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Thursday, May 30, 2019

Deep Heat Relaunch SA's Only Ibuprofen Gel, Deep Relief



This week we were invited to try out the new Deep Relief by Deep Heat.



Mentholatum SA, a health & wellness company and the makers of Deep Heat have relaunched the only Ibuprofen gel on the South African Market – Deep Relief Ibuprofen Gel.
Many people think that muscle and joint pain is primarily derived from activities such as gym or running. The truth is that the common causes of pain are daily activities such as lifting, handling or even poor posture.

Simple tasks such as looking at your phone, typing at your keyboard, poor posture, carrying shopping bags and the kids, cleaning your home and even driving are common culprits behind niggly pains that don’t go away.
For the everyday athlete, aches and pains can really set you back and hinder your progress. Training whilst enduring pain can sometimes make problems worse. 

So how do you treat the pain? Well there are various ways.

For most people continuously using painkillers is not ideal for a multitude of reasons. When compared to oral anti-inflammatory medication, topical anti-inflammatory gels such as Deep Relief were found to offer numerous benefits. Topical gels are directly absorbed at the site of injury thus the product doesn’t pass through the internal organs and it has a lower incidence of gastro-intestinal side effects.

Deep Relief Ibuprofen Gel is a topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic which treats acute musculo-skeletal pain fast and effectively.1
It combines the powerful pain-relieving action of Ibuprofen and the immediate cooling sensation of Menthol.2
The ability to apply the gel directly to the affected area means you will receive targeted pain relief that is also long lasting. It’s also non-greasy which is great and it has the pleasant scent of menthol. Deep Relief Ibuprofen Gel is ideal for the mom with the aching back to the marathon runner. With the many marathons coming up this year this might be the ideal gel to take with on each run.

Why this product is a differentiator on the market:
Deep Relief is a powerful topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic intended for the symptomatic relief of acute painful musculo-skeletal conditions caused by trauma such as sports injuries, sprains, strains and contusions. Deep Relief Gel formulation is non-greasy and contains 5% Ibuprofen and 3% Menthol. It is known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

·          It works at both levels of the pain mechanism; on inflammation as well as disrupting pain signals.2
·          It combines the powerful pain-relieving action of Ibuprofen and the immediate cooling sensation of Menthol.2
·          The formulation has penetration enhancers, which speed up the absorption of the Ibuprofen through the skin directly to the point of pain in the muscles and joints.3
·          The topical application is an effective alternative to oral Ibuprofen. This helps avoid unwanted gastro intestinal side effects associated with chronic use of oral medication.4

1 DOH; Database of Medicine Prices 22nd October 2018.
2 Karashima Y, Damann N, Prenen J, et al. Bimodal action of menthol on the transient receptor potential channel TRPA1.J Neurosci 2007;27(37);9874-9884.
3Turner R. In Vitro Permeation investigation; MedPharm; 1 May 2011.
4 Bandolier Extra. Topical analgesics: a review of reviews and a bit of perspective. March 2005. Accessed 14 May 2011.  

Good news for shoppers is that Deep Relief is available in various sizes, making it convenient to keep on hand. The 30g & 50g tubes are available on the shelf in store whilst the 100g is found behind the pharmacy counter. You can get it at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite & selected pharmacies.

“Everyone is susceptible to aches and pains. Deep Relief Ibuprofen Gel will tick all the boxes for those who struggle with daily pain, from the serious athlete to those hunching over their desks at work. We are proud to relaunch this brand to the market with a new look and 30g pack size, but most importantly to aid those in their pain management in a fast, effective and convenient manner,” says Lisa Bell, Deep Relief Brand Manager.

Further testament to the efficacy of the product is an endorsement from Sports Scientist Russell Looms, “Deep Relief is a fantastic product. We use it to assist in inflammatory processes & with numerous injuries. It contains Ibuprofen which is great for athletes and individuals, plus it’s a topical treatment which means it doesn’t get into the circulatory system. We use Deep Relief at loads of events, and in our practice –the response from athletes as well the general public has been phenomenal – therefore we will continue to use this awesome product.”

We tried it out in the office and one of our staff members mentioned that she was suffering from some bad muscle pain in her legs. She tried it out overnight and the next day she was feeling better.

For more info visit – www.deeprelief.co.za


This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Vodacom Empowers SA's Unemployed Youth



In early May 2019 Vodacom certified 30 unemployed youth at a graduation ceremony. 

Graduates at the Vodacom graduation ceremony | Image: Supplied

They had just done 2 years of intense theory, practicals and work-based training in A+ (entry-level computer service professional certification), N+ (mid-level certification for network technicians) and 3G connectivity, with diplomas in IT Technical Support at its KwaZulu-Natal Youth Academy.
The graduates participated in the Vodacom Youth Academy’s established programme under one of four categories including end-user computing (NQF level 3), cell phone and device repair management (NQF level 3), IT Technical Support (NQF level 4) and networking support (NQF level 5) some of the duties included providing IT technical and data capturing support to schools and municipalities in the area.

“Given the existing ICT skills gap currently hindering the progress of South Africa’s youth, initiatives, such as Vodacom Youth Academy, are essential in the upskilling of these
young people in order to enable them to integrate into ICT-related professions. In so doing, we not only better the circumstances of unemployed youth in the country, but also
provide companies with skilled resources who effectively contribute towards the growing economy,” said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Officer: Corporate Affairs for Vodacom.

For the first time in this programme, 32 IT entrepreneurs will graduate alongside the ICT skills graduates, receiving certification in business management and entrepreneurship. They were chosen to undergo this qualification after having completed the NQF level 4 and 5 courses in the ICT skills programme.

