom to enjoy privileges only afforded to men in their culture, such as voting, earning a living, driving, swearing and drinking.
The paper bag, Kevlar (used in bulletproof vests), Scotchgaurd, windshield wipers, disposable diapers, the circular saw, residential solar heating, wireless transmissions technology, CCTV, the car heater, engine mufflers, the life raft, the medical syringe and the fire escape are a few things invented by women. Most people have heard of the Octomom, but have you heard of Mrs Vassilyev? This Russian peasant from the 18th century holds the scary title of woman who gave birth to the most children in recorded history. She reportedly gave birth to (wait for it) 69 children! Apparently this amazing feat was not enough for the woman herself to be remembered; she is only known as ‘the first wife of Feodor Vassilyev’. Women’s hearts beat slightly faster than men’s.
On average women live longer than men. Women are also far more likely to visit the doctor. Coincidence? Annie Edson Taylor, a schoolteacher from Michigan, became the first person to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901. Her advice to others; “Don’t try it.” Women find it absolutely impossible to apply mascara unless our mouths are hanging open
Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, is credited with being the first computer programmer. Miniature golf was designed specifically for women back in 1867. According to Victorian etiquette, it was improper for a woman to swing a club back past their shoulders. Research shows that women spend between 17–31 years on diets. They also eat up to 3 kilograms of lipstick in their lifetime.
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VERSUS HUMANITY By DANIEL ESLICK
The wrecking ball of terrorism has not stopped rolling in 2016, with instances of violence against innocent civilians becoming more common every week. Often inspired by radical groups like ISIS and Boko Haram, terrorists have struck various nations like France, Belgium, Pakistan and Nigeria this year, inflicting violence and brutality, in turn raising fears throughout the world. As the fight against terrorism becomes more pronounced, fanatical groups resort to more desperate measures to further their causes. Many nations attempts to eradicate terrorist cells merely makes their retaliations stronger and more violent, aiding their ideologies and fuelling their hatred. AUG | SEPT 2016
Challenges are many and answers few, but humanity has not allowed terrorists to inflict irreparable damage. Nations have not let the threat of terrorism force them into darkness and fear, instead they rely on their compassion and perseverance to forge new hope and fight against a rising tide of hatred. On Bastille Day this year, the town of Nice in France was hit by a shocking act of violence, when a truck ploughed into a large group of people celebrating the national holiday, killing 84 people and injuring 50 others. Many people showered social media with promises of support to the people of Nice. #PortesOuvertesNice became trending on Twitter in Nice that day, offering people a home to stay if they were without a place to recover and sleep. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Taxi drivers gave free rides to anyone in the area, while the Verizon phone network allowed people make free calls to anyone in Nice. The world condemned the barbarity of the attack. “I pray for the victims of the attack in Nice and their families. I ask God to convert the hearts of the violent blinded by hate,” Pope Francis tweeted following the recent attack in France, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged, “ “Germany stands beside France in the fight against terrorism, united with many others.” The world showed more solidarity in similar reactions to the bombing of Brussels airport. France lit the Eiffel tower in the colours of the Belgium flag in an attempt to show unity, while thousands of people used social media as a tool of compassion and unity. Artists showed support through posting various images which expressed their sorrow and sympathy. Graphic Designer’s Sylvain Grand’Maison’s tweet of Tintin’s silhouette marked by a single yellow tear was re-tweeted over 5000 times, with the designer saying, “ It’s hard to put things into words and an image brings an emotion words can’t convey. I didn’t want to write anything on Facebook. This is an image to express emotions.”
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International reactions to terrorism portray that morality is still very much alive in what seems to be an immoral time. Alliances strengthen against radical groups, while new alliances are forged to cope with the increased threat of fanaticism. World leaders and influential people repeatedly condemn violence in nations like Pakistan and Nigeria, while supporting those affected in various ways. The United Nations is a strong contributor to fighting the effects of terrorism, offering government support to any nation struck by terrorist groups. Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon lent his voice to condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Brussels while promising more action to prevent further attacks. The UN also provides those affected with a network of organisations who work as support structures for anyone who has been involved in the repercussions of a terrorist attack. Author of “Love is the Higher Law” David Levithan said, “What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we’ve never met.” Through gestures of solidarity and compassion, the world has been able to stay strong in the wake of a dramatic increase of hatred-inspired attacks. The enduring force of the human spirit and strong personal values has extended in the fight against an enemy which works in the shadows and strikes when you least expect. Terrorism will not be overcome quickly, but maintaining our own humanity will help us defeat hatred and the inhumane terror groups who threaten us.
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ONE TRAVEL
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A city on many a person’s bucket list to visit during Carnival, but there is so much more to this seaside city than the samba and caiparinha. As a foodie and lover of history I enjoy submerging myself in the daily life of the people, eating where they eat, using the transport they use and just observing the people. In Brazil this is very easy to do, the Cariocas (natives of Rio) are an easy going nation, good humoured but with the fiery Latin spirit. AUG | SEPT 2016
Rio de Janeiro is home to the largest Portuguese population outside of Lisbon in Portugal. The Portuguese cultural influence is still seen in many parts of the city, including architecture, language and food. First things first, I visited Rio in the cooler winter months as the temperatures in summer can easily push 40 degrees Celsius. During the winter months the weather is milder but still hot enough to swim and enjoy a day at the beach. The most fabulous beaches are the famous Copacobana, Ipanema and Leblon
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Another important historical attraction in central Rio include its Passeio Público, an 18th-century public garden. Rio is also well known for two iconic sights, Sugarloaf Mountain (‘Pão de Açúcar’), whose name describes the famous mountain rising out of the sea. The summit is reached via a two-stage cable car trip from Praia Vermelha, with the intermediate stop on Morro da Urca. It offers views second only to Corcovado mountain where the other great tourist attraction and one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue, is situated with its stairway built into the rock bed.
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Other than the Carnival and beautiful beaches there are some amazing churches, historic buildings and museums to see such as the Paço Imperial, built during colonial times to serve as a residence for the Portuguese governors of Brazil; the Candelária Church (the former cathedral), the modern concrete Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) and the Museu Histórico Nacional (National Historical Museum).
In Rio de Janeiro you can probably find something to fit any craving. A good approach to local food is “comida a kilo” - buffet style restaurants where you pay by the weight of the food on your plate. For the hungry, nothing beats a good rodízio (all-you-can-eat service). These are available in numerous types, although the most well-known are the churrascaria, all-you-can-eat grilled meats. Brazil has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan, and sushi has become widely popular in Rio too.
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CONTINUED FROM If you are a sashimi and sushi lover, you will find a great deal of options in Rio de Janeiro. Juice bars can also be found on nearly every corner for refreshing juices in the often hot and muggy city. Choose from dozens of freshly squeezed fruit juices - mix two or three fruits together or simply try the freshly squeezed orange juice. For a delicious Brazilian special try the açaí (pronounced ah-sah-EEH), a smoothie made from a deep purple fruit from the Amazon. For non-alcoholic drinking, ask for guaraná (soda made from the seed of an Amazon fruit), mate (sweet ice tea), água de coco (natural coconut water) or caldo de cana (sugarcane juice). The most iconic alcoholic beverage is the Caipirinha, a drink made of cachaça (a Brazilian liquor made of sugarcane juice), lime, sugar and ice cubes, but be careful of this concoction, it has the kick of a mule! I preferred an icecold chope (draft beer), there are several brands mostly Pilsner style due to the influence of the Germans. You can’t go wrong with a Brahma or Bohemia.
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Rio is famous for its pastries and street food. In most cafeterias (lanchonete) you can have a pastel or salgado. Typical pastries are coxinha (chicken nugget shaped like a chicken leg) and unique Rio’s joelho (rolled dough filled with ham and cheese). Also try pão de queijo (cheese baked dough), and tapioca (a kind of crepe made out of manioc flour). One of the most iconic dishes of Brazil is known as Feijoada, a hearty stew of black beans, sausages and cuts of pork of varying quality – traditionally veering towards the lower end, with trotters, and ears all going into the mix. Taking up to 24 hours to make, between soaking beans and desalting pork, is why most Brazilians go out to restaurants and bars to eat it – and only ever on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Served with rice, kale, orange slices and farofa (toasted manioc flour) on the side. For desert there are Brigadeiros, Brazil’s answer to the chocolate truffle. The sweet is made by simmering condensed milk with cocoa powder, whisking in butter and shaping the mix into balls before rolling in chocolate sprinkles. Guaranteed to give an instant sugar high! Eating with the hands is common in Brazil but food is picked up by wrapping a napkin around the food so that it is not touched with the hands (such as sandwiches). You will notice napkin dispensers on the tables in most restaurants for this purpose.
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rio de janeiro
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The north region of Rio is home to most of the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro and on the other scale of humanities to the roughly 1000 Slums, or favelas. There are guided tours to the favelas but one must under no circumstance venture into a favela without an accredited escort. Samba clubs are live music bars with great atmosphere where locals go for dancing and meeting people. When in Rio, don’t miss visiting one. The annual Mardi Gras pageant is Rio’s way of showing the world what it does best: party. Spectators pack the Sambódromo to watch the dazzling parades. Cidade do Samba, Carnival’s exhibition centre, houses floats and hosts samba shows all year round, giving visitors a flavour of the big event without actually being at the Carnival.
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the athletes carnival By FELICITY LOOPSTRA
The official title is the “Games of the XXX1 Olympiad” but everyone refers to the event as “Rio 2016”. It is the first time that the Olympics have been held in a South American country & it will gain a record for the number of countries participating – Kosovo & South Sudan, will be competing this time. It is estimated that 11,000 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete for 306 sets of medals in 28 sports. Rugby sevens & golf have been included for the first time this year. A mammoth undertaking when it comes to logistics, finances & infrastructure. The Olympic Village is based at Barrada Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro & there are 33 venues in the host city.
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The balance of the events will take place in Sao Palo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brazilia & Manaus. Down town Rio has undergone a large urban revitalisation in order to enhance its appearance & improve its competitive position in the global economy. The build-up to Rio 2016 has not been a smooth one, with concerns about the instability of the country’s Federal Government, corruption, incomplete venues and safety. If that wasn’t enough, health issues raised by the Zika virus that is carried by mosquitos that breed in stagnant water & heavy pollution in Guanabara Bay, where the sailing & windsurfing events are taking place have caused concern.
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Lastly, the doping scandal involving the Russian athletes ban did not help. In the end this was eventually resolved & 270 Russian participants have been cleared to compete in the games, whilst 106 have been dropped. The Rio Olympics will probably represent the biggest gathering of people from around the world in one place at one time. There will be the usual big contingents representing the USA, Canada, Australia & Great Britain etc., but then there are the little known & often impoverished countries such as Belize & Nauru that are sending competitors. Tuvalu (formally known as the Ellice Islands & part of the British Commonwealth), a nation made up of 9 small sparsely populated palm fringed athols & reefs in the South Pacific will be proudly sending one athlete to the games. South Africa has sent 136 of our top sports representatives & we have high hopes that they will bring back a record number of medals in 2016. During the last couple of weeks before the start of the Olympics, football, tennis, athletics & swimming were the main contenders for trending on international social media. South African’s seem to be pinning most of their hopes for medals on the swimming, athletics & rowing teams.
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With experienced athletes like Chad Le Clos who will be competing in the men’s 200 metres freestyle, 100 & 200 metres butterfly in swimming, Caster Semenya who is representing South Africa in the 800 metre women’s athletics track event & the London Olympics 2012 winning combination of John Smith & James Thompson in rowing, we have a great chance of bringing home some medals. South Africa has a lot of new, up & coming young athletes that have worked exceptionally hard to qualify for Rio. If they do not bring home medals this time, it will give them the experience to be serious contenders for 2020 Games. It was announced on 3rd August 2016, that there will be an additional 5 sports added to the next Olympics in Tokyo, including karate, basketball / softball, skateboarding, sports climbing & surfing. The rationale behind the IOC’s decision was that they saw a need to include a broader spectrum of today’s youth & incorporate some sports that thrive in an urban setting. As for Rio 2016, whatever the final medal tally, we are sure that our South African athletes will be great ambassadors for our country & as a nation we are proud of all of them.
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A DEFINING MOMENT IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST APARTHEID INJUSTICES By DANIEL ESLICK
On July 29th 1956, 20 000 women marched on the Parliament buildings in Pretoria, demanding change and the abolishment of oppressive Pass Laws, which were an amendment to the tyrannical Urban Areas Act. This landmark protest was led by four stalwarts of the struggle Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. The procession of protesters made their way to Parliament, carrying bundles of 100 000 signed papers, intended for the office of Prime Minister J.G Strijdom. AUG | SEPT 2016
Not only a sign of protest against Apartheid, the march was a signal of the increasing strength of women to enforce change. In what was a patriarchal and oppressive society, the brevity and attitude and the protesters remains one of South Africa's more remarkable moments in history. In 1994, at the dawn of democracy in South Africa, National Women's Day was inaugurated on August 9th, to remember the Women's March and encourage the rise of trailblazing women in South African society. Late former president Nelson Mandela addressed the role of National Women's Day in a speech in 1996 and called for equality. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
"As long as women are bound by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, human rights will lack substance," Mandela said during his impassioned speech. "As long as outmoded ways of thinking prevent women from making a meaningful contribution to society, progress will be slow. As long as the nation refuses to acknowledge the equal role of more than half of itself, it is doomed to failure." In 2016, Women's Day still remains an important day of reflection on the past and a day to celebrate the importance of South Africa's women to the country's future. This includes celebrating the achievements of South Africa's women and highlighting the continued struggle for empowerment and equality. August 9th plays host to a variety of events, which serve to encourage people to appreciate the talents, beauty and strength of women in South Africa. This includes music festivals, speeches and various recreational activities. 60 years after the event which changed the way South Africans viewed gender equality, Women's Day remains a vital day of remembrance and celebration. In a society still struggling with inequality and violence against women, Women's Day serves an important reminder for everyday South Africans.
