JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 3 June 2016 - A South African software company has sought to compile the entire history of software in a single website for public interest and education. SovTech, a Johannesburg based software development company is responsible for thehistoryofsoftware.com. This initiative is in collaboration with Deloitte Exponentials South Africa and PaperPlane. Together, they have just released a website which aims at creating a single source of information for all internet users to be able to access information on the development of software. The history of software has previously been fragmented and opinionated, with conflicting information being prevalent. thehistoryofsoftware.com was aimed at disseminating fact from opinion, without losing vital information that shaped software as we know it today. Gerald Neves, co-founder and CEO at SovTech, saw the need for such a site after attempting to do his own research on the topic. Neves says: “Internet users are notorious for the consumption of information. Having a platform that would interest visitors and serve as a record of the rapid development of software was the aim of the site”. The timeline takes a historical approach and begins from the development of the Difference Engine by Charles Babbage in 1822 to the current day and predictions into the future of software development. While information was the core of the site, SovTech understood that if it wasn’t conveyed attractively it would likely lose the potential audience that would find the information useful. Jamie Chennells, CTO at SovTech, understands the need for an attractive interface: “With the design of thehistoryofsoftware.com we really needed to find a way to draw readers in and retain them throughout the timeline, without them getting bored”. The developers at SovTech achieved this by implementing a dynamic and animated timeline that could be activated and navigated by voice commands. This added a layer of interaction that the . . .
Blueberry Beacon Sets to Raise $17,500 US Dollar through Crowdfunding Platform www.Indiegogo.Com
To provide for the new emerging iBeacon and Bluetooth technology project in South Africa which aims to improve shopping experiences for both brands and consumers. DURBAN, South Africa, May 30, 2016 — Blueberry Beacon, one of the world’s fastest growing Durban-based joint venture announced today that it is launching a fundraising campaign using the crowdfunding platform www.indiegogo.com. The company is targeting to raise up to $17,500 US Dollar fund to provide for the new emerging iBeacon and Bluetooth technology project. iBeacon will enhance brands by helping them to figure out where customers are within proximity and also, it will be creating an environment for shopping malls to send their clients hyper-local and important messages or advertisements that can be effective in driving sales. “Whenever a person with an iBeacon compatible device arrives at a shopping mall, the application on his device will signal him as soon as it catches the signal of the iBeacons installed inside the mall by sending relevant data to its server, explained Mr Shaik Abdurahaman, the founder/ CEO of Blueberry Beacon. These could be simple messages such as special discounts, limited offers or reminders, thereby enhancing their customers shopping experiences.” The iBeacon is an innovative low-cost technology that draws location-based services in iOS to help apps determine their position on a micro-local scale, and then send hyper-contextual content to users based on the location. A typical beacon message or data will consist of a UUID (universally unique identifier), a major and a minor value only. iBeacons rely upon Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal, for the iOS devices to detect them. To sum it up, the iBeacon technology involves two parts - broadcaster or sender (beacon device) and a receiver (smartphone and app). Since iBeacons rely on a popular technology like Bluetooth, which is readily available on almost every device without requiring a large amount of . . .
2016 COMRADES MARATHON TO BE BUILT ON GOLD MOMENTS
Coca-Cola, official race partner to the Comrades Marathon, is calling on all South Africans to show their support of the world’s greatest ultra-marathon by sharing their Comrades #GoldMoment. Race enthusiasts who share their Comrades #GoldMoment on social media, either in the run up to the race or on race day, stand the chance to win one of twenty Coca-Cola hampers. The Comrades Marathon isn’t just about the top ten race finishers who receive a gold medal. It’s about the excitement and anticipation experienced by a first time Comrades runner standing on the starting line, the feeling of satisfaction when reaching your goal time, the rush of relief as you spot your loved ones on route or the comradery when helping a fellow runner over the finish line. These are the gold moments that celebrate the human spirit on which the Comrades Marathon is built. Fetsi Mbele, Senior Communications Manager: Brand Experience, Coca-Cola South Africa commented, “This year, Coca-Cola will be paralleling the feeling of drinking a Coke with the feeling of winning gold through the celebration of iconic gold moments both at this year’s Comrades Marathon and throughout the history of the race. The Comrades Marathon is built on gold moments. We want to bring everyone involved in the race, from runners to spectators, together around their shared gold moments.” Attendees at the Bonitas Comrades Marathon Expo on the 26th - 28th May at the Durban Exhibition Centre will be given the opportunity to take a walk through some of the most iconic gold moments in the history of the race before sharing their own Comrades #GoldMoment while sipping on a cold Coca-Cola. Visitors to the Coca-Cola stand who share their Comrades #GoldMoment will also receive a unique Coca-Cola Comrades Marathon #GoldMoment t-shirt to wear proudly on race day while cheering on their loved ones. On race day, Coca-Cola will be hosting a Gold Zone on Old Main Road in Hillcrest and will reward select lucky . . .
