Get ready to put sustainable ideas in motion
This year’s Sustainability Week is set to accelerate the total number of sustainability projects, under the theme ‘Get ready to put ideas in motion.’ Thought leaders, policy makers, practitioners and producers within the country and beyond will share their knowledge at Sustainability Week, hosted by alive2green from 23 to 28 June 2015 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria – undoubtedly a highlight in the annual environmental calendar.
This year’s Sustainability Week programme boasts an impressive 14 seminars which offer excellent opportunities for various stakeholders to share ideas to ultimately improve environmental and economic performance. An exciting addition to the programme, African Capital Cities Sustainability Forum, hosted by the City of Tshwane, will seek to lay the foundation for African cooperation at city level and urban scale. In addition to the extended Green Building and Sustainable Energy programmes, three new seminars on Mining, Manufacturing and Infrastructure have been introduced.
African Capital Cities Sustainability Forum
The African Capital Cities Sustainability Forum will explore various opportunities to address the sustainability imperative arising from the current and numerous challenges African cities face on a daily basis. African cities can reach high levels of quality urban life when supported by appropriate policies, design ingenuity, innovation, technical proficiency, robust implementation mechanisms and adequate infrastructural investments. This will ultimately improve their environmental footprints while reaching highly competitive economic prosperity in the medium to long term. Ensuring that the most rapidly developing cities in the world develop sustainably is arguably the most important objective on the planet.
Green Building Conference
Green Buildings is rapidly becoming the norm for new large building projects. New design strategies, building materials and approaches are contributing to an ever more innovative and rapidly changing environment. This year’s ninth annual Green Building Conference will share the latest thinking, perspectives, case studies and projects as they unfold. Professor Barbara Norman, Chair of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Canberra and Tomohiko Amemiya who worked on the award winning Slum Housing Project, Megacity Skeleton in Jakarta are among the international built environment experts that will share knowledge at this conference.
Water Resource Seminar
Water scarcity is a reality in South Africa and will become ever more apparent as climate change intensifies. Demand and supply-side management are two key strategies in protecting against absolute scarcity. Water efficiency is vital to the sustainability of our water resource on the demand side. On the supply side, it is imperative that issues such as pollution, land-use management, groundwater management, ecological infrastructure and acid mine drainage management are considered. Leading experts will present the latest technologies and best practice at this informative seminar.
Vision Zero Waste Seminar
South Africa is experiencing a waste explosion with landfills overflowing and production and disposal not slowing down. The Vision Zero Waste Seminar will see leading industry, government and related NGO executives, as well as fringe stakeholders, such as the Pickers, report back on actions and initiatives. The session will grapple with strategies and best practice required to achieve a stepped-up level of recycling in the country, with a dual focus on separation at source and profitability for businesses.
Sustainable Energy Seminar
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are converging fast into one bold new field – smart energy. This seminar will explore the idea that every effort should be made to redesign and reconfigure processes to be more energy efficient and reduce peak demand.
Green Business Seminar
Market forces are such a powerful driver of ingenuity and innovation that they have created the modern world with all its wonders, and all its terrors. How do we harness the market to a significantly greater degree to drive South Africa towards a green economy? This is the key question the Green Business Seminar will seek to answer.
Transport and Mobility Seminar
Mobility is a human right, but for most urban-based Africans movement across our cities has become an economic inhibitor. Poor urban planning and rapid urbanisation has resulted in massive pressure on ailing infrastructure.
Transport is a high impact sector, with tail pipe emissions accounting for a high percentage of national GHG emissions per country. The transport sector needs constant maintenance, upgrading, and rolling out of new roads, which ultimately affects communities and the biosphere in profound ways. A key strategy to reduce these impacts is to invest in rail infrastructure and to create the economic conditions to entice appropriate freight to move from truck to rail. Transport networks can also have significant economic benefits. Projects to connect African countries can pave the way for much greater Africa-to-Africa trade, bolstering African industries and creating employment. Regional and international experts will present thought-provoking projects that are leading the change in respect of these considerations.
Food Security Seminar
Political instability, uneven access to resources and funding, poverty, skills shortages, a lack of interest in farming among young rural people, and a changing climate are just some of the complex factors that perpetuate food insecurity among Africans. This seminar invites thought leaders and experts in the field of food security, agriculture and related industries, to share the latest thinking and examples of best practice, presenting the changing face of African agriculture. Discussions will contribute to the formulation of consensus on the best course for African countries.
Sustainability in Mining Seminar
Mining is South Africa’s most important sector, employing hundreds of thousands of workers. Mining IQ mentions that the mining industry contributes an average of 20% to South Africa’s GDP and boasts a total annual income exceeding R330 billion. Mining and all extractive industries have a heavy impact on communities and the environment, but not all mines are planned, run, and decommissioned in the same manner. This new seminar will bring mining executives and other stakeholders together to share knowledge and best practice approaches to energy and water use, waste generation and reclamation, effluent creation and treatment, transport and social issues. Don’t miss this ground breaking addition to Sustainability Week.
Green Manufacturing and Supply Chain Seminar
Localisation of inputs is critically important for the ongoing development of South Africa’s manufacturing sector. Companies will compare experiences and best practice in finding ways to localise manufacturing along the supply chain, seek out energy, water and waste efficiencies, protect communities and the environment, and compete locally and internationally. This session will invite companies that have chosen this approach and are benefitting commercially as a direct result.
Sustainable Infrastructure Seminar
A sustainable society and economy must rely on infrastructure that supports it. Reducing the environmental impact of the built environment can be advanced through the design, construction and operation of green buildings, but the fundamental key to achieving this is a matter of infrastructure. Similarly, reducing tail pipe emissions in the transport sector can be advanced through fuel efficient logistics and vehicles, but again this is a matter of infrastructure. The same goes for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing demand through efficiency, but the fundamental key to achieving this objective is to ramp up the percentage of renewable generation in the grid, which is a matter of infrastructure.
Other items on the Sustainability Week programme include a Responsible Tourism Dialogue, a panel discussion for Youth and the Green Economy as well as a Green Home Fair with an organic market and household products for green living, scheduled to take place at Brooklyn Mall.
Sustainability Week takes place at the CSIR ICC from 23 to 28 June 2015. For more information on Sustainability Week, visit www.sustainabilityweek.co.za
Mustadafin Foundation holiday intervention programme inspires youth
To combat the concerning drug, alcohol and gangsterism problem affecting youth in Hanover Park and Vygieskraal, Mustadafin Foundation launched a summer holiday intervention programme to help keep youngsters away from these concerning social problems.
Twice a week 20 boys between 12 and 20 years old met at Mustadafin Foundation in Athlone during the summer holidays to learn vital life skills, play educational games and participate in craftwork and sporting activities. Two registered counsellors and four Psychology and Social Work student volunteers facilitated these fun and informative workshops for the youngsters.
Exciting weekend outings were provided as an incentive to participants who were diligent in attending and benefitting from the intervention programme. Among the rewards were horse riding, a day at the municipal swimming pools, a boat ride to Robben Island and a trip to the movies. “My favourite outing was when we went to swim at Sea Point. They taught me how to swim. I feel much more confident and proud of myself,” said one of the participants.
“The boys attending the programme were selected based on their extreme vulnerability during the long summer holidays,” said Ghairunisa Johnstone, Director at Mustadafin Foundation. One of the participants in the programme described the place where he lives: “There is a big problem in my area with drugs like tik, cocaine, weed and heroine. There are a lot of tik addicts and dealers here and people steal to pay for drugs.”
Johnston said that a few of the participants in the programme did not attend school last year. “The programme has given them a new start and they are back in class now. We want to do all we can to protect these teens from a life of drugs and gangsterism,” says Johnstone.
One of the participants reflected on how the programme has helped him personally. “At first I didn’t take note of my responsibilities but I’m much more happy now. I’ve learnt a lot about life and believe in myself more.”
