Abortion is a complex and highly sensitive subject that involves personal, medical, and ethical considerations. It’s a topic that sparks passionate debates and discussions worldwide. In this blog, we will explore abortion clinics, their role in women’s healthcare, and the critical factors to consider when seeking their services. Understanding Abortion Clinics An abortion clinic is a medical facility that specializes in providing safe and legal abortion services to women facing unplanned pregnancies. These clinics are staffed with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and counselors, who are trained to offer comprehensive care to women during this challenging time. Services Offered Abortion clinics offer a range of services, including: Consultations and Counseling:Women seeking abortion services often receive counseling to discuss their options, address concerns, and ensure they are making an informed decision. Medical Abortion:This involves taking medication to terminate a pregnancy, typically during the early stages. Surgical Abortion:Surgical procedures are performed to terminate a pregnancy. The type of procedure may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the woman’s health. Pre- and Post-Procedure Care:Abortion clinics provide necessary care before and after the procedure, including pain management and recovery guidance. Contraceptive Counseling:Many clinics offer information about contraceptive methods to prevent future pregnancies. Confidentiality and Privacy Abortion clinics prioritize patient confidentiality and privacy. They understand the sensitivity of the issue and take measures to protect the identities and personal information of their clients. See More Services You Can Find in an Abortion Clinic CONTRACEPTIVES STI TESTING PAP SMEAR Factors to Consider When considering an abortion clinic, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind: Legal Regulations Abortion laws vary from country to …
Tiger Brands donates school shoes to Free State primary school learners
Tiger Brands donates school shoes to Free State primary school learners Johannesburg. 7 February 2024. Tiger Brands delivered more than 1 000 pairs of school shoes to learners who are unable to afford them at eight schools across the Free State province. The shoes were donated by Tiger Brands employees under the company’s Tigers Care employee volunteer initiative. The participating schools are beneficiaries of the Tiger Brands Foundation School Breakfast programme. • Calendon Park Primary School - Ficksburg • Kweetsa Primary School - Hennenman • Masaleng Primary School - Ficksburg • Mehopung Primary School – Ficksburg • Meqheleng Primary School - Ficksburg • Phomolong Primary School - Hennenman • Qhowaneng Public Primary School - Ficksburg • Seithati Primary School – Botshabelo Millions of children in South Africa attend school without school shoes and this can have a negative impact on academic achievement with some children opting out of school as a result. “Many of us take for granted the difference a pair of school shoes can make in the life of a child who ordinarily goes without. We hope to bring back pride and dignity to our children with a reliable and beautifully made pair of school shoes,” says Mary-Jane Morifi, Tiger Brands Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer. Tiger Brands sourced the school shoes from MyWalk, a non-profit organisation that recycles non-contaminated PVC drip bags, oxygen masks and associated tubing to manufacture durable and fully recyclable school shoes. Tiger Brands called on its employees to purchase as many pairs of school shoes as possible with the company matching the final number which was donated. “At Tiger Brands, we actively encourage our employees to get involved in community projects which the company supports. This is always met with great excitement and willingness across the business,” says Morifi. A further 1 000 school shoes will be donated to deserving children in the …
Pietermaritzburg Teen Aims for U.S. Tour with Support from Celebrated Academic Cousin, Nhlakanipho Mkhize
Nhlakanipho Mkhize, a distinguished 33-year-old academic originally from Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg, and now residing in Springs, east of Johannesburg, embodies the belief that education is the key to unlocking boundless opportunities. Now, he's embarked on a mission close to his heart: to pay forward the transformative power of education to his cousin, Busiswa Kuzwayo, aged 14. His goal is to provide her with a chance to broaden her horizons through an educational tour of the United States in September 2024. At just 14 years old, Busiswa is described as focused, ambitious, self-disciplined, hardworking, and an ambivert. She has already shown remarkable academic prowess and versatility. Excelling in her studies at Pietermaritzburg Girls High and actively participating in sports such as soccer, netball, and hockey, along with cultural activities like poetry, she has consistently performed at the top of her class. Her achievements have earned her a coveted spot among the 50 top achievers invited to the U.S. tour, highlighting her as a multifaceted individual with a deep-seated desire to make her mark on the world. The heart of this story lies in the crowdfunding campaign (https://www.backabuddy.co.za/busiswa-kuzwayo) initiated by Nhlakanipho on BackaBuddy, aiming to cover the significant costs associated with the trip, such as flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses. With a target of R78,000, the campaign has already raised over R36,000, a testament to the community's belief in Busiswa's potential and the collective effort to invest in her future. The funds will ensure that Busiswa, raised by a single mother alongside her grandmother, can embark on this life-changing journey without financial burden. Nhlakanipho's journey from his hometown to the world's leading academic institutions provided him with a deep understanding of the transformative impact of international exposure on young minds. He excelled early on, ranking first in …
5 ways you can share the love with furry friends in need this Valentine’s Day
February is the month of love, and this month it’s the homeless animals that need a lot of love! Scottburgh-based NPO, 4 Paws and a Tale Rescue has been inundated with animals in need of food, shelter, and medication, with many pet owners simply unable to keep up with the rising cost of living. To ease the burden, the team of volunteers is calling for any donations, either pet-related or monetary, as every little bit helps. “The economic challenges facing South Africans are being felt in all sectors, with our most vulnerable animals feeling the effects,” explained Nicky Koekemoer of 4 Paws and a Tale Rescue. “The last few months we’ve noted a spike in the number of homeless and abandoned dogs and cats as pet owners cannot afford to feed and care for their animals. This is compounded by dwindling resources as our donor pool decreases amid rising living expenses. We’re calling for people to consider showing their love for animals this Valentine’s Day with donations of any kind.” Here are 5 ways you can help! 1. Donate second-hand goods for re-sale A significant portion of daily running costs to help vulnerable animals comes from sales generated by its Tale End Charity Shop in Thira Village, just off the main road, 142 Scott Street, in Scottburgh. Any donations of quality, second-hand goods are welcome here as these are re-sold and the revenue is used to feed, medicate, and care for vulnerable animals. Donations can be dropped off at the Tale End Charity Shop or Seadoone Vet in Amanzimtoti. 2. Buy second-hand goods You can also support 4 Paws and a Tale Rescue by visiting the Tale End Charity Shop for gently-used furniture, books, clothing, crockery, and more! This doesn’t only support the many animals in need, it’s a much more sustainable consumer practice. There are some great antique Valentine’s Day finds to be unearthed here! Opening times are 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12pm every Saturday. 3. Donate towards animal care Part of the …
Sandton Central Management District unveils new tourism ambassadors to enhance public services in December
In a community-driven move to boost public services and enhance the safety and experience of visitors, the Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) has introduced the addition of thirty-two new tourism ambassadors to the precinct. This initiative, in collaboration with Joburg Tourism, sets Sandton Central apart as a premier City Improvement District in South Africa, especially during the bustling festive period. Sandton Central is renowned for its comprehensive range of services that contribute to a safe, clean, and friendly environment. The popular 'Men in Red' continue their dedicated patrols, ensuring a secure and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Complementing this effort, the district’s efficient cleaning team will continue their great work in maintaining the area’s aesthetic appeal, making it an attractive destination for shopping, dining, and tourism. Adding to the existing security measures, Sandton Central also boasts dedicated patrolling vehicles, a highly responsive security team, and efficient medic services to respond to emergencies. The introduction of the new tourism ambassadors, strategically placed at key points throughout the precinct, marks a significant enhancement to Sandton Central’s public services. These ambassadors will be stationed at the Gautrain Tourist Kiosk, Sandton City Entrance 12 on Rivonia Road, 5th Street and Sandton City, Sandton Convention Centre and Maude Street, Sandton Clinic and West Street, Craft Market and Maude Street, and The Marc on the corner of Rivonia and Maude, where they will provide assistance, guidance, and a friendly face to both locals and tourists alike. “As we gear up for the festive season, our priority is to ensure that Sandton Central remains a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for everyone. The addition of our new tourism ambassadors is another way we’re enhancing the visitor experience while ensuring top-notch security and assistance whenever needed,” says Elaine Jack, District …
Ruby Digital Takes Action Against Emerging Cybercrime Threats
Ruby Digital, a leading South African digital marketing company, is actively addressing a concerning rise in cybercrime targeting individuals globally. As a reputable and multiple-award winning agency, Ruby Digital is committed to maintaining a safe digital environment for its community and beyond. Established with years of experience in digital marketing, Ruby Digital has consistently assisted businesses both locally and internationally. Known for its excellence in the industry, the agency has earned multiple awards and a stellar reputation. During August, Ruby Digital observed a disturbing pattern involving unsolicited WhatsApp messages promoting fraudulent job opportunities. These messages, promising financial rewards in exchange for subscribing to various YouTube channels, were sent to random individuals. The scammers utilised multiple phone numbers for communication. Recipients who contacted Ruby Digital via social media and email were promptly informed about the fraudulent nature of these offers. Fortunately, no recipients reported vulnerabilities or losses as a result of this scheme, and Ruby Digital responded promptly, reassuring victims and escalating the issue. Despite these efforts, the cybercrime has persisted and even increased, affecting agencies globally, particularly in the marketing industry. Justin Lester, Ruby Digital's CEO, states, "We take these matters seriously and have connected with industry colleagues facing similar challenges. Our legitimate career opportunities are exclusively advertised on our official Careers page, and we only initiate contact through email. We are dedicated to addressing and raising awareness of these emerging threats." Lester adds, "What is particularly alarming is the increasing innovation and creativity displayed by these scammers. They are not only targeting individuals desperately seeking employment but are expanding their reach to potential and existing clients. It's a stark reminder of the …
Conference To Tackle Challenges Facing Corporate Governance
Insufficient corporate governance lies at the core of several societal welfare and democratic challenges, spanning from dysfunctional municipalities struggling to meet service delivery needs due to corruption and inefficiency, to disparities in the private sector such as wage gaps and collusive practices that do not serve the public interest. Addressing the critical issues surrounding ethical and efficient leadership, the 2nd Corporate Governance Conference to be held 11-12 December in Stellenbosch will delve into pertinent issues such as integrated and sustainability reporting, the ramifications of Artificial Intelligence, board composition, executive compensation, and climate change, among other vital areas. One of the pertinent discussions will include a panel discussion “The Governance of Sustainability”, which is especially relevant considering the controversial head of COP28’s claim that there was “no science” suggesting phasing out fossil fuels will help limit global warming to 1.50C. The discussion will be led by Mohamed Adam, Lead Independent Director of The Ethics Institute of South Africa. The event is jointly organised by the Centre for Corporate Governance in Africa at Stellenbosch Business School and the School of Accountancy at Stellenbosch University. With the theme “Corporate Governance Best Practices in a Changing World”, the conference will gather local and international academics and corporate specialists with about 60 papers presented over the two days. Keynote speakers include Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, Chairman of KPMG South Africa, and Prof Musa Mangen, Professor of Accounting at Nottingham University Business School, with panel discussions by Imre Nagy, Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ (IRBA), Dr Jaisheila Rajput, Chief Executive Officer of TOMA-NOW, Shameela Soobramoney, Chief Executive Officer of the National Business Initiative (NBI), and Jacques de Brie, Head of Outsourcing and Investor …
Gender-based violence statistics highlight failures of plans to address the scourge
As South Africa engages in the last week of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, a R1.6 billion budget allocation has done little to stem the tide of violent crimes against women and children. Commitments at presidential summits on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in 2018 and 2022, including the budget allocated to roll out the national Emergency Response Action Plan (ERAP) in 2019, have missed their targets and “crucial interventions have never materialised,” said Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, senior lecturer in managerial economics and statistics at Stellenbosch Business School. “South African Police Service (SAPS) quarterly crime statistics repeatedly confirm that our nation has amongst the worst levels of rape, murder and sexual offences in the world,” she said. Crime statistics for July-September 2023 estimate 100 rapes and 78 women killed daily, she said, with 5 945 murders, 13 090 sexual offences and 10 516 rapes committed in the three months.