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Summer is a favourite time for families, and children look forward to swimming, splashing and playing in the water. Whether it’s at a community pool, a family home, or on holiday, swimming can be both fun and safe when the right steps are taken. With many children spending more time outdoors, December is also the start of SunSmart Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which runs until 31 January. This campaign encourages everyone to protect their skin from the strong summer sun while

Every month when your salary is paid, you receive a payslip. For many people, payslips can look complicated, full of numbers, abbreviations, and deductions that may be hard to understand. But knowing how to read your payslip is important. It helps you see exactly where your money goes and ensures that you are being paid correctly.   1. Gross salary The first thing on your payslip is usually your gross salary. This is the total amount you earn before any deductions. It include

The festive season is a time of giving, sharing and showing appreciation for the people who matter most in our lives. But with rising costs and long shopping lists, finding meaningful gifts that don’t break the bank can feel challenging. The good news is that thoughtful gifts don’t need to be expensive. Often, it’s the personal touch that makes the biggest impact. Here are some affordable ideas to help you spoil your loved ones this December.   Personalised gifts Personalised

Welcome to the Career Column, your go-to space for discovering exciting and attainable jobs that you can explore as a side hustle or new career path. Whether you're seeking to earn extra income or embark on a fresh journey, this column aims to inspire your next move.   This edition, we are focusing on how to become a police officer.   Many young people dream of making a difference in their communities by joining the South African Police Service (SAPS). Becoming a police offic

The festive season is often pictured as a time of joy, family and festivity. But for many people, the holidays can also bring loneliness, sadness or a painful sense of isolation, especially when family, friends or support networks are far away, broken, or strained. It’s during these times that some may feel their burdens are too heavy to carry, and thoughts of suicide may creep in. If that’s you or someone you know, know this: you are not alone, and help is available.   Reach

South Africa’s aquatics community came together at the Bombela Concession Company Annual Aquatics Awards at the Southern Sun OR Tambo on 29 November 2025 to honour the athletes, coaches and volunteers who excelled in the past season. Pieter Coetzé was named Male Swimmer of the Year after a standout season highlighted by a trio of backstroke medals at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, including a memorable gold in the 100m backstroke. His performances, backed by m

Every year on 1 December, communities across the world come together to observe World AIDS Day. It is a time to honour those who have lost their lives, support people living with HIV, and renew our commitment to prevention and education. Although much progress has been made over the years, HIV remains a reality for many families and individuals. The best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones is through knowledge, awareness and early action.   One of the most important m

December is one of the busiest times of the year, and sadly, it is also a season when criminals take advantage of the crowds, excitement and rush of the holidays. With many people travelling to visit family, shopping for gifts or heading to year-end events, scammers know they have more chances to trick unsuspecting commuters. Knowing the common scams can help you stay alert, protect your belongings and enjoy the festive season with peace of mind.   One of the most common scam

School Health Week runs every year from 13-19 October as a reminder that our children’s education goes hand in hand with their physical and emotional wellbeing. A healthy learner is a happy learner, and when schools, parents, and communities work together, children are better equipped to handle life’s challenges, from exam stress to social pressures.   As exam season approaches, many teens experience anxiety and fatigue. Parents and caregivers can play a crucial role by maint

Question: do you know your status? Every November, we observe Red Ribbon Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, promoting testing, and fighting the stigma that still surrounds the condition. Despite progress in treatment and education, many people living with HIV continue to face discrimination, often from within their own communities.   HIV stigma can lead to isolation, fear, and even people avoiding treatment because they worry about what others mi

The community of Atteridgeville came together on 10 October to commemorate October Mental Health Month with a day of fun, learning, and togetherness at the Mbolekwa Sports Ground. The event, supported by the Tshwane Sports Council, was more than just a celebration, it was a call to action for better mental wellbeing and open conversations about health in the black community.   The aim of the day was to raise awareness about mental health challenges that often go unnoticed, wh

As South Africa prepares for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign (25 November to 10 December), communities are being reminded that the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) starts with all of us, even at the taxi ranks we use every day.   Taxi ranks are more than just pick-up and drop-off points. They are busy community hubs where thousands of commuters meet daily. This makes them powerful spaces for awareness and action. Taxi assoc

Life moves fast, and for many commuters and working adults, the daily pressures of work, family, and financial responsibilities can take a heavy toll on mental health. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body.   Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health challenges faced today, yet they are often overlooked or dismissed as “just stress.” However, prolonged stress withou

As we wrap up Transport Month, we’re reminded that travelling isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. Whether it’s a daily taxi ride to work, a walk to school, or a weekend trip to a new town, every journey has the potential to expand our horizons, reduce stress, and open doors to personal growth.   Transport Month is about celebrating the systems and people that keep the country moving, the taxi drivers, bus operators, and commuters who make up the lifeblood of our

Planning for retirement is something many of us put off, but starting early can make a big difference to our lives. With rising costs of living and longer life expectancy, it is important to understand how retirement savings, provident funds, and pensions work and how to monitor them effectively.   In South Africa, most formal employees belong to a retirement fund through their employer. These can be either pension funds or provident funds. A pension fund typically pays out a

Welcome to the Career Column, your go-to space for discovering exciting and attainable jobs that you can explore as a side hustle or new career path. Whether you're seeking to earn extra income or embark on a fresh journey, this column aims to inspire your next move.   This edition, we are focusing on turning your tech skills into a home-based business.   In today’s world, almost every household relies on technology, from smartphones to Wi-Fi routers and smart TVs. For many S

The festive season is almost here, and many workers are counting down the days to their year-end bonuses and stokvel payouts. It’s a time filled with excitement, family plans, and well-deserved rest. But it’s also the time when many households fall into the same trap, spending everything in December and struggling through January.   According to the National Credit Regulator (NCR), January is one of the toughest financial months for South Africans. Many people find themselves

The 2025 SA Rugby U20 Women’s Championship, hosted at Queens High School in October, offered a powerful testament to the tireless work of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union’s game development officers. Their efforts to grow, refine, and elevate rugby at the grassroots level in Tshwane were on full display. Though the Blue Bulls fell short in the final against their storied southern rivals, Western Province [0–33], their journey to the national showpiece speaks volumes. It’s a story o

November is Men’s Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the unique health challenges men face and the importance of taking proactive steps to stay well. Many men often neglect their health, prioritising work or family responsibilities over check-ups, which can lead to preventable illnesses and complications.   Common health issuesSeveral health conditions disproportionately affect men. Prostate problems, including prostate cancer, are among the leading concerns. The Sou

As South Africa observes National Stroke Week  from 28 October to 3 November, communities are being encouraged to take action to prevent strokes and recognise the warning signs. Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death in the country, but early detection and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.   Recognising stroke warning signs Time is critical when a stroke occurs. Health experts emphasise the importance of knowing the FAST signs: ·       Face dr