Wine-lovers in the Border region will have a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the best vintages in South Africa when the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show gets under way on Thursday. Arranged by wineshow.co.za, TOPS at SPAR are the title sponsors and the East London event is one of seven shows countrywide. The festival, at Hemingways Casino, is being held in East London for the first time and will run from Thursday to Saturday. SPAR Eastern Cape senior retail operations manager Howard Lipman said they were excited to be taking the show to East London as it would provide wine enthusiasts with a chance to experience one of the most popular events on South Africa's social calendar. "We feel this has been long overdue in East London and we are delighted to take this opportunity to introduce the Border public to the show," he said. "There is certainly some interest in the region and there have been good online ticket sales. "Also, the feedback we have received from the TOPS stores' point of view has been very encouraging." The shows, which incorporate wine-tasting and educational presentations, have been a must for wine-lovers. "For example, at the show in Port Elizabeth, held at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in July, around 5 000 people attended the occasion," said Lipman. "It was a resounding success and we are looking forward to providing the East London public with a similar experience. "It's very much about having a festive, party-like atmosphere and it's a chance for wine-lovers to gain exposure to a wide range of products." Billed as East London's Winederland, a total of 26 exhibitors will have their products on display at the show, each of them offering a different experience for the public. A number of vintages from the Cape Winelands, one of the country's top-producing regions, will be available for the locals to sample. Several presentations will be held during the course of the show giving the local market the opportunity …
Connecting People to Therapists and Mental Health Services
Cape Town, October, 2019 - In a bid to improve access to mental health services throughout South Africa (and beyond), TherapyRoute.com has announced opening its online - free to list - mental health service directory to all qualified mental professionals and service providers including non-profits, community clinics, and private practices. TherapyRoute believes that opening their platform, to both private and non-profit services, is an example of how private and community organisations can collaborate to achieve mutual aims more efficiently. For example, equipping the public to locate and access mental health services and professionals like psychologists, registered counsellors, and social workers. Just this year (2019), TherapyRoute served hundreds of thousands of page views (USA, UK, ZA, and AU) and linked thousands of visitors to mental health professionals and services providers. Registering on the platform improves access to services by placing links to these services in front of the people seeking them. It also allows registered organisations and professionals to access tools that they can use to grow their profiles into informative websites and publish high-quality mental-health-related content. Mindful that barriers to access can extend beyond availability and affordability; TherapyRoute includes socially relevant filters (e.g. Black, LGBT+, Armenian speaking, etc.) that help visitors find the best fit mental health professionals for them. The platform also caters for people who are unsure of what to search for by automatically displaying nearby services. According to Enzo Sinisi (founder) "one challenge to improving access is that providers focus on delivery and sometimes lack the resources to ensure that their services, and often even their contact details, are accurately presented online". TherapyRoute recently led a project that saw 1000 hours donated to collecting, verifying, and adding well over 100 low-fee and no-fee South African …
Golden business opportunities despite the economic climate in SA
Despite our current challenging economic situation, the present moment is full of opportunity for buying a business and thriving. If you've been thinking of owning your own business you probably have already looked around for a business for sale, but are unsure about where to invest your hard-earned cash, consider that some of the smaller or medium-sized businesses are affordable, easier to manage and good value for money in an ever-shifting economy. Increased domestic demand in the second quarter allowed the South African economy to bounce back a bit. Further good news is that international ratings agency Moody’s hinted at a “low likelihood” that they will downgrade South Africa’s credit rating to junk status in their November review. In addition, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced it will keep the repurchase rate unchanged at 6.50%, after having cut rates by 25 basis points previously, adding more stability. In his latest economic talk, President Ramaphosa announced priority reforms to improve the ease of doing business and reducing the cost of compliance. These new laws will reduce the abuse of dominance and high concentration that keeps small and emerging companies out of the economy. Given that entrepreneurs and small businesses are currently being tasked with the responsibility of reviving the economy and creating millions of new jobs, the government is focusing on improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive in South Africa. Small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) not only provide an attractive opportunity for the country’s economic growth but they also contribute 60-80% of the projected GDP increase, and generate a large percentage of the new jobs in our country. Statistics provided by Stats SA show that a significant contribution SMMEs have been made by SMMEs across all industries – Business services, Trade, Community and …
