By: John Botha: COO of Global Business Solutions There has been significant confusion as to when the provisions of the Labour Laws Amendment Act (LLAA) and the UI Amendment Act - in respect of parental, adoption and commissioning parental leave – will take effect. As a result of UIF system stability and testing requirements stemming from previous amendments, the three new benefits could not be immediately implemented. However, it has been communicated that the system project plan is aiming to be ready to deploy the benefits in three stages, subject to system acceptance testing and regulations being Gazetted: • Parental benefits, 31 July 2019 • Adoption benefits, 11 October 2019 • Commissioning parental benefits, 20 December 2019. The amendments provide that an employee who is a parent of a child is entitled to at least ten consecutive days of parental leave which may commence on the day that the employee’s child is born, the date that the adoption order is granted or that a child is placed in the care of a prospective adoptive parent by a competent court, pending the finalisation of an adoption order whichever date occurs first. An employee, who is an adoptive parent of a child who is below the age of two, is entitled to adoption leave of at least ten consecutive weeks or parental leave which may commence on the date that the adoption order is granted or that a child is placed in the care of a prospective adoptive parent by a competent court, pending the finalisation of an adoption order in respect of that child whichever date occurs first. An employee who is a commissioning parent in a surrogate motherhood agreement is entitled to commissioning parental leave of at least ten consecutive weeks. An employee may commence commissioning parental leave on the date a child is born as a result of a surrogate motherhood agreement. Importantly, s27(2)(a) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act - which caters for 3 days family responsibility leave …
Entrepreneur Competition : ENGEN Pitch Polish – Call for Entries – Bloemfontein 27 July 2019
ENGEN PITCH & POLISH IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Pitch to win R80 000 in cash for your biz! Running your own business? Want to run your own business? ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch yourself on to the path of success. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme that – so far – has helped over 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors. As all entrepreneurs know, a perfectly polished pitch is one of the keys to growing and succeeding in business. The ten-year edition of the programme is being hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank and Raizcorp. You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be selected as a contestant. During one exhilarating, fun, exciting and free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host. After the training session, contestants pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both Justin and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved. The regional winners of each leg will have the opportunity to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion at the final glittering round of the competition held in Johannesburg later this year. There are many funders and investors invited to the final and, over the years, finalists (not necessarily the winners) have received millions of rands in investments and hundreds of thousands of rands in grants. Book your place now for the Bloemfontein workshop on 27 July. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form, and maybe you will find that …
Burt’s Bees® Lip Shimmers
Look as vibrant as you feel with the rich, luminescent colour and pearlised shine of Burt’s Bees® Lip Shimmers in eleven shimmering shades! Featuring Shea Butter and antioxidant-rich Fruit Oils, each 100% Natural Lip Shimmer promises to moisturise, nourish, and soften lips naturally. Packed with nourishing Vitamin E, Beeswax, Sunflower Oils and a cool burst of Peppermint Oil, the full range of Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers includes 11 shades. Benefits and Key Ingredients: Shea Butter helps hydrate and optimise colour Fruit Seed Oil Blend rich in antioxidants for healthy-looking skin Peppermint Oil to deliver the signature refreshing, cooling tingle of the Beeswax Lip Balm 100% Natural Burt’s Bees® has been offering distinctive earth-friendly, natural health and beauty care products for 30 years. From a beekeeper’s backyard in Maine to the leading edge of natural, Burt’s Bees knows natural body care solutions from head-to-toe and operates with The Greater Good™ top of mind. No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS and no animal testing. Burt’s Bees® Lip Shimmers priced from R99. Join the buzz on Instagram and Facebook : @BurtsBeesZA. Burt’s Bees Instagram Burt’s Bees Facebook CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Steinway Lyngdorf Model O Speakers in high-gloss Colours at Homemation
Steinway Lyngdorf delivers high performance digital sound systems that combine design artistry and the finest craftsmanship with perfected technology. Steinway Lyngdorf is the result of a visionary ambition and uncompromising commitment – a shared dream which brings together Steinway & Sons, makers of the world's finest pianos for over 160 years, and Peter Lyngdorf, one of the most forward-thinking audio innovators of our time. Steinway Lyngdorf, available only through the Homemation distribution network, offers bespoke exquisite wood finishes and contemporary, custom, high-gloss colours to complement each customer's home décor. Using time-honoured techniques, trained craftsmen ensure that the finish of each component attains the highest standard of quality. In addition to the elegant look, this full-range loudspeaker is designed to provide the legendary Steinway Lyngdorf performance in a small package without the need for a separate woofer. The Steinway Lyngdorf Model O functions impeccably as a surround speaker or a simple stereo setup, and its small footprint makes it a perfect alternative to wall mounted speakers. The tweeter used in the Model O is the uniquely engineered Air Motion Transformer used in all Steinway Lyngdorf speakers. With a moving surface four times bigger than a normal dome tweeter, the resulting resolution and stress-free movements ensure the correct and detailed reproduction of all overtones of the instruments playing. The midrange driver is a specially designed 6” aluminium driver with a very large magnet. This driver is extremely efficient yet compact in size making it the ideal solution for maximizing performance while minimizing cabinet size. This powerful midrange driver is paired with an 8” slave unit to provide full-range reproduction and impactful bass. With global distribution and installation in some of the most elegant and luxurious settings in the world, Steinway Lyngdorf has grown its brand and its reputation …
Jolene Castelyn moves to head up marketing at Ricoh SA
Ricoh SA has appointed Jolene Castelyn Head of Marketing. Castelyn was previously manager of the IT Distribution Channel at Ricoh SA, leading the team and creating the division’s marketing strategy, and has been promoted several times within the business. “The team is energised,” she says, “to develop Ricoh’s profile as one of the leading global technology businesses. We will focus on developing the message that Ricoh creates unique value beyond customer expectations and provides them with convenient solutions and services that instil confidence.” Castelyn will lead Ricoh SA’s marketing and public relations campaigns across broadcast, print, and digital media and channels. Castelyn adds that her current strategy emphasises operations across the smart, digital workplace and looks to accelerate growth in the commercial and industrial print (CIP) domain. She will also encourage greater visibility of Ricoh SA’s transformation process and its robust learnership and internship capacity that has led to more than 180 graduates. She brings more than 12 years of B2B sales and marketing experience to her role in a business that operated in the country since 1936. She has demonstrated operational and strategic understanding of the business, her abilities to deliver returns (ROI), and the capabilities to develop new channels and markets. The Ricoh Way incorporates the company founder’s guiding principles, “The Spirit of Three Loves”, which are, “Love your neighbour, love your country, love your work.” CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Healthy Happy Microwave Meals for Winter
Some call it winter and others call it the season of comfort food. There are a few combinations that work well together and of course the guilt that goes with it. However, this winter you can effortlessly satisfy your craving for tasty dishes but choose a healthier twist. And because you’d rather spend time under a blanket on the couch or under a duvet you can harness the power of the microwave to whip up healthy, delicious meals in no time. “The microwave is an incredible example of human-centred technology and it makes everyone’s life a little tranquil. The Samsung Hotblast™ for example, has revolutionary functions, which are tailor-made to help you do what you can’t, “says Tracy Gordon, Head of Product Marketing – Home Appliances at Samsung South Africa. Here are few examples of wholesome, healthy food made to be enjoyed in no time: Microwave Butternut Squash Risotto | Serves 4 This easy risotto is a good source of vitamin C, counts as one of your 5-a-day and it's ready in under 30 minutes. Ingredients 250g risotto rice 700ml hot vegetable stock 1 medium butternut squash Big handful grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative) Extra handful sage leaves, roughly chopped Method Tip the rice into a large bowl, then add 500ml of the hot vegetable stock. Cover with cling film and microwave on High for 5 mins. Meanwhile, peel and cut the squash into medium chunks. Stir the rice, then add the squash and the rest of the stock. Re-cover with cling film, then microwave for another 15 mins, stirring halfway, until almost all the stock is absorbed and the rice and squash are tender. Leave the risotto to sit for 2 mins, then stir in the parmesan and sage. Serve topped with more grated cheese. Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken | Serves 4 This easy sweet and sour chicken will be a hit with everyone and whipped up in half an hour. Ingredients 9 tbsp tomato ketchup 3 tbsp malt vinegar 4 tbsp dark muscovado sugar 2 garlic cloves, crushed 4 skinless and …