[i] “Barely two weeks ago the nation was horrified by the brutal stabbing of a CPUT student by her husband in full view of other students in the residence. Were it not for the intervention of the other students, the outcome was intended to be death. “That same week, the alleged rape of three girls under the age of 10 in a Butterworth hostel was being investigated by the Eastern Cape Department of Education. What we see is a further violation of sexual rights, and this is not uncommon in a nation where 1 in 4 girls under the age of 20 give birth to children, some even below the age of 13, according to the World Health Organisation,” Dr Moleko said. Meanwhile, the ERAP with its R1.6 billion budget allocation had failed to achieve almost two-thirds (64%) of its targets and partially achieved only 15%, according to a 2022 assessment by the Commission for Gender Equality. Dr Moleko, a former deputy chair of the Commission, said interventions that had failed to …
Caution is key for pedestrian safety during power outages
Pedestrian safety is a major cause for concern in South Africa, with between 35-40% of road fatalities being pedestrian deaths. Motorists need to be hyper-vigilant while driving during loadshedding to avoid adding to this statistic. “Power outages could affect important road safety features such as street and traffic lights. This makes it extremely difficult for motorists to spot hazards, and even pedestrians, on the road. During loadshedding, motorists need to be especially cautious, expect the unexpected, follow the rules of the road, and slow down to give themselves more time to avoid these possible dangers,” says Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance. So how do we ensure pedestrian safety on our roads while traffic lights are out? Van Vuuren provides some guidelines for motorists, to help prevent road fatalities, together with the steps to follow if you’re involved in an accident with a pedestrian. Treat intersections as four-way stops If there’s no pointsman on duty, you must treat every intersection as a four-way stop. It’s the driver’s responsibility to double-check for pedestrians before proceeding through an intersection. Remain cautious and vigilant at all times Motorists shouldn’t assume that pedestrians have seen them. Motorists should also bear in mind that pedestrians may not be paying attention. And, when driving at night, motorists are urged to slow down and always have their headlights on, so that they can clearly see pedestrians and other road users. Stop for pedestrians When you stop at a pedestrian crossing, stop far enough away so that drivers behind you and in other lanes also have time to stop. If the car in front of you is stationary for longer than usual, it could be because it’s stopped for a pedestrian. Don’t pass if there’s any doubt! If you’re ever involved in a collision with a pedestrian, remain calm, stop immediately, and call the police and emergency services. You’re legally …
Unemployed? So what?
Dr Nthabiseng Moleko is an Economist at Stellenbosch Business School The 2023 quarter 3 Labour Force Survey paints a grim reality. The unemployment crisis is not a recent development. It has been persisting for at least the past decade. Unemployment according to Stats SA a decade ago (quarter 3 of 2013) was at 4.9 million people with the majority (3.2 million) of the unemployed experiencing long-term unemployment. Today unemployment is at 7.8 million, meaning 31.9% of South Africans are unemployed. This figure is still giving us an optimistic view of unemployment as it excludes those who have sadly given up looking for work. The number of discouraged workers adds an astounding 3.2 million people to the unemployed, putting the true rate of unemployment at an astonishing 41%. It’s disheartening for me to note that nothing is being done about it. Despite the size, scale and prolonged length of the unemployment crisis, woefully our economic and labour market policies remain unchanged. Perhaps, it is more apt to say we have surpassed the crisis levels. Yet, the trade, monetary, industrial and agricultural policies remain invariably the same. And we as South Africans wonder in dismay at the worsening unemployment trends. A re-evaluation of policies to enhance labour absorptive capacity is urgently needed. Policies that are not working cannot remain untouchable. The size of discouraged work seekers, which is but a proportion of the total unemployed is generally not included in the narrow definition that is cited largely by media and government. Discouraged work seekers alone are currently equal to the number of the long-term unemployed in 2013 at 3.2 million. Youth in rural areas, and townships who were unemployed a decade ago, have remained unemployed. In addition, new entrants in the labour market annually add an average contribution of 290 000 to the unemployed, totalling to an increased 2.9 million unemployed in the past decade. That by any labour market …