For allergy sufferers, the pollen season is anything but the proverbial bed of roses. Here’s a way to help you to blossom, despite allergies. In South Africa, we’re blessed with an abundance of show-stopping flora. From the indigenous weighty King Protea to delicately fragranced roses and a diverse variety of flowering succulents, such as vygies that thrive in semi-desert conditions, our country prides itself on an abundantly rich, diverse floral heritage. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy the gorgeous flowers without pesky allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, watery (or itchy) eyes, an itchy nose or throat and/or coughing or shortness of breath[1]. Pollen allergy can be divided into three major clinical problems: allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma[2]. It is estimated that more than 20% of the South African population suffer from allergic disease[3]. An allergic reaction is a result of the body’s immune systems overreacting to stimulants (allergens) such as pollen or mould spores[4]. However, thanks to pollen counters introduced in South Africa since 2019, people can be prepared to proactively handle seasonal allergies. MANAGE WHAT YOU CAN MEASURE In a marriage between medicine and science, the pollen in the atmosphere is now being measured by the South African Pollen Monitoring Network lead by the University of Cape Town Allergy and Immunology unit. The ground-breaking pollen monitoring exercise includes nine pollen counters across the country (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Pretoria, Gqeberha, Kimberley, George and Potchefstroom). CEO of Cipla Africa, Paul Miller, said: “Previously, limited research and inaccurate data was available regarding pollen counts in the country, making it difficult to identify pollen triggers or what time of the year they are most prevalent. We want to enhance people’s wellbeing and help allergy sufferers, which is why Cipla will be sponsoring …
Are financial officers human?
By Alwyn Pretorius, GM at Infinitus Reporting Solutions No, this is not another rant about AI taking jobs from finance professionals, topical as the subject may be right now. Rather, it’s a commentary on the finance industry at large and the increasingly and crucially central role that financial officers in particular play in businesses. We are all aware of the stereotypical notions that have typically surrounded finance teams. Terms like bean-counters or number crunchers have long been used to describe them, because they are trusted with those aspects of a business that keep the doors open and the lights on. Accountants were banished to the realm of the finance department that people only ever dared venture into when they needed a payment made or queried. Today, the role financial managers play within the business context is far less remote and detached. More than reporting on historical results and ensuring compliance and good governance, financial officers have become trusted advisors, industry experts, and a critical support arm within businesses. This is due in great part to technology steering businesses into new and sometimes even uncomfortable territory. Finance professionals must also embrace digitisation and automation, or risk not only falling into the ‘black hole’ of professional irrelevance but missing out on more efficient ways of working. This means that choosing more robust, fit-for-purpose reporting, planning and analysis tools and solutions should be a priority, instead of sticking to legacy systems and laborious reporting processes that are not as efficient as modern-day industries demand. For instance, Finnivo™ consolidation, reporting and planning software automates data collection to eliminate the time-drain of doing so manually, while offering extensive analysis capabilities. This ensures that financial officers are using their time where it matters – gaining valuable insights from financial and other enterprise related data …
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Guardians of tomorrow: Rethinking infant vaccination strategies
Guardians of tomorrow: Rethinking infant vaccination strategies by Paul Miller As we navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the importance of vaccinations cannot be overstated. In South Africa, where diverse cultures and traditions shape the fabric of our society, rethinking infant vaccination strategies becomes paramount. As Cipla South Africa, we believe it’s our responsibility to explore innovative approaches that not only enhance the effectiveness of vaccination programs but also resonate with the rich tapestry of cultural beliefs and practices that define our nation. The evolution of vaccines is a story that often goes untold. They are not mere inoculations; they are sophisticated formulations designed to be guardians of tomorrow. We must recognise their advanced nature and leverage this knowledge to shape new ideas and strategies. One such avenue is tying cultural beliefs and practices into vaccine programmes. South Africa's rich cultural diversity provides an opportunity to create vaccination initiatives that respect and integrate the various traditions that make our country unique. Our commitment at Cipla South Africa is to foster a dialogue that engages communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. By understanding and addressing cultural considerations, we can build trust and ensure that vaccination strategies are not only effective but also culturally sensitive. To this end, Cipla South Africa is embarking on an initiative that will see the distribution of eco-friendly bracelets for infants, with colour-coded charms to represent each vaccine administered. We’re also distributing a traditional swaddling blanket to new-borns that will educate new parents about the importance of vaccinations, and dispel any myths can still exist about vaccines. Let us embark on a journey to rethink how we approach infant vaccination, embracing the rich cultural heritage that makes our nation resilient. What's in a vaccine? A …
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Creating tomorrow’s content magic, today!
Creating tomorrow’s content magic, today! This weekend, Sony’s masterclass helped turn emerging talent into content creation wizards. The content creation stars aligned this past Saturday, 11 May 2024, as some of the most respected names in the industry came together for the “Create Now, Create Next" master class in Johannesburg. Hosted by Sony, Converse, and Prawduction, the full-day event was a homing beacon for experts, aficionados and newcomers to content creation, designed to help everyone elevate their craft. Each one, teach one: Covering topics that ranged from selecting the right equipment to making post-production magic, Create Now, Create Next allowed seasoned professionals and students of the game to come together in one space and share knowledge with one another. Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director at Sony Middle East and Africa explained, “Excelling at content creation is not just about putting the best equipment in someone’s hands but to create a platform where young and established talent can come together and learn from their peers. As demonstrated this masterclass not only supported emerging content creators to hone their skills but also further underscored Sony’s commitment at creating a sustainable talent pool where creativity sparks and talent is developed.” When creatives collaborate: Create Now, Create Next attracted some of the best, brightest and hungriest minds in the industry. Some of them to speak, all of them to learn. The speakers included content creators: Thato Rampedi, Gugu Nyatsumba, Lesedi Mothoagae, and Mpumelelo “Frypan”. They were joined by renowned post-production manager Segopotso Thothela, Sony demand creation manager Burger Terblanche and Converse brand manager Tebogo Motlhamme. Rounding out the cast of attendees were 10 hand-picked students from AFDA and a cohort of Converse influencers who had the opportunity to build their skills base. Together these experts and initiates took part in four engaging …
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Navigating mental health challenges in African traditional settings
Navigating mental health challenges in African traditional settings South Africa - Last year, Fort Hare University’s Psychiatric Nursing department found that not only was the country’s growing mental health crisis exacerbating the country’s substance and rising suicide levels[1], but it was a major contributor to increasing crime levels.[2] In the recently released National Crime Statistics[3] for the three-month period ending December 2023, the effects of crime were found to be increasingly affecting[4] children, and Fort Hare highlighted the mental health of both perpetrators and victims as a growing cause for concern. Speaking openly about mental health in South Africa often requires navigating deeply entrenched traditional beliefs, pervasive stigma and misconception – a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Fear, lack of education and conservative religious beliefs have advanced theories that mental health issues equate to personal weakness or a lack of faith. According to the World Health Organisation’s latest World Mental Health Report[5], “Several factors stop people from seeking help for mental health conditions, including poor quality of services, low levels of health literacy in mental health, and stigma and discrimination.” In South Africa, the picture is far worse. A recent study[6], by the Wits/Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), shows that “more than a quarter of South Africans suffer from probable depression with higher levels in certain provinces”. Overcoming the stigma of mental health3 driven by traditional and religious beliefs is the first step to addressing an urgent need in South Africa. How? By dispelling myths and promoting empathy through education, communities can dismantle the walls of stigma and create a more supportive environment for people dealing with mental health. THE IMPACT OF POVERTY ON MENTAL HEALTH Adding to the complexity of dealing with …
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The Codeine Care Initiative could save lives
The Codeine Care Initiative could save lives Better monitoring of the purchase of codeine can help to stem a growing substance abuse problem. Fueled by popular music, the promise of escapism and the fact that it’s relatively cheap, some of South Africa’s youth have become increasingly addicted to codeine-based over-the-counter products which can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription at a local pharmacy. Products such as cough mixtures and pain medications can innocently lead to abuse as they contain codeine due to its sedative properties. “Lean”, as it is typically called amongst its users, along with other popular names, is usually taken as a mixture of a soft drink and prescription-strength doses of cough syrup that contains codeine and often promethazine. This mixture, when used recreationally and in large amounts, can cause feelings of euphoria and may lead to dependence and substance abuse disorders. “We have seen a similar outbreak in abuse in our neighbours to the north of the continent, but with the primary substance of abuse being Tramadol in North, West and Central Africa,” says David Bayever, Chairperson of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP). “What we need to understand is that substance abuse is less about the actual substance, and more about the behaviour of the people involved. “The other issue is the environments of poverty, crime and stress that are so prevalent in South Africa and can drive more people to become chemically dependent on substances in the first place,” he adds. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, opioids are the second most popular recreational drug after cannabis in Africa, with codeine being one of the most common and easily accessible opioids. The report indicates that the continent is responsible for over half of the global amounts of pharmaceutical opioids confiscated between 2016 and 2020, showing the rapid spread of the epidemic in Africa.1 Codeine …
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Cathay Pacific’s first ferry lounge at Shenzhen’s Shekou Cruise Home Port opens
Cathay Pacific’s first ferry lounge at Shenzhen’s Shekou Cruise Home Port opens. Strengthening its position in the wider Greater Bay Area and enhancing customers’ intermodal travel experience Cathay Pacific is delighted to announce that its first-ever lounge outside of an airport is now open to guests at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen. This new ferry lounge further enhances the intermodal travel experience for our customers and elevates sea-to-air connectivity between Hong Kong International Airport and the whole of the Greater Bay Area. To mark the occasion, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau were joined by guests of honour, Deputy Director of the HKMAO of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Li Lirong, Director of the Shenzhen Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong SAR Government Grace Lai Sui-king, Division Director of the Tourism Marketing & Promotion Division of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality Zhang Zhenyang,Deputy Division Director of the Port Customs Administration Office of Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Fan Weiqing, and General Manager of Shenzhen China Merchants Shekou Cruise Home Port Lv Rufu at the opening ceremony on 18 January. Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “As Hong Kong International Airport continues to strengthen its sea and land connections with neighbouring cities in the Greater Bay Area, we are excited to open our brand-new Cathay Pacific lounge at the Shekou Cruise Home Port to our customers travelling from the region. We are committed to continuing to invest, and delivering a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for our customers. “We are very grateful to the Shenzhen Government and China Merchants Shekou Cruise Home Port for their support. We look forward to welcoming our Greater Bay Area customers to our new Shekou …
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Sony Corporation Announces Development of Spatial Content Creation System, Equipped with High-Quality XR Head-Mounted Display and Controllers Dedicated to Interaction with 3D Objects
Sony Corporation Announces Development of Spatial Content Creation System, Equipped with High-Quality XR Head-Mounted Display and Controllers Dedicated to Interaction with 3D Objects Metaverse Technologies and Hardware to Empower 3D Content Creators XR head-mounted display and controllers[i] South Africa, 11 January 2024 – Sony Corporation announced development of an immersive spatial content creation system, which includes an XR head-mounted display equipped with high-quality 4K OLED Microdisplays[ii] and video see-through function, and a pair of controllers optimised for intuitive interaction with 3D objects and precise pointing. The system is aimed at supporting creators in sophisticated 3D content creation. Sony plans to collaborate with developers of a variety of 3D production software, including in the entertainment and industrial design fields. At launch, Sony is exclusively partnering with Siemens, a leader in industrial technology, to introduce a new solution for immersive design and collaborative product engineering using software from the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform. The system will be available later in 2024. Sony and its partners will announce further details including specs, launch date and regions, pricing, sales channels, and software compatibility. This spatial content creation system, equipped with an XR head-mounted display with 4K OLED Microdisplays and Sony’s proprietary rendering technology, enables real-time, high-definition and realistic rendering of textures of 3D objects and facial expressions of human characters. In addition to video see-through functionality and spatial recognition with six cameras and sensors in total, the system features a ring controller that allows users to intuitively manipulate objects in virtual space, as well as a pointing controller that enables precise pointing, allowing creators to craft in virtual space with controllers and keyboards, all while wearing the head-mounted …
