THE YEAR OF 2020
STAYI NG ON TH E
JUNE-JULY EDITION
PULSE PULSE
JUN E - JULY EDITION
,
PULSE
INTRODUCTION | ED. 01
05 Five things
to keep you
on the PULSE From Winter Fashion tips
& tricks to Inspirational Pieces, This June edition of PULSE will surely get you feeling inspired to do more and be more
PULSE
OPINION PIECE
01
M I N D OVE R MAT TE R BY LANCE BEYERS
D
uring the unprecedented Lockdown, all of us find ourselves affected by COVID-19 at some point and in some way. Whether it be your health, financially, emotionally, employment or even objectives you set out for yourself.
Right now, life as we know it may seem like a blur. We are forced to conform to the new norm; staying home, wearing face masks, the frequent use of hand sanitizers and the run for essentials ONLY. Many have referred to COVID-19 as a crisis but when you are mentally strong-minded, you would be able to relate to the mind over matter concept. A mind over matter approach during lockdown creates a platform to grow and activate ideas. Our minds are often muddled by 2 things; The seen and the unseen. Often there are things we feel we cannot live without material things. These factors are all things that might distract us from that which we are destined for by serving as a necessity when in fact, can be detrimental in our mental progress. Without a question, these are all things we need and are essential in the world we live in but as soon as we see the monetary value, we are well on our way to ‘matter over mind’.
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flood your mind and thought processes with positivity.
Although what we see can sometimes be misleading, what we don’t see can do us even more harm. This speaks of factors such as emotions, fear and your psychological state. Therefore, it is important to flood your mind and thought processes with positivity. A positive mind leads to positive actions and in turn, produces positive results. When you control what you can’t see, you will see progress and remember, progress amounts to growth.
PULSE With South Africa reaching level 3 lockdown, it is important to not lose enthusiasm and drive. Dont lose sight of the things you want to achieve. Lockdown is a great time to plot the course for the next chapter of your life. Now is also a good time for introspection. Evaluate yourself, your weaknesses as well as your strengths and adjust accordingly. Right now, it is important to remain positive. Lockdown may have hampered your development in many areas of your life, but it will come to an end. For now, change the plan but never the goal.
“What you see must never control you. You control what you see” - Bradley Van Reenan, Impassion CEO
What is ‘Mind over matter? The use of will power to overcome physical barriers. It is a situation in which someone can control a physical condition, problem, etc. by using the mind. “His ability to keep running the race when his body aches”, is an example of mind over matter. Think of this as using your mind, to drive your emotions and body to do things you thought you are unable to. Take a minute to think about your MOM… Often a MOM is the first one to wake up in the morning. She’s constantly making sure everybody in the house is eating and healthy. No matter the level of fatigue, she constantly exceeds expectations. MOM refers to Mother and we’ve given you some of the characteristics. Simultaneously, MOM = Mind Over Matter. When thinking about some examples of Mind Over Matter, look no further than your mother. Mothers are Mind Over Matter, personified. Leadership Mastery facilitator, Shadroy Jarley was asked about his thoughts on mind over matter, this was what he had to say:
“Your body might not believe you can do it but when you push your mind, your body believes it, reacts to it and suddenly it all becomes possible. A healthy mind will drive your body by giving it the strength to override everything that is holding you back”.
PULSE
INTERVIEW
FAS H ION ISTA ANDREA WILLOW BEYERS
F
ashion is a popular style or practice, especially in clothing, footwear, accessories, make-up, etc. It is a definitive and often habitual trend in the style in which a person dresses. “Clothes create a wordless means of communication which we all understand”. Your style is fashion as well. Whether you do or do not enjoy fashion as much as others, you too have a sense of fashion, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not. Think about fashion as a verbal language you do not understand. Now think about the person wearing it, who can’t speak English, trying to tell you a story about themself through his/her style without saying a word. To tell us a story about her process, journey, and passion for fashion is Andrea Willow Beyers. We met up with her to get more insight on this versatile and very interesting topic:
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CLOTHES CREATE A WORDLESS MEANS OF COMMUNICATION WHICH WE ALL UNDERSTAND
02
PULSE
Q
Briefly, tell us about your journey?
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a fashion designer. I established myself as early as the girl who drew dresses for fun. In my matric year, I was the recipient of the Gert-Johan Coetzee fashion bursary which allowed me the opportunity to study fashion design for 3 years at the North West School of Design. I interned with Gert Johan throughout those 3 years whereby I would assist with various SAFW collections. This helped me to start up my own business, “ANDRÉA WILLOW” which I run part-time, offering ready to wear and made to measure items. I’m currently working at TFG as an intern designer for Foschini ladies-wear. My ultimate goal is to establish a global fashion empire that caters to men’s and woman’s clothing.
Q
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion, to me, is a means of showing off who I am through clothing. I try to never forget that fashion is experimental, a playground to make and please as you wish.
Q
How was your passion for fashion birthed?
As a little girl, I was always intrigued by my mother’s retro sense of style. She wore the most colourful, quirky bags, headbands, and shoes, and she loved dressing me up to match with her. I believe that set the tone for how I passionate I would become about fashion throughout my life.
Q
What is trending in the local fashion industry?