Plenty of fun as East Londoners celebrate arrival of spring
Almost 2 500 participants welcomed the arrival of spring in appropriate fashion when the SPAR Daily Dispatch Fun Run was held in East London on Sunday. In perfect windless conditions a total of 1 861 walkers and 597 runners took part in the 4km and 8km distances, which began and finished at the Orient Beach pool on the city's Esplanade. The date had been moved forward from its original slot late in November and Daily Dispatch marketing manager Jennilee Peremore-Oliver said this had contributed to the success of the event. "It definitely was a good move and we couldn't have asked for better weather on a beautiful spring day - sunny and no wind," she said. "The overall package is very popular with the East London community and I believe it will continue to grow. We've only received positive feedback from participants. "We had lots of entertainment this year, including the Lilyfontein Drummies, the Phoenix Dancers, the Cyfa Dance Group and the Jo Jackson Dancers, who entertained walkers and runners at the start, on the route and at the finish." She added that the success of the occasion could be measured by the many people who stayed after the event to picnic and enjoy the entertainment. "We had vendors and an aQuelle beverage for each participant at the finish, which created an overall enjoyable experience for the participant. "I think everyone would agree it was a great experience and I believe we'll see increased interest in the event in the future. A key element of the race, in particular the 4km distance, was to encourage wheelchair-users to join in the fun. Peremore-Oliver said this had again been well supported. "We had a number of groups who made arrangements for those with disabilities to participate in today's event. These include Life Rehabilitation at Life St Dominic's Hospital, Marissa Nel Associates and Current Consulting participating as We Can Run, REHAB Eastern Cape and PNA." She said the service providers had added a …
East London community primed for a run full of fun
The East London community is primed for another entertaining day of exercise when the SPAR Daily Dispatch Fun Run takes place in the city on Sunday, September 8. As in previous years, the event, starting and finishing at the Orient Beach pools, will comprise distances of 8km and 4km, with the shorter distance being a perfect opportunity for those in wheelchairs to join in the fun. SPAR Eastern Cape is involved for the third year in a row and sponsorship and events manager Alan Stapleton said it was "a very special occasion for us". "In a way, this Daily Dispatch Fun Run is linked to the Wheelchair Wednesday campaign run by the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities which we have held in Nelson Mandela Bay during August," he said. "We are obviously not in a position to have a wheelchair campaign in each region, but the fun run, in the form of the 4km event, is very much aimed at those people in wheelchairs. "The 4km course is wheelchair-friendly and it's great to see them enjoying the sort of race that many of us take for granted. "And following the event we donate a number of wheelchairs to needy recipients in the greater East London area." Stapleton added that it was the perfect opportunity to link up with the East London community. "The people are fantastic and they come out in their droves to enjoy what is a really fun day." Daily Dispatch marketing manager Jennilee Peremore-Oliver said they had moved the event forward by a few months to tie in with the advent of spring. "This is a colourful, fun, family event and we think spring speaks to that element of our race," she said. "Everyone is usually happy about the start of the new season because we're welcoming warmer weather where you can do fun, outdoor activities with friends and family. "We think the SPAR Daily Dispatch Fun Run ticks all those boxes and is just a great way to welcome the season." She added that the traditional date in late November often …
Forestry South Africa celebrates women in forestry with its profile series
