The Perfect Time To Stay In Touch.

Maryke Jooste
-
0
The Perfect Time To Stay In Touch.
Some great insights from Brad Austen from MiSure (Insurance Brokers – https://misure.co.za/) on the current COVID pandemic and the impact it is having on us socially and financially. A word of encouragement. One of the hardest aspects of this crisis is this social distancing required between you, me, friends, neighbours, colleagues, even our families!I don’t know about you, but the photos of people trying to visit their loved ones through hospital windows just tears at my soul. In difficult times, South Africa’s greatest strength has come from pulling together – working shoulder to shoulder – to generate the ingenuity, resilience and tenacity that solves problems and creates opportunities.We’ll overcome this crisis, too, I have no doubt. From six feet apart, if necessary. But we have to stay connected…even as we socially isolate. That’s why you’ll be hearing regularly from me and my team while this volatility lasts–by phone, email, online meetings, more phone calls… it’s critical we stay in touch. And you’ll find some valuable resources on both your health and the markets at http://www.misure.co.za and correspondence especially pertaining to Vitality.One thing I want you to remember as you watch the (financial) markets and the news: You have the strength and the intestinal fortitude to survive this market storm. Because this is a market storm…a temporary event you and I have long prepared for by making smart, responsible decisions about allocating assets and diversifying holdings. We based your (our clients) portfolio on Nobel prize-winning investment strategies that have protected investors for the last 60+ years, and they are protecting you now. Given the strength of the economy before the health crisis, some experts believe a recovery could be fairly fast and strong. No one knows, of course, and I am monitoring the markets and (client) investments with extreme diligence to keep us well-positioned for positive days ahead.Because prosperous days will come again. They always do. This time is no different. Let me leave you with a story that illustrates how I view market downturns. You may have heard this before, but it perfectly explains my mission in managing (client) portfolios:“Years ago a farmer, whose fields stretched along the eastern seaboard, was looking for hired hands. It wasn’t easy to find help. People were reluctant to work on the Atlantic coast. They dreaded the regular raging storms that wreaked havoc on buildings and crops. Interviewing applicants for the job, the farmer received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached him. “Are you a good farmhand?” the farmer asked. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the desperate farmer hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, keeping himself busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer was satisfied with his new hire. Then, late one night, the Atlantic wind began howling in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man, yelling, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!” The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No, sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.” Enraged, the farmer was tempted to fire the old man on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens in their coops, the doors barred, the shutters tightly secured. Everything was tied down; nothing would blow away. The farmer returned to his bed, and the sound of the storm wind lulled him to sleep.”I like to think that I’m the hired hand who keeps you safe while the wind blows. I hope you think so, too, and if there is anything more I can do to “lull you to sleep,” please let me know. P.S. This is the perfect time to connect with an old friend! P.P.S. Here are all the ways to contact me and the team. Keep these handy! Office: +27 044 001 0406 Mi Mobile: 083 442 5310Also – BE REMINDED about our weekly “Mastering Finance & Insurance” workshops. Saturdays, 09h00 – 11h00 via Zoom. Brad Austen unpacks valuable Finance & Insurance basics such as Budget Basics, Investment options, Will & Testament and important Insurance options. Make sure to register and join us: https://masteringit.co.za/workshop-signup/

Renault stel sy jongste Mégane RS bekend

Johann van Tonder
-
0
Renault stel sy jongste Mégane RS bekend

Die 300 Trophy is vir die eerste keer by die 2018-motorskou in die Franse hoofstad Parys bekendgestel; die eerste RS Trophy wat gebaseer was op die Mégane II RS, het in 2005 op die mark gekom, slegs nege maande na die bekendstelling van die eerste Mégane RS. Die RS Trophy is ontwikkel uit jare se kennis en ondervinding met Formule 1, en is meer geskik vir die renbaan as die gewone RS. Die 300-naam is afgelei van die motor se kraglewering in perdekrag. Daar sal van hierdie model egter net beperkte getalle wêreldwyd beskikbaar wees; dit sal verseker dat die RS Trophy ‘n gesogte versamelaars item word.

Motorgees-drifgites kan uitsien na ‘n meer sportiewe ontwerp as voorheen, met uitstaande stilerings-kenmerke soos grafiese kunswerk op die voorste modderskerms saam met ‘n Trophy-kenteken op die bakwerk, 19-duim allooiwiele in drie kleure met Bridgestone Potenza S 001-bande, ‘n agterste lugverdeler en ‘n uitlaatpyp wat in die middel agter gemonteer is.

Aan die binnekant word dié sportiewe tema voortgesit, met ‘n stuurwiel wat met Alcantara afgewerk is, ‘n aluminium-rathefboomknop, Recaro-skottel-sitplekke wat ook in Alcantara afgewerk is en maksimum gemak onder alle bestuurstoestande verseker en oor kontrasterende rooi stikwerk beskik. Daar is ‘n raakskerm van 8,7 duim met satelliet-navigasie wat oor Suid-Afrikaanse kaarte beskik, asook Bluetooth-verbinding met USB- en AUX-kragpunte. Die dubbelsone-klimaatbeheer, spoedbeheer met ‘n snelheids-beperker, Renault se unieke sleutelkaart, met sleutellose toegang en ‘n aansit knoppie, asook outomatiese kopligte en ruitveërs maak die binnekant ‘n gerieflike plek al is die RS Trophy ‘n verrigtingsmotor.