Samsung Galaxy Cup – a Fun Way to Enrich Many Lives
The third edition of Samsung’s football tournament will bring partners together while raising money for charity Samsung Electronics South Africa is excited to announce its participation in the first edition of the Samsung Galaxy Cup South Africa, a national five-a-side football tournament for retail mobile sales people from the organisation’s various channel partners. This is a global tournament featuring some 28 countries with over 5000 salespeople participating. The South African leg of the Galaxy Cup (2016) consists of teams entered by partners such as Vodacom, Cell C, MTN and Smollan. The regional tournaments included teams from Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg. The winners of these teams contested in the national finals that were held on the 7th of May at St. Stithians College, Johannesburg. The overall winning team, MTN Johannesburg, will have the opportunity to represent South Africa in an international leg of the tournament hosted in Dubai at the end of May. Kevin Mabele, captain of the MTN Johannesburg team, voiced the team’s appreciation of participating in the Samsung Galaxy Cup. “Our hearts are warmed by the honour and opportunity that Samsung has bestowed upon us. In this incredible journey we have discovered the true meaning of teamwork and our ability to achieve our goals. As Captain I wish to express our gratitude to Samsung for making our dreams come true and for making it possible for Team MTN to excel beyond our borders.” “The Samsung Galaxy Cup is a concept that has proven successful over the past two years as a means of using sport to bring partners together, showcase Samsung’s edutainment ideas and uplift our communities through donations to nominated charities,” says Craige Fleischer, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa. Elaborating on the idea of edutainment, Fleischer points out that on arrival, each retail channel team received a Samsung Galaxy S7 and a Gear S2. Team members were given . . .
HIV/AIDS Funding Crisis – Keep the Promise
Keep the Promise March by AHF & Civil Society organizations against Funding cuts Photo: AIDS Healthcare Foundation 2016 marks the return of the International AIDS Conference to Africa, 16 years and millions of deaths after Nkosi Johnson addressed world leaders, and international activists on the realities of AIDS in Africa. Nkosi Johnson lost his battle against HIV later that same year as South Africa struggled to survive Mbeki’s AIDS denialism and Manto’s beetroot and garlic pseudo-science. Today HIV need not a death sentence for South Africans, with over 3 million people accessing lifesaving antiretroviral medication at government clinics. In the course of his tenure, Health Minister Motsoaledi has spearheaded the largest public health revolution in recent times and South Africa has gone from global pariah to world leaders on HIV. South African is one of a handful of countries with a government committed to public health and a national budget that allows us to continue expanding access to treatment while shouldering the financial burden ourselves. South Africa contributes over 80% of the cost of treatment, making us a leader on the continent in HIV/AIDS response. While South Africa has made great progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the same cannot be said for its neighbours; Lesotho and Swaziland. With HIV prevalence rates of 23% and 29% respectively, our land-locked neighbours are still grappling with the epidemic. Worse still, ongoing global funding cuts threaten to jeopardize the progress made to date and could fuel the rise of new infections and AIDS-related deaths. As far back as 2010 the Global Fund has failed to meets its funding targetsand this funding scale-back is a major cause for concern when viewed in the context of countries like Lesotho and Swaziland. As the Global Fund enters a new replenishment cycle, key Eurpoean contributors are reducing their contributions to the Fund, and redirecting resources to assist with the influx . . .