Posh Paws Celebrity Extravaganza in association with Marltons
Posh Paws Celebrity Extravaganza in association with Marltons Presents a fabulous Fashion show by the incredibly talented Villotti Fashion Academy students and Top South African Fashion Designer Spero Villotti. Live entertainment Celebrities and their dogs showcasing incredible fashion items. To book your seat please visit: www.unltdgrp.com and click on Events Calender or email bookings@unltdgrp.com Tickets: R850 per person (including: dinner and a lovely gift bag) R7 000 per table (Including: opportunity to entertain 10 guests, raffle tickets for each seat, logo mentioned in the program and gift bags) For more information please contact Edith Venter Promotions - info@unltdgrp.com CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Opening Round Action at the Corona Open JBay
Opening Round Action at the Corona Open JBay JBay – The opening day of the Corona Open JBay was an all-day action-fest of high performance surfing, as the world's best surfers took to the perfect waves of Supertubes in what is the sixth event on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). With a clean three to four-foot swell running and a fresh offshore wind blowing, the conditions were prime for a day of dazzling surfing. Highlights included Jordy Smith’s power performance in the fourth heat against Brazilian Caio Ibelli and French surfer Jorgann Couzinet, coming out full steam from the get-go and banking a heat total of 13.77 for the win. In heat six, wildcard Mikey February started off looking powerful and strong, but defending event champion Filipe Toledo woke up and kicked in with some incredible rides, including some massive carving turns in the pocket for a huge final heat score of 17.60 and victory over February, with Ace Buchan (Aus) taking third and heading for the elimination round. Julian Wilson put on a smooth and clean performance in his heat; with some fast-track speed runs on the open faces and some massive power hacks for a comprehensive win over Brazilian Deivid Silva and Jadsen Andre. Wilson is looking for a big result here in JBay to get back into the program. Currently 9th on the Jeep Leaderboard, Wilson is looking for a big score here to get him back into the world title conversation for 2019. All eyes were on Kelly Slater in heat 10, as he came up against Jeremy Flores and Sebastian Zietz in the still good conditions. It was a slow heat, with no real sets coming through for the first half of the heat. Kelly climbed into a moderate lead, but his opponents were chasing hard throughout. The Hawaiian Zietz was pushing hard throughout, along with the Reunion-born French surfer Flores. Kelly was surfing smooth and on-form and he was totally dominant out there, performing long and smooth carves on the open faces for the …
Calling for Book Submissions at Imagnary House
Imagnary House (https://imagnaryhouse.com) is a boutique publishing house for children’s books and young-adult literature in South Africa. Imagnary House is focused on building a larger market for local African children's and young-adult authors and illustrators, by both igniting the local readership and engaging with international readers, rights’ and literary agents. A Call for Submissions: As of 1 July 2019, Imagnary House has opened their submissions and are looking to build up their publication list for the next 2 years. Submissions close on 30 September 2019 at midnight. What are they looking for? Their priority this year is to find young-adult fantasy, science-fiction, and alternative history novels. They are also looking for children's chapter books and picture books that are sophisticated, fun and imaginative. However, they are not looking for educational, didactic, or moral-focused stories, definitely leaning towards manuscripts that are diverse and can travel across different cultures and countries. Imagnary House will consider submissions in the following genres: • Young-adult science-fiction, fantasy, or alternative-reality novels • Children’s picture books (junior-grade) • Children’s chapter books (middle-grade) • Teen science-fiction, fantasy, or alternative-reality novels Writers and illustrators can submit their work on Imagnary House’s submissions page: https://imagnaryhouse.com/pages/submissions. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Grasshoppers Celebrates National Fashion Day With New Winter Range
Grasshoppers footwear is celebrating National Fashion Day with a 2019 winter range. A range that will give your wardrobe overhaul a well-deserved kick-start and keep you a firm foot ahead this winter. Get up, dress up and rock the most comfortable shoe, Grasshoppers this winter. They're easy to wear, and downright essential when the temperatures dip. Grasshoppers are now also available via their new online store; boltonfootwearonline.co.za and in selected retailers across South Africa. For more information visit www.grasshoppers.co.za and to keep up to date with what we are up to, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …