PRO FUSION TM
INSIGHT INSPIRE INVENT
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2017
THE
MIDMAR
MILE STORY
FOR
THREE CHEERS
WEST SIDE
PAINTBALLING IN THE CREEK
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EDITOR’S
2017 has hit the ground running, literally. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Christmas Giveaway and congratulations to the winner. In this issue we feature the Midmar Mile and the charities they support. Some of wrtiers also had the opportunity to talk to Trail runner, Thabang Elias Madiba and the very young and talented Tholwana Mohale. “Dont be afraid to be bold, after all it’s supposed to be BIG, hairy and audacious.” Natalie Singer on Career Goals - HR 101 Happy venturing.
Allan Desmet
ED’S
FIONA JUAN: SUCCESS COACH BY ANNEKE VAN PG ASWEGEN 56
s a m t y Chris
a w a give
W
R E INN
FEB | MAR 2017
DISCLAIMER PROFUSION IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF PROFUSION MEDIA (PTY) LTD. The material contained in this publication is copyright and belongs to Profusion Media, unless otherwise indicated. No part of this publication may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced, translated or stored by any electronic system without prior written permission of Profusion. While every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, the use of the information contained herein is at the readers' own risk. The information provided in this publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, psychological, financial or other professional advice, on any subject matter. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice before taking any course of action relating to information, ideas and opinions expressed in this publication. The reader accepts full responsibility and risk of any injury, damage or loss resulting from the use or reliance on information contained in this publication. Profusion, its authors, publishers, employees and/or agents will not bear any responsibility for damages or injury which may result relating to the use of, or inability to use, this publication or the information contained herein. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that the material will in fact be included in a particular issue since this depends on the space available. Contributions may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. Editorial opinion or comment is, unless otherwise stated, that of the editor and publication thereof does not indicate the agreement of any institution featured in the magazine unless otherwise stated. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication does not necessarily indicate approval by Profusion Media for the product or service advertised.
From15th December to 21st January, Profusion together with Paul Mitchell Hair Salon and Crocodile Creek were giving one lucky reader a chance to win a Paul Mitchell product hamper to the value of R2090 and a R500 gift voucher Thank you to all who participated in the competition.
Congratulations to Nadia Uys who is this competition
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with fun figure skating BY LISA DEWBERRY
No matter whether it is winter or summer, figure skating is a unique and technically challenging year-round activity that improves balance, stability, control and strength of individuals of all ages and abilities. This sport provides a great aerobic workout, focusses on quick foot movements improving joint flexibility, builds and tones leg muscles, enhances endurance and helps combat the effects of stress. Scientists believe ice skating originated about three thousand years ago when people used bones to slide on ice as a means of transportation. Disciplines of figure skating include Solos, when one skater performs to music mastering difficult jumps and spins, Pairs, when a couple performs daring manoeuvres while skating at speed, Dance, ballroom style dancing on ice, and Synchronised Team, where about 16 skaters perform synchronised moves on ice to music. FEB | MAR 2017
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A number of figure skating clubs, affiliated to the South African Figure Skating Association (SAFSA), operate across South Africa and are a starting point for learning to figure skate. They are often operational throughout the year only closing for Easter, June/July school holidays and December school holidays with intake of new members usually taking place every month. Many of these clubs offer eight week course consisting of group classes of one hour lessons per week for three year olds to adults where professional coaches teach the basics of learning to skate the correct way. Once a figure skater has mastered the basics of skating, they may receive private coaching from professional coaches to further your skating career. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner to senior at local, regional, national and international competitions where they are scored on their connecting footwork between elements such as their spins, jumps, moves in the field, lifts, throw jumps and death spirals. Many South African skaters who have successfully
represented the country at international competitions also skate in ice shows during or after their competitive careers or choose to coach figure-skating as a profession. SAFSA is committed to developing skating locally on all levels to increase the number of participants in the sport, create a more competitive environment for skaters and improve the standard of the sport in South Africa. The association runs three InterProvincial Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu and WP, a provincial championship and one national championship, hosted by alternating provinces annually. If you want to have fun learn an exciting sport which improves your fitness, agility and health or you want to realise a dream of representing your country, consider figure skating. Through this dynamic sport you will learn to master a series of breath-taking spins, twirls and jumps, become disciplined and be entertained while exercising and socialising in a secure environment.
CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SPORT VISIT THE SAFSA WEBSITE: WWW.SAFSA.ORG.ZA
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The Ice Rink Northgate: 011 794 8706 Grove: 012 807 3060 Festival Mall: 011 394 6702 Forest Hill: 012 668 1044 Galleria: 031 904 1156
FEB | MAR 2017
FEATURE
BY SHIMONE BEKKER
FEB | MAR 2017
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The Midmar Mile is the world’s largest open water event held in February every year at the Midmar Dam in Pietermaritzburg, where thousands of competitors attend. Swimmers swim out in 5 groups at three-minute intervals in 8 separate mile races over two days. Entrance Fees is as follow: Pedestrians R30, Cars R75, Combis R135, Small buses R385 and Large buses R765. Only cash payments or credit cards are accepted. No wildcards or Rhino Gold Cards are accepted. This year there will be approximately one hundred and twenty qualified lifeguards together with the SA Navy, SA Engineers Corp, SAPS Diving unit and medical services all on the water during the races adding to the safety of the swim. Medical assistance will be at the start, on the water, at Munro Bay and at the finish. SOME REQUESTS AT THE FINISH TO GAIN THE MOST ACCURATE RESULTS ARE: Do not change your order, once in the channel.
Hand in your bar-coded tag and timing chip at the top end of the channel and use the box at the end of the channel to discard the safety pin. If you have lost your tag, your details will be recorded. Once your tag is handed in, you continue to the aQuelle refreshment area where you will receive your water and medal. For the age group events – event 5 and 6 on Sunday the 13 years and under will finish in channels 1-4, 3140 years will be channels 5 and 6, 41-50 years will use channel 7 and 51 years and over will use channel 8. If you complete the race in over 32 minutes, it will not matter which lane you finish in, except if you are 51 years and over – you are then requested to finish in the far right channel if possible. The cut off time at the halfway finish mark is 32 minutes; anybody still in the water will be removed by the Water Safety Staff and taken to Munro Bay by boat.
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CONTINUED FROM Swimmers will be disqualified if they do not obey the rules or instructions of the officials. Swimmers are not allowed to have assistance, including the wearing of wetsuits or swimming aids. Any action that may bring the event into disrespect will cause disciplinary action and disqualification. No substitutions will be permitted.
SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2017 8:15 Event 1 Disabled / Ironman / Ironwoman / Biathlons / 71 years and older 9:45 Event 2 - Family Relay 11:00 Event 3 – Company Relay 12:15 Event 4 Non-Company Relay
Swimmers are expected to wear the swim cap supplied, no other cap is allowed. Prize giving on Saturday 11 Feb will be at 14:00 – Events 1 to 4 and on Sunday 14 Feb at 14:00 - Events 5 to 8. Prize money will only be paid over after prize giving, but within 14 days of the event and subject to doping clearance. Only swimmers seeded in the first batch (orange cap) will qualify for prizes. The organisers reserve the right to accept seeding times outside of the seeding events. It is the duty of the entrant to ensure correct seeding. There will be enquiry counters at the start (that will deal purely with start matters) and finish (that will deal only with finish matters). Only authorized personnel are allowed in the finish area. FEB | MAR 2017
SUNDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2017 8:30 Event 5 Girls 13 & Under / Women 31 & Over 9:45 Event 6 Boys 13 & Under / Men 31 & Over 11:00 Event 7 Girls / Women 14 to 30 12:15 Event 8 Boys / Men 14 to 30
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THE MIDMAR MILE
ENTRY FEES (PER SWIMMER) EVENT 1 – IRONMAN/IRON WOMAN/BIATHLONS RECEIVED BY MONDAY 23 JANUARY 2017 – R250 (INCLUDING T/SHIRT) G.C JOLLIFFE POOL ENTRIES WEDNESDAY 8 FEB – 10 FEB 2017 R300 (NO T/SHIRT)
EVENT 1 – DISABLED RECEIVED BY MONDAY 23 JAN 2017 R165 (INCLUDING T/SHIRT)
EVENTS 2 TO 8 RECEIVED BY 31 OCT 2016 R165 RCEIVED BY 1 NOV2016 – 16 DEC 2016 R195 RECEIVED BY 17 DEC2016 – 23 JAN 2017 R225 G.C JOLLIFFE POOL ENTRIES WED 8 FEB – 10 FEB 2017 R250 MIDMARDAM ENTRIES SAT 11 & SUN 12 FEB 2017 R300
ENTRIES RECEIVED AFTER 23 JAN 2017 ARE NOT GUARANTEED T/SHIRTS OR MEDALS OR BE ELIGIBLE FOR CATEGORY PRIZES.
NOTE COMPANY TEAMS – all members must be permanent employees of the same company. NON-COMPANY TEAMS – no swimming club teams will be eligible for prizes in this section. FAMILY TEAMS – all members must be immediate family, all members must have a direct link to at least one other member of the team.
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TEAM EVENTS (on Sat 13 Feb 2016) – minimum of 3 entrants and maximum of 5 entrants per team. Top 3 finishers per team will count (fastest accumulative time will win). SCHOOL TEAMS (events 5 to 8) –all swimmers from the same campus of a school will qualify. Top 5 swimmers with fastest accumulative time will count. CLUB TEAMS (events 7 & 8) – all swimmers from the same registered club will qualify. Top 5 fastest accumulative time will count.
FEB | MAR 2017
WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS GENRE: HORROR/MYSTERY/DRAMA
John and Laura Taylor (Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall) are a young, professional couple who desperately want a baby. After exhausting all other options, they finally hire Anna (Jaz Sinclair), the perfect woman to be their surrogate - but as she gets further along in her pregnancy, so too does her psychotic and dangerous fixation on the husband. The couple becomes caught up in Anna’s deadly game and must fight to regain control of their future before it’s too late.
GENRE: DOCUMENTARY RUNNING TIME: 104 MINS
A young woman’s worst nightmare becomes her waking reality after a parasitic outbreak wipes out half of the human population and disrupts her peaceful suburban existence. Uncertain about her future, she begins to document life in her quarantined hometown and tries to protect her infected sister as society begins to fall apart.
FEB | MAR 2017
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PRO CARING
RED LIST SWIMMING IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION
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EVERY ISSUE
ENDANGERED
BY FELICITY LOOPSTRA
Until the 1930’s the African Wild Dog was classified as vermin by provincial administrations in South Africa & there was a reward for their elimination. These fascinating animals were accused of contributing to the dwindling herds of medium sized antelope in the national parks - this misguided policy almost brought the African Wild Dog to the edge of extinction.
FEB | MAR 2017
Also known as the painted dog or Cape hunting dog, they are fast & effective killers boasting an 80% success rate with hunts compared to 30% for lions. They take out the weak & the sick, which is a necessary factor in balancing wildlife populations & they do not deserve to be cast in the role of the villain.
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Wild Dogs are the most social & structured carnivores in Africa & live in packs lead by an alpha male & female. Previously they roamed throughout most of the African continent but have disappeared from much of their former range in West, Central & North East Africa. Their IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list status is endangered, with a decreasing population trend. It is estimated that only 6600 remain in the wild & the largest populations are in Southern Africa (450 – 500 in Kruger National Park) & the southern part of East Africa (Tanzania & Northern Mozambique). The human footprint has contributed to the African Wild Dogs continued decline. Their home range can cover between 500 2000 square kilometres & therefore habitat loss through urbanisation & agriculture, accidental road kills, target killings by farmers, viral diseases like Rabies & Distemper are depleting their numbers. There are organisations tirelessly working to ensure the survival of these magnificent carnivores. Their efforts include capture & release programmes, translocation to increase the gene pool, creating safe game corridors & community education.
SCIENTIFIC NAME Lycaon pictus
LIFE SPAN | 10 - 12 years IDENTIFICATION | Mammal with mottled brown, black, yellow & white coat, long legs & big rotating ears HABITAT | Packs of 6 – 20 adults & sub adults hunt at dawn & dusk, outruns then disembowelling its live prey. Sprints at 60kms an hour SOCIAL HABITS | Greets other pack members with sniffing, licking, tail wagging & twittering loudly LOCATION | South Africa & southern East Africa semi-arid, savannah & woodland
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED VISIT:
www.worldwildlife.org | www.awf.org www.krugerpark.co.za | www.dewildt.co.za www.save-the-african-wild-dog.com FEB | MAR 2017 PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEATURE
BY FELICITY LOOPSTRA
In 1974 friends Mike Arbuthnot, Dick Park & Brian Glover had no idea that they would start something that would someday be entered into The Guinness Book of Records. The three guys had planned to drive from Kwa Zulu Natal to the Eastern Cape to compete in the Buffalo Mile swimming challenge in East London. However their plans were scuppered when petrol restrictions were introduced & they couldn’t get enough fuel for the round trip. Realising that they were not the only people in KZN whose plans had been dashed, they decided to organise their own race on their home turf & the Midmar Dam seemed to be the perfect location - so the Midmar Mile was born.
FEB | MAR 2017
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In that first year they had 150 eager amateur competitors – the youngest being 10 years old. It was a great success & they decided to organise the event again in 1975. To their surprise the entries increased & they had their first women participants. After two successful years they decided that it was time to make this an annual event & set down some official rules, including a time limit of one hour on the swim. Over the years the number of entrants has increased dramatically & the rules have continued to be changed accordingly. As the event became bigger & draw crowds of spectators, the spin off benefits started to surface. Charities are now one of the main beneficiaries of the annual Midmar Mile. The 8 Mile Club has been set up to raise money for charities with a proven track record in fundraising.