The Vodacom Foundation founded the the Youth Academy in 2014, the purpose being to develop ICT skills in the youth of the country who would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. The aim of the programme is to train unemployed youth for free, in ICT skills and thereafter further develop them into ICT entrepreneurs to assist with the installation of IT equipment and provide instruction in high-end computer skills to visitors of the Academy’s training centres.

Trainees in the programme, established in partnership with Department of Basic Education, Department of Public Works, Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, MICT-Seta, Independent
Development Trust and the Innovator Trust, receive accredited ICT training with the potential for beneficiaries to be offered practical experience in projects which can include
IT technical support and the installation of hardware and software.

According to a report commissioned by Siemens, a potential of R4 trillion could be added to the African economy by 2026 through the adoption of digitalisation, and South
Africa was found to have the highest potential to drive such innovation. However, the skilled workforce to tap into this market was found to be lacking.

Equipping the youth with transferable digital skills has been proven to not only improve their employment opportunities, but will also greatly increase the labour market as a
whole, productivity, innovation and stimulate economic growth.
Vodacom has been celebrating the success of 367 young South Africans across the country, who have graduated with certified IT Technical Support diplomas from the mobile
network operator’s Youth Academy during the months of March and May. Vodacom held its first graduation in March, in Johannesburg.

The graduation ceremony was a glitzy affair with much joy and celebration from students and their family and friends.

Guests were serenaded by songbird Nonzwakazi Maphumulo a young star herself. She is on her way to success herself.

A sign that the future of South Africa is in our youth.


This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Top 5 Highlights from Africa's Travel Indaba 2019



This month Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019 rolled into town and it was certainly not disappointing. There was plenty to do and see all around Durban where the travel and trade show was held.




Here are the top 5 highlights from the event:

The unveiling of a wall mural at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019

The Wall Mural | Image: Fred Felton 

The wall mural was unveiled by the South African Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Michelle Constant one of the board members of South African Tourism said one of the greatest challenges for South Africans is unlocking the great potential of its extraordinary historical and present culture.

Four artists came together to create the mural, which took a year to plan and 10 days to create.
‘’It was very pressurised to get it done but it was exciting to come together with the other artists and produce something we are very proud of,’’ says artist Samora Chapman.
Kev Seven, another of the artists has been a graffiti artist for 12 to 15 years. ‘’This mural is significant not only because it is one of a kind, but because it is the first mural of this kind in the Durban ICC.’’


New APP launched for Eastern Cape Tourism



A new APP was launched which will help tourists to book accommodation, find tour guides and much more when visiting the Eastern Cape province. The APP shows all the features of the province, destinations, activities, important numbers and service centres required by tourists.
To find the APP just search for ‘Explore Eastern Cape’ on the Google play store or Apple App store.

  
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site


Image: Fred Felton


The media were invited to hear all about the 20th Anniversary of their inscription as a World Heritage Site. Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom encouraged everyone to visit the site.
Some interesting facts about the site:
Did you know that you could have your wedding at The Cradle of Humankind?
Maropeng means ‘returning to the place of our origins’ in Setswana, the most commonly spoken indigenous language in the Cradle of Humankind area.
The Cradle of Humankind is only 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
More than 2300 hominin fossils have been found here in the 53 000 hectares area, more than any other place on Earth.
Sterkfontein Caves in The Cradle of Humankind is open daily to the public for tours.
The visitors centre is a fun, interactive and educational experience for the whole family.
The site also features a 4-star Boutique Hotel at Maropeng and a conference facility for up to 500 delegates.

For more info visit: www.maropeng.co.za


The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge

The Train Hotel

Yes you read that correctly. Coming soon to a bridge near you is a luxurious hotel on a bridge. This hotel will be stationed on the historical Selati Bridge in the Kruger National Park. If you enjoy something different and the next level of glamping then this is for you.
Thebe Tourism Group will open this hotel to the world in December 2019.

There will also be an innovative pool deck where guests can get spectacular views of the river and of course the Big 5 roaming below.

The Pool Deck


This Afro-chic boutique hotel will offer 24 en-suite rooms to sleep 48 guests. There will also be more accommodation in the Bridge House with 14 beds.
Added to this will be fine dining and leisure experiences for guests.
Game drives are includes in your packages.
Book your spot now.

For more info visit: www.krugershalati.com

The inspiring traveller Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng | Image: Fred Felton


At Indaba I managed to sit in on one of the Business Conversations and this one featured Thebe Ikalafeng where he shared with us his travels throughout Africa.

He has visited many places including Mount Kilamanjaro, Victoria Falls, Tanzania and many more.
Here are some of the key insights he shared with the audience:

‘’The way I operate when I travel, I don’t want to get an advanced notice’’

‘’We must go eat where the people go eat’’

‘’Every Rwandan knows someone who was killed during the genocide’’

‘’We have an amazing continent in terms of architecture’’

His final thought, ‘’I am Africa’’

Inspiring words from an inspiring man.

You can find him on Twitter @ThebeIkalafeng

For more info on Indaba visit: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton


Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Coming to Africa's Travel Indaba? Download the App



It is one of the largest tourism marketing events in the world. Thousands of people visit it daily. You are certainly going to need something to navigate around and decide where to go, what to see, whom to meet. It all happens from 2 – 4 May 2019 at the ICC in Durban, South Africa.

Image: Africa's Travel Indaba



Luckily for you the folks from Africa’s Travel Indaba have an App just for you. It’s going to become your best friend along the way.

Some of the things you can find on the App include:
·         Programme of events
·         Sponsors/Exhibitors/Media partners
·         Images and Videos
·         Floor plan

There is so much more you will discover on the App.
It’s available for Android and Apple devices.

You can download it on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

For more info visit: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton