100 MARATHONS IN 100 DAYS: RUNNER MINA GULI SPOTLIGHTS GLOBAL WATER CRISIS World Faces 40 Percent Shortage of Water in 12 years; #RunningDry Campaign Raises Awareness, Urges Change At yesterday’s New York Marathon, water advocate and ultra-runner Mina Guli laced up her running shoes to call attention to the global water crisis by starting her mammoth project of running 100 marathons in 100 days for one reason – water. The world is facing a projected 40% shortfall between supply and demand for water by 2030 – just 12 years from now. The #RunningDry campaign will see the former lawyer and investment banker travel around the world while running a marathon a day to tell some of the world’s most pressing water stories as well highlight the everyday heroes working to solve this problem. #RunningDry launched at the New York City Marathon yesterday, November 4. Over the course of the expedition, Mina will run in England, France, Italy, Uzbekistan and the Aral Sea, India, Hong Kong, China, Dubai, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Mexico, before she completes the expedition by running across the United States to finish her 100th marathon in New York City on February 11, 2019. “My runs are a call to the world to join together to save water,” explains Mina. “The water we need to live, to survive, is running out. We’re calling this #RunningDry because we need to bring home the severity of the crisis we are facing. It is for this reason that I have chosen to do the unthinkable: running 100 marathons in 100 days around the world to show what a 100% commitment to water looks like. We can all help solve the world’s water crisis. Each one of us is able to make a difference.” Mina, a 48-year old Australian who is based in Hong Kong, is no stranger to long runs. The #RunningDry Expedition follows the 2016 7 Deserts campaign and the 6 River Run in 2017, which saw Mina complete the equivalent of 40 marathons in 40 …
How fast can you run downhill?
How fast can you run downhill? King of the trails, Ryan Sandes, has turned the tables and instead of taking you up a mountain, has announced that he will be hosting a first of hopefully many to come, Downhill Run Events. The inaugural event will be taking place at Meerendal Wine Estate on Wednesday 14 November and is open to all levels of fitness and abilities. “I am super excited about this event and having the chance to have some fun on the trails with the local Cape Town runners,” says Ryan Sandes. “Downhill running is gaining huge momentum in Europe, and I honestly believe that with all of our incredible mountains we can have just as much fun as they are having.” Ryan will release the 3.4km downhill Strava segment which descends less than 300m, via social media the day before the event. In order to take part, runners need to register a Strava profile on www.strava.com, and then take the plunge at Meerendal between 5:30pm and 7:30pm on the evening of the 14th to set their fastest time. “The route we have chosen is currently only open to mountain bikers, but will be closed off for the event,” explains Ryan. “We are so thankful to Meerendal and their mountain biking community for allowing us to use their trails for this event.” The downhill route will finish at Carlucci’s in Meerendal where runners can celebrate with their family and friends, rehashing their war stories. Megan Mackenzie and some of the Salomon Running Ambassadors will also be at the event and are happy to chat about techniques and trail running advice! Entry is free and all are welcome to join in the festivities. For more information on the event please follow Ryan Sandes on social media. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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The Annual Cape Knifemakers Guild Show
THE ANNUAL CAPE KNIFEMAKERS GUILD SHOW On Friday and Saturday the 23rd and 24th of November, the Cape Knifemakers Guild will once again be holding their annual Knife Show at Jansen Hall in Milnerton to showcase and sell their wares. Each of the unique knives on display and for sale have been handmade by guild members. So if you would like to see and own any of these amazing pieces of workmanship or even to find out more about becoming a knifemaker yourself, make sure you get down to the show! Friday, 23 November 2017, 12h00-18h00 Saturday, 24 November 2017, 10h00-15h00 Jansen Hall, Jansen Road, Milnerton Entrance fee: R30 per person, R50 per couple (valid for both days) For more information please contact Neels Roos on 083 449 0799 or Warwick Meaker on 083 225 2241 or visit http://capeknifemakersguild.com/ CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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Cultivating inclusion and promoting good diversity relationships in the workplace
Cultivating inclusion and promoting good diversity relationships in the workplace by Devan Moonsamy CEO of The ICHAF Training Institute Integration in the context of diversity is an ongoing process, and it requires actions on our part. There are many things we can do to keep the integration process going, and some will be described in this article. Consider what will work best for your context and adapt ideas accordingly. Start with what can be changed, always including yourself in this, and use your zone of influence to maximise the advantages of diversity. Send specific positive messages about diversity and integration, and emphasise the need and advantages of harmony in diverse circumstances. Use communication aids and your vital diversity policies, including emails and posters to make people aware of the most important aspects. Don’t simply put up the compulsory summaries of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Employment Equity Act. Few will take the time to read and remember all the legislation. Put up colourful posters with encouraging slogans and pictures. Position them as reminders of the company’s diversity stance. Warn against the consequences of discrimination, including verbal and written warnings, as well as the possibility of dismissal in serious cases. One may need to be firm in this regard if employees have a lax attitude. Equally important is making others aware of the effects on the victim of discrimination and taking action when problems arise. If someone says or does something offensive, thoughtless or not, allowing the victim a chance to explain how they feel (if they are comfortable with this) to the offender may help. Alternatively, a manager will need to speak to the offender. As a minimum, an apology is in order. This holds the offender to account and ensures that the transgression is openly acknowledged as being wrong. Build your own diverse relationships and networks to integrate yourself better into the diversity …
