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VoQoL Technology Gives New Hope To Quadriplegic And Paraplegic Individuals

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Health, Technology

January 2020: VoQoL (Voice-activated-Quality-of-Life) developed in Cape Town by Coral Tech, makes it possible for quadriplegic and paraplegic persons to perform basic functions themselves in order that they may reach a level of freedom in their daily lives. Users are able to carry out functions such as turning on the lights in their bedrooms or changing their TV channels by means of voice commands or prompts, which increases their personal independence, and gives them a sense of self-sufficiency. The brainchild of Cliff Court, the founder of Coral Tech, VoQoL uses voice-activated technology that allows users to turn on their TVs, as well as change the channels, switch on fans, and stream almost any South African radio station of their choice, including Umhlobo Wenene FM, iKhosi FM, Fine Music Radio, Metro FM, Smile 90.4 FM, and Radio Sonder Grense. The system also enables users to ask VoQoL to call for assistance by sending a SMS to their caregiver’s cell phone to alert them that the patient needs help. Apart from the sense of freedom it affords patients, caregivers are also able to allocate more time to those tasks which are vital to their daily caregiving routines. According to Cliff, there has been a visible boost in the self-esteem of VoQoL users, with a patient commenting that using VoQoL has been life-altering. Generous donations from the Telkom Foundation, Rotary Claremont, and SAB Foundation, have made it possible for VoQoL devices to be installed in over 65 rooms in 5 physically-disabled residential homes in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Gauteng, giving renewed self-sufficiency to over 80 residents. For those who also have speech impediments, Coral Tech has developed an electronic voice recorder which allows someone with a clear voice to pre-record commands. Paraplegic individuals with speech impediments can then use VoQoL by triggering the recorded voice commands they want using a remote-control unit. There are many more residents at …

Urgent Need to Save a Metro Filled with Hopelessness

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Featured, Health, Public Issues

The urgent need for the churches and civil society to step in where the politicians are failing the Nelson Mandela Metro has been highlighted through the first Nehemiah Prayer Walk through all 60 municipal wards. Former Anglican bishop Eric Pike, accompanied at various stages by around 200 other residents of the metro, inaugurated the 200 km Nelson Mandela Bay prayer walk, which will also serve as a tourist route as it links many of the metro’s historic sites. “I think one of the things that really hit me hardest is amount of rubbish lying around in the townships,” says Pike. “It is not only plastic bags and paper, but builder’s rubble and all other types of rubbish. “The rubbish is a symptom of the hopelessness that people feel. They simply do not have the energy or motivation to pick it up,” he says. Route developer Trevor Jennings of Transformation Christian says “this walk is aimed at helping people living in the wealthier suburbs to see what the actual problems are in our community, because if you have never experienced and seen the problem for yourself, then how can you appreciate the terrible conditions under which so many people live”. The route is designed to be covered by foot, bicycle, motorcycle and car. “As you walk around you have to be very careful that you don't get into a feeling of hopelessness when you see the magnitude of the challenges facing the people of the metro,” he says. Churches are being encouraged by TCN to be involved practically and in prayer. “We South Africans have proven that we can rise above all challenges. We have seen miracles in the past. “The church has got to play a role in changing lives for the better,” he says. The walk started in Ward 1 at St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Summerstrand. Included in the route during the week were the Catholic Diocese in Park Lane, St Stephens Anglican to Missionvale Care Centre where they were welcomed by Sister Ethel, St Mathews in KwaMagxaki and …

Gold and Other Accolades for Propella Incubatees

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Featured, Manufacturing, Technology