Nog ‘n kenmerk wat deur motorgeesdriftiges verwelkom sal word, is ‘n aanboord-stelsel wat die bestuurder op hoogte van die motor se werkverrigting hou; selfs die motor se rondtetye om ‘n renbaan kan aangeteken word. Verder word die RS se vierwiel-sturstelsel wat die motor se draaisirkel verklein en vinniger stuurreaksie verseker, vir die Trophy gebruik. Dit sorg ook vir beter rondtetye om ‘n renbaan en maak die motor heelwat veiliger. Die Cup-onderstel is standaard toerusting vir die Trophy, en spog met ‘n stywer veerstelsel asook ‘n Torsen-meganiese vastrapewenaar wat die motor se klouvermoë, veral om draaie, verbeter. Die voorste remme is van die beste wat beskikbaar is, en spog met Brembo-remknypers, wat vir optimale remvermoë sorg.

Die RS Trophy is beskikbaar met ‘n keuse tussen ‘n handratkas of ‘n EDC-dubbelkoppelaarratkas, elk met ses gange. Albei modelle word toegerus met ‘n turbnoaangejaagde 1,8 liter viersilinderenjin met regstreekse inspuiting; dié enjin lewer 221kW teen 6 000 opm en wringkrag van 400 of 420 Nm teen tussen 2 400 en 4 500 opm vir die handrat en EDC-onderskeidelik. Albei modelle versnel binne 5,7 sekondes van 0 tot 100 km/h en die topsnelhede van die handear en EDC is onderskeidelik 260 en 255 km/h. Die EDC-modelle beskik oor ratspane agter die stuurwiel waarmee ratte vinnig gewissel kan word.

Die pryse van die twee RS Trohpy-modelle, wat ‘n waarborg van vyf jaar of 150 000 km, asook ‘n diensplan van vyf jaar of 90 000 km en ‘n waarborg teen korrosie van ses jaar insluit, lyk só:

Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy-handrat: R 774 900

Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy EDC: R 799 900

Artikel: Gerrie Smit (Ultimate Drive)

George Municipality update on storm related incidences

Maryke Jooste
-
0
George Municipality update on storm related incidences

George Municipality officials had their hands full especially on Monday after windy and ice-cold conditions hit the coast on Sunday night (12 July 2020). The George Emergency Call Centre was inundated with hundreds of calls from Sunday evening until Tuesday at 8 am. Our electrotechnical teams attended to 110 high voltage complaints in Wilderness, Hoekwil, Thembalethu and the George greater area where power outages were experienced. A total of  65 low voltage complaints where streets and houses were affected were attended to on Monday with repair work continuing until late into the evening. The teams also dealt with a few power dips on Tuesday due to the bad weather.

The George Fire Brigade assisted the Human Settlements Directorate on Monday night in handing out 60 sandbags to eight households in Blanco. These homes had lost their roofs during the windy conditions.  A total so far of 23 families have been assisted in George, Haarlem and Touwsranten with roofs that were damaged by strong winds and bad weather. The directorate provided gunplast to 60 formal and informal houses and supplied roof sheets for 1 house.

George Fire Brigade together with our Parks section dealt with at least 27 trees on Monday which had either fallen over or branches that had broken off and had to be removed,  following the high winds At least three trees fell onto parked cars and fortunately, no injuries were reported. In several cases, the fallen trees or branches had blocked roads or sidewalks and these needed priority clearing.  Emergency Services also attended to a portion of the Rosemoor Stadium wall in Miller Street that blew over on Monday. Repairs will be done as soon as is possible.

Municipal Manager, Trevor Botha thanked officials for their hard work in extreme weather conditions. “The wind, cold and rain coupled with load shedding, have made things very difficult for all of our officials working to restore power and clearing roads and sidewalks. Our civils department also faced challenges with a large water main pipe burst on the N2 during the same timeframe.  We thank everyone for their hard work in restoring power and water to our communities and also thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

Captions (with descriptions below):A tree fell onto a parked vehicle in Stephen Street.Emergency personnel attend to a big tree branch that fell into St. Paul’s Street.A fallen tree at Bergville Retirement Village.A tree fell into the property in Mitchell Street.A fallen tree blocks Erica Road, Heatherlands on Monday.Part of the Rosemoor Stadium wall in Miller Street blew over on Monday. The George Municipality will fix the wall during this week. 

Suid Kaapse Motorfiets Klubs doen hul deel vir welwillendheid

Johann van Tonder
-
0
Suid Kaapse Motorfiets Klubs doen hul deel vir welwillendheid

Hoewel grendeltyd beweging van mense en voertuie gekortwiek het, het dit geensins die geesdrif en entoesiasme gedemp waarmee motorfiets klubs inspring waar daar tekort is nie. Sedert die verslapping van die bepreking op beweging het verskeie klubs welsyn projekte van stapel gestuur en elke keer het klubs en motorfiets entoesiaste in hul hordes, vanaf Mosselbaai, Plett, Knysna, Oudtshoorn en George opgedaag om te onderesteun.

Daar was hulp aan die bejaardes by Huis JJ Watson, met skenkings van benodighede wat in ‘n verby-ry geleentheid afgelaai is. Skenkings van etlike duisend rand is aangery na Oudshoorn in die vorm van kos en ander benodighede vir dierebeskerming. By ‘n ander geleentheid het motorfiets ryers via twee roetes, een teer langs van George na Mosselbaai en toe na Oudtshoorn via die Robinson Pas, en ‘n ander grondpad roete oor Montagu Pas en via Dysselsdorp na Oudtshoorn hul bene gerek. Die massarit was in ondersteuning van Bennedette Landman, Oudtshoorn se eie Mev Heelal Finalis, teen geweld teen vroue en kinders en het selfs TV nuus gehaal. Hierdie rit was gereel en ondersteun deur Garden Route Motorcycles, kompleet met ‘n gelukkige trekking van koopbewyse ter waarde van R10 000.

Meer onlangs in bibber reënweer het die motorfietsryers, asook verskeie motor klubs, opgeruk na Mosselbaai om klein Aldrich, ‘n sterk en brawe jong kankerleier se verjaarsdag spesiaal te maak. Op Sondag 12 Julie was Water Warriors aan die beurt. Hierdie instansie help die boere en hul werkers in droogte geteisterde gebiede. Donasies is in George by die groot Pick&Pay ingesamel en daarna begelei deur ‘n groot kawelkade motorfietse na hul store in die industriele gebied.

Onder die wilde beeld wat die publiek van motorfietsryers het skuil daar ‘n klomp saggeaarde mense met harte van goud, wat graag uitreik om te help waar hulle kan. Saluut aan die Suid Kaap se Motorfiets klubs en ryers!

Selective Perception and Reading

Benjamin W Fourie
-
0
Selective Perception and Reading
Picture accredited to CSG Mens Our brains are hardwired to look for things we want, need or like. A widely used example to prove this fact is that of a colour. In this case I will be referring to a car. Your favourite car is white and you always compare it to other white cars. One evening a television ad introduced a new model of the car brand you like. The problem is that this model only comes in the colour red. The following day on your way to work you only notice red cars. You think to yourself that you have not realized that there are so many red cars around. The reason you never noticed that there are so many red cars is called selective perception.Selective perception is the brain’s way of forming a shortcut to ensure that your chances are better of getting what you want. This process blocks out unrelated information and places focus on your needs. Selective perception is a very broad spectrum term covering all instances of information bias. In this article I address reading. Reading can be done to relax, learn or follow instructions. Each form of reading places the brain in a different state. If you do not know how to cook then you follow a recipe. If you need enlightenment, you read scripture. To relax, you unwind with a hot cup of coffee and your favorite magazine, website or novel. With every written piece purposely made to convey an idea, belief or method. Unfortunately many times our selective perception stops us from reading all the content. I can give plenty of examples of something we have all done before.
  1. Over eager to start an exam because you are overflowing with the information you studied. Full of confidence you ignore the examiners instruction to read all the questions first. We all know how that played out.
  2. You first attempt at baking a cake. Easy, just read the instructions. Cake in the oven baking at full steam. Only to realize that you did not butter your cake pan before pouring in the cake batter.
  3. Working on a mechanical piece. The instructions’ first warning was to number every part, including the nuts and bolts. Only to be left with a mysterious handful of nuts and bolts after you finished your project.
Either way selective perception was the cause of crucial information being neglected as less important. Even though your immediate need might have been met, you sometimes become blinded by it. Think of it as judging a written sentence by only one word in it. You will lose the meaning of the sentence in turn losing the paragraph and then the entire written piece.The problem with selective perception in reading is that we tend to only look for the words in a written piece that has meaning to our immediate need. This in turn defeats the purpose of reading and accumulating new information. I have written many articles just to have someone read only the first paragraph and then comment based on 5% of the information. Not only defeating the purpose of the information supplied but also not gaining the additional knowledge. The point of any written work is to start a thought process on a matter. The audience then builds and formulates new concepts and understanding based on their individual knowledge and experience. It is something that makes one think and grow. You can almost see a writer as a guide giving you the basic tools to start with. What you do with the information will determine your future understanding on similar subjects. Writers write from a place of passion. This means that most written work has been well researched and the methods tried and tested in real life situations.Next time you read to gain understanding or follow a step by step guide remember that you might miss a small but crucial point due to selective perception. Happy reading!