JOHANNESBURG, AUGUST 8, 2019 – This month, Forestry South Africa (FSA) is celebrating women in forestry. Over the next few weeks, FSA will be publishing the stories of 24 women in a series of profiles on www.forestryexplained.co.za. With more than 320 years experience among them in a variety of roles, these women show that no job is off limits as long as you have the passion and dedication required. “Some have dedicated their lives to the sector, others are just at the start of their career, but all have one thing in common – the wish to dispel the myth that forestry is a man’s world,” says Michael Peter, executive director of FSA. "Their success is testament to how our sector has embraced and benefited from the skills and qualities women bring to the industry." In turn, the forestry sector gives women the opportunity to contribute to a challenging and ever-evolving industry that produces essential everyday items – from furniture to face wash, pencils to paper and a myriad of novel products all made from the wood of locally farmed trees. It is an industry where there is always room to grow, where you are part of a globally recognised community and have the opportunity to work outdoors with leaders in multiple fields. Khosi Mavimbela, executive director of the Forest Sector Charter Council, says, “It is little wonder why women in forestry are proud of what they do and all they have achieved. These women want to plant a seed of inspiration in the mind of others, who many not have thought about a career in forestry, but could greatly benefit from one.” By sharing their story of triumph and growth within the industry, FSA hopes other women will follow in their footsteps and the myth that forestry is a male-only workforce will be busted once and for all. “Women like myself operate machines and there is scope to learn and improve. I started out as a general worker, so forestry definitely provides opportunities for growth.” Ephine Mogakane, SAFCOL – Senior …
126 million litres of milk consumed “loose” in South Africa every year
126 million litres of milk consumed “loose” in South Africa every year This twentieth World Milk Day on June 1, a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) day, once again encouraged milk and dairy consumption as part of a daily diet. Milk and dairy are important sources of nutrition for many of Africa’s inhabitants yet, in South Africa where more than 1,7 billion litres are produced annually, more than 126 million litres of milk are consumed untreated and unpacked, also known as loose milk, according to BMi Research. “Loose milk cannot be guaranteed safe,” says Stefan Fägerang, MD of Tetra Pak Southern Africa. Milk contains nutritional elements, such as calcium and vitamin D, that help bone and teeth development and strength. It contains a lot of water and is excellent for rehydration, which is why athletes favour it as a post-workout drink. Yet, loose milk, which is poured directly from the milkman’s container into a jar or plastic bag, likely contains harmful bacteria and additives. Just being exposed to light and oxygen either kills some of the nutritional content of milk or fosters growth of pathogens, which are germs that are harmful to humans. “Many people believe that boiling milk sterilises it,” says Fägerang. “But that’s not true. The temperature isn’t high enough to destroy the micro-organisms and bacteria and boiling it for too long destroys the nutrients. That’s why it’s important to use a scientifically-proven process that raises the temperature high enough to kill the pathogens but for a short enough time that the natural product’s nutrients survive intact through the packaging process.” Ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk is heated to between 135 and 140 degrees Celsius for just four seconds before it is immediately cooled. The process takes place in a sealed and commercially-sterile environment. “Our carton packs have six layers to keep the product safe during transportation, when it’s on shelves, and once it’s in …
Jordy Smith A Top Contender for the Corona JBay Open 2019
Jordy Smith A Top Contender for the Corona JBay Open 2019 JBay – the Corona JBay Open, South Africa’s only World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) event is fast approaching, and the best competitive surfers in the world are starting to make their respective moves for the 2019 world title race. The Corona JBay Open is a pivotal event, coming in mid-way through the year-long tour, and a win in JBay could very easily set a competitor up for a world title going into the back half of the year. Currently rated sixth on the Jeep Leaderboard – the rankings board for the Men’s Championship Tour – Durban-born Jordy Smith is looking like a very strong contender for a big result in JBay. Jordy has been in serious focus for 18 months now, working on fitness, diet and technique, in a serious bid for a world title, and his form is evident that he has what it takes to secure a win in JBay. He also has an excellent record at JBay. In his first event as a CT rookie in 2006 Jordy was unstoppable and it looked likely to be a rookie victory, a rare feat in the world of professional surfing. Surfing against Taj Burrow in the semi-final, Jordy needed good score to oust Taj, and he picked up a bomb towards the end of the heat. Nerves got to him however, and he fell on his last turn, losing to the Australian by 0.5 of a point, and placing third in the final results. In 2010 he pushed it further and took the win, defeating Australian Adam Melling in the final with some huge aerial turns in small surf. He repeated this in 2011, this time beating four times event champion and three times world champion Mick Fanning from Australia in the process. Last year Jordy looked like he was lining up for another victory, with some amazing performances throughout the day, but Wade Carmichael from Australia eliminated him in the semi-finals. Jordy has often stated that JBay is his favourite wave, and the town is his favourite stops on the tour, and he always enjoys vocal …
Theo Erlangsen Wins 2019 SA Downhill Mountain Biking National Championships.
