SPOT TO PROVIDE TRACKING AND RACE SUPPORT TO OTTER AFRICAN TRAIL RUN 2018 SPOT southern Africa will be sponsoring the tracking of the Elite Runners at the 2018 Otter African Trail Run. The elite field, including Christiaan Greyling, Marc Lauenstein, Kane Reilly and Meghan Mackenzie, will carry a small, lightweight, SPOT Gen3® satellite tracking and safety device to allow followers to track the race through the rough and out-of-cellular-range route. All runners will have the opportunity to hire a device through OtterShop : http://otter.run/product-category/tracking/ prior to the race so loved ones at home may follow their progress as well as have emergency response at the tip of their fingers should the need arise. This year the Otter African Trail run marks the Grand Final for the 2018 Golden Series and takes place from 17 - 20 October 2018 starting in Nature’s Valley and finishing at Storm’s River Mouth. With 42 kilometres distance and 2600 meters of elevation gain, this race forces even the strongest of runners to walk and with a TrailFactor of 2.0, the Otter can take twice as long as the equivalent distance on road. Rugged, rough, off-the-grid and being beyond cellular range makes this the perfect environment to use SPOT’s satellite-based technology. As the race status was previously limited to checkpoints, SPOT devices will now enable followers to track the race at 5 minute intervals, increasing supporter experience and providing insight about the location of participants for emergency response should it be needed. Belen Sanchez, Event Director for The Otter African Trail Run commented, “SPOT is the benchmark when it comes to race management due to its satellite based tracking in remote areas. It is a cutting edge tool for organisers to monitor the exact progress of their participants as well as track the whereabouts of their resources in terms of logistics, media and safety personal and vehicles. SPOT exponentially increases the speed and effectiveness . . .
Becoming an actor/ actress in South Africa
Becoming an actor/ actress in South Africa South African actress and model, Micharn Pollock, who has featured in international movies and TV programmes, gives aspiring actors and actresses in SA some advice on how to make it one of the toughest industries: 1. Take acting classes – part time workshops are also great if you’re unable to study full time. 2. Sign up to IMDb and keep it updated. 3. Have professional head-shots taken by a reputable head-shots photographer. 4. Audition as often as possible so that you become comfortable with the process. 5. Remember that rejection is part of the process so don’t let it crush your spirit! 6. Build your resume – short films and student films are a great start if you have no experience yet. 7. Practice daily to keep your skills sharp. 8. Make sure you can do both a British and American accent as many international productions filmed in South Africa require this. 9. Once you’re ready, get an agent. 10. Make sure that you feed your agent with new information about projects you’re involved with and new accents/training that you’ve done. For more info on Micharn and what she is up to you can follow her on: Facebook - @MicharnPollockActor Instagram - @MicharnPollock CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. . . .
Arabella home sales top R100 Million in 2018
2018 has been a volatile year on many fronts, however the property market at Arabella Country Estate in Kleinmond, Western Cape, is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Since the beginning of 2018, home sales in the estate have reached over R100 million. “Demand for properties within the estate have soared this year, with more than 20 homes being sold in 2018 already,” says estate manager, Dirk Uys. The Overberg has become a dream destination for many families, as it offers a lifestyle and sense of security not available in many other areas in South Africa. The estate has become one of the first in the area to offer full fibre optic access throughout the Estate ensuring high-speed Internet connectivity to all home owners. “Many people moving onto the Estate are doing so to escape the growing stresses and congestion of city life,” says Uys. “We are located just 110km from Cape Town and with the increasing trend towards mobile/home offices and home-based businesses, Arabella has become an attractive alternative, The fibre optic access now gives residents high speed connectivity to be able to work efficiently from home.” Although known worldwide for their exceptional golf course, Arabella Country Estate, also supports a myriad of other outdoor lifestyle activities right on their doorsteps, including mountain biking, trail running, non-motorised water sports on the famous Bot River Lagoon, walking and bird watching. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. . . .
Mastering diversity strategies that work
Mastering diversity strategies that work By Devan Moonsamy – CEO The ICHAF Training Institute Despite the challenges that come with managing and getting the best out of and for diverse teams, ways to handle diversity successfully have been identified, tested and shown to work. Specific skills and knowledge are required, but they are usually not what one would expect. Too often, if employees are trained on diversity, the focus is on their peers’ culture, and even mundane things like what type of foods certain groups might prefer. This may have some value, but in a very limited sense. Even teaching staff to greet one another in their home language may help, but again, it will not remove or even begin to address those deep-seated prejudices preventing us from really making progress. Much more in-depth and focused interventions are required to get people to understand, acknowledge, and embrace the true value of diversity. After this initial process of improving interpersonal relationships begins, employees can then be guided in the creation of a conducive workplace environment for the advantages of diversity to be realised. One major advantage of maintaining a sound diversity structure in the workplace is that it ensures we draw all types of customers to our business. There are many other advantages, all of which can be taught along with the means to implement them. To begin teaching the necessary skills, we need to start on the individual level, introducing powerful tools for the employee to use in interrogating their own views and getting to the heart of their own prejudices, fears and worries. Once these have been acknowledged in the safe and carefully facilitated training space, work begins on implementing interpersonal diversity strategies that are effective in the South African environment. A diversity expert should tailor diversity strategies for the target group and seek to address the specific problems that are cropping up and preventing the . . .
Thabang Does it Again at 4 Peaks
THABANG DOES IT AGAIN AT 4 PEAKS Despite coming into the race with injuries and 8 weeks of on-again off-again training, Thabang Madiba has taken podium position at the 2018 Trappers Bloemfontein 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by Bloemfontein Courant and realised his goal of setting a new course record! He now holds the title for both the “forward” and “reverse” routes of the race. “4 Peaks is always the toughest race on the calendar. I went into the race not feeling the greatest after having injuries and not being able to train consistently – so this result is amazing,” exclaims Thabang. “I said earlier this month that one of my goals was to set a new course record for this route and I am really thrilled to have been able to do that today!” Thabang took first place in a time of 2hrs39min56sec, with Simon Tshabalala hot on his heels in 2nd place in 2hrs39min57sec and Sampie Makoekoe in 3rd place in 3hrs01min54sec. The ladies race was won by last year’s reverse champion, Trude Carstens, in a time of 4hrs09min01sec, with Tara-Lea van Zyl in second place in a time of 4hrs09min02sec and Caryn Phipson taking 3rd place in a time of 4hrs21min08sec. “What an honour to not only be back at this amazing, but super tough race, but to take the title again!” says Trude Carstens. “The race went really well, I suffered a little bit in the last 8km which is when Tara-Lea caught up with me, but I was able to dig deep and pip her at the line!” Great weather conditions ensured all athletes had a great run on the mountain. “We are delighted to have had such an exciting race between our top two men and ladies,” says race organiser Mike de Haast of Pure Adventures. “All in all it’s been a fantastic day out – we couldn’t have asked for more!” Dubbed as the toughest 24km trail race in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m, the race takes place on the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. The terrain is definitely not for the faint of heart and . . .
Nichola Sets Her Sights on the Olympics
South African born and raised dressage rider, Nichola Mohr, has set the wheels in motion to fulfil her dream of riding and competing her own horse overseas with the eventual goal of riding for South Africa at the Olympic Games. Earlier this year she loaded her best friend, Callaho Winston, onto a flight to the island of Mauritius for him to wait out his mandatory quarantine before flying off to Olympic dressage rider, Tanya Seymour’s yard in Germany where him and Nichola will be based. “It has always been a dream of mine to compete internationally and in the Olympics for my country,” says Nichola. “To be able to ride alongside my idol, Charlotte Dujardin, would be a dream come true!” Nichola, whose love of horses and riding career started before she could even walk, has been seriously competing since she was 8 years old, and in the last 18years since then has competed her horses up to Grand Prix level. “My greatest riding achievement to date definitely has to be competing my off-the-track thoroughbred up to Grand Prix level,” says Nichola. Nichola has been in the Western Province team since the age of 10 and during that time has also represented South Africa. She has also been invited to train and compete at international yards in Germany, Holland, New Zealand and in the UK. Winston comes from the highly esteemed Callaho Stud, and was bought by Nichola at their annual auction in 2013. “We don't often try the horses out before the Callaho Auction, but in 2013 we went to try the horses and Winston was the only one I was interested in. We bought his brother, Fabriccio, 2 years before and we loved working with him, which made me want Winston even more,” explains Nichola. “The day of the auction arrived and I'd never been so cold before. Just before Lot no: 9 – Winston - was meant to make his way into the arena, a huge gust of wind blew through the outdoor arena and spooked the horses warming up there. Winston's rider turned him to stop, he lost his footing and . . .
Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us
Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us South African author and diversity training guru, Devan Moonsamy, CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute has just launched his new book - Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us. “This book looks at overcoming the ISMs, (Instant Separation Magnets), in the South African context, and how to manage diversity so that everybody succeeds,” explains Devan. “The aspects of diversity are considered in detail with real examples and practical information on dealing with and preventing diversity-related problems.” Here is a look at two scenarios from the book: Imagine you are on the beach for a wedding. It’s so beautiful, and you feel like it’s a privilege just to be there. Suddenly, everyone goes quiet, and you turn to look behind you. The bride has arrived. In front of her walks a man playing the bagpipes. ‘The bagpipes?’ you think, ‘He must be at the wrong wedding!’ Both bride and groom are black. In fact, he’s at the right wedding. The groom is descended from a Scottish man who adopted the Zulu culture and became a chief. He fathered many children with his Zulu wives almost 150 years ago. His offspring still embrace and merge aspects of the Scottish and Zulu cultures. It is certainly a proud and vibrant heritage to have. This is but one example of how pluralistic South Africans are. Poverty is no cause to stay away from the market. Residents bring food and other supplies to be distributed to the needy. It’s no shame to come to the collection for help. Everyone understands that people fall on hard times. Over time, however, there have been noticeably fewer women, youths, people with disabilities and non-South Africans among those in need of charity. Better education, employment opportunities and fair wages mean a single mother can adequately care for her family on her own, and more youths have decent jobs. Xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, classism – these problems . . .