THE CHARITIES CURRENTLY ENJOYING THE SUPPORT OF THE 8 MILE CLUB ARE:ACT Save the Rhino - Assist Change in Action The Cancer Association - CHOC Gateway Christian School - The iThemba Lethu Aids Orphan Home KZN Cystic Fibrosis - The KZN Society for the Blind The KZN Society for the Deaf - Little Angels Little Eden - Pam & Colin’s Foster Home Pevensey Place for Cerebal Palsey - The SA Guide Dogs Village Safe Haven Children’s Home - The Wildlands Conservation Trust In 2009 The Midmar Mile was officially entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest open water swimming event with 13755 swimmers completing the race. The 11th & 12th of February 2017 was the 44th anniversary of this amazing race, that has seen the likes of Ryk Neethling, Lourens Appelgn, Chad Ho & Darian Townsend compete over the years alongside all the other unsung heroes that swim for charity. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
WWW.
MIDMAR MILE.
CO.ZA FEB | MAR 2017
YOU ARE LOOKING AT EVERY WILD DOG LEFT IN SOUTH AFRICA.
FEB | MAR 2017
PROFUSION MAGAZINE To save the last 394 visit ewt.org.za
PRO CULTURE
DELICIOUS
DISHES THREE CHEERS FOR WESTSIDE STORY CULTURE
FUSION
MUSHROOM & PEA
RISOTTO mushroom & pea
4 cups of veggie stock or broth 2 tablespoons of vegan butter 1/2 of a medium sweet onion, finely chopped 1 1/2 cups of baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, de-stemmed
FEB | MAR 2017
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups of risotto rice 2/3 cup of white wine heaping cup of peas (can be frozen) 1/4 cup of almond milk extra s&p to taste
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source
SOURCE
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STYLE | ITALIAN
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the stock so that its just warmed through and at a VERY minimal simmer. Keep on the heat until needed.
PREP TIME | 5 minutes COOK TIME | 25 minutes TYPE | Dinner SERVES | 4
2
In a large pot, heat the butter until just melted and then add in the onion, mushrooms, and thyme and cook until the onion is just translucent which is about 8 minutes. At 5 minutes, add in garlic, salt, and pepper
3
Turning up the heat a bit, add in the risotto rice and let cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently to let the rice get to the point that it’s almost frying and the rice becomes a bit translucent. (this might seem strange but go with it...it gives the rice a nice bite)
4
5
Add in JUST ONE ladle full of the stock and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Repeat this until all of the stock has been added being careful to not add more stock until the previous ladle-full has been absorbed.
6
When you add in your last ladle full of stock, stir in the peas and the almond milk. You can add a bit more or less if desired. The milk simple gives it a bit more creaminess.
7
You can cook the risotto so that most/ all of the liquid has been absorbed OR you can stop cooking the risotto so that there’s a decent amount of liquid remaining.
Add in the wine and stir to combine. Turn the heat back down to a gentle simmer.
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Take off the heat and enjoy! FEB | MAR 2017
FEATURE
three cheers for BY EUGENE YIGA
BIANCA LE GRANGE Music has always been a part of Bianca le Grange’s life. As a music teacher, her mother would play the organ in church to accompany the choir, while Bianca would be close by, humming and singing along.
SOURCE
FEB | MAR 2017
“I’ve been performing since I was six years old,” she says. “It’s all I ever wanted to do. So from a young age I knew I would be on a stage. I would take every opportunity awarded to me, from singing at weddings and funerals to friend’s birthdays and family gatherings.” PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Even though it’s been fifteen years since she was a finalist on the first season of Idols, many still recognise her from the television show. And while one of her career highlights was getting to meet Nelson Mandela and singing for his first 46664 concert with Usher, Alicia Keys, and P Diddy, she’s also excited to play the role of Anita in West Side Story.
“When performing, I love the honesty, the immediacy, the feeling of losing yourself and giving something your all without holding back,” she says. “I find few things in life as exhilarating, which is why it’s so addictive! It leaves you breathless and with butterflies, like falling in love.” Kenned plays the role of Maria, for which she won a prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Award last year. Having just arrived as an immigrant in America, her life seems full of promise when she falls in love at first sight with Tony. She is naïve and radiant in her innocent beauty, but their happiness isn’t meant to last. (Spoiler alert!)
“Anita and Maria are dear friends who confide in each other,” she says. “Two strong women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to speak their minds. Anita is opinionated, savvy, charismatic, and flamboyant. Outgoing and gregarious, she wears colourful frocks. Anita is considered most people’s favourite character and rightfully so. She’s a badass. I’m a badass too.”
To prepare for the role, Kenned took dancing classes for the first time in her life, which is something she’s had on her bucket list for ages. She also worked with a dialect coach to perfect Maria’s Puerto Rican accent. Mostly, she visualised what kind of atmosphere she want to create in the different scenes, even before memorising the script.
Preparing for the role required her to train at the gym every day and go to contemporary dance class twice a week. She’s also seen every YouTube video and watched the film more than ten times.
LYNELLE KENNED Performing scenes from Disney’s The Lion King to friends and family at home, aged six, is one of Lynelle Kenned’s earliest memories. Although she’s not sure whether she was any good, she’s happy that she at least had the confidence to “fake it ‘til you make it”. “I think at the age of sixteen, I was pretty much Maria,” she says. “I had the same notions about love and life, and stars in my eyes. I’m much more realistic nowadays, but sometimes still find myself hoping and believing in the best in people and situations.” PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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“
IT’S AN INCREDIBLE STORY, TOLD THROUGH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND DYNAMIC DANCING,” SHE SAYS. “I DON’T THINK I COULD CHOOSE MY FAVOURITE ASPECT, BUT MY FAVOURITE SCENE IS WHEN TONY AND MARIA MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME. EVERYBODY ELSE DISAPPEARS FOR THE YOUNG LOVERS AT THEIR ‘LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT’ MOMENT. IT SEEMS I’M A ROMANTIC AFTER ALL!
”
SOURCE
JONATHAN ROXMOUTH It all began one day at nursery school when Jonathan Roxmouth forgot to wear a costume for a circus-themed day. They’d be awarding prizes for the best dressed and he didn’t want to feel left out.
“I found a top hat in the drama room, stole the principal’s megaphone, and was the ringmaster for the day,” he recalls. “When my mom came to collect me, the principal took her aside and informed her that she had a Broadway Baby on her hands. Then she added that she was sorry!” Despite his love for performing, Roxmouth chose to study law instead of pursuing a career in the arts. But when we saw the Janice Honeyman pantomime “Snow White and the Seven Dofs”, he wished he could be having as much fun as the actors on stage. And so he figured it was time to do something about it. FEB | MAR 2017
“My family and friends were and still are a little concerned,” he says. “I suppose it’s their job to look out for me. But every opening night that comes along seems to allay their fears.” Looking ahead, two of Roxmouth’s dream roles are Jean Valjean in Lés Miserables and Billy Bigelow in Carousel. In the meantime, he’s excited to revise his role in West Side Story. “Tony is a big role for any singer so I am approaching it with a certain amount of caution,” he says. “In the past, he has been quite drippy and I hope to give him a bit more bite this time round.” PROFUSION MAGAZINE
THREE CHEERS FOR WEST SIDE STORY Roxmouth explains that Tony is a gang leader in New York who just happens to fall in love with the possibility of a new life away from the reality he finds himself stuck in. It’s something he can relate to.