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Stage Zero launches alternative energy solutions to free South Africans from load shedding
Stage Zero launches alternative energy solutions to free South Africans from load shedding Tipping the balance of power to reduce grid pressure Johannesburg, 13th of December 2023: Stage Zero, an independent power provider in South Africa, has launched a range of reliable, sustainable and affordable energy solutions to alleviate grid pressure and load shedding frustration experienced by many South African homes and businesses. Recently, electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced that the government was making progress in its bid to urgently upgrade the nation’s ailing energy infrastructure. While well-intentioned, these efforts will still leave millions in the dark for years to come and long-term energy alternatives are complex and costly. Energy independence without breaking the bank: Over the past few years, Eskom has repeatedly implemented double-digit percentage increases in electricity tariffs. The most recent came earlier this year when it announced an increase of more than 18%. This, combined with the worst year of load shedding on record, has created an untenable situation for ordinary South Africans and unfortunately, many of the alternative energy solutions require large initial investments that may not pay themselves off. Stage Zero, a new entrant in the independent energy industry, helps everyday South Africans save money and reduce their reliance on Eskom by offering its customers access to portable, solar and backup battery solutions at an affordable monthly service fee, that meets their specific needs. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, and a replacement guarantee of their power solutions are also included, removing the risk, additional costs and hassle from the customer or business owner. Stage Zero customers are also able to upgrade their plans as new and improved solutions become available. Abraham van der Merwe, CEO of Stage Zero says, “We want to make electricity as accessible as possible to as many people as …
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Stock up on the greatest gaming gadgets this Black Friday
Stock up on the greatest gaming gadgets this Black Friday Gaming has come a long way since the pixelated days of Ridge Racer and Tekken 1. Today, gaming is a dynamic and immersive world where accessories play a crucial role in making releases like The Last of Us, cult classics. With November being International Games Month and Black Friday deals still up for grabs, casual and serious gamers alike will be on the hunt for the best bargains. While they’re waiting to buy a pair of the INZONE H3s, many will likely look at the advancements in technology, and fondly remember how far gaming has come. Creating intense audio experiences Play is the thing of the 21st century and the continuing popularity of PC gaming has led to a rising demand for accessories. According to global data collection group Statista, the entire PC gaming industry in South Africa was valued at roughly R749 million as of April this year, an increase from R670 million in 2018. Sony's INZONE headphones have emerged market leading gear that transforms gameplay into an immersive spectacle of sound. With crystal-clear audio and precision design, these headphones elevate your gaming experience, ensuring every victory and defeat resonates with intensity. The whole world is immersed in gaming, you should too The growing diversity of gamers has led to larger audiences and a mushrooming industry. The gaming industry is predicted to bring in revenues of more than $406 billion (roughly R7.4 trillion) by the end of the year. What’s more, gamers are using a wide range of devices to have their fun. As of the third quarter of last year, 90% of South African internet users reported playing games on any kind of device. Laptops, PCs, and consoles also make up a significant chunk of devices gamers use, and the recent increased availability of the Sony PlayStation 5 will definitely make it one of the most in-demand gadgets in South African stores this Black Friday. The ubiquity of gaming is also driving a …