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Spot to provide tracking and race support to Otter African Trail Run 2018
SPOT TO PROVIDE TRACKING AND RACE SUPPORT TO OTTER AFRICAN TRAIL RUN 2018 SPOT southern Africa will be sponsoring the tracking of the Elite Runners at the 2018 Otter African Trail Run. The elite field, including Christiaan Greyling, Marc Lauenstein, Kane Reilly and Meghan Mackenzie, will carry a small, lightweight, SPOT Gen3® satellite tracking and safety device to allow followers to track the race through the rough and out-of-cellular-range route. All runners will have the opportunity to hire a device through OtterShop : http://otter.run/product-category/tracking/ prior to the race so loved ones at home may follow their progress as well as have emergency response at the tip of their fingers should the need arise. This year the Otter African Trail run marks the Grand Final for the 2018 Golden Series and takes place from 17 - 20 October 2018 starting in Nature’s Valley and finishing at Storm’s River Mouth. With 42 kilometres distance and 2600 meters of elevation gain, this race forces even the strongest of runners to walk and with a TrailFactor of 2.0, the Otter can take twice as long as the equivalent distance on road. Rugged, rough, off-the-grid and being beyond cellular range makes this the perfect environment to use SPOT’s satellite-based technology. As the race status was previously limited to checkpoints, SPOT devices will now enable followers to track the race at 5 minute intervals, increasing supporter experience and providing insight about the location of participants for emergency response should it be needed. Belen Sanchez, Event Director for The Otter African Trail Run commented, “SPOT is the benchmark when it comes to race management due to its satellite based tracking in remote areas. It is a cutting edge tool for organisers to monitor the exact progress of their participants as well as track the whereabouts of their resources in terms of logistics, media and safety personal and vehicles. SPOT exponentially increases the speed and effectiveness …
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Becoming an actor/ actress in South Africa
Becoming an actor/ actress in South Africa South African actress and model, Micharn Pollock, who has featured in international movies and TV programmes, gives aspiring actors and actresses in SA some advice on how to make it one of the toughest industries: 1. Take acting classes – part time workshops are also great if you’re unable to study full time. 2. Sign up to IMDb and keep it updated. 3. Have professional head-shots taken by a reputable head-shots photographer. 4. Audition as often as possible so that you become comfortable with the process. 5. Remember that rejection is part of the process so don’t let it crush your spirit! 6. Build your resume – short films and student films are a great start if you have no experience yet. 7. Practice daily to keep your skills sharp. 8. Make sure you can do both a British and American accent as many international productions filmed in South Africa require this. 9. Once you’re ready, get an agent. 10. Make sure that you feed your agent with new information about projects you’re involved with and new accents/training that you’ve done. For more info on Micharn and what she is up to you can follow her on: Facebook - @MicharnPollockActor Instagram - @MicharnPollock CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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Arabella home sales top R100 Million in 2018
2018 has been a volatile year on many fronts, however the property market at Arabella Country Estate in Kleinmond, Western Cape, is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Since the beginning of 2018, home sales in the estate have reached over R100 million. “Demand for properties within the estate have soared this year, with more than 20 homes being sold in 2018 already,” says estate manager, Dirk Uys. The Overberg has become a dream destination for many families, as it offers a lifestyle and sense of security not available in many other areas in South Africa. The estate has become one of the first in the area to offer full fibre optic access throughout the Estate ensuring high-speed Internet connectivity to all home owners. “Many people moving onto the Estate are doing so to escape the growing stresses and congestion of city life,” says Uys. “We are located just 110km from Cape Town and with the increasing trend towards mobile/home offices and home-based businesses, Arabella has become an attractive alternative, The fibre optic access now gives residents high speed connectivity to be able to work efficiently from home.” Although known worldwide for their exceptional golf course, Arabella Country Estate, also supports a myriad of other outdoor lifestyle activities right on their doorsteps, including mountain biking, trail running, non-motorised water sports on the famous Bot River Lagoon, walking and bird watching. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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Mastering diversity strategies that work