Fall alert!
High incidence of falls in the home environment gives rise to concern: When it comes to falls, few people are aware of the many risk factors that exist in the home environment and the dangers that this can pose, particularly to the elderly. So says Rene Grobler, trauma programme manager at Netcare Milpark Hospital’s level-one trauma centre. The high incidence of falls is underscored by statistics provided by Netcare Milpark Hospital, which indicate that 25% of blunt injuries treated at the hospital during 2015 were as a result of falls. This figure increased to 38% in January 2016 and to 31% in February 2016. Commenting on the statistics, Grobler noted that the increase in the number of falls may well be attributed to the fact that our population is aging and that an increasing number of elderly folk appear to be living longer. However, many falls within the home environment can be avoided as they generally occur as a result of hazards such as slippery or wet surfaces, poor lighting, inadequate footwear and cluttered pathways. “In elderly persons, one in every five falls can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries. As people become less active, they become weaker, which increases their chances of falling,” she adds. “These injuries can have a dire impact on the quality of life of those involved, as they often make it difficult to get around and to undertake everyday activities. This, in turn, makes it hard for older people to live on their own.” “Falls resulting in head injuries can be very serious, especially if the person is taking blood thinning medication. If an older person falls and hits their head, they should therefore seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that they have not sustained a brain injury,” cautions Grobler. She adds that people who have had a fall often develop a fear of falling again, even if they were not injured. This fear may well result in them cutting down on their everyday . . .
ATKV holiday shenanigans takeover Groot Ontbyt
The Koekemoers, a brand new miniseries from the ATKV which will be broadcasting on Wednesday mornings at 07:00 (staring on the 18th of May 2016) on the popular Die Groot Ontbyt on Kyknet, will have households ready to burst into laughter within three minutes before they hit the road to work. Family holiday shenanigans will be depicted with this tongue-in-cheek show which many viewers will be able to identify with. "We would like to offer the Afrikaans viewer and our holiday goers content that will draw attention to typical family holiday events that most of us may have experienced. Some of the scenes are slightly dramatized, but the "tongue-in-cheek tone" will ensure a bit of healthy early morning humour. Think of the then short stories in the mornings just before everyone left for work like Het Jou Katvis! "Said Reinard du Plessis, General Marketing and Communications Manager at ATKV Business. Although the show is produced to entertain viewers, this production was a far cry from being a joke. The miniseries was carefully planned to ensure that a strong storyline developed with each episode. Each episode is only three minutes long and broadcast spans across 12 weeks - which is an indication of the sharp and explosive humour of the show. The main role and father, Johan Koekemoer is played by the well-known Afrikaans singer Joe F. The rest of the family includes the mother and anchor of the family, Marguerite Koekemoer (played by Lizé van der Walt), Megan "Viper" Koekemoer - the difficult teenage daughter (played by Danielle Du Plessis) and Johan Junior Koekemoer (played by TJ Day) - the apathetic boy who cannot stop playing with his electronic gadgets. But the series is not built merely to provide viewers with a weekly shot healthy humour. There are also valuable holiday suggestions and tips each week on the ATKV resort's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ATKVOORDE) that link onto that week's episode. Viewers should also be on the lookout for attractive . . .
Warning! Tekkie Tax Day fever is in the air!