“I think everyone dreams of a better future at some point in their lives,” he says. “I most certainly do. I just think it’s easier to do so when you have Bernstein’s score played by a full orchestra to back you up.”
WEST SIDE STORY IS AT THE MANDELA (JOBURG THEATRE) FROM 24 JANUARY TO 5 MARCH. BOOK AT COMPUTICKET. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FEB | MAR 2017
creati ng top mu sic BY LISA DEWBERRY
Tholwana Mohale, 17 year old singersong writer, who won SA’s Got Talent in 2014, has continued her rise to fame over the past few years creating vibrant music with top producers including Ross Jack, Alex Parker, Toya Delazy and Zeus. Her life has changed dramatically since winning SA’s Got Talent in 2014 as she relocated to Johannesburg in 2015 to become a drama student at the National School of Arts, began writing and recording music for her debut album and creating a music video due out this year. “I was born into a family of five and was raised by my mom, a single parent, in Steinkopf, a small town in the Northern Cape. I began singing and fell in love with the guitar at the age of 11 years old, when my mom signed me up for guitar lessons offered at the school,” she says.
FEB | MAR 2017
When entering SA’s Got Talent 2014, it was Tholwana’s second try auditioning for the competition, following her audition in 2013, but she seemed to be a fan favourite to win the competition right from the beginning of the 2014 competition. Throughout the season of the show, her performances left the crowds on their feet, but it was her rendition of Meghan Trainor’s ‘All About That Bass’ during the finals which resulted in her winning SA’s Got Talent 2014. This talented artist managed to beat out five other acts of the top six in the competition which included hip-hop dance group Freeze Frame Crew, who won second place, and male vocalist Joe Fredreicks, who won third position. Other competitors in the top six were female singing trio Honey, dancing group The Young Weezy Boyz, and singing group act New Creation & The Band.
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“I received a standing ovation for my performance, a cash prize of R250 000, which I am using partly to fund my education, and received a recording contract with Sony Music Africa. Since winning SA’s Got Talent, I have performed at the K Trade Fair, the world's premier fair for the plastics and rubber industry, in Düsseldorf, Germany in October 2016 and released my single ‘Playing On My Mind’ in July 2016, as well my debut single ‘Hollywood Guy’ in September 2014,” she says. ‘Playing On My Mind’ performed well on the radio charts and is the first taste of new music from Tholwana’s forthcoming studio album. ‘Hollywood Guy’, her debut single, written herself, about a guy who broke her heart, highlights her great vocal capabilities with a rap verse showing her playful side and was produced by FutureKings made up of Ross Jack and Alex Parker. “It was really exciting being in studio recording ‘Hollywood Guy’, my first single as I feel like I can do anything when I am behind the microphone. It is an incredibly freeing experience. The song was popular on radio stations across the country receiving national rotation on radio with over 15 000 listens online on my VEVO channel,” she says.
This singer-songwriter says musically she looks up to Beyonce because she says she believes Beyonce is the complete package and is a phenomenal performer who doesn’t change who she is to please society. Tholwana says that it is still getting used to fame and it is still a strange experience when fans idiolise her as she feels she that she is just like any other ordinary person.
“
MY MUSIC IS INSPIRED BY OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES AND I TRY TO PUT MYSELF IN OTHER PEOPLE’S SHOES WHEN I WRITE A SONG. WHEN IT COMES TO CRITICS, IF AN ARTIST KNOWS HOW GOOD THEYAREANDKNOWSHOW MUCH WORK THEY PUT INTO SOMETHING THEN IT DOESN’T MATTER IF OTHERS DON’T LIKE THEIR MUSIC. MY PHILOSOPHY ON LIFE IS THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT THEY LOVE AND I HOPE THAT MY MUSIC INSPIRES EVERYONE TO DO THIS.
Tholwana says the first time she heard her music on the radio she cried realising that her lifelong dream was coming true. Since SA’s Got Talent 2014, she has worked with renowned artists such as Tumi Molekane, rapper and poet, and the Jesse Clegg she says. Band and while music remains her primary focus, she also has future aspirations to participate in acting. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
”
FEB | MAR 2017
“People are not your most important asset. The RIGHT people are.” – Jim Collins
BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS Talent3sixty offers free online courses for individuals looking to enhance their career prospects. Courses include: Choosing a career Job search 101 Know your rights Ace that interview Dress for success Taking control of your nerves Get that promotion
Go to www.talent3sixty.co.za to enrol and boost success! FEB | MAR 2017 your chances for PROFUSION MAGAZINE
PRO FESSION
HR
101 CHALLENGES OF WORKING FROM
HOME
HERO OF THE
MONTH
BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS BY NATALIE SINGER
The term BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) was an idea conceptualised by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies”. In essence, a BHAG is a long-term goal (usually 10 years+) that requires a fundamental change in the nature of the business.
WHAT, YOU MAY ASK, DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH YOU AND YOUR CAREER? Well, I’d like to challenge you to consider your long-term career and thinking further than just 2017, work out what your BHAG is, and more importantly, what steps you should be taking today, to move you closer to reaching that BHAG.
FEB | MAR 2017
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WORK REVOLUTION We all know that technology is advancing at a rapid rate and that it’s changing the way we do just about everything, including work. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), once the realm only of sci-fi movies, is a reality and these are already having an impact on certain industries, in some cases negating the need for human workers. In the recent Future of Jobs report issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF), this changing world of work was put into sharp focus, reminding all of us that in as little as three years – by 2020 – some 7 million jobs could be lost as a result of redundancy of human workers. The majority of jobs that are affected are those where repetitive work could be programmed to be completed by a computer, or where advancing technology negates their role, for example, general administrators and office workers.
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE On the upside, there are also several entirely new jobs that are being created, including Data Scientists, for example. The WEF estimates that as many as 60% of children currently attending primary school will eventually work in jobs that don’t exist today.
The WEF report highlights, based on research with leading businesses, industries and organisational leaders, what the most indemand skills will be for 2020. Whilst there are some overlaps between the skills listed as most important in 2015, those high on the list for 2020 stress the reality of living in a world that is information-overloaded.
What is clear, is that there are most definitely things that, as yet, AI is unable to do better than a human, and these are the focus areas that all individuals should have when considering their future careers.