Rouching, Leather, and Bulky, Voluminous sleeves have become major essentials across the South African market. Ladies-wear fashion is steering more towards dramatic and “over the top” elements as women become more familiar with the concept of “taking up space” even in their wardrobes. As for the male market, “smart casual” is no longer secluded for events, the males are becoming more and more comfortable dressing up for everyday occasions, mixing formal elements with casual wear. That, and the iconic “shaket” as they call it, an item that can be worn as a shirt or a jacket.
PULSE
Q
How does COVID-19 impact the fashion fraternity?
COVID-19 has impacted the fashion industry both negatively and positively. With the implementation of the lockdown, many retailers have had to reconsider what would be produced for stores. The customer who would typically walk into a store to buy what is trending would now walk into a store to buy what is essential. The focus has been shifted completely from wants to needs, (and that, for companies who cater mostly for trends and wants, is detrimental.) As the economy weakens, a ripple effect is created, forcing many in the fashion industry to re-strategize and consider what is best for the future and their goodwill. This is not easy, because so much has to be taken into account. On the positive side, as the industry becomes less trend-driven, they become more sustainable and so much is preserved along the way.
HERE ARE A FEW STYLE TIPS
PULSE
COVER STORY
03
SAy h is nam e BY TONI ERASMUS It took a smartphone to document the prevailing effects of racism and to create an uproar of emotions as the world protest against racism. On 25 May 2020, George Floyd was arrested by a white police officer outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was suffocated to death. Pleading for mercy with his last words… “I can’t breathe”, the police officer Derek Chauvin continued kneeling on his neck, pinning him to the floor.
As a youth in a progressive society and a proudly South African, I understand the history of apartheid and that the effects of racism are still evident in our country and the world today. With June being Youth Month - we remember the power of unity and solidarity of the then Soweto uprising, where even today speaking up in unity still carries power. For the sake of humanity, I believe as a human being, we should all be suffocating under the effects of injustice - which should push us to a point of action! Martin Luther King said beautifully: “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” So, until we collectively believe the unarmed truth that unconditional love will have the final word … say his name… George Floyd
PULSE
A LETTER
DEAR M I LLE N N IAL BY DOROTHY VAN REENEN
Dear Millennial
Growing up as a youth in the 1980s was an entirely different experience compared to today. At the beginning stages of my high school career, I lost my father. This loss had left all of us grieving, creating a challenge for my mom, as she now had to step into the sole role of being the emotional supporter and breadwinner to 5 children. Growing up, in our community, my siblings and I were exposed to drugs, gangsterism, protest but amongst this, we were also privileged to sporting activities. If I could compare it to today, I observe and find that things have escalated even more. It is only by the grace of God and also the prayers of my elders and support structures that kept me from experimenting with drugs or falling into the trap of gangsterism. I remember being drawn to sporting activities and standing up for the rights of the youth of our community and South Africa. The 1980s was by far the best days of my life, today I still have the foundations of respect and honour and I am truly grateful for those lessons. I loved that era because we weren’t dependent on technology, to phone anyone, we were to use prepaid phones. We chose the library over the internet; the bus was our primary means of transportation. As a youth, we engaged in sporting activities and not drugs or gangsterism. We chose education by attending school without falling into the temptation of bunking - this is how the Youth behaved in my days, compared to today where the youth has become more vulnerable to experimenting. My advice to the Youth today will be, live life one day at a time, participate in sports and other activities that will be beneficial to you. Be who you would want people to remember you as and remember RESPECT goes a long way. Before it is given it is earned. With love 1980’s Child
04
PULSE
TIPS AND TRICKS
05
shake it up WITH LEVEL 3 REGULATIONS President Cyril Ramaphosa announced level 3 lockdown regulations – gradually shifting South Africans back into their normal routine. From 1st June 2020, the benefits of the new regulation bring more freedom; now including access to unlimited exercise, shopping, business flights, the reopening of schools for senior learners, religious gatherings, and the sale of alcohol. Nonetheless, the South African Government has predicted that the coronavirus will reach its peak in July; therefore, it is imperative for South Africans to continue to practice good hygiene, the wearing of masks and social distancing.
“Our collective struggles over the past months have taught us much about ourselves and about each other. We have also learnt a lot about this virus. Although there may have been differences and disagreements, there has also been kindness, empathy and compassion. There has been courage and solidarity. A very different South Africa and the world awaits us. The greatest test will be our willingness to embrace change. Let us rise to meet this challenge.”President Cyril Ramaphosa
PULSE
PREVE NTATIVE TI PS
o o o o o
Wash your hands regularly with soap or alcoholic-based hand sanitizers. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
H EALTH TI P SUPERFOOD - CHIA WATER Chia seeds are tiny and potent in nutritious value. Just 2 tablespoons (30 grams) contain 10 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 138 calories. They’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and some minerals essential for bone health, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Chia seeds are also flavorless, making them easy to add to many foods and recipes Ingredients: - soak 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds - in 4 cups (1 liter) of water for 20–30 minutes. To give your drink some flavor, you can add chopped fruit or squeeze in a lemon, lime, or orange.
TH IS E DITION'S CONTRI BUTORS
TONI ERASMUS
LANCE BEYERS
ANDREA WILLOW BEYERS
WRITER
WRITER
INTERVIEWEE
DOROTHY VAN REENEN
JOHNLYN VAN REENEN
LINDSAY MANUEL
WRITER
EDITOR
DESIGNER
SHANE-DEAN ARENDSE CO-ORDINATOR
Thank You