Muslim women’s rights rulings: Are we still in denial?
Muslim women’s rights rulings: Are we still in denial? By Devan Moonsamy – CEO The ICHAF Training Institute. About a week ago, the Western Cape High Court made a ruling which provides legal protection to Muslim women and their children in cases of divorce. The Weekend Argus reported, ‘The Western Cape High Court judgment ordering Muslim marriages to be legally recognised speaks directly to “a very patriarchal Muslim society”, which has always benefited men and left women with nothing after divorce.’ The Muslim Judicial Council welcomed the decision, which it seems should have been made long ago. It is not the only recent legal development which has sought to protect women’s rights in Muslim marriages. Why should there even be a need for this? South Africa is supposed to be among the nations with the best legislation worldwide. Isn’t this already in place? Surely when we got our full Constitution in 1996 it cleared all this away? No, it didn’t. It hasn’t solved all our problems. The High Court and the Constitutional Court still have a lot of work to do in protecting people by ensuring the correct interpretation and implementation of our laws. This is a strong case in point when it comes to women’s rights denialists who continue to stare blank-faced at the plight of women (and other victims of discrimination too). By this I mean that some people assume women have equal rights in law – they definitely do not in all cases – and this has fixed everything. But even where everyone has equal rights in law, in practice true justice is sorely lacking. Why do genuine victims of discrimination still get no recognition? Some women are still cast aside when their husband dies. Our laws and rulings like these are not an excuse to sit back on our laurels and turn away from the plight of others. Black people still suffer in this country because of their colour. Women still suffer because of their gender. Children, youths and the elderly still suffer because of their . . .
Combating Body Type Discrimination in the Workplace
Combating Body Type Discrimination in the Workplace - By Devan Moonsamy – CEO The ICHAF Training Institute. It happens at corporate parties, in social circles, and in the family – skinny, large, short, tall, or somehow different from the ‘ideal’ others have in mind leads to body shaming. It’s not just against others, however. Consider: what’s the thing you like least about yourself? Most likely it’s related to your appearance. We are unreasonably hard on ourselves and others in this way. Knowing the stresses weighing on people today, why do we still have such high expectations? Perhaps two main reasons are that we lack awareness, and that we are ‘trained’ by the media and society from a young age to criticise ourselves and others. Advertising and celebrity culture are much to blame. Idolised body forms are daunting, and they are highly exploited in the media. Society thus pressures us to ‘be’ this or ‘be’ that. We need to choose to defy these unrealistic notions and help others feel comfortable around us, no matter their physical characteristics. A world of diversity is much more interesting, valuable and productive than a world of carbon copies. Let’s look at this problem from the inside out through an example of what is really happening for people who are body shamed. Mandisa grew up in a home where there was little money, even for food. She begged on the streets for something to eat from a young age. Often, the only time there was happiness at home was when there was food on the table. Her parents could be abusive, but never when there was food. As a result, she developed a difficult relationship with food without realising it. Mandisa began to see food as a comfort, as a sign that all was well with the world, and that she could relax and not be afraid. Mandisa developed a sugar addiction, and although she knows people judge her for her weight, she can’t help turning to food because she sees it as a source of security, sometimes her only . . .
Entries open for the K-Way Skyrun 38km Mountain Race
For 22 years, K-Way SkyRun have been putting up a “hell of a run” for avid local and international endurance runners. In a bid to introduce even more people to this spectacular race, race organisers, Pure Adventures, have added a new 38km route to the entry mix. Known as the toughest race in Africa, they aren’t letting an “easy” route slip in, the shorter route will stay true to the SkyRun ethos by being an unmarked, self-navigated and self-supported route. “The route is tough, but we have given competitors a cut off of 13hours to complete the distance, which should be doable for most prepared athletes,” says race organiser Mike de Haast from Pure Adventures. What makes this route different, is that unlike the 100km and 65km routes it will start at the picturesque Wartrail Country Club, and will only begin once the winner of the 100km route has crossed over the finished line. “The SkyRun 38km is an event where athletes have the ability to enjoy and test the nature of a SkyRun event, slowly moving up to possibly completing the infamous 100km event” states De Haast. “It is a great stepping stone for those wanting to experience the thrills of mountain running.” “We are thrilled to add a 38km route to the fold, it will allow keen trail runners to test the waters before signing up for the treacherous 65km and iconic 100km route, what a great race to test the waters for the iconic SkyRun 100km,” says Caitlin Doney, Public Relations Coordinator for K-Way. She continues “We urge those that have always had SkyRun on their bucket list, to gear up and get out, taking the opportunity of being amongst the first runners to ever run the inaugural SkyRun 38km.” Entries are limited to only 100 participants. Make sure you get yours in to take part in the brand new SkyRun 38Km, tailored for athletes looking to enjoy not only the beauty of Wartrail country but also develop their training and endurance whilst being immersed in one of South Africa’s most beautiful playgrounds. . . .
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