THE TOP 5 SKILLS FOR 2020:
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Taking these into account it is clear that if you want to ensure your long-term employability, you need to improve your cognitive thinking abilities and to gain experience working in cross-functional roles where high levels of people interaction and collaboration is required.
FUTURE-PROOF YOURSELF Take an honest look at your current skills set and assess this against the skills listed as desirable going forward. Do you have what it takes to be seen as a highly employable person? If not, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Make it your new year’s resolution to work on improving at least two skills in 2017. There are a multitude of resources available on the Internet, many of them free, and I urge you to do your homework and find courses you can do to improve your knowledge and skill.
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Reading is absolutely essential so if you aren’t already committed to reading at least one non-fiction book a month, make a list and get to it. Cut back on an hour of TV a day and you’ll get through at least one business or self-improvement book in 30 days. Check out your career idols online and see what they recommend you read as a starting point. Critical thinking and problem solving are skills that can be honed by playing chess and even some of the more complex computer games. Stretch your brain by doing Sudoku or crossword puzzles too.
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BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS CAREER GOALS
SET GOALS
EXCITING It must be compelling and get you motivated. By its nature a BHAG should be scary, and so, in order to get you working towards reaching it you need to be thrilled by the prospect of achieving it.
When setting your BHAG, consider what the world will look like – and need – from employees. Imagine the kind of work, not necessarily the ‘place’ you’d go, that you’d like and why and how this will be valuable, either to businesses or to consumers directly. Now write this down.
SMART The age-old saying, keep it Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound, applies here too. By properly quantifying what you want to achieve and how you know you’ve got there, you dramatically improve your chances of success.
WHEN DEVELOPING YOUR BHAG, ENSURE THAT IT’S: LONG-TERM You should be planning for where you want to be in 2025, as a minimum. This may seem ages away, so if it helps, think about the steps in between, say where would you need to be in three years (2020) and then another five
The statement that sums up what you’d like to achieve should be motivating and compelling, in order to keep you focused to you do what needs to be done in the next few years in order to achieve it. Don’t be afraid to be bold, after all it’s supposed to be BIG, hairy (or should that say scary?) and audacious (ambitious to the point that some might think you’re crazy).
ACTION-ORIENTED Use verbs, otherwise known as action words, to write a statement that makes you want to get started. INNOVATIVE It needs to be out-of-the-box to meet the requirements of BHAG. Think about how you could dramatically shift what you’re doing now, disrupt an industry or career.
Good luck!
NATALIE SINGER MD - TALENT3SIXTY
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challenges of
FROM
FEATURE
BY DANIEL ESLICK
A freelancer is a common occupation in the internet age, where professionals are able to work completely from home or abroad, without ever having to use an office space. Through the use of apps and content management systems, freelancers can run entire businesses, write articles or design websites from behind closed doors.
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An increasingly popular trend, freelancers can be spotted all over South Africa, sitting in front of laptops in cafes enjoying the WiFi connection, or sipping on a strong brew of coffee while chatting to a client via Skype. Never living a 9-5 lifestyle, a freelancer’s freedom comes with a price. A freelancer lives what many office workers would deem an ideal existence. No strictly enforced meetings, no work attire, and the ability to be in control of your own life are a few examples of the advantages you attain working from home. Freedom of movement allows freelancers to work in multiple countries or cities while building their personal brand, finding clients through online networking. Often, freelancers flock to countries with a low cost of living, which has made South Africa a prime destination.
A day in the life of a freelancer normally involves waking up at any time you desire, checking emails, going to the gym mid-morning before lunch and then completing your projects before the sun sets. It doesn’t sound too challenging on paper, but in practice, working from home has a variety of challenges you have to overcome in order to be successful. Normally freelancers do not work according to a set schedule making it difficult to settle down. Your work never arrives at an agreed rate, meaning that often you have to deal with long periods of inactivity and short periods of intense work. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
Without a guaranteed salary, it is difficult to settle into a pattern of spending, adding stress to every day life. This degree of uncertainty is a trademark of freelancing. Freelancers work alone and sometimes live alone. This isolated nature of living reflects on the relationships you develop, as you are often unable to form solid bonds with colleagues or work completely alone. There are limited opportunites for sharing ideas or solving problems collectively which means you are independant throughout the working day.
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Often you do not know who you are working with and it becomes difficult to meet people through work. Freelancers have to find alternative ways of meeting people and not becoming complete hermits behind the laptop screen.
This is particulary difficult when your smartphone reminds you of incoming emails at all times of the day, but discipline is required to not become a workaholic.
When you work for multiple companies remotely, it is difficult to access and understand each company’s culture, which is important if you want to be a long-term success at your company. Freelancers often work on short term contracts and never truly develop a strong connection the company they represent. Even though working at home may sound like the perfect option, there are many distractions when you are not in an office environment. A demanding child who simply will not leave your office space can prove to be a major distraction. If you have a family you will have to make a balacing act between work and family time. Other distractions include house chores (which are inescapable) and no restrictions on Youtube of Facebook. Freelancers also have to learn how to stop working when the day is done and not focus on projects 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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CHALLENGES OF WORKING FROM HOME Sitting for long periods during the day has been deemed by medical professionals to be highly detrimental to your health. According to the Huffington Post sitting “is the smoking of our generation”. Doctors believe that sitting for over 7 hours a day can contribute to diabetes type 2, cancer and other diseases.
Sitting in front of a laptop doesn’t require much movement, which is a problem that requires immediate attention by most freelancers.
A freelancer has to find ways to build in extra physical exercise during the day, be it gym or a daily run. Some freelancers have even tried setting up “walking meetings” where they take to the streets or on a hiking trail with their client. However, many freelancers find it increasingly difficult to leave their seats due to the pressures of work and lack of time, making them susceptible to poor health. Despite the many freedoms a freelancer enjoys, there are considerable challenges in all walks of life. The challenges a freelancer must face all require discipline, independance and patience to overcome. Many will need to think of original ideas to find solutions, or join support groups of other freelancers who face similar problems.
© Darrin Henry| stock.adobe.com.
