On Saturday 29 June, ultra-marathon trail runner, Ryan Sandes, will be returning to the start line of the world’s oldest trail race – the Western States 100 Miler. “I am super excited to be heading back to Western States again this year to race,” says Sandes. “Having run this race a few times, I feel my preparations have gone really well. With my win in 2017, the pressure is off to prove anything so I am looking forward to getting out onto the start line and enjoying the unique experience that is Western States.” This year’s start line see’s some of the world’s best trail runners lining up, including 2018 defending champion Jim Walmsley who set a new course record of 14hrs30min04sec, Matt Daniels, Ian Sharman and David Laney to mention a few. The 369 strong competitor list also includes 72 year old race founder, Gordy Ainsleigh, who has completed the race a whopping 23 times. Starting in Squaw Valley, California near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and ending 100.2 miles (160km) away in Auburn, California, Western States, in the decades since its inception in 1974, has come to represent one of the ultimate endurance tests in the world. Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 5500m and descend nearly 7000m before reaching the finish line in Auburn. Over the 160km, runners experience the majestic high country beauty of Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, the crucible of the canyons of the California gold country, a memorable crossing of the ice-cold waters of the main stem of the Middle Fork of the American River, and, during the latter stages, the historic reddish-brown-coloured trails that led gold-seeking prospectors and homesteading pilgrims alike to the welcoming arms of Auburn. The race will start at 5am local time on Saturday 29 June 2019 – 2pm local South African time. To find out more about the race please visit https://www.wser.org/ To follow Ryan live on race day please follow his social media pages: Facebook …
Arabella Country Estate Moves Even Closer To Nature
Arabella Country Estate, consistently voted as one of the top residential estates in South Africa, has recently undertaken a full rebrand in order to bring their current look and feel more in line with their natural surroundings and eco-system. “With the popularity of residential estates in South Africa, we felt it was very important to align our estate’s look and feel with all that we stand for and offer our home-owners,” explains estate manager, Dirk Uys. Situated on the shores of the Bot River Lagoon and within the world renowned Kogelberg Biosphere, the estate contracted in the services of a relationship marketing specialist to help highlight the natural beauty of all the estate has to offer. The new look logo was developed in tandem with the positioning strapline, creating a 'cohesive whole', which emphasises and embodies "Home to fynbos & fine living" - almost like a mini ecosystem. The more contemporary logo opens the brand to a slightly younger market, radiating a warm, welcoming invitation to the target audience, inviting them to become part of something truly special. From the logo to the hand-drawn styled strapline and watercolour elements used in the brand collateral, there is an appreciation for the beauty of the environment that radiates through the elements. The photos and textures are like art pieces, causing the reader to take a moment to appreciate it – the same as one would in nature. The new copy used in the adverts is warm and inviting. Using words like 'pristine', it speaks about the unique offerings of the estate – residential, spa, hotel, and golf – in the same gentle, sensitive, and inviting sense that one would talk about nature. To see the new look for yourself please visit: Website – www.arabellacountryestate.co.za Facebook – @ArabellaCountryEstate Twitter – @ArabellaEstate Instagram - @arabellacountryestate CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Running On Empty
How far would you push yourself for a cause you believe in? Australia 30 April 2019: Mina Guli doesn’t like running. “On a scale of one to ten, where would you rate running?” the 48-year-old CEO was asked recently in an interview with US network CNN. “One,” she answered emphatically. Despite that, she just attempted a physical feat so extreme most people would consider it impossible – running 100 marathons in 100 days across the world. Why? Because in today’s crowded media landscape, it was a sure fire way to draw attention to what is probably the greatest threats facing our planet – the global water crisis. Last night, The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), aired an in-depth interview with Mina on Australian Story, about her #RunningDry campaign, why she did it, her experiences, the inspiring #RunningDry community that was born from the campaign and why she will definitely be back for more. In 2019, the World Economic Forum ranked the water crisis as the fourth greatest global risk to our world in terms of impact. By 2030, it is estimated demand for water will outstrip supply by 40 per cent. Mina Guli, named as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine in 2016, became galvanised after she discovered the concept of “invisible water” – the water that goes into the production of the things we use, buy and consume daily. “To produce the beans for a single cup of coffee takes about 140 litres of water,” she says. “And about 200 litres of water is used in the production of a disposable cup. That invisible water represents 90% of our personal water consumption every day.” With the water crisis in mind Mina created the NGO, Thirst, to raise awareness of water scarcity and began ultra-marathon campaigns to highlight water crisis hotspots around the world. In 2018 more than halfway through her #RunningDry campaign attempting to run 100 marathons in 100 days, Mina’s body literally broke. Facing permanent injury, she thought all …
The True Cost Of Stress
How stress has an impact on the economy and how to deal with it. Durban, South Africa: In South Africa, depression caused by stress and anxiety is measured to cost more than R232 billion or 5.7% of the country’s GDP in lost productivity – either due to absence from work or attending work while unwell. So with an economic hit like that in mind, what exactly is the true definition of stress and anxiety; and what can us realistically do about it? Kerry Rudman from Brain Harmonics, a leading Neuro-Feedback Therapy practice which focuses on helping their clients deal with stress and anxiety explains, “Stress is the body's reaction to a threat or dangerous situation - be it real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your brain and body that allows you to act in a specific manner to prevent injury. This stress reaction is the typical "fight-or-flight,” response. During the stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises. Your body and mind are ready to act. It is how you protect yourself.” “Stress means different things to different people. Stressors in one individual will be of little concern to another. Some people are better able to handle stress than others. And, not all stress is bad. In small doses, stress can help you accomplish tasks and prevent you from getting hurt. Stress is what gets you to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting the car in front of you - That's a good thing!” says Kerry. No part of the body is immune from stress, Because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary, affecting all aspects of our lives including our emotions, behaviours, thinking ability, and physical health. Symptoms of stress can be anything from emotional (feeling overwhelmed or bad about yourself), Physical (insomnia, tension in your body) to mental (worrying, racing thoughts) or even behavioural (changes in eating habits or mood swings). A little stress …
A Little Horse Called Pancakes and the Big Scare
A Little Horse Called Pancakes and the Big Scare Candice Noakes-Dobson returns with her 4th instalment in the A Little Horse Called Pancakes Book collection – A Little Horse Called Pancakes and the Big Scare. This story is adapted from real-life characters and events within the Cape Town horse-riding community. Set against the backdrop of an all-important dressage competition, the story sees the legendary miniature horse taken ill by a life-threatening sickness. Disaster is averted by the love and care of AnnaB, once again illustrating the amazing bond between human and pet, before Pancakes finds a unique way to repay her love. “We are so excited to also feature South African dressage superstar, Nichola Mohr, in this story too. She has been such an inspiration to AnnaB, and is living proof that with hard work anything is possible,” says Candice. Nichola is currently in Germany with her horse, Callaho Winston, as they prepare to hopefully be the first South African born horse and rider team to compete at the Olympic Games. As with the other books in the series, this story hopes to inspire not only a love of reading in children, but also a love for all living animals and how powerful these friendships can be. All proceeds from the book are donated to SARDA (South African Riding for the Disabled Association). For more information about Pancakes and the adventures that he and AnnaB get up to on a daily basis please follow them on social media: Facebook – @pancakesbookcollection Instagram – @alittlehorsecalledpancakes CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Homeless and Destitute: Cape Winelands Tenants Turned Out onto the Street
By Devan Moonsamy, CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute The Cape Winelands is facing a severe eviction crisis. A few days ago the Supreme Court of Appeal threw out an application from a property developer to allow the removal of two families. This is only a temporary victory as the property developer still has other options. Not all tenants in these circumstances have been even so fortunate. The May family of 13 people were evicted last week from a wine farm where they had been living for almost 40 years. Their possessions were dumped on the side of the road and they were forced out by armed security guards. About 20 000 people in what many people think are the tranquil surrounds of the Cape Winelands are also facing such prospects. It truly is a crisis. There are a number of issues and misunderstandings about the tenant-landlord/lady relationship which have contributed to this problem and which require attention: 1. Tenants often have to pay for background checks to reassure the landholder of their good standing. They also must provide references. But a landlord/lady is not required to do the same. This means that tenants have no such safeguard against a landholder who will not treat them fairly. 2. There is no reporting and background checking system for landlords/ladies. There is not even an informal system, website, or online forum where tenants can report a problem landlord/lady. Potential tenants should have a way to check reviews by past tenants. If we do this for restaurants and other business, how much more important is it for people who must blindly enter into an agreement with a landlord/lady? It is advisable for communities, locally and nationally, to set up a forum with a rating system. This is not just to identify problem landholders, but to help prospective tenants find one they can trust. 3. Few people understand what the (poorly termed) ‘squatter’s rights’ are. There is much confusion about how these rights actually work and when …
Cross-cultural Competence in South Africa
By Devan Moonsamy CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute Cross-cultural competence involves the knowledge, skills, and motivation to adapt to diverse interactions. It is a major way in which we can contribute to intercultural cooperation. Some aspects of our behaviour are critical in terms of the values of a culture. However, certain key abilities and attitudes enable us to adapt to any culture effectively. Cross-cultural competency is among the most important skills for the future workforce, according to the Institute for the Future, a global research body based in California. Tim Rettig, author on interpersonal struggle and success, explains, ‘Research has long shown that diversity of thought increases creativity and, with it, the innovation potential of both teams and corporations.’ In future and now, organisations are compelled to work more with people and partners from faraway places. This does not mean emailing and Skyping with them. No, they are right there in the office with us on a daily basis. Sometimes we are the cultural outsider, and we need to adapt while trying not to be too sensitive to what would be inappropriate back home. We need to be able to explain our views as well, allowing others to understand our needs better. Benign terms? Conflict will happen in cross-cultural encounters. In itself, it may not be such a major problem, provided it leads to mutual understanding. As an example of how cross-cultural competency doesn’t happen, consider the following: An overseas client visits the workplace. They know little about SA. In chatting with a company employee, they hear that their accent is distinct, and ask, ‘Are you a Boer?’ The employee is indeed Afrikaans, but they find the term Boer offensive. Some Afrikaans people do not mind the term, but others feel that it has been used in a derogatory way. The employee becomes angry and says, ‘You can’t speak to me like that!’ The visitor is taken aback and feels insulted and confused. In …