Although the summer holidays are now a distant memory, Mustadafin Foundation is continuing to work with the youngsters and intends to support many more in the same way. Throughout the year counsellors will mentor and counsel the group, giving them valuable life skills, tutor support and reading classes. The youngsters will also participate in art classes and sporting activities including soccer, rugby, horse riding and karate. The Foundation offers them a safe space to grow and be inspired to lead meaningful and successful lives as responsible, confident young men. The ultimate prize of remaining committed to attending the intervention sessions during the school term will be a weekend holiday and leadership camp.
“Many of these boys have few role models in their communities and are easily influenced to join gangs. Some of their family members are drug merchants or gang members. We know that during the holidays they will most likely be exposed to this criminal underworld, but even during term time they need mentorship and support. So far we have seen promising results with the first group,” says Johnstone.
Mustadafin Foundation calls on all Capetonions to help protect youth who are at risk of experimenting with alcohol, drugs and gangsterism. If anyone would like to make financial donations towards the youth at risk intervention programme, they can contact the Foundation on 021-633-0010 or visit at 18 Belgravia Road in Athlone.
For more information on Mustadafin Foundation, visit www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation
Buying or selling property? Here’s how to choose the right estate agent for you
Property investment is one of the biggest, most exciting and daunting decisions people make in their lives. Your dreams can however, be shattered by using an unqualified and overzealous estate agent with one objective in mind - to speed up the transaction! So whether buying, selling or both, it is important to take the necessary steps that can make your investment transaction as easy as possible. Using the right estate agent can save you from making a bad property investment.
“When investing in property, save yourself the stress of finding, negotiating and buying by using suitable people – accredited real estate agents who listen to your needs,” says CEO of Realtors International Durbanville, Manja Kritzinger. Kritzinger warns buyers and sellers to be cautious of cowboy agents who ‘oversell,’ and shares her ‘C.A.R.E’ (Credibility, Accreditation, Research and Engage) points below to guide prospective homeowners and sellers on what to look out for when selecting an estate agent or agency.
Credibility
Kritzinger defines a credible real estate agent as someone who is licensed or accredited to negotiate and arrange property sales, and someone who is visible and well-known in the community. Professionalism and integrity are also vital traits to look out for when selecting an estate agent. “Do some homework beforehand so that you can be certain all the facts your preferred estate agent gives you are verified,” says Kritzinger. Sometimes agents exaggerate statistics or what they have to offer in order to get your business. “A great starting point is to ask around in your community as word of mouth is still the best way to find a trustworthy estate agent that will have your best interest in mind,” guides Kritzinger.
Accreditation and references
In terms of the Estate Agency Affairs Act (112 of 1976), every estate agent and estate agency must obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) from the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB). Ask your preferred estate agent to supply their FFC accreditation details for the current calendar year along with a list of contactable references. The references will also give you an indication of how busy the agent is and if they are a familiar face in the area. Remember that it is illegal for an estate agent to claim commission if they didn't have a valid FFC at the time they rendered the services to you.
Research using different platforms
Kritzinger advises that once you have investigated relevant details about the estate agent, to verify these details through different online platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Hello Peter or even on Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) (http://www.eaab.org.za/home). EAAB allows you to search and find full details of the registered agent or agency.
Engage
“It is critical for prospective homeowners to feel comfortable with their estate agent. Start engaging with them to determine whether they are the right fit and see if they have the right attitude and approach to selling your property or helping you buy wisely,” comments Kritzinger. Ask as many questions as possible such as:
- Exactly what is included in the sale?
- What is the property worth in today’s market?
- Is there a problem with the property?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- What aren’t you telling me?
Determine if the answers to these questions are true and reliable, but be cautious if the agent is overselling. Also be wary of agents that promise quick results or who inflate the listing price and give false testimonies about the property in question. “Be careful that your preferred agent is not only interested in the commission, but rather that they add valuable input to your decision,” concludes Kritzinger.
Visit the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa’s website at www.ieasa.org.za for more information about what constitutes an accredited estate agent or agency.
For more information about Realtors International Durbanville contact 021 975 5720 or visit www.realtorsdurbanville.co.za. Join Realtors International Durbanville’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RealtorsDurbanville.
Architects and designers to set the pace for our cities' future at Architecture ZA 2015
South Africa’s architecture and design fraternities will once again come together at one of Africa’s first and largest premier urban culture and design festivals, Architecture ZA 2015 (AZA2015), taking place from 24 – 26 September 2015 at The Sheds@1Fox in Newtown, Johannesburg. The South African Institute for Architects (SAIA) is proud to host this year’s conference in collaboration with the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (Gifa) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
This year’s multi-faceted programme, themed Future City, brings together leading innovators and multi-disciplinary built environment practitioners from around the globe. Architects, urban planners and designers at all levels are invited to attend and participate in this broader, structured and more inclusive three-day event. Film festivals focused on design and engaging city tours are just some of the highlights attendees can also look forward to.
South African architects and designers will share experiences and perspectives with cutting-edge international practices, exploring ways to successfully negotiate the rapidly changing South African urban landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to join open debates on key issues relating to cities and urban culture’s role and importance in shaping our modern world. The many challenges future cities face, particularly in South Africa, will also be discussed with ideas about how these can be overcome.
“The second decade of the 21st century heralds a dramatic new era where, for the first time, the majority of the world’s population will live in cities. This landmark trend towards almost unstoppable urbanisation will establish a new power relationship between the state and the city, which will drive business and politics in the future. It will change the way in which humans live, interact and survive in a precarious yet challenging environment,” Daniel Silke, leading political analyst in South Africa, and invited speaker.
Daniel Van Der Merwe, President of the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (Gifa) says, “Architecture has a critical role to play in shaping our cities’ future. Architects are agents for social change and transformation as they have the power to create better lives through living spaces for all. Architects and designers are vital in providing liveable solutions for current and future generations.”
This highly acclaimed event, set to take place at The Sheds@1Fox in Newtown, will also be open to the public, which makes this venue a unique inner-city destination. The Gifa exhibition of Regional Institutes’ Awards for Architecture is geared to create interest amongst the public in search of South Africa’s finest architecture.
A Student Architecture Festival, hosted and organised by the University of Johannesburg, with exhibitions of the Des Baker Student Architecture Design Competition, the PPC Imaginarium Design Awards Exhibition and the Student Film Festival, will run concurrently alongside AZA2015 at The Sheds@1Fox. These much-anticipated events will be open to delegates and members of the public.
“The depth of knowledge to be shared, as well as the variety, vibrancy and energy of the festival, will make AZA2015 an event to enjoy and remember. We encourage all architects and designers to diarise these events and leverage off the wealth of knowledge,” says Van Der Merwe.
AZA2015 is proudly sponsored by PPC Ltd. For more information about AZA2015, visit http://architectureza.org/. AZA2015 is also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/architectureza).
Note to Editors:
AZA2015 follows the series of remarkably successful AZA festivals, the first of which was held in Johannesburg in 2010 followed by equally acclaimed festivals in 2012 and 2013 in partnership with the City of Cape Town and World Design Capital Cape Town 2014. Interactive presentations, workshops, exhibitions and film festivals are just some of the events that attracted over a thousand decision makers during past festivals.
Empowering women and children for 16 Days of Activism
16 Days of Activism officially kicked off on Tuesday, 25 November 2014 and Mustadafin Foundation will actively take part to help end violence and empower women and children in the Cape Town community. The non-profit organisation will be working closely with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to create awareness. This year’s theme is ‘Peace Begins at Home: End Violence! Empower Women!’
As part of their annual support of the campaign, Mustadafin Foundation has set up five programmes and activities that will focus on social, health and safety issues that affect disadvantaged Cape Town communities.
The activities commenced on Tuesday, 25 November 2014 - International Day of No Violence against Women. The South African Medical Research Council in August 2012* shared shocking statistics that intimate partner violence was the leading cause of women homicide victims at a staggering 56%. Domestic violence was the theme of the day and the Foundation partnered with the SAPS to distribute pamphlets and host talks with the community on how violence against women and children affects homes and communities.