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Thabang Elias Madiba BY ANN BAKER
THABANG ELIAS MADIBA IS SOMETHING OF A NATIONAL TREASURE. IT'S A PITY MORE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT HIM... His slight, wiry frame is packed with a quiet energy - outgoing and friendly, you'd never guess this very humble man is, in fact, one of the best long-distance trail runners in the country. Thabang has an impressive list of race credits, including 2013 South African Long Distance Trail Running Champion, 22nd in the 10th World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge in 2013 in Poland, 2014 South African Long Distance Trail Running Champion, 2nd at the Retto African Trail Race 2014 (The Otter trail run is run back-to-front every other year, and yes, the one it takes normal people five days to hike), 2015 Two Oceans Marathon Trail Race Champion, 2015 Winner of the Richtersveld Wildrun – 200km over five days between South Africa and Namibia, 2015 Winner of the Sky-running African Championship – Xtreme DoDo Trail, 50km – in Mauritius and, most recently, the winner of Racing Madagascar 2016 – 150km raced over six days. And he's only been racing trails for six years... FEB | MAR 2017
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The 32-year-old athlete who comes from Ga-Rankuwa, just North of Pretoria, says, "I started out with cross country. I did track and road at school, but cross country was my favourite. Also, they took a really big cross country team to nationals, so I could go with, and it was fun!" He ran his first trail race in 2011, the New Balance Maxi Cross 15km, and he won it. Naturally, the win motivated him to become more involved in trail running. A growing sport in South Africa (it's only natural, we are surrounded by some of the most spectacular terrain in every province, providing for everything from easy Jeep and single track runs to extremely technical, high-altitude ultra distances), trail running takes you off the beaten track, quite literally in some cases, and for those who don't enjoy the monotony of road running, it provides an exhilarating experience outdoors. What's not to love? "My first big trail was in 2012," says Thabang. "I did the Two Oceans long course (21km) and came third." He would go on to win that title in 2014 and 2015. "I love trail running," he explains, "Your mind switches off and you can forget all the negative things going on. Trails require your full focus, plus the scenery is beautiful. Trail running helps me see all the beautiful places in South Africa, and also the world." With all the venue and trail preparation necessary, they're not inexpensive, however, so his year is planned quite carefully.
As the ASA (Athletics South Africa) recently decided that trail running wasn't a legitimate sport, Thabang has to rely on himself and his sponsors to get him to high profile and international events. These include the Sterk Span Coaching Academy, the Elana Meyer endurance academy for young runners (they assist with gym contracts and nutrition), Salomon for his kit and shoes, TomTom for his watch and heart rate monitor, Biogen for his nutrition, and Titan bikes for his cross training mountain bike. "I was always someone who liked to run on their own, in my own head," explains Thabang, "Until I met Nico Sterk. He showed me so much, and he really improved my running. I realised you just need to find the right fit." He met Nico in 2012 and won his first national title in 2013, and then successfully defended it in 2014. He still trains with the Sterk Span athletes, and credits Nico with putting him in the right headspace to improve his running. If you do happen to be running a trail race, and the long and short course intercept each other, a rush of air and a rapidly disappearing back is how a fair few (slower) shorter distance runners experience Thabang's speed. But in January of this year it looked as if the trail world had seen the last of that speed. While out for a training ride, a vehicle skipped a stop sign and T-boned Thabang and his fellow cyclist. His friend was lucky, the angle and his momentum saved him from serious injury, Thabang was not so lucky. CONTINUES TO
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He cracked his femur and spent three months on crutches, with a further three months of intensive rehab to get him back to a competitive level. "For six months I was surrounded by positivity and encouragement," he says with a smile, "I knew I could do it." Needless to say, the defending champion was not there compete at the illustrious Two Oceans Trail Run in April, ending his two-year reign. He also missed out on this year's National Champs, but proved his mettle by winning the 2016 Racing Madagascar multi-stage race. Not bad for his first major race back. When it comes to training, Thabang runs six times a week. Every Sunday he'll do a long ride on his mountain bike, roughly 100km, and Fridays and Saturdays are for his long runs, between 25km and 40km a day. Tuesday through Thursday he does speed work (you'll find him at the Irene Oval on Thursdays, just saying...), as well as interval training. He goes to gym for strength training, focusing on light weights and planks for his back, arms and quads. His races range anywhere from 5km to 50km, but he only does one ultra (50km plus) race a year, as he wants to build up slowly and "learn some survival skills", like running with less water, at higher altitudes, and in much drier climates.
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Brick sessions (where you run directly after a hard cycle) are also a favourite, "When you're legs feel like jelly because you've done a hard cycle and now you're doing a hard run? I love that. I love pushing myself. I often train at midday, because learning to handle suffering helps you in a race. It teaches you to handle pain, to push through. I don't ever quit." And that determination right there is where Thabang's #IfICanYouCan tag comes from. He says, "It started last year after I won the 4Peaks Mountain Challenge and broke the course record. I'd been dying to win it. In 2011 I came 11th and in 2013 I came 2nd, then finally in 2015 I won it! They did the course in reverse and it was the toughest race, and I realised then that anything and everything is possible if you really focus on it. So I started telling people that if I can, you can. that's my motivation; do what you love with all your heart, and the rest will follow." He's a competitive spirit as well, but is delighted by the up-and-coming young talents he's seeing on the trails, noting "Competition is good. Every race you do you know you need to break a record or run a really fast time." Most notably he's watching the progress of Edwin Sesipi from Gauteng and Chris Strydom from the Free State. And his delight in their successes is evident, yet another reason why this man is truly one of our sporting greats.
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THABANG ELIAS MADIBA When he's not training, you'll find him working at The Natural Runner in Centurion, a natural running products and technical support store that supplies natural running products and also teaches natural running techniques. Natural running is a concept that aims to make running exactly that, more natural, using lighter weight shoes that allow the foot far more flexibility and a range of natural movements. It's a growing trend as athletes, both road and trail, recognise the benefit of running the way nature intended. Need a demonstration? Just ask Thabang... Humble despite his success, he looks up to Kilian Jornet and Ryan Sandes (another South African), two successful ultra-distance trail runners he had the opportunity of meeting in 2011 at the Salomon seminar. It was that meeting that motivated him to take his trail running to the next level and start looking at the longer distance and multi-stage races, races like the iconic Zegama- Aizkorri mountain marathon in Spain, Running Madagascar, and the Otter Trail Run in South Africa. He may have won Running Madagascar, but this year's Otter Trail run didn't go as planned. A stomach bug crippled him at halfway, forcing him to walk to the end. The terrain makes it almost impossible to rescue an athlete from the course, unless they are in dire need. You'll need to be carried out by rescuers to a point where either the National Sea Rescue Institute can reach you via water, or a helicopter can get in close enough to winch you out.
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Of course, this setback has just made him even more determined to win either the Otter or its reverse, the Retto. Clearly not afraid of setting himself lofty goals, Thabang tells me he'd love to do an Ironman one day. Held across the world, South Africa is home to a fairly challenging Ironman course in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth. The 3.86km swim takes place in the warm ocean waters, and the 180.25km road bike race and 42.2km road run are across a relatively flat course. It is, however, the wind that plays a vital role in the day. West is best, they say, but easterly is beastly, slowing down everyone from the international pros to the very last amateur. A gruelling test, what makes it an even more impressive target for Thabang is that he only recently learnt to swim. He's got the hang of not drowning, he says with a laugh, but the next thing he needs to learn is how to do freestyle... And you know what? It wouldn't surprise me to hear, in the not so distant future, the commentator calling across the sound system at the end of the race, "Thabang Madiba, you are an Ironman!" Because #IfICanYouCan. Follow him @thabang.elias.madiba on Instagram or @Thabang_Madiba on Twitter
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PRO SELF
HEALTHY
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How to kick a
BY ANNEKE VAN ASWEGEN
Are you addicted to sugar? Much like cocaine and heroin, sugar has a direct influence on our brain. When ingested it triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, the feel-good hormones. Over time your brain makes the association that eating something sweet (behaviour) will make you feel happier (reward).
