XPRESS TIMES

Police dismiss “serial killer” rumours

By Xpress Reporter

KwaDukuza police have dismissed reports circulating on social media platforms about the possibility of a serial killer being on the loose in KwaDukuza. This follows widespread unverified reports that the bodies of four women had allegedly been discovered in Stanger Heights.

KwaDukuza SAPS communications officer Constable Siphesihle Myeni confirms that only one body was discovered, on

Wednesday the 9th of November 2022. Myeni added that the body was found facing down, in the river near the testing ground, and was wearing a pink shirt with black stripes and wore no pants.

“When the body was retrieved by Search and Rescue, they noticed an open cut wound on her right side face. The information circulating on the social media platforms are false (and are) misleading our community,” Myeni stated.

KwaDukuza, the “home of filth”

Ratepayers are getting “gatvol” with the pathetic state that has become of the once glorious town of KwaDukuza. Some local residents sent us these nauseating photos, depicting “filth” that has become the new defining character of the KwaDukuza

CBD.

“My beloved Stanger, every morning; the sights, sounds and smells that make me 'love' my town. I'll never exchange it for anything,” one resident said sarcastically.

While KwaDukuza

Municipality often comes under fire for its failure to keep up environment in the town, members of the community must also take some of the blame for littering. Love your surroundings. Refrain from littering.

16 Days of Activism Campaign to get underway

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). It focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.

Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December of every year.

The theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2022 is: “Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment to build Women's Resilience against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract!”

Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country, which is declared a national address, government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was announced by President Cyril in September 2019.

The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government's comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

During the 16 Days period, Government together with civil society and the private sector will host a series of community and

sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF.

For communities

• Be an activist against GBV in your homes, communities, work and positions: Challenge cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal level.

• Play your part: Reject and report abusersAct and don't look away!

• Do not protect abusers, report them!

• Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence. Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser- Stop abuse.

• Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities

• Be sensitive and supportive to GBV

victims - share helpful information and support causes near you.

• Seek personal help to change harmful behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse

• Teach children values of gender equality

• Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography, sexual solicitation

• Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.

• Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solution towards a gender equal society.

Together, let us take actions to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

Businessman thanks local police

Local businessman Mr Cassim Moola wishes to place on record his deepest felt gratitude to KwaDukuza SAPS detectives Mavundla and Ngcobo for their swift action in foiling an attempted hijacking of one of his company's vehicles. Mr Moola says hard work by the officers also led to the apprehension of a suspect, who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“The commitment shown by the two officers gives one confidence in our law enforcement agencies. Well done to the officers,” says Mr Moola.

Beach brawl ends in two stabbings

By Xpress Reporter

Beachgoers were left traumatized on Saturday after two teenagers were stabbed at Tinley Manor Beach. Emergency services company Medi Response has reported that the incident followed an altercation between two groups of youths.

Paramedics and KDM lifeguards responded swiftly to the disturbance, where they found that two persons had sustained stab wounds, during a brawl that ended with those involved stabbing each other with broken bottles.

The victims were treated on the scene by advanced life support paramedics.

Gizenga Mpanza Hospital celebrates Palliative Care Day

Palliative care for children aims to provide care for the whole child, which encompasses not only their physical needs but also their social, emotional, and spiritual needs and those of the child's family members. It is care that focuses on the quality of a child's life, especially when that life is going to be shortened by an incurable illness. It ensures that the child is as comfortable and pain free as possible through specialised pain and symptom management, providing a layer of comfort, even

when the child may be receiving treatment aimed at cure.

According to statistics there are at least 1 million children in SA who live with a life-limiting illness or condition that will or could drastically shorten their lives. The following are some of the lifethreatening illnesses affecting children in SA - all cancers, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, congenital anomalies, endocrine, blood & immune disorders, meningitis, kidney diseases, HIV/AIDS.

First celebrated in 2014, the second Friday in October, which this year fell on Friday the 14th, is a day chosen by the International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) to raise awareness of children's palliative care by wearing a hat and is known as Hats On for Children's Palliative Care Day with the hashtag #HatsOn4CPC. The day is associated with World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The hat was chosen because a hat symbolises the layer of comfort and protection palliative care provides as well as the many hats some children's palliative care providers need to wear to ensure holistic care. Businesses, charities, hospitals, schools and individuals can all take part in the day by wearing a hat,

taking a photo or selfie and posting to social media using the #HatsOn4CPC hashtag and should they wish, making a donation to PatchSA (www.patchsa.org) or to any children's palliative care charity.

On the day, the paediatric department hosted a march through the streets around the hospital to help create awareness and afterwards held an event in the hospital grounds with invited speakers Lawrence Mandikiana, Deputy Director of Palliative Care from the National Department of Health, Alex Daniels from ICPCN and Sue Boucher from PatchSA.

Hospital staff participated in this years' #HatsOn4CPC day with great enthusiasm and generous support, as they have done for the past four years. It was heartwarming to experience the

dedication and passion of everyone present eager to advocate for children to receive palliative care. This year, enthusiastic and caring staff members of General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital created awareness and raised a total of R31 500 by holding cake sales and raffles throughout the year. This money raised was generously donated to three Children's Palliative Care Organisations, being Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children based in Durban, Butterfly Palliative Home in Ingwavuma, northern KZN, and Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA).

Find out more about children's palliative care in South Africa and about #HatsOn4CPC Day at https://patchsa.org/hats-on-4childrens-palliative-care-day/

Grade R learners graduate

Learners sharpen oratory skills

GRADUATION: Amatikulu Primary School recently held a successful graduation ceremony for their Grade R learners. Pictured are the graduates together with their educator, Mrs P Muthusamy and members of management.

READATHON: Learners at Mbozamo Primary School participated in Spellathon and Readathon last week, in order to develop oratory skills. Pictured are the learners with their educator.

ABLUTIONS: Pictured is iLembe Education District Director Dr Musa Madondo together representatives from KZN Education and Unilever, and learners from the school

representatives from the KZN Department

with iLembe Education District Director Dr Musawenkosi Madondo. World Toilet Day

celebrated

on the 19th of November.

For one to have complete satisfaction from flowers, you must have time to spend with them. Grace Kelly

What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. Bob Dylan

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. Lily Tomlin

Inspiration comes from within yourself. One has to be positive. When you're positive, good things happen. Deep Roy

You make a choice: continue living your life feeling muddled in this abyss of self-misunderstanding, or you find your identity independent of it. You draw your own box. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Rand Currency exchange

One US Dollar = R17.34

One British Pound = R20.53

One Euro = R17.77

One Australian Dollar = R11.46

One Indian Rupee = R0.21

One Swiss Franc = R18.12

One Japanese Yen = R0.12

One Botswana Pula = R1.33

One Chinese Yuan = R2.42

As published on Tuesday, 22 November 2022.

TUT launches research project in Glendale

A group of staff and post graduate students from one of the country's top universities, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has descended on the rural area of Glendale to begin a research project that is set to change the lives of rural women for the better.

The Research and Outreach Programme ties up with TUT vision which states “People University That Makes Knowledge Work”. This aligns with impactful research and knowledge and society developmental goals in accordance with the national priorities of the National Development Plan 2030, to recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others.

Led by Professor Yvonne Paul (Assistant Dean Research: PG Studies and Biokineticists) and Dr Terry Ellapen (Lecturer and Biokineticists) of the TUT Faculty of Science's Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences, the programme has seen and will see students doing research studies in the area of Biomechanics and non-

communicable diseases, on female persons, studying the physical imbalances caused by the heavy load which results from regular carrying of babies on their backs and from carrying water containers on their heads. Prof Paul is huge in the sentiments of “ploughing back into the community”.

Prof Paul says the research group, which includes Masters and PhD candidates, will be working directly with 200

females from the community of Glendale and Mthandeni. Prof Paul works closely under the guidance of the local traditional leader, Chief Makhosini W Qwabe. The professor maintains the entire aim of the study is to uplift the rural community which is a paradigm shift for the Glendale community and further empowering the females and youth in general in creating awareness of education and at the same time assisting the community in the area of Health

and Wellness.

Paul further expounded on Biomechanics intervention in cases of adverse physical effect of regular carrying of heavy objects, either on one's back or head.“We're working specifically with females. This is all to do with rehabilitation, biomechanics, and postural correctness through exercise as a modality for rehabilitation. We provide scientific assessment and rehabilitation,” says Prof Paul.

The University has selected 100 females each for the study into the long term physical effects of carrying babies, and that of carrying heavy water containers.

The group has partnered for the usage of the Glendale and Valleyview Baptist Church, which has given it access to the local community.