Eastern Cape innovations ranging from a breakthrough in rubber technology to an energy-saving egg incubator and a device that helps reduce refrigeration costs were recognised at the second National Advanced Manufacturing Innovation awards. All the innovations are being developed through the Propella Business Incubator based in Port Elizabeth. The awards presented at the African Advanced Manufacturing and Composites Show hosted in Port Elizabeth went to Rubbernano (gold for industry advancement in advanced manufacturing); Rhino Lighting (silver for innovation in advanced manufacturing); Provolution (silver for most promising start-up or newcomer) and Tofaa (most promising start-up or newcomer finalists). “We are thrilled that Propella played a role in the success of these ventures,” says Propella business incubation manager Anita Palmer. “We applaud the winners for their tenacity, innovation and obvious passion for their technologies, and look forward to continuing our support of their growth and commercialisation,” she says. Rubbernano Products (RNP) has developed processes which reduce the amount of zinc oxide and zinc used in the production of rubber used for automotive tyres and other applications. Micronized particles of zinc enter the environment as the rubber wears, and a number of studies have shown that this contributes substantially to microplastics pollution and health problems due to inhalation. A 2017 study by researchers form the Open University of Netherlands found that particles released into the environment through tyre wear and tear contribute between 10 and 15 per cent of the total global amount of plastics ending up in our oceans. For tyre manufacturers the advantages of the RNP products include a reduction in the amount of time needed for curing, and lower power consumption as the rubber cures at a lower temperature. RNP founder Robert Bosch received a silver for scholarly impact at the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing …

Record turnout for annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Featured, Health

A record crowd of nearly 13 200 walked in celebration with cancer survivors and all those affected by cancer at the annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer brought to you by the Eastern Cape Department of Health on Saturday, October 26. Funds raised by the biggest mass participation charity event in the Eastern Cape will go towards purchasing a passenger transport vehicle for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) Eastern Cape. “The vibe at this year’s event is a wonderful testament to a civil society determined to find common ground and integrate socially,” said Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay. “Our loyal audience has once again proven that they stand as one to celebrate every step and contribute towards humanity. “Through the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, we have brought various corporate businesses, government, NGOs and the people of Algoa country together, and I am extremely grateful for the ongoing support,” he said. The benefits stretch beyond the Nelson Mandela Bay metro. Examinations using a Fotofinder mole analyser purchased for Cansa in 2018 with the funds raised have found that at least one in 20 people in the Eastern Cape are at risk of developing skin cancer, according to Gavin Kester, divisional manager of Cansa Eastern Cape. The passenger transport vehicle to be purchased this year will be used to take patients to treatment centres in Port Elizabeth. Many of the patients stay at the Cansa facilities because they come from out of town. Most do not have transport, according to Kester. The 2019 event was held in perfect weather, with a light breeze and partially overcast skies. Leading the walkers were the two 2019 ambassadors, Xylon van Eyck and Dr Lesley Lee, both of whom celebrated their own steps and victories against cancer. Dr Lee, who is a divisional head at Volkswagen South Africa in Uitenhage, lost her right leg to a rare form of cancer when she was in grade 11. Undeterred, she continued to study and …

EP Cricket again posts good results and is on the front foot for next season

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Featured, General Business, Media, Sports

Eastern Province Cricket is well placed to grow both the game and the company in the years ahead, according to president Donovan May. In his president’s report to the board and members May says “our financial position has improved dramatically since 2014. We posted good results again the last financial year (2017/2018), and are a going concern, with a good unqualified audit report. “This paints a good picture for Eastern Province Cricket going forward”. On the field, “our shared franchise, the Warriors, had a great season on and off the field. “The team ended up third in the 4-day competition, making the final in the T20 and coming third in the 50-over competition. “Our senior provincial team gain enjoyed a very good season this year by sharing the 3-day format in the finals with Northerns. The Africa T20 competition is a tournament to develop cricketers for the shorter format of the game and we have done well as they won three out of their four pool games. “The head coach Piet Botha has been called up to assist with the SA ‘A’ team to India this year. “Glenton Stuurman was the CSA 3-day player of the year at the CSA awards day. “It must also be noted that our transformation targets are being met,” he says. Some 17 players will be contracted from club cricket to the provincial squad for the next season. This gives them an opportunity to enhance their skills to get into the professional teams. EPC is also investing in the development of local cricket by allocating funds in addition to the money received from Cricket South Africa. Clubs are also supported financially by not having to pay affiliation fees to EPC. “What many do not realise is that most of the revenue received from Cricket South Africa is ring-fenced for amateur programmes. This includes the salaries of those involved in the programmes”. In addition to providing balls, equipment and transport assistance, EPC assists with making sure that the grounds are …