Mastering diversity strategies that work By Devan Moonsamy – CEO The ICHAF Training Institute Despite the challenges that come with managing and getting the best out of and for diverse teams, ways to handle diversity successfully have been identified, tested and shown to work. Specific skills and knowledge are required, but they are usually not what one would expect. Too often, if employees are trained on diversity, the focus is on their peers’ culture, and even mundane things like what type of foods certain groups might prefer. This may have some value, but in a very limited sense. Even teaching staff to greet one another in their home language may help, but again, it will not remove or even begin to address those deep-seated prejudices preventing us from really making progress. Much more in-depth and focused interventions are required to get people to understand, acknowledge, and embrace the true value of diversity. After this initial process of improving interpersonal relationships begins, employees can then be guided in the creation of a conducive workplace environment for the advantages of diversity to be realised. One major advantage of maintaining a sound diversity structure in the workplace is that it ensures we draw all types of customers to our business. There are many other advantages, all of which can be taught along with the means to implement them. To begin teaching the necessary skills, we need to start on the individual level, introducing powerful tools for the employee to use in interrogating their own views and getting to the heart of their own prejudices, fears and worries. Once these have been acknowledged in the safe and carefully facilitated training space, work begins on implementing interpersonal diversity strategies that are effective in the South African environment. A diversity expert should tailor diversity strategies for the target group and seek to address the specific problems that are cropping up and preventing the …
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Thabang Does it Again at 4 Peaks
THABANG DOES IT AGAIN AT 4 PEAKS Despite coming into the race with injuries and 8 weeks of on-again off-again training, Thabang Madiba has taken podium position at the 2018 Trappers Bloemfontein 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by Bloemfontein Courant and realised his goal of setting a new course record! He now holds the title for both the “forward” and “reverse” routes of the race. “4 Peaks is always the toughest race on the calendar. I went into the race not feeling the greatest after having injuries and not being able to train consistently – so this result is amazing,” exclaims Thabang. “I said earlier this month that one of my goals was to set a new course record for this route and I am really thrilled to have been able to do that today!” Thabang took first place in a time of 2hrs39min56sec, with Simon Tshabalala hot on his heels in 2nd place in 2hrs39min57sec and Sampie Makoekoe in 3rd place in 3hrs01min54sec. The ladies race was won by last year’s reverse champion, Trude Carstens, in a time of 4hrs09min01sec, with Tara-Lea van Zyl in second place in a time of 4hrs09min02sec and Caryn Phipson taking 3rd place in a time of 4hrs21min08sec. “What an honour to not only be back at this amazing, but super tough race, but to take the title again!” says Trude Carstens. “The race went really well, I suffered a little bit in the last 8km which is when Tara-Lea caught up with me, but I was able to dig deep and pip her at the line!” Great weather conditions ensured all athletes had a great run on the mountain. “We are delighted to have had such an exciting race between our top two men and ladies,” says race organiser Mike de Haast of Pure Adventures. “All in all it’s been a fantastic day out – we couldn’t have asked for more!” Dubbed as the toughest 24km trail race in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m, the race takes place on the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. The terrain is definitely not for the faint of heart and …
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Nichola Sets Her Sights on the Olympics
South African born and raised dressage rider, Nichola Mohr, has set the wheels in motion to fulfil her dream of riding and competing her own horse overseas with the eventual goal of riding for South Africa at the Olympic Games. Earlier this year she loaded her best friend, Callaho Winston, onto a flight to the island of Mauritius for him to wait out his mandatory quarantine before flying off to Olympic dressage rider, Tanya Seymour’s yard in Germany where him and Nichola will be based. “It has always been a dream of mine to compete internationally and in the Olympics for my country,” says Nichola. “To be able to ride alongside my idol, Charlotte Dujardin, would be a dream come true!” Nichola, whose love of horses and riding career started before she could even walk, has been seriously competing since she was 8 years old, and in the last 18years since then has competed her horses up to Grand Prix level. “My greatest riding achievement to date definitely has to be competing my off-the-track thoroughbred up to Grand Prix level,” says Nichola. Nichola has been in the Western Province team since the age of 10 and during that time has also represented South Africa. She has also been invited to train and compete at international yards in Germany, Holland, New Zealand and in the UK. Winston comes from the highly esteemed Callaho Stud, and was bought by Nichola at their annual auction in 2013. “We don't often try the horses out before the Callaho Auction, but in 2013 we went to try the horses and Winston was the only one I was interested in. We bought his brother, Fabriccio, 2 years before and we loved working with him, which made me want Winston even more,” explains Nichola. “The day of the auction arrived and I'd never been so cold before. Just before Lot no: 9 – Winston - was meant to make his way into the arena, a huge gust of wind blew through the outdoor arena and spooked the horses warming up there. Winston's rider turned him to stop, he lost his footing and …