It is that time of the year again, the excitement is building and you can feel something is coming to South Africa other than just the winter. The nation is getting ready for the event of the year! It is the annual Tekkie Tax Day and yes, it is just around the corner. Tekkie Tax Day will be celebrating their 4th year on the South African fundraising calendar and it is going to be better than ever! On Friday 27 May 2016, you can show where your heart lies and support your preferred charity organisation in South Africa. There are 11 national beneficiaries this year and together they support more than 1 000 smaller organisations. This fun and funky campaign is the perfect vehicle to make a difference in South Africa. Not only do you get the satisfaction and opportunity to change people and animal’s lives for the better, but you also get something in return for your hard earned cash. There is a saying that goes, “little by little, a little becomes a lot” and at only R10 a sticker or R35 for a pair of Tekkie Tag shoelaces, this saying is perfect. Annelise de Jager, patron of Tekkie Tax Day says “Let’s stand together as one nation and show with our feet that we want to make a difference in our beautiful country” Your time is running out and with 10 000’s of South Africans already supporting Tekkie Tax Day this year, you only have 2 weeks left to the 27th May, so get yourself ready and spread the Tekkie Tax fever! Buy your Tekkie Tag shoelaces at participating Clicks stores nationwide or your sticker at you nearest ToysRUs or BabiesRUs. Tekkie Tax Day - the only day where you do not have to wear your heart on your sleeve but wear your “heart” on your feet. For more information about Tekkie Tax Day, visit our website www.tekkietax.co.za or contact us on 012-663 8181 for a list of participating organisations. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. . . .
South African guidelines issued for implementation of container weight verifications
The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has issued Marine Notice No 18 of 2016, providing guidelines for the implementation of container weight verifications This is part of the South African Implementation of the Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter VI, which requires shippers to verify the gross mass of containers prior to their being loaded on a ship. According to Goscelin Gordon, associate in Bowman Gilfillan Africa Group’s Shipping & Logistics Practice, “There are two methods for verifying gross container mass. Method 1 is weighing a packed and sealed container; while Method 2 is weighing the contents of a container and adding it to the weight of the container itself using a certified method. SAMSA has accredited certain companies to act on its behalf to approve shippers using Method 2. “Shippers should be aware that each container must be weighed separately. Importers should take note that, while containers may be shipped from foreign ports without being first weighed in the foreign port, any containers which are shipped through South African ports must comply with the SOLAS container weighing requirements. If a packed container is delivered to port without the shipper providing the verified gross mass of the container, the container should not be loaded onto a ship until the verified mass is provided,” she explains. Gordon notes that SAMSA will enforce the SOLAS requirements via inspections, continuous audits and reporting non-conforming containers and or cargo information by third parties. “If it is identified that a shipper has misdeclared the gross mass of a packed container, SAMSA may require an Admission of Contravention to be made and a fine paid, failing which the shipper may be prosecuted. In the event that a shipper was approved to use Method 2 and misdeclares a container weight, its approval may also be suspended or revoked and it will thereafter be obliged to use Method 1,” she notes. “Finally,” adds Gordon, “it . . .
Keep the Promise 2016 gives you the chance to watch your favourite artists from the VIP Gold Circle
After 15 years, the International Aids Conference returns to South Africa this winter. In celebration and to help accelerate the fight against HIV/AIDS, the non-profit AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) brings South Africans the Keep the Promise 2016 (#KTP2016) free Concert and March on 16 July in Durban. Though the event is free, 50 lucky winners will get the chance to watch their favourite national and international artists perform from the VIP Gold Circle that is directly in front of the stage! Keep the Promise, also known as KTP, is not only an empowering advocacy platform for those fighting with and against HIV/AIDS, it is an uplifting event that focuses on the need to increase AIDS funding and urges governments, global funding bodies and individuals to commit to ending the epidemic. This year, KTP will take place at Durban’s Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, and features international celebrities and South African stars such as Mi Casa and Big Nuz, along with a host of dignitaries and inspiring speakers. To stand a chance to win VIP Gold Circle tickets for you and a partner, all you have to do is: Go to and “LIKE” the Keep the Promise Facebook page Find the #KTP2016 Gold Circle Contest promotion Post the correct answer (full English Celebrity name) of the international celebrity artist’s distorted image and #KTP2016 Share the contest and #KTP2016 on your Social Media platforms The first 50 people to correctly guess who the international celebrity is in the image and correctly spell their full artist name will get the chance to watch the show in the VIP Gold Circle area. Clues will be shared every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until 6 May at 12H00. The winners* will be announced on the #KTP2016 Facebook page on Monday, 9 May at 19H00. If more than 50 correct answers are received, only the first 50 people with the correct answers and their partners will be notified via Facebook. The Keep the Promise 2016 (#KTP2016) free Concert and March . . .
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