Cape Town: Easter is a wonderful time to celebrate family and create lifelong memories. To build on this cherished tradition Quoin Rock Wine Estate is hosting two epicurean events to delight in. This Easter Sunday, on 12 April 2020, Quoin Rock welcomes both adults and children to indulge in an outdoor experience with a picnic basket full of Quoin Rock’s finest delicacies, or refined dining at world class Gåte Restaurant. Easter heaven with ambrosial picnic bistronomy Quoin Rock makes the most of the exquisite beauty of the surrounds and a picnic here provides an idyllic setting. Lapping up the spectacular scenery of rolling vineyards offset by ground-breaking architecture, guests can maximise everything this unique Cape venue has to offer – phenomenal food, wine and nature. A daytime Easter Sunday picnic can be enjoyed from 12:00-17:00 at R400 per person. It includes sustainable foie gras, panna cotta, cheese and charcuterie, all carefully packed for each guest – with a few gourmet surprises to seal the deal. Unlimited still and sparkling water is included. Children will receive a beautiful woven basket containing rootstock crisps, a chocolate or strawberry milkshake, a handmade cookie, seasonal berries and a mac and cheese. Children will create their own Easter egg basket with the help of the Whimsical entertainers, and then embark on an exciting Easter egg hunt. The basket, plus entertainment and participation in the egg hunt is R250 per child. Easter Daytime Experience with your family Renowned Gåte Restaurant will be open on Easter Sunday from 12:00-17:00. A six-course lunch highlights the latest innovations from the estate’s top-end kitchen. Options range from R800 per person, to R1 240, with either a unique tea pairing, or wine pairing with fine Quoin Rock wines. A Gåte Restaurant lunch for children will cost R300 per child and will include a Bunny Hopper or chocolate Monster milkshake, the assembling of their own Easter basket with the help …
Tea4Kidz ECD workshop empowers teachers, volunteers and social workers in Stellenbosch
Research indicates that the early years of childhood form the basis of intelligence, personality, social behaviour, and the capacity to learn and nurture oneself as an adult. Understanding the importance of these foundation years for South African children, Tea4Kidz has been sponsoring Early Childhood Development (ECD) workshops, the most recent one taking place at the Jessie Keet ECD centre in Stellenbosch. The workshop, hosted in collaboration with StellCARE (formerly Child Welfare) and Renee Lighton of LightOn Education, welcomed teachers, volunteers and social auxiliary workers from the five StellCARE ECD centres for a morning of fun and learning through play. Renee Lighton, educational consultant, author, speaker, life coach and founder of LightOn Education, explained that attendees benefitted from an environment of sharing and learning: “We shared practical ideas of how to play simple card games which are used to develop important skills. Through these games we are able to connect with presence, eye contact and touch, in a playful way, which sets up the environment for learning success. These skills lay the foundation for all future learning.” Every attendee was provided with playing cards and a parenting booklet from Tea4Kidz that includes parenting tips, recipes, healthy lunchbox ideas and educational games. This instructional workshop forms part of a series of free workshops that Tea4Kidz and LightOn Education are running together. “We want to thank Tea4Kidz and Renee Lighton for this learning opportunity,” said Charleen Meiring, Social Auxiliary Worker at the StellCARE ECD centres. “We learned so much and will gladly implement what was learned in our schools, as well as with the local community. The feedback from teachers was positive and they want to learn more so they can help their learners grow.” At StellCARE’s five ECD centres there is a focus on the physical, mental, emotional social development of children. The social auxiliary worker …
A Romantic Summer With The Romantic Collective
When getting dressed everyday, how many clothing items are actually made locally. We are so influenced and bombarded with international fashion, that when a local brand comes along, we forget to appreciate and support it. Because The Romantic Collective is proudly South African and that this is the brain child of one of the most kind-hearted woman, we are a little bit obsessed. And we are so excited to announce their first Summer Launch! If you are in the Stellenbosch/Cape Town area on 16 November, do not miss this event. More info of the brand and event below: "The Romantic Collective is an online travel & lifestyle brand, it’s essence is all about the outfits you make memories in and we want to make a memory with everyone who has joined our JOurneY!! We are excited to announce our very first Summer Launch for The Romantic Collective at the breathtaking Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. The Romantic Co is an online boutique where you can find outfits to make memories in, dreamt up and implemented by the fashionista and visionary, Donnalee Roberts. A ticket gets you access to the launch with an exclusive first viewing and shopping opportunity of our beautiful NEW SUMMER COLLECTION before it goes online. We also want to spoil you with a beautiful hand woven picnic (goody) basket filled with gorgeous gifts from our partners that include Bacher & Co, Gosh Make Up, Cederberg Aqua, Carmien Tea, Sarie Magazine and well known South African designer Lena Lisa. Donnalee Roberts will be hosting the day and we will be celebrating the new season with a fun filled “Style Your Gin” session hosted by Carmien Gin, snacks from Slippery Spoon and a glass of wine. We also have a hands-on Macrame Workshop with No Negative in which you will be making your own gorgeous Macrame Bag Tag. There will be AMAZING give-away's and competitions, our exclusive handpicked partners will each be hosting a pop up shop on the day so Christmas and Summer Shopping is sorted- you …
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 …
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 …
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: …