Karoo farmers take to the sky in efforts to curb invasive alien plants and increase water supply

Maryke Jooste
-
0
Karoo farmers take to the sky in efforts to curb invasive alien plants and increase water supply
“During the past four decades, the southern and northern slopes, as well as the mountain tops of the Outeniqua Mountains have fallen prey to the aggressive spread of invasive alien plants,in particular wattle and pine trees,” says Cobus Meiring of the Southern Cape Landowners Initiative (SCLI).Mountain catchments, feeder streams, wetlands, fountains and underground water resources have dwindled significantly and alarmingly as a direct result of invasive alien trees claiming staggering volumes of water. Not only the farmers are feeling the effect of reduced water sources available to them to farm sustainably. Downstream water users in the Kammanassie and Olifants River systems, as well as the river systems supplying towns such as Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp, have either run dry completely or are drastically under performing.“Because of the costs related to the control and eradication of immensely dense stands of invasive alien plants and trees, farmers simply do not have  the resources to eradicate and curb the spread of invasive alien plants,” says Meiring.“However, the 2018 Outeniqua wildfire disaster, that destroyed close to 100 000 hectares of vegetation, provided landowners along the mountains a small window of opportunity to make inroads into the control of invasive alien plants on a large scale.”According to a local Kammanassie farmer, Morné Jonker of the farm Ezeljacht, the best chance of success in addressing invasive alien plants on a large scale is to prevent regrowth after a fire such as what they experienced in 2018.“The wildfire was intensely hot,destroyed the large stands of trees and stimulated new growth from the decades-old wattle seed bank, with literally in the hundreds of seedlings per square metre now growing out of the fertile ground.”He says almost 500 hectares of mostly mountain and riverine land in their area are now experiencing regrowth of wattle and pine carpeting the landscape. Jonker estimates that more than 90% of the area is invaded by severe wattle regrowth.Drone technology to curb invasive alien plants“Our best chance of preventing these trees from reaching maturity is by the application of a suitable herbicide by means of an aerial spray, making use of drone technology,” says Jonker.“Given the cost of labour and herbicide, the repeated application of herbicide required to suppress fast-growing invasive alien plants is extremely costly, compounded by unforgiving terrain and climatic conditions that are seldom conducive for herbicide application.”Says Jonker, “The availability of specialised drone technology, adapted for carrying sufficient payload of herbicide to spray over dense stands of wattle along severely affected areas is our saving grace”.“Not only is drone technology extremely affordable to us, given the scale of the problem and the difficulty of the terrain along steep mountain slopes and inaccessible riverine areas, but it is extremely effective and accurate in application.”Southern Cape farmers, both on the dry and wet side of the Outeniqua Mountains are collaborating with SCLI in a collective effort to rehabilitate regional river systems in order to establish biodiversity conservation corridors.Photo2: Drone in actionFarmers in the Klein Karoo are makinguse of drone technology in efforts to curb the spread of invasive alien plants.(Photo Credits: Cobus Meiring, SCLI)** The Southern Cape Landowners Initiative (SCLI) is a public platformand think tank for landowners and land managers with an interest in invasivealien plant management, water stewardship and land management. SCLI issupported by the Table Mountain Fund (TMF), a subsidiary of WWF SA.WEBSITE: http://www.scli.org.zaMEDIA ENQUIRIES1. Morné Jonker, landowner and commercial farmer, Klein KarooCell: 062 429 5614Email: mornejonker@rocketmail.com2. Cobus Meiring: Chair of the Southern Cape Landowners Initiative(SCLI)Cell: 083 626 7619Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Covid-19 News 13 July 2020

Herman Pienaar
-
0
Covid-19 News 13 July 2020
In short the main news this morning is:
  • Thembalethu has become a hotspot in the Western Cape as reported on SBAC News last night
  • Alcohol banned –  Alcohol sales, making, and distribution have been banned with immediate effect.
  • Curfew – A curfew will be enforced from 21:00 until 04:00 every day
  • Wearing of masks – Business owners, managers, etc., are now legally obliged to ensure that visitors and employees must be wearing a mask.
  • Designated officials – All businesses must have a designated official responsible for ensuring adherence to lockdown regulations.
  • 70% capacity limit on minibus taxis – This 70% capacity rule will be enforced for long trips. Taxis travelling on short local trips will be permitted to travel at 100% capacity.
  • The changes will come into effect from Monday 13 July.Ramaphosa said that a number of regulations important to economic activity would be eased.
  • These include the permittance of all auctions and the opening of parks for exercise, but not public gatherings. Family visits remain strictly prohibited, Ramaphosa said.
  • To facilitate the continued enforcement of these regulations, the national state of disaster will be extended to 15 August 2020.
 This evening, as I stand here before you, our nation is confronted by the gravest crisis in the history of our democracy.For more than 120 days, we have succeeded in delaying the spread of a virus that is causing devastation across the globe.We delayed the spread of the virus by working together and by maintaining our resolve.But now, the surge in infections that we had been advised by our medical experts would come, has arrived.The storm is upon us.More than a quarter of a million South Africans have been infected with coronavirus, and we know that many more infections have gone undetected.As of this evening, there are 276,242 confirmed cases in the country.We are now recording over 12,000 new cases every day.That is the equivalent of 500 new infections every hourSince the start of the outbreak in March, at least 4,079 people have died from COVID-19.What should concern us most is that a quarter of those who died passed away in the last week.We mourn the loss of each and every one of them, including some who have been in leadership positions in our country, such as Queen Noloyiso Sandile of the AmaRharhabe and North West MEC Gordon Kegakilwe.Our thoughts and prayers are with all their families at this time of extraordinary grief.We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to three of our premiers who have been tested positive for coronavirus – Premier Alan Winde, Premier David Makhura and Premier Job Mokgoro.As a country, we are not alone in our fight against coronavirus.Most other countries around the world are engaged in the same struggle as we are.More than half a million people have died from COVID-19 across the world, and the total number of confirmed cases across the world has grown rapidly to more than 12.7 million.While the surge in infections has been expected, the force and the speed with which it has progressed has, quite understandably, caused great concern.Many of us are fearful of the danger this presents for ourselves, and for our families.Like the massive cold fronts that sweep into our country from the South Atlantic at this time of year, there are few parts of the country that will remain untouched by the coronavirus.The coronavirus storm is far fiercer and more destructive than any we have known before.It is stretching our resources and our resolve to their limits.The surge of infections that our experts and scientists predicted over 3 months ago has now arrived. It started in the Western Cape and is now underway in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.Gauteng is fast approaching 100,000 confirmed cases.The Eastern Cape has passed 50,000 cases, and although the rate of transmission has slowed in the Western Cape, it will soon have 80,000 cases.According to current projections, each of our provinces will reach the peak of infections at different times between the end of July and late September.Yet, while infections rise exponentially, it is important to note that our case fatality rate of 1.5% is among the lowest in the world.This is compared to a global average case fatality rate of 4.4%.We owe the relatively low number of deaths in our country to the experience and dedication of our health professionals and the urgent measures we have taken to build the capacity of our health system which faced a number of its own inherent challenges before COVID 19.We must remember that the most important measure of success is the number of lives we save.More than 134,000 South Africans have recovered from the coronavirus.Many of those who have recovered took personal responsibility for their health and the health of others, by self-isolating or presenting to quarantine themselves facilities.Even as most of our people have taken action to prevent the spread of the virus, there are others who have not.There are some among us who ignore the regulations that have been passed to combat the disease. They also act without any responsibility to respect and protect each other.In the midst of our national effort to fight against this virus there are a number of people who have taken to organising parties, who have drinking sprees, and some who walk around in crowded spaces without masks.Then there are some of our people who see no problem attending funerals where the number of people in attendance exceed the number of 50 that has been set out in regulations.In some cases some people go to funerals where more than 1,000 people are in attendance.This is how the virus is spread – through carelessness and through recklessness.It is concerning that many are downplaying the seriousness of the virus, despite all evidence to the contrary and what we have cautioned on numerous occasions.We now know of several tragic instances where people who have organised or attended social gatherings, including gatherings with family, have contracted the virus and have died.In the midst of such a pandemic, getting into a taxi without a face mask, gathering to meet friends, attending parties or even visiting family, can too easily spread the virus and cost lives.This may be a disease that is caused by a virus, but it is spread by human conduct and behaviour.We are in the midst of a deadly pandemic and we must act accordingly, in line with the prevention measures we continue to communicate.We are all required to be responsible, careful and compassionate.The truth is that we are not helpless in the face of this storm.Scientists and other scenario planners have presented us with models that project that South Africa may have between 40,000 and 50,000 deaths before the end of this year.We must make it our single most important task to prove these projections wrong.Through our own actions – as individuals, as families, as communities – we can and we must change the course of this pandemic in our country.We are by now all familiar with what we need to do to protect ourselves and others from infection.We need to wear a cloth mask that covers our nose and mouth whenever we leave home.We must continue to regularly wash our hands with soap and water or sanitiser.We must continue to clean and sanitise all surfaces in all public spaces.Most importantly, we must keep a safe distance – of at least 2 metres – from other people.There is now emerging evidence that the virus may also be carried in tiny particles in the air in places that are crowded, closed or have poor air circulation.For this reason we must immediately improve the indoor environment of public places where the risk of infection is greatest.We must increase natural ventilation, avoid the recirculation of air and minimise the number of people sharing the same space.We must do this in all heath care facilities, nursing homes, shops, offices, workplaces, schools, restaurants and public transport.We have the power within ourselves, working with each other, to limit the damage that this virus does to our people, our society and our economy.As we confront the rapid rise in infections, as we ready ourselves for the difficult days, weeks and months that lie ahead, we need to remind ourselves of the absolute necessity of the measures we have taken.On the advice of health scientists and experts, our decision to declare a nation-wide lockdown prevented a massive early surge of infections when our health services were less prepared, which would have resulted in a far greater loss of lives.We knew that we could not escape the virus, but that we needed to delay its spread for as long as possible.In the time that we had, we have taken important measures to strengthen our health response.We have conducted more than two million coronavirus tests and community health workers have done more than 20 million screenings.We have made available almost 28,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients and have constructed functional field hospitals across the country.We now have over 37,000 quarantine beds in private and public facilities across the country, ready to isolate those who cannot do so at home.We have secured 1,700 additional ventilators, and companies in South Africa are in the process of producing another 12,000 ventilation devices for delivery between the end of July and the end of August.We have procured and delivered millions of items of personal protective equipment to hospitals, clinics and schools across the country to protect our frontline workers.We have recruited and continue to recruit additional nurses, doctors and emergency health personnel.We still have a serious shortage of more than 12,000 health workers, mostly nurses, doctors and physiotherapists.Thanks to the contributions by business and individuals, the Solidarity Fund has invested R1.9 billion in our health response, providing personal protective equipment and other supplies for our health facilities.It is generally known that the ultimate defence the world could have against coronavirus would be a cure or a vaccine.A vaccine against this virus does not exist.South Africa has joined, and is playing an important role in, the global effort to develop vaccines and medicines to treat COVID-19.Our country has an established vaccine manufacturing capability and expertise in the development and trial of a range of vaccines.We continue to make progress in our efforts to deal with COVID 19, but our greatest challenge still lies ahead.Health facilities in several provinces are already under significant strain.We have heard of instances where people who are infected have been turned away from health facilities due to a lack of beds or essential supplies.This is deeply worrying.It means we have to move with even greater urgency to strengthen our strategy to manage the peak of infections.We are focusing on a number of priority actions in the coming weeks.Across all provinces, we are working to further increase the number of general ward and critical beds available for COVID-19 patients. This must be done.Ward capacity is being freed up in a number of hospitals by delaying non-urgent care, the conversion of some areas of hospitals into additional ward space and the erection or expansion of field hospitals.We are working to increase supplies of oxygen, ventilators and other equipment for those who will need critical care, including by diverting the supply of oxygen from other purposes.Due to the lack of critical care facilities in rural areas, measures are being put in place to refer patients to better-equipped urban centres.To deal with shortages of health personnel in some areas, we are employing more doctors and nurses and negotiating with health science faculties to deploy volunteers to provide medical, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy and general patient support.I have been extremely proud to see medical students volunteering at hospitals and clinics, exemplifying the highest values of the medical profession.I commend them for their unwavering patriotism and commitment to public service.We are working to reduce the turnaround time for testing to no more than 48 hours.We are introducing antibody testing for community-based surveillance to estimate the population that has been infected with this virus.These actions together represent an extraordinary mobilisation of effort and resources.But it is not only the health system that needs to be strengthened.This moment of crisis requires that we mobilise society on a massive scale to confront this pandemic.We are working with traditional leaders, religious formations, civil society organisations, business associations, unions and other bodies to spread the message about prevention and care.We need to follow the example of communities that have set up ‘coronavirus forums’ at a ward level to get residents involved in fighting this disease.As government, we are deploying Ministers and Deputy Ministers to every district in the country to ensure that the local response receives the support that it needs.They will also be initiating gender-based violence prevention programmes at district level.A vital part of our strategy to contain the spread of the virus is to identify those people who are infected, to identify those people they have been in close contact with, and ensure that they immediately isolate themselves from others.We know there are some people who are reluctant to isolate themselves – either at home or in government facilities – but it is essential that we do so if we are to break the chain of transmission.Social workers need to work with them to help them secure their homes when they are quarantined.We are deploying digital technologies to strengthen the identification, tracing and isolation of contacts, and to provide support to those who test positive.In several provinces, those who take a coronavirus test can now receive their result via WhatsApp and provide details of their contacts through this platform.By responding to messages from the Department of Health and providing this information, you can help to stop the virus from spreading further.By providing a correct cell phone number and personal details when you test for the coronavirus, you can make the task of our healthcare workers easier.If you have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, you must self-quarantine at home or in a place of quarantine.Similarly, you need to remain at home or in a place of quarantine while you are waiting for a test result to ensure that you do not transmit the virus without knowing it.If you test positive for