If you continue this particular behaviour-reward pattern, your brain will learn to rely on sugar. You become addicted to the feel-good hormones sugar provides. SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT BE ADDICTED TO SUGAR: Sugar has become your reward: After a long day at work or after completing a particularly difficult task, your choice of reward always includes some form of sugary goodness. You feel sluggish and tired all the time even after a good eight hours of sleep.
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5 WAYS to kick your sugar ADDICTION Start to slowly reduce the amount of sugar and sweeteners you dump into your tea and coffee. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices altogether.
Physical changes: You frequently experience bloating and skin breakouts, and have noticed some weight gain. Cravings: You never really feel satisfied and need more sugar to feel “happy”. You constantly feel the urge to eat even when you’re full. Withdrawal: When you’re not able to get your daily sugar fix you start experiencing intense headaches and become highly irritable.
If the temptation is too much, remove all sugar and sugar products from your house, this includes your desk at work and secret stash under the bed. Move your body. Exercise releases endorphins, a great replacement for the happy-hormones sugar provides Eat more fibre and protein. These foods are slower to digest and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Go natural and rather choose a few portions of brightly coloured fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth. Keep in mind to limit your intake and choose fruits low in sugar: Strawberries, grapefruit and raspberries are great choices.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jan-Roux Kotze is a highly sought-after online fitness coach from Cape Town. How he overcame his own struggle with addiction and weight is what drives him to push his clients to stay disciplined, stay faithful and become the best versions of themselves. If you need support in your journey to physical transformation visit jrkfitness.com today.
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ORNER
Combining Creativity and
BY TARYN HERBST
The Drakensberg is a majestic area that is best known for its mountains and greenery. However, on the other side of the Drakensberg you also find the high levels of poverty and unemployment that are associated with rural areas.
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One organization that has been doing a lot to combat this problem in a creative way is The Weaver’s Hut. Established 27 years ago in the village of Donnybrook in the heart of the Drakensberg, The Weaver’s Hut has always had one objective – to give poverty-stricken women in the area employment and skills. They do this by hiring and training women to create high quality rugs and bags.
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The ‘Afri Bag’ is fun and funky but also practical. There are two parts to the bag: the hand-woven fabric which is made using 100% pure wool for the weft and poly cotton for the warp. The second component is the 100% genuine leather. Since only top quality materials are used in the creation of these bags, one of them will last you a lifetime. This is very different from a lot of the mass produced products that are available everywhere these days. The Weaver’s Hut also creates unique rugs. Once again, it’s all about quality and 100% pure wool weft and 100% Cotton Warp are used. The wool is bought from a professional dye-house and is colourfast treated and mothproofed. This means that these rugs are created to last. The designs are influenced by the surroundings – think classical African motifs and geometric and contemporary designs and you get an idea of what to expect.
The rugs are hand-woven using an extremely tight flat weave and can be handwashed, vacuumed and dry-cleaned. There is also something to suit every taste as there are more than 180 tones, shades and colours available. If you want a rug made to your specifications, they are able to do that as well. All of this might sound great, but you might not be that convinced that The Weaver’s Hut is actually committed to serving the community. One success story comes in the form of Gugu Zulu who joined the team because her family couldn’t afford to help her further her studies. She became very fast at setting up the looms and is a very fast and accurate weaver. Gugu resigned in February 2016 as she was able to afford to go Police College. If you want quality rugs with a social conscience, this is worth a look.
INFO@WEAVERSHUT.COM FACEBOOK HTTP://WWW.WEAVERSHUT.COM/
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City Info
for the business traveller...
Planning
Commuting
The best time to visit Windhoek would be anytime of the year, except for December as it is the wettest month. The temperature averages 15 to 31 degrees celsius in November, the warmest month and 7 to 20 degrees celsius in July, the coolest month
There are a several ways to get around Windhoek, although their public transport systems are quite limited. Hop onto their convenient Railway systems. Once you hit the town, catch a bus or taxi.
Car Hire
Windhoek
Tickets
Are frequently available. Due to seasonal fluctuations in flights or trade shows taking place, early reservation is essential to secure the best be fares
Money
Namibian Dollar Driving in Windhoek is generally pleasant & may become congested Code: NAD Symbol: $ during peak time traffic hours. Major international car rental suppliers are operating in the city. Costs to hire a car are reasonable. Time zone: UTC/GMT +01:00 Population: approx. 325 thousand Main Language: English Others: Oshiwambo, Afrikaans Khoekhoe, Kwangali & Herero Dialling Code: +264 61
Other Info
Landmarks
Hotels
3 Star and above is recommended. Reputable hotel chains are located in business areas. Rate Range: 3* R 1100 - R 1300 4* R 1500 - R 2500 5* R 2000 - R 2600 per night, single
Getting There
Direct flights available daily from Johannesburg on SAA and Air Namibia: SA 074 dep 09:50 arr 11:45 +- 01h55m duration SW 728 dep 17:55 arr 20:00 +- 02H05m duration SW 726 dep 12:10 arr 14:15 +- 02H05m duration
Entry Requirements
South African travellers do not need to apply for a visa & may stay for a maximum of 90 days. Should travellers wish to stay longer, simply contact us for info. Prerequisites: 6 month valid passport. No vaccinations required if travelling from RSA
Windhoek is the capital & also the 2nd largest city in Namibia. South of the city, the sprawling Heroes’ Acre war memorial commemorates Namibia’s 1990 independence. On a hilltop in the city center are the 1890s Alte Feste, a former military headquarters with historical exhibits, and Independence Memorial Museum. Colonial influences are visible in nearby buildings like the sandstone Lutheran Christus Church. Other landmarks: Okapuka Ranch, Kuiseb Pass, Katutura, Karibu Safari & Craft Centre
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PRO
TRAVEL
PAINTBALLING IN THE CREEK CORNER OF
DELIGHT
Š Kadmy | stock.adobe.com.
FEATURE
BY ALLAN DESMET
Crocodile Creek is an animal adventure park that caters for the whole family. With a variety of things to do and see, the park is a perfect activity for all ages.
With three levels, the areas is set up to look like a natural war zone and teams can experience playing from different vantage points.
But this resort is home to more than just prehistoric monsters with big teeth. Monkeys, snakes and smaller reptiles such as tortoises also call it home. Frequent reptile shows and tours through the park are not the only things to look forward to. If you enjoy a bit of extreme adventure Crocodile Creek also boasts a large paintball area for your inner commando.
Crocodile Creek staff know all about the importance of team work and provide uniquely tailored team building packages to suit your needs.