On International Day for the Disabled (Wednesday, 03 December 2014), the second activation will take place in Mitchells Plain where the Foundation will create awareness about abuse and violence against people with disabilities. “Not only is there a social crisis of gender-based violence, but more and more disabled people are victims of horrific crimes and abuse in their communities. On this day, communities will be educated and encouraged to protect people with disabilities. At Mustadafin Foundation, we want to turn the disabilities into capabilities,” explains Ghairunisa Johnstone, Director at Mustadafin Foundation.
With World Aids Day coming up on Monday, 01 December 2014, Mustadafin Foundation has organised a community activation by invite in Swartklip, which will take place on Thursday, 04 December 2014. World Aids Day and violence against women and children will be the main discussion.
On Monday, 08 December 2014 the fourth activation will take place in Delft and Tafelsig. “Together with the SAPS, we will distribute pamphlets relating to issues of abuse (particularly child abuse), drugs, human trafficking and rape. The aim of this campaign is to highlight the abuse women and children face within their homes and communities. There is a rise in rape and the disappearance/kidnapping of children and women in our neighbourhood. We are very passionate about this campaign as we believe that every household and community should enjoy peace and security. As the theme suggests, peace begins at home,” shares Johnstone.
Johnstone raised the fact that violence against women is becoming an epidemic in South Africa. The SAPS will continue to motivate community members to report all domestic and violent crimes and not feel intimidated by perpetrators, and work together as a community to minimise crime.
South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day in March but the world celebrates this day annually on 10 December as it marks the end of 16 Days of Activism. “Mustadafin Foundation will end this period on a positive note on Thursday, 11 December 2014 where issues and risks will be discussed with children at Mnandi Pool, Mitchells Plain. There will also be a surf walk with placards relating to violence and abuse in Delft, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Montrose Park and Tafelsig,” concludes Johnstone.
Victims of any kind of abuse need to report these acts immediately and seek help.
For more information on any of the programmes or to donate, please contact Mustadafin Foundation on 021-633-0010 or visit their website at www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation.
*Source: http://www.mrc.ac.za/policybriefs/everyeighthours.pdf
South African asset management company has walked away with four globally recognised finance awards this year!
South African asset management company, Argon Asset Management, has walked away with four globally recognised finance awards this year!
Argon Asset Management recently won international recognition at the IAIR Excellence in Global Economy and Sustainability Awards held in Milan, Italy. Argon won the accolade for Excellence in Asset Management and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Africa category, and has won three more prestigious awards in 2014 alone.
Mothobi Seseli, Argon Asset Management’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder said, “We are thrilled at receiving global and domestic recognition in a space that is very competitive. We see the Excellence in Asset Management and CSI Award as a vote of confidence in our investment management capability and recognition of the work we have done to date. It augurs well for the future”
Since its establishment in 2005, Argon Asset Management has aligned itself with global investment management standards, always striving to take product offerings to the next level, with an emphasis on sound stewardship principles. The firm currently manages ZAR 24 billion in committed client assets and is setting the industry standard among emerging investment firms in South Africa. With 24 employees and venerable global asset manager, Schroders, as an exclusive investment partner, Argon is leading the way.
The Excellence in Asset Management and CSI award is not the only recognition received by the company recently. This year alone has seen Argon rack up three other international and local awards, including the Best Asset Manager in South Africa for 2014 title, awarded by the Global Banking and Finance Review in July 2014.
These awards highlight the innovation, achievement, strategy and inspirational changes taking place within the global financial community. Wanda Rich, Editor of the Global Banking and Finance Review said, “Argon is committed to creating value for their customers and building long term relationships. They do this through research-driven investment strategies and by developing strong personal relations with investors.”
Argon also won the World Finance Investment Management Award for Best Investment Management Company in South Africa for 2014 in August 2014. The World Finance Awards have - since 2007 - been celebrating distinguished organisations that represent the benchmark of achievement and best industry practice. The competition is based on reader nominations and audited by a panel comprising more than 230 years of business and financial journalism.
The Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) Awards presented Argon with the Best Emerging Financial Services Sector Company Award at a ceremony in Johannesburg in September 2014.
The award is given to a financial firm between five and ten years old, which is owned and managed by its founders. This year, the judges sought a winner that displayed consistent industry performance in terms of both growth and innovation, as well as commitment to community and professional development.
For more information about Argon Asset Management, please contact 021 670 6570, email info@argonasset.co.za or visit the website www.argonassetmanagement.co.za.
Top Cape Town Business Coach sweeps up two national awards
Caption: Cape Town Business Growth Expert, Kathi Clarke - owner of Building Best Business – pockets two national awards at the annual National Coaching Conference, which took place earlier this month in Centurion, Johannesburg.
Cape Town’s very own Kathi Clarke has beaten top business coaches around the country to claim two national awards at the ActionCOACH National Coaching Conference earlier this month. Always one who practices what she preaches, Clarke won the Best Conversion Rate award and Brand Personality award.
The Best Conversion Rate is awarded to the business coach who excels in converting business leads and prospects into actual clients. In spite of economic winter and tough competition in the industry, Clarke enjoyed a whopping 92% conversion rate this year. Her clients can rest assured that they have an expert to coach them in their business when it comes to marketing and selling what it is they do.
The Brand Personality award is given to someone who represents what ActionCOACH stands for. The business coach who wins this award is acknowledged for not only helping their clients to build their idea of business success and to have a profitable, leveraged business that supports their lifestyle, but also for walking the talk by building a profitable, leveraged coaching business themselves.
Clarke comments, “It’s always equally motivating and humbling to be recognised for a job well done, especially on a national level where competition is of such a high calibre. Congratulations to all those who took home awards this year and may 2015 be equally fruitful.”
The awards given at the National Coaching Conference are judged on international criteria and similar year-end conferences take place in 53 countries around the world in which ActionCOACH is present. Award winners at country level are then well placed to go on to compete in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) International Awards taking place in April 2015 in Lisbon and the Global International Awards in August 2015 in Bali.
Kathi Clarke is an Industrial Psychologist, international award winning and certified ActionCOACH Business Coach and a business growth expert. With over 25 years’ experience in growing businesses in 5 African countries, she returned to Cape Town in 2010 and has successfully helped more than 140 entrepreneurs to significantly grow their profits, develop entrepreneurial muscle and enjoy the lifestyle which prompted them to start their own business in the first place. Contact her if you’re a small business wanting to get bigger or a bigger business wanting to get better.
Top five tips to keep your home secure during the holiday season
As many people prepare to go away during the Christmas holiday season, one worry on everyone’s mind is if their worldly possessions will still be there when they return. An unfortunate fact is that house break-ins are on the rise during the holidays when crooks can take advantage of the unlikely event of being disturbed as many home owners are at their holiday destinations.
Holiday time is something we all look forward to during the year, spending time with family and friends and a time to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. For many it means packing up and travelling to a holiday destination for some summer fun.
What many people are all too aware of, is that it’s this time of the year when home robberies increase as thieves cash in on unoccupied homes. Prominent estate agency in the Northern Suburbs, Cape Town, Realtors International Durbanville are warning home owners to be more vigilant this festive season.
CEO of Realtors International Durbanville, Manja Kritzinger offers the top five tips to secure the home while families are away. “They may sound obvious but you would be surprised how many people don’t think about doing the basics to keep their home secure during the holidays,” comments Kritzinger.
Here they are:
“Firstly, try to make your home appear as if someone is still living there while you are away. You can do this by automating your lights and sprinkler system to switch on at certain times of the day and night. This gives the illusion that someone is inside. You can also download apps which allow you to access these functions as well as the alarm and camera systems in the home for extra piece of mind,” advises Kritzinger.
“Secondly, stop all mail delivery services you may have such as newspaper delivery, as an obvious sign that you are not at home is when the mail is piled up at the door. Which brings me to the third tip – ask a trusted neighbour or friend in the area to pop in to your home occasionally to empty the post box and make sure everything is still intact inside. An even better option would be to ask someone to housesit for you, but this is not always possible as many people go away during this period,” continues Kritzinger.
“This one seems like a no-brainer but don’t tell too many people you’re going away and definitely don’t post it on social media. It’s also debatable whether it’s wise to tell your service providers such as the armed response company as there may have been instances in the past of ‘inside jobs,” warns Kritzinger.