coronavirus and have diabetes or hypertension and you are short of breath, seek care at a hospital immediately.This is the practical action we can and should take to protect those around us.It is precisely this consideration and care towards others that will save lives.In the light of the increased rate of infection, the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet have considered returning all or parts of the country to a higher alert level, either to level 4 or level 5.The advice we have received is that taking this step now would not necessarily achieve a significant reduction in the rate of transmission and would come at an extraordinary economic cost, putting more livelihoods at risk and potentially causing long-lasting social harm.As we now approach the peak of infections, we need to take extra precautions and tighten existing measures to slow down the rate of transmission.On the recommendation of the National Coronavirus Command Council, Cabinet has therefore decided that the country will remain at alert level 3 at this time, but that we should however strengthen the enforcement of existing regulations and take certain additional measures.In order to reduce the rate of transmission, we had earlier said that the wearing of cloth masks will be mandatory.While many South Africans are wearing masks, there are however some among us who are not wearing masks when in public.It is therefore important that we should enforce the wearing of masks.Regulations on the wearing of masks will be strengthened.Employers, shop owners and managers, public transport operators, and managers and owners of any other public building are now legally obliged to ensure that anyone entering their premises or vehicle must be wearing a mask.All workplaces and all institutions need to ensure that there is a designated coronavirus official responsible for making sure that all regulations and all precautions are strictly adhered to.Taxis undertaking local trips will now be permitted to increase their capacity to 100%, while long distance taxis will not be allowed to exceed 70% occupancy, on condition that new risk mitigation protocols related to masks, vehicle sanitising and open windows are followed.As we head towards the peak of infections, it is vital that we do not burden our clinics and hospitals with alcohol-related injuries that could have been avoided.This is a fight to save every life, and we need to save every bed.We have therefore decided that in order to conserve hospital capacity, the sale, dispensing and distribution of alcohol will be suspended with immediate effect.There is now clear evidence that the resumption of alcohol sales has resulted in substantial pressure being put on hospitals, including trauma and ICU units, due to motor vehicle accidents, violence and related trauma.Most of these and other trauma injuries occur at night.Therefore, as an additional measures to reduce the pressure on hospitals, a curfew will be put in place between the hours of 9pm and 4am.Apart from people who need to travel to and from work or who need to seek urgent medical or other assistance during this time, everyone will be required to remain at home.The curfew will take effect from tomorrow, Monday, 13 July 2020 at 9pm.We are taking these measures fully aware that they impose unwelcome restrictions on people’s lives.They are, however, necessary to see us through the peak of the disease.At the same time, we have decided to ease restrictions on activities that pose a lower risk of infection and are important for economic or educational purposes.As part of resuming economic activity, all auctions will be permitted subject to protocols similar to those that currently apply to agricultural auctions.Parks will be open for exercise, but not for any form of gathering.After careful consideration of expert advice, there are still some activities that present too much of a risk to permit at this stage.For this reason, family visits and other social activities will unfortunately not be allowed for now.I know that this places a great burden on families and individuals and can cause great emotional strain, especially for those with elderly parents.It goes against our very nature as social beings, but it is a hardship that we must endure for that much longer to protect those we love and care for from this disease.To ensure that we have the means to continue to respond effectively to this severe health emergency, Cabinet has approved the extension of the national state of disaster to the 15th of August 2020.There is no way that we can avoid the coronavirus storm.But we can limit the damage that it can cause to our lives.As a nation we have come together to support each other, to provide comfort to those who are ill and to promote acceptance of people living with the virus.I have been encouraged by the COVID-19 support groups that have been started online where people can share their experiences and give encouragement, and by the work of religious bodies, community groups and traditional leaders to support people in areas across the country.This is an important part of breaking the stigma around the virus and motivates those who are ill to seek care and not live in fear of victimisation.I wish to pay tribute to the many thousands of people who are on the frontline of our fight against coronavirus.These are the nurses, doctors and other health workers who are working tirelessly to save lives; the police, soldiers and traffic officials who are responsible for our safety; the essential service workers who have been keeping our country functioning; the religious leaders who have provided comfort and guidance; and the media workers who have kept the country informed.We remember those frontline workers who have lost their lives to COVID-19.We grieve with their families, hopeful that they may find some comfort in the support and gratitude of those that they so selflessly served.The difficulty, struggle and sacrifice of the past few months are about to get significantly harder and our endurance will be sorely tested.But if there is one thing we have learned over the past few months, it is that South Africans remain united in the face of a common threat.We have stood for each other and stood by each other.Let us firm the hand of solidarity we have extended to the vulnerable and the destitute.Let us lay the foundation for National Health Insurance so that all people have access to the quality health care they need regardless of their ability to pay.As we work together to preserve life, we must begin to rebuild our economy and deepen measures to protect those whose livelihoods have been so badly impacted by the lockdown.The days, weeks and months to come will present some of the greatest tests of our nationhood.Let us remember that we share a collective responsibility to bring down the rate of infections.Let us remember that every individual action we undertake can and does make a difference.Let us remember that whether we are a family with an infected member, a business owner worried for their staff or a parent concerned for the safety of their children, that none of us stands alone.Now, more than ever, we are responsible for the lives of those around us.We will weather this storm.We will restore our country to health and to prosperity.We shall overcome.I thank you. 