Under close and scientific observation, the participating females convene in the Church daily, where they then perform their assigned task, which entails carrying either a baby or the water container, during which process close observation is made of any discernible bodily (or physical) alteration, which may include spinal abnormality, lower back

pain which results in muscle imbalance which may cause scoliosis, radiating pain in arms and legs, intervertebral disc prolapse, spondylosis, and flat feet etc.

Remedial intervention, according to Prof Paul, entails corrective exercise technics.

The targeted age groups for the study range between 18 and 40 baby carrying, and between 9 and 17 for carrying water containers.

The community at large is also expected to take part in the programme through inclusive, guided exercise sessions that will cater for all social groups, thereby cascading the benefits of the study and fostering the culture of healthy lifestyle and physical exercise, in particular for children and the youth, says Prof Paul.

She added that the university's long term objective is to establish a satellite tuition centre in iLembe District, focusing on agriculture and cognate studies, as an offshoot of the university's tuition centre currently operational in Durban.

The group will remain in the area until the 28th of November 2022 and the studies and outreach community engagement is an ongoing programme.

Snake Season is upon us

Spring is in full swing in Southern Africa temperatures are rising, birds are nesting, and we've even seen a few minor rain showers. Snakes too are on the move and we are starting to get bombarded with daily messages requesting snake removals or IDs of snakes by the public. The first few snakebites have been reported and some dogs have already been bitten, too.

Many environmental

conditions appear to control snake movement. We have documented rain and warm weather increasing snake activity. There may be other factors that increase their activity, such as moon phase, barometric pressure and prey and mate abundance. In Southern Africa, snakes do not really hibernate as our winters are very mild. They may be less active and human/snake interactions decrease but on a warm winter's day, the temperature may exceed 20 degrees and snakes may sneak out of their hiding spots to soak up some sun. Most snakes appear to go underground during the colder periods as temperatures are stable a meter underground. As soon as the days start increasing in temperature, the snakes will become more active.

During winter most snakes do not eat, as they require high temperatures to digest prey. As soon as temperatures increase,

snakes will be on the move in search of food. Many snakes end up around human dwellings as we often have a surplus of snake prey in our gardens in the form of rodents, lizards and geckos, frogs and birds.

Mating usually takes places in spring or early summer in most Southern African snakes. There are a few exceptions. Black Mambas are well known for mating in autumn and winter, as are Puff Adders and Pythons. Female snakes leave a trail of pheromones to attract male snakes. The male snakes follow the scent trail of the female. Often more than one male will follow the scent and we have come across females with multiple males hoping to mate with her. This may lead to male combat, where the male snakes wrestle for the rights to mate with the female.

Females can mate with multiple males and store sperm.

The result of this is that babies from a single clutch may have multiple fathers, increasing their chances of survival and having good genes. Eggs are usually laid in summer and take around 3 months to hatch. Most females do not guard the eggs, and the babies once they've hatched, are on their own to fend for themselves. So if you encounter a baby snake, there is little to no chance of finding the mother.

However, you may encounter more than one baby snake until they have successfully dispersed. Snakes are not frequently seen, due to their secretive habits. We often talk to farmers who have “plenty” of snakes around, but when asked when they last saw one, we find they often haven't seen a snake in a year or more. On a good day in the field, we may find more than a dozen snakes, but we must work hard to locate them. Obviously the more isolated you are and the greater the natural area around your house, the more snakes you may encounter. Built up areas may still have a few snakes that take advantage of the high abundance of water and food. Very few snake encounters end up in snakebite. Snakes are shy and avoid human conflict as much as possible.

Pictured are researchers from the Tshwane University of Technology

Cloudy Cloudy

Ramaphosa rues state of local government

By Xpress Reporter

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed serious concerns about the state of local government in South Africa. Ramaphosa was speaking during his visit to KwaZulu-Natal, last week.

The President says while great strides have been made in the country to better the lives of the people, since the advent of democracy, reports from National Treasury and the Auditor general point to a disastrous state of

maladministration, inefficiencies, poor governance and lack of financial controls in many municipalities. He says all these impact on the ability of municipalities to provide basic services that people need in order to lead a life of dignity and quality.

“That is why we should welcome the new Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act, which is an important tool for improving the manner in

which our municipalities function and for accountability.

“Among other things, the Act disallows municipal officials from holding political office, defines competency criteria for the appointment of municipal managers and strengthens the framework for performance evaluation.

“This should be viewed alongside the Framework for the Professionalization of the Public Sector, which was

adopted by Cabinet last month. This makes specific proposals to ensure meritbased recruitment and promotion and more effective consequence management for all public servants.

“This is going to have a big impact on how government, at all levels, works,” Ramaphosa indicated.

The President added that, as part of strengthening local government performance,

Vehicle rear ended by bus

A child sitting in the back of a light motor vehicle sustained injuries after the vehicle was reader ended by a bus. The incident happened on the N2 Highway near Stanger.

Emergency services firm Medi Response says the patient sustained minor injuries and was treated by advanced life support paramedics. The cause of the accident is being investigated by relevant authorities.

REAR-END: A child sustained injuries after a vehicle was rear ended by a bus

Running for breast and prostate cancer

One in every 28 women is affected by breast cancer in SA, and 1 in 16 South African men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their life time.

The staff at General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital's Occupational Health Clinic held a fun run on the 28th of October 2022, to create awareness and insight into these two types of cancer.

The fun run was an opportunity to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Services that were offered by CANSA were severely affected during the pandemic due to a shortage of fund raising events.

CANSA was established in

1931; it is a non-profit organization and its mission is to be a leader, which enables research in regards to lowering cancer risks, educating the public on early signs and symptoms of cancer, and providing care and support.

Donations to CANSA are spent in the following ways:

• CANSA care centers that offer screening and early detection programs

• Online and telephonic care support

• CANSA care homes and TLC (tough living with Cancer)

Lodges

• These care homes provide a home away from home accommodation with nutritious

meals for the cancer patients, giving emotional support and guidance to children, teens and their families,

• Provide Transport to and from cancer treatment centers

• Also provides lodging for parents and guardians whose children are undergoing cancer treatment.

TLC Lodges are found in Pretoria, Durban and Polokwane, “Covid -19 pandemic brought chaos to our lives, we will feel the effects of it for generations to come. However we should not forget that people living with and fighting to beat cancer still need out support and care,” stated Hospital's Occupational Health team.

government was striving to entrench the District Development Model (DDM), as an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to government planning and implementation.

“We have spoken before about some of the key elements of an ideal municipality, including a vibrant economy, places where tourists want to visit,

inter-connected communities and skills and training hubs.

“Such municipalities provide good access to health, education and recreational facilities.

In such an ideal municipality not only are residents able to lead lives of quality and dignity, they are magnets for investment,” the President pointed out.

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Vehicles engulfed in flames during pile up

Medical Rescue says a total of five vehicles were involved, resulting in one person being treated for injuries before being transported to

a medical facility. The exact cause of the accident has not be established at this stage, and an investigation is underway.

Ndwedwe Municipality gives voice to disabled people

A Disability.

The event took place in Ward 7, and saw organizations such as APD, Life Line, Department of Social Development (DSD), pro bono legal aid advisors, Iphimbo Lomvikeli as well as religious leaders coming together to ponder the plight of people living with disabilities.

Participants called for urgent intervention to improve the lives of those living with disabilities, and a clarion call was made to assist with skills development in the sector. A resolution was also taken to help members of this sector to establish nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and there was also a determination to establish a wheelchair basketball team for the area of Ndwedwe.

FLAMES: Two vehicles caught alight following a multi-vehicle pile up

INTERVENTION: Pictured are some of the people living with disabilities who participated in the session

Ndwedwe Municipality recently hosted people living with disabilities, in celebration of the International Day f Persons Living with

Vehicle rolls, five people injured

Carnage on North Coast roads continues relentlessly, with five more people sustaining injuries last week after a single vehicle rolled multiple times on Ballito Drive.

According to emergency services company Medi Response, reports from the scene

indicate that the vehicle lost control before rolling several times, leaving five patients with varying degrees of injuries. The patients were treated on the scene before being transported to a nearby medical facility. The cause of the accident is being investigated.

Motorist sustains multiple stab wounds

ATTACK: A motorist was attacked on the N2 near Ballito

A motorist was rushed to hospital after being found with multiple stab wounds, on Thursday morning. Medi Response reports that paramedics responded to reports of a man on the side of the N2 Highway near Ballito, who had stab wounds.

Five people sustained injuries after a single vehicle rolled several times

“On arrival of paramedics a man was found

seated in his vehicle with multiple stab wounds. Two of his tyres were slashed and it appears as if he had broken down and was attacked. Advanced life support paramedics worked to stabilise the man before he was transported to hospital for further care,” Medi Response stated.

