Luxury rehab centres started popping up in the 1980s and yes, for a long time they were the domain of the rich and famous. If you were fabulously wealthy or enjoyed celebrity status, you could slip away discretely and spend time recuperating at a high-heel rehab centre. If you weren’t, you more than likely found yourself subjected to a punishing regime at a facility that favoured a bootcamp approach to treating addiction. The no-frills approach where inpatients find themselves making their own beds, peeling potatoes and washing dishes has its roots in the 12-step programme that advocates the need to humble an addict; to cultivate resilience and gratitude in a physically-demanding or uncomfortable environment to get them to acknowledge their addiction and make them take responsibility for it. The hard-core bootcamp approach works for some but certainly not for the majority, if you take a look at the historically low success rates of complete recovery. It perpetuates the notion that addiction is a ‘punishable’ offence and fuels the stigma associated with seeking treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. It certainly does nothing for the men and women who already battle with low self-esteem and chronic self-depreciation. Why luxury rehab is growing in popularity Luxury rehab emerged to meet the demand for more privacy and comfort but today the resort-like addiction treatment centers like White River Manor have a far more serious role to play. This is because there has been a striking shift from ‘punishment’ to compassion when it comes to understanding and treating addiction. And don’t be mislead into thinking compassion is a weaker approach. The true meaning of compassion means “to suffer together”. It’s defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. It’s not the same as empathy or altruism, though the concepts are related. If you pick out the dominant emotion “feel …
View Tanks Contributing to The World’s First Bank For Water
Johannesburg, 11 October 2019: While water is fast becoming Africa’s most important currency, View Tanks is playing a significant role in contributing to the success in agriculture, business, industry and mining of African countries as well as to keep communities running. In a world where water will determine who thrives and who doesn’t, who you bank with will make all the difference. View Tanks was founded in 1983 by then founder, now Executive Chairman, Mannie Ramos Senior. During this time, few people had ever heard of the term ‘climate change’, much less knew what its consequences would mean to the normal running of businesses and communities. But Mannie identified that many communities lacked access to adequate water supplies and that many others faced future water shortages without urgent planning. With uncanny foresight, Mannie Senior anticipated the increased frequency of water scarcity and, more importantly, the need to be able to supply clean water to Africa’s businesses and communities via to enable them to successfully operate even in times of a water shortage. More than 35 years later when drought and changes in rainfall pattern have become more and more commonplace, View Tanks has emerged as the definitive leader in the design, manufacture and installation of innovative water storage tanks Their expertise, on-the-ground experience and exceptional service has taken View Tanks far beyond Southern Africa to more than 35 countries. The View Tanks brand is well-known and trusted throughout Africa and beyond. As the leader in providing innovative water storage solutions in Southern Africa for over 35 years, View Tanks has become known as a ‘water bank’, providing an economical, convenient and stable supply of water to protect every community in Africa from the risk. Our ‘water banks’ act like a ‘savings account’ so that businesses and communities have the water they need to keep running, even in times of water scarcity. That’s why …
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 …
Launch Of Internationally Known BebedeParis Baby Online Store In South Africa
Pretoria, October 8 2019: To create the best user experience and satisfy every need of our customers in South Africa, BebedeParis now has an online baby store. You can take your time to have a proper look at all baby products and especially the baby shower gifts in our catalogue and more than that – you don’t have to stand in line when wanting to pay. Everything you need is accessible from one place and can be viewed any time of day in our online baby store. Here at BebedeParis, we strive to bring exclusive new baby products and services to the market. The items in our hampers and baskets are top quality and gift sets are timeless. Our bellboys looking neat and professional in their uniforms adds a touch of class that will surely make the delivery of the baby gifts even more memorable. Customer satisfaction, exceeding their expectations and providing value for money are on our list of top priorities. Shopping for newborn or baby shower gifts and products in South Africa has never been this easy. Every gift you could possibly think of is listed in the product range of our online baby store. Along with exclusive luxury, we also have very creative presents. There are countless wonderful options. At BebedeParis you are sure to find the perfect baby shower gifts and products for your expecting friend, family member or colleague in no time. No matter how big or small, your baby shower gifts will be appreciated and remembered. Newborn baby clothes are of the most common baby shower gifts, and with good reason. Any new mom or dad want only the best for their baby. Being able to dress a baby in comfortable clothes that won’t irritate their skin is a necessity. This is why we only sell 100% cotton babygrows in our online baby store which are breathable and soft on delicate baby skin. The brilliant baby gift ideas are endless. A nappy cake in the shape of a motorbike, along with lots of other items, including a bottle and teddy bear, is just one of our unique …
Latest news on claiming from the RAF in 2019
An update on the amendments to the Road Accident Fund in South Africa. At the time of drafting this article, the RAF is in the final process of amending the general damages pay-outs to road accident victims. This means that victims of road accidents will no longer get a pay-out for general damages. General damages are paid to people for what is known as ‘pain and suffering’ and can include trauma. Below is very brief summary of the RAF changes in near future. The proposed changes: Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill In 2005 general damages claims were limited to serious pain and suffering only. Now the RAF plans to drop these pay-outs altogether. The RAF also plans to setup a standard medical tariff for medical costs and adjusting its pay-outs to be made on a monthly basis, instead of a lump sum. A draft bill called RABS for Road Accident Benefit Scheme will change the process of Road accident fund claims substantially. The reasons behind the draft bill includes the rise in fraudulent claims which has hurt the RAF, and the fact that it has a R215bn liability. RABS seeks to lower costs of legal cases against the RAF significantly. While this bill has been touted as a shift in approach from the RAF as insurance fund to a social-security benefit system, mismanagement cannot be ignored and the RAF should be under more scrutiny. A well-meaning amendment bill which benefits lower-income people more than higher-income people is not a bad thing, but the RAF should be held more accountable with stricter people management, systems, checks and balances to manage an entity that has such an important mandate. This is not a political article so let’s get on with how you claim from the RAF in 2019, until the new bill is ratified by Parliament. What does this mean for any claim you may have against the RAF? You will need to join the queue of existing Road accident fund claims to be paid out; expect a wait as RAF claims can take up to seven years to settle. …
SA Forestry Sector Makes Chainsaw Training Safer With Virtual Reality
JOHANNESBURG, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 ? In a world first, trainee chainsaw operators will soon be able to use a virtual reality (VR) application to test their theoretical knowledge and hone their skill in a simulated timber plantation. Developed by Forestry South Africa (FSA), the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M Seta) and industry partners, this solution trains chainsaw operators in a safe, simulated environment before they test their skills in this high-risk activity in timber plantations. While the number of chainsaw operators employed in large commercial plantations has declined in recent years, the opposite is true in small-scale and community forestry, where suitably trained chainsaw operators need to be equipped with this scarce and critical skill. Although forestry has used simulators over the past decade, their use in the training of chainsaw operators is an innovative development. Mobile, cost-effective, learner-adaptable and injury-free The cost of practical training has risen substantially. The sector sought a solution that would not only provide a cost-effective coaching medium with minimal risk, but a means whereby trainee operators could gain a feel for their equipment before taking their first steps into the field or forest. Safety concerns have proved to be a limiting factor in the training of chainsaw operators. Other constraints include unwieldy class sizes and a limited number of trees available for practical instruction. “Besides the obvious benefits that our industry stands to gain from this project, VR is the future of skills development and training. It transports learners into the environment for which they are being trained, promotes interactivity and improves the retention of information through experience,” says FSA business development director Norman Dlamini. “I am holding the very first real chainsaw in the world that has been wired with sensors and can transport a …
Mpumalanga’s most productive businesses to receive awards
Mpumalanga’s most productive businesses to receive awards The government’ sole productivity agency, Productivity SA, responsible for encouraging and driving productivity in the public and private sector will confer awards to best productive companies in the Mpumalanga province. The Honourable MEC of Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Petrus Ngomane, is expected to give a Keynote address at this prestigious event. Productivity SA is an Entity of the Department of Employment and Labour established in terms of section 31 of the Employment Services Act, No. 4 of 2014, with the mandate to promote employment growth and productivity thereby contributing to South Africa’s socio-economic development and competitiveness. Since 1998 Productivity SA has been running productivity awards to give recognition to individuals, businesses and public sectors for productivity improvement initiatives. Awards will be conferred in four categories; namely Corporate, Emerging, Cooperatives and Public sectors. Event Details: Date: Tuesday, 10 September 2019 Venue: Midway Inn, 275 Cowen Ntuli Street, Eastdene, Middleburg Time: 09:00 for 09:30 until approximately 13:00 For more information contact the Productivity SA media liaison office, Kgalalelo Pampoen, on 011 848 5337 or kgalalelop@productivitysa.co.za Issued by: Productivity South Africa CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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 …
Bell takes Jock Classic in his own backyard
Nico Bell triumphed in his own backyard when he took two of the three stages to sprint to victory in the Takealot Jock Classic road cycle race in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, today. Riding for NAD Pro, the 35-year-old from Nelspruit shaded Reynard Butler, defending champion David Maree and Travis Barrett in the race for the line to win the three-stage one-day event for the first time. After winning the first stage, he also took the final 62.3km stage in 1:33:25 for an overall time of 3:53:58. Maree, of Team Enza, was second in 3:53:58, followed by Travis Barrett (OfficeGuru Racing) in the same time. The three stages took cyclists on a 150km route from Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit through White River and Sabie before ending back at the stadium. Bell, who turned his focus from the road to mountain-biking in 2011, said the victory was especially sweet as he had health issues at the beginning of the year. His triumph suggested he was returning to his best form. "It was a very nice one to win because I had an operation at the beginning of the year as I had been struggling with my stomach," he said. "But I am back to regular training and I feel my form is coming back. I don't have any of the previous issues and it is nice just to ride the bike as hard as you can." After taking the first stage of 40.9km over Maree in a sprint finish, Bell said they conceded the second stage of 45.4km to Alex Worsdale. "Alex had lost some time on the first stage and he rode away from the beginning, so we just let him go. "Coming into the finish I just made sure I went full gas into the corner and was able to come in second, just ahead of David." Heading into the final stage, Bell said he felt Maree was the one to beat and although there was a breakaway near the end it was brought back and the stage developed into a sprint finish. "David, Travis and I were all on the same time and coming up to the stadium Travis attacked up the left. "Luckily I saw him …