Nomalizo Tutu: Our South African Rose
By Devan Moonsamy CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute How much do you know about Nomalizo Leah Tutu (86), the wife of Desmond Tutu (87)? The dynamic couple have been married for almost 65 years. Mrs Tutu has always been a stronghold for the Archbishop. She is highly accomplished and has devoted her life to workers’ rights and education, among other causes. Nomalizo’s half century of activism has seen tremendous success and brought relief to the lives of others. It has also empowered and inspired others to keep pushing the workers’ movement forward. How so? Fighting for domestic workers’ rights In 1981, Nomalizo Tutu co-founded the SA Domestic Workers Association. The organisation grew into the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (Sadsawu). Sadsawu is part of the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) which operates in 20 countries. The seeds sown by Nomalizo and her comrades almost 40 years ago have flourished and now form part of an organised global labour movement. What is more, an exciting development in domestic workers’ rights is taking place in South Africa now. The Second IDWF Congress was held in Cape Town in November last year. Keynote speaker Shawna Bader-Blau stated, ‘South African domestic workers are about to win equal standards for health and safety and wages. When we stand together, South African domestic workers will win.’ Bader-Blau is referring to an amendment to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida). The legislation excludes domestic workers from its definition of an employee. This encourages the harmful view that domestic work is not ‘real’ work. Thus, in the case of an occupational injury, illness or death, domestic workers cannot claim from the compensation fund. Sadsawu correctly highlights that this exclusion of domestic workers is ‘irrational and unconstitutional’. We currently await the amendment to the Act, which will be a landmark victory for workers’ …
4 Peaks Early Bird entries open 15 March 2019
At 8am on Friday 15 March, early bird entries for the iconic Trappers Bloemfontein 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by Bloemfontein Courant, will be open for a limited 24hrs at vastly reduced rates. “Due to demand we have decided to open entries early for this year’s race and to allow entrants to customise their race to suit their budget,” says race organiser and director, Adrian Saffy from Pure Adventures. Apart from the traditional 24km route – which is known as the toughest 24km mountain race in the country – race organisers have also added a 10km panoramic route, which will follow the base of the mountain range as a great option for those not yet ready to tackle the mountains. “What makes this route so unique is the abundant game life that runners will be able to see,” says Saffy. “As with the 24km route, the 10km will also have limited entries to allow runners to experience the true magic of the event and preserve the pristine nature of the mountains.” A 20km and 40km mountain bike race have been added to the Sunday events – ensuring something for the whole family to do, as well as being great for those who enjoy multi-sport events over a weekend. The events will take participants through the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September 2019. To get your early bird entries makes sure you go online at 8am on Friday 15 March 2019 to take advantage of the reduced rates http://4peaks.co.za/. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Why is it so important to stay positive?
By Aida Persian, Clairvoyant Positive thinking - it should be one of the easiest things we do, yet like with losing weight and living a wholesome, healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t seem to matter how much advice we are given, maintaining it feels almost impossible at times. Switch on any TV news channel or open any newspaper and we become easily bombarded with the negative – road accidents, criminal acts, war, terrorism, hunger, poverty, incurable diseases and the list goes on and on! Despite all that has been said and written in the past about this topic, I honestly believe that the power of positive thinking is still one of the most fundamental truths remaining misunderstood by many people throughout history. To answer this question in a simple, logical way I have used some examples to help grasp this primary truth. I hope these are able to help you to create a more joyful, productive, energetic, meaningful and even more purposeful life. Everything that has ever been created in the history of mankind was first a thought! Every piece of architecture, every design, every invention, every poem or book that has ever been written was inspired or started by a thought process more often than not rooted in a not so positive experience, but rather a catastrophic event, natural disaster, loss of a loved one or loved ones, divorce, bankruptcy and so on. The depths of despair often inspire a choice that gives birth to an idea, a thought that allows us to turn that painful event into a more positive creation, a glorious artistic foot print! Behind most breakthrough discoveries or invention there is some sort of life challenge, traumatic experience, pain or suffering and also a need, the need to elevate pain, to make a difference, to have a better life, and that’s not only for the discoverers, creators or the inventors themselves, but also for the rest of the world around them. We all know about Thomas Edison’s learning difficulty at school which lead his mother to …