Safety tips to prevent drowning

The public is advised to take heed and apply the following safety tips:

When swimming:

• Never swim alone.

• Don't duck and push others into or around water.

• Ensure that water depths are appropriate for swimming and diving.

• Never dive into muddy or unclear water.

• Do not swim during electrical storm.

• Do not enter the water unless you are a strong swimmer.

• Then swimming in dams, check the edge of the dam for soft mud. Move slowly to the water, if the ground gives wayRetreat.

• Weeds may occur in all environment and should be avoided whenever possible. If caught in a weed or kelp, swimmers should remain calm, keep all movement to a minimum and remove the weed or kelp before swimming out.

• Be careful of currents and undertows in fast flowing river.

• Extreme care should be taken when entering rivers due to changing conditions.

The following observation are important when you want to cross a river or if you want to swim in a river, lake or dam:

• Before entering the water, check the strength of the current.

Black Friday is set to be the biggest shopping event of the year, bringing with it plenty of cheap deals both online and on the high street. And with shoppers keen to get the best deals, this year is set to be better than ever.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday originated in the USA in the 1950s. It refers to the day after the US Thanksgiving holidays when retailers offer highly promoted sales to kick off the Christmas season. Observed by many countries, it's one of the best days to shop in-store, with many shops open from dawn until late. Shoppers can get

• When caught in a fast flowing river, travel feet first, this will absorb the head and body from serious injury.

When you fall into water, unable to stand and reach the side quickly, you should:

• Stay calm.

• Try not to swallow water

• Keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time.

• When swimming in rivers or lakes, the murky water can make it difficult to find people who go under.

• If you swim in a place with a strong current, such as where two rivers meet, it can be easy to be pulled under and swept away.

• It's important when you're out on the water to wear an appropriately fitting life jacket in case you get tossed unexpectedly into the water. This goes for children too.

• Make sure you check the weather conditions on a day you will be out, and always make sure you have a cell phone handy as well as someone with you who can perform CPR if needed.

• Talk to your children about the dangers of being in open water and tell them what to do in case of an emergency General safety tips:

• The most important rule of

water is that everyone should respect water and its environment.

• Always read and obey advisory notices, it is for your safety.

• Know where to get assistance.

• Alcohol and water safety does not mix; alcohol abuse impairs your senses and judgment. It is irresponsible to put others at risk while you are supposedly having fun.

• If you are not trained to lifesaving or rescue techniques, use any suitable object (e.g. an empty cooler box) to assist a person in difficulty and call for help.

• Young children should be constantly supervised when near water, even during bath time.

• The most dangerous time at the picnic, is upon arrival when parents are unpacking and children venture to discover their surroundings. Children have an irresistible attraction to water.

• Do not drive through Floodwaters in your vehicle, washed-out roadway can be hidden by muddy water, allowing a vehicle to drop into unexpected deep water.

Issued by South African Police Service

Government vows to find money for Eskom's diesel

Arising from serious concerns about the risk of higher levels loadshedding in the coming months, the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan had an urgent meeting on Sunday evening with Eskom Board members, led by the Chairperson, Mr Mpho Makwana.

Minister Gordhan was informed that the relevant Eskom Board Committee had recently engaged with power station managers and the generation management team to apprise the Board of the situation in the power stations.

The DPE is urgently working with National

Treasury and Eskom for it to find the money to buy supplies of diesel.

In addition, DPE will be engaging Eskom on the following urgent issues:

1. Looking for savings within the existing Eskom funds for the ongoing purchase of diesel and maintenance;

2. The assessment of the Board on the challenges Eskom faces in current fleet of power stations and the exceptional interventions that must be made to create more reliability in the performance of power stations;

3. Urgently seeking the assistance of all the

Smart shopping for Black Friday

amazing deals on electronics, toys and other items which are often available at heavily discounted prices.

Why is it called Black Friday?

It's a day of money-saving deals, so why do they call it Black Friday? Some think the name derives from the financial term 'in the black', to describe this profitable time for businesses. Others say it was coined in Philadelphia back in the 60s where it was used by police to describe the heavy

traffic that would occur after Thanksgiving. In more recent years, retailers have adopted the term to describe their preChristmas sales.

When is Black Friday 2022?

Black Friday 2022 falls on Friday 25 November. However, many shops start offering discounts early, and the deals last through to the following Monday which is Cyber Monday and falls on November 28.