President to address the Nation

Herman Pienaar
-
0
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 20:00 this evening, Sunday 12 July 2020, on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19. #StaySafe #PlayYourPart

The Business journey

Maryke Jooste
-
0
The Business journey
Businesses are all around us. We witness it on a daily basis. We get inspired. And we support.Starting with our own business, on the other hand, is a more daunting path to choose. It is a whole new world opening. You come across things you never would’ve thought forms part of such a journey. Because through witnessing other people building their business, you just get a sneak peak of what it is actually about. You have a passenger’s seat, now and again also wanting to throw in come comments and “helpful tips” to the driver, being the business owner. You learn from them, you spot a few things you will do differently, and for sure admire their journey of long hours and investing into their business.What about starting my own business? Have you ever considered going in that direction? A business idea is not something that forms overnight. It can start with a hobby that you’ve been practicing for a while, perhaps something you are passionate about or even from a conversation you had. It is also then something that starts small and grows over time. Going full-time into a startup business is not always possible or advisable as it takes time to establish your business and generate enough income to cover necessary expenses. Consider starting a business on the side, partnering with someone that shares your vision or get more exposure in a certain field before starting a business within it.There is definitely no right or wrong way of going about it. But yes, there is a lot of mistakes to be made and growth to occur.But it starts with the business idea. Perhaps consider establishing a business plan. An opportunity to gather a lot of thoughts, research, goals and business descriptions within one document. A Business Plan is the best tool to get some guidance for yourself (https://www.bplans.com/downloads/business-plan-template/). It requires from you to get to know your industry in which you will be providing a product or service. You would need to have a clear description of your product or service. Analyzing your competition, setting long- and short-term goals, establishing team roles as well as setting your expectations in place around finances, is some of the things you already set out within a Business Plan. Yes, it can get time consuming. And frustrating. Even ‘langdradig’.But the one thing it definitely is – NEEDED.What will be other good starting points for a business? A Business has a variety of facets. Especially if it is only yourself from the beginning, you will be required to attend to a lot of different tasks – finances, admin, providing products & services, website designs and marketing. So be equipped for this but if a certain task is not a strength of yours and it can take you up to 5 hours to complete where an expert can do it in 5 minutes, rather reconsider: Is this really a necessary task or project for now? How can I grow in improving in this? Or is there someone else that can do this for me? #outsource. For me this was a lot of things! Designing and drafting my website, doing marketing and delivering the services. But I knew from the start that I am good with organizing my time, doing admin, finances, networking and building relationships with clients. I also new which services of the business I’m more equipped to render, such as Career Coaching and Accounting classes (the two I am definitely most passionate about!). I am fortunate to have a Mastering It Team to help with other services.Two very important (and user-friendly!) apps I can advise young business owners to use: 1. Wave Accounting (https://www.waveapps.com/) – great for Invoicing and doing your finances. 2. Timetree App (https://timetreeapp.com/intl/en/) – keep track of your meetings and events! There is also the opportunity to share your calendar with someone else – perhaps your team members, friends or family members.How can I grow in becoming a better Business owner? My number one advise – read, read, read. I got so much equipping done through free articles and resources on the Internet.3 great articles that helped me: 1. http://www.marketingchannel.co.za/how-to-start-a-business-in-south-africa/ 2. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4686-how-to-start-a-business.html 3. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/252811Off course doing a few online courses will help as well! Have you tried searching on Udemy.com? At the end you most definitely determine what will work best for you. No business is operated in the same manner as another. So perhaps get some mentors onboard. Don’t be afraid of asking for help. And don’t be to hard on yourself 😉 And embrace the journey!Want to know more about my Business, Mastering It? Feel free to visit my website – www.masteringit.co.za I am really enjoying this journey and its been stretching me a lot! The article I posted was thoughts, learning curves and stories from my own experience as a Start-up Business owner. We especially grow through other people and learning from them. 

Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin

Johann van Tonder
-
0
Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin

It is hard to imagine going on an adventure at this time. Partly because it is freezing cold, partly because of the pesky lockdown rules. However, that did not stop Honda from delivering their ultimate adventure bike to me: the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. With limited possibilities available, I still decided to work out a short route to kick up some dust.

The all-new Honda Africa Twin is hardly distinguishable from its predecessor and only a keen eye will be able to tell them apart if I parked the two bikes next to each other. It seems that Honda did not want to meddle too much with a winning recipe. The capable Africa Twin has sold around 87 000 units worldwide already so they must be doing something right.

I rode both the standard and Adventure Sports derivatives of the bike at the launch in December 2019 and I must say I came away very impressed. The off-road section was extremely technical and the road section was very fast. My task now was to determine how the Africa Twin would perform as an everyday bike.

The engine is now a 1100cc unit and produces 7% more power and 6% more torque. The entire sub-frame is made of aluminium and to aide shorter riders, the seat is narrower where it meets the tank. The electronics have also been updated and there are more sensors to measure every angle of the bike and assist the rider. The biggest single improvement though is in the new TFT dash. It is a large 6.5” TFT touchscreen that controls most of the settings on the bike. To operate in on the go, your opposing thumbs need the dexterity of a teenager. There are 16 buttons, just on the left handlebar! Even the heated grips are hidden somewhere in the menus, so for once, I advise you to actually read the instruction manual.

What is does do exceptionally well is the riding experience. Honda knows just how to package a motorcycle, especially one made to traverse the roughest of terrain. Whether you are carving through a mountain pass or roughing it in the dirt, the Africa Twin delivers! The Adventure Sports gets cruise control as standard and in DCT guise it makes an effortless tour bike. When I left the tarmac, the Africa Twin just felt at home. I took the long way home, but longed for a long open stretch of road somewhere in the Karoo. The Africa Twin passed my everyday test with flying colours and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is looking for an adventure!

Article & photos: Brian Cheyne (Ultimate Drive)

1...414243...68Page 42 of 68