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The park also has a variety of party and conference venues that are suitable for any family or team building events. Bookings for all events are essential. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
FOR MORE INFORMATION VIST: COSTS FOR PAINTBALLING IN THE CREEK:
R99-00 PER SESSION
THIS INCLUDES: Gas Cylindar Mask Marker Overalls Hire fee
WWW. CROCODILE CREEK.CO.ZA BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT: crocodilecreek@mweb.co.za 082 920 0730
R50-00
Directions to Crocodile Creek can be found on their website.
PER 100 PAINT BALLS
“
IT’S ALL ABOUT CREATING A NATURAL WARZONE EXPERIENCE FOR OUR VISITORS.
”
PETER, CROCODILE CREEK OWNER
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ORNER
WHERE HEALTHY LIVING IS SOURCE BY TARYN HERBST
The Drakensberg region is one of the most loved in the country. It’s the perfect place to escape from the city and inhale some much needed fresh air. While the Drakensberg region is commonly associated with hiking since the mountains are perfect for it, there is something else you can try if you like. Golf.
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It’s the gentleman’s (and woman’s) sport that has numerous health benefits associated with it. The fresh air and exercise mean better sleep, a better heart rate and lower stress levels. It’s also fantastic if you are worried about injury as it’s a low impact sport. We are also a golfing nation with the likes of Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Louis Oosthuizen all having won major tournaments.
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For those who are not really interested in golf, there is also a fantastic spa that offers a range of treatments. There is also a superb gym, five tennis courts (two are floodlit for evening games), five swimming pools, basketball, walks, trampolines, volleyball, darts, pool tables, bowls and kids play areas. It’s not about what the resort says though, it really is about what other people think of the resort. If travel giant TripAdvisor is anything to by, you are in safe hands. Last year it was voted as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in South Africa by fellow travellers. If you are in the Drakensberg region, there really is only one place to play a round of golf. This is at Champagne Sports Resort. Located in the Central Drakensberg region, there are incredible views of Cathkin Peak and Champagne Castle. Being home to one of the top 30 ranked championship golf courses, this Hugh Biaocchi Course is believed by many to be the most beautiful golf course in South Africa. The clubhouse has also been rated as one of the top five in SA – good to know after a long round of golf! If you’re new to golf, there is a wellstocked pro shop where you can get all of your golfing supplies.
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To get there from Johannesburg, take the N3 to Van Reenen’s Pass. Go through Tugela Plaza, travel a further 14km to R616, then left onto the N11 to Ladysmith. You need to drive another 4km before taking a right onto the R600. Pass the highway, past Spioenkop Lodge to the T-junction. Then take a left towards Winterton and turn right at the crossroads signposted R600 Central Drakensberg. Drive another 13km over the Thokozisa crossroads and another 11km to the resort on your left. CONTACT DETAILS: Telephone: +27 36 468 8000 Facsimile: +27 36 468 1072 reservations@champagnesportsresort.com timeshare@champagnesportsresort.com conferences@champagnesportsresort.com Golf: proshop@champagnesportsresort.com
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FEATURE
Fiona Juan
BY ANNEKE VAN ASWEGEN
“When in doubt, be Batman”. These are the words Fiona Juan lives by, and it has gotten her through some pretty tough times. Fiona is a brutally honest mom, with a wicked sense of humour. She is also one of South Africa’s top Success Coaches. I have only known Fiona a short time, and she’s already made a tremendous impact in my life. Since November last year, we’ve been working on her marketing strategy in preparation for her brand new training programme. More on that a little later.
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Growing up as an Indian girl during the Apartheid era, Fiona felt stifled by the cultural norms and traditions. Her future seemed pretty bleak. But, if you know Fiona you’ll know that once she’s made a decision, nothing can stand in her way. “There is no force greater than a woman determined to rise”. Through sheer stubbornness, Fiona set out to learn everything she could about the human psyche and how our behaviour and perception of the world creates our reality. “I wanted to master myself, to present the best version of me to the world. This way if the world was hard on me, I could at least thrive in it”. And thrive she did.
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I contacted Fiona and asked her to tell us more about success coaching and her new training programme.
Fiona on success coaching
WHAT IS SUCCESS COACHING? Success coaching empowers and enables people to operate at their full potential. I teach you how to change your thinking by reprogramming your negative beliefs and behaviour in a way that will permanently transform your life.
My mission is to help people find their happy. WHO DOES SUCCESS COACHING BENEFIT? Unhappy people who feel that they have not yet achieved what they’ve been put on earth to accomplish. My clients range from property developers, lawyers, engineers, and even homemakers. They all have one thing in common, a deep desire to have a more impactful and happy life. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SUCCESS COACHING? My clients report increased levels of happiness, deeper and more meaningful relationships, and improved incomes, as well as vibrant health. WHAT CAN CLIENTS EXPECT FROM YOUR COACHING? They can expect to be guided gently but honestly through their mental blocks. Once they’ve become unblocked and identified their goals we develop a plan for them to reach their life’s purpose. Those who do the work, shine. PROFUSION MAGAZINE
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WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR CLIENTS? Honesty and commitment. A willingness to explore the uncomfortable. I'm blessed with such amazing clients. They walk with me as I guide them, willingly, scared sometimes, but so courageously, that it inspires me to give them the very best I have to offer.
Tell us more about your newest coaching programme The Courage to Create is a 7 module programme, developed in response to a question I frequently get asked by my clients: 'How do you manage to be so brave and can you teach me to be brave also?' Each module includes a coaching call, an audio download and a workbook. For example, in audio one, we identify fear and how it stops you from living authentically. This programme aims to identify your fears and unpack all the hidden strengths you might not be aware you possess.
Who is Fiona really? WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU DURING YOUR COACHING CAREER? Too many to count. I constantly look to my mentors and coaches for inspiration. So many people, so much mastery! I am honoured to have learnt from them all, and I’ll never stop learning. WHAT DO YOU HATE TO DO? Laundry. I outsource everything that is non-essential to my personal development. WHAT ARE YOU SECRETLY GREAT AT? Singing. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? Life. There's a lot of it, and I want to experience as much as I can. Tell me something about you, which most people don’t know about. I am a trained portrait artist and food geek.
You can sample the first module by visiting my website and downloading the free audio. You can receive the accompanying workbook by filling in the request form. FEB | MAR 2017
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FIONA JUAN: SUCCESS COACH
WHAT BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? Brene Brown's ‘Daring Greatly’. Arianna Huffington's ‘Thrive’. Rich Litvin's, ‘The Prosperous Coach’. IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ONE FOOD TO EAT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Gyoza with sesame oil and fresh ginger. There's something amazing about the textures and flavours.
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HOW DID YOU LEARN THERE WAS NO SANTA CLAUS? There's no Santa Claus?!!? I get everything on my Christmas list every year! Fiona is committed to helping people find their purpose and make an impact in the world. If you’d like to connect with Fiona, simply visit her website www.FionaJuan. com or follow her on Twitter @FionaJuan.
ANNEKE VAN ASWEGEN PROMOTE COACH FEB | MAR 2017
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