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NELSON MANDELA
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REDUCING CLUTTER THIS SPRING
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reducing clutter this spring By lisa dewberry
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Living clutter free will simplify your life, save money, reduce stress and make you a better planner, organiser and shopper which should result in you becoming more successful in life. Becoming aware of consumerism, learning how to get rid of clutter no matter the season, choosing to live simply and recognising spending habits, are skills you can learn to help you lead a happier life.
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Enjoy benefits of cleaning clutter Clutter can increase stress by distracting and overwhelming our senses with additional stimuli of messes and smells. When you have things in order, you are likely to get more done and achieve more goals. You learn to do tasks right away instead of putting them off, reducing the time you waste and breaking projects into tasks with manageable deadlines. You have daily objectives to complete multiple tasks and continually review longterm goals. You learn to be flexible and persistent, always anticipating obstacles so you have a backup plan. Often people hang onto items they think they might need or use later on which never ends up being used. If you’re fighting years of hoarding, procrastination or are overwhelmed, don’t let indecision about what to sell or donate stop you from clearing clutter, put everything into a bag and let it go. You might think you wasting, but having it in your home when you don’t use it is wasting too and is costing you happiness.
Recognise consumerism Become aware of our consumer-driven society and embrace the reality that there’s more to life in owning less than in owning more. As we compare our lives to those around us with more, we lose happiness and try hard to close the gap because we always compare upward, looking at those who have more. Adopt a minimalist lifestyle and a traveller’s mentality only acquiring what we really need. Spend time with people who have less and remain joyful in their circumstances. Owning less ensures less stress and debt as well as more time and freedom. You feel lighter, freer, more flexible and contentment, gratitude, freedom from comparison and opportunity to pursue greater significance will emerge in your life. Money is only as valuable as what you choose to spend it on and we should dream bigger dreams for our money than the clearance rack of a store. Make gratitude a discipline in your life and focus more on your blessings than your troubles.
Start spring cleaning and decide to donate or sell Cleaning has physical, mental and emotional advantages and has been associated with improved mood, decreased stress and heightened creativity. A clean environment makes you more productive, removes bacteria, reduces risk of injury and allows you to enjoy your space. CONTINUES TO
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Deciding what to do with clutter can be so confusing you become immobilised and end up unable to part with items because you can’t decide where they should go. Don’t let confusion stop you from releasing unused items from your home. Sell items when they are worth more than it would cost to organise the sale such as garage sale and you will do the work to organise the sale. If you know you’re unlikely to get around to selling your item, save yourself time and guilt and donate instead. Cleaning can be a stress management technique and if you incorporate mindfulness, it can become a form of meditation leaving you relaxed. Cleaning can also bring the added benefit of getting you extra exercise.
Choose to shop second hand, reuse and repurpose items People spend thousands of rands on new furniture, clothing and decorations daily but there are many creative ways to reuse, repurpose and upcycle items which can save natural resources, reduce manufacturing demands, minimise waste, prevent pollution and enable products to be used to their fullest extent. Used items are less expensive and often as good as new allowing you to save money for other important expenses.
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Make use of online websites such as Gumtree and OLX to sell what you don’t need and buy great value for money purchases from vehicles to baby products, electronics and fashion. Try maintaining and repairing items so they won't have to be thrown out, sold or donated frequently. You can also repurpose items by changing the use of the object, combining vintage with modern and creating something based on your personality. Repurposed items include reusing toilet paper rolls to organise cables, a wooden ladder changed into a shelf, steel drums used as composting bins, bottles transformed into a chandelier.
Be aware of your spending habits It is important to determine your spending habits and implement a budget. A spender gets more enjoyment out of spending money, is more comfortable with impulse buys and if they have the money now, they want to enjoy it now. The saver is more comfortable saving money than spending, especially for emergency situations and long-term goals. They are concerned with keeping themselves and their family secure. Budgeting allows you to take control of your financial situation and curb impulse spending.
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the sIMPLE LIFE: reducing clutter this spring
You will know at any time how much you can spend with confidence as you are aware of your bills and savings. Budgeting helps you plan and track where you are spending money forcing you to prioritise expenses and figure out what's most important to you. It will help you look for deals, take advantage of sales and learn to delay instant gratification to make a big purchase. Budgeting helps balance regular monthly expenses and lifelong dreams.
The best way to get ahead financially is to increase the difference between what you earn and what you spend and you can do this by spending less money or earning more money. Spending less can have an immediate impact on finances and is part of a philosophy of frugality where you decide what matters to you and what doesn’t. Earning more is an excellent long-term option but it can take time to figure out how to earn more money. The advantage is it does not have a cap as you can always earn more. When you live on less money, you increase your ability to save money and decrease the amount of money you have to save making it easier to reach your goal.
Living simply can improve happiness When you start cutting back, you find there is a great deal of happiness in the simpler life because when expenses are less, the need for income is less and the obligation to work is less which means you have more freedom to spend time as you please.
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PROFUSION MAGAZINE
AUG | SEPT 2016
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