18th SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees a hit

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

The annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees which is held in the Eastern Cape’s Sundays River Valley celebrated its 18th anniversary with increased numbers and perfect weather. Attendance over the three day of the festival was 15 per cent up on 2018, with around 45 000 visitors, according to festival director Jenni Honsbein. Total attendance on Friday, June 28, was 38% up. One of the attractions was the first performance by Lira in the region. She was one of 40 of the country’s top singers and instrumentalists to perform on the giant Adventure Province Stage over the three days of the festival. “We are delighted that so many people came to kuier with us in Kirkwood for the weekend,” says Honsbein. On Saturday the grounds were close to their 20 000 capacity, with sales up by 23% on 2018. Sunday, traditionally a quieter and slower festival day, saw a 23% growth in visitors. “Millions of rand are pumped into Kirkwood and surrounds by visitors from the rest of the province and South Africa. Accommodation is fully booked for 80 kilometres from Kirkwood months before the festival. “In addition, feedback from our stallholders is that most enjoyed a bumper festival,” says Honsbein. A clan of 5 hyenas from the Addo Elephant National Park sold for a surprise R26 000 each at the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival auction on Friday, June 28. The auction turned over R5 million, compared to R4,6 million in 2018. “We are very happy with the prices and the interest in the auction this year. We have proved that there is interest in quality game,” said auction convener Johan Swart. There was great interest from buyers at the auction and on the telephone for buffalo with Kruger National park genes, which were offered for the first time by the sale, which previously had only buffalo from the Addo Elephant National Park. A top price of R300 000 was paid for an adult female with a 38 inch horn span and her male calf. An adult male with a horn size of 45 ½ inches sold for R230 000. …

Good kuier with Country music

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

This June the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees will be ending off the three days of action-packed entertainment with good old country music. The giant main Adventure Province Main Stage will host some of the country’s top country artists on Sunday, June 30. The Country Legends Spectacular includes “Big Daddy” Lance James, “Queen of Country” Barbara Ray, “Midnight Cowboy” Clive Bruce and “Little Jo” Jody Wayne. They will be on stage from 10 in the morning. The country music will continue after the legends have left the stage with the talented HunTer Leiter, who will be in Kirkwood for the first time. HunTer promises to have festival goers on their feet as they dance the morning away. She is a multi-award winning passionate and super-talented singer, song-writer, MC and motivational speaker. HunTer will be performing songs from her latest album “Kicking Up Dust”. After HunTer festival goers will be entertained by Wynand and Cheree, Ricus Nel, Elizma Theron, Ray Dylan and Die Campbells. Festinos will be able to kuier under the Karoo sky with the galaxy of stars on the giant main stage from 16h00 on Friday, 14:45 on Saturday and from 10 am on Sunday. Adult tickets cost R150 per day for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A weekend pass will be R350. For festival goers aged between seven and 17 tickets cost R70 per day for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and R150 for a weekend pass. SASSA pensioners tickets can be purchased at the gate only for R100 per day for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available from: Mafuta Padstal in Kirkwood, Westway Tickets on the corner of Lewerkie and Hoepoe Streets in Cotswold Extension Port Elizabeth, and BZN Stationers in Uitenhage   More Info on Good kuier with Country music here: http://wildsfees.co.za Twitter: https://twitter.com/Siyathetha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiyathethaCommunications/ CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …

Next generation of media stars take over radio station

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

Learners from schools across the Nelson Mandela Bay metro will be given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in broadcast and online media through the annual Algoa FM Youth Day, which has been running since 2014. After several weeks of training the youngsters are given responsibility of all the production, on-air and electronic media aspects of the station for the day on June 17. “They are made to understand that the presenter may be the end product, but that the entire team is what makes this radio station work,” says programme manager Baydu Adams. “Some, of course, make it on air. Just the other day I was tagged in a post that an ex Algoa FM Youth Day learner became Bay FM’s new Drive show jock. “It is, to my knowledge, the third learner to work at a community radio station,” he says. “This is a great opportunity and I love the idea of becoming a part of something.” says Kiara Bouw, who is a grade 11 student at Collegiate. She says this is “dream come true” for not just her, but for her mother as well, because her mother loves the station. Bouw and Carla Michaels will be the presenters on the morning DMB show, with Michael Kietzmann as producer. Being part of the producing team at the station on youth day is a dream come true, as well as an “eye opener” to know what he wants to do in the very near future says Kietzmann, a grade 11 student at Newton Technical High school.   More Info on Next generation of media stars take over radio station here: http://algoafm.co.za Twitter: https://twitter.com/Siyathetha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiyathethaCommunications/ CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …

Big interest in buffalo and hyena on Wildsfees auction

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

The annual Kirkwood Wildsfees game auction in association with Nedbank and SANParks is breaking new ground with hyena and prize buffalo with Kruger National Park genes on sale. There will be 15 lots of buffalo from the Mokala National Park, which is near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. “Certainly, the pick of the day is an exceptional 38? cow with a bull calf at foot,” says auction convener Johan Swart. “There is also a magnificent bull with a 46? horn span, and a 32? cow with a bull calf at foot that will be sold with a 1½ -year-old heifer as a parcel. The buffalo, which are known for their large horn sizes, have been bred outside of Kruger by SANParks, and have been certified disease-free. There will also be five disease-free buffalo bulls from Addo on auction. Their horn size ranges from 33? to 39 ½?. A clan of five hyenas from Addo has also caught the attention of lodge owners across the country, according to Swart. Addo Elephant National Park Park Manager, Nick de Goede, says the decision to make hyena available this year is because the Park is reaching its threshold of potential concern and would like to be pro-active in reducing their numbers. It is estimated that there are about 40 spotted hyenas in the main game viewing area of the Park. There will be a wide selection of other prime game on auction. Buyers can view the game that will be on auction from noon on Thursday, June 27 in the Mayogi bomas, which are situated on the R75 between the two Kirkwood turnoffs. The Addo buffalo will be in the Addo bomas. Game that will be in the boma includes kudu, blue wildebeest, eland and waterbuck bulls. Sought-after catalogue game include genetically certified Cape mountain zebra and top quality kudu, according to Swart. There will also be breeding groups of gemsbok, blue wildebeest, springbok, impala, golden wildebeest and more. The 18th annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees takes place from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June …

Cape Town learner tasting life at sea

(MyPR.co.za) By Filed Under: Education

When the tall ship Gulden Leeuw departed Cape Town on January 20, her crew was one stronger with the addition of Cape Town Grade 11 learner Luke Planting on a four-month “Class Afloat” scholarship. The South African Maritime Institute (SAIMI) assisted in making the voyage possible, as a first step in partnering with international programmes that expose learners to life at sea and maritime career opportunities. Promoting awareness of maritime careers is part of SAIMI’s skills development role to support the growth of South Africa’s maritime economy under Operation Phakisa. A pupil at South African College High School (SACS) in Cape Town, Luke, 16, will be continuing his Grade 11 curriculum while gaining experiential learning, life skills and sailing skills. Opportunities to explore the ship’s various ports of call during his semester at sea that ends in Amsterdam in the Netherlands on 18 May, will enrich his favourite school subjects of geography and history. The Gulden Leeuw is a Canadian sail training vessel operated by Class Afloat - West Island College International in Nova Scotia, Canada. The programme provides opportunities for Grade 11 and 12 learners, ‘gap-year’ and first-year students to continue with their formal education while experiencing life at sea for a semester or full year. Luke’s voyage was fully sponsored by Class Afloat for the onboard costs and arranged by the South African Sail-training and Life-Skills Association (SASLA), while SAIMI is sponsoring his visas, uniform and flight home in May. The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) assisted with the administration and logistics in getting Luke safely on-board. A keen surfer, whose main goal for 2016 was making the first hockey team, Luke was selected for the voyage after a rigorous swim test, medical examination and two interviews. He hasn’t yet finalized his future career plans, but is leaning towards BSc studies in an environmental science or sports medicine …