Theo Erlangsen Wins 2019 SA Downhill Mountain Biking National Championships. Afriski, Lesotho – Theo Erlangsen is the two times SA Downhill Mountain Biking Champion, after taking this year's win on the weekend. The National Championships took place during Round Two of the SA National Cup Series, and a very happy Erlangsen banked his second SA Downhill Champion title in a row. The event took place at Afriski, Lesotho, and it was chilly at times, with a fresh wind blowing down the mountainside. Afriski is located at high altitude, and this added to the fresh conditions. Great for racing however, as Erlangsen can attest to with his win. He was first to cross the finish line with a time of 02:14.22, beating more established guys like Johan Potgieter (02:16.81) and Stefan Garlicki (02:17.21), who took second and third place respectively. "It was a challenge competing at Afriski, as it is 3222 meters above sea level," said a stoked Erlangsen on his win. "Even a walk up a flight of stairs is super tiring with such little oxygen, so you have to be really efficient with your energy, and not waste any of it." It was a fairly difficult track to traverse as well. "The track freezes overnight, so in the morning it's still pretty wet even though it hasn't rained," said Erlangsen. "We had been waiting for it to dry for our practice days, and going at about eleven in the morning, but on the competition day we raced quite early in the morning, so it was still a bit damp. It was hard to tell how grippy it was going to be, so we just had to feel our way down." Erlangsen was a very thankful two-time winner. "The first year is obviously really hard to get a win as the proverbial underdog," said Erlangsen on last year's victory. "It seems however that getting a second win is possibly harder, as you now have a target on your back, and everyone is watching you. I was a bit nervous, but that all turned out well." The Europen racing season is about to open, and Erlangsen …
Surfing: Monster Combo Online Video Contest Kicking Off
The Monster Combo is really getting going, with 25 entries for the month of April alone as it goes into the fourth month of competition. April has been a good month for waves and clips, and the clips have been dropping non-stop! There's an entry from Matt McGillivray, a couple from Dale Staples, Shane Sykes, Eli Beukes, Josh Redman, Davey Van Zyl, and there's even an entry from Warwick Wright! Can Josh do it? is Dale the man? Check out the latest entries here: April Entries ekse. Hail Mary’s Are so Last Year One Turn Wonders are so last year: Combos are in. We don’t just want to see how you landed a full roat, we wanna see how you got there. We want to see multiple big manoeuvres on one wave! We want to see big turns, big airs and big barrels all on one wave. Give to us! And deliver it upsized. Waves and Surfers From All Corners of South Africa South Africa has an abundance of waves. Yet we often see imagery from surf zone hubs. We’d like to see content from underground surfers who exist off the beaten track. Maybe we’ll even see an entry from someone on an asymmetrical board at The Ledge or maybe even a longboarder at Pipe in PE. Who knows! Anything is possible. The Prizes are Dank: R20 000 cash. Channel Islands Surfboard for every month. A free surf trip. R10 000 for the winning videographer. Christmas come early baby, and the forecast looks surfy AF! CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. More Info on Surfing: Monster Combo Online Video Contest Kicking Off here: …