“Lastly, test your alarm system before you go away to make sure all sensors work properly. Alarm systems degenerate with time and there may be a faulty connection or depleted battery with one or more of the sensors especially if it is an old system. Best to know it is working 100% before you leave,” concludes Kritzinger.
For more information about Realtors International Durbanville contact 021 975 5720 or visit www.realtorsdurbanville.co.za. Join Realtors International Durbanville’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RealtorsDurbanville.
Mustadafin Foundation to reach out to Cape Flats children on ‘Positive Day’
With the festive season approaching, Mustadafin Foundation annually hosts a ‘Positive Day’, bringing smiles to children living in disadvantaged areas with toys and wonderful activities. The non-profit organisation’s annual Positive Day will take place on 10 December 2014 at Mnandi Pool in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain and is a celebration of the children in their various programmes. Over 300 children from the Cape Flats will enjoy the sun and have some fun!
Mustadafin Foundation will treat the young ones, aged from 3 – 14 years old, to a day focussed entirely on them. The little ones from Mustadafin Foundation’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, crèches and feeding schemes will take part in the programme where they will be given toys in celebration of the festive season. Most of these children come from poor, destitute and broken families and have never received a gift in their life.
“Positive Day is an annual celebration for children that have conquered many things during their life. It’s about positivity and we also give safety messages to make sure that they are well equipped for the festive season. These safety messages are focused on drug awareness, how to be safe in the water and general safety measures when their guardians are not around. It’s also a day when a child can be a child and not have to worry about the shootings in their area, gangsters, drugs or whether there will be food on the table,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone, Director at Mustadafin Foundation.
Many of the children taking part in this programme have never seen or met their biological parents. “These are the children we work with during the year, we give them a gift, meal and all the love and support that we can. Giving them a toy is one token of making them believe they are special and loved. The festive season is a time when giving and sharing brings joy, smiles and hope to children where they only know unhappiness, disillusion and despair,” explains Johnstone.
Johnstone adds that she will never forget when they gave a little boy a second-hand soft turtle three years ago. It was the first time he was given a gift and Johnstone reflects that that was when she realized the impact a gift has on a child. The little one forgot about his food and party pack and held on to the toy the whole day.
Mustadafin Foundation calls on all Capetonions to bring smiles and laughter to the Cape Town children this festive season. If anyone would like to donate toys, they can contact Mustadafin on 021-633-0010 or drop them off at 18 Belgravia Road in Athlone. Mustadafin Foundation will hand out 300 toys on Positive Day on 10 December 2014 and over 150 toys on 25 December 2014.
If you are able to help and donate toys, please contact Mustadafin on 021-633-0010. For more information on Mustadafin Foundation, visit www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation
Cape Flats pupils explore the wonders of the ocean
Caption: The wonders of the ocean were enjoyed by 160 learners last week (21 October 2014) when Mustadafin Foundation took their Educare pupils from Khayelitsha and Delft to an exciting excursion to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. For many children, this was their first trip to the aquarium and the young ones thoroughly enjoyed themselves while being educated on the environment.
The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town was a flutter with giggles and excitement as Mustadafin Foundation’s 160 Educare children, aged between three and six, learnt all about life under the sea. “This excursion to the aquarium forms part of our annual planning aimed at the children who live in the disadvantaged areas we operate in and is part of the educational programmes we run. We currently support 22 programmes and run the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Khayelitsha and Delft,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone, Director at Mustadafin Foundation.
The children were mesmerised by the various fish in the sea. One learner commented that Nemo was alive and she was very happy about that. They were even treated to a puppet show featuring Sally the Penguin who taught them not to litter and to take care of the environment. Mustadafin Foundation kept the young bellies full during the day with porridge in the morning, delicious ‘vetkoek’ for lunch and snacks throughout the day.
“It is very important for us to introduce our children to the environment, teach them the wonders it has to offer and that it is our responsibility to take care of it,” concludes Johnstone.
For more information contact Mustadafin on 021-633-0010 or visit www.mustadafin.org.za. Join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MustadafinFoundation