Black Friday shopping tips:

These shopping tips will help you stay ahead of the hubbub and get ready well in time for Black Friday 2022.

1. Look for the best early deals

You can start shopping now for some of the best early deals. Many retailers release special offers in advance, in fact you'll find some great deals as early as now.

2. Use money-saving shopping apps

All of the major shopping apps are already uploading exciting deals and money-saving offers on their platforms. Use them to discover online and instore deals, search flyers and catalogues for shops in your area, compare prices, get free samples and much more.

3. Make a wish-list

Getting the best deals this Black Friday means doing your research beforehand. Instead of falling for the cheapest deals, make a list of what you really want whether that's a new TV, a laptop computer or something else. Make a note of any particular brands or features you're looking for, that

way you can go straight to the discounts that most interest you.

4. Plan for the crowds

With so much shopping done online over the last few years, Black Friday 2022 could be one of the biggest ever. And with so many deals, door busters and special opening hours, even the savviest of shoppers might get overwhelmed.

5. Get cashback on what you spend Yes, you read that right! You can get cashback on what you spend this Black Friday. By using some of the best free cashback apps on your smartphone you can get a percentage of what you spend paid back.

6. Opt-in to share your location

Many mobile shopping apps need to know your location in order to function properly. Optin to share your location and you can get access to exclusive discounts and cashback offers via your smartphone.

7. Follow your favourite brands

Follow your favourite brands on social media and sign up for email newsletters to be the first to get exclusive deals as soon as they're released.

8. Set a budget

Setting a budget sounds easy enough but deals can be hard to resist! Decide on how much you want to spend beforehand, and do your best to stick to it on the day. Before you spend, ask yourself if you really need it, and if you can afford it. In any case, keep the receipt in case you change your mind.

9. Look on websites

You don't need to shop door-

enforcement bodies to immediately bring a halt to the local level disruptions and criminal activities which impact on power stations; and

4. Eskom undertakes to continuously ensure that its officials are made more cognizant of the importance of a reliable electricity system to the economic and social wellbeing of all South Africans.

“All possible efforts are being made to ensure that all of the measures in the national electricity plan are implemented,” stated DPE.

to-door to find the best Black Friday deals. There are lots of websites that do all the hard work for you.

10. Shop online

With the rising cost of living, this year's cheap shopping event is set to be busy, but you can avoid the crowds altogether by shopping online. All of the major brands are likely to offer the same deals online as they are in store, with extra perks like free delivery and curb side pickup.

11. Look out for pricematching

Lots of retailers offer pricematch policies which are a very handy tool when hunting for seasonal deals.

12. Use a credit card

Using a credit card can be a safer and easier way to pay for bigger purchases. Aside from helping spread the cost, they're safer to carry than cash and offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards. Many credit cards offer significant rewards for using them. Plus you'll find plenty of interest-free promotions which are great as long as you pay off the balance on time.

13. What is the best time to shop on Black Friday?

The best time to shop on Black Friday is early in the morning. The best deals and door busters start from as early as 5am, while some stores open their doors even earlier. The most popular deals tend to fly off the shelves pretty quickly, so you'll want to get in early if you don't want to miss out. The crowds start picking up around 8am-9am and peak between 2pm-4pm which is the time to avoid shopping if you want to steer clear of the crowds.

MONEY: Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan

Qatar announces first World Cup drugs seizure

Qatar announced Monday the first seizure of drugs during the football World Cup, including the painkiller tramadol which has been widely used in football.

Customs authorities at Hamad International Airport "foiled the smuggling" of 1,990 tramadol pills and 464.5 grammes (16.4 ounces) of hashish, according to a statement on Twitter, a day after the tournament began.

The illicit substances were found when customs officials "suspected" a passenger and inspected the luggage, the customs service said in its statement.

The passenger, whose nationality was not given, will appear in court, an official said.

Qatar has predicted that more than one million fans will come to the Gulf state for the month-long tournament that ends 18 December.

The Gulf emirate has strict laws on drug possession which include

long prison terms, large fines and deportation.

The World Anti-Doping Agency is due to add tramadol, an addictive synthetic opiate, to its banned list from 2024.

It is already prohibited in cycling.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland said in media interviews this year that he considered killing himself because of his overuse of tramadol.

Mon 21 Nov 22

United States 1 Wales 1 Senegal 0 Netherlands 2 England 6 Iran 2

Sun 20 Nov 22 Qatar 0 Ecuador 2

FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar

FIFA World Cup results